Star Wars_ Fate of the Jedi 05_ Allies - Christie Golden [108]
Luke sighed. “It’s not for me to ask for reinforcements, or help of any kind. Jaina, you’re one person and you’re not acting on any orders by being here. You’re my niece, and you want to help. That I can accept. But I’m trying to do more than just fulfill the terms of my arrangement with Daala. I believe I’m close to finding out what went wrong with Jacen, and to finding a cure for those who were in Shelter during the war. Daala’s entire point is that the Jedi can’t be trusted. If the Jedi Grand Master can’t be trusted to keep his word, who can?”
Jaina glanced away at that. She was distressed, but he couldn’t figure out why. And then his gaze fell on her hand, and he understood that sense of sorrow that muted her vibrancy.
She frowned a little as she followed his gaze, moving her left hand somewhat self-consciously behind her back. “Yes, okay, I ended the engagement. I’m the Sword of the Jedi. You named me so, Uncle Luke. And I’ve got to always remember that. No matter what my personal wants or needs are. I have a duty.”
Luke didn’t know the details of the situation. He didn’t know if this decision was the right one or the wrong one. But right now, it didn’t matter. She and Jag would either work it out or they wouldn’t. But for now … “Well, I can certainly use another Jedi. I’ll send you everything I have on Abeloth. But for now—let’s get moving.”
Ben glanced up as Luke returned. “So, is the Rockhound nicer on the inside?” Ben asked, then turned around to look at his dad. Luke’s emotions were tightly controlled, but Luke was Ben’s father, and there was a hardness to his normally open features and a set to his posture that made Ben instantly alert.
“No,” Luke said bluntly, confirming Ben’s initial impression. “Open a channel to the Black Wave. I want to talk to Taalon. It’s urgent.”
Vestara had entered just as Luke spoke. She gave Ben a curious look and he shrugged and did as he was requested. “Master Skywalker,” said Taalon, almost purring. “I see your friend and his … vessel … have arrived safely.”
“They have, and we’re almost ready to depart. I assume you noticed that only one of the ships you left back on Klatooine made it.”
“Indeed. I understand your friend Lando and your … niece, is it? Jaina Solo? … were instrumental in resolving the situation.”
“Situation?” said Vestara.
“Jaina?” said Ben, at the same moment.
Luke waved them to silence. “They rendered what they felt was a fair verdict. I hope you appreciate the scale of what you’ve just instigated, and the lives it might cost. Too bad you didn’t get any samples.”
Ben shot Vestara a look. It was her turn to shrug and shake her head in confusion. She seemed as baffled as he by the conversation.
Taalon sounded offended when he replied. “Samples? Master Skywalker, I think it is obvious by now that the Starstalker acted on its own. I admit, the Tribe does have a certain fascination with glass, and with things of beauty in general. But cause that kind of an incident for a few samples? Please. It would create more problems than we need at this moment. No, it was foolish of Holpur, and he paid the price.”
“Oh yes, he and his entire crew paid. Because your Captain Leeha Faal left him to twist in the wind,” Luke said, his voice cold. “But I suppose that is standard behavior for Sith. I just wanted you to know I know, and I hope you won’t leave me to twist in the wind like you did your own people. Regardless, we’re a full vessel short right as we’re going in to confront Abeloth. I hope that doesn’t tip the balance.”
“You sound like you’re expecting a fight, Master Skywalker,” replied Taalon.
“I am always prepared to fight when I must—and who I must. Is your fleet ready?”
“They began preflight