Star Wars_ Fate of the Jedi 05_ Allies - Christie Golden [99]
He knew that Bwua’tu was sincere. There was every reason for the Bothan to be telling the truth, and no reason Hamner could fathom that he would lie. The StealthXs were ready to launch, past ready, but there would be no assisting Skywalker if they were blown out of the sky when they tried to lift off. That would be a disaster of epic proportions. Bwua’tu was right. There would be no way either Daala or the Jedi could turn back to peaceful negotiations. Jedi would be killed for no reason, and innocent civilians would be caught in the middle. It was utterly unacceptable.
But if Bwua’tu meant what he was saying, then the strike team would be able to deploy and finally get Skywalker the help he so clearly needed. And they would do so with the GA Navy’s support—be it official or unofficial, Hamner didn’t care at this point.
There was never a question in his mind of taking this to the Masters for a vote. There was too much negativity there for them to listen and understand exactly how useful and timely a deal this was. They would not want to wait; they burned to act, right now, unable to see the wisdom in patience. He disliked that, but his duty, given to him by Grand Master Luke Skywalker himself, was clear—to protect the interests of the Jedi order and the Jedi themselves.
He took a deep breath and made his decision. “We have a deal. Although Nek—”
“Yes, Kenth?”
“Move as fast as you can. There’s not a lot of time. The longer we hold off on launching, the more chance that beings are going to die. And not just Jedi.”
“I understand. I believe things are going to come to a head quickly. And then perhaps you’ll be willing to tell me what this is all about.”
Kenth Hamner, Acting Grand Master of the Jedi Council, said gravely and quietly, “Perhaps the fate of the galaxy.”
“Don’t you think that’s a bit—melodramatic?”
I don’t see how the thought of an entire planet full of Sith and a mysterious, malevolent being in the Maw who can control Jedi all over the galaxy is melodramatic.
“Not at all,” he said. “If anything, it’s an understatement.”
A pause. Then, “I see. I will make all due haste then, Master Hamner. I will be in touch.”
Hamner clicked off the comlink. The mantle of leadership in this case was proving far, far heavier than even he had imagined. He had just made a bargain that he knew probably every single Master would have challenged.
He also knew that he could have done nothing else. He gazed with deep sorrow one last time on Kani’s body, then turned away from the Temple entrance, his footsteps, if not light, at least certain.
“THE PROSECUTION CALLS FORMER JEDI TAHIRI VEILA TO THE STAND,” said Sul Dekkon. He turned with a flourish and swirl of dramatic robes and fixed Tahiri with his piercing gaze.
She rose, her face calm. She wasn’t looking forward to this, of course, but she was ready for it. She and Eramuth had prepared earlier.
“Just tell the truth, but don’t volunteer anything that is not specifically asked,” Eramuth had advised her. “And if he seems to score a point, don’t worry. I’m allowed to cross-examine, and I’ll get things back on track.”
“It sounds like a game,” Tahiri had said. “A game with my future, maybe my life, at stake.”
“Not a game, but an art form, if you will,” Eramuth had replied, sipping at his caf. “And I am a master of this art form.” He had given her a confident grin and a wink. Now, as she rose to take the stand, he still looked completely confident and relaxed. It was reassuring.
He had told her about the Mando siege of the Temple, so that she wouldn’t be taken by surprise while on the stand. “It actually works in our favor,” he had said. “Mandalorians in the middle of the city generally do not make