Star Wars_ I, Jedi - Michael A. Stackpole [28]
I opened my eyes and gave her a brave smile, but swiped at a tear with my towel. “I wanted to talk to you, but you’re working for New Republic Intelligence and I didn’t want to place you in a position where you’d feel a conflict between your job and our friendship. No, wait. I know you and respect you and your professionalism. I know you would have and will do what is right and in the best interest for everyone. I also know that isn’t exactly what I want. I didn’t want you thinking you’d failed me because you couldn’t say anything.”
Iella nodded, then gave me that indulgent grin I remembered from our years partnering in CorSec. “Your squadron briefings about the Invids probably have told you just about everything I know of fact about the Invids.”
I arched a newly blond eyebrow. “But there are rumors?”
“Vague, insubstantial rumors.” She pursed her lips for a moment. “On some of the early raids, when Leonia Tavira deigned to travel dirtdown and tour the ruins her people left behind, survivors have reported seeing armored figures accompanying her. Never more than one, and everyone has described them as having a Vaderish air about them; but both male and female figures have been described. With Riizolo’s report to add into the mix, we think we have at least four distinct individuals.”
I scratched at the back of my neck. “When you say ‘Vaderish,’ are we just talking masks, cloaks and heavy breathing, or are they doing the virtual-garrote thing or other Force power displays?”
“Nothing more solid than image, though Riizolo insists they were special. I don’t know to trust his reports, though. I think he’s telling us a lot of what we want to hear so we’ll find him a hole to hide in.” Iella shrugged. “From everything we know about Tavira, it would be just like her to cultivate a Vader image for her henchmen, making her appear to them as the Emperor was to Vader. All reports seem to agree that she may be smart, but she’s also decidedly vain.”
I nodded. “Interesting information. Thanks. So, where do you want to eat?”
She slapped a hand playfully against my belly. “We should find a place to fatten you up. You’ve lost weight.”
“I’ve been in training. It’s been almost two weeks since I decided to join the Jedi academy and took my leave from the squadron.” I tossed my towel on a chair, not really caring that the cleaning droid would notify Whistler and he’d scold me for it. “You remember how the Corellian Security Force academy training went, and I got through that when I was a kid. Physical training at dawn, long runs, classes, more runs, exercises, standing watch. We’re going to have all that and more in the Jedi academy.”
Iella smiled. “You will be the elite of the elite. Think you’re up to it?”
“I hope so. I’m Master Skywalker’s age and probably in as good physical shape as he is, but I’ll bet he’s going to be bringing in a bunch of kids. I’ll really have to push myself. Gotta do it, though, because Mirax is counting on me.”
“You’ll do fine, Corran. Or should I call you Keiran?”
“Corran will do.”
“Okay. How do you feel about eating Ithorian?”
I wrinkled my nose. “Food’s good, but I want something with a bit more animal protein.”
“There’s a new Twi’lek place that opened up a couple of sectors down and away from here.”
“Car’ulorn’s Kavsrach?”
She nodded. “I think that’s the place. I heard they do something special with mynock.”
“If I’m eating mynock, it will have to be very special.” I winked at her. “Nawara said the food was good there, so it looks like that’s a go. Let me pull on some real clothes and we’re out of here.”
While I changed Iella consulted the Imperial City directory and discovered the restaurant was actually closer than either one of us thought it was. We decided to walk there and slipped into the easy gait we’d used when walking patrol duty together back on Corellia. A lot of years seemed to melt away as she pointed out the things she knew I’d find amusing and I did