Star Wars_ Legacy of the Force 04_ Exile - Aaron Allston [15]
There was, however, a trace of sympathy on them as she glanced at Wedge. She came to a stop in front of Gejjen’s chair, her cap tucked military-style beneath her left arm. “Admiral Genna Delpin, reporting as ordered.”
Wedge knew her. She was a fast-rising star in the Corellian armed forces, and had led the assault fleet in the disastrous coup attempt at the Hapes Consortium. Its defeat had reflected not on her ability but on factors well outside her control, such as the interference of the Jedi and unexpected armed forces.
Gejjen acknowledged her with a nod, then turned again to Wedge. “Admiral, what you accomplished in the liberation of Tralus makes it clear that we couldn’t have chosen a better leader for our united armed forces. But times change, and your personal code of conduct is, I believe, going to become a greater impediment in dealing with your government’s needs. Admiral Delpin has a clearer understanding of her role and her duties to the government, and has your skill at moving and motivating subordinates. For this reason—and understand, it’s nothing personal, we continue to hold you in the highest regard—I’m removing you from the position of Supreme Commander of Corellia’s armed forces.” He turned his attention to the newcomer. “Admiral Delpin, I’m appointing you to that position.”
“Thank you, sir. I accept.” Her voice was smooth, controlled.
Wedge stood. He did it slowly and carefully, the better to mask what he was feeling. Regardless of how inevitable this moment might have been, regardless of how inflexibly he might hold on to the ethics that had made it happen, being relieved of command still felt like taking a sledgehammer blow to the gut, and he didn’t want anyone in this group to see how he felt. Smoothly, he saluted. “Congratulations, Admiral.”
She returned his salute. “Thank you, Admiral. After this meeting breaks up, perhaps we could have a cup of caf and discuss things.”
Wedge limited his reaction to a faint smile. He knew what that conversation would consist of: I’m sorry this had to happen. I hope there won’t be any uneasiness between us. We need you…
No, they didn’t. But that realization, and what he had to do next, caused Wedge’s stomach to turn even further.
Gejjen said, “Admiral Antilles, your tactical and strategic planning abilities continue to make you invaluable to our armed forces. If Admiral Delpin agrees, I want you to join her operations staff.”
Delpin gave Gejjen a crisp nod. “I do agree.”
Wedge took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, I can’t. Admiral, ordinarily I would have no hesitation in accepting, and in working with you, and for you. But circumstances are not ordinary.” He fixed Gejjen with a stare. “Sir, I hereby resign my commission in the Corellian Defense Force.”
The room fell silent. A moment later, someone behind Wedge said, “Good!”
Gejjen shot an angry look at the speaker, then addressed Wedge. “I won’t accept.”
Wedge shrugged. “You have no choice. Or rather, your choice is to keep me on as noncommissioned personnel or offer me a full discharge. From this point on, or at least from the point I submit my resignation along official lines, I am no longer a commissioned officer.”
Gejjen heaved a sigh and thought for a moment. “You can either stay on as a sergeant—a speeder pilot for our landing forces—or you can make one last public appearance as Admiral Antilles, cheerfully handing off your post and duties to Admiral Delpin, and honorably retire.”
Wedge considered it. The public appearance would help convince the majority of the populace that everything was fine with their leadership, that he had every faith in the new Supreme Commander, that he supported the new regime and all its ways. Which was a lie.
But if he didn’t do it, members of the armed forces might lose a little faith