Star Wars_ Legacy of the Force 04_ Exile - Aaron Allston [25]
Lavint had to parse that statement. Alema’s use of we to refer to herself caused her sentences to jump through flaming hoops like a carnival bantha. “You mean, if we come to terms, I make the repairs and we both get out of here. If we don’t come to terms, you presumably kill me and then you make the repairs and you get out of here.”
Alema’s smile broadened. “Good. Yes.”
“What are your terms?”
“You help us find the parents of that Hero of the Galactic Empire. You act as a public face for us in that search. You do not reveal our presence to the authorities. You do not attack or unnecessarily endanger us. You are one of the smugglers, yes? You use your knowledge of smuggling to help in this search.” She furrowed her brow for a moment, then relaxed. “You treat us as an esteemed paying passenger.”
“And once you’ve found the Solos?”
“You will have fulfilled your obligation.”
Lavint considered her options. She’d always admired Han Solo, and this woman’s obvious need to stay out of public sight didn’t argue well for what her intentions were when she found him. Lavint could ask, but then she’d have to decide whether she was willing to object, and ruin this deal, if Alema’s intentions were hostile.
Well, if they were, she could admire Han Solo as a unique piece of galactic history. “I agree.”
“Good. We will find the replacement components where we have hidden them. We will even hand them to you as you effect repairs.”
“Much obliged.”
chapter six
CORONET, CORELLIA
The crowd seated in the assembly hall, mostly holonews professionals, applauded, but more courteously than enthusiastically.
That was all right, Wedge decided. He wasn’t here to be validated. He just wanted brevity.
With a glance at Prime Minister Dur Gejjen to his left and Admiral Delpin to his right, Wedge leaned in over the lectern to conclude his speech. “The reorganization of any military force works best if it synthesizes mature experience with youthful innovation, mature patience with youthful energy. I like to think that in this time of crisis I’ve been able to provide the experience and patience. And I have every confidence that Admiral Delpin offers the innovation and energy to finish the job. Corellia’s armed forces are in good hands.”
He stepped back as the questions started.
Gejjen took his place. “Admiral Antilles and I will be taking our leave of you, but Admiral Delpin will be making some introductory remarks and then taking questions. Thank you.” He nodded to Wedge, and together the two of them made their way to the end of the stage and the comparative privacy it offered.
The applause increased, and out of the corner of his eye Wedge saw a few of the news professionals rise to their feet for him. Then he and Gejjen were in the darker, cooler backstage area.
Not that Wedge could relax. Not yet.
Gejjen gave him a close look. “You’re sweating.”
“Hot under those lights.”
They passed through the doors leading out of the backstage area. The CorSec guards waiting there—Gejjen’s bodyguards, a tiny uniformed woman who moved like a dancer, and a YVH battle droid—fell in step behind them. “So what will you do now that you’re a civilian again?” Gejjen asked.
Get assassinated, Wedge thought. Maybe you personally won’t have anything to do with it, even in thought or intent, but someone in your government will. “Back to my memoirs. Maybe give my daughter some flying lessons.”
“That’s Myri, correct? Congratulations on her recent graduation. I understand Corellian Intelligence has made her an employment offer.”
Wedge nodded. “So has the Galactic Alliance Intelligence Service, a bit more covertly.”
Gejjen almost missed a step as he walked. He looked sharply at Wedge. “You’re joking.”
“Of course I’m not. The Alliance risks an undercover contact in Coronet to try to recruit my daughter as a double agent? I’m a proud father.” Gejjen’s suspicious look didn’t waver, so he added, “Oh, don’t worry. She didn’t take the offer.”
“And she reported