Star Wars_ Millennium Falcon - James Luceno [7]
“I'll see to it.”
Reeze shut down the engines, and the two of them unstrapped from their seats. Entering the narrow corridor that linked the outrigger cockpit to the freighter's circular core, Jadak palmed the control pad that lowered the starboard boarding ramp. Pinging and steaming sounds rose from the ship as they walked down the ramp, an alloy carry case dangling from Jadak's right hand. The Stellar Envoy's whirring exhaust fans stirred the stale air.
The berth was dimly lit and empty of the load-lifter droids common to the upper tiers. Two beings in colorful Senatorial robes hurried forward to greet them. Des'sein was humanoid; Largetto, anything but. Both represented beleaguered worlds distant from the Core.
Off to one side stood a Kadas'sa'Nikto Jedi, whose long brown overcloak and tall boots made him appear even taller than his actual two meters. Clawed hands crossed in front of him; a lightsaber was clipped to his belt. He nodded gravely to Jadak. His gray-green face had the look of tanned leather. A toolbox of some sort rested at his feet.
Des'sein was the first to reach Jadak. “You have it?” he asked in a rushed voice, while Largetto glanced about nervously.
Jadak raised and proffered the carry case. “It's all in here. Everything you asked for.”
Des'sein accepted the case and placed it atop a small table, his knobby fingers shaking as he worked the lock; Largetto leaned over him in anticipation. Opening the lid, the Senators activated a device inside the case and listened intently for a moment. Blinking lights reflected in Largetto's glossy black eyes.
Des'sein closed and locked the case and took a stuttering breath.
“This will prove of great value to our cause, Captain Jadak.”
Largetto nodded in agreement. “Frankly, Captain, we feared that you wouldn't be able to land.”
“You can thank the code you provided.”
“You're being too humble. The code didn't pilot the ship.”
Jadak inclined his head in a show of thanks.
A third Senator dashed into the landing bay from a doorway in the rear. A human with a bib of white beard and a topknot of dark hair, Fang Zar was breathless when he spoke.
“The Chancellor has been returned to us unharmed.” He glanced at the Jedi. “Your confederates survived as well, Master Shé.”
The small horns surrounding the Jedi's eyes twitched, but he said nothing.
“Chancellor Palpatine and his party arrived just ahead of Captain Jadak.”
“The speeder bus,” Reeze said from behind Jadak.
“Martial law has been rescinded,” Zar went on. “And Count Dooku is dead.”
Largetto grabbed hold of Des'sein's upper arm in excitement. “Then perhaps we won't have to act on the data Captains Jadak and Reeze have taken such pains to deliver.”
“May the Force be with us,” Fang Zar said.
“Yes. But we must carry on until such time that we can be sure of the Chancellor's intent.” Des'sein looked at Jadak. “We have another assignment for your consideration.”
Jadak and Reeze traded brief glances.
“We're all ears,” Reeze said.
Des'sein lowered his voice. “We would ask you to deliver the Stellar Envoy to our allies on Toprawa.”
Jadak's brow knitted. “Deliver?”
“Just so,” Largetto said. “The Antarian Ranger who will take possession of the ship is called Folee. You will find her in Salik City, which is the capital of the western regions. Your code phrase is: Restore Republic honor to the galaxy. Will you repeat that for me, Captain?”
Jadak's mouth had fallen open. He closed it and swallowed hard. “Restore Republic honor to the galaxy. But … this Folee, she's taking the ship?”
Des'sein regarded him. “Is there a problem?”
“It's just that we've grown, you know, kind of fond of her,” Reeze said. “I mean, couldn't we maybe buy the Envoy from you and find another ship to deliver to Toprawa?”
“Impossible,” Fang Zar said. “The Stellar Envoy is crucial to this mission.”
Jadak tightened his lips in restraint. “If we're leaving the Envoy … does that mean you're retiring us, too?”
“Not at all, Captain,” Des'sein was quick to say. “Unless, of course, that is your wish.”
“No,” Jadak said. “But