Star Wars_ The Black Fleet Crisis 01_ Before the Storm - Michael P. Kube-McDowell [65]
For more than an hour he carefully reviewed the plan he had been following, considering whether the list before him altered any of its assumptions. In the end he concluded that it did not. All would continue as before. Only the timetable might change.
“They know,” he signaled his lieutenant on N’zoth. “Make ready. It will not be long.”
Then he walked to the bulkhead and opened the night-womb where his nesting awaited him hopefully. He sank back into its comforting softness and soothing scent, letting it enfold him in darkness, enclose him in shelter, embrace him in fond, tender concern. Bliss came on him, and he surrendered to the joy of reunion.
“I have good news for you, Princess,” said Nil Spaar as they met the next morning in the center of the Grand Hall. As he spoke he handed a copy of Leia’s list back to her, and she scanned it quickly. The majority of the forty-four names had been marked, in one of two colors.
“I have consulted with those most knowledgeable in this matter,” he went on, “and they can account for all of the vessels I have indicated. The greater number were destroyed in the shipyards at N’zoth, Zhina, and Wakiza. The others are known to have taken part in the destruction and retreat.”
“Viceroy, I’m overwhelmed. This is most welcome news—more than I’d hoped for. And to have an answer so quickly makes me all the more grateful.”
Nil Spaar nodded. “No great difficulty was involved, Princess. It was simply a matter where we had knowledge that you did not. Shall we sit?”
“Of course,” she said, and they settled in their familiar places. “Viceroy, I wish that I could repay this favor in kind. Is there no question that we could answer for you? A matter of science, of history—perhaps even your own history? The Republic has full access to the galactic libraries of Obra-skai.”
“No,” said Nil Spaar. “I’m sure your offer is well meant. But I do not think your libraries give importance to that which the Yevetha value. I feel I must tell you that those who gave me the information you asked for urged me to also bring you the names of the six thousand, four hundred and five Yevetha who died that day. I was told I should correct you, as parent corrects child, telling you that your interest in the fate of machines over the fate of living beings is unseemly.”
“But, Viceroy—”
“Now, I know you as they do not, and I know that your heart is not cold to our loss. But, you see, here is another way we are different, your people and mine. And when the differences run so deep, it is easy to give offense. Perhaps inevitable. It is one of the dangers of closer contact.”
“I am so sorry, Viceroy,” Leia said. “I meant no insult to those who died. You know I only want to try to see that no one else need die. Please—will you accept my apology?”
“Your apology is unnecessary,” said Nil Spaar. “I do not judge you as I would judge Yevetha. It is enough. Let us speak of something else.”
“Good morning, Admiral,” the voice on the comlink said. “Are you alone?”
Ackbar was momentarily taken aback. “I—Yes, go ahead.”
“There’s something you should know before you talk to the commander,” Drayson said. “Nil Spaar gave her his answer a little while ago, and it was what she wanted to hear—that most of them are gone. But he never transmitted the list home.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I don’t know what he did send, but it was far too short to have been the list. And there’s been no reply.”
“Does this mean that he is lying—or that he already knew where they are?”
“It may only mean he had all the records he needed already at hand. It’s impossible to say.”
“You should be telling Leia this, not me.”
“You know that’s not possible. She’s set on playing by the rules.”
“So what do I tell the general?” Ackbar said, his voice rising in exasperation. “The Fifth sails in less than forty hours.”
“You’ll have a fight on your hands before that