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“I’ve heard stories,” Bria said. “Though I’ve never met him. I’ve seen him from a distance, but that’s all.”

“You don’t want to meet him,” Winter said. “Those eyes of his … they fasten on you, and you feel as though they will drink up your spirit, all that makes you what you are.”

Bria sighed. “That’s why we must resist him,” she said. “That’s what he wants, to engulf us all … planets, sentients … everything. Palpatine is determined to become the most absolute despot in history. We have to fight him, or we’ll all be ground to dust.”

“I agree,” Winter said. “And that’s why I’m going to go back to Alderaan and tell the Viceroy that we of Alderaan must arm ourselves and learn to fight.”

Bria blinked, startled. “Really? But that’s not the way Minister Dahlney thinks.”

“I know,” the girl said. “And I know that the Viceroy is opposed to taking up arms. But your words over the past few days have convinced me that if Alderaan doesn’t fight, we’ll be destroyed. We’ll know no true peace as long as the Emperor rules.”

“Do you think Bail Organa will listen to you?” Bria said, feeling a spark of hope. At least I reached one person these past few days … it wasn’t a complete waste.…

“I don’t know,” Winter replied. “Perhaps. He is a good man, and respects those who can make their points well, even if they are young. He does believe in resisting the Empire. He has already arranged for me and his daughter to be given special training in intelligence-gathering techniques. He’s aware that two young, innocent-seeming girls may be able to go places and do things where seasoned diplomats would fail.”

Bria nodded. “I’ve found that out myself,” she said. “It’s a sad but unfortunate fact that a pretty face and a sweet smile can provide a passport to places inside the Imperial bureaucracy and the High Command … where other efforts would be doomed to fail.”

The attractive Commander smiled wryly as she poured another cup of vine-coffeine. “As you’ve no doubt noticed, the Empire is a male-dominated, human-dominated organization. And human males can be … manipulated … by woman, sometimes all too easily. I don’t like it, and it doesn’t make it right, but it’s the results that count. I’ve learned that, over the years.”

“Even if Viceroy Organa won’t listen to me,” Winter said, “I’m sure Leia will. She insisted that our Intelligence training include lessons in how to use weapons effectively. Both of us have learned to shoot, and to hit what we aim at. The Viceroy didn’t like the idea, at first, but when he thought it over, he agreed, and even chose a Weapons Master for Leia. He’s an intelligent man, and he could see that there might be situations where we’d need to know how to defend ourselves.”

“What good will convincing the princess do?” Bria asked. “I know she’s supposed to be well-loved, but she’s still just a young girl.”

“The Viceroy is considering appointing her Alderaan’s representative to the Imperial Senate next year,” Winter said. “Don’t underestimate Leia’s strength of purpose or influence.”

“I won’t,” Bria said. She smiled at Winter. “I’m so glad we had this talk. I was feeling so discouraged, and you’ve lifted my spirits. I’m very grateful.”

“I’m grateful to you, Commander,” Winter said. “For speaking the truth in my hearing. The Corellian resistance is right. Our best hope is a Rebel Alliance. I only hope it can happen one day.…”

• • •

As the post-tournament party began to wind down, Han found himself beside Lando. He gestured at the door. “C’mon, I’ll buy you a drink.”

Lando smiled wryly. “You’d better be buying, old buddy. You’ve got all my credits.”

Han grinned. “I’m buying. Hey … Lando, need a loan? And do you want to book passage back to Nar Shaddaa on that liner that’s leaving tomorrow?”

Lando hesitated. “Yes … and no. I’d like to borrow a thousand, and I’m good for it. But I’ve decided to stay here on Bespin for a while. Some of the sentients who didn’t make it to the finals of the tournament are