Star Wars_ The Han Solo Trilogy 03_ Rebel Dawn - A. C. Crispin [9]
Caamas had been essentially destroyed after the Clone Wars, thanks to the efforts of the Emperor’s minion, Darth Vader, but it was a little-known fact that many of its people had managed to flee to Alderaan and lived there, mostly in seclusion.
The Caamasi’s name was Ylenic It’kla, and he introduced himself as an advisor to the Viceroy of Alderaan. Tall, even taller than Bria, the Caamasi wore a single kilt-like garment and jewelry. Generally humanoid in appearance, Ylenic was covered in golden down, with purple stripes marking his face. His eyes were large, dark and held a faint air of calm sadness that touched Bria, knowing what sufferings this being must have witnessed.
Ylenic said little as the delegates exchanged greetings, but something about him impressed Bria. She resolved to seek out his opinions if he did not offer them. The Caamasi had an air of quiet power, of confidence, that told the Rebel Commander that this was a being to be reckoned with.
After a few minutes of chitchat, Bria seated herself at the long table, and formally brought the meeting to order. “Fellow Rebels,” she said, speaking with the quiet authority of someone who had done this many times before, “I thank you for risking your lives in our cause. We of the Corellian Rebel movement are contacting other underground groups like our own, urging all the various Rebel groups to unite. Only as a strong, cohesive group can we have any hope of confronting the Empire that is strangling our worlds, and killing the spirit of our peoples.”
Bria took a deep breath. “I know what a daunting and dangerous proposal this is, believe me. But only if we can unite, form an alliance, can the Rebel groups have any hope of eventual victory. As long as we remain fragmented, planet-bound groups, we are doomed to failure.”
She paused. “The Corellian movement has long considered this proposal. We are fully aware what a radical change this would entail—and how difficult such an alliance would be. As long as we are individual groups, the Empire cannot wipe us all at one blow. If we were to unite, they might conceivably be able to destroy all of us in one battle. We also know how taxing it can be for different species to work together. Disparate ethical and moral systems, ideologies, religions—not to mention equipment and weapon design differences—all of these things can present problems.”
Bria faced her onlookers steadily. “But, my friends, unite we must. Somehow we must find ways to work around our differences. Surely we can do that … and that’s the subject of this conference.”
The Duros representative tapped his fingers on the table. “Your words are stirring, Commander. In spirit, I agree with them. But let us face facts here. In asking the non-human worlds to ally with you, you are asking us to put ourselves at far greater risk. Everyone knows the Emperor’s disdain for non-humans. If an alliance challenged Palpatine’s forces, and lost, the Emperor’s wrath would be mostly directed at the non-human worlds. He might well destroy us as a lesson to the human Rebels.”
Bria nodded. “Your point is well taken, Jennsar.” She glanced around the table. “Minister Dalhney, what are your thoughts?”
“We of Alderaan have supported the Rebel movement from the beginning,” the man said. “We have provided intelligence, funding, and technical expertise. But this talk of battles is anathema to us. Alderaanian culture is built on the absence of weapons and violence. We are a peaceful world, and the way of the warrior is abhorrent to us. Count on us to support your efforts—but I cannot imagine that we would ever be able to join you as combatants.”
Bria gazed