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Sovv muttered a curse. “All right. Activate isolation and patch him through.”

A half-size hologram of the director of New Republic Intelligence resolved within the sonic containment field that sequestered the commanders.

“Admiral, I just received word of an incident that occurred in the Meridian sector early yesterday, standard time,” the cadaverous Scaur began. “The good news is that the light cruiser Soothfast engaged and destroyed an enemy vessel near Exodo II. The better news is that two Yuuzhan Vong who jettisoned in an escape pod were captured alive. But the intriguing news is that the captives have requested political asylum.”

His round black eyes even glassier than normal, Sovv reclined in his seat and glanced in astonishment at A’baht and Brand. “Well, gentlemen, it seems we may be about to learn what the Yuuzhan Vong want after all.”

NINE

“I always knew you had a soft spot for the high life,” Roa remarked as he and Han climbed from the repulsor cab that had delivered them to the skyway balcony of the Solo residence, in one of the administrative district’s most exclusive neighborhoods.

“Don’t kid yourself,” Han said. “It’s smaller inside than it looks.”

Roa went to the balcony railing and glanced down, then up. Though the elegant apartment was well located, there was almost as much building above as below it. “Why, you’re scarcely three hundred meters from the top. Practically the penthouse.” He smiled roguishly at Han. “You should be proud of your accomplishments. I can’t think of another pupil of mine who’s done nearly as well.”

“Thank my wife,” Han muttered in embarrassment. “Her job comes with a lot of fringe benefits.”

“Always nice to know what my taxes are paying for.”

The door recognized Han and opened. Arms not quite akimbo on his webbed midriff and head tilted to one side, C-3PO was standing in the tile-floored atrium.

“Why, it’s Master Solo—and a guest. Welcome home, sir.” To Roa, he added, “I am See-Threepio, humancyborg relations.”

Taking in the domed entryway, Roa whistled softly. “How long before I hear the echo?”

“Cut it out, will you,” Han said out of the corner of his mouth. “Besides, we used to have a smaller place in the Orowood Tower, but once the kids started spreading out …”

Roa stopped him. “You need never rationalize luxury for my sake. I wouldn’t live on Coruscant for all the credits in the New Republic Bank, but if you’ve got to be here, the high life is the way to go.”

Han frowned and turned to C-3PO. “Where’s Leia?”

“In the master suite, sir. I was just engaged in helping her pack when she sent me downstairs to fetch this.” C-3PO held out a shimmersilk scarf Han had purchased for her on their most recent trip to Bimmisaari.

“Pack? Where’s she going?”

“Actually, sir, I have yet to be informed of the destination.”

“Must make it difficult to select a wardrobe,” Roa commented.

C-3PO turned to him. Had he the necessary parts, his brightly illuminated photoreceptors might have blinked. “Sir?”

Roa merely smiled.

Han glanced at Roa. “You’d better wait down here while I handle this.”

Roa nodded. “I agree wholeheartedly.”

“Master Solo, sir, it seems that I am to accompany Mistress Leia.”

“What of it?” Han asked as he headed for the winding staircase.

“Well, sir, knowing as you do my attitude toward space travel, I thought you might be able to put in a word for me.”

Han laughed shortly. “I really feel for you, Threepio.”

C-3PO tilted his head in a gesture of pleasant surprise, Han’s sarcasm entirely lost on him. “Why, thank you, sir. Compassion may not rescue me from my responsibilities, but it is refreshing to note that at least one person cares enough to say so. It has long been my contention that you are the most human of humans. In fact, only last week I was saying …”

The droid’s extemporaneous chatter pursued Han all the way to the master suite, where he found Leia laying out items of clothing on the bed. Barefoot, she wore a delft shimmersilk robe. Her hair was clipped behind her head, but loose strands dangled at