Star Wars_ The New Jedi Order 04_ Agents of Chaos 01_ Hero's Trial - James Luceno [87]
In the command center of the smaller vessel, Malik Carr, Nom Anor, Harrar, Commander Tla, and his chief tactician studied a holographic swirl of star systems given life by data fed to the war coordinator lodged in Obroa-skai’s mutilated surface, and relayed to the faceted ship by signal villip. In dimly lighted recesses, attendants and acolytes stood still as statues.
“The auguries are encouraging,” Commander Tla was telling his peer. “Our campaign proceeds apace. In addition, a group of captives fresh from Ord Mantell’s orbital station is being assigned to a special project that may provide us with new insights into the species that dominate this galaxy.”
Commander Malik Carr nodded in approval. “Warmaster Tsavong Lah will be pleased to learn.” A tall male whose incised face and bare upper torso touted an illustrious military career, he wore a vibrant turban, which conformed closely to his elongated skull. His shoulders and hips bulged with newly acquired bone and cartilage, from which hung a resplendent command cloak. “Where do the auguries direct us next?”
Tactician Raff answered. “The environment is rich with targets, Commander Malik Carr.” He instructed the signal villip to enlarge and enhance specific sectors within an area of space referred to by the New Republic as the Colonies. “In anticipation of our striking at the Core, the enemy has deployed its fleets at hyperspace egresses throughout this region. The worlds that lie along our side of the frontier—Borleias, Ralltiir, Kuat, and Commenor—all make for excellent staging areas for an eventual assault on Coruscant, the capital world.”
“The auguries suggest caution, however,” Harrar interjected.
The tactician concurred. “At this moment in the perpetuation, careful thought must be given to the battle plan. Advance too slowly and we provide the New Republic with an opportunity to initiate counterattacks along our flanks. Advance too quickly and we run the risk of encountering more resistance than we are prepared to overcome.”
Malik Carr grunted. “Additional warships are forthcoming from Sernpidal. With those we will be able to engage and occupy the enemy on numerous fronts. At the same time, we may be able to discover a more subtle approach to Coruscant.” He looked at Nom Anor. “What of these Hutt creatures I’ve been hearing about, Executor? Do they pose a threat?”
Nom Anor advanced a step. “I have had several meetings with Borga the Hutt—in my guise as intercessor, of course—and am delighted to report that the Hutts are more interested in reaching an accord than in going to war, even in defense of their territory. Their sector of space is extensive, and includes numerous worlds that can easily be remade to provide us with yorik coral and other resources, one of which they have already placed at our disposal. Thus, a brief detour into Hutt space would not be unwarranted. I have also tasked some of my agents to sow disinformation in advance of your arrival.”
“Duly noted,” the battleship commander said. “And what of the Jedi?”
Harrar vouchsafed a thin smile. “Their days may be numbered, as well. We have taken steps to provide the Jedi with a crisis, by infiltrating one of our own among them—Priestess Elan.”
“We have even gone so far as to provide the New Republic with minor victories in the Meridian sector and at Ord Mantell to substantiate the peerless value of our operative,” Commander Tla added.
Harrar intruded eagerly. “It is our belief that Elan is en route to a meeting with the Jedi even now.”
The priest stopped himself when he saw a herald appear at the entry to the command center, bearing a villip in his folded arms. Approaching Nom Anor, the herald stroked the villip’s ridge, inducing it to evert. Nom Anor gestured for one of his own dedicated villips to be brought forth, and watched as the transforming villip took on the aspect