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Showolter’s and Kalenda’s tarnished reputations were clearly what had prompted Talon Karrde to seek them out. Karrde, and the Jedi apparently, had uncovered evidence linking the spice trade to New Republic worlds in imminent danger of attack by the Yuuzhan Vong. The nature of that link was so tenuous, however, that few would have paid it any heed—save for two defamed officers intent on clearing their names at any cost.

Knowing that high-ranking members of the military would be disinclined to hear them out, Showolter and Kalenda had shared Karrde’s data only with select members of the intelligence community. One such member had kept them apprised of Yuuzhan Vong fleet movements in Hutt space, and another of HoloNet S-thread disturbances in the hyperspace routes linking Hutt space to the Tynnani system. The jump of several warships from Hutt space had been enough to prompt Showolter and Kalenda to take a gamble on the flotilla’s destination. Already en route to Tynna when confirmation of the HoloNet disruptions had been received, they had arrived almost simultaneously with the Yuuzhan Vong ships.

Arms wrapped tightly around herself, Kalenda was staring as if mesmerized by the distant flashes of light. “What were we thinking, Showolter? We should have at least tried to bring the Defense Force into this.”

“We’ve been through that,” he reflected sourly. “They wouldn’t have listened. And even if they had, they would have dismissed the evidence as unsubstantiated or at best coincidental—especially considering the source.” He glanced over his shoulder at the LSR’s fifth and only civilian passenger. “No offense, Karrde.”

“None taken,” Karrde assured from one of the seats. He glanced at Kalenda, then added, “Remind her, Major, of the most important reason for not going to the military.”

Showolter snorted ruefully. “On the off chance Admiral Sovv actually listened to us and dispatched a battle group to Tynna.”

Kalenda pondered the fact dully. “If the Yuuzhan Vong had found New Republic ships waiting for them, they’d know we’re on to them.” She gazed out the viewport. “Tynna has to fall to save Corellia and Bothawui.”

Showolter shrugged meaningfully. “And maybe dozens more have to fall.”

Kalenda sighed with purpose. “I’ve been to Tynna. It’s one of the most beautiful worlds in the Expansion Region. And the Tynnans are probably one of the most well-informed and well-intentioned species anywhere.” She turned to Karrde. “I just can’t accept that there wasn’t some other way of corroborating the intelligence you brought us.”

“If nothing else, it’ll be over quickly,” one of the pilots remarked. “Tynna’s space defense didn’t number more than two hundred fighters to begin with, and by our count they’re already down to less than thirty.”

Kalenda squinted, as if to hold the battle at bay. “Why don’t they surrender? It’s suicide.” She compressed her lips in bitterness. “If only they understood what they’re dying for …”

“Telling them wouldn’t have changed anything,” Karrde said, joining her at the viewport. “If your choice was to fight with your last breath or allow yourself to be captured and sacrificed, what would you do?”

While Kalenda brooded, Showolter studied the LSR’s authenticator screen. “Do the scanners recognize any of the Yuuzhan Vong ships?”

The pilot called up data. “Vessel types, more than anything else. But we have verification on three of them. Two were at Obroa-skai. One—the heavy cruiser analog—was at Gyndine.”

“Enemy fighters and drop ships penetrating the envelope,” the copilot announced. “Bearing on a course for Tanallay Surge complex.”

“Can we access the satellite feed?” Showolter asked.

The copilot threw several switches. “Onscreen. What we’re seeing is going live to every city on Tynna.”

The screen showed the sprawling, multilevel structure that was Surge complex, with its surrounding pools, fountains, and chutes. On the broad steps that fronted the complex and disappeared under water stood several hundred dark and glossy-pelted bipeds, all with pointed ears and tapering tails erect, and whiskered,