• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

“I should have known.”

“They liked to frequent Dubrillion. Several members of the squadron were recordholders on those modified TIEs Calrissian bought for his asteroid obstacle course—or at least until Jaina Solo showed everyone how Lando’s Folly should be run.” Karrde laughed, mostly to himself. “But I have to credit Kyp for showmanship. Launching or landing, he’d lead the Avengers through flashy maneuvers, sometimes to amplified orchestral music. Then Helska happened.”

Shada turned slightly in Karrde’s direction. “Kyp lost everyone?”

“It was the first engagement between starfighters and Yuuzhan Vong coralskippers—the first substantiated one, at any rate. The Avengers didn’t have a clue what they were up against. Reglia was captured alive, but apparently died later during an escape attempt.”

Shada returned her gaze to the docking bay. “So where do you suppose Kyp found replacements?”

“Most of them are combat veterans from one conflict or another. Several were flying relief missions to threatened, even occupied worlds, earning New Republic credits for authenticated Yuuzhan Vong kills. Kyp proposed that everyone would do better if they formed an actual unit, and at the same time he’d have his Avengers back.”

“But they’re not sanctioned by the military.”

Karrde shook his head. “They’re classified as a support unit. As an appeasement to Skywalker and the military, Kyp dropped the name Avengers. Now they’re just Kyp’s Dozen.” He looked at Shada. “Let’s go say hello.”

By the time Karrde and Shada arrived in the hold, Kyp, Ganner Rhysode, and the twelve members of Kyp’s squadron were huddled near the modified Y-wing copiloted by Ganner. The noses of some of the other starfighters were emboldened by meteor storms of laser-engraved coralskippers.

Seeing Karrde and Shada, the two Jedi walked toward them.

“One heck of a place for a rendezvous, Karrde,” Kyp said. “Half the Fifth Fleet is parked between here and Bothawui. We’re lucky we were even cleared for Kothlis, never mind this place.”

“I didn’t want to trust what I have to say to normal channels,” Karrde explained. “As for the fleet, the Bothans aren’t taking any chances—even though conditions have changed since our visit to Ryloth.”

“Changed how?” Kyp asked conspiratorially.

Karrde nodded his head toward the observation gallery. “Step into my office for a moment.”

Kyp signaled his fliers to remain with the ships; then he and Ganner followed Karrde and Shada to a turbolift that accessed the overlook. No one spoke until they arrived on the gallery, where they pulled four chairs together and sat down.

“The Hutts have resumed shipping spice to Bothawui and Kothlis,” Karrde began. “With all the patrols, not much is getting through, but that’s irrelevant.”

“Are they shipping to Corellia?” Ganner asked.

“Not yet.”

Kyp frowned in bewilderment. “Then why is the fleet here and not at Corellia? From what I hear, the Corellian sector’s about to revolt.”

Karrde shook his head. “I don’t know why. It would appear that not everyone accepts the significance of the intelligence we provided.”

“Fey’lya,” Kyp said.

“And others on the Advisory Council. But spice has nothing to do with what I have for you.” Karrde paused briefly. “Are rescue missions off-limits to Jedi? I ask only because I don’t want to be responsible for widening the rift between you and Skywalker.”

“There is no rift,” Kyp said firmly. “We don’t see eye to eye on some things, but there’s no rift. He approved my coming here.”

“That’s good, because I’m reluctant to take this information to Rogue Squadron. Even with Jaina Solo flying with them, I’d have a lot of explaining to do.” Karrde’s eyes narrowed as he assessed the two Jedi. “Is Wurth Skidder still missing?”

Ganner suddenly leaned forward. “Yes.”

“No other Jedi?”

“What have you heard, Karrde?” Kyp demanded.

“This comes direct from Crev Bombaasa, so I’m trusting that it’s reliable information. Yuuzhan Vong forces are holding a Jedi aboard a ship headed for Kalarba. The ship is carrying a war coordinator,