Star Wars_ The New Jedi Order 11_ Dark Journey - Elaine Cunningham [26]
This time the warrior’s bow was deep and profound, and he touched two fingers to his horned forehead in a gesture of reverence. “I am a military commander, Eminence. Certain tactics depend upon secrecy for success. I can discuss these tactics only with my superiors.”
The warrior’s impolitic words sent a twinge of annoyance through Harrar. He banished it at once, for the warrior’s candor, not to mention his keen piety, suggested a tactic likely to twist matters around to Harrar’s benefit.
“You command my escort. Mine,” the priest emphasized. “You support the task given to me by no less an authority than Tsavong Lah. If the warmaster is not highly placed enough to suit you, consider this: what Yuuzhan Vong warrior is not subject to the gods? And who better to interpret the will of the gods than a high priest?”
Khalee Lah genuflected. “I am fairly rebuked. Command me.”
“You seem certain of the Ksstarr’s destination. Tell me why.”
“We have heavily mined the areas under our control with do vin basals,” he said slowly. “These have the ability to disrupt the flight of infidel vessels, sometimes even to pull them from darkspace flight.”
“I know this,” the priest said impatiently.
“These dovin basals also communicate with passing Yuuzhan Vong ships. The passage of every ship is recorded, and the information passed to the yammosk in scouting ships. Potentially important information is passed to the commanders, perhaps up to the warmaster himself.”
The priest’s eyes widened. “So the military is monitoring all Yuuzhan Vong ships.”
“It was deemed prudent, Eminence. No disrespect was intended to the priestly caste or to our shapers.”
Harrar kept his opinions on this matter to himself. “This policy makes our task considerably lighter. We will proceed to Hapes.”
The scent in the chamber changed subtly, indicating an imminent emergence from darkspace. The priest and the warrior settled down in secured seats for the transition.
As the priestship shuddered and slowed, a host of still-unfamiliar planets and stars streaked into existence, then settled into fixed points of light. Khalee Lah nodded in satisfaction as he noticed several bright green pinpricks in the distance. The lights traced a half circle and began to move steadily toward the priestship.
“Peace Brigade,” he said, his voice edged with disdain. “Years among the infidels, and this is the sort of alliance Nom Anor secures!”
“At least they are prompt, and capable enough to meet us at the indicated place. You should take care in suggesting that the executor’s decisions might prove to be mistakes.”
“There are those who believe they already have,” the warrior said bluntly.
Harrar suppressed a sly smile. Once the ice broke, waters flowed freely. “You seem well informed of events near Myrkr.”
“Naturally the military has informants on that worldship. The shapers on Yavin Four failed to meet their objectives, and we can ill afford additional failures. Much rested upon the success of the voxyn cloning.”
This was important information, things that Harrar had not known, things that it might be dangerous to know.
“I see,” he murmured.
“This precaution was deemed prudent,” Khalee Lah went on. “Nom Anor has fallen short more than once. Members of his crew report to me, and I, in turn, inform the warmaster.”
The priest decided to test the boundaries of the young warrior’s candor—and his judgment. “Name these agents.”
Khalee Lah did so, without question or hesitation.
“Did it never occur to you that your unguarded response might have purchased the death of these informants?” the priest said sternly.
“There is no one in this chamber but you and me,” Khalee Lah said, his scarred brow furrowed in puzzlement.
“Two or twenty, it matters not. Tsavong Lah is in an extremely precarious position. His implants have