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Han growled in exasperation. “Forget about the World Brain. Can Kre’fey even get past the planetary dovin basals?”

Mara glanced at Luke. “You know, they never really answered that question. Sovv said that they weren’t worried about the dovin basals.”

“I think I know why,” Luke said. “Zonama Sekot not only tugged one of Coruscant’s moons out of orbit, but also tore apart the planetary ring that the Yuuzhan Vong manufactured from the moon they managed to shatter. The dovin basals are probably so busy dealing with infalling debris that they can now be overwhelmed by lasers, concussion missiles, and whatever else Kre’fey plans to hurl at them.”

“That still won’t stop the World Brain from carrying out its tasks,” Jacen said.

“That’s correct,” Harrar said, then looked questioningly at Jacen.

“I wasn’t able to communicate with the dhuryam while we were in the Unknown Regions, and I haven’t been able to sense it in the same way since we got back.”

“Then perhaps Shimrra has managed to establish a rapport with the brain.” Harrar turned to Luke. “You must understand: Shimrra is not an ordinary Yuuzhan Vong. His body and his mind have been enhanced. His powers surpass those of other Supreme Overlords.”

Leia forced a sad exhalation. “Hundreds of thousands will die, and the planet will be of no use to anyone.”

“Unless we can get to Shimrra first,” Luke said.

Harrar nodded. “The Supreme Overlord is our ultimate weapon. This war cannot possibly be won without defeating him. Because Shimrra is our sole conduit to the gods, his capture or death will prove chaotic for Nas Choka’s warriors and Jakan’s priests. Without Shimrra’s intercession, the gods will not be able to help or intervene in any way. Separated from the gods, the warriors and priests will be bereft. But capturing Shimrra—let alone killing him—will be exceedingly difficult. He is well protected by skillful guards, and by the worldship itself, which responds to him, much as Yuuzhan’tar responds to the World Brain.”

“Can the Citadel be penetrated?” Luke asked.

“With the armada fending off an attack, the dovin basals and World Brain preoccupied, the Shamed Ones in revolt … Yes, it might be possible to infiltrate with a small force. I could advise you on the best route.”

“You’d do that?” Leia said, gazing at Harrar.

The priest nodded. “I said I would do everything in my power to help end this conflict. Nothing has happened to cause me to reconsider that.”

“Who and how many of us?” Kyp asked.

Luke thought for a moment. “Not more than six of us. And no one who is waiting for a Sekotan ship.”

Kyp nodded, and Han and Leia traded uncertain glances.

“Where’s that leave the rest of us?” Han asked.

Before Luke could answer the question, Kenth, Cilghal, and Lowbacca entered the cliff dwelling—the Wookiee ducking low enough to keep from banging his furry head into the crude beams that spanned the high ceiling.

“Someone commed Jade Shadow,” Luke said.

Kenth nodded. “The Alliance has reclaimed Corulag. Wedge’s battle group has been ordered to Muscave, to lure the armada away from Coruscant, so the major offensive can begin.”

“Then the war is coming to us,” Jabitha said softly.

“Errant Venture is on the way here,” Cilghal added, “in case you’re thinking of evacuating the Ferroans—or anyone else.”

Jaina shot to her feet. “I should be with my squadron.”

Mara looked at her. “You are, Jaina.”

“How’s that?” she asked harshly “I’m not in line for a living ship, and my X-wing is still in stationary orbit.”

“I mean that you’re needed here,” Mara said calmly.

While Jaina stared at her aunt in indecision, Han put his arm around Jaina’s waist. “Let’s just see how things develop, okay?”

Jaina nodded mutely.

“Should Sekot be warned?” Danni asked.

“I’m sure Sekot already knows,” Luke said. “I think that’s the reason Sekot agreed to provide us with ships.”

“I must caution all of you that the Sekotan ships are for defense only,” Jabitha interjected. “Zonama has other defensive