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By Root 1928 0

a defeat—let alone had to deal with the sudden death of their Supreme Overlord. Normally there would have been a pool of candidates, one of whom would have been chosen by the priests and shapers to accede to the throne. The elite would have been guided by signs and portents, and any potential successor would have to have demonstrated certain abilities. But it’s all moot, because Shimrra apparently saw to it that no one was standing in the royal wings. With Shimrra and High Prefect Drathul dead, Nas Choka is the highest-ranking elite. But in fact he wields no more real power than High Priest Jakan and Master Shaper Qelah Kwaad, both of whom we have in custody. A scramble for power had broken out among some of the lesser prefects and consuls, but it’s unlikely that any of them will be officially recognized as an heir apparent. What’s more, the heretics, along with many of the Shamed Ones, seem to be looking to us for rescue, protection, even redemption of some sort.”

Sovv took a moment to absorb Kre’fey’s remarks. “Should Nas Choka break the cease-fire and advance, are our fleets in a position to prevail?”

“Probably,” Kre’fey said, “though at considerable cost.”

“Do you wish to press an attack?” Omas asked carefully.

Kre’fey shook his head. “Not at this point. Until this morning we had no means of communicating with Nas Choka. But we’ve finally been able to persuade the Supreme Commander of the enemy home fleet to act as our liaison with the warmaster, commencing with villip transmissions.”

“Would a full surrender be too much to hope for, Admiral?” Omas asked.

Kre’fey touched his face in a gesture of uncertainty. “As I say, sir, the Yuuzhan Vong have no protocols for surrender. They’re expecting us to behave as they would under similar circumstances, by executing most of them and enslaving the rest.”

Omas frowned. “All these years of fighting and they still don’t understand us.” He paused, then said, “Admiral, you face the daunting task of convincing your commanders that there is nothing to be gained by exterminating the Yuuzhan Vong.”

Kre’fey compressed his lips. “Sir, after the barbarity the enemy has visited on us for five years, many local commanders won’t be willing to put aside vengeance for compassion. But perhaps some will, and in time others may follow. By the same token, it may prove impossible to convince the Yuuzhan Vong on occupied worlds to capitulate without a fight. Word of Shimrra’s death is being relayed by villip to planets throughout the invasion corridor. In several star systems the Yuuzhan Vong are already decamping. But we have our work cut out for us, regardless.”

“Zonama Sekot survived the battle?” Sovv said.

Kre’fey snorted. “I would say ‘triumphed.’ Though I failed to realize it at the time, the entire battle for Coruscant turned on that planet. If for whatever reason the Yuuzhan Vong hadn’t been so intent on destroying it … Well, let it suffice to say that we might not be having this conversation.”

“We’ve heard rumors,” Omas said, “that there was a second Supreme Overlord—a power behind the throne, as it were.”

Kre’fey nodded. “I’ve heard those same rumors. But they have yet to be corroborated by anyone.” “There’s also talk about a vessel contaminated with Alpha Red.”

“That happens to be fact, sir. The vessel was one that escaped from Caluula. The Yuuzhan Vong attempted but failed to deploy the bioweapon against Zonama Sekot. Allegedly it has been tractor-beamed into deep space. We have ships searching for it, if only to establish whether the toxin remains virulent.”

“Stay on that, Admiral,” Omas said.

Kre’fey nodded again. “Sir, assuming a surrender is forthcoming, have you chosen someone to negotiate the terms?”

“Many are urging me to solicit the assistance of the Jedi.”

Kre’fey’s face twisted. “Is that wise, sir, in light of Master Skywalker’s statement at Contruum that he would consider giving Coruscant to the Yuuzhan Vong if he thought that would end the war?”

Omas laughed shortly. “I never took Skywalker’s remark at face value. But we do need to reach a decision regarding