Star Wars_ The New Jedi Order_ Dark Tide 01_ Onslaught - Michael A. Stackpole [20]
“Okay. You think the Yuuzhan Vong are there?”
“I don’t know.” Luke shrugged. “The University of Agamar uncovered the records concerning the fifth world there, which they’ve named Bimmiel after the Imperial survey team leader. About three months ago they sent a xenoarch survey team out as part of a for-credit course. No one has heard from them, which isn’t wholly unexpected. We were sent word by the university administrators, who thought, if we had Jedi in the area, we could swing by and make sure everything was okay.”
The Corellian smiled. “They think our budget for interstellar travel is bigger than theirs?”
“Something like that. I also think they believe Jedi will be better in the rescuing department than students they might send out.” Luke sighed. “Initial reports from the team indicated the climate had changed from that seen by the Imperial surveyors. The students arrived during the stormy season there. It’s pretty severe.”
Corran nodded. “Bad weather doesn’t sound that dangerous.”
“I want you to take Ganner Rhysode with you. He’ll be your partner.”
The Corellian hissed. “That trade offer still good, Jacen?”
“If it’s any consolation, Corran, Ganner was no more in favor of this pairing than you were when I told him what he’d be doing.” Luke gave his friend a simple smile. “Look, if there is nothing going on out there, then the mission should be simple. You get in, you locate the university’s people and evacuate them.”
“Ganner could do that by himself.”
“He could, but if the Yuuzhan Vong are there, I think he’d be likely to launch into them, and that would leave the folks he came to save in a very bad position. You’re in charge, and he will obey you, albeit rather reluctantly.”
Jacen smiled at Corran. “Besides, Corran, you have to admit that your lacking telekinetic abilities does put you at a bit of a disadvantage.”
“Sure. I can’t move a rock with my mind, but, boy, can I make that rock think it’s been moved.” He sighed. “Ganner is pretty good with TK. Makes sense to include him. And things could have been worse. You could have paired me with Kyp.”
“I’d not be so cruel to either of you.”
“Hey, I’m not that bad.” Corran arched an eyebrow at Luke. “Or are you thinking this is one of those from-a-certain-point-of-view things?”
“See, all that training did pay off.” The Jedi Master nodded. “This is also a chance, Corran, to show Ganner that Kyp’s approach to the Force isn’t the only way to do things.”
“Got it.” Corran smiled. “Well, may the Force be with all of us, I guess.”
“Yes, please.” Luke nodded solemnly. “You know, I like the fact that the Jedi are the galaxy’s first line of defense, but what I’m dreading here is that the Yuuzhan Vong will show us how very weak a line that is.”
CHAPTER SIX
Corran Horn found Valin in a small clearing in the Yavin 4 jungle. The boy sat on the ground cross-legged, with his hands on his knees. He stared intently forward, concentrating on a small rock a meter in front of him. Sweat beaded up on his brow and threatened to trickle down into his hazel eyes.
Immeasurable pride and anguish roiled around in Corran’s heart as he watched his son. The Horn-Halcyon line of Jedi Knights was notorious for its lack of telekinetic abilities. Corran still recalled his complete frustration with trying to move objects through the Force. Except under extreme circumstances, when he’d used the Force to contain energy that would have hurt others, he couldn’t so much as tickle drool from a Hutt’s lips, much less move a rock.
That Valin would try so hard to move the rock impressed Corran. Valin already had surpassed his father’s expectations. Though only eleven years old, he already stood shoulder-height to Corran and clearly was going to take after his grandfathers in terms of size. His