Star Wars_ The New Jedi Order_ Dark Tide 01_ Onslaught - Michael A. Stackpole [72]
Gavin looked past the admiral to the ravaged cityscape. After the squadron had been recovered, Kre’fey had acceded to an Agamarian request that the Ralroost escort a convoy of ships to Dubrillion. Gavin actually believed that Kre’fey had engineered that request, which brought his ship into a theater where contact with the Yuuzhan Vong could not possibly be denied by Coruscant. When the convoy arrived, the Yuuzhan Vong did send a half-dozen fighters to harry some of the ships, but the X-wings had beaten them back without getting blooded themselves.
In the four days since the convoy’s arrival, the Yuuzhan Vong had done little beyond staging raids that seemed designed to test the response time of the X-wings and other fighters the Ralroost had brought along. Gavin felt certain his every move was being watched and cataloged. He’d not felt this vulnerable since before Grand Admiral Thrawn had died at Bilbringi.
The people of Dubrillion had faced the impending invasion with a stoicism that stunned Gavin. In light of the fact that everyone couldn’t be saved, families were being asked to make hideous choices about who would be allowed to live and who would be left behind. The best and brightest of Dubrillion’s children, along with historians, artists, and cultural leaders were being culled and processed for transport to Agamar. Children from the same family were split up to prevent the loss of a line in the event a particular ship did not make it. Mothers let children go, lovers were parted, grandchildren said tearful good-byes to relatives they knew they would never see again.
Kre’fey continued. “The people of Dubrillion have made their hard decisions. For me to avoid one that is just as difficult would mock their heroism. I won’t do that.”
Leia nodded silently, imbuing that silent acknowledgment of Kre’fey’s words with nobility and pain. “I’ll be on the Ralroost, then.”
The admiral shook his head. “With all due respect, I think you should travel with Senator A’Kla in his ship.”
Leia smiled. “I would have, but I think you’ll find the senator has demanded room on the Ralroost for himself and his traveling companions. He’s given the Fond Memory to pilots who have already made a run to Agamar and are back for another group.”
“Then it will be my pleasure to have you on board.” The admiral straightened up and glanced at Gavin. “Is there anything else, Colonel?”
Gavin extended the datapad toward him. “I’ve found the pilots I need to fill out Rogue Squadron. I took the liberty of looking over the records of the fliers who’ve made asteroid runs here. I’m taking the best of them—of those who are still available.”
Leia held her hand out. “May I see the list?”
The admiral nodded, so Gavin handed her the datapad. Leia studied it for a moment, then glanced up. “My daughter isn’t on the list.”
“No, Princess, she isn’t.”
“Why not? She was the best pilot to run the asteroids.” Leia knew that Jaina was restless, annoyed with her recent assignments, and eager to contribute. Jaina would be outraged if she were not chosen as a Rogue Squadron pilot because she was Leia’s daughter. And they were all in danger now, whatever their assignments.
“I know that, but she’s too young.”
The princess’s chin came up and her eyes narrowed. “Correct me if I am wrong,” she said in a tone that made it obvious that she knew she wasn’t, “but my daughter is the same age you were when you joined Rogue Squadron, Colonel Darklighter.”
A wave of heat passed over Gavin as his face flushed red. “That’s true, yes, but those were desperate times—”
“And these aren’t?”
“They are, but—”
Leia let some of the edge drain from her voice. “Let me ask you, Gavin, if one of your sons was one of the best pilots, would you deny him a spot in the squadron?”
“Don’t ask me that.” Gavin’s stomach began to twist itself into knots. “I’ve flown against