Star Wars_ The New Jedi Order_ Dark Tide 02_ Ruin - Michael A. Stackpole [30]
He circled through the chamber to the right and saw seated on the floor a long-limbed creature covered in golden down. The creature’s long legs were crossed, his hands folded into his lap and his spine straight along the duracrete wall at his back. Purple striping flowed back from the corners of his eyes and over his shoulders. He wore a simple purple loincloth, gathered with a gold cord.
When Shedao Shai moved into view, the individual rose to his feet without touching his hands to the ground. The guards were a heartbeat late in restraining him, clearly not having anticipated his action. He has lulled them into carelessness, which marks the placidity with which he allowed himself to be borne here. By the same token, the supple strength in his body and the ease with which he slipped his shoulders from beneath the guards’ hands marked him as a potentially dangerous enemy.
The Yuuzhan Vong commander halved the distance between them with two long strides. “I am Commander Shedao Domain Shai.” He spoke first in his own tongue, then repeated his introduction in the halting, clicky tongue native to the galaxy.
The creature blinked his big violet eyes. He spoke slowly but strongly, allowing Shedao to capture his words easily. “I am Senator Elegos A’Kla of the New Republic.” He bowed his head for a moment. “I apologize for not having mastered your tongue.”
Shedao looked at the two guards flanking Elegos. “You are dismissed.”
Deign looked at him. “Commander?”
Shedao spoke in the New Republic’s tongue. “I have nothing to fear from you, Elegos?”
The Caamasi opened his three-fingered hands and displayed them as empty. “My mission here is not one of violence.”
The Yuuzhan Vong leader nodded slowly. He does not say that I should not fear him, but just should not fear violence at his hands. It is a difference that Deign has missed entirely. “You see, Deign?”
“Yes, my leader.” The subordinate bowed. “I shall leave you.”
“Wait.” Shedao reached up and stroked the vonduun crab making up his helmet and face mask. The creature relaxed, allowing him to slip the helmet off, baring his head and face. Shedao shook his head, freeing his black mane and spraying sweat onto Deign’s armor.
He handed his aide his helmet. Even though Deign’s face lay hiding behind a mask, there was no disguising his shock at seeing his leader show his naked face to the enemy. “You will take this to my contemplation chamber, then return with refreshments. You will hurry.”
“Yes, Commander.” Disbelief and disgust threaded through his words. Deign bowed deeply, then backed away until the fish-filled cylinder shielded him from Shedao’s gaze.
The Yuuzhan Vong leader returned his attention to Elegos. He watched him for a moment, slowly organizing the words of his enemy’s tongue. “I was told you appeared in a small ship at the edge of this system. You used a villip to request transport here on one of our ships. Why?”
Elegos blinked once. “It is believed you see machines as abominations. I wished to offer no offense.”
“Your respect of our sensibilities is appreciated.” Shedao Shai stepped toward the cylinder. He stripped off his left gauntlet and pressed his hand to the transparisteel. The warmth of the water slowly filtered into his flesh. “Your mission here is?”
“One to promote understanding. One to see if the course our peoples are on now is the only course possible, or if we might plot another one, together.” The Caamasi pressed his hands together. “I was at Dantooine. I would not see that happen again.”
“And I reviewed the aftermath of Dantooine. I was also at the place known to you as Bimmiel.” Shedao’s dark eyes hardened. “There is much that separates our people. Much that would speak against any peace between us.”
“Perhaps our ignorance of each other’s nature and ways is what makes it appear that we are falling into a black hole of conflict.” Elegos