Star Wars the Truce at Bakura - Kathy Tyers [40]
From beneath a hanging lamp, Artoo cut him off with a derisive hoot.
Han paused in front of a long, curving wall that displayed a real-time forest mural. Its branches waved in an intangible wind. He peered at the detail work.
Leia shook her head. Of course the Imperials were bugging them. They probably had voice sensors trained on this suite from across the complex.
She said, “Obviously Nereus is the real power on Bakura. But he’s trying to keep the Bakurans quiet by letting them play government games.”
Han turned around and leaned on the mural. “You bet he is. And he’s as bugged as a closet full of rat roaches about having armed Rebel ships in his system.”
“But the people aren’t,” Leia insisted.
“No,” rejoined Luke. “The people just want to survive. So does Nereus,” he added drily.
“So once he’s safe,” said Han, “he turns on us and wipes us out—if we don’t pay attention.”
“We will.” Luke glanced at the comm center. “We have a message,” he added, sounding surprised. He walked over and touched a control.
Han peered past Luke’s shoulder. Leia wedged between them. An Imperial officer’s head and shoulders appeared on the tri-D screen: narrow face, thin curly hair. “Commander Skywalker, we need to talk, as agreed. How soon can you join me at my office?” The screen darkened.
“Commander Thanas,” murmured Luke.
“Where’s his office?” Han asked.
“Probably here at the complex. Let me find out.”
Leia backed out of pickup range. “Come on, Han.” She didn’t want even a glimpse at another Imperial for a few minutes. This place was getting to her. Every time she turned around, she half expected to spot a swirling black cape. Vader was dead! Defeated! She mustn’t let black memories distract her from her life work.
Luke told the recessed wall unit, “I believe Commander Thanas left a message—”
Silence. Then, “Yes, that would be fine. I’ll be there in about an hour.” He strolled back toward the lounge pit.
“Well?” asked Leia.
Luke clasped his hands behind his back. “We have Ssi-ruuvi ships in our backyard again. Thanas says it looks like a blockade, just out of the defense net’s easy-kill zone. Approximately the orbital distance of Bakura’s second moon. I, uh, also have an invitation to the Imperial garrison.”
“Alone?” Leia exclaimed.
Luke nodded.
“Don’t do it,” said Han. “Make him meet you someplace neutral.”
Luke shrugged. “Bakura isn’t neutral. He’s probably got better facilities up there for discussing tactics than we could find in the Bakur complex.”
“Then take Chewie with you. This Thanas could arrest you just for being a Jedi. Never mind frying the Emperor.”
“But I didn’t—”
“They still don’t believe the Emperor’s dead,” Leia interrupted. “But take Chewie anyway. Even disarmed, he’s formidable.”
Han fingered his blaster scope. “How fast could you call in some backup?”
“I’ve got a comlink. I could get an X-wing squadron off the Flurry in orbit in … oh, an hour.”
“That could be too late,” Leia insisted. The Wookiee roared agreement at both of them.
“I think I should stay here,” Threepio suggested helpfully.
“Han—Leia—Chewie—I can take care of myself.” Luke flopped onto a corner lounge, scattering small blue cushions. “The more we act as if we trust them, the more they’ll go along with us. Leia made a lot of progress with the senate just now.”
“Not enough.” Leia pursed her lips. “An honest exchange is our only hope for a lasting treaty, one that could bring about the defection of many disillusioned Imperials.”
“Go ahead.” Han swept out one arm. “Tell me you feel good about working with these people, both of you. But look me in the eye when you say it.”
“Well …” Leia glanced down at Luke for support. He raised one eyebrow. “No,” she admitted.
“Mm, no,” Luke answered. “I don’t feel good. Alert.”
“Right,” said Leia. “And feeling uneasy can’t interfere with our negotiations. We must make a start somewhere. We make it at Bakura.”
Luke cleared his throat. “I’d rather take Artoo anyway.”
From a corner where he stood, ignored, Artoo bee-dooped