Star Wars_ X-Wing 01_ Rogue Squadron - Michael A. Stackpole [96]
“We shall see whether or not this assault goes forward, Admiral. I will distribute simulator packages to all the commands so they may begin training.”
The Mon Calamari rested his fists on his hips. “You’ll get that data, or I shall destroy all your simulator packages myself.”
The Bothan nibbled his lower lip, then nodded to his staff. “Fine, we will get you the information you want, if it is obtainable.” He snapped an order in Bothan to his aides and they trailed him from the room.
The room emptied rather quickly, leaving Wedge, Salm, and Ackbar alone before the illuminated podium. The Mon Calamari lowered his head and peered down into Wedge’s face. “You have my sympathies. That was uncalled for.”
Wedge still felt like he’d been gutshot. “Why is it that everyone gives the Bothans credit for locating the second Death Star and announcing the Emperor would be on it? Has everyone forgotten the Emperor lured us to Endor to exterminate us? The Bothans were had, yet they wear their deception like a badge of honor.”
The Mon Calamari nodded slowly. “I have heard others voice your opinion—mostly those in the Council who have found themselves between a Bothan and some mote of power. Bothans would tell you that the Emperor only conceived of the ambush after the information was stolen and he became suspicious. We only have the Emperor’s word that he fooled the Bothans and while Luke would never knowingly lie to us, I cannot trust the Emperor in anything.”
Wedge sat forward and scrubbed his hands over his face. “I’m sure you are correct, Admiral. I guess I just see that doubt as the shadow lurking behind the unbridled self-confidence the Bothans exhibit. They may have been right about the Death Star, and Kre’fey may be right about this Blackmoon, but if he isn’t, lots of people will die.”
“I share your concern, Commander. You will get your information.”
The Corellian nodded. “Can you tell me where this Blackmoon is anyway?”
Ackbar hesitated. “Need to know, Commander, and right now you don’t need to know. Before you go, however, you will have all the data you need. The Blackmoon system is located in a dense sector, with limited ways in and out. Computing astronav solutions will be simple since there are so few. It makes ambushes easier, too, so the information will be provided when you need it, not when you want it.”
Wedge mulled that over, then nodded. “I do understand the need for security. I don’t like the limitations it imposes, but I understand them.”
The Mon Calamari’s mouth opened in a low chuckle. “We have progress. You’ll be moving from the fleet to a world called Noquivzor and you will stage from there. Several other units will join you there, including Defender Wing.” He clapped his hands together. “So, I imagine you would like to discuss the charges General Salm will bring against Corran Horn?”
Wedge sat back up. “If we’re going to be living together I think it would be for the best. Do you concur, General?”
Salm nodded his head. “I agree, but let’s save the trouble. Forget the charges.”
“Excuse me?”
The balding bomber pilot held his hands up. “If I push for a court-martial of Horn for his actions, I’d be a fool and he’d sit out this assault on Blackmoon.” Salm’s brown eyes contracted with disgust. “I still think the whole of Rogue Squadron is out of line, but I think things are going to go badly at Blackmoon. With Horn and the rest of your pilots there, maybe things won’t end up becoming the nightmare that I’m afraid is going to haunt me for the next two weeks.”
25
That General Derricote managed to refrain from sweating in the steamy atmosphere of Borleias did not surprise Kirtan Loor too terribly much. The good General was toadlike enough in his demeanor that the Intelligence officer imagined it saved him from melting in the heat and humidity. The bloated, lumpen commander of Imperial forces in the Pyria system fitted his face with a smile—the abrupt