Star Wars_ X-Wing 03_ The Krytos Trap - Michael A. Stackpole [39]
Ackbar leaned forward. “Forgive me the interruption, Councilor Fey’lya, but it strikes me that you are asking us to deal with the undertow before the wave has crested.”
“Excuse me?”
Princess Leia smiled. “I believe the Admiral is pointing out that the supply of bacta brings with it far more pressing problems than a possible attack by Warlord Zsinj.”
“More correctly, Princess, I meant to say that because an attack by Warlord Zsinj has always been possible, both before and after our strike, there have long been plans in place to deal with such. I am more than willing to review those plans, but I think the core problem with bacta needs to be addressed more quickly than the surface issue of Zsinj. Trouble is a vast ocean, and for us, bacta distribution is the issue lurking in the depths.”
The Bothan’s fur rippled. “There is indeed much to discuss on the matter of bacta distribution. With the supply we now have, I think it should be possible to create centers for preventative therapy to stop the spread of the virus. My people tell me that an hour’s mist therapy per week should be sufficient to destroy the virus before it has a chance to incubate. Creating centers that would allow that much treatment would go a long way toward quelling the fear that has gripped this world.”
Leia frowned. “I’ve seen no such reports concerning mist therapy. The review of the data we captured from General Derricote’s lab does not show evidence of any testing in that regard. In fact, the only data the Imperials had on the Krytos virus showed massive amounts of bacta would be required to cure patients—having the effect of draining our supplies of bacta. There is no reason to suppose creating the centers you advocate would do anything but waste more bacta.”
“Ah, Leia, I would have expected more compassion from you.” Fey’lya glanced down at her. “If it were humans who were dropping dead of this plague, you would be the first to advocate creation of these centers.”
Leia’s dark eyes flashed coldly. “And you think I do not support your plan because it would save non-humans?”
“I would like to think better of you, but I know you have various constituencies to worry about. Like Admiral Ackbar, you would like to see some of the bacta reserved for use by our military. I understand this, for saving the lives of our valiant warriors is certainly commendable. I fear, however, your hedge against the unseen means there are countless individuals who might sicken and die and never get a chance to enter the military and fight for their freedom.”
Doman Beruss raised a hand. “I think, Councilor Fey’lya, you do Princess Leia and every other human member of the Council a disservice by even hinting that opposition to your plan is based on an anti-alien bias.”
“Ah, but even you are prey to it, Councilor Beruss. You refer to us as ‘alien’ and the Princess called us ‘non-human.’ Why are we defined by you and in comparison to you? Humanity certainly has contributed much to the Rebellion, but it did so because the Empire had done all it could to suppress and subjugate the species it saw as harmful and aberrant. Humans—being those who learned their trade at the hands of our Imperial masters—were the only people capable of taking a leadership role in the actual Rebellion. The rest of us contributed as we could, and made great contributions—contributions that led to the successful conclusion of the major campaigns in the Rebellion.
“I do not accuse you of being wholly unfeeling, but I think your perspective in this matter is compromised.” Fey’lya smoothed the fur on the top of his head. “I believe the matter of bacta distribution is one that should be decided by those of us whose people are prey to the virus.”
Ackbar rose from his chair and slapped a hand against the table top. “In that case, Councilor Fey’lya, you will also be