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“To bring things to the point quickly, we no longer wish to be treated as criminals. We want a chance to gain legitimacy and lead normal lives. For this we realize we need to offer you something of value, and so we shall. We know the ways of the black market. We know how to disrupt it and break it. We know the ways of criminals and how to disrupt their activities. We know the underworld of Coruscant and we know how to bring to justice those you want to punish.”

Doman Beruss stared at Vorru. “You want us to make you the Commissioner of the Coruscant Constabulary?”

“I do not think you that foolish, Doman Beruss. I knew your father and mother and I know you cannot be easily deceived.” A smile came readily to Vorru’s face—a smile Ackbar did not trust. “What I want is for my people to be allowed to administer the law in the underworld here. Your Security Force will have more than enough to do with the areas of Coruscant where you can project power. We already have various off-world populations forming their own militias and civil defense corps, so why not tolerate a similar force created out of my people?”

Mon Mothma arched an eyebrow at Vorru. “Very few others have as colorful a history as you do, Fliry Vorru.”

“But some of those who have equally notorious backgrounds are continuing in service to the government, though the leadership and philosophy have changed.”

Ackbar slowly nodded. The realities of governing a vast panoply of worlds necessitated using the Imperial governmental apparatus to maintain communication and order. While a wholesale replacement of the bureaucracy would have been ideal, the fact was that, just as the Rebel military had relied on people with Imperial training, so the government was being forced to rely on clerks and administrators who had faithfully served the Empire until it fell. While most of these people had an allegiance to their jobs and not to the government, the tacit clemency granted to them in return for continuing to work did not sit well with many of the Rebels.

Fliry Vorru presented an interesting case. He had directly contributed to the winning of Coruscant. While he underplayed his contribution, Vorru could easily have turned Rogue Squadron over to the Imperials, preventing the Rebel conquest of the planet. His support, despite the betrayal of subordinates, had facilitated the Rebel victory, making him a valuable ally.

And his request of us is an ally’s request for trust. Ackbar half-closed his eyes. Vorru’s request also made sense from a purely pragmatic position. While Cracken’s law enforcement organization would soon be functioning fully, it would never have been as effective in the underworld as Vorru would be. The Palpatine Counter-insurgency Front, black marketeering, and a dozen other problems needed attention on Coruscant, and yet Cracken still needed to attend to intelligence matters involving Warlord Zsinj and Ysanne Isard, wherever she was.

Vorru opened his hands. “The question I place before you is this: will you grant me and my people the trust we have earned?”

Leia’s eyes hardened. “The Empire was a common enemy we had between us, hence our alliance. In acting against them you have earned trust, but I suspect you see the account more fully than we do.”

“This is true, Leia, but Vorru’s point is well taken.” Mon Mothma pressed her hands gently against the table top. “The fight against the Empire is truly what bound the Alliance together. We must build on that basic level of trust if we expect the Republic to thrive. As long as Fliry Vorru’s people are willing to abide by the conduct standards we set for our law enforcement and militia forces, they will remain within the bounds of our trust. If they step outside those guidelines, they will be outside their lawful duty and will be dealt with in a suitable manner.”

“You will find me a most able and loyal servant in this matter, Mon Mothma.”

“So I trust, Fliry Vorru.”

“So we must all trust,” Ackbar murmured.

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