Star Wars_ X-Wing 04_ The Bacta War - Michael A. Stackpole [127]
Isard had chosen to wear her red Admiral’s uniform for the briefing, despite the heat and humidity. “There it is, then. You will be attacking an Empress-class space station. The armaments and shielding are minimal, though the chance that some upgrades are in place cannot be overlooked. The Yag’Dhul system is twenty-four hours from here. I expect the station to be destroyed and you to return here within sixty hours from now. Are there any questions?”
Drysso nodded sharply. “I have to wonder, Madam Director, at why you are sending both the Lusankya and the Virulence on this mission. The Lusankya, as well you know, has more than enough firepower to obliterate the station. In addition I have twelve squadrons of TIE fighters at my disposal, which is more than enough to overwhelm Antilles’s paltry forces. Even Minister Vorru’s most generous estimates of the Rogue strength gives us a two to one advantage in fighters, and as good as the Rogues might be, they cannot hope to prevail against us.”
Vorru cleared his throat. “You have forgotten the Alderaanian War Cruiser?”
“Its firepower is negligible. A Super Star Destroyer can absorb all the damage it can do and still destroy it at leisure. I will designate two squadrons of TIEs to keep it off me. There is no need for the Virulence to come with me on this mission. Moreover, its departure from Thyferra puts this world at risk.”
Isard blinked. “At risk? From whom?”
“Antilles and his people. Recall, his X-wings are hyperspace capable. If they bolt when we arrive, they will be able to come here and have twelve hours to fly missions against positions here before we could possibly return.”
Vorru frowned. “Toward what end? Antilles can’t take this planet without troops.”
“But he has them, Minister Vorru, in the Ashern rebels.”
Isard waved their exchange away. “No matter—any gains they made in your absence would vanish when your return.”
“Leaving the Virulence here would prevent even minimal gains.” Drysso stroked his goatee. “While I have the utmost respect for and confidence in Captain Varrscha, her ship is not required on this mission.”
“Nor is it required to safeguard Thyferra.” Isard smiled slowly. “I have the Thyferran Home Defense Corps to ward off the Rogues, if they do what you say they will. What few of them the THDC allows to survive will be useless to the Ashern rebels. We can easily hold out for twelve or twenty-four hours—whatever it takes for your return. And the Virulence will be going with you to guarantee your return. Ait Convarion made the mistake you are making in underestimating Antilles. Convarion paid for his arrogance with his life.”
Drysso accepted Isard’s warning without a flicker of reaction. “I assure you, Madam Director, the Lusankya will return from Yag’Dhul victorious.”
“I trust this will be the case, Captain Drysso, otherwise you’ll have no reason to return here at all.” Isard nodded solemnly. “You will find the consequences of failure most disagreeable.”
Isard shifted her attention to Captain Varrscha and Vorru waited for the Virulence’s commander to collapse. “Captain Varrscha, you understand the mission as it has been given to you?”
“Yes, ma’am. The Virulence is to offer all aid and assistance to the Lusankya to complete its mission. I will execute Captain Drysso’s orders instantly.”
“Ah, I see.” Isard’s eyes narrowed. “You have served as Captain Drysso’s subordinate officer for years now, yes?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Following his orders is admirable, but what would you do if you thought he was making a mistake?”
“I don’t understand the question, ma’am.”
Anger curled its way through Isard’s voice. “Are you capable of taking the initiative, Captain? If the Lusankya were suddenly faced with a threat, could you act to head that threat