Star Wars_ X-Wing 04_ The Bacta War - Michael A. Stackpole [81]
Even as revulsion for the fire and damage began to fill him, sanity provided a means for draining it off. The key difference between us and Isard is that she fully intended to do the most harm to the most people. We did not. We chose our targets well, we set the attack for a time when casualties would be minimized, and we have made no attempt to attack targets of opportunity like the ships or landspeeders fleeing the town. We exerted as much control as possible to keep the strike as clean as we could.
Wedge smiled. Then again, it was said that the Emperor’s throne had been molded of good intentions. We must take responsibility for what we’ve done on the ground and repair what we can. If not, we do by negligence what Isard does in malice.
He keyed the comm unit. “Booster, when you’re on the ground, establish a contact so reparation claims can be forwarded to us. I want survivors and orphans taken care of.”
“This isn’t the Gus Treta station, Wedge.”
“I know, but the kids on the ground don’t have you to see them through the hard times, do they?”
“I copy, Wedge. It will be done.”
“Good.” Wedge glanced again at the city, but the dawn had dulled the brightness of the flames and showed him how much of the area had gone unharmed. “Booster, make sure they know we hit Q5A7 to hit Isard, and we’ll only be back if it’s apparent she’s dependent upon them again. Tell them we’re death itself for our enemies, but the best of friends to have for allies. I’m sure they can figure out for themselves how to join that latter class.”
22
Mirax Terrik gave the rakishly good-looking man a dazzling smile as she stepped into his office. “Talon Karrde, pleased to meet you again. I don’t know if you’ll remember me …”
Karrde returned her smile, his pale blue eyes sparkling. “I could hardly forget you, Mirax Terrik. Because of your efforts, those cases of Alderaanian wine cost me well more than I had expected to pay.” He took her right hand and gently kissed it—his black moustache and goatee tickled her hand and fingers.
“I didn’t realize you were the other person bidding for them.”
“But if you had, you’d not have fought any less tenaciously for them.” Karrde shrugged easily enough that Mirax was almost willing to believe he had dismissed the matter. “What you cost me I put down as the fee paid for a lesson in dealing with exotic items. If you weren’t in the business of hauling things for the Rebellion, I might have had a chance to test what I learned against you again.”
“And my girl would have made you pay even more in your next meeting.” Booster Terrik rested his big hands on Mirax’s shoulders. “I would have expected you to be using something bigger than an old hollowed-out asteroid for your headquarters, Karrde. You can afford it.”
“Pleased to see you again, too, Booster.” The hint of a smile played across Karrde’s lips. “As for this asteroid, Tapper found it, but before he could exploit it he ran into some Imperial problems. After our groups merged, he brought it to my attention. We’re using it until we find something more suitable.”
Quelev Tapper came around from behind Booster and stood next to the chair to the left of Karrde’s massive desk. “While most of the ore has been mined, there’s enough metal in the rock to give sensors trouble.” Though as slender as Karrde, and almost as handsome, Tapper’s manner contrasted sharply with Karrde’s polite grace. “It will do in the interim.”
Karrde opened his hands and indicated the pair of chairs facing the desk. “Please, be seated.”
Mirax accepted his invitation