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Wedge had to admit Krennel was good. The display suggested Krennel took it as a personal compliment that the pilots had come over to join his Hegemony. He made a personal connection with each of them and Wedge had no doubt Krennel would remember and use the details he learned about them in subsequent conversations, when or if he ever saw them again. He does have a certain charisma, which explains how he has gotten this far.

Krennel slowed as he reached Two Flight. First in order were Tycho and Inyri. Both had dyed their hair a bright red and they looked enough alike to be brother and sister, which was exactly how Wedge introduced them. “Prince-Admiral, this is Major Teekon Fass and his sister, Inyon. While it is unusual to have a female pilot in a squadron, Requiem’s mission required the best pilots we could find. Inyon tested out very highly, so I brought her into the program. It is a decision I have not had cause to regret.”

“Indeed?” Krennel’s smile diminished only slightly. “I shall look forward to a demonstration of her prowess. A pleasure to meet you both.”

They moved on down the line to Ooryl. “This is the Gand Zukvir. He is a Findsman, much like his kinsman Zuckuss, who worked for Lord Vader. The Findsman’s skill in a fighter is superior to most men, and his loyalty is absolute.”

“Fascinating.” Krennel pointed toward Nrin with his metal hand. “And here we have a Quarren.”

“Captain Notha Dab, yes.” Wedge smiled as much as his prosthetic allowed him to. “Dab has been tireless in his training and, while we were considering joining your Hegemony, he was your greatest proponent.”

“Really?” Krennel lifted his chin. “And why was that, Captain Dab?”

Nrin’s facial tentacles curled up to reveal two needle-sharp fangs. “Can’t kill Mon Cals in the New Republic, Prince-Admiral. You will give me the best opportunity to do that.”

A cold smile blossomed on Krennel’s face. “You’ll get that chance, Captain Dab, very soon, I’m certain.” The Prince-Admiral turned to Wedge. “I commend your employment of interspecies rivalries to fuel your people’s desires to fight.”

“So nice of you to notice, Prince-Admiral.” Wedge led him on to where Corran stood. In addition to growing the mustache, Corran had dyed his hair jet black. His pale skin and green eyes made for a sharp contrast that made him a bit difficult for Wedge to recognize. “This is Captain Pyr Hand. He is better known among us as Klick.”

“ ‘Klick,’ as in slang for kilometer?”

Corran nodded.

“And why is that?”

Corran blinked his eyes once, slowly. “I’m a dead shot at that range, Prince-Admiral.”

“Excellent.” Krennel turned from the line and led Wedge with him toward his knot of advisors. “Well, Colonel Roat, your people impress me, for the most part. I’m pleased to have you with us.”

“Thank you, Prince-Admiral.” Wedge gave the man a quick smile. “I think you’ll find we add a dimension to your defenses you haven’t even realized you lacked until now.”

31

Iella Wessiri glanced over to where Booster Terrik lay sleeping in the corner of the briefing room, then smiled at Mirax. “Nice thing about Booster’s snoring is that it’s likely to knock out any listening devices the scanners have missed.”

“I’d begrudge him the sleep, but he’s been really good at thinking like Isard.” Mirax rested her chin on both hands. “Of course, realizing my father can simulate a cold-blooded mass murderer so well isn’t very reassuring. If we have kids, I’m not sure how often we’ll let them stay with their grandfather.”

Iella hid a yawn behind a hand. “I know I should press you on this ‘kids’ thing, but I’m too tired. It’s not that I don’t care.”

“Good. I’ve got ‘Aunt Iella’ first on the list for free baby-sitting services.”

The briefing room doorway opened and Iella caught the scent of caf before General Cracken could make it all the way into the room. He brought with him a tray containing four large, steaming mugs and slid it onto the table. “Thought you could use some caf at this hour of the night.”

“We could use some of what Booster’s getting, really.”

“Iella’s right, but I’ll settle