Star Wars_ Young Jedi Knights 02_ Shadow Academy - Kevin J. Anderson [23]
Qorl's face was stony, and he turned his attention back to piloting his craft. "Nevertheless, it is done. My arm is better now, stronger."
The Imperial ship drifted into the docking bay, and lines of pulsing lights continued to illuminate the reflective metal walls. A transparisteel-encased observation bay with angular windows protruded from the inner wall above. Jacen could see small figures running diagnostics, working systems to guide Qorl's ship in.
The ship settled down with barely a bump. The docking-bay doors closed behind them, sealing the prisoners inside the sinister Shadow Academy.
Tamith Kai spoke into the comrn channel. "Engage cloaking device," she said, her deep voice as irresistible and compelling as a tractor beam.
Though Jacen could see or feel nothing different, he knew that the large space station had suddenly vanished, leaving the illusion of nothing but empty space, where no one would ever find them.
Flanked by a stormtrooper escort, Tamith Kai ushered the children down the boarding ramp, away from the assault ship that had kidnapped them from GemDiver Station. She took them across the bay, toward a broad scarlet door that slid open as they approached.
On the other side stood a young-looking man dressed in flowing silvery robes. His smooth skin and silken blond hair seemed to glow. He was one of the most beautiful humans Jacen had ever seen-perfectly formed, like a holo simulation of an ideal man, or a sculptor's masterpiece chiseled out of alabaster. A contingent of stormtroopers stood behind him, blaster rifles resting on their shoulders.
"Welcome, new recruits," he said in a gentle voice that carried undertones of music. "I am Brakiss, leader of the Shadow Academy."
Jacen heard his sister gasp and couldn't restrain his own exclamation.
"Brakiss?" he said. "Blaster bolts! We've heard about you. You were an Imperial spy planted at Master Skywalker's academy, trying to steal our training methods."
Brakiss smiled as if inwardly amused.
"That's right," Jaina continued excitedly. "Master Skywalker figured out who you were, but when he tried to turn you to the light side-to save you-you couldn't face the ugliness inside yourself."
Brakiss's smile never faltered. "Ah, so that's how he tells it? Master Skywalker and I did not agree on the . . . particulars of training in the Force. But he had at least one good idea: He was correct to bring back the Jedi Knights. He realized that the Jedi were the preservers and protectors of the Old Republic. They unified the decaying old government and kept it alive long after it should have dissolved into anarchy.
"And now that there is anarchy among the remnants of the Imperial forces, we need such a unifying force. We have already found a powerful new leader, a great one"-Brakiss smiled-"but we also need our own group of Dark Jedi Knights, Imperial Jedi, who will cement our factions together and give us the will to defeat the wicked and unlawful government of the New Republic and bring about the Second Imperium."
"Hey, our mother leads the New Republic!" Jacen objected. "She's not wicked. And she doesn't torture people, or kidnap them, either."
Brakiss said, "It all depends on your perspective."
"Who's this new leader, anyway?" Jaina interrupted. "Haven't you tried to find a single leader before-and ended up with everyone fighting to run what's left of the Empire? It won't work."
"Silence," Tamith Kai said, her voice thick with menace. "You will not ask questions; you will receive indoctrination. You will be trained as powerful warriors to fight in the service of the Empire."
"I don't think so," Jacen said defiantly.
His sisters face flushed with anger. "We won't cooperate with you. You can't steal us away and just expect us to be diligent little students for you. Master