Star Wars_ Young Jedi Knights 10_ Jedi Bounty - Kevin J. Anderson [65]
Raynar took a sudden interest in studying the floor near his feet and said nothing.
"But they never released us," Jaina pointed out.
"Lowie had to help us escape."
The ambassador steepled his fingers at his chin and smiled. "And yet here you all are, alive and well. So allow me to summarize. You broke into the headquarters of a well-respected political movement.
The legal government there sentenced you to a short term of unpleasant yet lenient punishmentwlong enough for you to learn a valuable lesson, we can hope. Then, before you had served your complete term, your friendswwho at the time were working for the Diversity Alliance," at this, Iman's brows rose expressively, "released you from captivity and assisted you in departing Ryloth without further punishment. And during all that time, the only true injuries you sustained were a result of the ill-advised paths you chose when leaving."
Jaina drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. It wasn't fair when the story was presented that way.
At this point Lowie spoke up in a series of rumbles, barks and growls.
Em Teedee made a throat clearing sound to be sure he had the attention of the entire assembly and then provided a translation. "Master Lowbacca does not choose to dispute your interpretation of events surrounding the arrival and departure of his colleagues from Ryloth.
He does, however, wish to clarify two facts. First: the current government on Ryloth does not necessarily represent the Twi'lek people"--at this point, the overthrown leader Kur stepped forward and nodded his confirmation--"And second: during their time working for the Diversity Alliance, Master Low-bacca, Mistress Sirrakuk, and Mistress Lusa all noted a distinct antihuman sentiment that had the distinct potential for expressing itself with some violence."
A stern looking centaur woman with glossy dark flanks and a long salt-andpepper mane approached the floor. J'mesk Iman yielded his position, and Leia announced the new ambassador with a sense of relief.
"Ambassador Suras Tonee, please speak."
Suras nodded to Leia and shook back her long dark mane. "I do not believe that any government is sacred. It may well be, as my colleague has said, that nothing more happened on Ryloth than a juvenile infraction of governmental laws and the punishment of that infraction."
A murmur of approval ran through the Senate.
"However," she continued, "if the government of Ryloth and the Diversity Alliance are stable and peaceful and do no more than work in the interests of their members, then they should have no objection to a simple diplomatic inspection.
This would, of course, be prearranged and approved through appropriate channels with their government. Some of the charges against the Diversity Alliance are indeed troubling and warrant our attention.
Therefore, I propose a simple fact-finding mission.
The delegation should consist of a representative mixture of species and include a few members who are familiar with the government of Ryloth,"
she nodded to the Twi'Lek Kur, "and the Diversity Alliance."
Here she nodded to the Wookiees and Lusa. "If we find no evidence of wrongdoing, as many of my colleagues expect, then this inspection will be the simplest method of putting the matter to rest."
From the corner of her eye Jaina saw her mother relax considerably.
Taking a cue from her, Jaina ordered her muscles to unknot themselves.
Ambassador D'Jeel approached the floor again, but from the small smile of triumph on her mother's face, Jaina knew that there was no longer any doubt of the outcome: a team of investigators would soon be on its way to Ryloth.
Table of Contents
Book 10