CHAPTER NINE
Of the Forge Seeker's crew, Captain Jaon and Paun, Masters Katarn and Voran, Commander Jokar, Zerev, and Anakin had gone to meet Baroness Administrator Mystolea. The female Vuvrian was very kind in welcoming them and offered a dinner of roba steak and vegetables, to which Kyle Katarn, who represented the group, eagerly agreed.
As the seven of them shared a meal with Mystolea and Ugnaught representatives of the Parliament of Guilds, the administrator finally asked the million-credit question: "So, what brings you here to Cloud City?"
After finishing his last piece of roba meat, Kyle set down his utensils and said, "To put it simply? We're on the run." He nodded for Jaon to elaborate.
"The Galactic Alliance had sent us to find the Star Forge and destroy it," the captain explained. "We stopped by Tatooine to find a map which would lead us to it."
"However," Kyle said, "when we left Tatooine, we ran into a fleet of Glorian ships and were forced to jump to lightspeed. We eventually came here, where hopefully the Glorians won't find us."
"I see," Mystolea murmured. "I do hope you are right, Master Katarn. Cloud City does not have the means to go to war."
"Which is why we're planning to make our stay a short one," Kyle said. "I apologize for any inconvenience our arrival has caused."
"Oh, none at all," the Vuvrian said, waving a dismissive hand. "Do you know what your next destination will be?"
"Not yet," Jaon said. "Definitely not Dantooine or Manaan, for reasons related to the Tatooine incident."
"Why not return to Coruscant?" asked one of the Ugnaughts, whose kind rarely spoke Basic. "It's clear that the Glorians are after you, thus making it impossible to carry out your mission."
Kyle raised an eyebrow at Jaon. "That doesn't sound half-bad of an idea."
"But what if the Glorians have somehow placed a tracking device on our ship?" Commander Jokar asked. "Maybe that's how they were able to follow us to Tatooine."
"Good point," Jaon said. "I'll have Rex do a thorough search for any tracking devices. Then we can head on to Coruscant."
"Sounds good," Kyle said. "Say, what's for dessert?"
* * *
Victory for the Imperial Remnant at Denon, defeat for the Galactic Alliance at Onderon. Admiral Sien Sovv found it almost ironic in a strange way.
Sitting in his office on Coruscant, he spoke to Grand Moff and Supreme Commander Rolan Verradun via hologram.
"Congratulations on your victory," Sovv said. "I am sorry to hear of Admiral Noradan's demise."
"Yes, but at least his sacrifice was not in vain," Verradun said. "I, myself, am sorry to hear of your loss at Onderon."
Sovv nodded sadly. "I'm still not sure what to make of it. Had the Glorians been manipulating King Kira before our arrival? Was the destruction the bombers made to Iziz the final nail in the coffin for his trust? Who knows?"
"Who, indeed." Verradun paused before saying, "I hear that the Chief of State is resigning."
Sovv nodded again, sighing this time. "The votes are being tallied as we speak. Omas plans on giving a final speech tomorrow."
"Do you know who the candidates are?"
"Via Eerin of Mon Calamari, Nensu Kaatik of Champala, and Zrask Krey'lis of Bothawui."
"I wouldn't mind seeing Senator Eerin as Chief of State," Verradun mused. "She is peaceful and intelligent enough. Kaatik is very defiant and strong-willed; not even a Glorian could break him."
"Do you plan on discussing politics with me?" Sovv muttered.
The Grand Moff smiled. "My apologies, admiral. Hanging around arrogant Moffs does things to the mind."
"Thank you for that long overdue understatement."
Verradun chuckled. "You're quite welcome. So, what's our next course of action?"
"Admiral Niathal's fleet is following the Onderon victors to Castell. Admiral Kre'fey's fleet will meet up with them shortly. I've also received a message from the Star Map team sent to Manaan, saying that a battle has broken out. They may need some assistance."
"Understood," Verradun said. "Will that be all?"
"For now, yes."
With a bow and a salute, the Grand Moff's holographic form fizzled out. Now alone in his office, the Sullustan admiral turned his attention to the communications panel on his desk. Pressing it, the monotonic voice of his droid secretary spoke through.
"Yes, sir?"
"Patch me through to Chief Omas."
* * *
As the Doomsday led General Starka's fleet through hyperspace, destined for Castell, Starka's communications chief turned in his seat to speak to the general.
"Sir, you have a live transmission from the Emperor."
"Play it," Starka ordered.
A moment later, the Emperor's holographic form appeared before the Supreme Commander, just as it had not too long ago at Onderon.
"Excellent work on your victory, general," the Emperor said, his tone unusually calmer than usual. "I take it you're heading for Castell now?"
"Yes, my liege, as you ordered."
"Belay that order."
Starka blinked. "My... my liege?"
A wicked grin crossed the Emperor's skeletal face. "Believe me when I say this, general. It is time to commence Protocol Zeta."
"Protocol Zeta? Are you certain, my liege?"
"Of course I am, general. Do you dare question my orders?"
Starka hastily shook his head. "Not at all, Your Supremacy. It shall be done."
As the hologram vanished, Starka called out to his men. "Redirect our course. Protocol Zeta is in place."
For the first time in years, Starka felt elation fill his heart.
"Return to Lehon."
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