Fate of the Jedi: Backlash by Aaron Allston Read Free Book Online Page B

neatness.
    The door slid open to reveal Dorvan. While he often was the harbinger of things complicated and messy, he himself was not. He was, as ever, alert and precise, his brown hair currently immaculate, reminding Daala of her own momentarily untidy state. From the left breast pocket of his tailored suit jacket poked a curve of brown fur striped with orange—the neck of his pet chitlik, named Pocket.
    She gestured toward a chair and he eased into it, crossing his legs and looking up expectantly at her.
    Daala went straight to the point. “Wynn, even after two years, this process of civilian rule is sometimes bewildering. So, where in military life I’d normally issue a command and later on ask a colleague what he thought of it in hindsight, sometimes here I need to gauge opinions before things are decided. A lot of different opinions. From different people.”
    “That’s actually pretty common among civilian leaders with any sense.” Dorvan settled back in his chair, permitting himself to relax slightly. His own expression was curious, just a little wary. “Ask away.”
    “This whole struggle with the Jedi. Do you think I’m—do you think my tactics are sound?”
    He considered his answer for a moment. Dorvan always considered everything. “Admiral, when the holocams are recording, I’m behind you one hundred percent.”
    “I know you are. They’re not recording now.”
    He sighed. “I trust the Jedi to put the needs of the people first. To arrive at the right answer, even if it’s by trial and error. I think you’re pushing too hard. You can have them either as allies or subordinates, but not both. You seem to have decided that their proper role is subordinates.”
    She nodded. “I have. Though not
my
subordinates. The government’s. So I have to bring them into line.”
    “I would choose a different approach … but you’re the boss. I back you all the way.”
    “But you don’t think I can pull it off.”
    “Palpatine did. For a while. At a cost.”
    Daala whistled appreciatively. “Nicely struck, soldier. Where do you hide that vibroblade when you’re not using it?”
    “Pocket keeps it quite handily in her pouch. She’s a useful pet.”
    “You think I’m becoming Palpatine, then?”
    “No ma’am, I don’t. I wouldn’t be working for you if I did. I’m saying your
tactics
are similar to his, and could be perceived as such by the general public and your enemies.”
    She gave him a brief smile she didn’t feel. “Well. I appreciate your candor.”
    “It’s my job, ma’am.”
    “That’ll be all.”
    He rose and left. When the door slid closed behind him, Daala continued to sit, unmoving, now unaware of her errant hair, and pondered the course of action she was taking.
DATHOMIRI RAIN FOREST
    Tribeless Sha emerged from a screen of bushes like a phantom, no noise heralding her arrival, and Han, seated on the hood of the red speeder, jerked in surprise; caf sloshed from his cup onto his wrist. The sudden burn caused him to jerk again, more violently this time, and the full contents of his cup dashed across Carrack’s armored legs.
    The big man gave Han an admonishing look and moved around to the far side of the grounded speeder as if putting it between them for cover.
    Han shrugged an apology. “Sorry.” He rubbed at his stinging wrist. “Her fault.”
    Leia moved forward and gave Han an amused smirk before turning to Sha. “What did you find?”
    “Many tracks.” Sha gestured toward the northwest. “The woman tracking your brother precedes him. Again and again she cuts across his path, becoming clumsy and obvious when she does so. She always heads northeast. He sometimes follows a little while and sometimes not. He always returns to his northwest course.”
    Yliri, stretched out on a blanket on the broad hood of the cargo speeder, laughed. “She’s trying to draw him off, and he’s not having any of it.”
    Sha nodded. “You are a tracker?”
    “Not like you. But I’ve