Razor's Edge: Star Wars (Empire and Rebellion) by Martha Wells Read Free Book Online Page A

generations as councilors and ambassadors in Alderaan’s government. The ones who hadn’t gone into planetary service had been teachers, researchers, physicians. This had to be a trick. “How do I know you’re not lying?” she demanded, her voice coming out harsh and strained.
    â€œMy mother was Gerane Metara; our family seat was in Crevasse City.” Metara’s voice rose in frustration. “Tell me who
you
are! I almost … I think I recognize your voice, but it can’t be …”
    Leia had to be sure. “What was your father’s name? What was his last post?”
    â€œHis name was Stavin and he was an artist. It was my mother who was an administrator in the education council.” Metara’s voice hardened. “I’ve answered all your questions. Tell me who you are!”
    Han shook his head frantically at her. But Leia said, “I’m Princess Leia Organa.”
    The comm went silent. Ignoring Han’s swearing, Leia said, “Why did you attack that merchant ship?” She couldn’t believe the
Aegis
’s crew had chosen this course voluntarily. There had to be some reason for it. Maybe they believed the merchant ship was working for the Empire …
    â€œWe attacked it.” Metara’s words were clipped, harsh. “We attacked it because that’s what we do to survive now.”
    An Alderaanian crew, members of the planetary protection and defense force, had turned pirate? A sick sensation grew in Leia’s chest.
    â€œWe intend to sell the cargo,” Metara continued. “We won’t hurt the crew.”
    Won’t hurt the crew.
Leia’s vision almost whited out from pure anger. Only years of training and iron self-control kept her voice even. “You’ve already harmed the crew. You know that, unless you muted their distress calls.”
    Metara didn’t answer.
    Leia grimaced. The silence meant Metara knew that her ship had already killed or injured some of the merchant’s personnel. She took a deep breath, forcing her anger down. She didn’t want to back Metara into a corner. Not just yet. She tried again. “Let the merchant ship go, and we can talk about your situation. I can help you.”
    This time there was no hesitation. “I can’t let the ship go.”
    â€œYou can.” Leia made herself sound calm rather than urgent. She shifted to put her back to Han, whose increasing agitation was interfering with her concentration. “You’re a free agent; you don’t have to do anything. Let the ship go and we can—”
    â€œCome to us.”
    â€œWhat?” Leia was taken aback. “What do you mean?”
    â€œGet in an escape pod. We’ll guide you into the bay. We can talk on board.”
    Han moved so he could glare at her. Leia set her mouth in a grim line. She didn’t need anyone to tell her what this sounded like. If the
Aegis
’s crew had so abandoned the principles of Alderaan as to steal and kill nearly helpless civilians, then it was all too possible that they wouldn’t shrink from kidnapping and ransoming an Alderaanian Princess. “I can’t do that. You know why.”
    The comm went silent again. Leia waited a long moment, torn among disgust, despair, and a final stubborn thread of hope that Metara would change her mind.
After one brief conversation with you?
she asked herself.
You’re good but not
that
good, Leia.
    Then the deck jolted underfoot and she grabbed the back of Ilen’s seat to steady herself. “What—”
    Han twisted back around to the pilot’s board and hit the controls for their remaining sublight engine. The
Gamble
shuddered, more of the readouts redlined, but there was no surge forward. “Darn it!”
    â€œDid the engine go offline?” Leia demanded.
    Confused, watching the sensors, Ilen said, “We’re caught in a tractor beam!”
    â€œYeah, we