Free Refugee: Force Heretic II by Sean Williams Page A

to reduce us to savages.”
    “This doesn’t add up.” Han was shaking his head. “Whoever we spoke to when we arrived warned us away because they thought we were after your ships. They implied that the P’w’eck were your
allies
. But that contradicts what you’ve just told us about the terrorists. If they’re anti-P’w’eck they wouldn’t want any association with them at all.”
    “What can I say? They are confused and directionless, their aims unclear even to themselves.” Harris shrugged dismissively. “We have suffered at the hands of such isolationist groups ever since the overthrow of the Empire. There are indeed those who resent the intrusion of the New Republic into our affairs. Some of these may have allied themselves with the anti-P’w’eck movement to gain the illusion of numbers. Such people won’t be happy until Bakura stands alone against the rest of the galaxy—and inevitably
falls
alone, too.”
    “So what now?” Panib asked.
    “The first thing, General, is to put our house in order. While we look for the Prime Minister, I suggest we end martial law and begin preparations for the consecration. The treaty depends on it; the Prime Minister would not want it delayed for anything. With your permission, I shall convene the Senate and get things moving.”
    “Of course.” The general’s relief was obvious. “There’s not much time, and a lot to be done.”
    Lwothin spoke up. “ ‘We understand that this is a difficult time for you,’ ” C-3PO translated,” ‘and we are grateful for your continued efforts to bring our governments together.’ ” The P’w’eck’s beak snapped emphatically.” ‘I will convey my assurances to the Keeramak that all is in order and the ceremony will go ahead as planned.’ ”
    “Thank you, my friend.” Blaine Harris inclined his head in the direction of the P’w’eck ambassador. “And you, of course,” he added to Han and Leia, “are very welcome to attend also. I’m sure it will be a fascinating glimpse into a culture we’ve theorized about for many years, but never had the opportunity to see with our own eyes.”
    “We’d be honored,” Leia said. “The Galactic Federation of Free Alliances will be very interested to observe the ceremony.”
    General Panib stood, and the others around the table followed suit. “I hope you won’t be offended if I call this meeting to an end, but I have urgent matters to discuss with the Deputy Prime Minister.”
    “Of course.” Leia accepted the explanation with her usual diplomatic aplomb. “And thank you for taking the time to explain the situation here. There are still some aspects I’d like to discuss in more detail at a later date, if possible.”
    “It would be my pleasure to accommodate you,” the general said. He spoke and moved with a confidence that had been lacking before the Deputy Prime Minister’s news. “And I shall ensure that Salis D’aar spaceport is secured for your arrival. Hopefully with Thanas in custody, the situation will cool down a little now.”
    Leia bowed in acknowledgment.
    The Deputy Prime Minister bowed also as Leia andHan’s party filed toward the exit. Lwothin and his two bodyguards followed close behind, and although he made no effort to come too close, Jaina still made sure to position herself carefully between her parents and the powerful saurian.
    Once outside, the P’w’eck fluted in his loud, melodic way.
    “Lwothin says that this is a pivotal time for all our species,” C-3PO interpreted. More fluting and gesturing followed. “He also says that he is glad that you will be attending the ceremony. The Keeramak will be pleased when it hears the news.”
    Without waiting for a response, the P’w’eck headed off down the corridor, bodyguards in tow.
    “Chirpy fellow, ain’t he?” Han said.
    “Something’s not adding up here,” Jaina said. She was glad the meeting was over and she was once again able to be involved in discussions. “How