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Qui-Gon looked up from the datapad as Obi-Wan tramped into the salon pod. He chafes at this inactivity. He sighed inwardly. Patience is difficult to grasp at times. It slips through one's fingers like a senator's promises. Obi-Wan gathered his brown cloak close and sat down. When his Padawan had settled across the table from him, Qui-Gon laid the pad down and crossed his arms.
"Have they received word from Coruscant that we are who we say we are?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Not that we've been told," replied Obi-Wan. "But there is movement over by the garrison."
"Are they preparing another scanner sweep of the ship?"
Obi-Wan frowned. "I don't think so. These Agrarians are very cautious, aren't they?"
"Yes." Qui-Gon nodded. They seem to be familiar with betrayal.
"Their actions might have been more convincing if we hadn't had to show them how to use the equipment. Scanners are not that complicated."
"Don't underestimate them, Obi-Wan," cautioned the Jedi Master. "They proved they know which end of a blaster to hold when they took control of the garrison and spaceport, and surrounded the city. They behave more like people who have not had access to technology than people who are inept in its use."
"That's hard to believe when you see how advanced this spaceport is," mused Obi-Wan.
"Indeed. It alludes to a scenario riddled with disparity." Qui-Gon stroked his beard.
Obi-Wan furrowed his brow and clasped his hands on the table. "Master, do you think the city dwellers have purposely kept technologies out of the Agrarians' hands?"
"It's a distinct possibility," said Qui-Gon.
"To what end?"
"Perhaps they sought to avoid the very thing they now face - a hostile takeover. Fear often leads to a desire to control that which frightens you."
"Cooperation would seem more logical than control in this case," said Obi-Wan.
"Indeed. But sometimes the most obvious answer is the most difficult to see. We must help them discover this truth." Qui-Gon leaned back in his chair.
"Yes, Master."
Quiet filled the cabin. It was a comfortable silence, forged from eight years of companionship. Qui-Gon reflected on the depth of their Master-Padawan bond. Much deeper than most, their relationship often seemed more like one of father and child, rather than teacher and student. The wellspring of peace within him overflowed. The Force had given him a son who eagerly soaked up every morsel of knowledge that Qui-Gon had to offer, and applied all that he learned diligently. One who was only a little hard-headed and unbending, especially about rules. We all have our little idiosyncrasies to overcome. I'm sure Yoda would consider my tendency to skirt around the rules when necessary something to be subdued. I think I'm too old to change. I like following the Living Force's leading. A face came to mind. Qui-Gon smiled. But where is the Force taking me now?
"Where is Alee?" he asked Obi-Wan.
The Padawan straightened. "She's in the cockpit, getting recertified in flying a Republic cruiser, I think. Captain Lekk has the computer on simulation mode and is running through training scenarios with her."
Qui-Gon nodded absently. A smile touched his eyes and he met Obi-Wan's puzzled gaze with raised eyebrows. "Would you like to share your thoughts, Padawan?"
Obi-Wan frowned. "I'm not sure what they are, Master. I am ... confused."
"About the mission? Or about Alee?" asked Qui-Gon. He waited for the expected response. He felt a trifle bewildered himself when a certain set of hazel eyes intruded into his thoughts.
"I don't understand your relationship with Alee, Master," Obi-Wan confessed. He stared at his hands as they worried the hem of his sleeves.
"We are friends, Obi-Wan." Is it really that simple?
Obi-Wan jerked his head up. "Sometimes, just for a moment, I sense something more. Something deeper. And then it's gone." He paused. "Am I wrong?"
Qui-Gon didn't answer. He knew exactly what Obi-Wan referred to. It was like the Force was taking his lifeforce and weaving its essence into Alee's, forming a bond that he didn't completely understand. He knew that pulling back would rend both of them, even now, when the connection was so new, so tenuous. Did he want to withdraw? That was a question he couldn't bring himself to answer. Soon. He would have to decide soon. But, there was Obi-Wan and his training to consider.
Qui-Gon locked onto his Padawan's intent green gaze. "This has nothing to do with the two of us, Padawan. No matter where this thing you sense leads, it will not change our relationship."
"I know you wish that to be true, Master." Obi-Wan sighed. "I'm afraid I don't feel as confident as you that it will be so."
"You don't like Alee," Qui-Gon stated.
"It's not exactly dislike." Obi-Wan paused thoughtfully. "I'm not comfortable with her ... her recklessness, or something. I don't know..."
"She controlled this recklessness rather admirably on Nekton IV, don't you think?"
"I suppose she did restrain herself. But, her brash arrogance is so grating. She shows little respect for position or authority. She certainly does not accord you the deference due a great Jedi Master."
"It is true my title means little to Alee, but she accords me the respect due a person - a person she likes. You may never understand how much that means to me, Padawan. She sees respect as something to be earned, not blindly given. But once you have her regard, I think it would not be easily lost." Qui-Gon studied the serious face of his young apprentice. "I sense there is something else bothering you. Speak, and be done with it."
Obi-Wan sighed. "Are you sure I didn't interrupt anything when I walked in on you ... partially disrobed?"
I was afraid this would come up. Qui-Gon grimaced inwardly. "Rest assured, all you were witness to was an overzealous handmaiden's handiwork. She thought she was preparing me for the attentions of my mistress."
Obi-Wan frowned. He took a deep breath and said, "Alee enjoyed our deception a little too much for my liking, Master."
"You mean, having to pose as her, ah, concubines?" Qui-Gon chuckled softly. "It was rather humorous, when you think about it. Letting one's sense of humor shine through is no dark side tendency, Padawan. You do it often enough yourself - and usually right in the middle of a battle."
Obi-Wan arched a brow at his Master's wry tone. "True enough." He hesitated before continuing, "I will try to keep an open mind, Master. But please, for your sake, be cautious."
Qui-Gon shot him a half smile. "Thank you for your concern, Obi-Wan. I am always cautious."
Obi-Wan snorted. Qui-Gon silently amended, Well, almost always.
The door flashed open to admit Alee. She stood at the door and beckoned them. "Our hosts are waiting to welcome us." She pivoted and disappeared with a ripple of her cloak.
The two Jedi exchanged glances and followed in her wake. They joined Alee at the head of the ramp, raised their hoods and started down, Qui-Gon beside Alee, Obi-Wan a step behind. They entered a U-shaped cordon of ragged men, all aiming blasters at the Jedi. Two men stood, at ease and unarmed, within the line of soldiers. As the Jedi approached these apparent leaders, the cordon closed to form a circle.
The trio stopped before the men and stood silently, hoods up and hands buried in opposing sleeves. An awkward silence reigned. Qui-Gon scanned the men. Both wore simple green tunics and tan leggings. Their feet were clad in brown knee-high leather boots that were held in place by crisscrossed matching cords. A working man's costume, not a soldier's. The smaller man, weather-beaten and middle-aged, stuck a finger in his collar and pulled. A look from the taller man, and the first dropped his hand. The tall one was close to 1.8 meters in height, with broad shoulders, sun-bleached hair and a dark tan. He radiated confidence.
This confident one narrowed his dark brown eyes. "Why be there three of ya Jedis?"
The Jedi Master lowered his hood. "I am Qui-Gon Jinn. I always travel with my Padawan learner, Obi-Wan. We are a single unit." Obi-Wan pulled his hood back and nodded at the man. Qui-Gon continued, "This is the second negotiator, Alee-Nedra cy Nerac."
Alee laid her hood across her shoulders and inclined her head. The man's eyebrows rose. His eyes swept the length of her cloak and back up to linger on the intricately woven braids capping her head, but he said nothing.
He turned back as Qui-Gon continued, "We come in peace. There is no need for this display of aggression." He waved at the row of cocked weapons. Qui-Gon sensed nervousness amongst the men holding them. He would feel safer if itchy fingers were well away from those triggers.
The dark eyes narrowed again. "I be Falk, the leader of the Agris." He waved at his men. "This be a precaution."
The Agrarian nodded. Heat sliced through Qui-Gon's left shoulder. He fell to his knees and clutched the scorching laser wound. A hiss of air leaked between clenched teeth. Cloaks swirled around him as Obi-Wan and Alee flanked him with lightsabers crackling. Qui-Gon focused on regulating his breathing. He sensed a simmering, but controlled, anger radiating from the two Jedi above him. They waved their weapons from side to side, anticipating attack.
When nothing else happened, Alee hissed, "A precaution?"
Qui-Gon heard the sneer in the leader's voice. "And a warning. Forget not that we be in charge."
"We forget nothing, Falk." Alee's voice was low.
"You be the one the Agris will deal with. These two be going to the Technicks cowering in the city." A pause and Falk continued, "Go now, Jedis."
"No." Alee snapped her lightsaber off. Obi-Wan remained in battle mode. She knelt beside Qui-Gon and scanned his face. "The Jedi's injury will be treated before he goes anywhere."
"Be treating him then," said Falk. "Here. Now."
Qui-Gon met Alee's stare with a curious look. Treat me with what, Alee? She smiled in return and spoke softly, "Take your garments off so I can see the damage."
"What you won't do to have me shirtless," he whispered. Alee rolled her eyes and helped him shrug out of the left sleeve of his cloak, then his tunic.
She reached inside her cloak and brought out a compact packet. She unwrapped it and laid out a vial and green roll, along with a few other items. Qui-Gon let his eyes question her.
"A gift from my friends on Keedad," Alee replied to the silent query. She opened the vial and spread a thick lotion on the wound, front and back. "Otaro paste and kuba leaf. Wonderful healers and cleansing agents. The Keed also insisted that I should have a vile paralyzing serum called ruba extract. Thank the Force I don't have to use that on you." She shuddered, then began wrapping the wound with the leafy bandage. "The extract mends bones with amazing speed, but makes it difficult to even open your eyes, never mind connect with the Force. They don't usually allow the extract to go off-planet, so I reluctantly accepted their expression of friendship." She sat back on her heels. "All done. Wish I could say good as new."
Qui-Gon felt tingling sink into the laser hole, followed by soothing warmth. He looked into her eyes and nodded his thanks. She helped him slip his tunic and cloak back on. As Alee packed up her miniature medkit, Qui-Gon cycled the Force through the wound and felt the warmth spread. They both rose to face Falk, who stood before them, arms crossed. Obi-Wan's lightsaber flicked off. Qui-Gon could sense his Padawan's state of high alert, and sent a silent thank-you to him. Concern echoed back. Qui-Gon rotated his shoulder and winced. Not a good beginning.
His hard stare challenged the Agrarian's. Intimidation laced the Jedi's tone. "As negotiators, we give trust, but we also expect to receive it. There will be no more warnings, Falk. The three of us will meet each night in our ship, and Obi-Wan and I will not be threatened as we come and go. If any harm befalls my companions, you will answer to me. Is that understood?"
Falk met the stare. Long moments later he looked away and nodded. "Understood, Jedi. Now go."
Qui-Gon turned to Alee. "Be aware of the moment, Alee. Trust your instincts." He traced her jaw with his index finger and whispered, "May the Force be with you."
Her hazel eyes were warmed by flecks of gold. "And with you, Qui-Gon."
He felt the heat of her gaze until he and Obi-Wan passed through the gates and into the city.
Falk ordered his lieutenant, Teamus, to check the perimeters, then turned to Alee.
"Come, Jedi," said Falk. "I be hungry. We will eat. And talk."
"I want to see your hostages," Alee replied.
"First, we eat."
He spun and strode through a break in the line of men whose weapons were now holstered. She hesitated, then jogged to catch up, dodging around several maintenance droids as they buzzed from one task to another. The distance to the garrison was covered in silence.
The fortress gates retracted into the walls and they stepped onto a barren parade ground, skirted on two sides by walls topped with catwalks, and on the other two sides by squat barracks dotted with narrow windows. Directly across from them, an observation tower sprouted from the low building and soared above the outer walls. Nice target. Alee scanned the yard and saw several Agrarians lounging in the shade. Several more patrolled the catwalks.
Alee followed Falk into the entrance below the tower, through several bare, shock-white hallways and into a cafeteria. He nodded to a young lad who scurried off, then sat at a window overlooking the rear compound. Alee sat across from him and stared out the window.
"How did you take the garrison?" she asked. "There is no sign of battle damage."
Falk snorted. "Simple, Jedi. Agris supply this Fondor base with its food. I be taking several men and hiding in the food containers. We be waiting until dark and attacking from inside. Took out guards. Opened gate. Here we be."
"Simple, indeed," replied Alee. "How many deaths?"
"Couple Fondors." Falk shrugged.
"But they don't count?" she prodded.
"No. They be outsiders." Falk narrowed his eyes. "Like ya."
"Why not just kill all the Fondorians?"
"Ya'd like that. Agris not stupid. Fondors be our shield."
Alee sighed. "No, I wouldn't like that. I don't want to see anyone else killed, from any planet."
The young boy returned and set a bowl of stew and a large piece of flatbread before each of them. Falk attacked the food like a man starving. Alee tried to pick up the conversation, but he waved it aside. She nibbled at the stew, which she found to be surprisingly good. By the time Falk had finished, Alee had eaten only a quarter of her meal. He raised his eyebrows and pointed to the bread. She smiled and slid it towards him. He eyed the remainder of her stew. Her shoulders shook as she handed the bowl to the hungry Agrarian as well.
When he finished, he sat back and looked at her. "Ya don't eat enough. Ya will grow weak."
Alee arched a brow. "I am not weak, Falk. Make no mistake."
He leaned forward and grabbed her wrist, turning her hand palm up. "Ya think ya be strong, but these be hands that have seen little work." He released her hand. "Maybe ya be a pampered sport woman - ya do nothing but train and play games. To win Agris' trust, ya must be hard worker."
"And the Technicks? Are they hard workers?"
He snorted. "Technicks be weak. Machines do all their work. Even in the mines. Only a few Technicks be going down the holes."
"Are your people ever involved with the mining?"
The Agrarian's face darkened. "Only at the prison mine. There be no machines there. All be done by sweat. Our sweat."
Alee frowned. "Our briefing made no mention of a penal mining operation."
"No matter. It be no more."
"You destroyed it?"
Falk nodded and sneered. "Completely."
"What about the other mines?" Alee asked.
"We be taking the biggest ones. They be good barter chips."
"What are you seeking with this takeover, Falk?"
"We don't want takeover. We be wanting to be partners. To be claiming some of the money and machines that be flowing through this spaceport." He scowled. "We be supplying all the food for this planet. Yet, we be treated as less important than the dirt in our fields. If we had more, we could be growing enough food to sell to outlanders, enough to be giving the young ones a future."
"A future and a hope," mused Alee. "I can understand that. May I see the prisoners now?"
The Agrarian shot to his feet. "Come." He wheeled and strode away.
Alee sighed. Will I always be running to keep up with this man? She hurried after him.
They took an oversized service turbolift three floors below ground level. The lift opened to a durasteel hallway that ended in huge double doors. Two Agrarians guarded the entrance. Alee and Falk approached, footsteps ringing, and the guards straightened. Falk tapped a code into the access panel and one door slid open halfway. Alee stepped through with Falk behind her.
The cavernous storage room echoed with whispers that died away as their presence was noticed. Alee scanned the room. Six square pillars pierced the steel-grey gloom. Embedded ceiling lights flickered dimly, hoarding their muted radiance. Any warmth that had clung to Alee dissipated quickly into the oppressive chill and the air that wafted around her was musky with the smell of old dust and unwashed bodies. A few vents, scattered across the high ceiling, vainly attempted to circulate the air, but only managed to stir dust motes off the ceiling. Huddled masses of dark blue were frozen to the floor. Alee frowned.
Falk poked her in the shoulder and swept his arm wide. "Behold. The mighty Fondor army, beaten by the lowly Agris."
Her eyes searched gaunt faces with shadowed eyes. She shook her head. "Any army can be defeated if the element of surprise is successful enough."
He sneered. "Even a Jedi army?"
Apprehension bolted along Alee's nerves. A black hole swallowed her thoughts for a micron, then retreated, leaving her quivering. She quashed her reaction to such a thought and willed calm back into her body. Alee turned to the Agrarian. "The Force forbid, but yes, if the surprise were great enough, the trickery deceitful enough, even an army of Jedi could be defeated. What you did here was mostly luck, Falk. If Fondor chooses to retaliate, you will be annihilated."
"We be tough, Jedi." Falk crossed his arms and widened his stance.
"Tough counts for nothing against the firepower they could rain down on your heads. You're a smart man, Falk. Don't fool yourself on this count."
Falk scowled. "Then why they be not doing it, Jedi?"
"That is a good question, friend." Alee paused. "I would like to spend some time with the prisoners. Talk to them. See how you are treating them."
"I be busy. No time for such foolishness," said Falk.
"That's fine. Lock me in with them."
"And if they be taking your weapon and killing you, the big Jedi be killing me. I think not."
"No one will hurt me, or take my weapon." She locked gazes with him.
He relented with an expression of disgust. "I be telling my men to never look in a Jedi's eyes. I be back."
Falk spun and disappeared. The door slid shut and the click of the lock sliding home echoed through the room. Alee closed her eyes and opened her senses to the undercurrents floating through the makeshift prison. Fear. Distrust. Anger. Estimating there were close to 200 pairs of eyes on her, she took a deep breath and turned to face the men of Fondor. No one moved.
Alee drifted through the room. She knelt before a shivering soldier, barely out of his teens, and drew on the Force to send waves of solace washing over him until the shaking stopped. She checked on a poorly bound wound and spread otaro paste on the oozing infection. She walked by groups of men, touching shoulders and shooting sparks of comfort into their subconscious minds. No one spoke. No one took their eyes off her. She felt the distrust easing.
Across the room, two men rose. Alee smiled. At last. The officers. She met them halfway. The two Fondorians were slightly taller than her own 1.7 meters. Both wore the navy blue battle dress of the Fondor army, the left breast stamped with a rectangular patch depicting a silver circle overlaid with a sleek black starfighter. General's wings and a double row of valor pins decorated the older man's uniform. A jagged white scar decorated his cheek and slashed through his steely hair. A battle-hardened face and knowing eyes met Alee's gaze. She expected this soldier to speak and was startled when it was the younger, leaner, undecorated man that did so.
"I am Core Eliat Vazgul. This is my chief military attache, General Ragen Sothar. Who might you be?"
Alee paused. On Fondor, 'Core' was an honorific indicating you belonged to one of the top five military families whose members sat on the Ruling Council. She must be looking at the reason the Fondor military hadn't reduced this garrison to steaming slag.
The Jedi inclined her head. "Core Vazgul. General Sothar. I am Alee-Nedra cy Nerac, Jedi Knight, and part of the negotiating team from Coruscant that was sent here at your government's request."
Vazgul looked down his aquiline nose. "You have come to free us, then?"
"We have come to negotiate a settlement between the two factions on Gandeal. Freeing you is part of that goal," said Alee.
"Make it your top priority. The conditions in here are quite intolerable and the food deplorable. Until we are freed, as senior man, I demand private quarters, heated, with the necessary amenities. See to it immediately." Vazgul spun and headed back across the room.
Alee's eyes narrowed. What about your men, Vazgul? Alee caught the general's fleeting grimace and met his eye. "Not regular army, I take it?" she asked.
"His posting here came with a uniform. He doesn't even know how to button up the jacket straight," replied the general.
Alee smiled and heard a couple of snickers from nearby soldiers.
"Not," added Sothar, "that I would ever criticize a commanding officer."
The snickers choked off.
"Of course not," agreed Alee. "Core Vazgul used his Fondorian title. What is his brevet rank?"
"Core Vazgul holds no commission, brevet or otherwise, but he is still my superior."
Alee nodded understanding. The core families held the power on Fondor, and paying deference to that fact was wise. She liked the blunt honesty of this soldier. "General , may we talk?"
Sothar pointed to the unoccupied area at the back of the large chamber. "Only if you call me Sothar. You are not under my command, and I always prefer charming women to focus on the man, not the rank."
A whispered, "Don't keep her all to yourself, General," reached their ears.
Alee raised one eyebrow. "You and your men have been down here far too long, I would say, if such slim pickings look so appealing."
The general took her arm and led her away from the other men. "Don't underestimate the combination of a pretty face and a little kindness. The men are starving for both - especially kindness. They've had little enough since this began."
"Have the Agrarians been harsh?" Alee leaned against the back wall and slid down to sit cross-legged on the floor.
The general joined her and sat, knees up with elbows resting on them. He looked out at his men and his face grew solemn. "Their treatment has been barely adequate. Barely enough heat. Barely enough food." He sighed. "Maybe we brought this on ourselves. We grew complacent. Lax. We didn't anticipate this attack. Never once considered the Agris a threat."
"Did you have much contact with the Agrarians before the attack?" Alee asked.
"No. Just food delivery."
"Then how could you anticipate anything regarding them?"
"Exactly. That was our downfall - that and our own arrogance. We depended on the reports of the Gandeal authorities regarding the local situation. We did no recon and we paid the price."
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Sothar," Alee said softly.
"I should be hard on myself. I, of all people, should have known better."
She glanced sideways at his stony countenance. "Being in charge doesn't mean you won't make mistakes. I sense your deep concern for your men. They sense it, too, and their eyes are full of respect when they look your way."
Sothar rubbed the long grey stubble on his jaw and remained silent. Alee shifted into a squat. She tapped her teeth and scanned the surroundings. Several moments later she dropped her hand and looked at the general.
"Is there anywhere, groundside, that I could push Falk to move you to?" Alee asked. "Unless you would rather stay down here in case your military attacks."
Sothar frowned thoughtfully. "The gymnasium. The warmth we would gain would be worth the risk, not to mention the access to showers. It doubles as an indoor parade ground on occasion, so it would house all of us, and it can be made secure enough to satisfy our captors. I could assign a small detail of men to clear equipment out of the facility. I can show Falk how to reprogram the access codes for his own benefit. Of course, I would personally guarantee a smooth transfer of my men to the new quarters."
Alee smiled at his take-charge attitude, and wondered how he remained outwardly calm under the arrogant command of Core Vazgul. She decided he was a man who exerted strict control over his own emotions.
Alee sprang to her feet. "Falk has no cause to mistreat you. The injustice of being a pawn in a game not of your own making is enough indignity to bear. You will be moved. I give you my word."
The general rose and dusted off his trousers. "I hear tell the word of a Jedi cannot be broken. I would enjoy seeing the clash you will have with Falk to bring this about. Somehow, I do not doubt that you will emerge the victor."
"You are a good judge of character, Sothar." She extended her hand to have it swallowed by his broad, calloused one. She returned his firm grip lest her hand be crushed. They both smiled. Alee said, "You'd better see to your, ah, commander, so he doesn't think we plot insurrection."
Sothar stiffened, clicked his heels and nodded, then pivoted on his right foot and marched away. Alee watched him go, knowing she had just received the Fondor equivalent of a salute, given by a Fondorian general in front of his men. Sothar's respect drove the chill away.
Alee wove her way to the entrance, a touch here, a murmur there. Someone grabbed her hand and she looked down into an impossibly young face. She gently extracted her hand from his grip and gave him a small smile. She picked up her pace and made a beeline for the door. Just as she reached it, a shout of,"Jedi!" made her spin around.
Twenty paces away a husky man stood ready to draw a blaster that didn't exist from a holster that wasn't there. Alee frowned. A private. From the belligerent look on his face, she guessed he had probably been busted to that rank. A time or two. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Sothar striding toward the soldier. She raised her hand slightly and the general stopped, though he remained poised on the balls of his feet.
"What do you want, soldier?" Alee asked.
He extracted a vibroblade from his boot, flicked it on and sneered. "They say Jedi are fast."
Alee raised her eyebrows. "Are you brave enough to find out how fast, soldier?"
His eye twitched. He snapped his wrist. The blade winged toward her like it had been fired from a bowcaster. Alee sidestepped and swung her lightsaber in an upward arc that sliced through the deadly blade. It clattered harmlessly to the floor. Alee charged the man, jumped and somersaulted through the air. She stretched and crashed into the soldier boot first, then twisted to land on her feet. The soldier found himself with the tip of the Alee's lightsaber shimmering between his eyes. She slowly traced his profile without touching him, keeping the blade close enough so that he could feel its heat. When she reached the base of his throat, she stopped. His eyes were wide and his nostrils flaring, but she sensed hostility lacing his fear.
"Was that fast enough for you, soldier?" Alee gave him half a smile.
"You had warning this time, Jedi. Don't turn your back on me, that's all I say."
She snorted. "I don't know what I did to earn your enmity. But believe this, even with my back turned, you would end up in the same position. You can count on it." She powered down her weapon and stepped away. "I am working for your freedom. Kill me and you might well be imprisoned on Gandeal for a very long time."
Sothar approached and held a hand out to help the soldier up. "Krail won't harm you, Alee. Even he isn't foolish enough to directly defy his general's orders."
Alee studied the private. "You think I'm consorting with the enemy, don't you, Krail?" His startled look told her she had guessed correctly. She asked, "How would you suggest I handle the situation?"
Krail snapped, "Wipe them out."
"A harsh judgment from one in a precarious position. Be careful that your ruling doesn't return to haunt you, Krail. Mercy and respect for life are cornerstones of a just society." The door hissed open and Alee added, "Our little talk has been most instructive, Krail. General, prepare your men to be moved shortly."
She left the prisoners and was led away to rejoin Falk.
Four hours later, Alee walked slowly across the ferrocrete
toward the Republic cruiser. She was mentally fatigued from the
intense battle of wills with Falk, but relieved to have the Fondorians
settled in their new quarters. But still captive. Tomorrow
I will work on getting them fresh air and sunlight. Right now,
I just want to stand under a hot stream of water. A small
wave of satisfaction splashed through her mind, knowing Sothar
and his men would have that very pleasure for the first time in
weeks.
