Refugee: Force Heretic II Read Online Free PDF Page A

far, the Imperials had accepted his terms happily enough, with Captain Yage and Lieutenant Stalgis backing him up. Many of the crew, Stalgis included, had friends or family who were still alive because of the actions of the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances around Orinda. Nevertheless, there was a definite undercurrent of resentment. To some, he would never be anything more thanthe Rebel boy who was responsible for the death of Emperor Palpatine. But regardless of their feelings toward him, he would never let their disrespect undermine his confidence or authority.
    He turned away from the thoughts, settling back into his seat as the shuttle sped skyward, leaving Munlali Mafir behind him. He was relieved to be going home—or to the closest thing to home they had, anyway.
    “Hail
Jade Shadow,”
he instructed the sensor officer.
    To Luke’s surprise, Danni Quee took the call. “I gather you had some trouble with the locals,” the young scientist said.
    “An argument over dinner, that’s all. Is Mara there?”
    “She’s tied up at the moment, but she says not to worry. Can I pass on a message?”
    “No, that’s okay. But tell Tekli to take a shuttle over to
Widowmaker
. We have a patient for her.”
    “Who’s injured?” she asked quickly. Luke could tell without her having to say anything that she was worried it might be Jacen.
    “A stormtrooper,” he explained briefly. “It’s not so much that he’s injured.” He fought for the right word. “He’s just … infected, I guess.”
    “I’ll warn Tekli to be ready. Did you learn anything useful about Zonama Sekot?”
    “It’s been here, as we thought—but not for many years.”
    “Another hit and run?”
    “I’m afraid so. If we only knew what it was looking for, it would certainly improve our chances of finding it.”
    “It’s a big galaxy,” Danni agreed.
    “Excuse me, sir,” the pilot interrupted. “You’ve got a communication coming in.”
    “Sorry, Danni. Got to go.” Luke thanked the sensor officer and moved forward to where the holodisplayrested between the two forward seats. In the display, he saw the solid figure of Arien Yage, captain of the Imperial frigate
Widowmaker, Jade Shadow’s
official escort through the Unknown Regions. Her hair was tied back in its usual severe bun and her expression businesslike.
    “We have visitors,” she said, wasting no time on pleasantries. “Fifteen minutes ago, a Chiss corvette and two full squadrons of clawcraft entered the system. They are on a high-powered approach vector, clearly intending to lock on to our orbit.”
    “Communications?”
    “None as yet, although we hailed them as soon as they appeared on the scopes. I’ve put the squadron on full alert.”
    “How long until they come within range?”
    “Approximately thirty minutes.”
    “I’ll make sure we’re back by then,” Luke said. “Keep an eye on them, Captain, and keep me informed.”
    Yage’s image nodded and fizzed out, then Luke sank wearily back into his seat. Two Chiss squadrons were more than a match for a dozen Imperial TIE fighters, but
Jade Shadow
with Mara at the controls was worth an entire squadron on its own. If it came to a fight, they would be evenly matched. He just hoped it didn’t come to that. The last time he and Mara had entered Chiss space, in Thrawn’s day, their dealings had been conducted amicably, if cautiously.
    Fatigue washed through him, and he tapped the Force to sweep it away. He was tired of fighting, yes, but he wasn’t about to give up. Besides, there was nothing yet to suggest that the Chiss were looking for a fight. For all he knew, this might be the way they normally approached unidentified vessels found wandering in the Unknown Regions. The Chiss were efficient and pragmatic, to the point of appearing cold to those unfamiliar with theirways. Until Luke was certain of their intentions, he could do little more than wait.
    He moved back into the passenger cabin to check on the