Blood of Heroes, Part XVII
Posted: 2004-10-16 12:31pm
Leia Organa Solo maintained an impassive expression as the holograms on her desk spoke, although it took a great deal of effort to do so. Gen. Sullice was doing most of the speaking, and he had the tactical experience to know what he was talking about. Still, since the arrival of the Vong he was showing his age more and more, and it was obvious that his strategic instincts were barely overcoming exhaustion these days. Still, many of their generals and admirals had become Vong duplicates, so they didn't have the luxury of being choosy.
"We are in a difficult situation, minister," Sullice said frankly. "The Vong are on the offensive now, their ranks swollen, and they've forced us to concentrate our forces to resist their ambushes. The result is they've retaken almost all of the territorial gains we've made for the past several years. Because of the degree of the intelligence breach, we've had to devote large forces to protecting supply convoys. The initial attacks on our convoys have left many of our ships under-supplied."
"What do you suggest?" Leia asked.
"Reinforcements is the primary concern, minister," Sullice answered. "We'll have to draw more forces to the front lines to hold back Vong expansion. The more territory they acquire, the easier it is for them to expand their fleet."
"Our forces are already stretched thin," Admiral Chanor remarked. "Without an Imperial presence, more and more systems will revolt."
"It won't matter if there's no Empire left to revolt against," Sullice said simply. "You don't worry about a cancer when you're in a blaster fight, admiral."
"I don't like it," Leia admitted, "but I'm inclined to agree. However, I think we should draw our forces from here rather than the Milky Way." There were several protests, but she held up her hand. "Protection of strategic targets, but we stop worrying about pirates, smugglers, etcetera. We have the resources of two galaxies at our disposal, but it won't make a difference if we can't mobilize it."
"Several thousand star destroyers should make a difference," General Hinal agreed. "But there is still the matter of Vong intelligence. So long as they possess the experiences of our leadership, they know our strengths and weaknesses, our contingency plans, our-"
"I understand," Leia interrupted. "The planet will be destroyed, but it's taking time to convince the Senate."
"Which is precisely what the Vong want," Hinal said with barely restrained frustration. "We need the order-"
"General," Leia said, "I take this situation as seriously as you do, but I am not the Emperor. I can only push things so far without risk of shattering our Empire. We will use our weapon when the civilian government approves, and no sooner. In the meantime, you will have to cope with the limitations placed upon you." She nodded, as did the holograms, then they vanished. "The situation is grim, gentlemen," she said to the Chancellor and Volgo Terraine, both of whom had been present for the meeting. "Nom Anor and his duplicates have turned the tide in this war. We have to stop thinking about the Vong as being the nearly vanquished foes they have been."
"I think the Senate is aware of how serious the situation is," the Chancellor remarked. "But they seem reluctant to provide anyone with the executive authority to use the superlasers. The near destruction of our own people on the Emperor's authority is a strong factor in their thinking."
"We've been over this," Leia said. "It's impractical to seek approval of the Senate in every instance when the superlaser is necessary. It tips off the enemy to our activities and delays necessary military action." The irony of the situation was not lost on her; that this very weapon had destroyed her own planet was a fact not lost on her, and it was infuriating that it was needed at all. Unfortunately, with the Emperor gone she didn't have the luxury of keeping her hands clean. She had been opposed to the construction of more Eclipses, a terror weapon as far as she could tell. Now she knew why Ben had them built, but it didn't mean she had to like the despicable things. All it meant was that she had to be prepared to use them when the situation demanded it, for the extremes like this case, when it was clearly a case of no collateral damage and strictly military targets. She doubted it would put fear into the heart of the Vong, but that wasn't their goal.
"Minister, the Senate's outcome is uncertain, and how long it will take to reach that outcome is unclear. Given the timeliness of the matter, I suggest that we table your issue for the moment and speak directly to the point of its present use on the Vong planet. Even Senator Alixus’ supporters can see the weaknesses in her opposition to its use in this specific case. We can quickly push that through and use the weapon now, then re-open the larger issue."
Leia shut her eyes and took a deep breath; she was running on Force-tapped strength for days now, and the exhaustion was getting to her. "Very well," she said. "As soon as possible, Chancellor." He nodded, then showed himself out. Leia now turned her attention to Terraine. "I kriffing hope you have good news for me," she said, exhaustion overcoming regal habits.
"Somewhat," he answered. "Our connections with Borda is starting to bear fruit."
"Borda?" Leia asked. Her mind was having trouble keeping track of all these names in its current state.
"The Rodian Sebastian rescued," Terraine reminded her. "His rebel forces have been helping us counterbalance the Vong's recent activities."
"It's about time," she said irritably. Sebastian's silence on his work with Borda's rebels had been the foundation of Alixus' entire coup theory, which was used as a justification for many of the uprisings that took place. As horrible as it was to think, it would probably have been better if they had sold out the rebels to preserve the Empire. Better at least for the Empire, although Leia wondered if the strain of the position and the amoral demands it made wasn't driving her towards the dark side. Perhaps that was why Ben had to die then, to prevent himself from going to far into darkness.
"They've located a planet that the Vong are using for the growth of coralships. It's uninhabited, the Vong probably assumed no one would notice it, because there are high concentrations of yorrik coral. A blow against that world could be crippling."
"Base Delta Zero?" she asked.
"I wouldn't advise it," Terraine said. "The planet is too heavily defended and is well within Vong space. A single superlaser strike-"
"Why does it always come back to that?" Leia growled, more to herself than anyone else. "I remember the good old days when we solved problems without blowing up planets."
"Minister," Terraine said, "it was a Base Delta Zero that wiped out my homeworld and left few of us changelings to survive in the galaxy. All these actions are morally repugnant, but would you have us lose to face enslavement or extinction?"
"No," Leia said. "But obviously we can't employ the superlaser in this case; we would need Senate approval, and that would tip off the Vong."
"The system is remote; I doubt anyone would know if we simply destroyed it and didn't say anything."
"We can't chance it. We have galactic resources because we are held together, if we cut the Senate out of the loop we'd be slitting our own throats."
"Respectfully, minister, if we don't, the Vong are lining up to do it for us."
"We need to find another way,"
Terraine nodded. "There is one way to get results. We developed a chemical that interferes with yorrik coral growth. We used it on one of their worlds a year ago, with much success."
Leia's eyes narrowed. "Why wasn't I told of this? I asked for all our anti-Vong tactics when the Emperor died."
"The process worked only the one time," Terraine said. "We released it by firing several torpedoes loaded with the chemical at the planet and releasing it into the atmosphere. Since then the Vong have anticipated those moves, and are able to strike fast enough to neutralize the chemical before it spreads. We had put it aside, since it had ceased being effective."
"Then if that's the case, why bring it up now?"
"I had received a communication from Sebastian Skywalker through our network. It had actually been in regard to Kolyet, but it seems even more applicable here. He said that if there were a way to bypass the shield, he could fly a cloaked ship to the planet and release the chemical gradually, undetected, to inhibit the yorrik coral. Unfortunately, there's no way through the shield, but it could work for this planet."
"But Sebastian's not available," Leia pointed out.
"Yes," Terraine said. "Some other Jedi must do this, then."
They'd done it before, Leia knew. It was how Anakin got stuck and Luke killed. She didn't relish the thought of repeating that, but she couldn't go herself; she was needed here. "Anakin is off-world," she finally said. "Jacen or Jaina should be able to assist you."
"It's not an especially dangerous assignment," Terraine said, offering some small comfort.
"Perhaps, but I'll feel better when it’s over."
--------------------------------------------------------------
Annika was still when the door opened, and Jorri feared the worst. If she was sleeping, it would be bad to wake her, and if she wasn't...
"Jorri?" she croaked. "Is that you, girl?"
"It's me, grandma-to-be," Jorri said with relief.
"Come around to the other side of the bed, please," Annika said. "My interface with my cybernetics is gone now, so I can't see you with that eye."
Jorri swallowed, trying not to let the sight of her mother-in-law upset her. She put on her brave face and came around to the other side; Annika was smiling, but there was visible exhastion in her expression. "How are you doing?" she asked.
Annika coughed. "I'm dying... but if I fix that I'll be right as rain." He smile broadened just a little, and she reached out a shaking hand and ran it over Jorri's belly. "And you are going to love having me as a grandma," she said. "I'm going to get you a Flotter the Water doll that makes two hundred different annoying sounds and runs off ZPE so you'll never need a power pack."
"Ugh," Jorri said, but couldn't keep the smile off her face. "I heard I missed quite a show."
Annika gave a dismissive wave. "Stormtroopers being stormtroopers," she said. "Don't worry about it."
"They didn't give you a rough time, did they?"
"With the Doctor here?" Annika laughed. "I think they knew better." They talked for a while; Annika mildly chastised Jorri for flying, Jorri explained how there was nothing to worry about. They discussed their plans and what she and Sebastian would do after the war. Eventually, Annika wore out and had to go to sleep. Jorri gave her a goodbye kiss and slipped out to find the Doctor. As always, he was nearby.
"What's the prognosis?" she asked, steeling herself.
The EMH Mark 1 was notorious for its lousy bedside manner, but a few decades had taught him more than any programming ever could. Still, there was no way to couch some news. "With the spread of the disease so far, it's a wonder she's even still alive. Still, willpower can play a factor, especially when there's a goal in mind for the patient. She wants to see her grandchild... and I wish I could tell you she would. I give her a week, two at the most, and it won't matter how much she wants it, her body is going to shut down. I'm sorry, Jorri, I truly am. I had hoped we could do something to combat this disease, but it looks like Annika may have been right about this." He realized he was rambling and glanced up at Jorri. "Sorry," he said. "I've lost many friends over the years, but usually not in my own hospital."
Jorri just hugged him in response. “Thank you for giving her what time she’s had,” she whispered. He nodded, and she left. She left the flying to her co-pilot, her mind was a million light-years away.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Ben was training the Sith when the door to the Oracle's quarters opened. She half-walked, half-stumbled to the communicator, entering one of the code scramblers to prevent it from being traced to either end by the network. He paused in his training and let the students continue with their exercises; he listened distantly, and realized it was Garak.
"I was wondering how long that Vong was going to wait around," Garak mused.
"As long as he must," the Oracle replied without a touch of humor.
"Well, I must admire his courage, if not his good sense. Not many are willing to play chicken with an Eclipse."
"He's been prepping for departure, but he can't do it alone. You're ready to assist him." It wasn't a question; the Oracle hardly ever asked questions, and when she did, it was usually to lead someone to their own conclusions.
"I suppose we still need him," Garak said with a sigh of resignation, as if the task of aiding the escape from a blockaded world was merely an inconvenience, like picking up stray garbage. He signed off, and the Oracle turned and started to walk back; she suddenly hit the wall and stuck there.
"Why did you not inform me of this?" Ben Skywalker demanded.
If the Oracle was afraid, she hid it extremely well. "It was of no importance to you," she replied.
"I," he said emphatically, pointing a thumb at his chest, "decide what is important, not you, Janeway."
"I assumed your concern was with the Sith," she replied. "Garak, Anor, they're just tools to be used in furthering your will-"
"I do not like your independent thoughts, Janeway," he said. "Don't think that I can be played; you live only so long as I deem you useful."
"Yes, my Lord," she said. "If I may, I do have information which you might find useful."
"Indeed," he said, but he left her up on the wall. "Tell me, and I'll see if I find it useful..."
"The Jedi are about to be divided," she said, "and in that division is an opportunity to destroy them. One is already traveling to Ilum in search of lightsaber crystals, another will be heading to the Vong world of Provag, one will remain on Chandrilla with their pathetic attempts at a Jedi Academy, and Sebastian Skywalker remains a fugitive. Any or all are potential targets, my Lord."
"And Leia?” Ben asked.
“She will be out of your reach for now,” the Oracle said. Ben’s anger visibly burned. “But do not fear. In time, she will seek you out, and when she does, you will have the chance to destroy her and the Empire.”
Ben mulled it over; while he did so the Oracle slid down the wall to the floor. “What of the Jedi Academy?”
“You may destroy it at your whim, of course,” the Oracle said, dusting herself off as if the situation had been nothing out of the ordinary. “Or you could turn them to the power of the dark side. In times of old, many Sith recruits were fallen Jedi,” she reminded him. “A demonstration of dark side power would no doubt speak to many of them.”
Ben smiled, but only a little. She did have her uses, loathe though he was to admit it. “All right,” he said finally. “We’ll follow your plan, for now. Where do you suggest we begin.”
The Oracle took out a datapad. “I took the liberty of making all the arrangements, my lord.” She passed it over to him. “Your victory is assured, and the results devastating to the Jedi.”
“You’ve foreseen it?”
“Naturally, my lord.”
"We are in a difficult situation, minister," Sullice said frankly. "The Vong are on the offensive now, their ranks swollen, and they've forced us to concentrate our forces to resist their ambushes. The result is they've retaken almost all of the territorial gains we've made for the past several years. Because of the degree of the intelligence breach, we've had to devote large forces to protecting supply convoys. The initial attacks on our convoys have left many of our ships under-supplied."
"What do you suggest?" Leia asked.
"Reinforcements is the primary concern, minister," Sullice answered. "We'll have to draw more forces to the front lines to hold back Vong expansion. The more territory they acquire, the easier it is for them to expand their fleet."
"Our forces are already stretched thin," Admiral Chanor remarked. "Without an Imperial presence, more and more systems will revolt."
"It won't matter if there's no Empire left to revolt against," Sullice said simply. "You don't worry about a cancer when you're in a blaster fight, admiral."
"I don't like it," Leia admitted, "but I'm inclined to agree. However, I think we should draw our forces from here rather than the Milky Way." There were several protests, but she held up her hand. "Protection of strategic targets, but we stop worrying about pirates, smugglers, etcetera. We have the resources of two galaxies at our disposal, but it won't make a difference if we can't mobilize it."
"Several thousand star destroyers should make a difference," General Hinal agreed. "But there is still the matter of Vong intelligence. So long as they possess the experiences of our leadership, they know our strengths and weaknesses, our contingency plans, our-"
"I understand," Leia interrupted. "The planet will be destroyed, but it's taking time to convince the Senate."
"Which is precisely what the Vong want," Hinal said with barely restrained frustration. "We need the order-"
"General," Leia said, "I take this situation as seriously as you do, but I am not the Emperor. I can only push things so far without risk of shattering our Empire. We will use our weapon when the civilian government approves, and no sooner. In the meantime, you will have to cope with the limitations placed upon you." She nodded, as did the holograms, then they vanished. "The situation is grim, gentlemen," she said to the Chancellor and Volgo Terraine, both of whom had been present for the meeting. "Nom Anor and his duplicates have turned the tide in this war. We have to stop thinking about the Vong as being the nearly vanquished foes they have been."
"I think the Senate is aware of how serious the situation is," the Chancellor remarked. "But they seem reluctant to provide anyone with the executive authority to use the superlasers. The near destruction of our own people on the Emperor's authority is a strong factor in their thinking."
"We've been over this," Leia said. "It's impractical to seek approval of the Senate in every instance when the superlaser is necessary. It tips off the enemy to our activities and delays necessary military action." The irony of the situation was not lost on her; that this very weapon had destroyed her own planet was a fact not lost on her, and it was infuriating that it was needed at all. Unfortunately, with the Emperor gone she didn't have the luxury of keeping her hands clean. She had been opposed to the construction of more Eclipses, a terror weapon as far as she could tell. Now she knew why Ben had them built, but it didn't mean she had to like the despicable things. All it meant was that she had to be prepared to use them when the situation demanded it, for the extremes like this case, when it was clearly a case of no collateral damage and strictly military targets. She doubted it would put fear into the heart of the Vong, but that wasn't their goal.
"Minister, the Senate's outcome is uncertain, and how long it will take to reach that outcome is unclear. Given the timeliness of the matter, I suggest that we table your issue for the moment and speak directly to the point of its present use on the Vong planet. Even Senator Alixus’ supporters can see the weaknesses in her opposition to its use in this specific case. We can quickly push that through and use the weapon now, then re-open the larger issue."
Leia shut her eyes and took a deep breath; she was running on Force-tapped strength for days now, and the exhaustion was getting to her. "Very well," she said. "As soon as possible, Chancellor." He nodded, then showed himself out. Leia now turned her attention to Terraine. "I kriffing hope you have good news for me," she said, exhaustion overcoming regal habits.
"Somewhat," he answered. "Our connections with Borda is starting to bear fruit."
"Borda?" Leia asked. Her mind was having trouble keeping track of all these names in its current state.
"The Rodian Sebastian rescued," Terraine reminded her. "His rebel forces have been helping us counterbalance the Vong's recent activities."
"It's about time," she said irritably. Sebastian's silence on his work with Borda's rebels had been the foundation of Alixus' entire coup theory, which was used as a justification for many of the uprisings that took place. As horrible as it was to think, it would probably have been better if they had sold out the rebels to preserve the Empire. Better at least for the Empire, although Leia wondered if the strain of the position and the amoral demands it made wasn't driving her towards the dark side. Perhaps that was why Ben had to die then, to prevent himself from going to far into darkness.
"They've located a planet that the Vong are using for the growth of coralships. It's uninhabited, the Vong probably assumed no one would notice it, because there are high concentrations of yorrik coral. A blow against that world could be crippling."
"Base Delta Zero?" she asked.
"I wouldn't advise it," Terraine said. "The planet is too heavily defended and is well within Vong space. A single superlaser strike-"
"Why does it always come back to that?" Leia growled, more to herself than anyone else. "I remember the good old days when we solved problems without blowing up planets."
"Minister," Terraine said, "it was a Base Delta Zero that wiped out my homeworld and left few of us changelings to survive in the galaxy. All these actions are morally repugnant, but would you have us lose to face enslavement or extinction?"
"No," Leia said. "But obviously we can't employ the superlaser in this case; we would need Senate approval, and that would tip off the Vong."
"The system is remote; I doubt anyone would know if we simply destroyed it and didn't say anything."
"We can't chance it. We have galactic resources because we are held together, if we cut the Senate out of the loop we'd be slitting our own throats."
"Respectfully, minister, if we don't, the Vong are lining up to do it for us."
"We need to find another way,"
Terraine nodded. "There is one way to get results. We developed a chemical that interferes with yorrik coral growth. We used it on one of their worlds a year ago, with much success."
Leia's eyes narrowed. "Why wasn't I told of this? I asked for all our anti-Vong tactics when the Emperor died."
"The process worked only the one time," Terraine said. "We released it by firing several torpedoes loaded with the chemical at the planet and releasing it into the atmosphere. Since then the Vong have anticipated those moves, and are able to strike fast enough to neutralize the chemical before it spreads. We had put it aside, since it had ceased being effective."
"Then if that's the case, why bring it up now?"
"I had received a communication from Sebastian Skywalker through our network. It had actually been in regard to Kolyet, but it seems even more applicable here. He said that if there were a way to bypass the shield, he could fly a cloaked ship to the planet and release the chemical gradually, undetected, to inhibit the yorrik coral. Unfortunately, there's no way through the shield, but it could work for this planet."
"But Sebastian's not available," Leia pointed out.
"Yes," Terraine said. "Some other Jedi must do this, then."
They'd done it before, Leia knew. It was how Anakin got stuck and Luke killed. She didn't relish the thought of repeating that, but she couldn't go herself; she was needed here. "Anakin is off-world," she finally said. "Jacen or Jaina should be able to assist you."
"It's not an especially dangerous assignment," Terraine said, offering some small comfort.
"Perhaps, but I'll feel better when it’s over."
--------------------------------------------------------------
Annika was still when the door opened, and Jorri feared the worst. If she was sleeping, it would be bad to wake her, and if she wasn't...
"Jorri?" she croaked. "Is that you, girl?"
"It's me, grandma-to-be," Jorri said with relief.
"Come around to the other side of the bed, please," Annika said. "My interface with my cybernetics is gone now, so I can't see you with that eye."
Jorri swallowed, trying not to let the sight of her mother-in-law upset her. She put on her brave face and came around to the other side; Annika was smiling, but there was visible exhastion in her expression. "How are you doing?" she asked.
Annika coughed. "I'm dying... but if I fix that I'll be right as rain." He smile broadened just a little, and she reached out a shaking hand and ran it over Jorri's belly. "And you are going to love having me as a grandma," she said. "I'm going to get you a Flotter the Water doll that makes two hundred different annoying sounds and runs off ZPE so you'll never need a power pack."
"Ugh," Jorri said, but couldn't keep the smile off her face. "I heard I missed quite a show."
Annika gave a dismissive wave. "Stormtroopers being stormtroopers," she said. "Don't worry about it."
"They didn't give you a rough time, did they?"
"With the Doctor here?" Annika laughed. "I think they knew better." They talked for a while; Annika mildly chastised Jorri for flying, Jorri explained how there was nothing to worry about. They discussed their plans and what she and Sebastian would do after the war. Eventually, Annika wore out and had to go to sleep. Jorri gave her a goodbye kiss and slipped out to find the Doctor. As always, he was nearby.
"What's the prognosis?" she asked, steeling herself.
The EMH Mark 1 was notorious for its lousy bedside manner, but a few decades had taught him more than any programming ever could. Still, there was no way to couch some news. "With the spread of the disease so far, it's a wonder she's even still alive. Still, willpower can play a factor, especially when there's a goal in mind for the patient. She wants to see her grandchild... and I wish I could tell you she would. I give her a week, two at the most, and it won't matter how much she wants it, her body is going to shut down. I'm sorry, Jorri, I truly am. I had hoped we could do something to combat this disease, but it looks like Annika may have been right about this." He realized he was rambling and glanced up at Jorri. "Sorry," he said. "I've lost many friends over the years, but usually not in my own hospital."
Jorri just hugged him in response. “Thank you for giving her what time she’s had,” she whispered. He nodded, and she left. She left the flying to her co-pilot, her mind was a million light-years away.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Ben was training the Sith when the door to the Oracle's quarters opened. She half-walked, half-stumbled to the communicator, entering one of the code scramblers to prevent it from being traced to either end by the network. He paused in his training and let the students continue with their exercises; he listened distantly, and realized it was Garak.
"I was wondering how long that Vong was going to wait around," Garak mused.
"As long as he must," the Oracle replied without a touch of humor.
"Well, I must admire his courage, if not his good sense. Not many are willing to play chicken with an Eclipse."
"He's been prepping for departure, but he can't do it alone. You're ready to assist him." It wasn't a question; the Oracle hardly ever asked questions, and when she did, it was usually to lead someone to their own conclusions.
"I suppose we still need him," Garak said with a sigh of resignation, as if the task of aiding the escape from a blockaded world was merely an inconvenience, like picking up stray garbage. He signed off, and the Oracle turned and started to walk back; she suddenly hit the wall and stuck there.
"Why did you not inform me of this?" Ben Skywalker demanded.
If the Oracle was afraid, she hid it extremely well. "It was of no importance to you," she replied.
"I," he said emphatically, pointing a thumb at his chest, "decide what is important, not you, Janeway."
"I assumed your concern was with the Sith," she replied. "Garak, Anor, they're just tools to be used in furthering your will-"
"I do not like your independent thoughts, Janeway," he said. "Don't think that I can be played; you live only so long as I deem you useful."
"Yes, my Lord," she said. "If I may, I do have information which you might find useful."
"Indeed," he said, but he left her up on the wall. "Tell me, and I'll see if I find it useful..."
"The Jedi are about to be divided," she said, "and in that division is an opportunity to destroy them. One is already traveling to Ilum in search of lightsaber crystals, another will be heading to the Vong world of Provag, one will remain on Chandrilla with their pathetic attempts at a Jedi Academy, and Sebastian Skywalker remains a fugitive. Any or all are potential targets, my Lord."
"And Leia?” Ben asked.
“She will be out of your reach for now,” the Oracle said. Ben’s anger visibly burned. “But do not fear. In time, she will seek you out, and when she does, you will have the chance to destroy her and the Empire.”
Ben mulled it over; while he did so the Oracle slid down the wall to the floor. “What of the Jedi Academy?”
“You may destroy it at your whim, of course,” the Oracle said, dusting herself off as if the situation had been nothing out of the ordinary. “Or you could turn them to the power of the dark side. In times of old, many Sith recruits were fallen Jedi,” she reminded him. “A demonstration of dark side power would no doubt speak to many of them.”
Ben smiled, but only a little. She did have her uses, loathe though he was to admit it. “All right,” he said finally. “We’ll follow your plan, for now. Where do you suggest we begin.”
The Oracle took out a datapad. “I took the liberty of making all the arrangements, my lord.” She passed it over to him. “Your victory is assured, and the results devastating to the Jedi.”
“You’ve foreseen it?”
“Naturally, my lord.”