There was a brief pause during which nothing happened. They simply stood awkwardly by the air lock, waiting.

"You know, I expected the Chiss to be more punctual," Luke said.

Jacen caught the wink that his uncle sent Mara. "Perhaps we caught them with their pants down," he put in.

At that moment the formation of guards dissolved. Two people walked through the entrance behind them and up the ramp to where Jade Shadow had settled. One of them was Commander Irolia, her expression as steely as her hair was black.

The other was a human-a solid, muscular man of about Luke's height.

Completely bald, he had a thin mouth, deep-set eyes, and a nose large enough to rival a Toydarian's. When he spoke, he made no pretense of welcome.

"I am Chief Navigator Peita Aabe," he said, his voice as sharp as the creases in his uniform. He came to a halt before them, his cold gaze touching each of them in turn. "We have made arrangements for you to meet with the necessary authorities."

"Wouldn't you like to know who we are?" Luke asked.

Aabe's attention settled on the Jedi Master with an expression that suggested he was making the best of a bad situation. "That isn't necessary. Commander Irolia has ensured that we have the relevant information. If you will come this way." Aabe turned to lead them across the docking bay.

"Wait a second," Mara said. "I'd like to know more about you, first. You're human." He didn't attempt to hide his annoyance as he swung around. "And that troubles you?"

"No, of course not. It's just that apart from Admiral Parck and Soontir Fel, I wasn't aware that any others had joined the Chiss."

"Many would have, but few were accepted." Aabe's frosty facade melted for a moment, allowing a glimpse of burning pride beneath. "I serve a.s.sistant Syndic Fel in his absence. My origins are not important."

He turned and continued down the ramp. Irolia waited to ensure that they followed, then did the same.

a.s.sistant Syndic Fel? Jacen thought as they followed the Chiss officer. The Baron must have been promoted. Whether that was a good thing, though, he couldn't decide.

"A cheery lot, aren't they?" Danni mumbled as they walked.

"Be that as it may," Jacen replied, "I'd sooner deal with them than the Krizlaws, any day." As they pa.s.sed through the exit from the docking area, the seven guards standing there fell in line behind them.

"Where are we going?" Mara asked.

"I have already told you," Aabe said gruffly.

"You told us that we were going to meet the 'necessary authorities,' but you haven't told us who they are or where we're being taken to meet with them. " Aabe strode a few more paces before speaking again. "Is that really important at this time?" Mara rolled her eyes at Luke, clearly annoyed with the evasive responses. "You tell me: is it?"

Surprisingly, it was Irolia who answered Mara's initial question.

"You are being taken to meet representatives of the Four Families and Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet." Mara half turned to face the woman as they walked.

"There we will discuss the role the Chiss will play in your mission."

"You work for the Nuruodo family," Mara said. "That's military and foreign affairs, right?" Irolia didn't answer. She didn't need to. The Chiss didn't give anything away, but the broad structure of their government was common knowledge. Jacen knew that four families dominated public affairs: Nuruodo, Csapla, Inrokini, and Sabosen. The Csapla oversaw resource distribution, agriculture, and other colonial affairs; industry, science, and communications were the concern of the Inrokini; the Sabosen ensured that justice, health, and education services were maintained equitably across the colonies.

"Which of the families do you work for, Chief Navigator Aabe?"Jacen asked.

"I work for none of them," their stiff-backed guide said without so much as a glance in Jacen's direction. "I am employed by the CEDE The fleet is always in need of those with experience outside the inhabited territories."

"Incursions from the Ssi-ruuvi Imperium and the Yuu-zhan Vong,"

Irolia explained, "plus our experience with Grand Admiral Thrawn, taught us that insularity could be a weakness as well as a strength. It's not enough to be strong; a truly successful culture needs to be flexible as well. And in order to be flexible, we must look beyond what we consider familiar; we must come to know our neighbors as well as we know ourselves."

"Most governments would open diplomatic ties," Mara said. "Either that or just send in spies."

"Those are methods we have certainly tried, and indeed to an extent still employ. After all, we are talking to you now, are we not?" Her smile flickered briefly. "However, sometimes we find that integration is the optimal way to achieve our goals. Your former Emperor accepted Thrawn as an ally because he was a brilliant strategist, despite his nonhuman origins; so, too, are we prepared to accept non-Chiss into our fold."

"Would you accept a Ssi-ruu into the fold? Or perhaps a Yuuzhan Vong?" Irolia didn't miss a step. She regarded Luke, who had offered the challenge, with not the slightest change in expression.

"If they were exceptionally talented and trustworthy," she said, "then yes, of course." Jacen was unsettled by the response, and he sensed the others were, too. It wasn't hard to understand. The pain of loss was still fresh in the hearts and minds of everyone around him. Lieutenant Stalgis had lost many troopers and friends on Bastion; Danni had seen her colleagues die on Belkadan, right at the start of the war, and had probably seen more death and mayhem as a result of the Yuuzhan Vong than anyone Jacen knew; Mara had almost lost her infant son Ben on Coruscant; and Jacen himself still felt the terrible absence of his brother Anakin in his heart.

His uncle's feelings were kept carefully hidden, and Jacen wondered what he was thinking. Intellectually he knew that at some point loss had to be put aside to make room for hope. Clinging to the past only made the future that much harder to achieve; and it was only in the future, ultimately, that peace lay.

With Irolia's comment having effectively killed any further discussion, the party continued along in gloomy silence. In the absence of any conversation, Jacen studied their surroundings, his curiosity piqued by the strange translucent substance that made up the walls. It appeared to be ice, but when he reached out to touch it he found it warm and dry. Visible in the substance every meter or so was a frame of silver metal that seemed to define the boxlike corridors, each possessing a green light that flickered on as they approached and then switched off after they had pa.s.sed. At first glance he could see no discernible reason for the frames' existence, although he had no doubt that they performed some function. The Chiss didn't seem the types to enjoy decoration for its own sake.

Danni noticed his interest. "Field generators," she whispered.

He frowned, momentarily puzzled. Field generators? Why should they need field generators to hold their corridors together? Surely the power drain would outweigh any possible security benefit.

Then it hit him: the walls really were made of ice. The field generators provided a boundary between the bubble of warm air in which they walked and the slippery surface beneath their feet. They also kept the cold at bay, and stopped the ice from melting. The generators switched on as they approached then switched off as they pa.s.sed, meaning that the power drain on each unit was minimized. Overall, the cost would be much less than sealing and heating every single cubic meter of the tunnels-especially when the cost of manufacturing and laying insulated materials around the tunnels was factored in.

It was an elegant solution to a tricky problem-particularly in areas that weren't frequently traveled. Jacen was impressed.

Eventually they came to an area that was insulated and sealed with more conventional materials. His ears popped as they pa.s.sed the last of the field generators and the heated bubble dissolved around him. A smell of flowers struck him, and he found himself in a wide, tiered s.p.a.ce that was thick with vegetation. The ceiling hung at least twenty meters above, with a bright tube that ran its length, lighting the area. The atmosphere was peaceful and serene, and Jacen's first impression was that it was a residential s.p.a.ce-perhaps an underground park for the public. However, he soon dismissed the idea when he realized that, apart from themselves, there was no one else present. For that matter, he hadn't seen anyone other than their escort since they'd arrived at Ac'siel. All the corridors they'd walked down had been empty.

Whatever the reason for this was, he didn't have time to ponder it.

Chief Navigator Aabe had led them to one of three doors on the far side of the gardenlike area and was now impatiently trying to hurry them through. Jacen and the others complied, filing into a relatively small and circular room containing a dozen black chairs set around an equally circular table. The walls, floor, and ceiling were black also, while tiny globes floating high above stabbed beams of light through the room's shadows to give prominence to the chairs around the table below. On the far side of the chamber, opposite where they'd entered, was another door.

Taking the seat nearest to him, Aabe indicated for the others to sit also.

They did so, occupying a semicircle of chairs opposite him-all except Stalgis, that is, who opted to remain at the door with Irolia.

Guarding the guard, perhaps, Jacen thought.

The door behind Aabe slid open without a sound, and four figures entered the room. Their faces were hidden by hoods, and each of their head-to-foot robes was a different color-bronze, rust-red, silver-gray, and copper-green. Without a word, they took seats at seemingly random positions around the circle, spreading themselves out on either side of Aabe.

An awkward silence followed, only broken when Mara asked, "So, do we find but now who we're talking to?"

"No," said the hooded figure in bronze-a woman with a rich contralto voice.

"Just as our families are defined by their function in society, so are we defined by our roles as representatives of those families. We are here before you not as people, but as the beginning and end points of a decision-making process."

"No names?" Mara asked, not attempting to hide her annoyance.

"No names," agreed the green-robed figure. This one was a male-and young by the sound of his voice.

"But you know who we are."

"As is our right," Bronze said. "After all, it is you who come to us for help.

You do not need to know who acts on behalf of the Chiss. We represent everyone."

"You must tell us what it is you want," said the figure in rustred.

Gray nodded in agreement. "Then we can give you our decision."

"We do not decide lightly," Copper-green added.

"But our decision will be final," Bronze concluded. "Do you agree to these conditions?"

"What if we don't?" Mara asked, resting back in her seat and folding her arms defiantly across her chest.

"Then you will be asked to leave," Aabe said. His tone left no doubt that asked to leave was a euphemism.

"Our request is simple," Luke said, heading off a protest from Mara. "We are looking for the living planet, Zonama Sekot. We have reason to believe that it might be hiding in what we refer to as the Unknown Regions. As the major power in these regions, you have every right to question our presence here. It is my hope that you will a.s.sist us-either pa.s.sively, by permitting us to cross your borders unhindered, or actively, by allowing us access to any information you have on the subject."

"That is all?" Gray asked, possibly surprised by the simplicity of the request.

Luke nodded. "That is all."

"And what have you achieved in your quest so far?" Bronze asked.

Luke explained where their mission had taken them, outlining the numerous systems they'd surveyed on the inner edge of the Unknown Regions, the various civilizations they had briefly touched upon, the hints of Zonama Sekot they had received. Invariably the clues came to them in the form of a story told by grandparents, or a dimly recalled memory. Their efforts had been frustrated by the absence of solid evidence. Since the planet had a tendency to avoid systems containing any sort of advanced civilization, there were no actual physical records to prove that it had ever really been anywhere. It was as if they were chasing a ghost that had vanished decades ago.

"And yet despite this, you seem confident of success," Copper-green said.

"We would not have taken on the mission in the first place had we not believed it achievable," Luke said. "And we will do what we must to ensure its success."

"And why must you do this, exactly?" Rust, the second woman of the four, sounded genuinely puzzled. "Commander Irolia is uncertain on this point.

Although she believes that you are trustworthy, your goal seems incredible and your motives are obscure. You cannot blame us for being cautious." Luke sighed. "No, I cannot. And if I were you, I would be wary, too. I can only say that we are willing to take any steps you require in order to demonstrate our veracity in this matter."

"Except discontinue your quest," Gray said.

"Except that, yes. We will continue to search for Zonama Sekot, with or without your help." There was a moment's silence in which Jacen sensed that the Chiss representatives were conferring behind their hoods, but he couldn't read exactly what it was they were saying. Strong-willed people were notoriously hard to read, and the Chiss were about as strong-willed as a race could be.

"What of this new Alliance of yours?" Bronze asked. "Are we required to join it?"

"No," Luke said. "Although the fact that we have common enemies suggest that there might be advantages in doing so, someday."

"Indeed, there might be," Rust said, nodding slowly.

"On the matter of your presence within our borders," Copper-green said, "it is an issue upon which we find ourselves somewhat divided."

"Two of our number are willing to allow you free access to Chiss territories," Gray said, "on the grounds that there is little you will find here that either we do not already know or will do us harm."

"If Zonama Sekot truly existed within our borders," Bronze added, "we would surely know about it already."

"On the other hand," Copper-green said, "the vagueness of your motives calls into question the true purpose of your mission. It can be argued that the issue of Zonama Sekot is a cover for something more sinister."

"While it is true," Rust said, "that we have as yet seen no evidence of hostile intent, your presumption to come here without first asking questions is arrogance of the first order and should not be encouraged."

"So we find ourselves at an impa.s.se," Bronze said.

"A tie," Copper-green said.

Gray inclined his head. "This is not an uncommon situation, given the diversity of our needs."

"As in all such situations, we turn to the Expansionary Defense Fleet to cast the deciding vote." Rust turned to her left. "Chief Navigator Aabe?" Jacen inwardly groaned. There was no way Aahe was going to vote in their favor.

The ex-Imperial looked superciliously down his nose at Luke and the others seated before him. "The case seems quite clear to me," he said.

"We cannot allow intruders to travel unchecked through our territory, for that would betray the trust of the Chiss people. There have been numerous incursions of late by the Yuuzhan Vong, and any relaxation of security now will only encourage such problems to go unnoticed. From the position of internal as well as external security, I advise that we do not give permission for this expedition to freely wander Chiss s.p.a.ce." Both Luke and Mara moved simultaneously, as though each was about to protest the decision.

"However," Aabe went on, raising a hand to cut off whatever it was they'd been about to say, "I am reasonably certain that the Skywalkers'

intentions are honorable, and it is not in the Chiss nature to turn away those genuinely in need. Therefore, in the interest of good relations, and the hope that something may actually come of this quest, I would like to suggest a compromise. The thing the Skywalkers need more than freedom of access is information. No single mission could cover the entire Unknown Regions in a practical amount of time, even with the records of the Imperial Remnant as a guide. I propose that the Skywalkers and their allies be given full access to the Expeditionary Library here on Csilla, in order that they might conduct their search in safety." Mara sank uncertainly into her seat, while Luke beside her could only lift his eyebrows in surprise. Jacen had to admit that Aabe's suggestion did make a kind of sense - although exactly for whom it was "safer" remained unclear. Was the chief navigator referring to the crews of Jade Shadow and Widowmaker, or was he implying that Chiss s.p.a.ce would be better off without these ships roaming through it? Either way, Jacen was as surprised as his uncle that the ex-Imperial officer had actually suggested it at all.

"There is one condition," Aabe said.

Ah, Jacen thought. Here comes the catch.

"I would not want the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances to mistake our intentions," Aabe continued. "This offer should be open for a strictly limited period. If the Skywalkers and their companions have failed to find what they require within that time, then the offer will be rescinded and they will be required to immediately leave Chiss s.p.a.ce."

"How long do you think will be necessary?" Copper-green asked.

"Two standard days should be sufficient," Aabe replied. "After all, how hard can it be to search for a living planet that appears and disappears across the galaxy? There are only so many legends one can trace, and our library is second to none." The four robed figures nodded in unified agreement. "We regard this as an acceptable compromise,"

Bronze said. "Master Skywalker?" Luke straightened his shoulders and rose to his feet. "I accept the terms of your offer." Jacen sensed Mara begging to differ, but outwardly she agreed.

"Then you are free to begin whenever you wish," Bronze said.

All four representatives rose from their seats in unison, but it was Gray who spoke. "A guide from the Inrokini family will be a.s.signed to instruct you on the use of the library. If you are ready, Chief Navigator Aabe and Commander Irolia will take you there now."

"Thank you," Luke said, bowing.

"That concludes our business," Rust said. Without another word, she and the others turned and walked from the room.

"That's it?" Mara said, watching their backs disappear through the far door.

"What more do you want?" Aabe asked. "We have been generous with our time and we will continue to be generous with our resources. There is no obligation to help you hanging over our head. You should be-" He stopped and shook his head. " I was about to say grateful, but that would be incorrect. Grat.i.tude is an emotional response not necessarily contingent on what has been offered.

Appropriately honored might be closer to what I meant to say."

"We are," Luke said. "And we are also keen to start work as soon as possible." He indicated the door. "May we?" Aabe nodded as he made for the door, saying, "I'm glad to see at least one of you appreciates the way of the Chiss." The doors opened into the gardenlike hall, and Irolia and Aabe led the party through. They had barely traveled half the hall's length when a tall figure stepped out of a small niche to intercept the group. Broad-shouldered and as solid as a wall, he stood in front of them as though daring them to try to get past him. A black patch covered one eye, matching his uniform; iron streaked his black hair and goatee.

"Mara Jade," he said. "We meet again." She moved forward a step while Jacen and the others stopped.