Chapter 2

Eli had almost managed to convince himself that the group would merely be meeting with some Palace official...

As someone who might someday be called upon to fight them, he hoped fervently it wasn't the latter.

All Eli could see in his face was that maddening confidence of his.

The guards looked the same way, except that some of them looked quietly but genuinely terrified.

Surreptitiously, Eli looked across the aisle, where Thrawn and Parck sat together surrounded by guards.

Surreptitiously, Eli looked across the aisle, where Thrawn and Parck sat together surrounded by guards.

Beyond it and to the east was one of the industrial areas with tall towers spewing superheated wastewater vapor high into the atmosphere.

Beyond it and to the east was one of the industrial areas with tall towers spewing superheated wastewater vapor high into the atmosphere.

Still closer, and the gridlines of repulsorlift vehicles wove their packed way between the towering buildings, doing their intricate dance...

They joined the various exit corridors for passage through the atmosphere, then scattered in all directions once they reached space.

He gazed at the passenger cabin's repeater display, watching in utter fascination.

But odds are it won't be anyone even close to the Emperor.

Apart from Parck, Thrawn, and Eli, the passenger list included Major Barris, (...) and two stormtroopers, presumably also part of the group who'd seen the alien in action.

(...) that the group would merely be meeting with some Palace official when they were ushered past (...)

It was as the group drew closer that the eeriness began.

Damaged, perhaps, by the same treachery that had ravaged his face?

The question was answered as Parck came to within five meters and two Imperial Guards at the foot of the steps glided to positions directly in front of him.

The only sound was the thudding of his pulse in his ears, the only movement the shaking oh his arms in his sleeves.

"I will learn of them soon enough on my own," the Emperor countered placidly.

"And if they withhold their gratitude and refuse to accept you back?"

"Which of us would command your allegiance?"

"Perhaps your servant can speak to the strength of that vow."

Damaged, perhaps, by the same treachery that had ravaged his face?