Nonetheless, he turned to them and insinuated himself into their conversation.

"The defense systems on Alderaan, despite the Senator's protestations to the contrary,

were as strong as any in the Empire. I should conclude that our demonstration was

as impressive as it was thorough."

Tarkin turned to him, nodding. "The Senate is being informed of our action at

this very moment. Soon we will be able to announce the extermination of the

Alliance itself, as soon as we have dealt with their main military base. Now that

their main source of munitions, Alderaan, has been eliminated, the rest of those

systems with secessionist inclinations will fall in line quickly enough, you'll see."

Tarkin turned as an Imperial officer entered the chamber. "Yes, what is it,

Cass?"

The unlucky officer wore the expression of the mouse chosen to bell the cat.

"Governor, the advance scouts have reached and circumnavigated Dantooine. They

have found the remains of a rebel base…, which they estimate has been deserted for

some time. Years, possibly. They are proceeding with an extensive survey of the

remainder of the system."

Tarkin turned apoplectic, his face darkening to a fine pomegranate fury. "She

lied! She lied to us!"

No one could see, but it seemed that Vader must have smiled behind his mask.

"Then we are even in the first exchange of 'truths.' I told you she would never

betray the rebellion—unless she thought her confession could somehow destroy us in

the process."

"Terminate her immediately!" The Governor was barely able to form words.

"Calm yourself, Tarkin," Vader advised him. "You would throw away our only

link to the real rebel base so casually? She can still be of value to us."

"Fagh! You just said it yourself, Vader: we'll get nothing more out of her. I'll

find that hidden fortress if I have to destroy every star system in this sector. I'll—"

a quiet yet demanding beep interrupted him. "Yes, what is it?" he inquired

irritably.

A voice reported over an unseen speaker. "Sirs, we've captured a small

freighter that was entering the remains of Alderaan. A standard check indicates that

its markings apparently match that of the ship which blasted its way out of the

quarantine at Mos Eisley, Tatooine system, and went hyper before the Imperial

blockade craft there could close on it."

Tarkin looked puzzled. "Mos Eisley? Tatooine? What is this? What's this

all about, Vader?"

"It means, Tarkin, that the last of our unresolved difficulties is about to be

eliminated. Someone apparently received the missing data tapes, learned who

transcribed them, and was trying to return them to her. We may be able to facilitate

their meeting with the Senator."

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