Iron Fist: Star Wars Legends (X-Wing) (Star Wars: Wraith Squadron – Legends Book 2) by Aaron Allston

Author:Aaron Allston [Allston, Aaron]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9780307796509
Publisher: Random House Worlds
Published: 2011-06-28T00:00:00+00:00

16

Wedge listened to Face’s report, asking for clarifications here and there, letting the man—who, despite his skill as an actor, could not quite conceal the fact that he was stricken with guilt over Castin’s death—pour out the entire story of the meeting with Zsinj. It was a report Face had practiced; he’d given it to Janson on the day he’d returned to Hawk-bat Base, and had to repeat it to Wedge now that the rest-and-recreation unit had returned from Coruscant. Yet in spite of the extra practice, Face’s emotions were still raw and on the surface, concealed not at all by his proficiency with acting.

When it was done, Face said, “I take full responsibility for Castin’s death, sir.”

Wedge gave him a look of surprise. “You take full responsibility.”

“Yes, sir.”

“So Castin Donn played no part in his own death. None of the blame falls on him.”

“Well—”

“I knew even better than you of his history of insubordination, of rebellion. And I’m the commanding officer of this unit. Yet I bear no responsibility? It somehow is all yours?”

“Well—”

“Face, what do you think you could have done to prevent his death?”

“I could have ordered the smuggling compartment searched, rather than just looked into.”

“Why would you have, when looking into it showed that he wasn’t there?”

“I could have accounted for his whereabouts before we took off.”

“But you did. You accounted for his whereabouts as they pertained to your mission. He wasn’t with you, so far as you could tell, so the rest of the information about his whereabouts was irrelevant. He was just one step ahead of you, ahead of all of us. Did you know he’d rigged the duty roster so he wouldn’t be on duty until after your return, that he’d set up a dummy and mechanism on his bunk to make it look and sound as though he were there sleeping?”

“Not at the time, sir. Lieutenant Janson told me about that.”

“Castin Donn wasn’t your responsibility. And though his death was very unfortunate, and took place in association with your mission, it’s not your fault. Now, you tell me who is your responsibility.”

“Well, me, sir. And Kell and Dia.”

“What have you done about them?”

“I’ve asked the other Wraiths and support crews, and especially her roommate, Shalla, to keep an eye on Dia. She doesn’t seem suicidal anymore, but she seems … different. Like a shelled animal that’s suddenly had the shell ripped away. Injured and frightened and a lot more vulnerable.”

Wedge nodded. “Your measures seem appropriate. And Kell?”

“I don’t understand. What do I need to watch out for with Kell?”

“He was the one who searched the smuggling compartment. He didn’t detect Castin. How do you suppose he feels?”

Face winced. “About like I do, I suppose.”

“And what are you going to do about it?”

“Talk to him, I suppose. Make him understand that it’s not his fault.”

Wedge waited, not speaking, just watching the young lieutenant, until Face finally looked startled. “Yes, sir,” Face said. “The same way it’s not my fault.”

“Correct. Anything else?”

“Yes, sir. I

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