"You'd better hope you're wrong about that, General." With a snap-hiss loud enough to attract the attention of everyone in the Vapor Room, he activated the glowing green blade that had once belonged to the man whose life he'd ruined.

Kota flinched as though he had been struck and dived under the table. At that moment the Imperials opened fire. Ugnaught squealed and leapt for cover as deflected energy bolts ricocheted around the room. Glasses shattered. Brightly colored liquid went everywhere, the more volatile catching fire and adding to the chaos.

"Stand up, General," the apprentice called over the racket "They may be shooting at me right now, but they came here for you."

Chapter 15