Project Boussh: Going Critical
by Brad Corletti

Brad regarded the Lieutenant evenly. "It was not I who betrayed our
base to the Rebels. It was one of the worthless civilians assigned to
our base. He led his bodyguards into a trap and collaborated with the
Rebels. No doubt he told them of our bases' location. I never left the
base."

"Perhaps," the Lieutenant replied, in his disconcertingly cheerful
manner. "Perhaps not."

"I'm sure that whever your 'informant' told you, will agree on that
point at least!"

Brad knew that he should probably be grovelling before him, but that
wasn't going to get this trooper's respect, and that respect was quite
crucial here.

The wheels in Brad's mind began spinning. This was a self-proclaimed
Special Forces trooper, who claimed to have inside information on his
command, and discretionary authority with anyone he suspected!

Had the commander of the _Admonitor_ gotten wind of his
'unconventional' arrival and send this Intelligence hatchetman to
investigate?

"What my informant has told me is immaterial at the moment."

"What are his specific accusations?"

"If you want to play it that way, Major, I will oblige you. My
informant has told me you were recovered from a B-wing. The B-wing,"
the Lieutenant pointed out necessarily, "is a Rebel craft."

"As you are no doubt aware, I am in Procurement and Logistics,
Lieutenant. Often we wish to procure items that are... difficult to
attain. I was merely carrying out one such a mission."

"And you failed."

"That is partially true. I did at least deny the vessel to the
Rebels."

"I'm sure Procurement will be happy to hear that. However, your
current problem lies with Intelligence. I suggest you offer them some
information on Rebel operations."

"Very well. Most of my information is out-of-date by now, but I do
know one thing that is probably not on the network at this time." I
will not tell them of Dorset.

Josh leaned forward slightly. "Yes?"

Brad watched the Lieutenant's face closely for a reaction. "The Rebel
strike team consisted of blaster-equipped..." He paused for dramatic
effect.

"Ewoks!"