One — inhale — and the arms bend at the elbows at a right angle.
Two — exhale — and the upper limbs straighten.
— The data, the request for which was made by Lieutenant Tschel, — repetition of "one." — Serial numbers...
Inhale again...
— I've already heard all this from you, Lieutenant Colonel, — even the Grand Admiral's voice did not tremble. — Next.
— They relate to the ships that were damaged in the Battle of Endor, — and again, bending of arms. — The hyperdrive is removed, — and again, bending of arms, — from a Carrack-class light cruiser. Seven such ships were damaged in the battle, sent for repairs, — unbending, — to a base in the Outer Rim. — Bending again, — Three weeks later, the ISB became interested in the reason, — and again the body lowers to the deck, — for which the starships were not commissioned by the designated dates, — smooth rise. — It turned out that the ships were missing from the shipyard. Their hulls were repaired, but not the main hyperdrives, they are not fully restored — like two dozen Tartans that were being repaired at the same base, — if the Grand Admiral hoped to exhaust him with simple physical exercises, then in vain. Despite his "office" position, the lieutenant colonel was in excellent physical shape for his age. — However, the ships were transferred to an "Imperial officer" for transfer to places of service. It was established that this was one of the deserted officers who later joined Warlord Zsinj and became his right hand. Some of the ships — in particular, the Carracks — surfaced later in his fleet and were destroyed. According to some signs, we realized that the equipment on the ships was replaced with identical equipment, but from other types of ships.
— Someone dismembered the Tartans to make the Carracks more combat-capable? — Captain Pellaeon inquired.
— The ISB assumes so, yes, — Astarion said, once again lowering himself to the deck. — Nine years ago, I could not reach... the one who hijacked our ships... but now...
— Enough exercising, Lieutenant Colonel, — the Grand Admiral said.
Astarion briskly returned to a vertical position, straightening his tunic.
— So, you are an ISB operative in the fleet line, — Thrawn said thoughtfully. — Curious why the Ubiqtorate sent you, and not an Imperial Intelligence agent, as we requested. Considering the fact that the ISB and Imperial Intelligence are competing state bodies, often declaring an unspoken war on each other.
"Because the Ubiqtorate is a collection of conceited snobs who care only about staying in their posts as long as possible and lining their pockets," the lieutenant colonel thought, recalling how humiliating it was to negotiate to join the active fleet. He was refused along the ISB line — during the Imperial Civil War, many operatives died, and even the survivors from the fleet ships were recalled, if only to have something to cover the remaining territories. Monitoring order and counteracting enemy intelligence is just as important — if not more important than anything else. I had to jump over my head, go through acquaintances in the Ubiqtorate, arranging a small "business trip" for myself. But anything is better than rotting on Orinda, разбираясь in who among the officials stole how much money on the repair of state starships.
— That's how it happened, sir, — the lieutenant colonel answered clearly.
— I see, — Thrawn said dryly, looking at the commander of his flagship:
— The situation with the Tartans is starting to become clearer, Captain Pellaeon. Now the doubts about the truthfulness of our pirate are maximal. Most likely, he is trading with us precisely with starships stolen in the past.
Astarion wanted to interrupt the fleet officers out of habit, to continue the interrogation, but in time he remembered that in addition to a simple Star Destroyer commander, there is also the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Fleet, the Grand Admiral, here. And you won't ask questions to a... sentient in such a position — there are no people left in the Empire capable of authorizing such actions.
— So, Lieutenant Colonel, — the Grand Admiral looked him straight in the eyes. — Is finding these ships important to you?
— Yes, sir, — Astarion did not hesitate for a second with the answer. — They are Imperial property and should be in its fleet, and not be a subject of trade. If I am ordered, I will use all available resources to find the starship hijacker and bring him to justice, returning to the Empire and to you all the ships that are possible.
— Why such a complicated path? — the Grand Admiral clarified. — The pirate already has certain obligations to me, and therefore — he will either return most of the starships to us, or become an object for the forces of retribution. His guilt has just increased many times over. Why should I expend forces and resources, which are already limited, if there is a high probability that the tracking device, built into the cases with money and some of the credit plates, will lead us to the perpetrators?
Indeed — why? If the goal can be achieved in a simpler way...
Will he understand? It is unlikely, but it is still worth trying.
— It's a matter of honor, sir, — Astarion decided to risk it. — I could not bring the case to an end nine years ago and am obliged to complete it now.
— To whom are you obliged, Lieutenant Colonel? — the Grand Admiral inquired. — The Empire will receive these ships in any case — if they exist. Who and what do you want to prove?
— To myself and the whole galaxy, sir, — the operative answered. — To prove that the Empire is not an empty sound. Even if not the entire galaxy is loyal to us, but the rest must know and understand — we remained the force to be reckoned with.
— That's what it is, — Thrawn said. And said nothing more. His chair turned so that the blue-skinned sentient could observe the outpost, near which three frigate-type starships were drifting.
It seems that the ships, the serial numbers of which Lieutenant Tschel was checking against the Imperial database, belong to those two Tartans that are drifting near the NL-1 outpost structure. Rumors reached the lieutenant colonel, like any other ISB officer, that the Grand Admiral intends to contact the criminal rabble to replenish the fleet with other ships. And it seems that he succeeded. Most likely, these new ships were acquired from the same hijacker who deprived the Empire of a whole division of light starships nine years ago. Hutt take it, what irony — to buy back your own starships...
And at the same time — what a shame.
— Should I order intelligence to track down Yazua Vein? — Pellaeon offered.
— There is no need for this, — the Grand Admiral assured. — Specific conditions have been set for him — let's give him a chance to fulfill the agreements. We have other strategic tasks. Execute the previous order.
— Yes, Admiral, — the Star Destroyer commander reported, turning to the watch officers. — Crew, attention! Prepare for hyperspace jump!
The lieutenant colonel, not knowing where to go — he received information, he received information about the serial numbers of the missing ships' units, he did not receive new orders — continued to stand on the bridge, watching the watch officers skillfully prepare the Star Destroyer for the journey. A few seconds later, the Chimaera rushed forward, and the surrounding blackness of space, diluted with sparks of distant stars, turned into a white and blue haze of merging light lines — the hyperspace jump was completed.
While Captain Pellaeon continued to command subordinates, summarizing the results of the ship's condition after the jump — the sacred duty of the commander of any starship — the lieutenant colonel continued to stand behind the Grand Admiral's chair, admiring the lights of the jump. An interesting fact — Astarion communicated with many of the high-ranking officials and officers of the Galactic Empire. But none of them would have risked turning their back on an Imperial Security Bureau officer. Not because it is impolite or something else. No, the ISB now does not care about violations of various charter clauses. The ISB is fighting for its existence.
For the first time in many years, the Imperial Ruling Council decided to put an end to the hostility between Imperial Intelligence and the ISB. Slowly but surely, they sought to unite them into one structure subordinate to the Ubiqtorate. Both ISB operatives and intelligence agents, experiencing mutual hostility towards each other, resisted. Not so many old, service-hardened krayt dragons who do their job, and not caring about personal gain and ambitions, remained in both structures. Unfortunately, the ISB has much less of such an asset — worthy employees — than intelligence. And therefore, it is not surprising that the Ubiqtorate constantly interfered in the affairs of the ISB, demonstrating its power to them. And complete contempt.
No, in the best years, they did not turn their backs on ISB operatives for completely different reasons. An ISB operative will never miss a chance to stab his enemy in the back. "Strike. In any way possible. Just strike. Strike. Everything done will be for the good of the Empire. Strike — you are not subject to trial."
Such a simple idea was instilled in cadets by instructors in academies. But from year to year, the understanding of this phrase changed its interpretation. If ISB veterans understood that any actions should serve the cause of the Empire — whatever they may be, then young people — operatives with less than ten years of experience — believed that any of their actions are service to the Empire. And there is a big difference between these two theses.
Imperial Intelligence under the leadership of the Isard family knew and understood this difference, and therefore their agents turned out to be better prepared for the collapse of the power system after the Battle of Endor. The ISB, whose role in the last decade before the death of Emperor Palpatine was reduced only to punitive and intimidating operations, lost its influence. When the regime falls, those who served as the punishing sword of the regime are the first to be cut down — the Jedi will not let this thesis be doubted.
And it hurts to look at everything that is happening. Lieutenant Colonel Astarion in the depths of his soul dreamed that one day the ISB would return to its direct duties — the search and destruction of enemies inside the state. And not to political and contract killings and acts of intimidation, as is happening now.
Perhaps Grand Admiral Thrawn, who is characterized as a... sentient with a rational approach to the state of affairs, will contribute to the renewal. And where Imperial Intelligence turned up its nose at the non-human and reluctantly carried out his instructions, the ISB may find its ally. Powerful — if Thrawn achieves victories.
Unfortunately, few people in the ISB already believed in the Grand Admiral's star.
He went to the Unknown Regions many years ago at the head of a small expedition. He returned alone at all. Where is the Star Destroyer on which he left the Galactic Empire? What happened to the crew?
The most common version is that the Grand Admiral's skills are not as great as they are attributed to him. He lost all the forces that the Empire entrusted to him for a cartographic operation in the Unknown Regions. Therefore, he returned alone — saving his own skin. The flight of his flagship from four old rebel frigates in the Obroa-skai system — only confirmed the opinion of the majority: Thrawn cannot change anything. At best — he will not allow losing what already exists.
Therefore, Imperial space is so poor in talents — everyone who somehow represents a professional in their field — has long served either in the Five Star Concordance, or died. A smaller part — deserted and joined the New Republic.
But Astarion believed.
He believed that it was not for nothing that a non-human became one of the Grand Admirals. He believed that everything that was happening — even the shameful flight — was part of a grand plan that would bring victory and the Empire would again ascend to the pedestal, and its flags would wave over the magistracies of most sectors of the galaxy...
— How long have you been doing your job, Lieutenant Colonel? — the Grand Admiral suddenly inquired.
Astarion was surprised. Who cares about work experience at all?
— Twenty-four years, sir, — he said. — Twenty of them — along the fleet line.
— Solid, — the Grand Admiral appreciated. — What drives you?
— Metabolism, sir, — if you don't know what to answer — answer formally. If you don't understand the question — translate "shoot the breeze" to human physiology or something similar, simple, supposedly understood the question literally. This is also taught at the academy. As is pretending to be an idiot when it is necessary to buy time to find a suitable answer and analyze information.
A chuckle was heard from behind the Grand Admiral's chair. It seems this... sentient found something funny in his words.
— Witty, Lieutenant Colonel, — the chair with the Supreme Commander of the Empire sitting in it turned so that Astarion could see the Grand Admiral's barely noticeably smiling face. — I think we will work together.
— Of course, sir, — the Imperial Security Bureau officer answered in a regulation manner. How else could he answer to a senior in rank and position.
The Grand Admiral rose from his chair, continuing to hold the stinky lizard in his hands.
— Come, Lieutenant Colonel, — he ordered. — We have a lot to talk about.
***
Mara watched the Star Destroyer disappear into the depths of hyperspace, after which she turned around, moving away from the helm.
She carefully looked at the man who silently stared into the interstellar distance. Deep thoughtfulness was rare for "Karrde".
— The Imperials are gone, — she said. — We can return to the planet and pick up the cargo and our property left there.
After the second minute of silence, it began to seem to her that Karrde did not hear her at all. He did not even stir, continuing to look into the distance. His face remained focused, calm. As if they had not been hiding in the crater of Myrkr's only moon all the time while Imperial shuttles scurried between the surface and the Star Destroyer.
— We will not return to Myrkr anymore, — he finally said. — Plot a course for the backup base.
— Boss, — Aves said, sitting in the co-pilot's seat of the freighter. — We are leaving goods worth a couple of million...
— Nothing irreparable, — Karrde said with a sigh. — Better this than leading the Imperials directly to our warehouses.
— I'm sure the Grand Admiral has something to do, — Jade stated. — Chasing smugglers on Star Destroyers...
— Yeah, right, — Aves chuckled. — Not the best of days have come for the Empire to scatter its forces like this.
— The Empire only pursues profit, — Karrde stated, looking at Mara, from which the girl felt awkward. It seems "Karrde" continues to probe and suspect her. — We are not as interesting to them as they would like.
— Good thing, boss, that you didn't tell that blue-skinned guy about the projector cargo...
The smuggler shut up as soon as Karrde looked at him with a suddenly hardened gaze.
— So, — intuition, honed by years of working for the Emperor, cried out again at the top of its voice. — I don't know something?
— You know everything, — Karrde answered calmly.
— Everything I'm supposed to know, — Mara provocatively clarified. "Claw" rewarded her with a long, attentive look, after which he barely noticeably nodded. Mara looked at Aves. He smiled guiltily and hurried to bury himself in the instruments, which suddenly became so attractive...
— Talk? — Mara rose from her seat, looking "Claw" straight in the eyes. He again barely noticeably nodded, but at the same time — looked at Aves, after which he was the first to move to the exit. Jade cast a quick glance at the smuggler's assistant, but he, making a guilty-cheerful grimace on his face, hurried to return to the instruments.
After she crossed the threshold of the cabin, she slammed the hatch shut behind her with force, so that Aves would not even think of eavesdropping. Pressing her back against the metal, she folded her arms across her chest, beginning to drill Karrde with a pair of her emerald eyes.
— I don't like being taken for a fool, Karrde, — she said. — What's going on?
— We are fleeing Myrkr, — he simply answered. But he averted his eyes to the side. So, he is not comfortable looking her in the eyes. Therefore — he feels guilty. Or — acts to her detriment. Simple logic, based on knowledge of human psychology.
— That's not the point, — Mara said a little harsher. — You are hiding something from me.
— As from anyone in the organization, — Talon noted. — What smuggler is without a couple of skeletons in the closet?
— Such skeletons that Aves knows about, but you think that your right hand, that is, me, should not know these secrets? — Mara clarified, catching herself thinking that she is interrogating again. Not a dialogue, not asking questions, but interrogating Karrde. Just like she interrogated arrogant Imperial governors. In a past life...
— Men have such secrets that they can entrust only to other men, but in no way to beautiful ladies, — Karrde smiled. But he immediately deflated, realizing that flirting once again did not work on her.
— Is it about that conversation with Thrawn? — she clarified, approaching from afar. — About your help to the R... New Republic in resolving issues with the transfer of the Star Destroyer Whelm to Booster Terrik?
— An interesting slip of the tongue, — Karrde smirked. — Only Imperials call former rebels rebels.
— Do you see an Imperial uniform on me? — Mara felt her heart begin to beat faster.
— There are also former Imperials, — "Karrde" noted. This time he looked at her. So now he has nothing more to try to avert his gaze — he voiced what he feared. He suspects her of connections with the Empire. The Hutt's Grand Admiral stirred up Karrde's dormant curiosity in Talon.
— There are also dead Imperials, — she said as indifferently as possible. — Shall we continue to list the aggregate states of Imperials?
— Only those who are known to Imperial Grand Admirals, — judging by the tone, Karrde switched to attack.
— You also fall into this category, — she said. — He flew directly to your personal base, which you considered your home.
— Flew in, perfectly knowing that I plan to make you my right hand. — Talon continued to lay out his trumps.
— And talked about the fact that you are not as frank as you want to seem, — Mara did not remain in debt. — The way you shut up Aves only confirms Thrawn's words.
— Since when do you know the names of secret Imperial Grand Admirals? — Mara felt her throat constrict. No, Darth Vader is definitely dead. This is not him. This is her own physiology. It happened when she was on the verge of failure. But here she will not be caught lying.
— Since the very moment when you call him by name when talking to the commander of an Imperial Star Destroyer, — she recalled the exact order of pronunciation of names on that ill-fated day. — Don't you want to say why you are known by name? It seems to me there is a certain connection. You help the New Republic solve problems with Imperial Star Destroyers, after that a whole Grand Admiral flies to visit you for lizards, the properties of which are also known to you — and, most likely, only you, knows about your actions to promote me within your organization. And after his visit, you are so easily going to leave your base, all the goods on it, for which, by the way, there are good and solvent buyers, and immediately declare that the Empire is only interested in profit. I'm not talking about the fact that we hid on this moon for several weeks before you waited for the arrival of another Star Destroyer, its loading, and now you want to fly away.
— The best defense is offense, — Karrde flashed erudition. — Isn't it, Mara?
— I'm not defending myself, — she lied. — I'm trying to understand why in the same month I am trusted, I am promoted, and after promotion — I am no longer trusted. In an organization whose head at every step declares trust in his subordinates.
— How much is said about trust, — "Karrde" smirked. — Mara, you yourself repeated everything. Too many coincidences. On Tyferra, I helped the New Republic in resolving complex material problems with Imperial property not for the first and not for the last time. But the appearance of the Grand Admiral on the same day when I intended to make you my right hand, and even mentioning it...
— Who else knew that you intended to promote me? — the girl asked.
— Only me, — he noted. — This was not and is not even in my personal records. So, I had a question — how did Thrawn find out about this. And why — did everything happen right now? He has been in power in Imperial Space for practically a standard year, and only now did he show up on Myrkr. And he needs ysalamiri. Why? What were all these conversations about ships, trust, working for the Empire, helping the New Republic for?
— Maybe it was worth asking him more thoroughly? — Jade did not show it, but noted in what order "Karrde" lists the key moments of communication with Thrawn. But the Grand Admiral called them in a completely different order. Talon pronounced them from memory. In descending order of importance. And he put... ships in the first place. What exactly about ships can Karrde know that he is so worried about? Some kind of secret? But, what kind? It is clear that Thrawn knew about this and stirred up "Karrde's" composure. And the fact, the hint was about warships — even if the Empire is now looking for starships to replenish its fleet, it is unlikely that the Chiss is so desperate that he would like to buy a couple of his modernized freighters from "Karrde". So, Karrde's secret is connected with warships.
Trust within the organization, huh? Sure, sure.
— It is unlikely that he would have wanted to answer, — the man said. — Judging by everything, Thrawn just "hit the area" hoping to get a reaction. Or hoped to set us at loggerheads, catching someone in imaginary dishonesty.
"Not to say that he did not succeed," Mara thought. Karrde begins to wriggle out, to change the subject of conversation. So — he definitely has something to hide. And he guesses that Mara understood this.
— You don't trust me, — she began to provoke again. — Otherwise, you would have said that you have a cargo of projectors... I doubt that these are projectors for holovision sets. Offhand — deflector shield projectors?
— No, — the man answered.
— Well, then stop me when I guess, — Mara offered. — Tractor beam projectors?
— Spot on, — the list of assumptions turned out to be short. — The New Republic for the time that has passed since the conclusion of the deal on Tyferra could not, even on credit, acquire even half of what I had left after the disarmament of the Star Destroyer Malice. Since the New Republic could not afford to purchase all this from Terrik, I bought from him everything that could not remain on the Star Destroyer for ten million. In order to profitably sell it to the New Republic. After so much time, the cargo is still at my base.
— I hope not on Myrkr? — Mara smirked.
— No, — Talon assured her. However, he did not even try to smile, which spoke of his seriousness. He did not even try to pretend that he trusts her again.
— And is that all I will hear after I found beacons on your starships? — Jade inquired bitterly. As she had expected, Grand Admiral Thrawn is not able to resist the temptation to follow the smugglers whom he so virtuously tries to lead by the nose. A thorough search of the spaceships of "Karrde's" small fleet, including his own flagship, the Wild Karrde, indicated that the Imperials had installed beacons capable of tracking objects even in hyperspace. After that, Karrde ordered to abandon absolutely everything at the base — goods, equipment, even personal belongings. Computers were cleaned and mechanically destroyed — no one wanted to test on themselves the sophistication of the Grand Admiral in matters of surveillance. And the fact that Thrawn for some reason became interested in the "Karrde" crew was clear to everyone. But, judging by everything, only Mara and Talon himself knew that the reason is actually weighty. And only one of them understood — exactly how much. The second could only guess.
— I have not yet decided whether I can trust you after everything that has happened, — finally, he said it. Mara felt it become easier to breathe. As if someone released her lungs, and for the first time in a long time she could take a full breath. — But I am grateful to you for your help in detecting the "bugs." And for the plan to leave them on Myrkr to throw the Imperials off the trail. But... you are a smart woman and should understand that all these games the Grand Admiral started only when you began to play a significant role in my organization. You don't even need to try to understand you further or look into your past to understand — you were somehow connected with the Empire. Incredibly highly connected. Thrawn flew to Myrkr because of you. Perhaps, he wanted to переманить or something else.
— But still, I am with you, — she noted, feeling how the threads that had just begun to strengthen, that connected her with the "Karrde" organization, began to break. One after another.
— Which can be interpreted as an attempt to secure loyalty, — Talon calmly said, as if reading her a sentence. It became dreary, even painful.
Familiar sensation. She felt the same way when she finally realized that the past was over. The lost — cannot be returned. But last time, when the Emperor died, she renounced her past life and thought it was forever. After all, who needs a former Hand of the Emperor when every first warlord is not worth even a little finger of the deceased ruler? No, nobody. It was more important for them to divide what Palpatine had created.
And she, naive, thought that she would still be sheltered in this small company, almost a family, which was run by "Karrde". It did not work out.
Oddly enough, she was not even angry at Thrawn, because of whom it all started. He just saw an opportunity and took advantage of it. If Karrde trusted Jade, really trusted, as he claimed, then he would not have succumbed so easily to provocations.
Or is it something else? What if Karrde is simply trying to get rid of her, as from a witness and living proof of his duplicity in relation to the so highly extolled "neutrality"?
This can be checked. And very simply.
— You wanted to know my past, — she had hundreds of legends, for all occasions. She could sacrifice any of them for the sake of keeping a place where she would be welcome. — I... am ready to tell...
— No need, — Karrde shook his head. — You had plenty of time to do this. Now it doesn't matter anymore. Your reaction to Thrawn's appearance — told me everything. Even Aves, and he is not deprived of strength, cannot tear off the armrests from a chair carved from solid wood. And you — could. I am grateful for many things, Mara, for everything you have done for us...
He decided everything. And — by no means now. It is possible that he was waiting here all this time, "hiding," but not at all in order to understand — whether the Imperials will fly for their beacons or not, as he told the crew. He was thinking whether it was worth getting rid of her. Would she become a burden for his organization. Is she not the very target that will allow Thrawn to strike at the brainchild of "Karrde" himself.
And he made a decision. Not in her favor.
Suddenly, Mara realized one simple truth.
She was truly needed only by the Emperor. Only he cared for her, taught her, gave her a purpose in life. For Karrde, and for Thrawn, she was and is just a resource. But the Grand Admiral at least did not hide this from those around him. He spoke clearly and to the point. And in this his frankness was something akin to the Emperor's attitude towards Jade.
There was no trust for Karrde. For anyone. He has only a favorite business, a vaunted reputation for which he is fighting, and credits. Nothing that could at least somehow confirm his frankness.
She just took wishful thinking for reality.
— ... You have done a lot for us, Mara, — "Karrde" continued just as quietly. — I am ready to deliver you to any planet in the galaxy. The payment will correspond to your merits — in any currency you name. But...
— I understand, — she stated. — Further, our paths diverge.
— I'm very sorry, — that fake warmth and concern that captivated her in the past appeared in his voice. — But you must understand — I cannot risk my business and my people. Even if I'm wrong.
Yes, of course, you can't. After all, you even put "business" first. And only then — your subordinates and associates.
— No need for a touching farewell, Karrde, — she smiled through force. — I'm a grown girl, I'll survive. Business — above all.
— I knew you would understand, — he did not even realize that he had just signed for his hypocrisy. Maybe, of course, anger, rage, disappointment are now speaking in her, and she does not think soberly, however... Maybe he did realize that she had seen through him and decided that there was no longer any point in pretending.
— I'm a perceptive girl, — she reminded. — Well, I don't think you have time to roam the galaxy with a potential spy on board. If possible — drop me off on Myrkr. No money needed. You won't mind if I settle at your base and take the remaining junk for myself?
— Of course, — "Karrde" agreed. — But, I think you are due more than what is left there...
— Let's write it off to the difference in exchange rates, — she could not help herself. The poison of sarcasm continued to pour out of her as much as possible. — And yes, no need to descend to the planet for me. I will use an escape pod. If you don't mind, I'll go pack my things. If you want, you can watch, so that there is no doubt that I took something extra or vice versa, left something behind.
— No need, — "Karrde" stunned her. — While we were talking, the guys have already done everything.
— Efficiently, — Mara praised.
— You don't have that many things anyway, — Talon stated, stepping aside and offering her to go further away from the cabin of the Wild Karrde. — We took the datapads and chips, you understand — there is information there that relates only to my organization. Mara, I am really, very sorry...
"Who cares," she thought coldly. She survived Palpatine's death, and she will survive this.
— Me too, — she agreed, following to the escape pod bay.
"Karrde", like a beaten Tusken Bantha, walked heavily behind her, as if seeing her off not only from the ship, but also from his life.
All members of the Wild Karrde crew, without exception, watched as she got into the escape pod. Someone — with indifference, someone with bewilderment, someone — with frank misunderstanding. There was only no malice and triumph on their faces. And that's good.
And there is nothing to condemn her for. She did not betray anyone by joining their organization.
No one but herself and her essence.
A few minutes later, when the Wild Karrde reached orbit above the base on Myrkr, Mara fired the escape pod and it carried her down.
To the green jungles of the planet. To a tiny clearing with several modules and warehouses around the perimeter.
To the future.
***
— How well versed are you in the internal affairs of the fleet, Lieutenant Colonel? — I inquired, sitting down at the work console in my apartments.
— I do not understand the question, sir, — he did not deny it. Sincerity on the part of an Imperial Security Bureau operative is worth a lot.
— Your area of work is the fleet, — I recalled his own words. — How deep is your knowledge of the vital functions of the services that ensure the functionality of Imperial starships? Its history, for example?
— No more than a hobby, — he stated. — I concentrate on the current activities of my work, analyzing the prerequisites and the result to which they led.
Not quite what I wanted to hear from him, but better than nothing.
— Well, perhaps you can clarify for me that piece of information that was received from the sentient who provided us with two Tartan-class starships, — I suggested, addressing the computer and displaying the relevant information on the screen of the computer, and from there — to the holoprojector.
— This is — a list of Executor-class Star Destroyers built by the Empire in previous years, — I explained, pointing to the holograms of thirteen wedge-shaped starships. — The fate of each of them is clear to one degree or another. However, I learned that before the start of my campaign, several months ago, a group of Imperial military personnel fled from Anaxes. They took with them a Super Star Destroyer, as well as many secret developments, including large fleet stocks, not to mention significant tactical formations of ships. Are you aware of this fact?
— Yes, sir, — the ISB operative confirmed.
— Perhaps you would be kind enough to name the reason why there is no mention of this fact in the reports in the IBS, Ubiqtorate, or Imperial Intelligence archives, — I said, not taking my eyes off the lieutenant colonel. — Only a short mention that the Imperial fleet forces were destroyed in the sectors of the Core Worlds.
— Yes, sir, — the lieutenant colonel nodded. — Data on this fact is classified by order of the Imperial Ruling Council.
— For what reason? — I asked.
The lieutenant colonel did not answer immediately. As if pondering whether he has the right to disclose secret information to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
— Betrayal occurred and the entire fleet of the "Azure Spear" sector army deserted, — he finally decided on candor.
— I want to hear all the details, — the logic of this demand is simple: if some fact is decided to be "hushed up", to erase it from official reports, then the situation is awfully bad. Someone is trying to hide certain facts.
— After the rebels captured the Imperial Center, our presence in the Core Worlds and Sector One, — this is how military documents denoted Coruscant and the entire sector in which the capital planet was located, — our presence in this region remained strong, — the lieutenant colonel explained. — After Grand Admiral Osvald Teshik was killed, command of the "Azure Hammer" sector army passed to Admiral Feyet Kiez, holding the flag on the Executor-class Super Star Destroyer called Tide.
— I have not encountered information about this ship in the list of those built by Kuat or Fondor, — I noted.
— After our defeat in the Yavin system nine years ago, by special order of the Emperor, measures were taken to hide information for a number of army and fleet units, — the lieutenant colonel explained. — Any mention of the number of units, their composition, the identities of commanders and servicemen performing their duty to the Empire in those places, were purged from all possible archives. Which should only strengthen the counteraction to rebel spies. After the Emperor's death at Endor, the Director of Imperial Intelligence, Isanne Isard, ordered a re-purge. Partially, her order was fulfilled — in those sectors that somehow depended on Coruscant, or Madam Director herself had influence on their leadership. "Azure Hammer", based on Anaxes, fell under similar directives, but was not in direct subordination to Isard. Actually, therefore, you will not find mentions of either Tide, or more than half a hundred starships — from Star Destroyers and battlecruisers to a number of Super Star Destroyers, which were under the command of Admiral Feyet Kiez. Last year, the admiral and all combat-ready ships under his command disappeared without a trace, actually leaving Anaxes and the entire Sector One without forces to resist. The commandant of Anaxes, Admiral Osted Vermis, capitulated to the rebels, actually presenting them with the base and all warehouses as a "gift" to ensure his loyalty. This step allowed the rebels to strengthen their power in the Core Worlds and boast of the situation, stating that the Empire had weakened so much that even experienced commanders defect to their service without a fight. The Imperial Ruling Council ordered counter-propaganda to reduce the degree of demoralization of the armed forces' spirit. It was announced that the rebels destroyed Admiral Kiez's entire fleet and stormed Anaxes. This happened last year, some time before your appearance in Imperial Space and taking command of the fleet. Already this year, a few months ago, it became known that some commanders of ships or formations in the Imperial Remnant also deserted, disappearing without a trace.
— Judging by everything, the counter-propaganda did not work very well if every regular pirate knows that Kiez and his fleet fled, and were not destroyed, — I noted.
— The idea of the action was good, but the executors did not coordinate their actions. Both the ISB and Imperial Intelligence worked simultaneously. As a result of which, contradictory information appeared about the timing of what happened. This inconsistency led to the fact that the truth, in general, surfaced, — Astarion explained.
— And since then, there has been no news from Admiral Kiez and his starships? — I clarified.
— None, sir, — the lieutenant colonel confirmed.
— About the last deserters?
— Just as deaf, sir. I assume that they went to Warlords Teradoc, Harrsk, Delvardus and Moff Foga Brill, who settled in the Deep Core.
Bad. Very bad.
Surely they all serve the Reborn Emperor. And therefore, his fleet has become even larger. One Executor-class Super Star Destroyer alone is equivalent in firepower to a whole fleet...
Not to mention that now at least there is an understanding about the erasure of information. I can swear that I remember — among the current members of the Imperial Ruling Council there are henchmen of Palpatine's clone who will switch to his service, if they have not already done so. Palpatine's agents, as I thought, ensured the secrecy of the existence of his armada.
And, considering that Isanne Isard, according to rumors, was Palpatine's mistress and performed certain "body movements" in the events known to me only because of appeasing the Emperor's clone, to whom she hoped to attach herself, returning control over Lusankya, the reason for her participation in all this becomes clear.
So, there is at least one more Executor. And it is in the hands of those whom I don't even want to approach within cannon shot. Or more than one?
— Lieutenant Colonel, — I addressed the man. — Do you or anyone else have information about how many ships were at Admiral Kiez's disposal and what types?
— Unfortunately — no, sir, — the ISB operative upset me. — The investigation of this fact turned out to be difficult. All that has been possible to find out at the moment is that all research projects and experimental prototypes that were on Anaxes were stolen by the defectors. And also — the strategic reserve of stygium that was in the planet's storages.
— I thought that all the stygium in the galaxy was destroyed, as it went to the construction of the Super Star Destroyer Terror, — I state, although I understand that this is not so. After all, someone from the warlords in the Deep Core was building his own Executor with stealth technologies.
— Most of the Imperial armed forces thought so, — Astarion confirmed. — It turned out somewhat differently.
Not good.
— Well, thank you for your candor, Lieutenant Colonel, — I said. — You indicated that there were several missing defectors. Are the names of the rest known?
— Authentically, sir, — Astarion answered affirmatively. — One of them, for example, was Admiral Inos Fanada, responsible for the Vata sector. He had at his disposal a whole fleet of Star Destroyers in the completion stage of repair or construction — they disappeared along with the second-class shipyards. Their location is also unknown.
Second-class, or type, orbital shipyards are huge metal grids capable of accepting starships of the Star Destroyer class for repair in their sections. But, unlike first-class shipyards, they could not only repair damage, but also build ships. And — very quickly, if there are suitable and qualified personnel, a source of supply, and money for this.
I am sure that the Reborn Emperor has no problems with any of the conditions. He would not have locked himself up on a secret planet if there were not enough resources, and technical specialists of the appropriate categories, and money. In the end, were the monstrous World Devastators built somewhere, which will still let the New Republic know where the Jedi spend the winter?
— This was a meaningful conversation, — I said. Colonel Astarion continued to stand at attention before me. Extinguishing the hologram above his head, I pondered for a few seconds whether it is worth cooperating with this sentient in the future.
On the one hand — he is clearly trying to gain sympathy, using the opportunity to show erudition and official zeal. However, one should not forget that he is an ISB officer. And you cannot trust these people. Moreover — it is bad for your health. Despite the fact that he has concepts of honor, both personal and of the honor of the Empire, this old-school rancor can both help and harm.
It is necessary to test his loyalty, using him to the maximum to achieve short-term goals. And therefore, for a start, he needs to be removed from sight from the ship in order to minimize his influence on the crew.
— I will have a task for you, Lieutenant Colonel, — finally, I decided.
— Yes, sir, — he answered in a regulation manner.
— At the moment, the Empire needs to conduct a series of military operations aimed at the effectiveness of the first part of my plan, — the details of which the ISB officer does not need to know at all. — Tell me, are you well versed in the history of the Old Republic's confrontation with the Confederacy of Independent Systems?
— Superficially, sir, — and again — demonstrative candor. — It fell on the period of my youth, much has already been forgotten.
— In that case, I will refresh your memory, — oh, how long I tried to remember at least some names and titles associated with this episode of the Clone Wars animated series. — About twenty-nine years ago, a Republican, and how events would have unfolded further — it is impossible to foresee.
— Seems like I recall something like that, — Astarion said, frowning. — Yes, that's right. The Star Destroyer was called "Renown". It was loaded with explosive cargo. Rydonium, if memory serves. This episode was analyzed during my academy training. During the fight against Warlord Zsinj, the New Republic used similar tactics to damage his Star Dreadnought, the Iron Fist.
— That's correct, — I agreed, inwardly rejoicing that the lieutenant colonel himself remembered the name of the substance. Because I hadn't managed to. — Are you familiar with what rhydonium is?
— An explosive, sir? — the ISB operative guessed.
— And that is its quality that is also of interest, — I stated. — But first and foremost — it's a fuel. Quite explosive, as you've noticed. That's why few people use it — both in the past and now. But it is extremely effective. With small volumes, it allows the engines to operate for a long time. I need this fuel. Find information on where rhydonium was mined during the Clone Wars. I'm placing the Victory-class Star Destroyer, the Steel Aurora, at your disposal. Captain Calian and his crew will provide you with all necessary assistance.
— Thank you for your trust, sir, — the ISB operative even clicked his heels.
— In a certain sense, we're pressed for time, lieutenant colonel, — I said. — I need rhydonium in the shortest possible time and in the maximum possible quantity. Its presence will ensure a positive outcome for the planned operation. Its absence will be an irreparable loss. I hope it's clear how much hope is placed on you?
— Yes, sir, — Astarion said clearly, but without unnecessary pathos. — I will fulfill my duty.
— I have no doubt about that, — I nodded. — Proceed immediately. As soon as we arrive at the operational base, I need preliminary results.
— Yes, sir.
— Go ahead, — I permitted.
The "security officer" turned sharply over his left shoulder and left my quarters in an almost parade march.
After sitting in silence and solitude for some time, I pondered how interesting the vagaries of fate are.
To throw me into the body of a genius (against the backdrop of the rest of the mediocrities) strategist, but without his knowledge. To put me before a choice — to ensure that the New Republic is "reinvigorated" by Thrawn's campaign and, by the time the Reborn Emperor appears, it is in a more combat-ready state, or to steamroll it using hindsight. To bring it to its knees or to play give-away — that is the question.
Losing is not difficult — it's enough to do nothing.
Winning is also not very burdensome — in "The Thrawn Trilogy" by Timothy Zahn, there is almost a clear guide written on the topic "How to bring the New Republic to a kneeling-elbow position." And considering the knowledge that the Grand Admiral did not have, it is easy to avoid his mistakes or at least reduce them to a "draw."
And all only because I have neither the strength nor the faith that anyone but the New Republic will be able to stop Palpatine. Faith in the "plot armor" of the Skywalkers. Who should not be touched yet.
However... Hmm...
To win now, but lose with the start of the campaign of the Reborn Emperor Palpatine, or to lose now so that the New Republic can win and the madman does not rule the galaxy... How often I ask myself these questions. And I do not find a definite answer.
On the one hand — why should I sacrifice decent "starting conditions" of Thrawn's campaign in order for the New Republic to be able to defeat Palpatine? In order to prevent this strange "uncle" from doing evil and genocides.
And on the other hand — what will it matter to me if I am dead? And death is the only thing that will not allow Palpatine to reach me and gut my knowledge like the entrails in a killed rabbit. No, I cannot let Palpatine take me alive. I know too much — even if it is at the level of bits of memories, like the same rhydonium.
No, you cannot let one strengthen, and the other collapse. In order to prevent everything from going completely wrong.
But, why do I care about what happens to the galaxy if Palpatine wins? Firstly, because the madman will commit genocide — as he did in the events I know. He is no longer restrained by anything, because he possesses an overwhelming amount of weapons. Secondly, because I am not a supporter of mass bloodshed if it can be avoided. Analysts do not recruit those who base their activities on an indifferent attitude to losses on their side and victims among the civilian population. As far as I remember, Thrawn was also against this concept — he knew how and managed with little bloodshed. If I go over heads, it will alienate my inner circle and subordinates.
However, why don't I use all my knowledge to the fullest right now so that, if I die, at least with music. At the same time, I will give the New Republic a good shaking. Or maybe Imperial Remnants...
But why bother, if the fate is unenviable? After all, there are only two options — to die or to surrender for voluntary vivisection...
Or not?!
I leaned forward, opening a file on the computer. How likely is it that there is a possibility to walk on the edge of a knife, so virtuously that you don't cut off everything you can?
Extremely small, in essence, because it will require a lot of resources so that even a gnat can't get through. But after all, only those who try nothing fail, right? It's not for nothing that I thought about rhydonium! While I was reflecting, my brain was throwing up pieces of puzzles in order to combine them into one picture.
To combine now.
It took a considerable amount of time to transfer memories and thoughts from my head to "paper". There is a semblance of a global plan. That's already good.
The only bad thing is that the scale of the campaign — both the main and the superficial — does not allow me to take personal part in them. Therefore, I will have to shift part of the operations, and a significant one, onto the shoulders of my subordinates. Who cannot be trusted with the full picture of the plan. And even more so, it is impossible to report that Palpatine is being reborn in the Deep Core.
I will have to use them "in the dark", carefully masking the true state of affairs and the "double bottom" of the tasks set before them. This will be... very difficult. I'll have to think through every step. Defeat means death. And I want to live, I love life and this feeling is mutual.
So, I'll have to wriggle out.
All that remains is to do everything perfectly so that everything turns out as it should. And then... Is victory guaranteed? Maybe — but I still have to try. But, if I do everything as I should, as planned...
Everything should work out.
The main thing is to arrange all the necessary figures on the chessboard at the right time and in the right places. When the plan begins to come to life...
It will be artistic.
***
It didn't take her long to unload her belongings from the escape pod. Just one small bag.
And it's not a long walk to the nearest living module either. Over time, she learned a lot, including piloting. Including escape pods. Therefore, her landing took place on the borders of the old camp.
Despite the time that had passed since the base was abandoned, there was not even a hint that someone had been here: neither animals nor people. Everything is the same as they left it — locked warehouses, locked living modules, and a camouflage net that was not properly stretched...
Jade carefully examined the front door to one of the warehouse modules. No signs of forced entry. Excellent. There aren't even any hints of surprises, like a mine or "tripwire". Also good.
Whatever the Imperials came to the planet for again, they were not at the base.
Opening the door with a code known to her, the girl instantly stepped aside to avoid a surprise like a rapid-firing automatic blaster, which they could have put here for the simple desire to make trouble.
Silence. It seems that there really wasn't anyone here.
The girl entered the module, throwing her bag on a shelf of one of the racks. She looked around. Containers, containers, containers... Various markings, but she was least concerned with the contents.
It took several hours before a fragile-looking redhead woman was able to move the large rectangular boxes so as to separate the far part of the module from the entrance. If necessary, such a barricade will delay the attackers for some time. The girl used a tool to open a box with the inscription "Camping Equipment". She pulled out the contents.
She spent a few more minutes setting up a sleeping place, heating — it gets cold here at night. She unpacked several dry rations, deciding on a menu for dinner. And only after that did she move on to the door separating the warehouse with a semicircular roof into two halves.
In the second part there were also containers, and it took time to arrange them properly — to make it difficult to move from the side of the second front door on the opposite side of the module. If someone wants to attack her, taking her in "pincers", they will have to work hard.
And only after she had set up a lair according to all the canons of operational work and taken care of its safety, she left the module, taking with her a blaster and a light snack.
She activated the installations that repel insects and other living creatures. She supplied power to the base's stationary generator, providing herself with constant energy. She tinkered in the living modules to create the impression that someone was inside. Scanners, of course, will not deceive this, but for reliable reconnaissance it will be necessary to cross the perimeter of the base — and she will be notified about this in advance.
It's stupid to use the residential module for its intended purpose. Any reasonable person who wants to attack an abandoned base will first go here. That is why she settled in the warehouse — they will be robbed or seized last, after they have dealt with the supposed contingent of the base. This means that, if necessary, she will have time to react and escape.
A little later, she will check if there are rocket boats left in the woods at the disguised parking lots — her way to a supposed retreat. In the meantime, she will place several wireless holocams and set up broadcasts from them to one of the found decks. This way she can observe everything on the territory and near the perimeter of the base, without even leaving the warehouse.
It was getting dark. It's time to go back to her burrow.
But first, Mara wandered around the base, collecting all the found beacons — devices that looked like metal roundels. She needed a deck, a comlink, and a portable power source. After collecting all this in her lair, the girl rolled a small barrel of water there, which, with economical use, would last for several weeks. And only after all this did she begin to work in complete silence, after locking the doors.
Karrde used her and threw her away like an unnecessary thing. It's hard to blame him for that — especially in their crazy world. She held no grudges and was not going to take revenge.
She disassembled absolutely all the beacons. It took a small length of wiring to correctly connect the spy devices into a network, and she connected a power source.
Whoever is watching Mirkr now, and they should definitely be watching it - Thrawn is not one of those who lets everything go by itself - now he noticed the cessation of work of several beacons at once. But at the same time, one of them returned to its task after some time. And at the same time, the content of its coded message changed.
Along with the set of coordinates reporting the location of the beacon, a new, previously not provided for by the manufacturer, set of words is now being transmitted, which at first glance have nothing in common. But at the same time — an established sequence that any Imperial on-board computer will easily decrypt. And immediately after that, a ship will arrive. Most likely, it will be the same Chimaera — it is unlikely that the grand admiral will be foolish enough to tell anyone her secret. The Hand of the Emperor is not the kind of asset that will walk in a line and engage in parade drills. They don't tell every first subordinate about this.
Is she right in trying to return to the Empire again? After all, it is no longer the state she served under Palpatine. For all his merits and demerits, Thrawn is not the Emperor at all. Not even close.
Chiss is a military leader, a commander, but not a politician. He did not and does not have the charm, charisma and ability to virtuously fight in the political arena. That's why Palpatine sent him to the Unknown Regions — to protect him from political games at court, which could have cost Thrawn not only his career, but also his life.
However, his words about the restoration of the Empire, more just and efficient than Palpatine's state, sank into the girl's soul.
She has nothing more to lose.
Everything that could have been lost has been lost. But she was no longer going to lead a miserable existence. Looking for herself further in the business of smugglers is also a no go. Karrde not only kicked her out of his organization, but soon his suspicions will become public knowledge throughout the smuggler community. She is now forbidden from this world.
Mara once again went through her memory and analyzed the conversation with Karrde. This time, she latched onto Karrde's revelations that he had Imperial property left in his storerooms.
Valuable information. If it's not a trap.
She remembered the nod of her head addressed to Aves. Karrde's saying that her things were collected during their conversation. That is, he knew in advance that he would say goodbye to her, but told her about what could cause Thrawn to continue hunting him... Or he left a false tip at the end, which would lead Thrawn to the side, forcing him to look for property, and not unknown warships, the existence of which Karrde continued to hide?
However, you shouldn't clutter your head with these questions now. There is plenty of time ahead of her to think about what exactly of what the "Claw" said is true and what is not.
After placing her communication craft aside from the sleeping place, the girl checked the signal traps that she had placed around the perimeter, once again made sure that the surveillance systems were working as needed, and only after that did she fall into a light sleep.