Well, it's useful to know that the Order keeps its finger on the pulse. Tal can, by the way, inform the council that I've shown up here. Although, why can she? She'll report that she stumbled upon me, even though I asked her not to. Although what difference will that make? The Order might issue me orders on what I should do here. Sometimes, it's useful to have a defined goal... Although not in this situation. It's quite possible – I've driven myself into certain limitations. Or maybe I haven't. In any case, my plans haven't changed, I must find Nira Aldair, a Zeltron and one of Gavenn Hornli's commanders. If Gavenn himself was off-world and the specific coordinates of his location were unknown, then Nira was definitely here.
It was with her that I intended to get acquainted, by infiltrating her residence, or rather, her base. They are currently having difficulties with "Black Sun," though, so security might be reinforced. But nothing that I couldn't overcome. I could have approached her openly, but... It could have taken too long, in theory, to make a decision about my access to her. And this way, I can immediately see the Zeltron and have a nice chat with her about her boss-Gavenn and ask about Alexi Garin's actions, where would I be without him. "Black Sun" has already begun to act, according to rumors, their forces are moving along the Corellian Way.
They passed by as mercenaries, although everyone knew perfectly well who they were and where they were going. The conflict between "Black Sun" on one side and "Luna" with the Hutts – on the other side threatened to involve several sectors at once. I personally predicted the main clashes in the Gaulas sectors, where the Rishi system is located, the homeland of the Twi'leks. They are currently serving as a resource base for the Hutts. There, the Hutts mine the famous Twi'lek dancers and other slaves, and also – they export ryl to the Corporate Sector and beyond. The Hutts also compete with the Pykes, who are known for their criminal organization: the Pyke Syndicate. I honestly feared that the Pykes would join "Black Sun" and start a real bloodbath. However, it turned out that the Pykes have roughly the same claims to the "Black Sun" syndicate as they do to the Hutts, who supported Gavenn Hornli's organization. Therefore, according to the information I received – the Pykes decided to remain neutral. However, it is not impossible that the Pykes will appear at the last moment and try to finish off the survivors. This, in principle, is a logical move, I would have done the same in such a situation. But let's return to Rishi. This is deep within Hutt territory, who will participate limitedly, and it is generally logical to drive them out of the conflict.
The Hutts support Gavenn only to weaken "Black Sun," they certainly won't fight to the bitter end. If everything works out and Gavenn can inflict serious damage on "Black Sun" – good. If not – also good, in conflicts – "Black Sun" will weaken. On the way to the Gaulas sector are the Deimor, Savareen, and Arkanis sectors. In the Savareen sector, where Christophsis is located, which serves as a kind of buffer and a place for smuggling criminal goods further into the center of the Republic.
Christophsis is a wealthy planet for these parts, but this does not negate the fact of its proximity to Tatooine, which is ruled by Jabba the Hutt. Or rather – Jabba Desilijic Tiure, to be precise. It is through Christophsis and the surrounding systems and planets that Jabba's criminal empire exports all illegal goods. The flow of "contracted workers," given Tatooine's proximity to Rishi – represented by the well-known Twi'leks, the export of the narcotic substance – ryl, arms smuggling, some minerals, and much more. Also in the Savareen sector is Rodia. The goal is not entirely obvious; Rodians, as mercenaries – can support anyone. But they lean more towards the Hutts due to their proximity to Tatooine, the capital of Jabba's criminal empire. The Arkanis sector is represented by Tatooine itself in this case. There is also another notorious planet – Geonosis, but adventures there are clearly for another time. Tatooine is home to Jabba the Hutt's main estate, who, of all the Hutts – is the most actively supporting Gavenn and his organization.
There was even information that Gavenn personally flew to Jabba to conclude an alliance with him. Decapitating the support for Gavenn – a very interesting idea. However, Alexi clearly understands that the root of the problem is Gavenn Hornli himself, not Jabba the Hutt. If Gavenn is removed, the entire conflict will resolve itself, so, most likely, the main blow will fall on this sector, the Abrion sector, where Rishi is located. Even if "Black Sun" forces move along the Corellian Way, it will not be difficult for them to turn sharply and strike at Rishi. Moving along such a hyperlane – is more disorienting, because from one of the five main hyperlanes of the Galaxy there are a huge number of branches, and you don't know where the enemy will turn at the last moment. Given the current speed of ships in hyperspace – it will not always be possible to prepare your forces in time, concentrating them at the point of impact.
In such a situation, the ability to predict the strike becomes important, based on the character and logic of the enemy commander, or the ability to properly organize reconnaissance, which will quickly transmit information about the enemy's maneuver to you. What does Gavenn Hornli possess of these? It doesn't matter to me... It would matter – if the Republic wanted to participate in the conflict, sending forces of the Judicial Corps here, under the command of a Jedi Knight, Master, or even a Magister. Then I would have given my all, trying to achieve the outcome that I consider best. Ideally, in my opinion – to gather all this criminal scum on one planet, preferably in one location, and conduct a full base-delta-zero. No one in the Galaxy would be worse off because of it.
Alas, I don't have such resources yet. And the Republic is not going to play in this conflict. So I will play, only for my own goals. Ideally, I would capture Alexi Garin and extract all possible information from him. To understand where Alexi is now, or to lure him out, the one who is tipped to be the new leader of "Black Sun," I need to find out where he is. Gavenn Hornli might have such information, with slightly less probability – his commanders. But most likely – the sought-after information is with Gavenn. And to calculate Gavenn's coordinates, it's not necessary to search all over the Abrion sector. Any of the commanders can direct me to him, where I will definitely be able to negotiate with Hornli. Nira's base was a three-story building, surrounded by PMC "Luna" troops. They were dressed, I noticed now, in identical uniforms, with the emblem of a white circle on a black background. It resembles the moon, yes... The soldiers patrolled in groups of two or three. Everything is by the book. I started studying literature on ground combat, and there was an "instruction on guard duty." This document, according to Revan – is older than him, but the logic was roughly this – they don't go on guard duty alone.
Everyone understands this truth. While the enemy is killing your comrade, you can either kill the enemy distracted by your comrade, or run away, or call for reinforcements. A lone guard is an oversight by the officer, and ideally, such an officer should be punished himself. The base was located in a steppe, not far from a city, the lights of which flickered behind my back. It was located very conveniently, as it is in a deserted place – it will be very difficult for an unprepared detachment, or sentient being, to approach it. However, there are also disadvantages. If there is an enemy fleet in orbit – it will be easy to aim the guns at the energy concentration in the desert area. And you can even leave the city untouched, however – when did criminals care about the lives of other sentient beings?
Penetrating the base by jumping over the wall was not difficult. Moving around the base territory, where patrols scurried, and the night darkness was cut by searchlight beams and lantern light. I sensed at least fifty sentient beings patrolling the courtyard and the perimeter of the base. And no less – were inside the building, on different floors. Automated turrets, shield projectors, Planetary Defense Command (PDC) complexes, represented by both cannons and missiles, were also noticeable. They've fortified themselves thoroughly... An unpleasant surprise was that electricity was supplied to the windows, so-called – power lines, which made it impossible to penetrate through the windows.
And if so... I noticed a patrol of two men moving away. Patrols can enter the building every ten to twenty minutes. Either a shift change, or clarification of orders. The patrols I noticed were walking next to a tank, behind which I hid. Seeing that the cameras were looking in their direction, but had turned away, for now, to another part of the building, I attacked both of them at once. They had very convenient uniforms. With both of them telekinetically, I examined my "clients." One of them wore a kind of cap, which, ideally, could be used to hide his face. Interesting... With Force concealment, I could mess with the minds of other sentient beings, distracting them, but I can't distract a camera like that, and using ionization on the eve of a conflict... Could cause an alarm. At the same time, I want to talk to Nira Aldair face-to-face, without any stupid rumors and intermediaries. So – it's better to infiltrate unnoticed. Therefore, I hid one of the sentient beings under the tank, reliably messing with his mind with Force persuasion with the command: I want to sleep for a couple of hours. Before that, hiding, I changed into his uniform, which was a bit too big for me, but my distraction will help neutralize extra questions from his comrades. And all this while the camera, hanging to the right of the combat vehicle, made a full rotation.
The combat vehicle itself was tracked and produced by a little-known firm. It seems to be used in local conflicts. The model is not exactly popular and widespread. But its impressive size allowed me to pull off my little trick. After messing with Reko's mind, that was the name of the partner whose clothes I had taken, I began to absorb information.
"Are we going to start a war with Garin soon?"
"You're at it again, Boler," the man sighed. "It all depends on the bosses, but I think Commander Nira will order us to gather soon. And you'll finally be able to participate in something more serious than raids on merchants, right? You dream of proving yourself. Just don't die on the way to heroism. Maybe Commander Nira will even notice you, as you dream of on lonely, cold evenings. Just don't count on it too much, she's with Commander Leyden," – this is a Twi'lek commander who handled PMC business in the west. It's quite possible he's here too. "Where are you going?" he asked, as I was heading towards the building. "We still have an hour left on duty."
So, I was wrong about their patrol routes after all. I should have studied everything more carefully, on the other hand...
"I think I have problems with my power cells," I looked at Reko, putting Force into my words, using persuasion. "Should I report this to the armory?"
"Perhaps," Reko agreed with a sigh. "Probably from that batch that those stupid slug-Hutts sent us. Well, at least there's something. Honestly, the Commander-in-Chief underestimated the desire of many to fight against those bastards from 'Black Sun' and Garin."
Yes, there was something like that. Besides the original PMC forces, other people joined their banners. Yes, Boler himself, whom I knocked out and am now wearing his uniform, hid his face from the cameras with a cap, was one of them. Boler was a novice pirate who tried to attack a "Black Sun" caravan with his crew... He knew whose caravan it was, but being a captain, having received it from his father, a once successful pirate, he attacked the syndicate... And naturally got beaten, losing almost all his comrades. He even tried to "get revenge" afterwards, completely finishing off his crew, and in the end joining PMC "Luna" alone, when he had a crew of fifty heads. Yes, a clinical case... It can be treated, but not cured.
We approached the console, which was at an unpretentious entrance.
"Reko," a Rodian's face appeared on the holoterminal, "what are you doing here? You and Boler still have an hour left on duty. Or are you having problems again?"
"Yes," I took the word, showing the holoterminal camera a G8 blaster rifle. It was a good weapon, but fragile. Its reliability was questionable, but at the same time, it was affordable, though expensive for some.
"Boler," the Rodian said sternly, "this is not the first time you've had problems with your blaster."
"I know, but it's a G8. Its body is already not a gift..."
"Shut up, use what you have. I'll let you through now, go to Todd, let him see what you've done to the weapon, but keep in mind: besides the G8, we have nothing else right now, so you either learn to use it and not break it, or your services to 'Luna' are no longer needed. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, sir," I apologized.
"Reko, take this idiot to Todd, let him see what's wrong with the rifle."
The door opened and we headed inside, into a bright corridor.
"I'd be careful if I were you, Boler," Rekko said. "Antko is right. I understand you don't like G8, I'm not thrilled with it myself, but there are no other options. Do you want to storm Garin's ship without weapons? You've encountered Jedi before – maybe you learned something?"
"Very funny joke, you'll die laughing," we approached the guard post, where there was a queue of sentient beings. It was located at the end of the corridor, in front of the doors.
"Rekko, Boler, Antko informed me that you are to proceed to the armory," said the Rodian woman.
"Yes, Brenka," Rekko replied to her. "Boler has a problem with his blaster."
"Hah, Boler and the absence of problems," a haughty voice sounded from nearby. A tall man of human race was speaking. "He'll break everything he touches."
Yeah, like all the bones in your body, if I wish. I noticed the cameras. How serious everything is here... Boler is human, and I am a Sephie. My pointed ears might give me away if the camera operator looks closely.
"Alright," the Rodian woman said, "Rekko and Boler – place your hands on the scanner. And you, Sairo – shut up. It's time for your patrol," she reprimanded the man. The guy grunted, tried to brush past me with his shoulder, which I dodged, and walked out. So rude, he probably has a feud with Boler, but I don't know him and I don't have time to play along.
A fingerprint scanner? Too many precautions for criminals! But in any case, there's no time to retreat. I placed my hand on the scanner, simultaneously focusing on Brenka. The system would show that I am not Boler, but I could make it give the answer I needed. And it did – it let us through.
"The armory is that way," Rekko said, heading right. Let him go. I walked into a huge hall that opened up behind the corridor to one of the participants and convinced him that Boler had asked to take his blaster to Tod for repair, and I myself headed for the elevators. They definitely lead to the third floor, where, according to Boler's and Rekko's interrogation, Nira's chambers were located. That's where I needed to go. Getting into the elevator, after first hitting the two guards standing nearby with a Force suggestion, I chose the third floor. In contrast to the first floor, the corridor here was dark and gloomy. The guards were almost imperceptible. I was downloading the base schematic from Boler's datapad, but he didn't have a schematic of the third floor. Thoughtful, so that no one could get to the boss. Nevertheless, hiding from the camera that was supposed to detect me, I ran to a computer terminal and connected to it.
The ice-breaker program began its work, but I couldn't hack Gavens Hornley's organization's data immediately. It seemed best to copy a virus into their system, which would give me information about Hornley's actions, and perhaps even help locate Gavens himself... After uploading the viruses and bypassing their defenses, I also downloaded the plan of the third floor, and then went to Nira's chambers. There were two sentient beings in her room. An aura belonging to a gifted one – Nira Aldeyr herself, and who was the second? Perhaps Leyden Urton, the Twi'lek and Nira's lover, if the information was to be believed? And it turned out to be so... Opening the door to her chambers, I absorbed a blaster shot.
"I asked you not to disturb me!" an angry female voice sounded. And it's understandable why. The Zeltron Nira was naked and seductive. Her body was pink, as were her hair. The beauty's body was in excellent physical shape. Behind her, the green-skinned Twi'lek's arms were wrapped around her. The man, judging by his emotions and facial expression, was a bit taken aback, either by the interruption or by the fact that his lady shot at the first person who entered and interrupted them.
"I am not on your list of subordinates, so I can do whatever I want here," I telekinetically knocked the blaster out of the woman's hand, pulling it to myself. "Or do you want to dispute this?" I released the Force, ceasing to hide.
"Who are you?" Leyden asked. Vibro-knives appeared in his hands. "And how dare you invade here? Answer me," his face contorted with a grimace of malice, "or I'll skin you alive!"
"Wait, Laid," Nira stopped him. "This... This is a monster," her blue eyes stared at me with horror. Well, of course, since she is weak but gifted, she can feel my Force. "I... I've never felt anyone this strong in the Force before."
"So he's a Jedi?" Leyden asked, tensing up.
"Yes, to some extent. And be assured – if I wanted to kill you – you would be dead already, you understand that, Nira Aldeyr?"
"Yes," she replied dryly, covering the upper part of her body with a blanket, "I understand. Neither I nor he can match you. However, you didn't kill us. You didn't even incapacitate us by knocking us out. Which means," she blinked, smiling a seductive smile, "you want something from us."
"And, of course, we will give it to you," Leyden Urton said, understanding the situation. "What do you want, Jedi, from us?"
"Well, to get to the point," I said, pulling a chair that was nearby towards me, sitting down in front of them, placing my right leg perpendicularly over my left and closing the door. Nira swallowed and glanced at the window, which was quite large and covered by curtains. "I wouldn't advise it," I said calmly, understanding her train of thought. "The windows are equipped with power lines. One touch and you'll be fried to a crisp without using Force techniques. It would be a great loss to lose such a beautiful woman... And you're not worth it," I looked at Leyden.
"I'm flattered that you're concerned about my life, Jedi, you are a Jedi, aren't you? Very strong in the Force... At the same time – you've clearly received training in its use, it's too orderly for you."
"Yes," I sighed. This information would give her no advantage anyway.
"Would you like a drink?" Nira asked. "I feel like a bad hostess. You tried hard, infiltrating my base... I hope you haven't killed my subordinates, at least?"
"Well... Boler is lying under a tank in sector D-2, sleeping soundly, from whom I borrowed... some elements. As for deaths – I haven't killed any of your people."
"And that's good," the Twi'lek said. "Our PMC's code requires us to avenge our subordinates. We're not some kind of gang," the look with which I measured him could have been envied even by the God of Skepticism, as a phenomenon. "But to business."
"Well, let's just say, this conflict holds little interest for me," I said, crossing my arms. "The Republic, as you know, will prefer to maintain neutrality in the upcoming event. But you, the Hutts on one side and the 'Black Sun' on the other – will clearly drink each other's blood."
"And judging by the fact that you've come to us, you don't want to join the 'Black Sun', nor the Hutts."
"Correct," I praised Leyden. "I'm interested in Alexi Garin. You know that he's being groomed as the next head of this syndicate," Nira and Leyden nodded in unison. "As an heir, he might possess a lot of useful information. And if he's removed from the gang... it might happen that the 'Black Sun' will be weakened in the end. Unfortunately, even the full might of my organization doesn't guarantee that I can get to Alexi Garin, and besides – we are, so to speak, neutral."
"So – this is your initiative," Nira concluded.
"Correct," I agreed, "and that's your advantage from allying with me. If I were acting on behalf of my organization, I would be slightly limited in certain methods," although there are no serious limitations for Jedi besides the polarity of the Force. "But this way, I can 'play at full strength'. You, as enemies of Alexi and the 'Black Sun', should see the benefit of my intervention on your side."
"Hmm," Nira mused.
"And what do you want?" Leyden asked. "You clearly intend to go after Alexi, but you don't know where he is."
"But you can find out where Garin's fleet and his allies are now. You have a war brewing here. You, or your Commander-in-Chief, Gavens Hornley, or his ally, Jabba. If I intervene with your help – find Alexi Garin, and then take him out of the game – it will be better for you, won't it?"
"You're right about that," Nira said. "We don't know where Garin is now. He seemed to have arrived in the Savarin sector, at least our scouts reported that Alexi's fleet jumped from Follyn further along the Corellian Way, towards the Savarin sector. But information about his appearance in the Savarin sector is fragmented. No one knows where Garin himself is now."
"But your intelligence network will be useful, one way or another, so I still intend to form a... union with you."
"We'll inform you if anything becomes known..." Leyden began.
"No, no, no," I shook my head. "I would like to speak with Gavens Hornley. The problem is that I am, so to speak, an outside force. Not of your level. So I want to deal with Gavens directly. This will be a testament to trust between us."
"And aren't you taking on too much?" Leyden asked.
"No, not too much, it's good that you asked," I shook my head. "Listen, I'm taking risks too. For me to interfere in your disputes without the sanction of the relevant structures in the Order... I need to see that you are also making corresponding stakes. Or are you so afraid that I'll somehow try to destroy Gavens Hornley?"
The Twi'lek and the Zeltron looked at each other.
"Alright," the woman finally said. "I'll talk to Gavens. If he's interested, he'll meet with you."
"You can also add that I helped your colleague, Lora, with Jarko Itari."
"Oh, so you must be that Jedi who 'used her'?" Nira smiled. A smile also appeared on Leyden's face.
"'He used me! Used me for 'strategic cunning'! How dare he! Well, I'll show him!'" Leyden said with a laugh. "For about a year after Jarko's forces were defeated, Lora was bubbling with the idea of finding you and punishing you in every sense."
"That's for sure," Nira chuckled. "She was always too emotional for a mercenary, especially in situations where she felt she was deceived. By the way, Lora is currently with Gavens and Zelmen."
She removed the blanket and exposed herself again. Standing up, the woman calmly walked to the closet, took out clothes, and began to dress. Leyden followed her example. I watched Nira particularly closely. She managed to strike seductive poses even when putting on boots. Then she went to the holoterminal and dialed a number. A few seconds later, a holo-connection was established. A human male with hair as black as pitch appeared before her.
"Gavens," she said. Leyden stood next to her.
"What is it, Nira, Leyden?" Gavens' voice was gruff and cold. "We've already discussed everything... Mmm... Who is that next to you? I feel someone's presence to your right."
"It's a Jedi, Gavens," Leyden said. "He showed up at Nira's base and expressed a desire to... 'participate' in our endeavor."
"A Jedi," Hornley turned to me. "What do you want?"
"Access to your intelligence network, Gavens Hornley," I stepped closer. "I'm interested in someone in the 'Black Sun'."
"And you want to use my PMC's data to get to this someone. I need you, I don't deny it. But do I need you?"
"We need each other, Gavens. You're planning to wage a frontal war with whom? With the 'Black Sun'. Your allies are the Hutts. You have every chance of winning, inflicting serious damage on the 'Black Sun'. And the Hutts might crush you afterward," the channel, according to the data sent to me by the virus I infected the 'Luna' PMC system with, is protected – may the Force be with everyone.
"I know that, so what? Will you convince the Republic and your Order not to let the Hutts do that?"
"No, but by obtaining information about Alexi Garin, I can ensure that you spend far fewer resources confronting him..."
"Thus – saving my resources and soldiers for confronting the Hutts, if they decide to take advantage of my victory. The benefit is clear," he nodded with satisfaction, "you managed to infiltrate Nira's and Leyden's base unnoticed, which means – infiltration and elimination are among your skills. I don't know where Alexi is now, that's true. But if I find out and tell you – will you go after him?"
"You need to eliminate Alexi Garin to disorganize the 'Black Sun' and easily defeat their forces, I need some information that he might possess. We have one goal, Gavens..."
"Which currently boils down to the fact that we don't know where Garin is... However, that can be fixed," he nodded. "Alright. Cooperation brings benefits, I agree. But I can't trust you immediately. Perhaps you need to prove your skills."
"I'm not part of your PMC, Gavens," I reminded him coldly. "And I don't look like someone you can give orders to."
"Oh no, I realized that immediately, Jedi. You are too strong to obey me. As I said: 'cooperation will bring benefits'. And for you too. We are equal partners, I would call it that. Now for the essence of the test, that you are not sent by the Order to ruin my future campaign, or worse, by the 'Black Sun'. We really don't know where Alexi Garin is now. On his way to the Savarin sector – his fleet disappeared, even though we prepared powerful traps along his arrival vector, you might have stumbled upon them, or rather their remnants, as we are now moving the fleet to strategic defense nodes," Gavens brought up a map before us. "Meanwhile, my intelligence has found out that there is a 'Black Sun' spy cell on Radnor. It's in the Deymor sector," he pointed. "Lora has already gone to check the information. If you help her uncover the cell – there's a chance, and a pretty big one, that you'll uncover Alexi Garin's location and be able to track him."
Hmm... He's honest in his words. So Radnor... And Lora is there now? If I can really find out everything that interests me, deal with Garin – it will be possible to start destroying 'Luna' as well. I don't have any positive feelings towards this organization either. In essence, this PMC is also criminals, just hiding behind 'nice words'. And the virus I managed to plant in their system will help me with this.
"Alright," I said, closing my eyes. "I'll help Lora, and you'll share everything you know about the 'Black Sun' and Alexi Garin."
"Agreed, and after that – you'll go to Garin's fleet and do with him and his subordinates whatever you deem necessary," Gavens Hornley agreed. He disconnected, leaving me alone with Leyden and Nira.
"I'm glad you reached an agreement with him," Nira smiled.
"I would have preferred to talk face-to-face," I said sadly, "but this is also not bad. In that case – I'm heading to Radnor."
"Send Lora my 'regards' from her dear friend," Nira said sarcastically, with mischievous sparks in her eyes.
"And yes, remember – the only rule for interacting with our Mandalorian is – first, telekinetically pull her blaster away, and then speak," Leyden said.
"Thanks for the advice... I'll keep it in mind," I promised, leaving the chambers. I didn't have to reinvent the wheel on the way back; the guards let me pass without much trouble. Except that the Rekko-Boler pair I met cursed me out a bit. But overall, everything went smoothly... Radnor, then. Looks like I'll have to work with that Mandalorian again...