The mission on Ryloth could have been handled by Tholme himself, who was following the trail I'd discovered. After the PMC Luna incident was closed, with its very bloody conclusion, the Jedi uncovered numerous clearly criminal enterprises and naturally began cracking them open. One of the leads pointed to Dengo Hutt, a relative of Jabba the Hutt from Tatooine. Tholme took charge of him. Dengo ran a business selling Ryloth's resources — rill, a narcotic substance, female Twi'lek slaves, and sometimes dangerous creatures like rancors and wampas. Dengo's connections spread outward like a web in every direction. He was also one of those who had financed Iaco Stark and his campaign.
Dengo was clearly aiming for the position of his more fortunate kinsman — Jabba the Hutt. The thing is, no matter what finances he used, Dengo stood slightly lower in the hierarchy of the Hutt Cartel, the criminal organization that actually united them. And he wanted it all, and more. That's why Dengo got involved in all sorts of adventures. Sometimes he intrigued with PMCs, though Jabba the Hutt had his own intrigues there too. And most recently, he'd gotten tangled up in the Stark and Trade Federation affair. The latter, who would have thought, walked away unscathed. Haska Halda was placed under house arrest — the kind of house arrest on his own villa, surrounded by outrageous luxury. He paid a fine, the sum of which equaled the income of an entire family of sentients... over several generations. But for Hask, it was more of a symbolic amount.
In the end, he left his post, retired to house arrest, and according to reports from some paparazzi — he was relaxing peacefully in retirement... But Dengo wouldn't escape unscathed, no matter how much he wanted to. His negotiations with Iaco Stark, who had unambiguously hinted that he could help Dengo with Jabba the Hutt, had become known to certain organizations. And they'd most likely already sold the recording of those negotiations to Jabba the Hutt, which probably didn't improve his mood — it likely dropped it to "below the baseboard." No wonder — Dengo was a very wealthy subordinate with considerable resources, who had clearly started digging against you.
Still, Jabba the Hutt wouldn't be Jabba the Hutt if he didn't act cunningly. He simply sold out his "subordinate" to the Republic — more precisely, he handed over such data to the Justiciars that even the most corrupt Judicial Forces soldier, whom Dengo might have paid a couple million credits, would be obligated to arrest him. Which made the younger Hutt's blood boil. He barricaded himself in his stronghold on Ryloth, where Master Tholme — my colleague in the shadow trade — headed. If I was considered more of an assassin, someone who'd come and kill whoever needed killing, someone who could even engage in open confrontation where my combat skills, recognized by the Order, would help me finish the job, then Tholme was clearly a spy. His specialization was infiltration and data collection. Roughly the same work Quinlan Vos, his padawan, would do... In the future, Quinlan would indeed play the role of a spy.
So why was I brought in? Tholme's task was to infiltrate and conduct an investigation in Dengo's palace, where important underworld information might be located, and then arrest Dengo with my help. Unfortunately, neither the Judicial Forces nor Ryloth's self-defense forces were involved. The senator from the Gaza sector simply forbade it. We couldn't even set up a planetary blockade. The same senator from the Gaza sector, traditionally elected from Ryloth, flatly refused the blockade... I think it's clear why... But the most important thing — for some reason, Sheygen, my old friend and Matukai, had been spotted on Ryloth, and there were also rumors about Morgukai. And, as the cherry on top, rumors about another Matukai who was clearly a criminal. How did we figure this out? Simple — the Jedi, despite some idiots, generally left most sects and orders that studied the Force alone. After all — if they don't want to take over the Galaxy by force, fine, let them live. And the Matukai were among those the Order preferred to ignore. Of course, if a particular Matukai crossed the line and started making trouble, they'd be dealt with — usually by their own people, but a Shadow could also come for them. Master Tholme reported that as soon as he arrived on Ryloth, he first encountered Morgukai, and then a skilled Matukai, whom he identified as Alirk Dragn, a Matukai with a "special track record."..
Murder, kidnapping, rape, drug smuggling, and slave trading. In short — I was sent mostly as reinforcements, and also because I know Sheygen. We reached Ryloth as quickly as possible... The planet was busy, almost too busy. Ships were arriving and departing.
"That freighter looks strange," Jaro noted as we approached the planet. He pointed at a massive vessel, armed more for show, but traveling with an escort of four Z-95s. "I sense something strange from it," he explained.
"Hmm," Celeste searched the database. "It belongs to the company 'True Happiness,' whose founder is Kramul Izrori." She brought the information up on the display.
A humanoid appeared before us, somewhat resembling a cat... More precisely — these were humanoids that evolved from felines.
"That's..."
"A Zygerrian," I explained. "They come from the planet Zygerria, grid S-4. Chorlian sector — it's in the same sector as Troiken and Veynae."
"We've been there before, more than once," Celeste remarked. "And something tells me this sector won't let us go for a long time."
"That's right," I agreed. "The Zygerrians are known to our Order's intelligence as slave traders. And not just captors — they actually 'train' slaves, creating specialized ones. And the presence of a freighter belonging to a Zygerrian, lifting off from Ryloth — I don't think it fools anyone about why it's here."
"They bought slaves?" Jaro asked. I could feel the anger beginning to boil in the young man.
"Easy, Jaro," I looked into the Lasat's eyes.
"Right, cool down, big guy. According to the documents, they're transporting rill for a pharmaceutical company... Though, yes, those documents are most likely a sham."
"Then we should..."
"Should what?" I asked the padawan. "Storm that ship? Take it by force, cut everyone down, free the slaves — is that it?"
"Hmm," Jaro hesitated.
"But solving the immediate problem like that would just create new ones," I guided the ship toward the planet. "I understand you. I don't like slavery either — in any form. But you need to understand that an attack on an enemy is better prepared carefully. Improvisation, Jaro, is only good during the actual fight, when you need to surprise your opponent. But right now — there's no fight, which means we can calm down, think, and strike our enemy with the most devastating blow possible. The kind of damage they won't recover from. The key isn't just hitting hard — it's hitting at the right moment, in the weak spot. Then the damage will be real. So calm down and let's wait for things to develop... This Kramul is connected to Dengo anyway, just like the other notable players — Alirk and the Morgukai. We can take them all down at once, instead of trying to disrupt one person's plans... After all, taking out the whole trash heap is far more useful than only taking out part of it."
"I understand, Master," Jaro said.
"However — the fact that we're not engaging now doesn't mean we can relax. Among our possible opponents are a dark Matukai and Morgukai, not to mention Dengo and Kramul's underlings — which means we need to be ready for battle."
"HK will be glad to hear that," Celeste remarked.
"He's always glad when he gets to burn a hole through some 'meatbags.' And I'll give him that chance. But first, we need to meet with Sheygen and Master Tholme. The meeting is set at the cantina 'Phantom Freedom' in the city of Kala'uun, where Hunnvar Spire is also located."
"Hunnvar?" Jaro asked.
"You've heard of him? He was a Hutt on Ryloth before Dengo. Hunnvar was a slaver, specifically," I explained. "Things aren't all smooth among the Hutts either, thank the Force — if everything were fine within their own society, they'd turn their attention outward, to another galaxy. Intrigue against one another is common among them. Hunnvar belonged to one of the Hutt clans, which was recently wiped out by the clan of Jabba the Hutt from Tatooine. Hunnvar, as you might guess, was sent to his eternal rest, and Ryloth was granted to Dengo, Jabba's subordinate. Hunnvar is gone, but the name 'Hunnvar Spire' remains. They say some residents, hoping the Jedi would be drawn by Hunnvar, started a rumor that Hunnvar had a Jedi holocron."
"And the Order sent Jedi after it? No," Jaro said thoughtfully. "If you say Hunnvar died at the hands of the Hutts..."
"Uh-huh," I nodded. "No one from our side went after Hunnvar. The Hutts, unfortunately... Now we're going after Dengo. His list of crimes includes: trading in dangerous animals, slaves, and narcotics. He also financed Iaco Stark and PMC Luna. And according to intelligence reports — a dark Matukai and Morgukai have been spotted in Hunnvar Spire. And we just saw that Zygerrian freighter... As they say: 'combo meal.'"
"Let's just hope we can handle this combo," Celeste snorted.
"Well, we're not going to beat them with numbers. But we'll beat them with quality. The main problems are Alirk Dragn and the Morgukai. They're warriors comparable to Knights. We'll take them on ourselves: me, Celeste, and Master Tholme. Jaro, along with Quinlan Vos, Tholme's padawan, and HK-47 — you'll need to clear the Spire and make sure no weaklings distract us. We might also have Sheygen on our side — an old acquaintance of mine, also a Matukai. But first, we need to talk to him."
* * *
The city of Kala'uun was built directly into the mountain. It was a heavily populated place, where various big shots liked to conduct "shady" deals. Our target, Hunnvar Spire, was located on the highest level of the city.
Two levels down was the cantina "Phantom Freedom," where Sheygen had arranged to meet me, and where I'd then invited Tholme. I had good expectations for the conversation with them. The cantina was a popular spot, packed with people. Representatives of all kinds of races were there. Even beats, playing jazz-style music. Though there were also sections designated for "private conversations." We had a table, or rather a section, reserved for one of those. Approaching one of the service droids, I presented our reservation confirmation. The droid led us to a table where a tall, muscular blond sat, with beautiful Twi'leks on either side. The Matukai glaive, belonging to Sheygen himself, was right nearby. Sheygen was drinking Corellian whiskey straight from the bottle... Celeste and Jaro studied Sheygen and his company with curiosity.
Celeste, with her piercing gaze, was studying the Matukai, clearly planning for a fight if things went south, while Jaro was obviously staring at the Twi'leks.
"Don't stare too long, kid," Sheygen said, setting the whiskey down on the table. "You're still too small and weak for games like that with women like these."
"Small... weak..." Jaro sighed, clearly about to launch into a tirade or even attack, but then he exhaled.
"Oh ho," Sheygen marveled. "Your student is clearly resistant to provocations. My congratulations, Light."
"That was a stupid provocation," I said. Celeste, Jaro, and I sat down across from Sheygen, who had his arms around both Twi'leks' upper nineties. Though it was clearly a bit more. "Only stupid teenagers going through puberty fall for that."
"And your padawan isn't a teenager? Considering he's taller than you..."
"He's a teenager, but not stupid," I cut Sheygen off. "I see life's treating you well." I nodded at the bottle and the women.
"Good whiskey," he nodded. "Want some? Or are you still chasing after that liqueur that doesn't even affect you?"
"Whiskey affects me about the same as that liqueur." More precisely — whiskey is stronger and I can actually get drunk on it. The liqueur... I'd literally need a couple of barrels. That technique I picked up from the Matukai is really useful. But I can't get drunk... And in some situations, that's exactly what I want. "Anyway." There were still whole bottles of whiskey nearby. I opened one, grabbed a glass, and downed a shot of alcohol. Meanwhile, Celeste and Jaro introduced themselves to Sheygen.
"I see your manners haven't gone anywhere..."
"And yours never developed," I snorted. "But honestly, Sheygen, I'm surprised you're here. Does this have to do with some Alirk Dragn?"
"And you came for him as a Shadow, didn't you?"
"My mission is a bit more complicated," I replied as two more participants approached our table. Master Tholme and a very young Quinlan Vos. "Master Tholme." I looked at the Jedi. Beside him stood a boy, still very young — Quinlan Vos. Thinking about it, both Tholme and Vos ended up very well for people in their profession. Quinlan survived after Order 66 and successfully hid with his wife and son from the Emperor's hunters, just like Tholme himself... They looked fairly standard.
Tholme was a tall man with black hair and dark Jedi robes. Vos was a dark-skinned boy, born on the planet Kiffu, belonging to the Kiffar race. They resembled humans closely — in fact, they were human. Their distinguishing feature was the "facial tattoo" passed from mother to child, and from the father only when the mother wasn't a Kiffar.
Tholme swept his gaze over Sheygen.
"Is this him?" the Master asked. "The one mentioned in your reports?"
"Master Tholme, I presume," Sheygen smiled, all thirty-two teeth showing. "My name is Sheygen. I come from the Order of the Matukai."
"Hmm," Tholme nodded. I moved over, along with Celeste and Jaro, making room for Tholme and Quinlan. "I am Master Tholme. And this is my padawan — Quinlan Vos."
"Kiffar?" Sheygen said thoughtfully. "I've heard they have a talent for psychometry."
"We're not here to discuss talents," Tholme noted.
"Oh yes," Sheygen nodded. "You're interested in a certain Dengo Hutt." He pressed a button with telekinesis, and a protective field shimmered to life around our table. "Living in Hunnvar Spire in this lovely city."
"That's right," Tholme nodded. "After the Stark War, attention was drawn to Dengo's schemes."
"And his relatives didn't cover for him," Sheygen observed. "What a loving family. And you decided to meet with me, Light, thinking I have an interest in visiting his hideout."
"No need to guess," Celeste said. "You're clearly interested in some Alirk Dragn."
"Exactly right, Knight Morne. Alirk... let's just say he casts a shadow on us, the Matukai. Slave trading is rarely considered a noble pursuit. And he's tainted — very deeply tainted."
"And they sent you to solve the problem?" Tholme asked.
"Correct," Sheygen confirmed. "I was thinking of going earlier, but the Stark crisis broke out. Alirk practically moved into the Spire. It all stems from the fact that the Stark crisis exposed not only Dengo Hutt's dark dealings, but everyone who did business with Dengo. They're all there... the Outer Rim's finest trash. Two Morgukai serving Alirk, high-ranking representatives of Kramul Izrori — the infamous slave trader from the mythical space station 'Dominion' and Dengo Hutt himself, in the flesh."
"Kramul Izrori?" Tholme asked. "From the station 'Dominion'?"
I looked at Tholme.
"The station 'Dominion,'" Tholme explained. "It's a space station market somewhere in the Outer Rim. Its coordinates are unknown and only become known to those trusted by one of the founders of the transport company 'True Happiness.' Intelligence has been trying to track it down for a long time. There were even attempts to pose as people buying slaves for themselves... Unfortunately, unsuccessful."
"That's probably because you work too bluntly," Sheygen snorted. "Even those you call your 'intelligence.' Some of your undercover rich men — are known as 'working with the Jedi' to half the Galaxy. Kramul certainly knows who they are, same as everyone else in that firm. So don't be surprised your intelligence failed... Though, my dear sisters" Sheygen stroked the upper nineties of his beloved Twi'leks, making both sigh in unison — "have whispered to me that Kramul is shipping their fellow citizens to that station. It's hard to imagine he'd be shipping them to the 'Alderaan's Blue' for them to assimilate into high aristocratic society. They'll get assimilated, but much later, under 'special conditions.'"
"And you'll help us, Sheygen?"
"Correct," my old comrade agreed. "You need information about Kramul, his organization, and the arrest of Dengo Hutt. I need to punish Alirk Dragn... I understand" his eyes met Tholme's — "that the Jedi might want to hand him over to the Republic Court, but the thing is, that doesn't work for us, the Matukai. We have our own court, and according to it — Alirk must die. Since they sent me, it must be by my hand. I will deliver justice, whether you want it or not."
"Master Light?" Tholme looked at me.
"Objections are pointless, Master Tholme." I looked at my colleague. "First, Sheygen always does whatever he wants anyway." The Matukai saluted me with his bottle. "And second — Alirk must face accountability before his own Order. He set them up. The Order of the Matukai isn't considered 'outlaw' by us, and there's nothing wrong with them judging him and carrying out the sentence."
"Well, we've already judged him..."
"Just don't die, Sheygen," I cut him off. "It's great that you've judged him, but the sentence doesn't just need to be passed — it needs to be carried out. And hopefully the executioner and the victim don't swap places."
"Don't worry about that," Sheygen said. "Since our last meeting, my power has doubled."
"And why not tripled?" I asked him. "But seriously — be careful. The higher you hold your nose, the more it'll hurt when it gets smashed in."
"This is all wonderful," Celeste said. "Truly wonderful. But what's our plan? Storm the Spire by force?"
"Why be so crude?" Tholme asked. "Wasting strength to break in 'by force.' I'll open the way for you. Then we split into groups."
"I'm going alone," Sheygen said.
"Jaro, my padawan, and HK-47 will go with you," I added. "You clearly want to deal with Alirk Dragn one-on-one, and extra sentients might get in the way. Neither HK nor Jaro will interfere in your fight with Alirk if I ask them not to. Next," I continued. "I, Master Tholme, Celeste, and Quinlan Vos — we'll go for the intel on Kramul Izrori, and also to arrest Dengo. He should have plenty of guards."
"Mostly Gamorreans," Tholme replied, "though there are also mercenaries whose combat skills I'd rate as 'above average.'"
"Anyone notable?" I asked.
"Quite possibly," Tholme answered. "There's likely a Gen'Dai there. His name is Kertul." He projected a hologram of the mercenary in front of us. He looked imposing, in large armor with...
"Rocket launchers?" Jaro asked.
"Yes," I said, zooming in on the image. "To be precise — those are Nurs, unguided aircraft rockets. Used for area attacks. Dangerous toys... Especially considering they're normally mounted on shuttles, not on sentients." They turned Kertul into a sort of boss-helicopter. "His Gen'Dai body strength allows him to launch them and certainly to carry them. Mandalorians have one rocket each; this freak has six on each arm."
"Dengo is very worried about his safety," Tholme explained. "That's why he hired him."
"Fighting someone of the Gen'Dai race is difficult — you need to rely less on a lightsaber and more on crippling Force techniques and the environment."
"Speaking of crippling — will you use Lightning against him?" Tholme asked.
"I think pyrokinesis would work better here... Hopefully nobody here is afflicted with compassion and forgiveness. This Gen'Dai doesn't look like a cute creature or a simple guard."
"True," Tholme agreed. "His track record is something else, too. In that case — are we ready? I'll open an entrance for you, not the main one — that'll give us some time to infiltrate and make the attack far more devastating. The first strike is the most important."
"I'll try to attack the Gen'Dai immediately," I said. "If we can get rid of him, the rest will be simple. Ready, Sheygen?"
"Give me a moment." He drained the bottle of whiskey and stood up, stretching. "I'm ready... Ready!"
Master Tholme looked at him doubtfully but said nothing, only rising from the table.
"Then let's begin. Quinlan, let's go. See you inside, Light." He disabled the protective field around the table and headed for the exit.
"HK," I contacted the droid. "I'm sending you the coordinates now. Take your weapons at maximum loadout. Interesting events await..."
"Joy: maximum loadout! The time has come to burn many holes through stupid meatbags!"
"Not just holes," I noted.