Grand Admiral

Nine years, four months and seventeen days after the Battle of Yavin...

Or forty-fourth year, four months and seventeen days after the Great ReSynchronization.

"All that remains is to serve",- thought Talon Karrde, looking at the way the wine splashed in the glasses.

Smuggler Talon Karrde (check comment)

Not the most sophisticated conditions for a meeting with a young and in her own way beautiful girl to take place, however, the working and living conditions did not allow everything to be organized at the proper level.

However, Talon believed that the invited lady would not turn her nose up at the situation. He watched her for quite some time, drawing conclusions to better understand her. It's not that he made any special effort for Mara's sake - he already realized that the girl was smart beyond her years, smart, resourceful and did not react to primitive advances.

Therefore, he enjoyed simply watching her. Almost a sport.

There was a quiet but strong-willed knock on the door. Glancing at the chronometer, Talon grinned. The girl is punctual, as always.

- Come in, - he said.

- Just like that? — Jade asked, opening the door. Karrde, against his will, fell in love with this stately woman, full of feminine beauty and grace, dressed in a simple, but tailored overalls. - You won't even ask who came to you?

Former Emperor's Hand - Mara Jade (check comment)

 - At this time, only you can disturb my privacy, - the man smiled, rising to meet her.

Mara looked at him unkindly, having previously assessed the table setting as not ordinary delicacies.

- I didn't think everything was ready, - her gaze could have frozen Tatooine, and Talon, against his will, felt that he was getting cold.

- Just a business lunch, - he said, smiling disarmingly. - But only.

Mara was about to answer something, but she was interrupted in the most unceremonious way: one of Talon's two tame Vornskrs grumbled under the table.

- Well, get out of there, Drang! - Karrde ordered. - Your lunch is in the kitchen. And if you don't hurry, Sturm will devour everything himself.

The four-legged predator, wagging its docked tail, got out from under the table, stretched, slowly, bending its head and growling something under its breath, trudged towards the exit.

-I apologize for the interruption of the conversation,- he looked at Mara, who sat down in the chair opposite. - I think I wanted to say...

He didn't finish, being unceremoniously interrupted by the beeping of his comlink. The man looked at the device with a hint of suspicion.

-It seems that even the universe is against you continuing your thought,- Mara smiled, helping herself to a plate of stew.

-I'm listening,- Talon answered the call.

-Boss,- a familiar voice was heard. -This is Aves,- the voice of one of the assistants sounded tense. -I hope you haven't started lunch.-

-Your hopes were not justified,- Karrde said calmly. -I'm sure you're bothering me for a reason.-

-Of course,- one of his closest assistants assured him. -You should know that we are not alone.- An Imperial Star Destroyer is in orbit.

Karrde noticed that Mara began to chew a little more slowly, turning her attention to her ears.

- Whose is it? - he clarified, looking with regret at the cooling meat, but overcame the temptation and headed to the work table, where he found one of the decks.

-You think its commander is so steeped in the good old days that he kindly keeps his transponder on?- — There was amusement in Aves's voice. - Its in high orbit. It is difficult to read the name on the hull, but there is an assumption that this vessel is called "Chimera".

Karrde stood with his back leaning against the edge of the desk, continuing to watch Jade. She began to defiantly fill the plate with snacks.

This woman has many secrets. But among them, particularly uncontrolled reactions to everything related to the Galactic Empire and the only Jedi in the galaxy stood out. Such as now.

Although no. Never before had he seen a girl in such an excited state that she began to confuse the line of dishes. Not her style at all.

-An interesting company,- Karrde entered the name of the ship into the deck in order to find information about the desired ship. -What are they doing? Any transmissions?

-If they contacted someone on the surface, it certainly wasn't with us... Wait a minute...- Aves's voice became alarmed. - Boss, they release Lambdas.

- How many? — Karrde tensed. The Lambda-class T-4a shuttle is the Empire's main small transport vehicle. Five crew, twenty passengers, decent protection and weapons, one of the best hyperdrives in the galaxy. Such a ship can both deliver an assault strike and land a couple of squads of attack aircraft, which will cause trouble on the surface.

Lambda-class T-4a shuttle (check comment)

-Two,- there was no confidence in Aves's voice. - Claw... The situation is getting even worse. The ships are flying towards us.

— Did you mean to say that they will sit close to our base? — Karrde asked with emphasis.

-No, boss, these ships are flying clearly towards us,- Aves said confidently this time. - But two "Sentinels" - yes, they are flying towards the forest.

Sentinel-class landing craft (check comment)

- In one place? - Jade clarified.

-On both sides of the base,- said Aves. — And "lambdas" are on the other two sides.

-This is not good, Claw,- said Mara, whose face bore barely noticeable traces of tension. — One -Sentinel- is able to transport fifty-four stormtroopers..

-Yes, Mara, I know,- Karrde smiled. — Half a company of stormtroopers on Lambdas is flying to visit us. And another company on the Sentinels cuts us off from the forest. Curious...

- But how do they know that our base is here?

-They probably have eyes,- Talon said slowly. -From orbit it's hard not to notice the modular base, which they didn't have time to camouflage. We need to contact them.

- For what? -Mara seemed petrified. Every intelligent person in the Karrde organization disliked the Imperials, but Jade... Something completely strange was happening to her. As soon as she heard something about the Remnant of the Empire, about their actions, intentions, she expressed wariness and undisguised hostility. While she spoke about the period of the Empire before the Battle of Endor with distinctive warmth.

-Let us show our hospitality,- muttered Karrde. -I know only a few reasons why the Empire might come to Myrkr.-

-Vornskrs and ysalamiri,- Jade narrowed her emerald eyes. -Isn't it too much honor for one single Jedi in the entire galaxy?-

— Perhaps Luke Skywalker is not the only one? — Karrde looked at the girl with curiosity.

The reaction was worth it.

Luke Skywalker is another trigger for her negative emotions. The pupils dilate, breathing becomes more energetic... At such moments she herself looks like a vornskr.

But she didn't say anything.

-Aves, I need their frequency,- Karrde said. - And before the ships land...

-No need, boss,- surprise appeared in the assistant's voice. - We are being called.

Talon looked at Mara. The girl looked even more tense than before.

-Imperial Destroyer Chimera, this is Talon Karrde speaking,- Talon spoke. — I am glad to welcome you to the planet. Can I be of any help?

A vague crackle of interference was heard from the comlink, after which the holoprojector built into the device activated. A middle-aged man with a short-cropped hairstyle was looking at Talon. The captain's insignia indicated that the commander of the Imperial Star Destroyer himself had deigned to speak with the smuggler.

-Captain Pellaeon from aboard the Chimera,- a clearly set official tone that is not conducive to friendly conversations. — Talon Karrde, right?

-That's right,- Claw continued to radiate friendliness. -Your ships are flying to our temporary camp, so I would like to know how I can help the glorious warriors of Grand Admiral Thrawn.-

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that Mara had literally turned white, squeezing herself into the chair and tightly grasping the armrests. Interesting reaction...

-And you are quite knowledgeable,- noted the commander of the destroyer in a tone that gave off a chill. It's funny, but sometimes such intonations slipped into Jade's voice. Especially when she demanded obedience, being in a deliberately powerful position in relation to ordinary members of Karrde's organization.

It was her ability to manage the people of the organization, as well as her efficiency in carrying out orders, that was the reason why, despite the short period of work for the Talon, the latter was going to make her his first assistant. In fact, this was the reason for this business meeting: to talk about Jade's promotion. However, there are suspicions that the agenda will have to be postponed until more favorable conditions.

-The galaxy is big,- Karrde smiled reservedly. You shouldn't clown around with someone who can unleash hundreds of turbolasers on your base, not to mention the actions of LFVs (Little flying vehicle - General name for all fighters, bombers, gunships, etc. Shuttles are not included). — Rumors about the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn are circulating here and there...

-And your ears are just wide open?- - Pellaeon chuckled.

-Exactly so,- "Claw" did not react to the insolence. - But, I am a hospitable person and am always happy to help my neighbors. It's enough just to say how I and my people can be useful...

-Don't worry, Karrde,- the commander of the Imperial Star Destroyer advised him. -Soon you will know everything first-hand.

Talon felt that he was getting a little hot.

- Your words mean that...

-The Grand Admiral is landing on the surface,- the imperial officer's smile resembled a grin. - I advise you to prepare the utensils for dinner for him as well.

"I would also like to know how exactly you know about this" Karrde thought.

-Yes, and one more thing,- said Pellaeon. -The Grand Admiral asked that your first mate be present at your meeting with him.

-Unfortunately, this position is vacant,- Talon said evenly, realizing that the Imperials somehow knew something they weren't supposed to know.

- Indeed? Strange,- Pellaeon raised an eyebrow. - After all, according to our information, for this job you must have a lovely young lady with ginger hair and strikingly beautiful green eyes...

The last words of the imperial captain coincided with the sound of Mara breaking out the armrests of an ancient chair.

Karrde nodded to the Imperial with a tight smile, after which his image disappeared.

Looks like the red-haired beauty has a fan she's wary of. Until now, Karrde believed that his organization had little interest in the Empire or the New Republic. But, since they found out the presence of at least one specific person in his organization, and even such an outstanding one as Mara Jade... It means that the matter is completely bad.

He miscalculated somewhere.

-Aves,- he contacted his trusted assistant. -Hide everything you don't want the Imperials to see.- Immediately after they leave us, pack the base. It's time to get out of here.

***

Myrkr is truly a unique planet.

And the point is not so much that the local flora is distinguished by its ability to suppress any connection due to the characteristics of microelements circulating along tree trunks. Anyone who was close enough to the edge of the forest was left without the ability to communicate with comrades over long distances. For example, while on the surface, there is nothing to even dream of establishing communication with a ship in orbit. Even something as advanced as an Imperial Star Destroyer. Actually, for this reason, Karrde cut down a significant part of the forest, placing his base there - in order to be able to use communications. In his business, it's simply impossible to cope without something like this.

However, this planet interests me for completely different reasons.

Ysalamiri live here - lizard-like creatures that can literally grow their claws into trees and are generally extremely lazy creatures. However, they have an excellent feature that helps them survive in a world where ferocious hunters - the Vornskrs- use the Force to track down game.

The Ysalamiri form a bubble of space around themselves in which the Force "does not work". For ordinary sentient beings, such an effect does not pose a danger, but for the Jedi or Sith, it does not allow them to directly influence the object next to which Ysalamiri is located.

And the more of these lizards, the larger the -bubble- of space free from the Force.

Why does the Grand Admiral, who is not sensitive to the Force, need such a zoo, since several capacious ships are needed to capture these animals? The answer lies on the planet Weyland.

But more on that later. The first priority now is to talk to Talon Karrde.

Imperial intelligence knows offensively little about him.

Human, male, smuggler, information trader. Where and how he does his business is not clear. How many intelligent people are in his organization is also unknown.

The Imperials are confident that the Talon occupies a neutral position in the conflict between the Empire and the New Republic, preferring not to interfere in what is happening and not to choose sides.

And at the same time, this is not entirely true.

About one and a half to two years ago, when Rogue Squadron defeated the director of Imperial Intelligence, Ysanne Isard, in the Bacta War, and the New Republic gained control of the planet Thyferra, capturing several Imperial starships, including the Executor-class super star destroyer called -Lusankya-, Karrde, albeit not without his own benefit, contributed to the resolution of a minor crisis between the New Republic and smugglers who had captured a fully operational Star Destroyer.

But only those who were present at the deal know about this - Republican officers and the smugglers themselves.

A little history.

Ysanne Isard is a calculating, cunning, cruel woman who is loyal to the ideals of the Empire. Since Palpatine's death five and a half years ago, she has held Coruscant under her rule with a small fleet. After the rebels took over the planet, she fled to Thyferra on the Lusankya and took several Star Destroyers with her.

Why Thyferra? Why did she like this planet?

It's simple. This world produces bacta, a substance that can heal any physical wound. Whoever controls the production of bacta actually controls the drug market. Isanne might have succeeded, but history decreed otherwise.

She lost everything - the planet, the ships, and even her life. Republicans are confident of her death. Unfortunately for them, this is not the case.

After the death of Thrawn in the events known to me, Isanne will try to pull off another multi-move to capture the Lusankya and present the ship to the Reborn Emperor Palpatine, but will fail. The ship will remain at the disposal of the New Republic until the war with the Yuuzhan Vong, where it will perish.

However, this background information is not very useful now. The New Republic went to great lengths to conceal the location of the Lusankya while repairing the ship. And there is only one place and time when the Super Star Destroyer will be vulnerable. But for this it is necessary that Thrawn's campaign failed, and the Grand Admiral himself died.

Thrawn's death will allow Booster Terrk, a smuggler who currently owns an entire Star Destroyer with the permission of the New Republic, to emerge from the shadows. And this guy sat down so deeply, fearing that Thrawn was hunting for his ship, that until his death the Chiss would not appear even in inhabited systems.

Again, this is just a guide at this point.

Talon Karrde, as a man and leader of a smuggling ring, is interesting to me in a completely different way.

This man has many secrets, but he is not ready to sell all of them.

And the secret I need most, for sure.

"Claw" is also dangerous because it has significant influence among smugglers. Therefore, if he is properly pressed, he can create a very serious organization from the traditionally independent dregs of society. Even if it has only armed freighters, but in any case it is a fleet. Armed freighters helped the Republicans capture the Lusankya in a relatively combat-ready state.

The underworld cannot be discounted - they have significant resources and can tip the scales in one direction or another. And if I don't want an alliance between the smugglers and the New Republic, I need to take things in a different direction.

For example, to create doubts and mistrust in Karrde's organization. Preferably, by destroying it completely.

Killing or capturing Karrde will do no good - as soon as this happens, smugglers throughout the galaxy will want to drink imperial blood. And it is quite possible that this will lead, as in the events known to me, to the destruction of the imperial star destroyer being completed at the shipyards of the planet Bilbringi. Which I can get at my disposal. And in modern realities, when there is a war of all against all, an extra ship will never hurt.

With these thoughts I headed to the surface of Myrkr. If everything went as I planned, then Pellaeon had already made a hint to Karrde about Mara Jade. And this will make the Claw tense. Information that he does not possess interests him. As long as it doesn't harm the organization.

And the best way to deal with Karrde is to make him stop believing Mara Jade.

The Emperor's Hand, left without a livelihood after the death of its master, wandered around the galaxy for five years. She crossed paths with Isard and many other Imperial figures, and became disillusioned with the Empire without Palpatine. Therefore, she is now in Karrde's organization. She needs money, she needs a place to sit. This is her nature. The nature of the personal agent of the once most powerful man in the galaxy.

There is no point in recruiting Mara Jade now, today.

It is enough to create doubts in her head, to make her believe that the Empire, as a single state, fair in practice, and not just for show, can exist. Jade knows Thrawn and his capabilities very well. She is afraid that his actions will destroy her little cozy world. He's right to be afraid.

The Empire does not waste its personnel. At least the part that I lead.

Therefore, you should at least try to recruit Mara Jade. It will turn out great. She will be a valuable acquisition. If it doesn't work out, don't worry.

There are still many undiscovered stars of the future New Jedi Order in this galaxy. You just have to work hard with them ideologically.

***

The shuttle landed on the edge of a space cleared of trees. Like a guest who politely knocked on the door.

As soon as the ramp opened, imperial stormtroopers clad in snow-white armor ran down it, forming a protective perimeter around the ship. The soldiers did not care at all that Karrde's fighters were looking at them unfriendlyly, carefully hiding their weapons under their clothes.

The second squad, all nine of the Empire's elite soldiers, formed a small formation so that whoever came down after them would pass through two neat lines of soldiers.

-Show off,- Mara, standing to Karrde's right, snorted quietly.

-Yes,- he agreed. -They make it clear to us that the Empire is still strong and powerful if it can use stormtroopers for such cheap tricks.

-I doubt that everything is planned just to throw dust in our eyes,- Mara said. — Thrawn is not one of those who act spectacularly at the expense of efficiency.

-You speak as if you know him well,- Karrde said innocently. Mara did not deign to answer him. But the increased breathing when a reasonable one appeared on the ramp spoke for itself.

However, the situation cleared up quite quickly.

-You are not Grand Admiral Thrawn,- Talon said to the young naval lieutenant. So young that his face still bears traces reminiscent of the violent hormonal explosion of the transition period.

-That's right,- the officer smiled, demonstrating a complete lack of the vaunted imperial restraint. - Lieutenant Tschel. I have been tasked with collecting Ysalamiri lizards from the local forests. The Grand Admiral said that you can provide people who will show us how to do this so that the lizards are not harmed.

-I would like to know how the Grand Admiral got such information,- Karrde muttered, nodding to a couple of his henchmen. They are quite knowledgeable about this issue, and they can get a young officer to talk as easily as they can take candy from a child.

-Ask him yourself,- suggested Lieutenant Tschel, looking at the chronometer. - He's probably about to... Bah! Yes, here he is!

The Imperial pointed a finger behind the smuggler. Karrde turned his head in the direction indicated and mentally cursed.

Next to the central building, located a couple of tens of meters behind them, there were already "whitehats" - imperial stormtroopers. And against their background stood out a sentient, dressed in a snow-white jacket. His blue skin and black hair marked him out as a member of the non-human race.

And he looked with curiosity at the ships of Karrde's organization standing nearby. And next to him was a stocky gray-skinned representative of an unknown race with bulging eyes and a protruding jaw. Muscular, moving like an experienced dancer. He had a blaster and several knives hanging from his belt. This type of sentient was unfamiliar to Talon.

-Thrawn,- Mara muttered through clenched teeth, watching as the Imperials who arrived on the first Lambda retreated into the forest, accompanied by Karrde's people.

-Looks like him,- said "Claw" vaguely. He had heard rumors that the last Grand Admiral of the Empire was not like the rest of his colleagues. But now he was much more worried about the question of what kind of creature was next to the Imperial. Because it acted the way a bodyguard should. Or an experienced killer who has destroyed dozens of lives. -It turns out that we are waited near our own house.

-I'm surprised that not inside, putting the polished boots on your desk,- Jade said with hostility.

-Don't worry, I'll survive this outcome,- Karrde smiled. The beauty did not answer, peering at the imperial officer with such attention as if she was trying to remember every wrinkle on his face.

As they approached, Talon was the first to greet the high-ranking Imperial Remnant officer.

-I'm glad to welcome you to our outback, Grand Admiral Thrawn,- he nodded slightly, so that his actions would not be considered an attempt to fawn, but would not be thought that he was showing disrespect for the guest. -I am Talon Karrde.

-In turn, I'm glad to meet such a legendary sentient,- the blue-skinned humanoid answered him in a calm tone. His glowing scarlet eyes are like burning magma. And when they look at you as if you were an insignificant but temporarily useful microbe, even the Claw begins to feel uneasy.

-I apologize for the delay in greeting,- Karrde continued to establish contacts. — The confusion with the shuttles occurred due to the fact that such distinguished guests do not visit us so often.

-And in such quantities,- Mara suddenly said, looking intently at Thrawn. He turned his head in her direction, as if he had only just noticed that the spectacular girl was standing next to the smuggler.

-So I understand, Mr. Karrde,- Thrawn said slowly, returning his gaze to the leader of the organization, -this is Mara Jade, your right hand?

-Yes,- answered "Claw" shortly. -She became about ten minutes ago.- When your ships were descending.

-How radically your destiny changes, Mara Jade, when the Empire interferes with it,- Thrawn said meaningfully, looking at the girl. She answered him with the same attentive and fearless look. They stared at each other for a few seconds, after which Jade looked away. A sly smile appeared on Thrawn's lips. Not for long.

-So I understand that your people are already instructing my subordinates on the safe extraction of ysalamiri?- - he clarified.

-That's right,- Karrde agreed.

-In that case, we should go inside,- the Grand Admiral nodded towards the main building. - And talk about business.

-It feels like he's the boss here,- Karrde thought.

-Of course,- the smuggler said with a smile, glancing at Mara Jade.

The red-haired beauty looking at the back of the imperial officer looked like a cornered animal. One careless move and he will attack.

-Control yourself,- he advised in a whisper. - I don't know what he did to annoy you, but...

-Everything is fine,- Jade said through clenched teeth, unequivocally confirming the opposite.

***

The main hall of this domed structure bore clear signs that this base was a permanent location. Yes, you can bring and take away some kind of cargo here, but such a structure - with a huge tree inside the building - cannot be assembled and transported to a new place.

Consequently, it will take considerable time for Karrde to evacuate this base. And I'm almost sure that he will certainly curtail his activities on Myrkr.

Here, in his lair, he considered himself safe. A little-known planet, flora that interferes with communication systems... An ideal place to hole up in case of any problems. -My home is my castle-.

But today, with not the most ingenious trick, I proved to him that even here he cannot feel safe. This means he will move somewhere to a reserve base.

And this is good. Let's see how well this guy can hide.

A small camp table stood almost in the center of the room, enticing with the smell of delicious dishes. But I didn't come here to fill my stomach.

-Please, Grand Admiral,- Karrde pointed to one of three elegant high-backed chairs arranged around the table. - Let me demonstrate all the cordiality of a hospitable host.

-I don't see any problem with this,- without taking advantage of the invitation to sit at the table, I stood behind the chair on which Mara Jane intended to sit. - However, even a hospitable owner and employer must remember the rules of etiquette in relation to a lady.

The red-haired woman again tried to scorch me with her emerald eyes, but was met with the complete indifference demonstrated by me. The girl looked away, sitting down on a chair. Moving it towards the table, out of the corner of my eye I noticed that Karrde was watching everything that was happening with great interest. Well, so be it. The more doubts in his head, the better.

Having settled down at the table, I didn't even think about moving closer to him. Karrde, taking the hint that no meal was expected, looked at me curiously. Mara, on the contrary, decided to calm her nerves with a glass of red wine.

-Won't your servant join us?- — -Claw- asked curiously.

-No,- I said, without going into detail about Rukh's status, personality and tasks assigned to him on this journey. Karrde will not be saved even by the fact that the Noghri are the only one at their base. The task assigned to the bodyguard will be completed. While I'm playing for time for him, at the same time undermining the authority of the smuggler himself in the eyes of Mara Jade.

It was only for her sake that I decided to arrive on Myrkr in accordance with the schedule, knowing that Karrde's fighters were on the planet. It will be a pity, of course, if the bet doesn't work out, but war is such a thing—sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

-Not a bad place,- I said, looking appraisingly at the interior of the room. Work area, small arsenal and containers. Among the unnecessary interior items is a chair with its back turned... on the seat of which are pieces of armrests stacked. I wonder who tried so hard. - And yet, it seems to me that a sentient of your level could find a more decent place to communicate with clients.

-You are right here,- Karrde smiled. — My organization uses more decent worlds for meetings with clients. This base... is something of a personal refuge.

-Well,- I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms over my chest. -If I knew the location of this base, I would fly there.

-It's quite difficult to find,- Karrde smiled.

-But it's easy to find your people,- I noted. - Rumors claim that you are a person who never hides anything from his people...

The statement is like an accusation thrown in the face of the Claw. In the presence of Mara, he cannot say the opposite - this will create distrust in him. But he is in no hurry to confirm my words, realizing that this was said for a reason.

However, I will be satisfied with his silence.

-I'm sure that's true,- I continue, looking at the ceiling of the room. -So it wouldn't be difficult for me to find your main base.

- And is this for him? - asked Karrde.

-Of course, for the sake of mutually beneficial cooperation,- I assured him. — As a particularly valuable and generous client, of course.

-I don't remember your name on the list of clients of our organization,- Mara said, staring at the table. The tone seems to be calm, but the slight trembling of the wine in the glass indicates her impatience.

-Well,- I said, ignoring Karrde's attempt to say something. — This list should be updated with my name. -Thrawn.- Easy to write, easy to remember.

-I'm afraid my organization is unable to satisfy your requests,- Karrde said quickly.

-Are you sure about this? — I looked at him. - You don't even know them.

-The whole galaxy knows them,- Jade said. -You need ships. The more, the better...

-And here comes the crux of the situation,- Karrde picked up. -My people are smugglers.- We don't hijack starships, especially combat ones.

-Sometimes it's not even necessary to steal them,- I noted philosophically. -Sometimes they float into the hands themselves,- Karrde's pupils dilated, his hands tensed. But he immediately pulled himself together, probably convinced by the thought that I couldn't know what only he knew. -You just need to make a choice – which side are you on, "Claw". On mine or someone else's.

-Neither I nor my organization choose sides,- he said. - This is an unwritten rule.

-Of course,- I said, noting that a subtle smile appeared on Jade's lips. Of course, she believes her boss's words. Well, let's see how severe her shock will be. — I heard about your principles of non-interference. In our difficult circumstances, when the war between the Empire and the New Republic has been going on for many years now, the red-haired woman threw into my hands the simplest and most profitable business. I'm sure your business thrives on working on both sides.

-We have some credits- the smuggler put it vaguely. — We trade rare goods, now with one side, now with the other...

-It's profitable to build such a business,- I confirmed. — By any chance, do you have capture systems, ion cannons, turbolasers and TIE fighters lying around anywhere?

Mara glanced quickly at Karrde, who was suspiciously quiet. And the smuggler himself diligently pretended that he did not understand what he was being told.

-I see that you are confused,- shaking my head, I look at Jade. This performance is a work on all possible fronts. For Karrde - to feel her vulnerability and take a closer look at Jade, starting to be interested in her past. For Mara, this is a reason to doubt the noble frankness of the "Claw" with its people.

The girl became attached to this team, which picked her up on the sidelines of life during the saddest period of her life. But she did not forget her old habits. She is fiercely loyal to those who are frank with her. Otherwise, the stereotypes in her head will collapse. And then it is vulnerable to third-party offers.

The redhead remained silent, preferring to take a sip.

-Well, I'm a little disappointed,- I look at Karrde again. — Until now, I was sure that the New Republic was never able to buy back from you all the military equipment that you received from Booster Terrik as soon as he took possession of the Imperial-class Star Destroyer of the second model. What was its name, Karrde, do you remember?

-No,- he said a little faster than he should have. A dangerous light flashed in his emerald eyes.

-Virulence- I said. - The Star Destroyer that Booster Terrik captured in the Yag'Dhul system a couple of years ago. Brand new, not even damaged in battle. Unlike the similar Star Destroyer Liberty, Captain Yonka. The latter suffered extremely badly in the battle for Thyferra. So much so that there was even a proposal that Terrik, who did not want to give up the Star Destroyer he had personally captured, would take the battered Virulence. It's strange that you don't remember this, Karrde, because it was you who came up with the scheme by which Terrik was left with a partially disarmed, but fully combat-ready Star Destroyer. My memory rarely fails me, but it seems that you got a huge amount of military goods from the disarmed "Virulence". And they intended to sell them to the New Republic... for thirty-five million. On credit, given the sad economic situation of the new owners of Coruscant. Correct me if I'm wrong somewhere.

-You are surprisingly precise in your words, Grand Admiral,- instead of a face, Karrde had only a mask of complete emotional renunciation. I wish I could be precise - I spent several hours racking my brains over what events you were involved in before. Unfortunately for you, the X-Wing series of books was one of my favorites. As well as the work of writer Timothy Zahn, who gave readers such a genius as Thrawn. — Which is strange, considering that you returned to the explored part of the galaxy a little less than a year ago.

-You're pretty knowledgeable too, Talon,- I nodded, watching Jade refill her glass. -I wouldn't be surprised if you know for sure where I was and what I was doing.-

-Any information costs money, Grand Admiral,- Karrde relaxed a little.

-That's why I'm ready to pay you for the remains of the property that was left after the disarmament of "Virulence" the smuggler quickly exchanged glances with his first assistant. -I'm sure the New Republic didn't buy everything from you.- I would find such products very useful.

-I'm sorry, but I have to disappoint you,- said Karrde. -Over the years, the New Republic has managed to find the necessary funds. Everything was sold to them.

-Sorry to hear that,- I sighed. — There was hope that somewhere there was something lying around in your, without a doubt, endless warehouses.

-If I had known in advance that you would be interested in such a product, I would have held it,- Karrde lied.

-Yes, it's a pity,- I confirmed. - After all, this deal could confirm your words about neutrality. We purchased weapons from a third party, sold some to the Empire, and some to the New Republic. And somehow it turns out one-sided...

-Such goods have not been delayed lately,- Karrde continued to press his line.

- Perhaps you have one of the same type? - I asked. -The Empire has lost a lot, starting with the death of Emperor Palpatine. I have no doubt that such a decent businessman as you are has exclusive offers for special clients.

-As I already said,- Karrde said with emphasis. — I don't have ships.

-It's interesting that you mentioned ships specifically,- Mara Jade was already literally devouring her boss with her gaze. And even though she tried not to show her emotions, her eyes were more than eloquent. -The fact that you don't have them, I remembered the first time.- There is no need to repeat this unless you want me to begin to doubt the veracity of your words. I repeat - I am interested in absolutely any imperial property. Even stormtrooper armor.

— Is it really that bad with supplies in Remnant? - Jedi looked at me. — Since you are ready to buy what was once the most affordable armor in the Empire on the black market. And even more so - in not the best condition.

-You see, lady Jade,- I looked into her eyes. — The Empire before the Battle of Endor possessed colossal resources. Many of them are truly unique. But it just so happened that the redistribution of power that took place in my absence led to the fact that a significant part of the unique resource was not in demand, falling into private hands. I intend to correct this and restore the Empire to its former glory. Including with the help of wasted resources.

- And what do you intend to do with those resources that do not want to return? - she asked cautiously. Karrde watched us with interest.

-I will be very disappointed,- some relief appears on the girl's face. — And first of all, to those who managed these resources. After all, an army blaster falling into the wrong hands is possible not only in battle, but also due to the oversight of the one who held the blaster in his hands and selected the targets.

I hope I didn't overdo it with hints about Palpatine, whom Jade personally served. It was he who chose the lead for her. And only his mercy provided her with everything necessary for a comfortable life without need.

-Perhaps you will be so kind as to tell us how you intend to manage the resources that you want to return?- she asked.

-I'm afraid this information already goes beyond the credit of trust that I gave to Mr. Karrde's organization today,- looking at the "Claw", he rejoiced when he saw his cautious and wary glances towards Jade. -But I dare to assure that every resource returned will serve the cause of restoring peace and order in the galaxy.-

— Even if the rulers of the Imperial Remnant are against it? - asked Karrde.

-The opinion of those who led the Empire to the state in which it is now interests me the least,- Jade and I met. And now there was a little less hatred and suspicion splashing in her eyes. But there was still a modicum of hope there. Already good.

Claw is quite smart and perceptive not to draw conclusions from our conversation with Jade. At the very least, it's a crazy idea that Mara previously worked for the Empire. Pellaeon's words that we know her identity, conversations about the return of -resources- - especially Mara's interest in the consequences of the return - will help him draw the right conclusion.

Karrde loves his organization. And he must understand that Mara's loyalty to someone other than him puts his people at risk. Let's see what wins - his devotion to those who have served him for more than one year, or, in a certain sense, interest in this girl.

-Well,- I said, getting up from the table. -It's a pity that you and I couldn't find common ground, Mr. Karrde.- I hope that in the future we will have more than one good reason to meet in person.

-If I find anything that ever belonged to the Empire or falls within the criteria you communicated,- Karrde followed me, -I will consider you as my first client.-

-Your work will be valued at the highest rate,- I assured him. -Would you mind if your first mate would accompany me to the shuttle?-

-Yes, of course,- Karrde couldn't believe his luck. -Yes,- he realized. - Mara, please escort the Grand Admiral.

- Are you already leaving? — the red-haired beast was curious.

-Yes,- I assured her, looking into the eyes of Mara Jade approaching me. - Everything I wanted to do, I have already done.

And yet, I must admit that Luke Skywalker was incredibly lucky with the choice of his future wife. Or, it would be more correct to say - will be lucky.

Or won't be lucky.

***

-That was low of you,- Jade hissed as soon as we were on the street. - So many years...

-You're welcome,- I said, noting that Rukh was squatting next to the stormtrooper squad leader. Great.

The fighters, surrounding me and my companion in two short columns, began to escort me to our shuttle.

- What? — the girl was confused. -What are you talking about?

-It seemed to me that words of gratitude came from your lips for helping to determine your loyalty, Hand of the Emperor,- I said. -Or has a well-fed and carefree life among smugglers washed out of your mind everything for which you served the Emperor?

-The Emperor is dead,- Jade said with pain. -And the Empire I served no longer exists.- There are only power-hungry politicians left who only dream and dream of declaring themselves the next emperor.

-I remember that in the past you destroyed such unwanted elements,- I remarked. - Why did the matter arise after Endor?

-The Emperor gave the orders,- she said in a peremptory tone. - No one except him has the right to this. No one even from the high imperial command knew me by sight. No money, no livelihood. I had to survive as best I could. I'm surprised you didn't have any problems identifying me.

-You're not the only one with a good memory.- -You attended a secret ceremony dedicated to my attaining the rank of Grand Admiral,- I reminded. -It's hard to forget something like that.

Mara fell silent.

-The Emperor's death broke me,- she said unexpectedly.

-As sad as it is to admit it, yes,- I agreed. -So it's up to you to decide whether to return to the fold, or continue to pick up crumbs for Karrde, playing a game with him, the purpose of which is to find out about your past.- I'm sure he won't be happy with what he gets.

-Thanks to your hints, he won't have to rack his brains for long,- Jade said. -You could save yourself time and just invite me to the service.

-And that's what I did,- looking at Jade, I saw her biting her lips. A sign of indecision. There is a struggle within her. — Trust that can be broken by a few vague hints is worth nothing. You have nothing to do with these people.

-You're wrong,- Mara objected. — I am grateful to them for a lot.

-Any gratitude has its limits,- I said. -Especially with those who hypocritically declare neutrality, but work hard for those who, in his opinion, are the future.- I suspect that you were not aware of the situation with the Malice Destroyer.

-You knew that for sure,- the woman said. -Don't consider yourself smarter than others, Grand Admiral.- Just because the Emperor favored you does not mean that I was not trained to resist your genius.

-I'll take this into account,- we approached the -lambda-. The stormtroopers, at my command, deftly returned to board the ship. -You can make a choice here and now, Emperor's Hand.- Come with me and together we will make the galaxy better and cleaner.

-Great offer,- Mara grimaced. -But I'm happy with what we have now.- My obligations to the Empire are fulfilled. You are a man of honor, Grand Admiral. You will understand me.

-Disappointing,- I said, heading up the ramp. Stopping, he turned to her, remembering something from the plot of the trilogy. -You lied to me about something, Mara Jade.- You still haven't fulfilled one order.

- Which one? — the red-haired girl asked.

-The Emperor's last order,- I said calmly, looking at how the young girl's face turned pale. -Luke Skyukor is still alive.

***

The Millennium Falcon lifted off from the landing pad. The antigravs roared like a flock of frightened banthas and Han Solo once again promised himself that he would put the ship in order. Some day.

Now the Falcon was flying properly and could carry out the missions assigned to it. The only question is whether the one who controlled the ship could cope with them.

-Yes, I know, I know,- Han said, hearing the roar of the Wookiee sitting next to him. — The hydraulics are acting up again. We'll fix it when we get back to Coruscant.

Chewbacca made a series of guttural noises again.

-No, this time for sure,- but Han understood that he was once again playing with words. After all, how long did he promise to fix the ship? A hundred times already. And that's just for this month. - If there is time.

The Wookiee shook his head disapprovingly.

-The main thing now is to understand what's going on,- Solo said thoughtfully, almost automatically guiding the ship to the upper layers of the atmosphere.

Han Solo and Chewbacca (check comment)

Even though he told his former smuggler friends that his general's shoulder straps had long been in the trash heap, this was not true. Not certainly in that way.

Han could lie as much as he wanted, but the fact remains that he is on a mission for the New Republic. He is looking for those who would agree to re-start interstellar trade, which has largely thinned out over the past five and a half years. And this is practically a crisis for the new government that has settled on Coruscant. If there is no transportation, there will be no supplies, hunger and discontent will begin...

Although he is more than sure that what the New Republic government is most worried about is the lack of taxes. The budget was torn as Palpatine tried to destroy the Rebel Alliance. There is not enough money. But it is necessary to establish life in the galaxy.

And repair ships that, no, no, but continue to fight with the imperial underdogs...

-You know, Chewie,- he said. -It seems to me that our old friend, whom we asked to inform the smugglers of a proposal for legal trade, really believes that the Empire has another grand admiral somewhere.

Chewbacca voiced his opinion gutturally.

-Yes, I know that we gave them a good whack,- Khan shook his head. - Really, it turned out funny in Obroa-skai. A Star Destroyer fleeing from four frigates and a squadron of X-wings... Oh, if the Imperials had known that all the Nebulons were almost falling apart from the load on the engines, I bet they wouldn't have ran away...

The Wookiee howled softly.

- What's the plan? - Solo waved him off. - Who is capable of planning anything there? They sit there in their sectors and survive on the crumbs that they got. Kuat is ours, almost all the Core Worlds and up to the Mid Rim - all significant systems are under the control of the New Republic. The Imperials should sit and not glare, but it would be better to think about peace in general, and not rattle weapons. Look, they wouldn't take away the remnants of their territories,- Han laughed. But the grin disappeared from his face. Chewbacca looked at his friend, growling questioningly.

-Yes, Chewie,- Solo agreed. - It looks like I'm calming myself down. You can talk as much as you like about how we are stronger, our soldiers are better trained, and in general we destroyed almost all of their grand admirals, but the fact remains a fact. Smugglers do not want to interfere in our sectors, preferring to work for the Remnant. Maybe if you meet Talon Karrde and talk to him directly? It seems like he's in charge of everything now...

Chewbacca growled as he thought about his friend's idea. And his opinion was not at all positive.

-What else should we do, Chewie?- — Han asked a rhetorical question. — Without freighters and transportation, the New Republic will not survive for several years. If Ackbar and the Provisional Council don't come up with something soon, consider us dead. The Empire will take us warm. They won't even have to fight - they will use their auxiliary ships to provide goods to the sectors and they will change their preferences again... Yes, friend,- he agreed with the words of his hairy comrade. — The New Republic is in yet another crisis. If our house of cards is shaken enough, it will collapse. Let's hope that there are no longer those in the Empire who can pull this off.