Radiy did not keep me waiting. Within ten minutes, the Terran was standing in my kitchen, giving a report on my requests.
"Let's go in order," I ordered, eating away my nerves with some shish kebab.
"Very well. Fay. Force-sensitive. Jedi. Travels mostly in the distant regions. Appears randomly, usually where she is needed most. Resolves conflicts peacefully. There has not been a single recorded instance where she used a weapon, or even held a lightsaber. It is believed she carries no weapons at all. At the same time, she can stand up for herself, but she usually doesn't have to, as even pirates give her a wide berth. The last skirmish with bandits recorded with her participation resulted in the entire gang surrendering to the police and going to a labor camp."
"Yeah, she really knows how to talk someone's ear off," I smirked.
"Calm. Restrained. Uses both aspects of the Force like the Tythonians. At the moment, it is known for certain that she is at least seven centuries old. We know this because she was spotted during the Jedi's preemptive strike on Mandalore."
"Impressive... Seven hundred years old, and looks twenty-five to thirty."
And that was another feature inherent to Tythonians and strong Force-users—longevity while maintaining a young body. I wonder where she got so marinated in the Force?
"Also, in her time, she opposed the initiative for the preemptive strike on Mandalore. After that, she left the Order but did not abandon the Jedi path."
"I see, the girl grew disillusioned with those fanatics," I nodded. "What about anger?"
"There is a recorded moment of Fay's anger. There was a case of violence against children. Fay forced the offenders to feel the full spectrum of sensations, and then twisted their brains so much that they could not live and committed suicide."
"Pha-ha-ha-ha-ha... oh, never offend kind and sweet angels," I laughed, wiping a tear that had escaped. "But technically, yes, they killed themselves; she had nothing to do with it. What else is known about her?"
"An excellent precog. Firmly believes in the Force and its will. Many Jedi in the Order hold her up as a legend and an example to others."
"I would too. She's a real Jedi!" I commented, taking a sip of the steeped tea.
"Also, she knows about us."
"Pffft! Cough-cough-cough... wh-what?!"
"She knows that the Terrans are alive. The mere fact of this knowledge is implied, but nothing more. Since we often appeared in the Outer Rim, we frequently encountered her by coincidence. She resolved conflicts; we helped the locals. Trade, services—minor things, generally. But since she is alone and reports to no one, we did not consider it a threat. Moreover, she can be reasoned with. Since she, de jure, belongs neither to the Jedi Order nor the Sith, we made contact. There were times when she found forgotten bases, laboratories, or just ruins, and told us about them. Most likely, this is because we didn't really fight anyone, but just lived and minded our own business. A third independent party that doesn't care about the galaxy and, as a result, the conflicts within it."
"I see. Radiy, you should have started with that."
"I will keep that in mind."
"What else?"
"She does not deceive; if she speaks, it is always honestly. She is not above using the Force in negotiations to be heard, and in some situations, listened to. She is incredibly kind by nature."
"Hands out kindness left and right?" I raised an eyebrow.
"No. Rather, she is simply ready to help. To teach, to guide, to motivate, and to push."
"Interesting. So she doesn't do 'bear's favors'..."
"What kind?"
"Never mind. Is that all?"
"Overall—yes."
"Then next. Do you understand who she was talking about?"
"The race is unknown," a hologram of the monster from Fay's visions was unfolded before me. "There is precious little information on them; no contact has been made."
"Details?"
"We encountered their representatives on one of the planets. We tried to talk, but in vain. Arrogant. Cruel."
"I see."
"Based on the experience gained, they are insensitive to the Force and resistant to mind tricks. They use biological technology. At the very least, their armor and weapons are definitely organic; we didn't get a close look at the ship, but we assume it is also organic. It's not certain, but we have an approximate location of their home planet."
"What interesting fellows... Well, if we're being warned about them, then they're worth looking into."
"Shade, what kind of monsters are those?" Mom exclaimed from the doorway. Following her was a slightly ruffled but proud Talia.
"That, Mom, is a brief summary of our new enemies. Hi, Sunshine," I stood up and kissed Talia as she approached. "Want a snack?"
"Uh-huh."
"Where did you find them?" Mom brought me back to the subject.
"Fay brought them," I sighed.
"And who is Fay?" Talia immediately turned to me. Don't look at me like that; I didn't sigh because of her!
"She, Mom, is a true Jedi!"
"What, with a capital J?" she clarified in a skeptical tone.
"Yes. The first and probably the last in this galaxy."
"And what did she tell you?"
"That these creatures," I pointed to the hologram, "are coming to kill us soon. And that if there's a global brawl that weakens everyone, then everyone will be twice as bad off. First because of each other, and then because of these."
"I see..."
"Furthermore, she is begging me to get involved in this madness and prevent a global war."
"Does she have nothing better to do?"
"Wait, Mom. In return—she can help us with the establishment of the Hadian Empire."
"I don't quite see her value," she rubbed her fingers together, hinting at the profit for us.
"Her value is that this lady is the ideal negotiator."
"So am I!"
"Hi-hi," Talia giggled into her fist.
"You always reach for your saber. Or a neck. But she—she hasn't killed anyone in her entire life and doesn't even carry a saber."
"How is she even still alive..."
"Like that. Her main weapons are the word and the Force. At worst—she'll talk you into suicide."
"..."
"What?"
"Listen, I like her approach," she snapped her fingers and approached me, hugging my neck. "Which room did you say she was in? I should take a few lessons."
"Mom!"
"What?"
"Fine, forget it, I don't want to continue. Returning to the subject, she knows about the Hadian Empire and my goals. She's also an idealist, so there's no need to expect a double-cross. And she can seriously help in the peaceful formation of our state. And I figured that if we have her word and your saber—we'll quite possibly succeed in uniting this rabble under a new empire."
"Are you serious right now?"
"Absolutely. If the Hadian Empire takes the place of central authority, then we can truly sleep soundly. Terrans instead of Jedi, Sith to the knife, dissenters either talked down or cut down. Profit! We just need to figure out how to keep these idiots from killing each other..." I thoughtfully drummed a rhythm with my fork on the plate. A glass of vorka was placed under my hand. "Oh... Talia, dear, thank you."
"Well, son... You certainly know how to present a puzzle..." Mom sighed.
"I'm not happy about it myself," I shrugged. "Talia, how are you?" Moving away from the table, I pulled the girl onto my lap.
"More or less. Kassh examined me, gave a few recommendations, and let me go; we'll continue later. Heh, when Aala peeked in on us, Kassh's fur stood on end. I even had to ask her to leave because the Zygerrian's hands started shaking."
"I see. Mom, for the future, don't do that. He still has to work with Talia."
"What? I didn't do anything! At least he won't slack off now."
"Yeah, yeah."
"Anyway, I dropped by to remind you that it wouldn't be a bad idea to feed your grandchildren."
"You never change," I sighed again.
"Well, someone has to remember them if you're busy with business?"
"Tsk."
"Shade, but essentially, nothing has changed for us. We're still building up, creating an army, but now with a specific goal."
"Yeah. Just with more headache," I tiredly rubbed the bridge of my nose.
"Regarding that. Who are you going to put on the throne? I won't believe you'll sit there yourself," Mom reminded me.
"That's true. But I have at least two growing candidates. For twenty years, fine, I'll keep the seat warm, but then I'll yield to the rising generation."
"Shade," Talia looked at me disapprovingly.
"What? If I had brains sharpened for that sort of thing, I wouldn't, in principle, refuse. Probably. But it's not certain," and to myself I added: "more like certainly not."
"You've already sharpened them in this place and this time," Mom laughed.
"Oh, you. Radiy, you tell them?"
"Your decision regarding the children is expedient and justified."
"See?"
Having lightened the mood a bit and re-processed the information received, I was forced to agree with a heavy heart. If this disaster comes, it will cover everyone, including us. Something needs to be devised, and now, before the Republic completely falls apart. Eh, Force... how I... respect you! You certainly know how to motivate! No words, only emotions, and those are begging to come out. Grrrr...
"Alright. I am calm. The Force is with me, I am one with the Force... It will support and help me... If it doesn't finish me off."
With these thoughts, I walked to the room where Fay was located.
Knock-knock-knock!
"Yes?"
"May I?" I peeked inside. The girl was sitting on the floor in the middle of the room and had clearly been meditating before my appearance.
"Of course," opening her eyes, she looked at my face. My mask was hanging at my belt.
"What is it?"
"Nothing. You are handsome. In all my travels, I have never seen such a half-breed."
"Heh, thanks."
Sitting down opposite her, I continued:
"Anyway, I've thought over your words. I'm basically in, but I'll have a number of conditions."
"I'm listening."
"First—if we can't settle things with words, you don't interfere with us working the way we know how."
"One can always settle things peacefully."
"That's how you do it. I prefer to act more directly," I raised a palm, stopping all arguments.
"Very well. I agree."
"Second—don't expect a miracle from me. I won't be able to glue the Republic back together for you, but I can contribute to it, and I'll also try to get rid of the root of evil in the form of Damask..."
"Though I have to kill that rat anyway," I finished to myself.
"...So I'll do what I can, but I won't promise anything."
"I understand. But at least you will be doing something, unlike the rest."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that besides you, no one else will worry about this. As hard as it is for me to admit, but knowing the danger, I have no one else but you to warn. Who would I tell? Kuat? Corellia? Coruscant? I would be considered mentally ill, and that's in the best-case scenario. The Jedi Order? Even if they hear me there, they are unlikely to listen. Right now, the Order has too many concerns."
"And I don't?!" a cry from the soul escaped.
"Yes, but you won't sit idly by thinking: 'will trouble come or not, and if it does, when?' I don't know what the Order was like before, but now it's a bunch of amoebas who won't budge until their tails are on fire!"
"Whoa," I raised my hands pacifyingly, "Fay, what's gotten into you?"
"I'm just angry."
"Angel, you know how to be angry?" I raised my eyebrows.
"Shade, you have no idea how offended I am by the Order."
"Why?" I sat down next to her. After all, learning the reason for the anger of such a person was truly interesting.
"They have gone blind, lost their way, and forgotten themselves, their own creed. Not even just because they simply gave up on the Outer Rim, and not because they serve the Republic instead of the Force. They have forgotten the ordinary residents even on Coruscant itself. I alone changed entire planets for the better. The entire Order could not help one single person. You are a Jedi. You are a symbol, a ray of hope in the darkness, and in the end..." she fell silent and looked away. "The Order is the only place where I could not defend my opinion. I was told I am too emotional, I need to be more restrained. Traitors."
"And after that, you want to help them?"
"Yes. If you have a soul, then you cannot be bad. You can only stumble, and a Jedi's task is to help you stand up. Even if the one who stumbled is another supposed Jedi. In any case—I believe I can reach the top of the Order. Sooner or later, they will understand."
"I highly doubt it," I shook my head. "You know, in my homeland there was a temple where they practiced creativity. Great masterpieces were created there. I remember the following words from there: 'Music is a reflection of the soul. Why do you need a mirror if there is nothing to reflect in it?' You are too naive, believing that everyone can be helped."
"Not everyone can be helped. But everyone can be given a chance. And if they don't use it—it's their own fault."
"My point is that some don't deserve even that chance. I've seen such people, Fay. In my time, an entire race had no right to that chance. We have many records of past years stored on holocrons. If you want, I'll ask them to show you examples of those I'm talking about."
"No, everyone has a chance. Even the Rakata had one."
"How do you even know about them?"
"I love history and don't mind talking to Terrans. If I remember correctly, there was a race called the Kwa who gave the Rakata a chance for something better. The fact that those bug-eyed ones refused it, choosing the path of violence and excessive cruelty—is their fault."
"Except they drank quite a bit of blood from the galaxy in the process, and their actions are echoing to this day in the form of me. If they hadn't crawled into my home, I wouldn't be here."
"That is true. But still. I believe in the best. I want to believe."
"So be it. Alright, enough about the Force, let's get down to business."
"Mmm?" Fay perked up her ears.
"Aala, my mother, is heading to Coruscant to resolve some issues with crime. Tomorrow a TF representative is flying in, with whom I will be conducting negotiations. You, however, I want to ask to go to Kuat."
"Why?"
"To order a space station from them. Coruscant, Corellia, Kuat, Alderaan—all these planets have their own desires, especially the first two, and therefore they pull the blanket over themselves. The status of the Republic capital—leaves its mark, and that is bad. We need a place, a new, conveniently located place where planetary representatives would gather. Something like a galactic space station. It will belong to no one and will be considered neutral territory, where any military action will be prohibited. And since the station won't be in anyone's system, no one will be offended, because politics and business shouldn't be mixed."
"Somehow it seems to me there's a catch here."
"It doesn't just seem that way to you. The station will be neutral, everyone will be equal on it, but we'll be more equal," I winked.
"In my opinion, this project will be laughed at, at best."
"That is exactly why you are taking on its implementation, little angel. We can drag the Jedi into this; they owe me big time because they lost Damask and now I have to clean up after them. If they don't want to listen to you, they'll listen to me. Because there's no reason to fool around when such filth is happening in the galaxy. Tell Kuat that the station is entirely and completely paid for by us, as those who want peace, prosperity, and the swiftest restoration of the Republic! And definitely, do you hear, Fay, definitely broadcast this news as far as possible; we can even buy a whole advertising campaign... No, you can't, it must be bought."
"Where will you get all the money for this?!"
"Well, we recently stole three billion from the bankers for fun before all this fuss; I didn't think we'd be using them, but oh well, they won't be tracked now anyway."
"And won't anyone ask where the money came from?"
"Fay, who will ask?" I looked condescendingly at this cutie. "The Jedi? The bankers? The Judicial Corps? Ha-ha-ha, yeah, they'll ask, sure. And besides, we're talking about trillions; what we swiped is a drop in the ocean on a galactic scale. Though, to be honest, I hadn't planned on using that money. But who knew that in just a couple of days such a mess would start?! If I'd known, I would've told them to take even more."
"I see."
"When you're bustling about, emphasize that we are so poor and unfortunate, the only ones who want peace in the galaxy and the Republic and are investing all our funds into it. If I've calculated correctly, and you don't mess up, this provocation will prompt the other giants to make their own investments. And the others will follow them."
"And who will manage all this?"
"Who else? You, of course, not me!"
"What?!" Fay was absolutely stunned.
"You are a negotiator. You want peace. I will try to give you a chance to put your dream, goal, meaning of life, and talent into practice. Well, and if it doesn't work out, then I will act as I'm used to—dissenters to the stake, the agreeable to work."
"Cruel..."
"My fiancée turned a rotting planet into a blooming paradise in ten years using this method. So the theme works, proven," I winked.
"I will try to make sure it doesn't come to that."
"Try."
"And where to deploy the station? With your plan, it must have a location that pleases everyone and simultaneously leaves all the major players out of the loop."
"The Mid Rim. The Claire system. It's located exactly between the Perlemian, Corellian, and Hydian Way trade routes. It once had several inhabited planets, but now this system is abandoned because all the planets were destroyed."
"Whoa..."
"And I even know when and who worked them over like that. My descendants didn't play around in their time and fired from the main caliber without hesitation. If you look at the map, in the Core worlds there are plenty of dead systems with asteroids instead of planets."
"That's true."
"It's surprising that Coruscant remained in its place. Though no, not surprising. The planet belonged to the Taungs, that is, the Mandalorians; maybe that's why they didn't blast it. But that's not important. I've shown you the system where to deploy the station. Once you've filed the application, head to the temple and agitate those idiots; it's your chance to return them to the true path, and if not—it's not my fault."
"Understood," Fay nodded seriously.
"Right then. On that note, I'll leave you."
Leaving the room, I lingered in the doorway:
"Good luck, Fay."
"And to you, Aero. May the Force be with us..."
As soon as the door closed behind me, I thoughtfully tapped the mask on my belt. Taking it off and looking into the visor, I addressed my assistant:
"Ziro, immediately convene the Mandalorians for a council and call Loki and Radiy to it. Plans are changing again."
"Accepted," the droid chirped immediately from behind my shoulder.
***
When I entered the meeting hall, the people looked serious. I don't arrange urgent meetings every day, and if I do, it means things are getting hot. Essentially, that was the case this time too.
"Mandalore," the clan leaders bowed.
Pushing the chair aside, I leaned against the table and sighed heavily.
"Listen up, brothers and sisters. Our plans are being adjusted slightly again. In two words—it's a clusterf*ck."
"O_O"
"Just kidding. Half-kidding. In view of new information that's come to light, may they all get the hiccups, we won't be acting as I originally planned."
Scanning the serious faces, I continued:
"I'll start by saying that I'm calling off the operation to steal ships from Kuat. Instead of adding fuel to the fire, we need to dampen it a little."
"What?!"
"How?!"
"Mandalore???"
"Quiet!" I interrupted all the exclamations. "I know, but it's necessary, and I'll explain why later. Instead, I'm declaring a second raid for goodies."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"What's the difference?" a question sounded quite loudly in the resulting silence.
"The difference is that we won't be robbing major corporations and pitting them against each other, but pirates and other scum, so they don't get out of hand in these troubled times. There were already plenty of them in the Outer Rim, and now they'll really spread their wings. So let's celebrate, brothers and sisters, let's celebrate to the fullest."
Anticipatory smirks appeared on the Mandalorians' faces.
"Tomorrow I will be speaking with representatives of the Trade Federation. I'm sure they will want to contribute to bringing order to the Outer Rim. While you strike the main blow—they will help keep space under control. After all, they have to fly through it. Many planets are under the protection of criminal syndicates, clans, and just groups; you know this perfectly well yourselves. Therefore, on such planets I want to ask you not to be particularly rowdy and, if possible, provide humanitarian support to the local population. Remember, you are not bandits; you are noble pirates who must show everyone how good it is to be friends with us and be under our protection."
"He-he-he-he..."
"It will be done in the best possible way!"
"I don't doubt it. Also, if possible, conduct recruitment of recruits for further maintenance of control on these planets. Remember, now you are laying the foundation for the future. These worlds will be obliged to become part of the Hadian Empire when it stands at its full height."
"It will be done."
"For now, get ready; the tentative start of the operation is in ten days. If you see an enemy, then seize as much of value as possible. Ships, equipment, weapons—take everything, and what's nailed down—rip it up and take that too. Understood?!"
"Yes, sir!"
"And remember, the ships you attack—are our future property, as are the pirates. If possible, and the enemy proves cooperative, then seize control of the group and use them. Meat is meat; no need to ruin the paint on the front lines unnecessarily. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Chief, permission to speak?" a hand went up.
"Yes."
"Will this not reflect negatively on the general tone? You said yourself that we shouldn't add fuel to the fire."
"We're not. I want your achievements publicized to the entire Republic," I folded my arms. "This time you must look like liberators and protectors of peace and order in these troubled times."
"O_o"
"Yes, yes, you heard right. And don't look at me like that; I'm in my right mind. I'll issue the targets within the next three days; the operation itself must be completed no later than next month. Roughly speaking, the campaign will affect this region of the galaxy," projecting the map, I circled the zone.
"Questions?"
"Mandalore, why do we care about the Republic? It's burning nicely; we just need to fan the flames."
"Yes, but unfortunately, we do care, and a fire is of no use. There is a real threat from outside, and a very serious one. What exactly it is, I don't know for sure yet; I need time for reconnaissance. One thing is clear—the galaxy will go up in flames, and it will be bad for everyone—including us. Any more questions?"
Having listened to the questions and given instructions to the Mandalorians, I switched to the Terrans.
"Radiy, brief Loki on the details regarding the aliens. Your task is to assemble a reconnaissance squad and see who lives there that's so dangerous."
"Yes, Master."
"All information on my desk immediately," the Terran nodded. "Loki, what's the status of the contact I gave for finding Damask?"
"We found the right person on Naboo, but by a strange coincidence he wasn't there. He flew off urgently somewhere."
"Monitor him. As soon as he appears—shadow him, but do not attract attention. If I'm right, he'll lead us to Damask."
"Accepted."
"That's all for me; you're dismissed."
The Terrans bowed and disappeared. On that, the meeting ended, and I remained in the hall to reflect on this... mess.
The next day, in this same hall, a meeting was held with a representative of the Trade Federation. A well-groomed man in a TF uniform with its patches on his shoulders.
"Tony Edmonton," the man extended his hand.
"Shade Aero. Have a seat, Tony," I pointed to the chair. A droid immediately approached us with brewed tea.
"Thank you. So, Mr. Aero, I heard you wanted to conclude a profitable trade pact with us."
"Not exactly. I want to conclude a cooperation agreement through which we can help each other."
"I'm listening," the TF representative settled back, prepared to listen, slowly sipping his tea.
"I'll start from afar. It so happens that we have quite serious technologies in our hands, specifically the special plasma reactors we sent you for review. We can already produce them, however, they alone are not enough. I'm offering you a serious discount on these units, and in return I'm asking for a similar discount for the bulk purchase of components. This includes standard ship armor, cables, some consumables, and simply ready-to-use metals."
"An interesting proposal, Mr. Aero. Very interesting. I have reviewed the data you sent regarding these reactors, and if everything is as it seems, then we are ready to proceed with something like this. Of course, the discounts depend on the volume of goods purchased and sold."
"I understand. You are discussing a preliminary agreement with me; a little later my assistant will join us to draw up the contract," the man nodded. "That's as far as profit goes. Now for mutual assistance. As you know, it wasn't quiet in the Outer Rim before, and now it's going to get really lively. We want to conduct a small cleanup in a certain area of the Outer Rim."
"You want to ask for help from the Trade Federation's military fleet?" he raised an eyebrow.
"No, not at all. We'll handle the cleanup ourselves. However, we lack ships to maintain order in space, and that's where you can help."
"Hm..."
"It is in your direct interest, Ambassador. However, I want to emphasize that you do not have the right to invade planetary territories."
"Not at all, Aero; the TDF has never resorted to such measures. We have brought peace and tranquility to the distant corners of the Republic before. Now, having heard your proposal, I see no reason to refuse. We will help you maintain order in the free territories."
"Excellent. Oh! Here is my assistant," the door opened and Talia entered with a tablet in her hands. A little ruffled, but feisty and with a burning gaze. "So, shall we start with the contract?"
"Of course."
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: patreon.com/Granulan