15 BBY
Fondor
Baikal Logistics Company Headquarters
"Yes," came the distorted reply.
"We have found the clone you wanted," Silas stated without hesitation.
"And his decision?" the voice asked through the encrypted communicator.
"He was reluctant at first. He views us as a criminal enterprise," Silas admitted. "But I convinced him otherwise, of the true purpose of the Revenant."
"Good. Clone CT-1707 is destined to extend our armed agenda and militant reach in the years to come. I have foreseen it," the voice rumbled.
Silas inclined his head, though the figure on the other end could not see the gesture nor see anything from Silas's end a precaution taken on encrypted calls like this.
"The mission on Kafrene was also successful," he continued. "We sold the acquired spice for four hundred thousand credits. Less than its market value, but stealing from the Hutts carries risks. Buyers account for that in their calculations."
"And those buyer…are you certain they will not sell us out to those slimy hutts?" the voice pressed.
"I am," Silas replied. "For now, Zachariah Gantry can be trusted with our business."
A brief silence lingered on the line, filled only by the faint hum of the communications table.
"Very well," the voice said at last. "I trust your judgment, my friend. What of the beskar shipment? Were we able to secure the cargo?"
"We were," Silas answered, allowing himself a small pause.
"Though I still believe we should have taken it rather than paid for it."
"Our dealings with Mandalore are… delicate," the voice corrected. "I require their cooperation in the future. I will not have them hunting for stolen metal worth a million credits that might lead back to us. And there is also the matter of the Darksaber, it remains in play, and whoever wields it commands a legitimacy that can sway the entire Mandalorian world. I will not sabotage a planet I intend to court."
"As you say," Silas conceded. "Still, Darth Maul holds the blade. Only you are strong enough to match him in combat . And taking it will be no small task."
"We need not concern ourselves with Maul," the voice replied calmly.
"His end will not come by my hand. And yet we will acquire the weapon without difficulty and without death on our part. For that, we must simply be patient. Time is something we possess in abundance and we shall take advantage of this."
A chime sounded from the comms table, signaling an incoming data transfer.
"Before I go, I want you to look into this man," the voice added.
Silas tapped the control. A human face flickered into existence above the projector, well groomed, wealthy, eyes sharp.
"Davo Sculden," Silas read.
"Yes. He and others like him may become a bridge to wealth and influence within the Core. We proceed legally until we do not. You will cultivate his favor. Present me as a family acquaintance, someone worthy of trust. His future position within the Imperial industry will prove invaluable. Promotions, contracts, connections … all to which can be shaped."
"A means of strengthening ourselves politically," Silas murmured, "and smoothing the path of your career."
"Precisely."
"And what about Senator Vilin?" Silas asked
"Vilin and the rest will play their roles as well but we need not limit ourselves to a mere few", the voice replied.
"Consider it done then ," Silas said. "I will study him and arrange a meeting or encounter whichever is best, something that draws him toward us rather than the other way around."
"Good."
The transmission crackled.
"Until next time," the voice said, and the channel went dead.
The holoprojector dimmed, leaving the chamber in shadow once more.
Silas remained still for several seconds, eyes fixed on the empty air where Davo Sculden's image had hovered. A financier he read. A gatekeeper and a banker who might've been illicit in both legal and illegal dealings.
Men like this required careful handling. Too much pressure and they fled. Too little and they lost interest.
The Baron reached for a glass of dark liquor resting nearby and took a slow sip, letting the burn settle his thoughts.
"Berin," he called.
The aide entered almost immediately, bowing. "My lord?"
"Begin a complete profile on Davo Sculden," Silas ordered. "Assets, rivals, pleasures, debts, ambitions, especially the ambitions. I want to know what keeps him awake at night and what gets him out of bed in the morning."
"At once." My lord the older man stated.
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