Mister Jabba, Mister Jabba!
One of the guards, a Trandoshan, ran into the hall, clutching his scorched side "What happened?" Jabba asked Nikto took a breath and only then spoke:
"Your son.." he finally said. "An unknown ship attacked us while we were out for a walk. A tentacle-wielding construct. They came close, shot down our escort, and boarded us, Sir. Rottu.. kidnapped.."
The maids who were next to him gasped, putting their hands to their mouths; one even dropped the tray with food
No, Jabba hadn't expected such news. Rotta was on his usual evening stroll: just when one Brother had already disappeared over the horizon, and the other was heading for the sunset..
Jabba flew into a rage. He began waving his arms and barking orders.
"Find him!" Jabba roared. "Find my son! And those who dared to do such a thing must pay with their lives!"
And these were not empty words
"Life is sometimes so unpredictable that it leaves you baffled by its actions" Palpatine muttered as the holographic message reappeared on the flickering blue screen
Jabba's droid was broadcasting a request for help in finding Rotta, while his clearly agitatec master, squinting slightly and swaying nervously, watched the transmission of the message
- The problem must be really serious if he turned to the Republic for help
The Chancellor glanced at the Jedi gathered in his office: apparently, this had taken them by surprise as well. Even Master Windu, representing the Order in the Senate, looked unusual-sulky and thoughtful. For now, he was silently considering what he had just heard. The others-Yoda Plo Koon, Ki-Adi Mundi-were also in no hurry to express their opinions. No one seemed particularly eager to express their opinions
Finally, Palpatine said softly: " believe this situation falls under the iurisdiction of the Jedi Order. What do you say to that Master Windu?" He glanced questioningly at the imperturbable Korun. Windu leaned back in his chair
- The Republic should not associate with such individuals.
"Those are harsh words, my friend. But I don't think you should say such things about one of the heads of a sovereign state."
"This is undoubtedly an internal squabble among the Hath" Windu's voice was dispassionate as befitted a Master. " Jabba himself has never been above kidnapping. So why did he turn to us? Why should we divert Jedi forces to a routine police mission when there's a war going on?"
"A child is missing. Shouldn't that be enough? We have to help. Besides, I heard that one of the Hutts was once a full-fledged Jedi, and he wasn't treated with disdain.."
Palpatine sat down and activated the holoprojector. A map of the galaxy appeared above the table, highlighting the territory controlled by the Hutt clans
"Perhaps we'll be able to strike a treaty with the Hutts. Jabba can influence the other Hutts After all, they control significant forces-in addition to a large fleet, they can afford to hire hundreds of thousands of mercenaries" Palpatine drawled, watching his interlocutors. "Their territories are vas.."
Windu, tilting his head slightly to the side, said: "And yet, I feel uneasy. This isn't a simple kidnapping for ransom or score-settling. I can fee
it."
Palpatine allowed himself a grin, as if he wanted to say both "I share your concerns" and "you know l'm right."
"You may not approve of dealings with the Hutts, Master Windu, but we are going through difficult times and cannot dictate terms to our allies. If they do more good than harm, we are: obligated to cooperate. The Hutts control hyperspace routes throughout the eastern Outer Rim."
"Where should we start searching?" asked Ki-Adi Mundi. "lt would be nice to know the genera area..."
Palpatine said thoughtfully,
"It's unlikely the kidnappers managed to get far. I believe he may be on one of these planets' the Chancellor's finger hovered near Theta. "We should dispatch a reconnaissance team there as soon as possible. I'l| give the order."
"But... All our forces are thrown into the fight against General Grievous. We have too few Jedi.." the Cerean replied, stroking his beard. "Besides, the journey is long. "Hmm."" Master Unduli caught their attention. "General marek squad is operating in that very area. At least, he's not far away."
"This is a matter of the utmost importance. As many Jedi as possible must be dispatched' the Chancellor reminded,.
"We can also highlight Skywalker and marek.. They have secured Christophsis" Windu added But then Yoda said firmly "We need to tell marek about this. This general should handle it." "Yes. The more forces we bring to the operation, the faster we'll be able to solve this problem;' Luminara agreed "Then..contact them immediately," Palpatine nodded in agreement "marek again? That'll be fun."