Nine years, seven months, and thirty-one days after the Battle of Yavin…
Or the forty-fourth year, seven months, and thirty-one days after the Great Resynchronization.
(Three months and sixteen days since the Arrival.)
The "Void Wanderer" completed its hyperspace jump at the precisely designated time and at the predetermined point in space.
Following it, maintaining an almost jewel-like diamond escort formation, came the "Pillar of Autumn," and parallel to it, the "Forward Unto Dawn."
Both of these vessels formed the flank guard for six "Acclamator"-class cruisers, on which Moff Ferrus had sent the necessary spare parts and additional weaponry for the urgent repair of the fleet's ships to Grand Admiral Thrawn. They had been unloaded by fleet personnel as quickly as possible right after delivering another cargo from the distant military base on Tangrene. Then they were reloaded with more modern parts and components, the ships additionally being crewed with work parties from the shipyards.
The "Red Gauntlet" slipped out of hyperspace as the rearguard.
Now, of the twenty Imperial-class Star Destroyers (of both modifications) subordinate to Grand Admiral Thrawn, sixteen were in the Skaross system…
Or not…?! Why are there twenty ISDs here?! Weren't the "Eradicator," the "In Amber Clad," the "Black Star," and the "Adjudicator" left in the ORB-II yards when they set off for here ten hours ago?!
Wait! These aren't Ubiqtorate ships! That "shorty" there — it's clearly a "Procursator"-class Star Destroyer, none of which exist in any of the Imperial Remnant fleets!
What the hell is going on?!
"Is this even legal?!" the senior officer blurted out, approaching the commander of the "Void Wanderer" and pointing unceremoniously at…
Abyss felt his throat tighten.
"Not sure," he muttered.
Surrounded by nine dozen heavy Dreadnaught-class cruisers were TWO fleets.
One of them, judging by its appearance, had clearly been through a hell of a meat grinder. Despite the fact that among them was one fast Bellator-class dreadnought, four Imperial-class Mark I's, the "shorty," and a dozen escort frigates beaten to the point of "I can see your reactor." On the sooty gray hulls of the ships, one could make out the remnants of New Republic emblems…
A little further off, hanging like a tired beast that had been chasing a herd of stupid banthas, was the already familiar transponder of the Star Destroyer "Imperious." Which, judging by its numerous damages, had taken a very, very heavy pounding. No, literally, the ship was soot-covered from bow to stern, and smoke from unextinguished fires was clearly trailing from some breaches.
The second fleet included eleven Imperial-class Star Destroyers, led by the "Chimaera." These ships stood frozen in a guard formation around a two-kilometer Torpedo Sphere, which was also "hugged" by three Interdictors, two Immobilizers, an equal number of Quasar Fire-class escort carriers, a pair of Victory-class Mark I's, a brace of old Separatist Providence-class Star Destroyers, and a quintet of Venator-class Star Destroyers… The outer screen for this entire mass of vessels was provided by numerous Corellian corvettes, which, like the escort carriers, showed no trace of having been in battle.
But judging by the appearance of the rest of the fleet's ships — they had also seen combat. However, their condition didn't suggest things were that serious. A few non-critical breaches, a couple of ships had their deflector projectors blown off, some artillery knocked out… The air wing had surely suffered too — it was no wonder that two "Acclamators" were carrying TIE-series craft: fighters, interceptors, bombers. Naturally, they came with their pilots… But looking at Thrawn's fleet, one started to wonder: for whom were three of the six "Acclamators" packed with enough spare parts to build a whole destroyer?
Was it for the first fleet? If so… What kind of "spanking" did those ships take that it was easier to send them for scrap than to repair them?!
"We're being hailed from the 'Chimaera'," the senior officer reported, snapping out of his shock.
"Patch me through immediately," the commander of the "Void Wanderer" came to his senses.
The holoprojector, as soon as he approached it, lit up with the white-blue projection of Grand Admiral Thrawn.
"Sir," Abyss gave a short nod in greeting.
"Welcome," the Supreme Commander replied in a neutral tone. "Thank you for your prompt arrival, Captain Abyss. I hope the crews of your detachment's ships aren't too exhausted from such a long transit?"
A hint that all four ships had arrived here with skeleton crews, and that the "Void Wanderer" had even been conducting internal repairs during the flight. Also, the port-side batteries and deflectors really ought to be installed, as they were stowed in the cargo hold.
"No, sir, everything is fine," he replied.
"In that case, send the three ships you were escorting with the maximum spare parts stock to the 'Imperious' Captain Shohashi will personally oversee the unloading of the parts and the loading of prisoners. Send the cruiser with proton torpedoes and anti-ship missiles to the Torpedo Sphere — it will be unloaded by the crews of the sphere itself, the 'Crusader', the 'Steel Aurora', the 'Colicoid Swarm', and the 'Black Pearl'. Bring the other two ships, with pilots, small craft, crews to supplement our ships, and spare parts, to the 'Chimaera'. We'll focus on restoring the fleet's combat capability. We'll be going into battle soon, so I advise you to begin getting the 'Void Wanderer' into fighting shape. Leave two repair parties on board your ship; the commanders of the damaged ships will send their own shuttles for the rest. Let me remind you that in two days, an 'Acclamator' will arrive with personnel to bring the crew complements of your destroyers up to standard. After that, we depart for a new battle."
"Aye, sir," Abyss hesitated, which was unusual for him. "Permission to ask a question, Grand Admiral?"
"Permission granted, Captain," Thrawn replied calmly.
"Uh… The Republican ships. What are they doing here?" It was a stupid question, of course. But asking "Sir, is this an illusion or not?" would have been even stupider.
"Waiting for repairs and transport to Tangrene for urgent overhaul," Thrawn answered, as if it were an aside. "They are now OUR ships."
"Understood, sir," Abyss waited for the hologram to fade. Looking at the senior officer who had come up to him, he just shook his head:
"Now I understand why the Imperial Remnants refused to give him the 'Void Wanderer' or offer any other help. Does he even need anyone's help, or are we all just extras here?!"
* * *
"Thus, we effectively cleansed the crews from all ships of the Morshdine sector defense fleet," Captain Pellaeon summarized. "But, on the other hand, we replenished our own losses in this battle and partially crewed the transit teams for the captured ships."
I sat in my chair, listening to the reports from the commander of the "Chimaera."
Not as bad as it could have been, actually.
Only the "Imperious" had completely lost combat capability. Shohashi was currently recovering from his wounds and would soon return to duty. Although the shrapnel from the exploded tactical monitor lodged in the left side of his body was, well, quite an "adornment."
However, we hadn't permanently lost a single vessel. Moreover, we had managed to avoid significant personnel losses and the destruction of the captured ships. Although, I had to admit, it would take considerable time to bring them to combat readiness. And even longer to crew them. Well…
As our deputy for logistics used to say: "The hamster inside me demands more, but I'm afraid the Motherland can't satisfy the demands of this insatiable creature." Indeed, it makes you want to stop capturing ships and start destroying them instead.
Still, that was the wrong thought.
Imperial Star Destroyers, built nearly half a century before these events, had performed admirably during the war against the Yuuzhan Vong, significantly outperforming New Republic ships in destroying the extra-galactic invaders. Therefore, it was necessary to continue operations for the forceful seizure of Imperial property from unscrupulous acquirers. We'll see how well the democracy of the New Republic holds up. Along with its xenosonism, or whatever this phenomenon, akin to humanism but regarding the preservation of lives and mercy towards representatives of other races and peoples, was called in this galaxy.
"Has Captain Shohashi already drawn up the schedule for transferring the captured ships to Tangrene for subsequent repairs?" I inquired.
"Yes, sir," he replied. "The least damaged vessels will go first — the escort frigates and the Procursator-class Star Destroyer, whose hyperdrive repair is almost complete. This will require using all but one watch from the 'Imperious.' These ships, along with the first batch of prisoners, will depart for Tangrene. After that, the 'Acclamators' with transit crews will return here for the Imperial-class destroyers, which by then should already be repaired — at least to a state where they are capable of safe hyperspace travel. They, excluding the 'Imperious,' will form the second echelon — and the second batch of prisoners will go with them. Shohashi's flagship and the 'Crimson Dawn' will be last. The star dreadnought should be repaired to a greater extent by then than it is now. Besides, the delivered B-1 droids will suffice to compensate for the minimum necessary crew on board this giant… Almost seventeen thousand sentients per watch!"
Which was logical, considering nearly a hundred thousand crew members on a vessel of that size. It's not a "five-two-oh" setup for an Imperial Star Destroyer to get from point A to point B.
"Shohashi is essentially condemning his men to double watches during the transit," I noted.
"They'll rest on the way back," Pellaeon remarked. "Besides, his ship will go into drydock — for at least a week."
"Make sure the crew gets shore leave for that period," I ordered.
Seeing the surprise on the commander of the "Chimaera's" face, I clarified:
"By watches, of course."
"Of course," Pellaeon nodded. "I would also like to note that during the boarding clearance of the 'Crimson Dawn' crew and other enemy vessels, we sustained minimal losses in droidekas. Literally — a dozen units, no more."
"Which confirms their effectiveness in this type of operation," I nodded in agreement.
"And opens up prospects for using them on our fleet's ships as anti-boarding measures," Pellaeon added.
"A sensible proposal," I agreed. "But untimely."
"Due to the small number of droidekas," the commander of my flagship Star Destroyer sighed.
"We will solve this problem during the third phase of Operation 'Crimson Dawn'," I promised.
Pellaeon's eyes widened.
"Frankly, sir, I thought the operation would conclude during the Ciutric campaign. And the attack on Sluis Van would be part of a different operation."
"There's no point in inventing multiple campaigns, so the end of Prince-Admiral Krennel is only the second phase," I clarified. There was no need to explain to the captain that the initial goal of the operation had actually been the capture of the fast star dreadnought, and only later, based on the enemy's actions, I had supplemented the operation with new, unforeseen points. "After Ciutric, we need to determine, in the shortest possible time, the threat that the 'Zann Consortium' militants might pose to us, identify their supply sources, home bases, and strike them. I need the droideka factory on Hypori. As well as the assembly point for their ships."
"Sir, diluting the active fleet with various types of vessels that have, practically, nothing in common, including in terms of components, is not the best idea," Pellaeon noted. Then he added:
"With all due respect, sir."
"Allow me to disagree, Captain," I said. "Our technicians have sufficiently studied the Crusader II-class corvette produced by the shipbuilders of the 'Zann Consortium.' And it can be said with a high degree of certainty that this vessel uses a significant, not to say overwhelming, portion of Imperial equipment. Including turbolasers, launch tubes, deflector generators, and projectors."
"Now it's clear why the 'Vultures' are kidnapping Imperial military hardware from New Republic shipyards," Pellaeon snorted.
"The Consortium" is not destroyed, as many believe," I noted. "Part of the organization survived, went to ground, and is building up its armed forces. I have reason to believe that Zann currently controls Rothana and Kamino.
The face of the Chimaera's commander turned the same shade as his hair and mustache.
"Clone army," he whispered.
"Which by default should take ten years to grow," I reminded him. "However, we must not forget the fact that the Spaarti cloning cylinders also produced clones over a much longer period than required. Yet they yielded clones without mental or psychological defects."
In the silence of my cabin, I clearly heard Pellaeon swallow the lump in his throat.
"You think he's also using ysalamiri to accelerate and stabilize cloning?"
"No," I replied simply. "Otherwise the clone army would have already overrun the galaxy, and the Zann Consortium would have emerged from the underground it now inhabits. I believe Zann knows about ysalamiri, but nevertheless does not connect the effect they achieve with the cloning process."
At least I hope so. If not, then we… will be in trouble.
"Sir," Pellaeon remarked carefully. "Perhaps we shouldn't interfere with the Consortium just yet?"
"Otherwise we'll lose the droid production facility," I reminded him. "No, I need that factory. But not on Hypori. I'm also interested in the anti-missile point-defense laser cannons that the Consortium's engineers install on their Crusader II-class corvettes."
"Isn't that Mandalorian technology?" Gilad clarified.
I called up the appropriate report from the Chimaera's technicians. No one thought I had temporarily attached this ship to my flagship on a whim, did they? No, I needed to study it with specialists whose competence I trusted as much as my own.
"'The weapons used on the Crusader II have fifty percent greater range compared to the original Mandalorian technology, as well as improved targeting systems and countermeasures against electronic warfare…'" After reading the necessary information from the report, I looked at the Chimaera's commander. "Do you see where I'm going with this, Captain?"
"You want to capture the production of those weapons?" he clarified.
"I don't know how, but the Zann Consortium, operating from the shadows, has managed to improve upon the technologies they possessed," I explained. "And we must acquire them, study them, and apply them to our own starships. Not to mention that the Crusader II-class corvettes surpass the CR90 corellian corvettes we use in most parameters."
"Yes, the latter are even outclassed by Sienar's Bayonet-class," Pellaeon grumbled. "Not to mention the Lancer-class, Lancet-class, and so on…"
"But at the same time, they are not built in our shipyards," I observed. "And likewise, the corellian corvettes and gunships, just like the Tartan-class patrol cruisers, not to mention other types of starships in the defense fleet of Tangrene and the entire Morshdine sector, ended up in our fleet not because I considered these ship types the best for protecting our starships. But solely because they were what we could obtain. I think you understand that the Dreadnaught-class heavy cruisers from the Katana fleet are used for the same reason."
"But at the same time, we could order the construction of Avenger-class heavy cruisers at Kuat Drive Yards' slips, and other starship types on Lianna, not to mention the Pentastar Alignment," Pellaeon insisted. Well, it was time to clarify another point.
"Are you suggesting we spend billions, funneling money into other pockets, to buy the ships we need?" I asked.
"As far as I know, we have enough credits…"
"And our expenses are growing every day," I had to remind him of the obvious. "Liquid funds are not infinite. Paying worker wages and military allowances is a state obligation, a role we are currently fulfilling for our allies. For now, we have a cash reserve. Later we will replenish and increase it through the future sale of assets. But that is unlikely to save the situation overall. Without a strong economy, we cannot afford to purchase ships and thereby potentially strengthen our enemies. We must develop our own economy, and not just within the Morshdine sector. That is precisely why we need the Ciutric sector. By merging them into a single cluster, we can obtain the necessary economic and industrial base in the shortest possible time."
"I'm not sure that will benefit the populations of those sectors," Pellaeon said sadly. "Palpatine and his minions might try to settle scores with us by launching orbital bombardments of our allied territories, planets that have supported us."
"Unfortunately, that is exactly the case, Captain," I agreed. "We will need to employ a solidarity regime on those planets so that later they appear less 'guilty' in Palpatine's eyes."
"Otherwise, we'll have to forget about 'lying low,'" Pellaeon observed correctly. "You yourself said that if we let Palpatine tear our allies apart, no one will follow us anymore."
Yes. I understand that perfectly. As well as the fact that the more I change the unfolding events, disrupting the chronology I know, the less chance the New Republic and the Skywalker family have of managing without my help. Just to be clear — as of now, I have destroyed nearly a hundred of their bases across the galaxy and deprived them of one or two sector fleets.
"Exactly, Captain," I admitted. "We need the right strategy in choosing actions toward our potential allies. It may be that the best way to save their lives is to do what we did with Baron D'Asta — not advertise our true relationship. Depending on the situation in the Ciutric Hegemony after the second phase of the operation, a fundamental decision will be made. The most obvious one is to use the facilities of Ciutric and other planets not as allies, but as neutrals."
"In other words, pay them for ship repairs, infrastructure construction, and so on?" Pellaeon was taken aback.
"Yes," I confirmed.
"But you just said we have no right to finance the strengthening of our enemies!" Gilad muttered. "And at the same time, you ordered equipment installation work on nearly forty asteroids in the Pentastar Alignment," Pellaeon reminded me. "That is costing us four hundred million credits…"
"Operation Asteroid-II does not aim to install cloaking elements on those rocks directly by the Pentastar Alignment's workers," I clarified. "Only general work: drilling, laying power buses, and preparing sites for the installations. The final assembly will in any case be done by our engineers. I do not intend to give our potential enemies access to cloaking technology."
"Then why not just do it on Tangrene, as with Project Asteroid?" Pellaeon did not understand.
"Asteroid-II is being implemented at the Yaga Minor shipyards only because Talon Karrde's activity has been registered there," I explained. The Chimaera's commander frowned not without reason.
"But we destroyed his organization," he said.
"Do not delude yourself, Captain, that capturing a couple dozen freighters and a similar number of bases, warehouses, and hideouts can irreparably damage an organization that has been built and operating for decades," I advised. "Mazzic, Karrde's associate, intended to take command of the remnants — which means there is still something beyond what we obtained from Lady Terrik Horn and her father. Now that Karrde has returned and taken the helm of the part of the organization we did not destroy, he will certainly try to understand the situation and find a way to strike back. In the time that has passed, he has already assessed the state of affairs, so now he is moving to gather information about our peripheral operations. Then he will evaluate his strength and decide whether his organization can harm us on its own or whether it needs support from 'business colleagues.'"
"So we didn't destroy his reputation effectively enough?" Pellaeon tensed. He was clearly afraid of facing the New Republic, Krennel, Isard, Palpatine's agents, the Zann Consortium, and the smuggler's union all at once. Well, those are just the obvious enemies. Add to that Palpatine's hired killer Devian, a number of other Imperial dignitaries, Ardus Kaine (who has not shown any harmful activity, which is strange), Lady Santhe, and a host of other, smaller problems — and it seems like an insurmountable opposition. After all, together they would crush us.
That is precisely why some opponents are currently "put on the back burner" and only observed without direct confrontation, others should become entangled in opposition among themselves, and for the third group I will try to throw dust in their eyes with the war against the New Republic that they so desire and that has been forced upon me.
"On the contrary, Captain," I smiled. "We destroyed it thoroughly. Now he has no choice but to play his hand and join the New Republic. After the operation in the Ciutric sector is complete, we will actively help him restore his lost positions so that no misunderstanding arises between him and the New Republic."
The Chimaera's commander passed his hand over his face, as if relieving tension. Then he looked at me with an expression that seemed to say: "Just have mercy and finish me off already!"
"And after his trust among the Republicans is restored, we will destroy Talon Karrde's reputation with the government on Coruscant, as was planned."
"But…" Gilad hesitated. "How, sir?"
"Project Asteroid-II, Captain," I explained.
The Chimaera's commander changed his expression.
Now his eyes, without much skill, read: "No, I'm serious. Right now, take and finish me off — show mercy!"
I seems I'm overdoing it with the matryoshka nesting of plans. I should use simpler schemes.
Well, let's note that thought.
"Take a seat, Captain," I offered, pointing to a chair beside my desk. "I'll explain the essence of Project Asteroid-II and how it will finally destroy the reputation of the smugglers and information brokers in the New Republic."
* * *
The Sullustan placed an electronic signature on the datapad, then picked it up. For a moment, the alien stared at the text of the sales contract, as if he could not believe the fortune that had fallen into his lap.
After a full minute of contemplation, he handed the personal datapad to the man sitting across the table.
Captain Hoffner, carefully hiding his irritation, smiled and took the device that confirmed the completed deal.
"Thank you," he said, diligently maintaining an aura of his own importance. Because according to the legend created for him by Grand Admiral Thrawn's intelligence service — a dozen of whose operatives served as his personal guards — he was a wealthy industrialist from some remote planet. He had decided to support his homeworld and purchased from the Sullustan company SoroSuub all the project documentation, blueprints, and full-cycle production lines needed to produce Predator Bird–class starfighters. "I hope this deal has ensured mutual respect of each other's interests?"
"Without a doubt!" the commercial director of SoroSuub waved his little hands. "The twenty million you paid us, that is…" The Sullustan paused, searching for a phrase equivalent to: "You foolish human, you paid a fortune for things that were gathering dust in our warehouses and rid my company of non-liquid production that no one would even take for free." "This is a big deal that will become a prelude to, I hope, a long cooperation between Sullust and your homeworld, Mr. Hoffner. Forgive me for prying, but isn't Axxila, for which you acquired our Predator Birds, part of the Ciutric Hegemony?"
What a late ignition you have!
"In other words, you want to ask whether this deal might be a way Prince-Admiral Krennel could use to strengthen his armed forces, and whether that might cause the New Republic to cancel their contracts with you?" Hoffner asked with a smile.
The Sullustan looked at him with his small eyes.
"Yes, my management would like to know that," he admitted without prevarication.
Well, of course. First, they practically drooled and kissed his feet for such a fantastic deal, and now, with all legal formalities completed, they suddenly decide to "make clarifications" to clear their consciences. And judging by the fact that they didn't bother to study the issue properly, the decision was obviously hasty.
"My dear friend," Hoffner said, beaming. "Axxila, as you may know, is called 'Coruscant turned inside out.' Therefore, despite the Imperial order and laws that prevail on the planet, my world does not belong to any of the Imperial Remnants."
"But did not Prince-Admiral Krennel attack your world before capturing the Ciutric sector?" the Sullustan pressed.
"That's right," Hoffner agreed easily. In reality, he had no idea what was happening on Axxila now except for the information the intelligence officers had given him to maintain his cover. "Axxila is a world loyal to Imperial law. We are proud that our planet is the homeworld of such a famous Imperial admiral as Firmus Piett, who worked hard to rid us of pirate gangs and restore order. And yes, you are quite right — a few months after the Battle of Endor, Ysanne Isard sent Admiral Delak Krennel to attack the planet to prevent Sate Pestage from surrendering Coruscant to the New Republic. Krennel killed many civilians in his attack. He called it punishment for supporting the rebels, which our rulers strongly disliked. We value the strictness of Imperial law, but we do not adhere to the ideas of the New Order. Therefore, after Krennel carried out mass killings and bombings on our planet, Axxila withdrew from the Ciutric Hegemony and set a course for independence. We have our own anti-pirate fleet, advanced shipyards, and decent armed forces." At least, that was true when Hoffner had last visited his homeland delivering a shipment of spice. Yes, Axxila is not called "Coruscant turned inside out" for nothing. They do not hide that the planet trades in banned and deadly substances. But otherwise such a huge ecumenopolis could not sustain and defend itself. The planet still had enormous Imperial bases — from the time when, nineteen years before the Battle of Yavin IV, the planet served as the temporary headquarters for a sector army that was purging Separatists from the depths of the Ciutric Hegemony. "But we unfortunately did not have our own starfighters. Therefore, as a loyal son of my world, I decided to help improve Axxila's situation. Perhaps you have heard that Prince-Admiral Krennel has recently been striking across the galaxy?"
"Yes," the Sullustan shuddered. "That is unpleasant news."
"We thought so too and decided to strengthen our defenses. That is why we turned to your company for support. I am sure we will ask SoroSuub to supply us with your wonderful inventions many times again."
"We will always be ready to welcome you," the Sullustan smiled.
After finishing all the necessary pleasantries and exchanges of courtesies half an hour later, Captain Hoffner and his bodyguards headed toward the space docks of the orbital station. On the way, they picked up the "security chief," who had spent the entire negotiations chatting amiably with the receptionist. Judging by the conversation — about the freighters they had acquired. Well, what else…
During his time on Sullust, the local corporate bigwigs from SoroSuub, having heard about his intention to spend a truly obscene amount (using Axxila as a front buyer justified the use of Imperial credits, which still circulated in the galaxy, albeit not very actively), either decided to fleece the simpleton even more, or their conscience got the better of them.
But one way or another, in addition to the production lines and documents, Hoffner also became the owner of a dozen Brill-class freighters produced by SoroSuub.
3
Brill-class freighter.
Despite its relatively small size — a hundred meters in length — the ship had truly impressive holds, ready to carry seventy-five thousand metric tons of cargo. Everything acquired in the main deal easily fit inside. As did several additional orders from SoroSuub's product line that had caught his eye. The Sullustans certainly had extensive experience in producing a wide variety of equipment.
"Ships have been inspected, no tracking devices found," reported the leader of the security team that had arrived with them on one of the Action V–class freighters, once belonging to a completely different owner.
Hoffner was about to reply, but realized the report was not addressed to him, but to the commander of his "security team" the Imperial operative who actually ran the whole operation. The former smuggler was only used by them to create a reliable cover. Nothing more.
"Prepare for departure," the "guard" ordered.
How many Imperials were involved in this operation, Captain Hoffner did not know. But he suspected at least two dozen people. The crew of each Brill was at least eight sentients, though it could function with just a pilot. But Imperials always liked to have backup.
"In a hurry to get back to your master?" a voice suddenly came from a tiny workshop adjacent to the hangar where Hoffner's ship was located. The smuggler turned and noticed that the Imperial operatives accompanying him had already trained their weapons on the man emerging from the room.
A very familiar man.
"Easy, boys — I'm alone and unarmed," smiled Talon Karrde, showing his empty hands.
"Perimeter — full alert," the security team commander ordered. Then, twitching his blaster slightly, he ordered the information broker:
"Stay where you are. Hands behind your head. Get on your knees."
The Talon calmly complied with all the orders in the sequence the Imperials indicated.
"I see your new friends value you highly, to assign such valuable boys as intelligence special forces as your escort," Karrde continued to look directly into Hoffner's eyes. The former smuggler wanted to ask the "security chief" why he didn't shoot, but the Imperial stated only that Karrde had arrived completely alone. Which was somewhat foolish of him. "I just want to look into the eyes of the man who tore my organization apart."
"Look in the mirror," Hoffner advised. He turned to the Imperial and asked:
"Why not kill him?"
"Oh, these boys know the rules of the game," Karrde smiled. "If they open fire on Sullustan installations, the local fleet will immediately come to the shipyards and become very interested in your identities and forged documents. Or they could be called by Mazzic's people, for example," he said. "By the way, they are watching us. They're all waiting for you to kidnap me, so that the local authorities will block the Predator Bird deal."
"You're bluffing," Hoffner said.
"You check," Karrde advised. He touched his chest. "Shoot right here."
Naturally, no one followed his advice. Even though the Imperials knew the Sullustan ships were too far away to arrive quickly.
"What do you want?" Hoffner asked.
"You have ships," the Talon said. "Return the Star Ice to me."
The information broker pointed at the starship standing behind everyone.
"Why would I?" the former smuggler asked.
"Because you smashed my organization and I need to rebuild my business," Talon said. "I could use a few of the ships you took from me."
"I'm not giving you anything," Hoffner chuckled.
Karrde raised his right eyebrow.
"I'm not talking to you," he said. "Let the Imperial boys convey to Grand Admiral Thrawn that I would be grateful for the return of my starships. He can keep the cargo from the destroyed bases. I only ask for the ships back."
"And why would my command do that?" the "security chief" asked.
"As a gesture of goodwill," Karrde said. "I heard there was a problem on Coruscant with the loss of Imperial information in the Imperial Palace. That's unfortunate, especially when the Republicans think it was caused by their own actions. But we know that a slicer well known to me was at work there. However, I'm not sure that Ghent managed to obtain that information — at least not in full. I think Grand Admiral Thrawn would be interested in knowing who might possess a complete copy of that data."
"In that case, you're coming with us," the "security chief" declared.
"Humbly grateful," Karrde smiled. "I've already experienced the delights of the Grand Admiral's hospitality firsthand, so I'll prefer to stay where I am. Let me remind you, you also cannot force me."
"You think I care about the Sullustan security forces?" the Imperial grinned.
"No," Karrde admitted. "You won't touch me for another reason."
"And what reason is that?" Hoffner interjected.
"Otherwise, the New Republic will learn about a certain number of asteroids that were delivered to the Yaga Minor shipyards on the orders of Grand Admiral Thrawn," Hoffner smiled. So what if they delivered asteroids to a shipyard? What was that supposed to scare him with? The Imps would show him...
"Very well," the "head of security" holstered his weapon — though his subordinates did not. "I will pass the information on to command."
Hoffner tried not to let his jaw drop any further.
"I don't doubt it," Karrde grinned. "Also tell him I can be reached on any of the frequencies Captain Hoffner used to try contacting Commander Bel Iblis. And if you don't mind, Officer, I'd like a word with Captain Hoffner in private."
The "head of security" shook his head. The former smuggler himself just grinned.
"I've always wondered, Hoffner," "the Claw" addressed him, "just how corruptible your little soul really is. How much did Thrawn pay you for handing over the Katana fleet?"
"Enough to live the way I want and beyond my means," the former smuggler assured him.
"Well then," Karrde shook his head. "Enjoy your life. I hope you wake up at night remembering the name of such a thoroughly unpleasant person as the hijacker Niles Ferrier, also known as Sly."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hoffner tensed.
"He also contacted Thrawn," Karrde informed him. "And no one has ever heard from him since."
The "head of security" laughed. Quietly, but enough for the information broker to take notice.
"Nice try," Hoffner grinned. Touching his comlink, he said:
"Come out for a minute."
Despite the tense silence, no one tried to break it.
Except for the new man descending the ramp.
Overweight, smoking a cigar, with a revolting stench.
"Oh, hello, Claw," Ferrier approached them and blew out thick clouds of foul smoke. "What, decided to join the winning side before it's too late?"
"No," Karrde replied evenly. "My interest on Sullast is something entirely different."
Without saying goodbye, he turned and left the hangar bay.
"What did he want?" Ferrier asked the others.
"To complain about his life suddenly becoming not as luxurious as it used to be," Hoffner smiled.
The "head of security" refrained from commenting.
"Moving up the launch," he ordered. Activating his comlink, he said:
"All teams — recheck the ships for tracking devices."
Judging by his tone, the scout was clearly in a bad mood.
And not nearly as optimistic as he had tried to seem during his conversation with "the Claw."
* * *
After Gilad left my quarters, considerably cheered up (after all, he had been let in on a long-term plan), Major Tierce entered. Glancing at the clock, I noted his report should have been delivered an hour and a half ago. And I had also wanted to review the Delta Source briefings. Lately, those reports have been serving as my "bedtime reading." For the most part, it's nonsense upon nonsense, but there is useful data as well. However, it's already becoming clear that working with this system alone is no longer sustainable.
My own efficiency is diminishing, because the more problems the enemy has on the front, the more often it's discussed in the Imperial Palace Vestibule. Where Delta Source gathers its information.
Well, I'll have to delay that for now. And in the long term — hand over Delta Source data analysis to the analysts.
It seems Pellaeon and I talked rather extensively. However, the former guardsman's behavior showed some irritation.
Even in the dimness of the quarters, I could see that his usually impassive face expressed puzzlement. Which, in principle, is unheard of.
Reply that Rukh was hiding in the shadows, and silently took the datapad with the report on the stormtrooper legions' status from the adjutant's hands.
"Something troubling you, Major?" I inquired, setting the document aside. Dry statistics can wait. If what was bothering Tierce were reflected in the report, his behavior would be normal.
The guardsman cast a cautious glance at me. Then, as if deciding on a frank confession, he said:
"I've noticed a slight decline in efficiency among the GeNod project clones, sir," he said. "The data is confirmed by the last two battles in the Skarriss system."
I see. Now it's clear why he is so grim.
The GeNod lobbying was his personal initiative, one he had been confident in. And now, the problems that have surfaced cast a shadow over all his actions.
"Is that so?" I became interested, turning my chair toward the guardsman so I could look him straight in the eye. I don't need "such surprises" right now. "Cause?"
"We're analyzing, sir," he replied. "The conclusion is based on comparing data from their initial and subsequent deployments. A two percent drop in efficiency. Losses have risen by the same margin."
"Is it related to the fact that we've started using them to revive additional Stormtrooper Corps specialties?" I inquired. The actions are experimental by nature, but it's better to do this well in advance. "Simple" stormtroopers won't get us far on volcanic, acidic, or any other planets that differ from those assigned Atmosphere Type I — that is, oxygen-breathing. Not to mention that jungle and desert warfare tactics are entirely different. And oceanic planets need not even be mentioned.
"No, sir. The overall decline is occurring across all GeNod project clone units, regardless of their specialization. I intend to study each clone's individual metrics in detail, as some have been unaffected by this process. For example — the Fourth Squad. They remain just as effective and are still improving their performance indicators."
Speaking of which.
"Do you have information on Sergeant TNX-0297?" I have big plans for that clone and his unit. During their service, they have already proven themselves to exceed the boundaries of an ordinary assault squad.
"His condition is severe but stable. The medics assure me he will be returned to duty by the start of the Hegemony operation," Tierce reported.
"Good," I said. "Now let's return to the problem you've already raised."
The guardsman took a deep, noisy breath.
"Do you have any theories on why the Fourth Squad's effectiveness was preserved?"
"All nine clones in that unit carry the primary base — the knowledge matrix — of their original. That is, in effect, they are exact copies of the donors — the memories loaded into their minds fully match the personality. I'm omitting the matter of their loyalty programming, as that goes without saying. Similar stability has been noted in other clones of the same type — full copies of the originals. But there aren't many — no more than a dozen squads. I suspect this data upload wasn't done deliberately by Colonel Selid's order, but happened by accident. According to the cloning data, all three thousand seven hundred and one clones were supposed to have different appearances. The knowledge loaded into their brains also had different donors. I suspect there was a random coincidence between the body and the uploaded information. I reiterate — clones of this type do not show a decline in effectiveness or an increase in losses."
How interesting.
So, if a GeNod clone is a copy of an original and has the same data loaded into its head as the original, the clone is stable? Otherwise — for some reason, there is... let's call it an "efficiency degradation."
The major's next words confirmed my assumptions.
"The decline in efficiency, however, occurs in those whose bodies 'do not match the loaded data.' Whether the error lies there or not is still difficult to say. A full inspection is required. That will take time."
"Involve the analytical department in this process," I ordered. "I need the data in the shortest possible time."
"Yes, sir," he replied.
I don't like this at all. Currently, GeNod is only used for cloning Tierce's second unit. Officially.
Only General Covell and I know that there are several other experimental programs running. But there is no need to "expose" them at this point.
So, what do we have?
A decline in professional skills, leading to increased mortality. In my stormtrooper forces, the GeNod project clone battalions I inherited from Colonel Selid are scattered across legions aboard ships. If it turns out these clones are actually degrading (rather than dying from perfectly natural causes), or something of that sort, then the idea of "stamping out clones with different faces but identical memories" will fail almost as soon as it's implemented.
And it seemed so simple — take a legion of regular stormtroopers, make them donors. And there you have it: in the first batch, a legion of commandos; in the second, a legion of scouts; in the third, a legion of sappers; in the fourth, a legion of operatives with the physical training of stormtroopers. Forget a legion — from a single Tierce, you could make stormtroopers of any specialization, so formidable there would be no escape from them. Well, imagine how deadly Imperial Guardsmen could be in, say, space infantry. Or aqua-lung divers. Or pilots...
Well, it seems Tierce's clones are destined to be ordinary guardsmen or stormtroopers — depending on what his original specialization in the Galactic Empire's Stormtrooper Corps was.
Extremely lousy information. Especially considering how effective the GeNod units are. And they really are effective. Very effective!
"Find qualified specialists in cloning matters, Major," I ordered.
There is a problem that until now was merely a slight suspicion.
Delaying this issue now could turn into a global tragedy. Because what if these are the first symptoms of those very side effects that caused the GeNod program to never be used? After all, it's not for nothing that solving the problem of revealing their origin to the clones always seemed too simple to me. Surely, over twenty years of using this technology, this scenario must have been tested empirically.
But this isn't even the problem — it's only its shadow.
Because there's no guarantee that the other clones of this project — like TNX-0297 and the others whose efficiency hasn't dropped — will maintain their current level. What if "professional degradation" occurs first in those whose heads contain knowledge not derived from the body's donor? And then spreads to the rest?
So many questions, so few answers.
"I'll get on this immediately, sir!" Grodin said.
Saluting and receiving the appropriate dismissal, the adjutant left the office.
Leaving me with heavy thoughts.
Well, there is a problem. One potentially capable of becoming a catastrophe. And it demands a solution. As soon as possible.
Let me fix that thought.
And start reasoning based on the available information.
If, indeed, a clone can only truly host the personality and knowledge that belonged to its original, then what do I even need GeNod for? Its superiority over Spaarti is not as great as it seems — only in programming absolute loyalty. And the ability to create personalities from scratch.
Alright. Is this critically important?
Essentially, no. Except for small-scale batches, GeNod is still not widely used. The majority of clones entering my forces are created by the Spaarti project. So why keep using GeNod if it's so dangerous?
After all, it would be far simpler to use the cloning cylinders exclusively to copy subordinates who are absolutely loyal to my cause. Yes, the aging rate of Spaarti clones is also high, but we're not using the cylinders for the fun of it. Someday we will have enough recruits to replace the clones, but...
Their training would have to start from scratch. Meanwhile, trained clones would be aging and dying. And trained crew members also die in battle — so they have to be replaced with clones. Consequently, a moment might come when the number of clones in my fleet is so great that I would have to stamp out clones without interruption just to replace them... Or have a huge population of thinking beings to mobilize.
There is another aspect where GeNod differs from Spaarti.
Before, reading books about Thrawn, I hadn't noticed this fact. And I had thought he produced clones exclusively through the Spaarti project.
But besides the Thrawn Trilogy, where this is widely covered, there is also the Hand of Thrawn duology.
In which clones created by Thrawn also appear.
And interesting details surface. Which I only noticed after I found myself in Thrawn's place. And studied at least the general part of the documentation on cloning projects.
But first, a bit of history of the events I know in this universe.
So, shortly before his death, the Grand Admiral organized secret clone cells across the galaxy, to be used as needed. The Solo couple encountered one such cell ten years after Thrawn's death at Bilbringi. And to their surprise, there were about a dozen clones of Baron Soontir Fel. Who, in the rest of the galaxy, was considered missing after being captured by Ysanne Isard. However, those who have read these books know that Fel ended up on Nirauan, under Thrawn's command.
But that's a digression.
Fel's clones knew they were clones, but at the same time lacked certain data about the Baron's past. For example — his current whereabouts.
Seems like nothing special. Just when cloning with Spaarti technology, some memories were removed so the clones wouldn't clutter their heads with someone else's thoughts.
Except that the Spaarti project can't do that. It creates an exact copy of the organism — not just externally, but in memories as well. A "snapshot" of the mind cannot be edited with Spaarti technology — it can only be uploaded.
Lock that thought.
Episode two. Still in the same duology.
For the purpose of restoring the Empire's greatness, Major Grodin Tierce was chosen by the Imperials as a strategic genius. Because he had been an Imperial Guardsman, which supposedly indicates his extraordinary tactical and strategic knowledge. Which he subsequently demonstrated.
True, it eventually came to light that the Major was actually a clone of the real Tierce, who had died by that point. And not an ordinary clone, but one into whose mind Thrawn had added his own piece of thinking and planning.
In other words, he had crafted a new personality from fragments.
And again, I remind you — the Spaarti program doesn't have such capabilities.
Only GeNod. Which, for some reason, was not mentioned in the books. Just like the Kaminoan cloning cylinder. Which, as I understand it, Thrawn used to create his own clone, which he hid on Nirauan.
So, a few observations from all of the above.
The clones of Baron Fel — with memory exclusively of Baron Fel (albeit edited) — acted like Baron Fel. Even after ten years of waiting following their deployment. Even knowing their own origin.
The clone of Major Tierce also knew he was merely a copy. Yes, with the memories of Tierce and Thrawn, but he was not without mistakes — at first, he behaved very, very well, beyond reproach, with intrigues at Thrawn's own level. But the further into the forest, the more unhinged he became. Actually, that's the reason Thrawn didn't create other clones like the Tierce clone in the events I know about.
Lock that thought.
There it is. That's why the "picture came together." That's why, even without hearing the Major's explanation, I almost immediately understood what the problem was. Thrawn's mind pulls what's needed from memory and continues analyzing. Deja vu turned into logical analysis. Hmm, and can the memories of the Chiss and their language also be recovered? And all the memories of the original Thrawn?
Well, I spent half an hour trying to "remember" things not related to my own life. I didn't. Perhaps it's not there. Or perhaps I just need a "trigger." Like with the information Grodin gave me. In the past, I only pulled the necessary information from memory when I encountered something associated with that subject or event.
Hmm... Interesting. That's exactly how I "remembered" the basics of operating local computers, speech, and writing... Exactly. I need something Chiss — preferably a voice recording or something similar. There must be something. If I know Basic, why not Cheunh?
Alright. Lock that thought.
Let's return to the current problems.
Something similar is happening with the stormtrooper clones of the GeNod project as with the Tierce clone in the Hand of Thrawn duology. They are losing effectiveness. Despite the fact that the condition "a clone must know it is a clone" has been met.
Based on this brainstorming, the optimal approach would be to use GeNod only for creating highly specialized clones. Those created for specific tasks only. Like Tierce's clones — they know exactly what they need to perform their duties.
Well, whether I'm right or wrong, I'll have to wait for specific answers — I need a specialized expert.
For now, to avoid trouble, I'll have to dispose of all the "incorrect" GeNod project clones.
And how can I not smile, remembering that this is exactly what I had planned from the very beginning?
With the exception that I need to single out the "successful" clones for separate observation. Like the fighters of the Fourth Squad.
Because if my assumptions are correct, I may have an opportunity to use the GeNod program's flaws to my advantage.
I just need to make sure these "surprises" are the last. And that the program has no more "quirks" in store.
Which, again, brings me back to the need to acquire a cloning specialist. Preferably one with practical experience and extensive work history. And if I'm really pushing it... Instead of creating clones every few years, wouldn't it be simpler to solve the problem of premature clone aging?
In the events I know, that did happen — with some of the elite Republic commandos who escaped to Mandalore.
And Mandalore again...
Why does everything in this galaxy revolve around the same half-hundred planets?
A rhetorical question.
But the memories of Mandalore came very opportunely.
I need to resolve the Delta Source issue and contact Agent Rederick. The search for Molo Himron is dragging on. And I already don't like that.
And in light of recent events, I dislike it even more.
Because Isard is definitely behind the kidnapping of Molo. Ysanne Isard.
Original or clone doesn't matter anymore. From either one, I can get information on who created a stable clone with fragmented memories for the Iceheart.
At times like this, you start to understand Palpatine, who banned cloning in the galaxy. With all these programs, you'd go mad trying to figure it out.
Maybe that's exactly why Darth Sidious finally went insane?
I certainly won't ask him that question in person.