Sins of the Father/Part 25

By the time the Gamorreans managed to assist Runganna in lugging herself back into the palace proper, a Nikto came up to report that the Jedi and Zaella Sabir were gone.

"Thieves!" Runganna thundered over the squealing grunts of the guards towing her paralyzed armor into her parlor; her own muscle was not enough to lug the entire suit of durasteel. When she was at rest on a dais, she flung her helmet off, flapping one armored hand at her face. "Bring me my moisturizer! And put a bounty on those Jedi!"

Darqyren waited until the guards were gone, then asked, "With what credits, my lady?"

The simple question was enough to send her rage up in flames and leave only the smoky remnant of panic. "I invested a fortune in this party! You said the bomb would more than pay for it!  I'm ruined!"

"No you're not," Darqyren replied patiently. "I had the guards bring you in here so you could contact your allies for their support."

"Support?! What, the sarlacc's pulling me down and they're going to grab on and ride down with me?!"

"It was your genius that masterminded this sale in the first place. Yes, we've suffered a setback, but what have their enterprises ever come to without your help?  Right now we may be lost without them, but they're certainly lost without you."

It was, as usual, the perfect combination—a feasible plan and an appeal to her vanity. Though she squirmed, Runganna ultimately nodded. "Yes. Yes, you're right, I—wait, I can call them?  Where are you going to be?"

"Someone needs to inform the Syndicate of the…unfortunate developments. If they left any clues the Jedi can find, they'll appreciate prompt warning, which may allow us future cooperation.  I can manage them as well as anyone, but your fellow Hutts will only deal with you."

Runganna's eyes narrowed and she rumbled deep in her chest, but Darqyren waited her out with no expression, and she waved one hand. "Yes, yes, go. But make sure you don't put the blame on us!"

Darqyren passed a handful of guards and attendants on his way, reprimanding some for deserting Runganna and giving others orders to keep them busy. The palace seemed emptier without slaves. Runganna would be wanting more soon. He would have to find a seller other than Ryloth; no doubt Lady Hadan would need some time to cool down…

Secure in his chamber, Darqyren activated his holoprojector, adding on his usual shrouds to deceive the listening devices Runganna had had someone install. He took care to remove the sneer from his face by the time the first holo resolved, though under the circumstances he might have kept it. "Your assassins failed, Korminne."

The Human's blue holo nodded. "I've been told. Grissen has done decent work before, but this was too much for him.  I beg your pardon, Vizier.  I'll select better this time."

"There's no need for that. The Jedi have left Circumtore with the weapon, I'm cancelling the contract."

"…as you say, sir."

Korminne's face tightened, but he was enough of a professional not to protest—to understand failure, accept it, and learn from it what he could. This one may merit future contracts after all. "My employer is concerned by what the Jedi may have learned."

Korminne shook his head. "My name, maybe, but I have dozens; changing one more won't be a problem."

"You're certain your assassins can't connect the Jedi back to me?"

"They couldn't tell the Jedi what they didn't know."

Darqyren watched him for the telltale tics of stress or deceit, but the Human showed none. That might simply be experience, but Darqyren had vetted the man carefully, and he believed Korminne had had the presence of mind to cover his back. "That is a relief. My employer is disappointed in the way this affair was handled, but I take note of your professionalism.  Should we need services like yours in the future, I may yet be in touch."

"I appreciate that, Vizier. You know how to reach me."

Once the connection was severed, Darqyren turned off the shroud and entered a different code. It took a moment before a new holo appeared—a Lutrillian. Darqyren nodded and said, "Ah, Selmatri. I contact you on behalf of the Illustrious Lady Runganna."

Selmatri nodded. "With good news, I hope?"

Darqyren allowed a regretful wince. "Unfortunately not. Due to the duplicity of the Jedi, they were able to leave Circumtore without paying my master the full amount she was owed."

"I hope this doesn't put the Syndicate in a compromising position, Vizier…"

"Rest assured," Darqyren said, "the only mention of the Breld Syndicate was in private settings, among Hutts who may be interested buyers. We said nothing to the Jedi, or where they could overhear.  Unless your scientists and engineers left evidence on the weapon itself, the Jedi have nothing to connect them to you."

Selmatri thought a moment, then nodded. "Well, I'm sorry things didn't work out as Runganna hoped, though I'm glad we took payment in advance."

"My master may be open to further business—"

"No more auctions, I hope?"

"I think this experience has soured us all on the concept. No, we've found some parties that expressed interest, with fewer scruples than the Republic.  We can put you in touch with the appropriate contacts for a small finder's fee."

Selmatri brushed his wide mouth. "We may take you up on that, Vizier."

"Then we look forward to our future business. From Lady Runganna, farewell."

Selmatri nodded, but waited, and Darqyren reactivated the shroud. Giving it a second, he said, "We're clear."

The Lutrillian shook his head. "The slug went ahead with inviting the Jedi anyway?"

"Against my advice. Even when their willingness to meddle became clear, she insisted on her tournament."

"What actually happened?"

Darqyren told him. By the time he was done, Selmatri was shaking his head. "Idiotic Hutt."

"I attempted to have the Jedi assassinated, but my contact chose insufficiently experienced hitmen. Nothing was said that could be tied back to you," Darqyren assured him, anticipating the question from the way Selmatri's big nostrils dilated. "He was that professional, at least."

"I'm relieved to hear it. And the other buyers?"

"I spoke to the other Hutts' seconds. I think you'll find some who are more interested in business than entertainment.  I'll send the data along in a secure packet."

"Good work. What about Runganna?"

Darqyren snorted. "If she can salvage herself from this debacle, she's cleverer than I am. I don't intend to be here when the Ruling Council or Black Sun comes calling."

"Probably best. It sounds like she was a poor investment, but we have other prospects.  Once you find a way to extricate yourself, join us on Hypori."

"I look forward to seeing you, old friend."