Chapter 16. Yellow Brick Road (I)

"Welcome aboard, madam," the attendant greeted her warmly, handing back her boarding pass with a broad smile. He stepped aside to allow her entry into the suite. "Your cabin is located on the third deck, in the area reserved for special guests. You'll have direct access to the restaurant, observation deck, and..."

"The casino," Mara smiled charmingly, continuing to play the role of a wealthy aristocrat. "The first thing I'd like to do is test my luck and spend a significant sum here."

"I'm sure a lady as refined as yourself will find fortune on your side today—and throughout the entire seven-day tour around the reefs," he added, offering the same rehearsed line she had heard many times before. "The casino is just a quick turn to the right from your cabin, second corridor. The elevator will take you straight to the main entrance. However..." His eyes flickered past her shoulder. "Your security personnel, like all bodyguards, are prohibited from entering areas designated for first and second-class passengers—this includes the casinos, restaurants, and other entertainment venues," he explained, gesturing towards a small illuminated sign at the far end of the corridor where the words "First Class Passengers Only" glowed.

"Why such restrictions?" Mara Jade frowned, playing her part convincingly.

"These are the protocols set by the Coral Vanda's security service," the steward answered, slightly lowering his eyes. "We apologize for any inconvenience, madam."

Now Mara was presented with two obvious choices: cause a scene—though it would likely change nothing except drawing unwanted attention—or let it slide. After all, she only had two stormtroopers with her, both disguised as civilians. The Nemesis hadn't provided her with any agents with more... approachable faces.

"Well, if that's the case, I do hope your security team is sufficiently competent," she sniffed theatrically, portraying a spoiled aristocrat disappointed with what she heard but still willing to give the establishment a chance to impress her. "I'd hate to think some thugs might ambush me on the decks, hold me hostage with a blaster, and rob me of my jewelry—or, worse yet, my hard-won credit chips!"

"Impossible, madam!" the steward exclaimed, eyes widening. It seemed as though it was the first time he'd heard such an accusation directed at his company or its employees. Not that Mara actually feared anyone would go after her cheap jewelry or modest stash of credits. Her probing questions had a very different motive. And it was highly unlikely that the young employee would catch on. "We have state-of-the-art surveillance cameras monitoring every deck in real time, with no blind spots! Only authorized security personnel carry weapons, and I assure you, there are no thieves or bandits aboard..."

"And no cheats, con artists, imperial spies, or stormtroopers in disguise, either," Mara finished his sentence with a knowing smile. Yes, this was definitely the right place. But she wasn't about to stop her subtle interrogation just yet. The boy knew more than he realized. And with a couple of well-placed smiles, he seemed willing to share. "Men," Jade thought to herself, both amused and exasperated, catching a glimpse of her reflection in a mirrored panel nearby. A tall, striking redhead stared back at her—dressed in a sleek, figure-hugging gown with an exquisite hairstyle that could have easily passed as the work of Coruscant's finest salons. "Well, I must admit, I did an excellent job," she thought smugly. Maybe I should consider hairstyling as a second career...

"All right, you've convinced me," she said sweetly to the steward. "I see now why my friend Hoffner had nothing but praise for your establishment."

"You're a friend of Mr. Hoffner?" The steward perked up immediately.

"Yes, is there something strange about that?" Mara smiled, though inwardly she became more cautious.

"Oh, no, not at all, madam," the steward smiled again. "Mr. Hoffner is one of our most esteemed regulars. Very generous..."

"You little opportunist," Mara thought, suppressing a smirk. But there was no need to break character. She had spent too much effort crafting her image as a wealthy lady to ruin it now. After all, the Coral Vanda only catered to first and second-class passengers, and the price of a seven-day cruise was a staggering one hundred and fifty thousand credits. No cheaper tickets were available, according to company policy.

With a casual snap of her fingers, she reached into her purse, retrieved a hundred-credit chip, and handed it to the steward. With a quick, practiced motion, he accepted the tip as if it were second nature.

"Thank you, miss," he said, flashing another smile and preparing to take his leave.

"Hold on, dear," Mara called out, dangling another chip enticingly between her fingers. "Is my friend Hoffner aboard right now?"

"Of course, madam," the steward's eyes lit up as he tucked away the second tip. "He's been staying with us for the past couple of years."

"So that's why I haven't been able to reach him," Mara chuckled. "He's busy enjoying himself. Do you happen to know where he is at the moment?"

"As always," the steward answered, his voice laced with familiarity as he pocketed yet another credit chip. "In the casino."

"Thanks for the information," Mara said with a charming smile. "By the way, when does the cruise officially start?"

As if in response to her question, the ship gave a faint tremor, slowly beginning its descent into the ocean depths.

"Right now, madam," the steward replied with a grin. "If you require anything else..."

"If I need anything, I'll know where to find you," Mara smiled politely, unlocking her cabin door with the key card. She had gathered all the information she needed. The mission was ready to begin.

Once the door shut and the trio of Imperial agents had completed their sweep of the suite, ensuring it would remain unused, Mara approached the mirror and easily removed her necklace of faux-precious stones. Tossing it to the nearest "guard," she said, "Assemble the transmitter and inform the Nemesis that we're ready. They'll arrive within the hour once the signal is sent, leaving us just enough time to locate Hoffner and isolate him."

The stormtroopers began silently unpacking the suitcases, which concealed the disassembled transmitter components within their walls. It was likely that security would detect the device, but it would take them some time. Long enough for a quick visit to the casino.

Mara, picking out a more practical yet elegant dress from her suitcase, made her way to the bathroom to change.

Business is business, but how delightful it was to feel like a glamorous woman again. And while this mission had already cost the Empire a hefty quarter of a million credits, she had no doubt that if it succeeded, Grand Admiral Thrawn wouldn't bat an eye at the expenses.

After all, Thrawn had never been one to worry about money.