Chapter 13. Skull and Bones (I)

Nine years, five months and eight days after the Battle of Yavin...

Or forty-fourth year, five months and eight days after the Great Resynchronization.

Well, it can be said with some confidence that Coordinator Sergius has proven to be a reliable asset. At least, in his assessments of Moff and Captain I-Gor, he was quite accurate.

However, it's time to test his loyalty on a more substantial matter.

After notifying Bravo-2 that I was interested in the crew of the ship on which Talon Karrde had once served, I gave him half a day to prepare for the operation. This time was primarily needed for our own naval intelligence officers to verify whether the coordinator would relay the information he received to his former "masters." He did not.

This also provided Captain I-Gor with the necessary time to ready his ship for the upcoming mission.

It took considerable effort on my part to recall precisely where, in the events known to me, the Empire had encountered the former commander of the Claw.

To conduct this investigation on my own, I had only a few pieces of information—what I could reconstruct from memory.

The captain's surname is Hoffner. He was discovered in a floating casino. Moreover, the establishment wasn't intended for the middle class. I also remembered that, in the events familiar to me, the Imperials had to fire on an underwater casino to force it to surface.

I had to spend many hours poring over the computer before these sparse "clues" led to any results.

Planet Pantolomin. This world, almost entirely covered by oceans, is located in the region of the Core Worlds, within the sphere of influence of the New Republic. Dolomar Sector, Panto System. On the tactical coordinate grid—sector K-9. The planet hosts numerous luxurious casinos and entertainment centers, many situated on underwater tourist ships.

I was unable to determine which of these ships Captain Hoffner was on, or even if he was there at present.

But Mr. Coordinator succeeded.

He did not hesitate to inform me of this at the end of the allotted preparation time.

"Coral Vanda," the coordinator reported. "It's an amphibious tourist ship, catering to a wealthy clientele. Captain Hoffner resides there in relatively expensive apartments. He spends indecently large sums of money. He is well-known for his extravagant gestures towards the staff. Passionate, arrogant. He doesn't gamble at the machines or play cards. However, he certainly takes part in almost every other game. Naturally, with rather unfortunate results for his pocket."

To say that finding Hoffner in such a short time was a stroke of luck would be an understatement. But I believe this is more a testament to the professionalism of Imperial Intelligence than mere coincidence. The only question now is whether Imperial Intelligence's efforts in this context will become the very "act of betrayal" that could derail my plans.

"Is there any information about the other members of Karrde's crew?" I inquired.

"Of the crew members from the ship on which Karrde and Hoffner served, only those two remain alive," the coordinator replied. "The rest either perished in smuggler disputes or were eliminated by Imperial law enforcement."

"You've done an excellent job, coordinator," I said calmly. "As far as I recall, not long ago, the reputation of the Ubiqtorate suffered significant damage—the rebels struck Tangrene. This act will not go unpunished. You and your team are to proceed to the Churba star system in the sector of the same name. On the planet New Cov, according to the information I have, there are agents of the individual responsible for this crime. Your primary objective is to contact the Governor and persuade him to transfer a portion of the biomolecular mass being developed there to us in exchange for ensuring that his planet will not face an Imperial invasion."

"Highly nutrient substance?" Sergius asked, seeking clarification. Upon receiving a nod of confirmation, the coordinator became pensive. "If I remember correctly, it has been used in food additives for dry rations since the days of the Grand Army of the Republic to enhance the nutritional value of food."

"That's correct, coordinator," I affirmed. "Our armed forces are expanding. We need more food for our soldiers. The biomolecular mass will help us reduce food costs. Accordingly, your secondary task is to identify our enemy's agents and attempt to establish covert surveillance on them. We will try to use this method to trace their leader and carry out an act of retribution."

"Will there be specific instructions regarding the nature of the mission?" the coordinator asked.

"Yes," I replied. "Nothing should point to our involvement. And at the same time, we need to secure leverage to ensure continued cooperation in the future."

"I understand, sir," Sergius assured me, maintaining his usual calm demeanor. Whether this is a positive trait or a flaw, only time will tell.

As the coordinator departed for the Crusader to carry out his mission, I was left to ponder the implications.