Xanatos
scanned the streets with a practiced ease, all the while appearing to
keep his eyes upon his unlikely contact. He'd detected no duplicity
or deception from her than was normal for someone in a crime
syndicate. Focusing in, he brought his attention back to Eravasi, who
was briefing him on what would happen next. "I am not just your
contact Mr. Zedrin. I am also an Overseer."
Xanatos
stiffened at that news. He knew that she had appeared to be more than
a simple contact, but he'd had no idea that she was that high up in
the organization.
"There are only twelve overseers in the
whole of the Web", she continued. "I am a Recruiting Overseer. I
will be judging whether you are worthy to join us or not." Xanatos
looked at her with dismay.
"I thought I was already in",
he said, It appeared that this was going to be harder than he had
initially thought. She laughed softly.
"No, no Mr. Zedrin.
Reputation alone is not enough to earn one's place in such an
extensive operation. I need to see you in action for myself."
"As
you wish", he purred. "And call me Te'gazi. I insist." It was
better for her to think he was trusting. If she underestimated him
slightly, it would work to his advantage if something went awry.
"It is far too early, I think for that", she replied.
"Where are you taking me?", he asked. The dilapidated,
seedy looking buildings that had dominated the landscape had
gradually given way to nicer surroundings. They now seemed to be in
an upscale part of town.
"To our hanger, it's where we
keep many of our ships. Sluis Van is an excellent place to hide
things one doesn't want to be found. Besides, it boasts one of the
best shipyards in the galaxy. We'll be taking one of our best
ships, the Iegan Angel. Once we're there, I'll tell you what you
need to do."
Xanatos nodded, taking the time to note
exactly where they were going. The hanger complex's outer perimeter
looked like any other privately owned one would except for the fact
that he could spot twelve guards around it, and he was certain that
there were at least a few concealed ones lurking about. Two stepped
forward and one of them asked him politely but firmly for his
weapons.
"You seem to keep things very secure", he said
while handing over all but his concealed lightsaber. Eravasi caught
the sour note in his voice and shot him an amused look.
"One
can never be too careful. It is not a question of your motives Mr.
Zedrin. We simply must be prepared for anything. People have been
foolish enough to try to steal some of our vessels."
"Sluis
Van's ship security systems are some of the best in the galaxy. If
someone had even attempted to steal one, it'd make headline news."
The Overseer gave a cold smile. "That is only if it is
ever reported to the authortites. We prefer more personal methods
of dealing with theft."
"Ah, I see", said Xanatos,
getting the warning completely. Presently they entered a large domed
complex and made their way through the main hall until they reached a
locked door. Eravasi punched in a security code and placed her palm
on the scanner. The computer gave a small affirmative beep and then
the door opened with a soft hiss.
Xanatos' eyebrows shot up
in surprise as he took in his surroundings. The hanger was large
enough to house a small fleet. Pilots and curriers hurried about,
making checks on various ships and their systems. Eravasi noticed his
surprise.
"You are impressed I see. We have bases like this
one all over the galaxy, though this is one of the largest and most
important. Only the best get stationed here."
"You have
quite an operation here", Xanatos said admiringly. He almost
regretted having to wreck it all.
"It is quite extensive.
Most of our funds stem from our mining operations. We are an
underground branch of the Systec mining company."
"I've
heard of them", said Xanatos, "They're known to be ruthless in
their tactics." Eravasi raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Morals,
Mr. Zedrin? We have little use for those. We get the job done. That
is what matters most." Inwardly, Xanatos cursed himself. Maybe
there was more Jedi left in him than he'd like to admit.
"I
was merely telling you what I'd heard", he said evenly. She
watched him for a moment as if looking for something only she could
see, then merely nodded and continued.
"Here we are", she
announced, stopping in front of a small, sleek, blue and silver
cruiser. It had both front and rear mounted laser cannons as well as
small turbo lasers attach to each section of the s-foils. It was a
unique design, and one Xanatos found that he liked.
"Mark
III Echani turbo cannons?", he questioned incredulously. "What
are we doing, storming a prison colony?"
"I see you know
your weapons Mr. Zedrin", she said appreciatively, "but then I
would expect no less from someone of your skill. Let us go inside,
away from the ears of common workers and we shall discuss your
trials."
That made Xanatos start inwardly, though outwardly
he kept up his calm demeanor. Trials , he thought with dismay,
as in more than one ?
Again the Overseer's clearance
codes and palm print were required to gain acess to the ship. Once
inside, Xanatos gave a low whistle, carefully keeping in character
with the scruffy pirate persona he'd made for himself. The inside
of the ship was small, but comfortably furnished. They went to the
cockpit and Eravasi motioned for him to take a seat at the helm. She
then sat and faced him, all playfulness gone from her face. What
have I gotten myself into ? Xanatos wondered.
"Before
you can earn the right to join the De'jiri Web, you must complete
three tasks. Part of these tests will be thinking in the field, so I
will not tell you what each task it until it is time to perform it.
They will each test your aptitude in skills deemed invaluable
to a member of the Web. You are crossing the thresh-hold here Mr.
Zedrin. There can be no turning back now. Take us out if you please,
and plot a jump to these coordinates." He nodded and then moved to
carry out the order.
The ships engines hummed to life with a
high-pitched whine, and they flew out of the hanger. After
transmitting a request to leave to the Sluisi Orbitial Traffic
Control computer he piloted the ship out of the atmosphere and into
space. When that was done all that was left was to punch in the
hyperspace coordinates.
The ship shuddered and the white
lines of hyperspace filled Xanatos' field of vision. He watched for a
moment, finding comfort in the oblivion and then went out into the
main cabin.
