Chapter 24
Loathing in Las Vegas
The traitor was touching her.
Dressed as an Earth tourist, Jaln watched Face Loran and Erin Hart dance across the observation deck. He felt a hot, hard flash of anger slam against his ribs. No, this went beyond touching, this was blatant seduction. It would be obvious even to a protocol droid. How could Erin not realize what the traitor was planning?
But then weren't females particularly susceptible to such methods? Weren't the thousands of romantic holos that were released throughout the Galaxy each year proof of that?
And this was "The Face" that was dazzling Erin. Females from every part of the Galaxy had been fallen for his looks and charm. Erin might be an exceptional being but she was still female which meant she was prone to female weaknesses.
But Erin was different than other females. The information provided by his superiors and his own research proved that. Intelligent, studious, and responsible, she could become a valuable asset to the Empire.
In the past, few females had been accepted into Imperial service, but a handful of exceptional women had become vital additions to the Empire.
Someone like Erin could become an essential part of the Empire. Her understanding of Earth combined with her knowledge of Rogue and Wraith squadrons would be valuable to his superiors.
If only she wasn't being brainwashed by the Rebels. If only that bastard wasn't trying to fuck her. Loran might not have lured Erin into his bed, but it would only be a matter of time. He'd seduce her, use her, and then cast her aside. Loran has shown no loyalty to the Imperials that had launched his credit making career, why would he show any sort of loyalty to a shy collage woman that was overwhelmed by his charm?
Garik's ingratitude towards the Empire infuriated him. The actor had been treated like a godling during the height of his career. Moffs had fawned over him. Isard had commended him. The Imperials would have made his every whim a reality.
And that hadn't been enough for the traitor.
How could being a shining star of the Empire not be enough? How could it not fulfill every need and desire a man had?
Garik Loran had been the most envied man in the Empire. Wealth and power rested within his grasp. Women vied for a chance to be near him. Everything a sentient being could want or desire would have been handed to Loran on silver platters and shimmer silk sheets.
And how did the bastard show his appreciation to the Imperials that had given him so much? By disowning the great Empire and joining forces with the rebel forces that were spreading like a cancer across the Galaxy.
The man didn't possess a shred of loyalty. Honor meant nothing to Loran.
A man like that manipulated the beings around him without remorse. Destroying lives in pursuit of his own selfish needs.
There was no doubt in Jaln's mind. Garik Loran would destroy that lovely woman just like Rogue squadron had destroyed Ysanne Isard's plans.
Jaln couldn't let that happen.
At first, his supervisors would be angry, but when they realized what an important addition Erin would be to their plans, they would praise him. And after the taint of the Rebels had been removed from her mind, Erin would be grateful that he had freed her from the Wraiths' grasp. Eventually gratitude would evolve into more passionate emotions. . .
But none of that could happen while Loran was charming her. Even a woman as intelligent as Erin was susceptible to Garik's deceit.
He would not let Garik Loran defile Erin. He would not allow the traitor to ruin such an exceptional person.
The Wraith's presence would have to be removed from her life.
Permanently. . .
