I. CAPITALIST
At least the locals make decent wine.
Del Zennee Iroc has been on this planet for three weeks. Of course, she already obtained the right coordinates, the needed codes. Yes, she'd been forced to deliver her prosperous conglomerate with its Skaryf HQ to the Empire, but still had enough credits left to lay low for a short while and then try and find a way into the Valley. If, that is, it existed at all. One can only believe.
But for now, she was stuck on Yu'Kon. Honestly, a medium-grade world – one half a rugged landmass, another a deep, freezing ocean – but in her current predicament, as good as any other.
Sipping the most acceptable vintage on offer, she looked out the "restaurant" window again, at the coastal city awash in the glitter of lights, and sighed. It was hard to be here alone, but she had to arrive at that "Valley" first and ensure all was safe before what remained of her family could join her. When the time is right.
"Excuse me, lady?" She suddenly heard from above. "May I have a few words with you?"
Is that… Coruscanti accent? Sure, and... something else.
She looked up and saw the speaker.
It was a man, and he was... attractive, from a certain point of view. A near-human: tall, slender and rather elegantly dressed in a gray-black civilian garb and a matching burgundy cloak with a circular outline of some weapon beneath. What was visible of his head under the cowl was pale, slightly narrowed, his face either clean-shaven or hairless. And his black, deep-set eyes had a strange golden glint. He looked pretty young, though Del had a sudden impression that he was much older than her, perhaps by decades.
And his manner told her at once: he was an Imperial.
Instantly her blood ran cold, and she could only hope that her expression didn't change too much.
"Of course, sir," she replied, and he joined her in the booth, pouring himself a glass of her wine and taking a sip. None of those present, she noticed, seemed to pay this man any attention.
The stranger's movements were slightly awkward, as though his chest was freshly injured or something – by what she had no idea, but he certainly looked like he was able to endure far more.
A warrior, and highly skilled.
"Ah, that's from a recent visit... on Gaaten," he explained, catching her look. "There was a rescue mission. A slavers' ring held a large group of children captive, believing they possessed... unnatural abilities. We were the ones who freed them. You probably saw it in the news."
That's right. And he's just told me a truth so that I'd feel comfortable around him, and willingly talk. So that I would collaborate.
Del wondered could this unexpected encounter possibly have something to do with a short private holocall she made some days ago, out of desperation. Sometimes a coincidence was only that: a coincidence. And yet...
"So, what I most wish to know, Lady Iroc…"
Why aren't I surprised that he knows my surname? And he didn't introduce himself, which doesn't even strike me as odd.
"…is what you can tell me about one of your former managers. An individual called Lev Baeron, though it must've been a while since he'd used that name. However, I am certain you'll recognize him at once."
He drank some more wine, his gaze never leaving her own.
"The thing is, this man had later served as a counselor for a pro-Republican governor in the Feranhi Cluster, an important location close to the Core itself. But..." The man paused for effect. "There his trail went cold. The most valorous Imperial Army acted much too rashly, alas, bringing swift retribution onto that world before we could arrive to investigate. So, my lady, it seems like you are the only one left with just the sort of knowledge we require."
Del kept silence, and the Imperial went on.
"Lady Iroc, this man…" He lowered his voice, speaking more urgently. Love the sound of your own voice, don't you? And it does sound pleasant, I'll give you that. "He is a traitor and supporter of traitors. Sworn enemy of the state and society."
This is absurd.
"One of a handful, but a very, very dangerous one. And I am... one of those uniquely equipped to deal with such people. First among equals, in fact." And then he grinned, showing his pointed teeth. I must be immensely privileged, you mean.
"You are aware, my lady, of the punishment for harboring such criminals and aiding them, aren't you? Of course, you just couldn't have known the truth at the time – how could anyone! Because he is such a skilled liar, he has always been such a good man and an excellent colleague, with no reason to distrust him whatsoever…"
Oh, this fellow knows far more than he lets on. But how, she wondered? Could he and Lev have known each other... before? Lev had never so much as hinted at that, but obviously there was so much Del had no awareness about.
For a moment, she remembered a title: Jedi. The Gifted. Semi-legendary knights of the nonexistent Republic, just a few years ago exalted as paragons of justice and peace. She thought of Lev, so dutiful and helpful, so ready to always do his best. Had she really suspected he was one of them? Had she sensed it?
She did sense the greatest danger of her entire life. There lay an abyss between her and this eldritch near-human – she felt it, not knowing how or why, but she did. Next to him, she was nobody. For some reason she knew he could kill her right here on this very spot, and nobody in the room would so much as blink. Oh, something about him definitely reminded her of Lev, but whatever it was felt… darkened, twisted, transformed into its opposite, willingly or by force. He is a protector made into a jailer.
"You will of course be granted compensation for your help," he continued. "Another industrial company, chief executive officer position as before. Lifelong Imperial protection for your family, too."
He finished his wine and licked his dark lips. Then he stood and headed for the restaurant exit, and she followed suit right beside him, like it was the most natural thing to do.
Together they headed down the street. Cool evening breeze outside didn't bring Del any comfort.
The bastard found out where I live. And this means…
A little farther offshore some dark, large, wiry figure moved to attack from the shadows – a common occurrence in this part of Mann City.
The Imperial simply snarled and flicked his wrist – a slight, casual gesture – and some invisible force hurled the would-be thief against the far wall.
Del could only stare in amazement.
"Where we left off? Ah yes," he addressed her again, as if nothing of note has happened. "In return for such... generosity, you shall tell me all."
Without thinking, she was made aware: This is a duty, an imperative, a sacred obligation. If I disobey, it will mean something much more horrible than my entire dynasty's death-sentence. This is what I absolutely ought to do, and I will.
"All about this man, and his work for your conglomerate, and his family ties if any exist, his associates and friends. Every last little thing, Lady Iroc. Understood?"
What could she tell him? I know nothing. Not even whether Lev is still alive.
Of course he is alive. Out there somewhere. And he still can serve. He must.
The pressure right behind her eyes was soft, insistent, powerful.
Oh yes. I know and tell all you need.
Her mind was already flashing with memories, with facts.
"Perfectly understood, sir." Now I am sure what you are. I cannot escape you, no matter how I try.
"Very well, my lady. We'll talk again, very soon." He flashed her a smile, all gentleman-like. "Until then... Enjoy your stay."