Objective
Securing the Venue
The pristine tiles of the CEO’s office reflected the harsh sunlight of Manaan,
casting sharp lines across the polished surfaces.
Linda was engrossed in work,
meticulously reviewing paperwork,
signing off on logistical arrangements,
and ensuring every detail aligned with company protocol.
Across the room,
her protocol droid,
GG-69,
attended to its duties with mechanical precision.
“Madam Morgan,
your holo conference with Jedi Knight Nihil Vapeet
is scheduled to commence in the next quarter of a standard hour.”
“Thank you, GG.
I will be finished shortly
go ahead and initiate the conference when the time comes.”
Nihil Vapeet.
She had known him for over two decades.
Though formally the adopted son of Magistrate Vapeet,
it was Linda who had raised him,
overseeing his education and upbringing
while the Magistrate remained preoccupied with business and political obligations.
The adoption,
in reality,
had been a byproduct of a larger business arrangement,
but one that the Magistrate had undertaken as an act of goodwill.
The day Nihil informed her of his decision
to join the Jedi Order had been a moment of conflicting emotions.
She had spent years grooming him for a future within Vapeet Holdings,
yet she had never been one to interfere in matters of family.
Even now,
though she remained fond of him,
he served as a reminder of why she had chosen to distance herself from such personal entanglements.
A sharp,
rhythmic chime broke her thoughts
the holo-connection had been established.
As the transmission stabilized,
a figure materialized before her.
The silhouette of a Sith Pureblood took shape,
standing tall in Jedi ceremonial robes.
Beneath the fabric,
hints of armor were visible,
a sign of practicality rather than excess.
His dark red skin contrasted with the muted tones of his attire,
and the sharp tendrils adorning his face bore faint marks of old piercings,
a remnant of ancient Sith customs.
“Linda. It’s been a long time,”
Nihil greeted, his deep voice steady, his tone casual.
“GG informed me you required my assistance.”
Linda offered a slight smile.
“What’s wrong, Nihil?
Can’t I call just to check in?
Or are you afraid the Jedi might think we’re trying to lure you back?”
She punctuated the remark with a quiet chuckle.
Nihil exhaled lightly in amusement, his posture relaxing slightly.
“I’m fairly certain you’re already more informed
about my whereabouts than I’d prefer.
You were always rather… protective,”
he remarked.
“But no, in truth, I’m on a tight schedule. Still, it’s always a pleasure to see you, Linda.”
“I see,”
she replied, her tone shifting.
The pleasantries had run their course
it was time to get to business.
“I assume Jedi Master Vilbolra has been keeping you occupied.
I’ll be brief.”
She straightened slightly,
signaling the transition to formal matters.
“The gathering is fast approaching,
as I’m sure you recall.
I was hoping you could assist with security.”
Nihil sighed.
“Linda,
you know the Jedi aren’t private contractors.
But yes, I’m aware of the event.
I was, however, surprised to hear that my Master was invited.
I assume that was your doing?”
Linda nodded.
“The board determined that,
given the current climate,
Jedi presence was essential.”
“That’s a fair assessment.
But if security for high profile attendees has already been arranged,
why the call?”
“Because despite those arrangements,
we have a problem,”
Linda stated plainly.
“With our ongoing ventures,
our internal security forces are stretched thin.
We require additional personnel.”
Nihil frowned slightly.
“Linda,
if the Jedi have already allocated resources for the event,
I highly doubt they’ll spare more to serve as security.
We’re spread thin as it is with everything happening in the galaxy.”
He hesitated for a moment before adding,
“And I assume members of the Hutt Cartel will be in attendance again.
Can't they assist on that?”
His distaste for the Hutts was evident always had been.
Linda exhaled, understanding his frustration.
“This gathering is about shaping the future of the Republic.
The last thing we need is a group of thugs from Nar Shaddaa patrolling the venue.
We require Republic sympathizers at the very least
ideally, actual Republic troops.
Perhaps on a freelance basis?”
Nihil’s expression darkened.
“Linda, you’re asking for something beyond my influence.
You know I can’t pull those kinds of strings…
not anymore.”
Linda didn’t respond immediately.
She let the silence linger,
allowing the weight of the conversation to settle.
Finally, Nihil spoke again.
“I can’t get you Republic troops.
However… there is a crew I know of.
They’re highly pro Republic.
We’ve crossed paths before,
always under amicable circumstances.
They’ve been making a name for themselves in Republic space.
Reliable.
Capable.”
He paused before adding,
“There is one complication,
though, considering your guest list.”
Linda raised an eyebrow.
“And that would be?”
“They’re Mandalorians.
Clan Skirata.”
She understood the implication immediately.
Even after all this time,
many within the Republic and the Jedi Order
had not forgotten the Mandalorian blockade at the start of the war.
“But you’re certain they’ve always aligned themselves with the Republic’s interests?”
“To my knowledge, yes.”
“In that case,
I see no issue.
If they have consistently demonstrated loyalty,
then this could serve as a reminder to the Republic
that allies come in many forms and that there are always alternatives.”
She leaned forward slightly.
“Can you provide me with their contact information?”
Nihil hesitated for a brief moment before nodding.
“I’ll have it forwarded to GG by the end of the day.”
“Perfect.
It was good speaking with you,
Nihil.
I’ll see you at the gathering.”
“Likew—”
The transmission cut off abruptly.
Uncharacteristic of her.
But Linda had always despised saying goodbye to Nihil.
The rest of the day passed in routine.
She finalized reports,
reviewed a pending company merger,
and meticulously analyzed the notes Dante had left for her.
As the sun dipped below the skyline,
GG’s voice interrupted her focus.
“Madam,
Jedi Knight Nihil Vapeet
has transmitted the contact details for Clan Skirata.”
“Understood.
Prepare a message and forward it to the provided frequency.”
“Yes,
Madam.
Recording in
three…
two…
one.”
Linda straightened her posture,
ensuring her tone was both professional and respectful.
“Greetings,
Clan Skirata.
My name is Linda Morgan,
CEO of Tha Hiracûkimit.
I am reaching out regarding a freelance opportunity within Republic space,
specifically near the Meredian Complex.
Jedi Knight Nihil Vapeet
has spoken highly of your commitment
to justice and your efforts in aiding the Republic.
Your reputation precedes you.
If you are interested in this venture,
please contact me at this frequency
so we may arrange a meeting to discuss the details further.
Should you call outside of business hours,
my droid, GG-69,
will handle scheduling.
I look forward to hearing from you soon. Have a pleasant day.”
At the end of her message,
she spoke a brief phrase in Mando’a.
Her pronunciation was far from perfect,
but she had spent years familiarizing herself with the language.
A gesture of goodwill.
And, perhaps, an omen of promising negotiations to come.
@Sicarius
