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Smuggler's Alliance

Chapter Five

“I believe this falls into the category of the universe falling in on top of me.” The middle aged man exclaims as he reads the datapad that has been thrust onto his desk. Stroking his beard thoughtfully, he goes over the information one more time, “Okay, first things first; business. Get me a clear channel to Xaxan the perturbed. I have to clear this little matter up with him before I do anything else. The dear Commander can hold his fancy britches a while longer. And as for Mees and her mystic companion, put them in the anteroom and get them something to eat, and not that garbage I usually serve. Those two spend all of their time on that blasted ship, eating nothing but travel rations (I’m sure of that)... And tell them I will join them as soon as my business dealings have concluded.” With a wave of his hand, Toman Higaeri has set up the events to follow this most unwelcome news. The messenger departs quickly to carry out his employer’s instructions, to the letter (nothing less will ever do for Toman Higaeri).

Tapping at the console on his immense solid fijisi desk, he brings up the channel, which has been opened for him by the communications officer sitting near him in the office. Taking a deep breath and steeling himself for the battle that is about to commence, he then presses the key.

“My dear friend, to what do I owe the pleasure of your communiqué?” What follows is a string of insults that would make a Corellian sailor blush with shame. Toman takes every one of the slurs with as much patience as he can muster before he attempts to utter a single word. “Xaxan please!” Waiting the requisite amount of time for the other man to draw a breath, “Why would I send a group out to hijack my own cargo? Check the ship’s manifest...” The other man looks away from the holo-screen. “You will notice that there is a large shipment of goods heading directly to my brother from myself. One hundred percent above board I might add. They were gifts for my brother and his family. Now why would I send someone to disrupt my family’s Children’s Day celebrations? . . Answer: I would not. Now I must send a replacement shipment, at great personal cost to me, on one of my own ships and thus render it obsolete in my own operations.” Toman puts as much offense into his words as possible.

“So, what you are telling me is that you no longer have control of Corellian space?” The man on the other side of the vid-screen leers at Toman with his question. “Then why am I paying you to keep my shipments safe?”

So, that is the tack he is going to take. Toman sits back in his chair and ponders his answer. “Well, I don’t believe that will be much of an issue. If there is someone operating, independently, in this Sector, they will not be doing so for very long.” Toman then gets a brilliant insight. “Xaxan, my dear friend, are you certain that this is not some coy plot of yours to discredit me and take over the Corellian Trade Spine?” Toman shoots an equally coy question to his adversary.

“Now that is an idea!” His pause is somewhat disturbing to Toman. “Please, my dear Higaeri, the sole reason that I use your people in this manner is that it is far more cost efficient to do so. I would have nothing to gain by pushing you out. Besides, you are far more trustworthy and effective than the various security forces in that sector. I could go broke trying to keep them paid off.” And that, Toman knew was more truthful than any other statement that could be made. Their positions were now quite clear.

“Then I will ask you for your leave, so that I may begin an investigation of this latest turn of events.” Nodding to the vid-screen, his mirror returns the gesture in kind and the transmission ends.

Very clear indeed. There is someone operating in this sector and Toman will have to uncover their identity and their motives; quickly and quietly. Perhaps this visit of Mees’ and her mystic friend would prove to be beneficial after all.

“Sir?” The communications officer disrupts his train of thought as he rises from his chair. “What about the Commander, Chief?”

“Let him stew for a while longer. I will be having dinner with some old friends... And find me the Togorian; I have a mission for him. There is someone I want him to track for me.” The communications officer nods and returns to his station, and with that Toman departs the office in a flourish.

Creator: PtrsonsZOO (Jennifer)

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