The interrogation of the Zygerrian—the leader of this gang—was not particularly successful. To be honest, the other Jedi were too soft on her. After making sure that Mind trik had no effect, they simply backed off. I would have immediately come up with a couple of tricks that would have loosened her tongue in no time. I wouldn't even have had to get my hands dirty—the clones would have dealt with that scum without any emotional turmoil. As a last resort, I had Tinman—he didn't care about anything at all.
But… this was none of my business anyway, since the Jedi hadn't even invited me to the interrogation, informing me of the results only afterward. And honestly, putting myself on the line like that isn't exactly desirable…
The job seemed to be done—the attackers were destroyed—but there were still too many uncertainties. So we gathered in the command center to discuss the situation.
"General Saa, you have an urgent voice transmission from Senator Elsah'Sai'Moro, Senator from Devaron," one of the clone operators interrupted.
"I'll take the message at the far terminal, Corporal."
It wasn't difficult for Ahsoka and me to hear the conversation.
"Elsah, dear, it's a great pleasure to see you again."
"For me too, but I'm calling you for another reason. I've been informed that you're looking for raiders operating in this region. I've discovered that someone from Devaron is involved in this matter."
"Who exactly? Some smuggler? Or a pirate?"
"Some of our men would be capable of such a thing, but given the current scale of the operation… the traitor is clearly someone high-ranking. And there are only women in the government."
"Do you know where the mercenaries' base is hidden?"
"I can't pinpoint the location, but I know for certain that it's on Devaron. However, I do know who is helping them. That's why I contacted you—you've been watching over this area of the galaxy for a very long time. This information cannot be passed through official channels, and now you'll understand why. The name of the traitor—"
Suddenly, the Devaronian hologram wavered and began to topple. Her head had been pierced by a blaster bolt.
"Elsah!" the Neti cried.
What a twist… I thought.
***
A girl stood on a branch of a massive tree growing beside an enormous mansion. Her unnaturally pale skin, eyes rimmed in dark shadow, and long fingers wrapped around a long rifle with a sniper scope— all of it looked… terrifying, especially in the twilight gloom.
"The target has been eliminated. But she was talking on a voice link. From what I understood from the intercepted conversation, she was speaking with a Jedi."
The order had been urgent, but the employer hadn't skimped on the payment. He also wanted to control everything, so he had stayed on the line the entire time.
"You should have fired earlier."
"You should have hired me earlier."
"Did my name come up?"
"No. But they know someone influential is involved."
The mercenary slung her rifle over her shoulder and dropped lightly from the tree. A speeder bike was hidden among the roots, and she mounted it at once. It was time to get out—especially since the guards were already on alert.
"In any case, my work is done."
"Now the Republic will definitely investigate. They may send Jedi. I still need you, Aurra Sing!"
"New job, new fee. The price depends on the assignment."
"You've dealt with Jedi before, haven't you? Take care of them when they show up."
"Kill a Jedi? Lady, I'm willing to do that for almost nothing. Almost."
A smile—more like a snarl—twisted the girl's face.
***
I pored over the text while the others silently watched the hologram of the planet Devaron.
The planet is located in the Duluur Sector and is home to the Devaronians, one of the strangest races in the galaxy, with pronounced differences in appearance and character between the sexes. The males are red-skinned creatures, completely devoid of hair, with a pair of large horns on their heads. These horns are their pride and joy and are carefully tended.
Devaronian women are covered with thick fur that varies in color from brown to white, and their horns are almost invisible. They are aggressive by nature and strive for dominance in society, holding the exclusive right to govern and engage in politics. However, this does not mean that Devaronian men are meek or docile.
Although Devaron was part of the Republic and had several senators, it exercised its right to autonomy. Therefore, when the war began, the planet's president declared neutrality in the conflict. I could assume that both the Jedi and the Separatists were trying to win Devaron over to their side.
And now we were being dragged into this mess…
"The murder wasn't random. It seems the senator's suspicions were correct—the raiders' base really is on Devaron," muttered Aayla Secura.
"First, we must destroy the base. Then we deal with the Devaronian government—and the traitors," the Dark Woman said, crossing her arms over her chest.
"We'll work undercover. I have some ideas, and I already know how we can infiltrate," Master Tholme concluded. "I will fabricate the necessary cover identities for myself, Aayla, and the Dark Woman. We'll infiltrate the Devaronian capital, Montellian Serat, located in the northern part of Devaron, near the Blue Mountains."
"Knight Vikt, be ready," Aayla smiled. "Once we get the information we need, be prepared to strike."
"We'll hold position at the sixth planet. Flight time is five minutes. We'll keep the shuttles and gunboats ready."
"Perhaps near Devaron's moons?" Tholme suggested.
"No. Passing traders might spot us. That would raise awkward questions."
"All right," he agreed.