"…Are you capable of killing a child?" Ziro cast a questioning look at his interlocutor.
"And you?" Dooku replied carelessly. "After all, he is practically your own flesh and blood."
The Hutt narrowed his eyes, half-closing them behind his nictitating membranes. In humanoid terms, it would have been the equivalent of raising one's brows in mockery.
"You are incapable of understanding us, even though you speak Huttese better than many suspect," Ziro said after a pause. "That child is a descendant of Jabba. Not mine. And I will do whatever is required—in the interests of my own offspring."
"Just don't act rashly," the Count said aloud. "Do nothing until I prepare the ground. The objective is to buy time. To extract the greatest possible advantage."
"Do not trouble yourself explaining long-term strategy to a Hutt," Ziro rasped…
***
The moment the recording ended, Jabba gave free rein to his fury.
"My uncle must be delivered to my palace…"
"He—" Shaak Ti began, but I quickly cut her off.
"He will be delivered to you as soon as possible. Undoubtedly, you should punish him for what he has done."
"Yes, he will die for his disrespect toward me. However, he—or Dooku—must have completely lost his mind if he thinks I will fall for this foolish blackmail and fail to repay them in full the moment I am given the chance." Jabba was gradually slipping into a rage, and I could not help but admit that it was a terrifying sight. The others present in the hall had fallen silent as well, subdued by the intangible pressure of the Hutt's will. "I am one of the supreme rulers of the Hutts. I am obliged to prove to my people that criminals will be severely punished for such atrocities. If we close our eyes to these crimes, how are we to go on living?"
I snorted quietly. Master Arto's lessons had not been in vain; I understood every nuance of Jabba's speech. He had used not merely the word takkana—a violation of the law—but chomma—an atrocity. Chomma is a crime exclusively in Hutt terms. The crimes of humans or other species—takkana—mean nothing to the Hutts. That is why the Republic has always considered the Hutts criminals. Their moral principles have always been different. And the Jedi still believe that the laws and regulations of the Republic are the only correct ones in the entire Galaxy and must be strictly observed by every living being within it.
Well, that can be used.
"Your uncle has already been arrested, and once we complete all the formalities, he will be delivered to Tatooine," I confirmed my earlier statement.
At that moment, TC-70—apparently that is the name of Jabba's droid—drew her master's attention.
"My lord. Chancellor of the Republic Sheev Palpatine and Knights of the Jedi Order are on the line."
The Hutt inclined his massive head graciously, and the protocol droid activated the projector.
The "powers that be" joined our conversation—Yoda, Windu, Obi-Wan, Palpatine, and, unexpectedly, Skywalker.
"I thank the Republic for the return of my son, and for the assistance they have rendered to the Desilijic clan," Jabba rumbled. When the droid translated his words into Basic, the Chancellor and the Jedi relaxed slightly. Of course—had our "enterprise" failed, had we not rescued Rotta, had Dooku succeeded in discrediting the Jedi… Well, it would have been easier for the Republic to declare war on the Hutts. In that case, the consequences would have been less severe.
Suddenly, an interesting thought occurred to me. Hm. By the way, where had Dooku been then? Why hadn't he been on Tatooine?
Palpatine's hologram offered a polite smile.
"Excellent. I see the child has finally been returned to his father. I am pleased that this matter has concluded favorably. Well, now, I believe we may proceed with the agreement you promised concerning the use of your hyperspace routes by our ships. Grand Master?.."
"We will send our envoy to you—Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. With him, you will conduct negotiations," Yoda said, giving a faint nod.
At that, Jabba waved a hand—strangely enough, in my direction—and uttered a short phrase, the meaning of which only reached me after his protocol droid translated it:
"Lord Jabba says that he agrees to conclude the treaty with the Republic, for he has given his word. However, he informs you that he will conduct negotiations with this Jedi."
Everyone looked at me intently—both the Chancellor and the Jedi. And while it was difficult to gauge Yoda's and Palpatine's reactions, the others… Shock, that's the way we do things.
The only thought that crossed my mind was entirely unprintable.
What the F**K?