Star Wars The Old Republic Fatal Allianc - By Sean Williams Page 0,22

to let a possible source of resources slip through our fingers would be a public relations disaster, not to mention a setback for galactic security.”

“When the Mandalorians are involved,” said another aide, “it’s often a security issue.”

“Indeed. And that’s why I’ve decided to pursue this, publicly and politically, to ensure that it can’t come back on us later.”

The martial rhythm of the Supreme Commander’s tapping put Ula on edge. Give it a rest, he wanted to yell at them. It’s a smokescreen, a distraction from the real issue—the cold war you’re losing! The Hutts are exploiting and feeding your paranoia at the very same time. Don’t you see how gullible this makes you all look?

So wound up was he in his internal dialogue that he almost didn’t hear the Supreme Commander’s next words.

“That’s why I’ve decided to send you, Ula, to Hutta as an official envoy of the Republic.”

Ula’s thoughts hit the roadblock of that pronouncement and formed a five-skylane pileup.

“You—what, sir?”

“I need someone to investigate and, if necessary, negotiate on our behalf. Not someone senior—we don’t want the Hutts thinking we’re too interested—and not someone from the military, either, since this is a political matter. We need someone informed and dedicated, and the reports you filed last night indicate that you are nothing if not both. Ula, I want you on the first available shuttle.”

The other aides stared at him with undisguised envy as Ula tried to find a way out of the situation.

“I’m flattered, sir, but—”

“Your portfolios are already full, I know, but there’s nothing you can’t delegate. And if it’s security you’re worried about, I’ve requisitioned a full detail. We can’t afford to lose someone of your abilities, Ula.”

Ula swallowed. Stantorrs had shot down his two major objections in little more than one breath. While it was indeed pleasing that the Supreme Commander afforded him such trust, what use was he as an informer in the wrong sector of the galaxy? He needed to be here, in the office, not mucking around with filthy Hutts and potentially coming under fire.

The gang war that had led to Stantorrs hearing about the Cinzia would be just a minor skirmish if the ship’s home was as valuable as the Hutts said it was. Of that Ula was certain, and he was an informer, not a soldier, for a reason. He liked fighting as little as he liked being in the spotlight. He simply wasn’t trained for that kind of thing.

There seemed no way to escape it, though, so he accepted with all the grace he could muster.

“Excellent. I know I can rely on you, Ula. Off the record, I’ll expect you to keep a sharp eye out for Jedi, of course. Satele Shan says she’ll take no official action, but I don’t trust her. You know the major players, don’t you? You see one of them, you let me know.”

Ula nodded. “I will, sir.”

“And if there’s any substance to the Hutts’ claims, report immediately. I’ll have a fleet on standing orders to offer the world protection from the Empire.”

“Yes, sir.” Like anyone with any political savvy, Ula knew that “protection” was something many worlds simply did not want, for fear of the so-called protectors pillaging natural resources and talent. Also, the mere presence of a Republic cruiser, let alone a Jedi, was likely to draw the wrath of the Sith, who could be even worse. “What if it’s nothing?”

“Then we’ve lost nothing, and you get to keep your promotion.” Stantorrs stood and held out his hand. “I’m elevating you to senior aide, effective immediately, and appointing you as acting envoy to the Bareesh Cartel. Congratulations, Ula.”

Ula shook the Supreme Commander’s hand but barely registered the soldierly crush of the strong Duros fingers. Numb from head to foot, he could barely accept what had just happened. The best he could manage was to find ways to profit from it.

As his former colleagues pressed in to offer their congratulations, he realized that this put him in an ideal position to make sure that the Republic didn’t gain from the Hutts’ offer. He could downplay the importance of any information he discovered—even actively interfere with the auction, if it came to that. Whatever the Hutts had, the Republic wouldn’t get access to it.

And then there was the Republic fleet that awaited the outcome of his investigation. If he could send them on a fruitless quest to an empty sector of the galaxy, that could help the Empire in a dozen tangible ways. That