Shade Aero
Well, that's it. The countdown has been launched; now remains only to go forward and win. Having finished with the children, I leave them alone in the room, while I in Talia's company go upstairs, to the lounge. By our return all our people had already gathered in the room in full strength. Dis, Kaut, Zer and... somehow ended up here too, a sleepy Yuri. The man sat and openly didn't understand what was happening. What kind of gathering was this so early among Mandalorians, what were they waiting for, and who had flown to them.
At my appearance everyone immediately jumped from their seats. Mom alone, as she lay on the sofa with her legs over the armrest, remained lying. Radij standing against the wall simply turned his head, demonstrating his readiness to heed.
"Shade..."
"Brother!"
"Master Aero?!"
Came from different sides, but I raised my hand.
"I'm also glad to see you, brothers, but I'm forced to disappoint you that there's no time to celebrate. We don't have much time. Hello, Yuri," I nod separately to the man clearly not expecting to see me.
"Now that's a turn... and you're too alive for a dead man, Master Aero. Но now it's clear why everyone's so stirred up," he glanced at the Mandalorians.
"Thanks. I try to disappoint everyone who waits for my death," I hum, understanding him. You come to work like that, and there not only has an incomprehensible gathering formed, but also some random types are sitting there, and the cherry on top—the deceased leader who died six months ago has returned from the next world.
"Shade, we found the rat," Warren began immediately, as soon as I fell silent. "He told us..."
"Into the vacuum with him!" I interrupt the Mandalorian. "The information has already gone; Damask is aware I'm here."
"Where from..."
"Corresponding orders have already reached Talia," I nod to the dejected girl.
"And what's in them?"
"He wants to secure his rears, that's what!" and I change the subject: "Warren, if I provide a code for secure communication, can you gather a council of clans for an emergency meeting in the near future?"
"Easily. Warn them you're alive?"
"Yes, it's no longer a secret. Meeting in half an hour."
Warren nodded and immediately went out the door.
"Yuri, the same. Gather the entire board of our companies for an emergency meeting."
"Understood," the man said, and immediately hurried to the exit.
"Dis, you need to prepare a report on generally all the work you've done, as well as on current projects as a whole and pass it to Radij. Radij, you know what to do with it." The Terran nodded, took a step toward the door, but I stopped him. "And, Radij, the same request to you. Contact the Iskra, coordinate a communication session. Need Don, Avalon, and Loki to be at the meeting."
Nodding, the man leaves after Dis.
"Mom."
At the address Aala lowered her legs to the floor and looked at me intently. "These are yours," I hold out her swords. Hidden in my living room, the weapons had waited for their mistress.
Taking the swords, Aala spun the hilts, then turned them on. A pulsing crimson energy blade pierced the air, hinting at its mistress's desire to put it to use. Making a couple of swings, she fingers the hilts. The bloodlust reaching through the room could be felt even by non-adepts. With the turning off of the swords the delusion also falls, and Mom silently looks at me.
"I'll have a request for you. Take a squad of Mandalorians with you, and fly to Zygerria. I'll pass you that bastard's contacts if they're still active. However you want, even turn the whole planet over, but find him for me and deliver him here. You—are better than anyone I know at tracking down fugitives."
Nodding, she was already about to leave, but I stopped her:
"Wait. Kaut, Zer, you set out with her."
"Who are we looking for?" Zer asked businesslike, taking his helmet from the table.
"Details she will tell on the ship. Go," I nod at the door, and the trio leaves the lounge. "Now you," I turn to the Terrans. "From this moment—follow Talia like a tail. Don't take your eyes off her. Keep her in isolation. Don't let anyone near, not even droids! Only Mandalorian guards. Also—no calls except mine. If you see oddities in behavior, aggression, a suicide attempt—immediately carefully knock her out and inform me. Treat her herself carefully and politely. I'll turn both of you inside out if you f*ck up, all clear?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Hey, Sun. Don't hang your nose like that," I put an arm around the girl.
"I'm not," Talia cheered up immediately. "Just thought about what you'll do to Jabba when he returns. He was rude to me, after all," the Twi'lek tried to smile.
"Rude? He shouldn't have done that, he really shouldn't have. I'll go right now and speak with him thoroughly."
"Won't work."
"Why?"
"He flew away two days ago and hasn't returned yet. No otherwise than he felt you."
"That... slug. Но no matter, the evening is yet young."
"Can I leave?"
"If you want, you can go. Но I would ask you to be present at the general meeting. It will be strange if my right hand vanishes somewhere."
"Uh-huh."
***
Since quite a many people were gathering, and we simply didn't fit into the meeting room, the decision was made to prepare the lobby on the first floor for the meeting. Bringing in several tables and connecting them together, arranging chairs and holoprojectors, all this didn't take much time.
No sooner had we finished preparing the room than the first impatient conference participants began to connect. So the meeting began ahead of schedule, and immediately with the resolution of a small question connected with my status on Mandalore.
Proving to the warriors that I am me was no trouble. It was enough to turn on my personal swords. Rumors that only I can use these weapons had spread among the mercenaries almost immediately back at the moment of my acquaintance with them. Another thing is that it's better not to tell them for now that there is an entire order that can turn them on. Sometime later.
On this ground I asked the most relevant question—am I their leader now too? The people took offense at such a question. Pouted. Silently struck their chests with their fists and bowed. It was noteworthy that the clans living directly on Mandalore, including the Duke himself, did this. Despite the fact that I hadn't spoken with this man personally, he didn't go against the old laws; moreover, even the pacifists ironcladly recognized some unwritten foundations.
A pity I can't hear emotions; that would be oh so useful now, but we'll be content with what there is.
"Mandalore, what has caused such a sudden event?" the head of Clan Skirata asked. "Why didn't you fly to us, or call us to Tatooine?"
"No time, my brothers and sisters. The events that are coming require immediate actions," I sigh, surveying the Mandalorians' faces through the visor. By their traditions, the leader's mask embodies their entire people, and therefore in any meetings or public speeches I am not recommended to take it off, even among my own.
"Are we expecting problems?" Stick clarified.
"We had problems a year ago. Now it's just sdoh'nu. Did you find out who Khan Vizsla worked for?"
"No. There are no traces in principle; whoever it was, that someone cleaned up after themselves very well."
"Alright. That's not so important. What's important is that I didn't manage to make it so they didn't touch you. Moreover, by my efforts a process was spurred that attracted even more attention. Given that some of your neighbors sleep and see your fall, the Jedi just keep you on the pencil, and dark adepts try to use you for their own purposes, you simply won't be given a quiet life. We know for sure that with Vizsla's help they wanted to sow discord and chaos within your clans. It's profitable for everyone. Some will calm down and watch as you fight. Others will try to push their own man to the first place in this chaos. Everyone will win except you. And, unfortunately, this threat remains to this day. Just the stakes have changed and in places increased. Instead of you cutting each other, there is a probability that you will all be cutting against someone from the outside. Possibly even with the Ailons; as I understood, those would knock on your door with great pleasure."
Pausing, I survey the Mandalorians. Some frowned, some clenched their fists, and some cursed quietly. No one remained indifferent.
"So that means... you intervened in vain?" the Duke asked.
"No. Had I not intervened—a civil war would have started. And even if it hadn't, the very fact of your rise would have provoked a new conflict, whether you wanted it or not, Duke. I understand why your ancestors decided to choose the path of pacifism, but I'm afraid no one cares. You will either bend, or be destroyed. During the latter, I suspect, a 'savior' will appear very opportunely, in the person of my former business colleague, or his pawn. At the last moment a hand of 'help' will be extended to you, but only to be used later. The dark ones did so before; they will do so now."
"And... what to do?"
"Fight," I shrug. "Strike first. And strike where it's not expected at all. We are few, that's true. We have no army, that's also true. Но we don't need one; we will play by our rules and force everyone else to play by them."
"If we stand against the Republic, we'll sign our final sentence," the Duke spoke.
"On the contrary. We aren't going to stand against the Republic, especially openly," I grin, crossing my arms on my chest.
"What is your plan?"
"Selectively eliminate all those who represent a threat to us. Intimidate some, press others, provide forceful support to others. The Republic is no longer what it was, and if everything is done carefully—it will give us everything we need itself. And here, your talents will manifest themselves in all their glory."
"Are Jedi among the targets?"
"Yes. However there is one weighty 'but' on that account. The Order has changed even more than the Republic, and in its current format simply doesn't represent a threat to us. They aren't soldiers or rulers—they are negotiators. Rather—professional-indifference negotiators. Eliminate the particularly rowdy ones among them—and that will be enough for us to be left in peace."
"Mandalore, are you sure our forces are enough? There will be no way back, after all," the head of Clan Ordo clarified.
"Enough," I assure. "For we won't be alone. A bit later those who were your loyal ally before and remain so henceforth will join us. Together with them, we'll succeed in everything."
"Friends?" Fett exclaimed in surprise. "From where?!"
"Terrans. You remembered them as Warlocks, for it was they who stood up for you in the conflict four thousand years ago."
"But they were destroyed!"
"I thought so too; the whole galaxy thinks so. Но, as it turned out, they are quite alive. Four thousand years ago, having suffered defeat, they had to return to deep space and not stand out unnecessarily. Но even so they sometimes appeared and helped you."
"The last mentions of the Warlocks date back to the three hundredth year from the Ruusan Reformation," Skirata tapped her chin thoughtfully. "As far as I remember, they helped survive the Republic's preemptive strike, and then start over, but then everything breaks off. Any notes, any mentions—there is nothing."
"The last time you had a bit of a falling out with them," I answer reluctantly, remembering the holocron records. "The Terrans helped with evacuation, helped with construction, but they didn't participate in the main battle. They couldn't reveal themselves, not when the galaxy had almost forgotten about them. Because of that yours accused them of cowardice. Nevertheless, they did what they considered due to the end, and only then left, removing their tracks."
"But if so, why should they come out of the shadows exactly now?"
Here new holograms lit up.
"Because the time for our return has come," Donovan replied. In his suit, and on a holoprojector, he had the look not of a ship's captain, but, at the very least, a planet's ruler.
A brief pause hung, which was interrupted by me:
"Allow me to present to your attention—my daughter's followers and my Force discipline—Terrans," I point my hand at the holograms of the Unifying Force adepts.
"So I understand... it was you who arranged the sabotage in Kero'Tus?" the head of Clan Fett clarified.
I felt the tension between the Terrans and Mandalorians with my back, and was already about to try and resolve the conflict before it started, as Donovan spoke slowly:
"Us. We worked quietly and carefully. We killed no one and maimed no one. The noise was raised by amateurs sent by Hego Damask. I apologize for the inconvenience caused and the damage inflicted; we will gladly compensate for everything. However, we also count on your understanding of the necessity of the measures we took. Master Aero was in such a state that you could not help him."
Listening to the explanation, I intently peered into the Mandalorians' faces. The fact that the Mandalore was swiped from their capital—hits their self-esteem very hard, but phew-phew, seems to have passed. The Terrans clearly and by points laid out how, what, and why they did.
Only after that did a brief acquaintance begin, during which common traits surfaced and these two factions found a common language quite quickly. An invisible bridge was a fierce dislike for Jedi, for the Republic, and... Sith, may Tsikuna forgive me.
Well and when the corporation management arrived, the meeting began. On one side sit Terrans, on the other—clans, and between them, actually, the management of the Tatooine companies. And, as I noticed, both look at the third group with a kind of suspicion, and it's understandable. Both Terrans and Mandalorians are idealists, while the rest are just hired labor holding high positions within the companies.
The managers themselves represented all the structures formed during this time: TMC (TatooineMedComp), EIT (EducationalInstitutionsTatooine), TRS (TatooineRescueService), ACC (AgriculturalCorpsTatooine), TTS (TatooineTechnicalService), TP, TCC and others. Essentially, during my absence Talia had gathered the whole package of companies, each of which occupied its niche under the guise of a private enterprise.
Talia herself was the last to arrive at the meeting, in the company of the assigned Immortals. The girl didn't sit down, but settled in behind my right shoulder, emphasizing my position and denoting her place for others.
Scanning the gathered organics, I note the emotions reigning in them. And the emotions were most diverse, but there was one dominant one. The people were specifically stunned, and by two things at once: by the number of new invited persons with whom they were not acquainted, and by my unexpected return.
When the first wave of shock passed, I began the meeting with introductions. Introduced myself, and introduced all those gathered. As the heads of the clans were listed, the companies' top brass fell in face, realizing that something was brewing. When it came to the Terrans, some were openly not glad of my return. Those who didn't know me wished I'd return where I'd crawled out from. Third, in particular Derick and Yuri, on the contrary showed interest.
I presented the Terrans themselves as kind of old friends from the galaxy's outer regions who represent another company. Well and when the first stage was completed, and the people finally came to their senses, I moved to the essence:
"Alright then, ladies and gentlemen. Let's immediately clarify a series of points. First and main—as you can observe, I am more alive than all the living, which means you again obey me. Questions?"
A hand rose.
"As far as I know, Master Aero was killed six months ago. What is the proof that it is you before us?"
"This information has been verified; moreover, my word is enough for You," Talia cut off harshly, putting a point on that dispute.
"Even so... I want to remind you that Monsieur Aero is not the owner of the companies!" the manager of TTC exclaimed. "Forgive me, but until he returns the controlling block, we cannot obey."
"And that is where you are wrong. I won't beat around the bush; I'll say straight—I don't give a f*ck what who has on hand. The planet belongs to me—and, as its sole ruler, I say that in the near future all enterprises will be nationalized and become state-owned. However, you obey me already now."
"That's just funny!" the head of TMC exclaimed. "Master Aero, what you are saying is simply impossible. I don't understand at all who allowed you to convene this council. Let me open your eyes that you died, and there is nothing here that would belong to you! This... already..." the last words the man pronounced already with difficulty, suffocating. Grabbing his throat, he tried to inhale, but couldn't. Only when he crashed to the floor, practically at the moment when he already blacked out, did I release the Force grip.
"Be glad my mother didn't hear those words. For—I am kind. She—is not. So for the future—think what you say, and to whom," I stamp, crossing my arms on my chest, and scanning the others.
"I think... Uonnan just expressed his anxious thoughts a bit incorrectly," the head of TCC took the floor, adjusting the collar on his neck. "He wanted to say that the companies are connected with the outside world, by both supplies and finances. Moreover, there is no state on the planet itself as such for it to be able to nationalize property. With what forces... and means are you going to do this and all the more hold it?"
"With our own forces," Warren replied. "The Rapid Advanced Vanguard for Exceptional Neutralization does not obey shareholders, nor anyone else, except Shade and Talia. I remind you that we are—a Private Military Company that simply works for you, ensuring security. And since we ensure generally all security, you understand yourselves what possibilities that gives..."
"But that is illegal. Such an action is called—a hostile takeover. Ahem..." the man immediately tried to correct himself: "lest it entail extremely negative consequences."
"Call it whatever you want. On my land, there is only one law," rising from the chair, I stamp: "Mine! In the coming days, such companies as TNC, TCC, TTC, and others, will cease to exist and become part of HIT, the Hadian Imperial Terrans. Talia prepared the companies for this day following my developments, and maybe hasn't managed to do everything, but it's enough to set out on an independent voyage."
"Tatooine is not capable of living independently," Derick said quietly and thoughtfully. He was one of those few who perceived the information as calmly as possible, and was already picking options of how he'd turn in the new realities. And he looked at the action with his colleague with a kind of laziness. He perfectly well knows how I conduct negotiations, after all. "Our metals have a highly specialized niche; we won't be able to establish the production of elementary wires for household electronics, let alone the electronics themselves."
"That is no longer a problem. We have a good foothold in the form of Mandalore and the Terrans," I point my hand at Donovan.
"Are you sure their capacities are enough for these purposes?"
I silently readdressed the question with just a look to Donovan, and he nodded.
"Yes. Enough. Moreover, if a one-time large-scale purchase of materials necessary for us is conducted, the question of independence will finally fall away."
"Monsieur Aero. Allow me to say that your words—smack of madness which creates a whole series of problems. Part of the contracts will have to be violated, the already established system rebuilt. There are fears that people simply won't want to work with us. Moreover, we'll be cut off from our own capitals within the Banking Clan! Personally I don't imagine how you are going to rebuild this system and, all the more, with what you are going to pay the workers."
"Everything is provided for. What you are saying—doesn't matter. Our main capitals consist in ships, drilling stations, factories, that is—in our hands. We took from our 'partners' everything we need. Moreover, I'll reveal a secret to you that Damask and I were never comrades. It was clear from the very beginning that over time one of us would be knocked out of the game. Damask used credits to tie us down. I used them with the calculation that they wouldn't have to be returned. And as you see," I politely indicate the Mandalorians with my hand, "they indeed won't have to be returned. As for labor payment, that question requires separate discussion of an already ready solution."
"You are going to go against the Banking Clan?!"
"The Banking Clan will soon not be up for us."
"I don't imagine how, but you are trampling the Republic's laws!"
"We are—not part of the Republic."
"It is around us!" the man already broke out. "If the borders are closed for us—it will be the end!"
"First—no one will close them. Second—there will be no problems with selling our goods, that I guarantee one hundred and ten percent. And third—I am not consulting with you, but informing you how everything will be," I cross my arms on my chest and scan those gathered. "And as for the Banking Clan... don't worry, they are not the problem to worry about."
"I refuse to participate in this," the head of TTC stood up.
"No one is forcing you. I bring to your attention that you have fulfilled your obligations. Formed working departments, which will now be unified. You can stay, and become citizens of the Hadian Imperial Terrans. In light of coming events, I strongly recommend it to you. Но also—you can leave unhindered. In either of these variants you will be forced to spend some time on the planet for the purpose of observing secrecy."
"Aero, you are going to go against those who are many times more dangerous and influential than yourselves," Yuri shook his head.
"Influential? For now yes. Dangerous? Heh-heh, we'll see about that," sitting in the chair, I lean my elbows on the table and place my left palm over my fist.
"Alright... suppose I agree," Derick leaned forward. "I won't speak for others; I'm interested in my state and my subordinates'. What will happen to us?"
"Everything the same. You will remain in your places. The only thing, you'll have to take the state's interests into account, not just your own. Moreover, having received citizenship, you won't be able to just take and leave; that will be regarded as treason. At the same time, on the other scale is stability and safety, both for yourself and for your children."
"Safety in a state that tramples all foundations and laws?"
"Safety in a state that will be able to protect both itself and its citizens in the coming changes."
"What changes are you talking about?"
"Galactic ones," I shrug. "It is absolutely known to me that in the near future some changes will occur in the galaxy."
The directorate seriously thought it over, the Mandalorians, having turned off microphones, consulted among themselves, the Terrans just waited.
"I'm staying," Derick said, which earned him surprised looks. "Aero is not a madman. He perfectly well knows what he's doing. He is respected, he is followed, and he is capable of defending not only his interests but those of his subordinates. I've seen it, and I know it. Given what he's turned Tatooine into, I prefer to risk it. Especially as the position I hold fully suits me."
"Maybe so, but I'm leaving. This is madness. And I don't intend to answer for this lawlessness."
"I don't imagine what you are counting on," Yuri rubbed his temples. "Talia?" he looked at the Twi'lek.
"I fully support Shade."
"Damask definitely won't leave it like that..." the man shook his head.
"Don't you f*cking care, Uncle? You wanted to live in a normal state after all, where there will be law and there will be safety. Currently you see that very state."
"Safe?! Talia, are you kidding???" but, looking into the girl's face, he added: "Not kidding..."
"I remind you, you can leave," I point to the door.
But the man scanned the silent Terrans, Mandalorians, then looked at me...
"Alright. I'm staying. I hope you know what you're doing..."
Following Yuri another several people stayed, others preferred to eliminate themselves. Their right; looking at what kind of porridge is being brewed, I'd also think thrice whether it's worth getting into it.
Immediately after the extra persons left, Derick asked:
"What's the plan... Chief?"
"You know which vessels carry contraband?"
"All our people know," the man hummed. "Those ships are in a separate list."
"Excellent. Choose several and make it so those ships are loaded to the maximum with drugs and some other nastier junk. Yuri, as soon as that's done, leak the information to your old colleagues in the Judicial Department."
"Um..."
"And definitely emphasize that it was Damask who agreed with Jabba on this event."
"Ha... ha-ha-ha-ha, alright," the man cheered up instantly. "But Shade, that will clearly be too little."
"Too little," I agree. "Therefore we'll throw more problems on top of him. Don?"
"Damask is a dark adept of the Force. We will send a message to the Jedi Temple with a letter, compromising recording, and a dark artifact. That will be more than enough to occupy not only Damask, but the whole Banking Clan."
"Well yeah. The head of the bankers involved in such large affairs... how much noise there'll be," Yuri shook his head.
"Precisely. The next question concerns resources. While they haven't blocked our assets, it's necessary to conduct a massive purchase without looking back at the credits."
"And will we be able to use it?"
"We will," Donovan replied, and after a questioning look at me and my nod, he explained: "In the unknown regions mothballed objects remain. Shipyards, factories, abandoned mines. We don't use them in view of the absence of necessity, but returning objects to service—is not such a big problem. Only consumables and some special components are needed."
"What will we be buying?"
"Duke Kryze, Captain Donovan, and Talia will provide you with detailed lists later," I return attention to myself.
"Understood."
"Further, I raise the question of finances, and with it I address you, Duke Kryze. Mandalorian targs might come just in place for us. Moreover, we need to switch to this currency as quickly as possible, leaving credits not even in second, but in third place after Hutt peggats."
"Allow me, what is that connected with?"
"As we know, Republic credits—are a very unreliable currency. And in light of coming events, credits look even worse."
"Oh come on... problems within the banking clan won't reflect on the financial system in any way! Unless you are going to storm Muunilinst..."
Given how everyone silently looked at Yuri, he fell silent and nervously adjusted his collar.
"You... You are kidding?"
"We won't be storming," I shake my head. "But we'll definitely drop by for a visit."
"That is impossible."
At this statement chuckles came from the Mandalorians.
"Before you are the best saboteurs in the galaxy, and individually at that. And if they unite, even I am scared to imagine what will happen. I'll say one thing—we will work as we know how. Carefully. And very, very painfully. The strike will fall on the central and secondary servers; the blame, meanwhile, we will try to dump on Damask. In light of the frame-up before the Jedi, it will look so good after all: the head of the banking clan, a dark adept himself, realizing he's been found out, does a nastiness to the whole Republic!" at the end I laughed quietly.
"The Muun will lose everything he achieved," Donovan added.
"To hell with the Muun, you are going to arrange the collapse of the entire financial system!!!" Yuri was stunned.
"Well, not a collapse, but we'll shake it a bit. Maybe the central servers are on Muunilinst, but there are enough secondary ones too. The financial system will hold. Well and even if not—it's easier for our people."
"Shade, you are going to give rise to real chaos, and across the whole Republic at that!"
"So?"
"What do you mean 'So'?! Talia, at least you say something! I don't love the Republic, but even I consider this... too much!" Yuri was venting.
"Too much? Too much?! That state has been poisoning us for millennia!" Warren flared up, hitting the table so that a dent remained on it.
"Brother," I lift a hand, calming the Mandalorian. "Yuri, steady. We, of course, to put it mildly, dislike the Republic, but we aren't so wild yet as to bomb cities. Moreover, it's unprofitable for us ourselves to collapse it completely. The Republic—even such as it is, is a system we are going to use and eat gradually, and for that, it needs to be shaken a bit."
"But why do you need that? Why do you need the Republic? What did it do to you? It's on the brink already; it's not far to a civil war there! I'm telling you this as a former Judicial Department officer."
"We need this because the Great Republic won't leave us in peace. Before we tried to reach an agreement. Both with the Republic, and with the Jedi and with the Sith, with all of them," Donovan began. "We were open, wanted to start from the beginning. Didn't meddle in the big game, went about our business, periodically helping those who suffered from internecine war. In the end our kindness was taken for weakness and trampled into the mud. The galaxy has forgotten those days. Но we—haven't. We haven't forgotten the children's cries, nor the mothers' tears. Haven't forgotten the tens of thousands of cities lying in ruins, whole destroyed worlds. Peaceful worlds that simply lived. A representative case was on the border. Outer regions. There weren't even our planets there, just neutral worlds to which we provided support and to which refugees flocked as to the quietest regions. In the end they were forcibly attached to themselves by some, and destroyed by others. And maybe not a little time has passed since then, but we haven't forgotten anything. And we won't repeat those mistakes. HIT will not be a friend to the Republic. We will simply eat it quietly and peacefully, that's all."
"You speak as if you saw it firsthand," Derick whispered.
"We did see it," Don shrugged. "And felt it. Holocrons store information perfectly. Moreover, among us there are many immortals who don't even need holocrons; they themselves saw how the Republic brings democracy with the help of nuclear strikes and carpet bombings. Magnificent methods, simply chic, Yuri. And I ask you to notice that in our entire history, our ancestors destroyed only one single civilization—the Rakata. A civilization that held half the galaxy in slavery. We ourselves are being tried to be poisoned to zero for twenty-five thousand years already. After such, we have the right even to drown the whole galaxy in blood, for generations change, but the culture remains the same. Но we aren't drowning it, are we? Children don't bear responsibility for their parents, and besides—they can be re-educated."
At those words, I recalled Hadiya. I remember as if it were yesterday how she said those very words. Children don't bear responsibility for parents, and that they can be re-educated. She did re-educate. Brought order to her home system, to the planet that was considered a rotten spot in my home system. Maybe that's why the Hadians spared some races back in the day? And...
"A short glance at the Terrans."
They sympathize to this day.
"Please don't raise this topic in the future. It's not something pleasant for us to talk about. And don't consider us beasts. We've gone wild, that's true. Но we haven't become them yet."
Yuri didn't answer. Only lowered his head, experiencing not the best emotions in his soul.
"Enough, back to business," I return the conversation to the business track. "Talia. Can you report to Damask on the work done?"
"No. I don't know how. Write a message? But where? As for contacting him directly..." she nervously chewed her lip.
"I see. Then leave it. Kryze, Ordo, I will bring the main orders and instructions to the rest through you. Now about the plan—I need you to prepare six groups. Our priority targets, after Damask, are: Irras Valorum, Jurian Tai..."
***
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