Chapter 49: Aftermath (Part 6)

“Welcome back to the world of the living.”

“Quieter... please,” Kamma muttered, clutching his head as he sat up. “Ugh, what did I drink last night? It felt like so little... Oh, my head...”

“Hah! You downed at least twenty bottles of the hard stuff. It’d be a miracle if you felt fine. Quiet, you say?”

“Softer...”

“And I had to cover part of your tab. Why the hell do you get yourself into such a state? You need to measure your strength properly.”

Inside my mind, the sound of a sloshing flask echoed, followed by a long swig and a satisfied grunt.

“You speak the truth, my young apprentice.”

“I just got carried away; it happens to the best of us. But I’m done drinking. I swear it on my life.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it. Especially considering the main objective of your little outing wasn't even accomplished.”

Two incredibly mournful yellow eyes stared back at me. Such unutterable longing pooled in them that I actually felt a pang of pity.

I drank too much before... but I remember...

“I’m joking, I’m joking. Don’t make the face of the galaxy’s most miserable creature. You succeeded, and more than once. Now, just make sure to filter those memories. It’d be a shame to have all those adventures and remember nothing. It’s a good thing you didn't get into a fight.”

My friend eased himself carefully back onto his bed.

“Leave me be. I need time to pull myself together.”

“Hah, I don’t doubt it. Soak it off then. I’m heading out to get some work done.”

“And where to now?”

Essentially, there’s only one major task left. I need to form the squad that will accompany me. And on that front, I already have a few ideas.

“The 341st Company?”

Yes. I don’t think the Grand Inquisitor will object too strongly. The real question is how much force I can actually have under my direct command. I’m no Lord Vader; I don’t get my own personal legion.

“Well, there’s only one way to find out.”

You’re right, Master.

******

“Greetings, Grand Inquisitor.”

My knee barely hurt, though putting weight on it was still unpleasant. I suspect I’ll grow to hate these rituals even more soon enough.

“You keep me waiting. Do not test my patience.”

“My apologies. We required time to recover...”

“Yes, clearly. And what is it you require?”

“I wished to know what resources are at my disposal. My targets include not just a Jedi, but Rebels as well, which could present... certain complications.”

“A fair point. The Rebel cell is small, only two or three hundred sentients. However, they are well-hidden in the forests; our planetary assets haven't been able to locate them for months. Therefore, you will have a staff of one hundred Stormtroopers, several Purge Troopers, and a few ISB agents at your command. We suspect the local government is not as loyal to the Empire as they wish to appear. But that, of course, is not your primary concern.”

The Pau'an's gaze remained piercing.

“As for transport, you will be assigned an Imperial-class Arquitens-class light cruiser. Fully equipped. I trust that will suffice?”

“More than enough. However, I would like the men of the 341st Company assigned as my Stormtroopers. And for my Purge Troopers, I request the clones CI-134 and CI-087—callsigns ‘Mole’ and ‘Owl’.”

“That is acceptable. There will certainly be no issues with your men from the Separatist campaign.” A faint, chilling smile touched his grey-white lips. “We anticipated such a request. As for the rest, everything will be handled according to protocol. However, I believe Lord Vader will approve of this decision.”

“Thank you, Grand Inquisitor.”

“Remember: your future hinges on this mission.”

******

“So, you’re telling me you were knocked out in a common brawl?! Am I understanding this correctly?!”

“Correct, sir.” Cold sweat rolled down the agent’s face. Mentally, he cursed both the target and his assignment to this mission. “A Corellian Ale bottle, to be precise, sir.”

The desk shuddered under a powerful blow from a heavy fist.

“I don’t give a damn what they used to floor you! Your incompetence has compromised the entire department. A professional agent, laid out in a common bar fight. You lost the target you were ordered to shadow, and you managed to get your personal effects stolen to boot. Praise every god known and unknown that you only had a blaster and credits on you. What if you’d had documents or access codes?! Get out of my sight!”

Clenching his fists until his knuckles turned white, the agent saluted and hurried out of the office.

A man in his fifties leaned back in his chair. His massive frame belied his age; even now, he could easily overpower several men. His white tunic strained against his broad shoulders with every movement. Yet, he was known as much for his intellect as his strength.

“Do you truly believe it was an accident?”

From the darkest corner, a figure clad in the field gear of an ISB agent emerged.

“I don't believe in accidents or coincidences.”

“Then what happened? I personally trained those recruits. They aren't the most talented, but they are certainly above average.”

“That is precisely what I am trying to determine, Corvus. You see, there are several... not exactly strange moments in this case, but things that don't quite fit the overall picture.”

“Such as, Chief?”

A report detailing every nuance of the incident unfurled across the desk.

“Look here. Why would our subject leave one bar only to go immediately to another? True, the first venue had a different 'specialization,' somewhere one goes primarily seeking companionship, but still. He could afford any high-quality alcohol there, yet he chose to move to a lower-class establishment.”

“Perhaps he’s just frugal? Decided to save a few hundred credits?”

“Unlikely. It wasn't his money anyway. And everything that was left was returned to its source. No, it’s something else.”

“Chief, with all due respect, that’s hardly enough to warrant suspicion. Maybe he didn't like the music, or he struck out with a girl and wanted to flee the scene, or the drinks were off—it could be anything.”

“Oh, he certainly didn't strike out with the girl. The surveillance cams confirm that. Which leads to the second oddity. According to our hapless subordinate’s report, upon arriving at the cantina, the subject began actively courting the local barmaid. This, after spending hours entertaining another woman. Interestingly, it was this local employee who so conveniently steered him out of the brawl. After that, the boy vanished from our scanners, only to reappear hours later with his friend slung over his shoulder.”

“Respectfully, Chief, that’s still a bit thin for a solid conclusion.”

“I know. And that is why I have an assignment for you.”

“I’m listening.”

“There is an active recruitment drive for a team under our subject’s command. Outwardly, it’s being framed as another anti-piracy task force, so people from our jurisdiction aren't exactly clambering to join. However, through my own channels, I know their mission is something else entirely. Career growth for you is guaranteed.”

The Chief leaned forward, his gaze hardening.

“But aside from the primary mission, you are to keep an eye on our boy. Without compromising your service, of course. I have a feeling something isn't right here. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal clear, Chief. Permission to file my application?”

“It’s already been sent.”

******

“Yes, like that. Maintain control.”

You aren't exactly helping.

“Shut up. Now, rotate the housing and the thumb around their axis. Good. The phalanges of the middle and index fingers should rotate around your head. Now, connect all the wires...”

“Frak!” A pile of spare parts clattered to the floor. Blood began to trickle down my chin. “A little more of this and my brain is going to explode.”

“It’s fine; we’ll fix it. Don't forget, your primary weapon now is the Force. Lightsabers are all well and good, but the Force... that is another level entirely. Through it, one can achieve immortality and absolute power. Though I suppose that doesn't interest you much.”

How did you guess, Master?

“I do read your thoughts, you know.”

That was a rhetorical question.

“I am aware. Nevertheless, that isn't the whole list. As you know, the Force will help restore your body. You only need to seek out the right knowledge.”

We’ve already had this conversation. Do you really think my memory is that poor?

“No, you just sounded like you wanted to give up.”

Can’t a man just whine for his own amusement anymore?

“To what end? Self-pity is one of the greatest vices of any sentient being. It’s the reason many never reach their full potential. Better to face trials and pain with a smile, or at least with composure.”

Is that why you’re constantly drinking?

“Don't mix the rotten with the sour.”

Throughout our conversation, the parts scattered across the room slowly began to assemble into a cohesive structure. I no longer had to crawl on all fours hunting for a lost miniature hinge. All my prosthetics were now saturated with my power.

Of course, they didn't feel like my original limbs yet, but they felt significantly better than before.

“Alright, time to pack. You only have a few hours until departure.”

You know, Master, you can be quite useful at times.

“As long as you’re moving in the direction I want, you can count on my help. It’s boring in your head anyway. Do you know why? Because it’s empty!”

The sound of booming laughter quickly receded.

Hmm...

Well, Hutt take him. Regardless, it was time to move. Nothing was holding me here anymore.

Rehabilitation was finished; they couldn't help me any further. Or they didn't want to; anything was possible. Either way, I wasn't going to get any "better" than this.

Kamma had been pulled away on an emergency assignment a couple of days ago. A Jedi had been spotted on Bracca but managed to escape. His current whereabouts were unknown, so additional forces were being mobilized. From what I gathered, there wasn't a clear plan yet; the only working theory was to station observers across several sectors and hunt for the ship.

My friend was just glad to be going. He’d go anywhere as long as it wasn't a desert planet.

As for me, I had no desire to participate in a massive battue. In those situations, you’re always under someone’s thumb, since we aren't "full" Inquisitors yet. Here, I was my own boss. I figured that under the guise of searching for some Jedi artifact, I could get off-planet and make my way to Nal Hutta. Though I’d have to play it by ear. Every plan is good until it meets reality.

At the hospital exit, they were already waiting for me.

“Glad to see you, sir. We’re here for you.”

Several Stormtroopers in nearly identical armor snapped to attention and saluted in unison. It seemed like a standard display, but through the Force, I could feel waves of genuine respect and total trust.

“Long time no see, Cap.”

“To be honest, sir, if it wasn't for the data files they sent us, I’d hardly have recognized you.”

“Yeah, well, I had a wild thought, buddy—decided to grow the hair out. Keeping up with the latest Coruscant fashions, you could say. A hairstyle really changes a man.”

“You can say that again, sir. Glad you kept your sense of humor. The 341st Company is reporting for duty in its entirety.”

“Lead the way to the ship. We’ve got interesting work ahead. But we’ll save the details for the briefing.”

The trip didn't take long. By airspeeder, we reached a small military spaceport in minutes, where we transferred to a shuttle.

The Arquitens-class light cruiser was already waiting for me in orbit.

Inside the hangar, rows of Stormtroopers stood in perfect formation. The moment I stepped out, they saluted as one.

“Welcome back, Commander! We’ve been waiting for you!”

“At ease, men. I’m glad to see you too. Everyone, return to your duties. This mission is going to be an involved one. I need you rested and at full strength.”

“Yes, sir!”

Standing apart from the main group were a few clones in black armor. The Inquisitorius Purge Troopers studied me intently. Aside from the two I’d requested, there were a couple more. Well, I’d have to have a separate word with them later.

For now, I needed to coordinate with the ISB. Even though we were moving together, we each had our own jobs. I didn't want us tripping over each other.

“Cap.”

“Sir.”

“Gather the command staff. We need to discuss the operational plan.”

“As you wish, sir.”

The ship wasn't as large as I’d imagined. After a few minutes of brisk walking, I reached the bridge.

They were waiting. There were four of us in total: myself, my loyal Commander, a blond man with blue eyes and sharp features, and a clone with a completely shaved head and red tattoos whose black armor caught the light in subtle glints.

“Sir, shall I give the order for the jump to hyperspace?”

“Go ahead, Cap. I’ll speak with our 'assistants' in the meantime.”

The blond agent maintained a neutral half-smile, though his cold, piercing eyes grew more attentive. The Purge Trooper barely visibly thinned his lips.

“Greetings. I am an Imperial Inquisitor, though I suspect you already know that. Please, introduce yourselves.”

“I am Corvus,” the blond spoke first, predictably. He had a pleasant, velvety voice; put him in a high-society gala and he’d surely have every woman’s attention. “ISB Agent. My duty is the investigation and identification of all elements hindering the proper functioning of the Empire.”

“Excellent. Stay after the briefing; we’ll need to align our next steps.”

“As you command, Inquisitor.”

I had hoped to rattle him even slightly. No luck; he remained perfectly composed. Through the Force, I felt nothing. It was like talking to a stone wall.

“And you?”

“CI-134, callsign ‘Mole’. My squad is here to assist in the tracking and elimination of the Jedi. The rest does not concern us.”

In contrast to Corvus, my apparently former acquaintance radiated a faint sense of dismissiveness, and even a slight... not hostility, but rather a cold distaste. It seemed I’d need to have a private chat with these boys as well. Otherwise, it would lead to unnecessary friction.

“Understood.”

“He didn't even add 'sir.' The little brat has completely forgotten the chain of command!”

Calm down, Master.

“How can I be calm? An insult to you is an insult to me!” A very vivid image of a disgruntled, small red creature belligerently waving a flask appeared in my mind. “I do not forgive insults. Let me at him!”

No one is holding you back.

“Right. Anyway, remember his face. Once I have a body, we’ll settle the score.”

Yes, yes. Go back to your drinking, Master.

“Don't you tell me what to do—I was going anyway!”

Then go.

“Right, let’s go over our plans. The primary objective is the elimination of the Jedi leading the resistance. The Rebels themselves do not interest me; they are, shall we say, outside my direct professional purview.” Corvus gave a barely perceptible huff, while Mole coughed into his fist. “Nevertheless, we will have to dismantle them along the way. I doubt they’ll just hand over their leader. I have a preliminary plan, but I’m interested in your input.”

“Then I shall continue.” The agent stepped forward and activated a holoprojector. Several images of sentients flickered to life. Judging by their uniforms, they were Imperial officials. “These are the planetary administrators appointed by the Empire. As mentioned, they are not as loyal as we would like. There is intelligence suggesting some are involved in smuggling and narcotics distribution. Consequently, if we squeeze them, we find out where they’re sourcing their weapons.”

“And the Rebels are using high-grade explosives and are well-armed...”

“Exactly. I suspect one of my 'clients' is actively trading with the local populace. But there is a snag.”

“Which is?”

“These individuals are highly skilled specialists. This planet was their training ground before being promoted to vital posts. We cannot simply round them all up. We need ironclad proof of guilt. Otherwise, there will be complications.”

“Very well. Until the supplier or the Rebels themselves are located, I will assist you. However, you understand—we work toward the same goal, but on different tracks. Just as you cannot fully assist me, I cannot fully assist you.”

“I understand perfectly. Your assistance alone will significantly expedite matters. With your skills, certain operations could become... much more effective.”

The conversation was interrupted by an officer approaching.

“Sir, the ship is ready.”

“Excellent. Revert to hyperspace. Time is too valuable a resource to waste. We shall continue, gentlemen...”