The Planet Tarsonis
Five years ago
Doon had a smile on his face as he strolled back to Scorpio. The sudden appearance of an ignited sabre at his throat was somewhat discouraging.
"Never trust a man with a spring in his step," said his assailant.
"Saar..." says Doon. "I don't know how Zabraks normally do business, but where I come from it is considered quite rude to kill your supplier."
"I might call it tidy work. I never like to work with the same person for too long. Easier to find a new supplier than risk the one you are working with trying something."
"You won't find anyone else remotely as good as me. And kill me and you will be landed with ten times the trouble the Jedi Order could ever bring your way. Kuylen knows it, and he's made sure you know that too, else this wouldn't be a conversation"
"Well now, we could spend a long time talking about what Kuylen knows, which is more than your entire organisation has gathered in its existence; hardly surprising, the whole thing is just a glorified extortion racket. Playground bullies made big."
"Sounds bitter," says Doon. "Were you one of the bullied?"
"Not by anyone who lived to consider it."
"Talking is hard with a sabre at your throat. Why don't you put that away?"
"Well now... what might you try if I did that?"
"I've been paid; why would I try anything?"
"Because you are you."
"Introspective riddles now?" asked Doon.
"Don't piss around with me, Doon. I see what you are. I know how you see the Galaxy- as one big canvas for you to make your mark on with two types of people; you, and EVERYONE else, who are just there for you to use. It's built so smoothly into your personality that no-one ever notices- but you know its true, and you know no-one will ever see past the lies you spout. But you forgot one thing, Doon.
I... see... EVERYTHING. There isn't a damn thing you can think of that I haven't considered a dozen times already"
"You flatter yourself. You are most fantastic paranoid. You see plots whether they are there or not."
"Well, maybe that can be of some comfort to you when you get yourself killed because I saw you coming. And don't think it won't happen, Doon. I'll see you coming."
"Is this a public service warning, or is there a reason? What I sold you is genuine."
"All part of some plan of yours, no doubt."
"I'm a businessman. I sell. What is suspicious about that?"
"We're unique customers- and you see an opportunity. Well, take this as a message from Kuylen, Doon. We are not to be used. We don't want war with the Serpent. But poke your nose in too closely... and we'll risk it just to get your head. If you don't believe us, we'll send Chion. You'll be surprised how willing he is to take risks."
"A being like that is only going to cause you more trouble than good. I'd keep an eye on that one."
"Thanks," said Saar, "but I can handle myself. And it is who you have your eye on that I am worried about. Keep away. From all of us. End of communication."
The lightsabre turened off, and Saar vanished.
Hmm, thought Doon. Sneaky bastard. And irritating that Kuylen didn't want to give the message himself- what an arrogant jerk!
Doon looked back at the slumped Galder in the clearing nearby.
Still. Kuylen might be smart, but he sure as hell wasn't patient. No-one could live without patience. There'd be a time.
After all. Kuylen and Saar wouldn't be there forever.
---
You are on a small rise in the countryside. The plan is going exactly as planned. Osokans are scattered, hidden, all around. Helkin is just over the rise, about a sequence away. And the ship is coming into view... now...