Star Wars_ The Dark Lord Trilogy - James Luceno [316]
Garrulan nodded. “They asked for my help in leaving Murkhana.”
“What arrangements did you make?”
“Arrangements?” Garrulan gestured broadly to the room. “I didn’t come by all this by accident. I was surprised even to see Shryne alive. I told them that I don’t help traitors. In fact, I reported their visit to local authorities.”
Vader turned to the stormtrooper commander, who nodded his head and moved into the packing room.
“You wouldn’t lie to me, Vigo.” Vader didn’t make it a question.
“Not until I get to know you better.”
The commander returned. “He did contact the local garrison commander, Lord Vader.”
It was impossible to determine if Vader was at all satisfied. At last, Vader said: “Do you know where Shryne was headed from here?”
Garrulan shook his head. “He didn’t say. But he knows Murkhana well, and I’m only one of his local contacts. But, of course, you already know that.”
“I wanted to hear it from you,” Vader said.
Garrulan smiled to himself. Vader had taken the bait. “Happy to oblige … Lord Vader.”
“If you were Shryne, what would be your next move?”
“Well, now we’re speculating, aren’t we,” Garrulan said, relaxing somewhat. “I mean, you appear to be asking my professional opinion on the matter.”
“And if I am?”
“I only thought there might be something in it for me.”
“What is it you want, Vigo? You already appear to have more than you need.”
Garrulan adopted a more serious tone. “Material things,” he said in a dismissive manner. “I need you to put in a good word for me with the regional governor.”
Vader nodded. “That can be arranged—providing that your professional opinion amounts to anything.”
Garrulan leaned forward. “There’s this Koorivar by the name of Bioto. Dabbles in smuggling and other ventures. Owns a very fast ship called the Dead Ringer.” He paused while the commander disappeared once more, undoubtedly to communicate with Space Traffic Control. “If I were in a hurry to get offworld with the least amount of problems, Bioto’s the one I’d turn to.”
“Lord Vader,” the commander said suddenly, “STC reports that the Dead Ringer recently launched from Murkhana Landing. We have the projected flight path.”
Vader turned, his cloak swirling. “Contact the Exactor, Commander. Order that the ship be moved into a position to intercept.” Without further word he moved into the front room, only to stop short after a few long strides. “You’re very clever, Vigo,” he said, turning partway to Garrulan. “I won’t forget this.”
Garrulan inclined his head in a bow of respect. “Nor will I, Lord Vader.”
A moment after Vader exited, Jally returned, blowing out his breath in relief.
“Not someone I’d feel good about crossing, boss.”
“He does have a way,” Garrulan said, getting to his feet. “Forget the rest of this junk. Have our ship readied for launch. We’re done with Murkhana.”
Wings folded above its fuselage and running lights powering down, Vader’s shuttle entered the Exactor’s main docking bay and alighted on the lustrous deck. Nearby, and surrounded by clone troopers, sat the Dead Ringer, a somewhat boxy cargo transport, heavily armed with turbolaser cannons and outfitted with a state-of-the-art hyperdrive. Also under guard, the transport’s mostly Koorivar crew of seven stood with their hands clasped atop their horned heads while troopers completed a search of the ship. Already off-loaded cargo containers were stacked outside the Dead Ringer’s starboard docking ring, awaiting scans.
Vader and Appo descended the shuttle’s boarding ramp and strode over to where the crew had been gathered. A trooper indicated the captain, and Vader approached him.
“What is your cargo, Captain?”
The Koorivar glowered up at him. “I demand to speak to the officer in charge.”
“You are speaking to him.”
The captain blinked in surprise, but managed to hold on to his angry tone. “I don’t know who you are, but be forewarned that if my ship suffered any damage as a result of being targeted by your tractor beam, I will lodge a formal complaint with the regional governor.”
“Duly noted, Captain,” Vader said.