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No! Teroenza shook his massive head, drops of water flying from his horn. He had had enough of Hutts—he was through with them! He, Teroenza, was now master of Ylesia! And soon … soon … everyone would know it. Just a few more weeks to consolidate his power. He’d stop paying Besadii, and use the credits to buy weapons.

Satisfied with his plan, Teroenza, High Priest of Ylesia, left his office and the massive mound of dead Hutt, and went looking for some guards to execute.…

Durga the Hutt stared at the screen of his datapad and rejoiced. At last! Black Sun, in the person of Guri, Xizor’s personal assistant, had just provided him with conclusive proof that Jiliac the Hutt, most likely abetted by her nephew, Jabba, had planned Aruk’s murder—and Teroenza had carried it out.

Black Sun’s evidence was mostly in the form of records of purchases and payments that proved Jiliac’s link to the MalKite Poisoners. The Desilijic leader had purchased enough X-1 from them to bankrupt a medium-sized colony. And that X-1 had then been shipped straight to Teroenza. There were also records of items that Jiliac had purchased and sent to the High Priest, valuable items that were now part of the t’landa Til’s collection.

So I would not realize he was paid off, Durga thought. Teroenza thought he could “hide” his pay by taking items for his collection. The Hutt leader noted that most of those items were not only valuable, but in demand. Should Teroenza ever wish to sell them, he could readily exchange them for many credits on the antiquities black market.

Durga noted with interest that Teroenza had recently done exactly that, and with the proceeds from several of these sales, had purchased a used turbolaser. He is obviously preparing for a defense of Ylesia, Durga realized. Any time now, he is likely to declare his independence.…

Durga’s first impulse was to have Teroenza dragged back to Nal Hutta in restraints, but, with an effort, he made himself think out all the ramifications of such an action. The Sacredots, or Under-Priests, would be furious with Besadii on behalf of their leader. Teroenza was popular … especially now that he’d managed to have their mates brought to Ylesia.

If Durga had Teroenza dragged way, the Sacredots might refuse to perform the Exultation for the Pilgrims. And without the Priests to give them their daily dose of euphoria, the Pilgrims might refuse to work—they might even revolt! Either way, losing the Priests would be disastrous for production in the spice factories.

Regretfully, Durga realized that before he could have his revenge upon Teroenza, he’d have to make some preparations. Find a new Hutt overlord for Ylesia, and a popular, charismatic t’landa Til to act as High Priest. The new High Priest who would announce bonuses for all the loyal t’landa Til. And, on second thought, perhaps it would be best to leave the t’landa Til’s mates on Ylesia … at least for the time being.

All of that would probably take a week to accomplish. And until the Besadii ship carrying the new High Priest had landed on Ylesia, Durga couldn’t let Teroenza know that he was being replaced. Besadii couldn’t take the chance of precipitating a revolt until they had the troops in place to deal with it.

Durga decided to move cautiously … keep Teroenza in ignorance until the last moment. Or, if Kibbick had been forced to have the High Priest arrested, they’d have to cover up Teroenza’s absence. Perhaps a sudden “illness” on the part of the High Priest would be sufficient?

Could Teroenza’s mate, Tilenna, be coerced into acting as the Besadii mouthpiece in her spouse’s stead? In exchange for her own life? And a generous settlement?

Durga considered, and decided that she probably could. T’landa Til were a practical people.…

It was also possible that Teroenza could still be controlled … but it was hard to imagine Kibbick having the wherewithal to do it. Durga would probably have to handle everything himself. Or he might send Zier to attend to it.…

Durga wondered how Kibbick had fared in his conversation with Teroenza yesterday His cousin