Star Wars_ The New Jedi Order 05_ Agents of Chaos 02_ Jedi Eclipse - James Luceno [81]
“A visitor who takes well to new surroundings often becomes a resident,” Borga replied, refusing to be flustered. “When you have established yourselves on Coruscant, I would be honored to call you neighbor.”
Choka grinned faintly. “You would do well to call me lord.”
Borga’s large eyes blinked. “Then when the title suits the circumstance, I will do so.”
Choka nodded, apparently satisfied. “I’m not one to mince words, Borga. With respect to your gracious offer to oversee the transport of captives in exchange for information regarding imperiled star systems, I have determined that such services are unwarranted at this stage of our campaign. As a gesture of good faith, however, we will continue, from time to time and as we see fit, to furnish you with some advance notice of our activities.” He paused momentarily. “For example, you may resume delivery of your euphoric spice to the Bothawui system, without fear of inadvertent entanglement.”
Borga licked her lips. “We thank you—and I’m sure the Bothans will do likewise.”
Choka studied her for a moment. “For the spice, you mean.”
“Precisely. For the spice.”
Choka’s expression didn’t change. “I trust, Borga, that you’re not sharing this privileged information with any third parties.”
Borga spread her smallish hands, palms outward. “With whom would I share? Our primary concern is to maintain trade—and, of course, to avoid complicating your business, whatever that may be.”
“That’s comforting to hear,” Choka said. “Be advised that should evidence ever come to light that you have been violating our confidence … Well, I don’t think I need to enumerate the horrors that would befall Hutt space, do I?”
Borga shook her head. “We are also renowned for our vivid imaginations.”
“Splendid.” Choka gestured toward Malik Carr. “My second in command informs me, as well, that you expressed a desire to commence apportioning the galaxy, in anticipation of our complete and utter conquest.”
Borga swallowed audibly. “I may have been premature, Excellency.”
Choka’s invidious grin returned. “Nothing pleases me more than a well-reasoned response. We will lay siege to whichever worlds we require or crave, including this ‘glorious jewel’ of yours—not that we have any such designs—for the moment, that is—although one never knows—save for Warmaster Tsavong Lah, who could decide tomorrow that Nal Hutta needs to be razed. Do we understand each other?”
“As well as can be expected,” Borga replied, “given the limitations of Basic—and, of course, the relative youth of our association—notwithstanding the depths it has already achieved—despite our many differences.”
Choka smiled with sincerity. “Very good. We prize sportive circumlocution above almost anything but valor. Speaking of valor, Borga, have the Hutts had many dealings with this gang of ruffians that calls itself the Jedi Knights?”
Borga adopted a look of distaste. “Some, Excellency. In fact, before you deigned to grace this galaxy with your presence, the Jedi were making things rather irksome for us by interfering with our myriad operations.”
“Yes,” Choka mused, “they have proved troublesome for us, as well. We’ve had a few Jedi in our grip, but they have all managed to slip through our fingers.” He regarded Borga for a long moment. “You would profit by assisting us in separating one from the pack.”
Borga fell silent, wondering if she was being tested, but ultimately deciding that Choka’s offer was genuine. “But, Excellency, you have one in your possession even now,” she said cautiously.
It was Choka’s turn to fall silent. He turned to glance at Malik Carr, then Nom Anor, both of whom returned nescient shrugs.
“Explain yourself, Borga.”
“The vessel aboard which my son Randa is currently a guest,” Borga supplied. “Randa sent word that a Jedi had been discovered