Mara Jade: Beginnings

Chapter 2: Flame Of Ambition

"Major Karson, I assure you there is no need to involve the ISB. Ambassador Dessel is already on world." Cerebus said, staring at the Major's holo projection. "Ambassador Dessel is not there to discuss the unusually high crime rate present of your world." Karson reminded her, his cold stare fixed on her face.

"I will be on world in a couple of days along with reinforcements for the garrison. Your military command role will be suspended upon my arrival." He said with a displeased look, ending the call.

Cerebus sighed as the call ended, swiveling her chair around and getting up. "You see this PD-8?" She asked her protocol droid. "I certainly can see your meeting didn't go well, Mistress Zula." The protocol droid replied, his eye lenses following her movement across the room.

Cerebus sighed again, opening the liquor cabinet in her office. "For half a decade I rule without any issues but as soon as an ambassador arrives..." She trailed off, walking back to her desk with a bottle.

"The ISB is interested in the underworld." She finished, opening it up. "It must certainly be him. Who else can get an ISB Major involved?" She thought out loud, taking a sip.

"Do you think he should be eliminated?" PD-8 asked. Cerebus looked at him with slight irritation. "He certainly needs to be." She said, emphasizing on certainly.

Mara held back a gasp as she heard the Moff's ramblings, feeling the need to urgently contact Horlin. I must reach him as fast as possible. She thought, sweat beginning to form on her forehead,

"But wouldn't that raise suspicion?" PD questioned. "Not if it's an accident." She replied, staring out of her office window at the sprawling city below.

"Mistress Zula, I'm not catching on." The droid stated, following her line of sight. Cerberus shook her head before taking another sip. "He is here to discuss infrastructure projects." She explained.

"A construction site accident wouldn't attract as much suspicion as much as gang violence." She said, rising from her seat again. She stood in front of the tall window, contemplating ways to kill Horlin.

"In that case, I would suggest giving him a tour of the construction site." PD suggested. "I was thinning the same. Walk Dessel all around the site and have him fall or be crushed." She said, letting out a soft chuckle. "It is a shame he couldn't keep to himself." She said,

"Dessel-O, where are you?" Mara asked over the intercom, as soon as Cerebus had left the room. "What is it, Dessel-Y?" Horlin asked. "The construction site is going to be rigged." She said, the concern evident in her voice.

"Why does that matter?" He asked. "She is going to meet you there. Either a trap or simply pushing you down as an unsuspicious death." She replied. "I'll take care of that. Keep it up." Horlin hung up.

Foolish Moffs. At least Karson wouldn't have to plot her death. He thought, changing his speeder's course for the construction sight.

The built-in communicator in his helmet went off as he approached the sight. "Captain Zarek," Cerberus commed in. "Moff," Horlin acknowledged. "Go to the construction site of space port Danesh. I want you to locate unsafe and hazardous sections. Map out a route from the entrance to these parts and send them to me." She ordered.

"May I ask why?" Horlin asked, faking ignorance. "The Ambassador has called the ISB on us. A major is coming on world. I want Dessel to have the least suspicious death possible as revenge." She replied. "It will be done, Governor." He replied, ending the call.

"Mistress Zula," PD called as the Moff reentered the room. "What is it, PD?" She asked, glancing at him. "My audio receptors have picked up whispering while you were gone." He said,