8 Quarsh Panaka (2/2)

”It might be the utmost important information that could save the Republic, and our Queen.” The man stated in reply with a now tough tone, which sounded absolutely forced.

”How can information on one man save the enti…” He trailed off before he could finish, ”What do you mean save our Queen?” Panaka sounded skeptical about a single person being a threat to the Republic and the planet of Naboo, let alone the Queen.

Valad paused for a few moments. He had no valid evidence to pitch forward if he tried to incriminate him. ”It's a hunch,” he took the most cliché line a person could take, as if he were some sort of master detective.

”A hunch doesn't prove anything.” Panaka counter argued before ending the transmissions between the two of them. Which was force them to move in silence towards their objective.

Within a few hours the two of them landed within the hangar of the Royal Palace, built into the side of the cliff. The transports would also land nearby, out of the way, as to not obstruct the flight deck.

R2 freely ejected himself at the same time as the canopy opening. Valad and the droid landed upon the ground around the exact same time. A small grin formed over his lips as he looked down at the Astromech droid.

”Nice flying, R2.” Valad snapped his fingers as he pointed to the machine before he looked over at the transports. The doors slid open as the security forces entered and began unloading the illegal contraband and weapons.

On the other hand the two girls were taken into custody, but it turns out the teenager had been a slave working for the Hutt and the Mercenary had political immunity due to having political connections.

The slave was freed and given a name, as well as a place of work amongst the maintenance crew within a few days from this point. On top of that the Mercenary woman turned out to be the paternal ancestor of the Tico sisters who were born sometime after the Battle of Yavin.

He felt rather lucky that he hadn't killed her. He'd regret not only losing her beautiful face, but also losing the promising pair which lead to the survival of the resistance.

If the Empire were to be formed under Lord Plagueis, he had to be the one to fight against it. No matter what, he had to form his own Empire either way. Resolve was all he needed to grow his tough skin. Motivation, incentive, he was beginning to gather the factors that could thrust him forward in his agenda.

Suddenly he felt the arm of Panaka around him and he almost moved out of his grasp with a startle, but decided to stay. At that moment he closed his eyes partially, the man was trying to counsel him, yet without his knowledge he was being Indoctrinated by Valad during their close contact.

Panaka dismissed the odd feeling in the back of his head as a side effect from flying the ship so fast to keep up with Valad after he had passed him several times.

[ Quest Complete: Indoctrinate Panaka. Rewarded. ]

Soon enough they returned to the Queen's side who was wearing a frustrated look on her face, her cheeks looked like they would pop if she were to inflate them anymore. However as soon as they gave their respects, she seemed to relax.

”Welcome back, I assume you have an explanation Panaka?” She put her Head of Security on the spot. It was as if she was making this whole thing about him, as if it had all been his idea.

Panaka was conflicted and he didn't understand why. His eyes traced over to the blankly smiling Valad who had found himself standing beside the Queen.

”…” His eyes moved back towards the Queen as he gave his report. ”Valad and I were following up on a rumor follow Borso who has been selling weapons legally. However, we eventually found out he was controlling a hidden facility on an Island.” As he was giving his explanation he was given a datapad from another Security officer who was allowed to his side.

”We found large amounts of spice, contraband and military weapons within his warehouses and transports. There is also information here pointing towards a slave smuggling ring on Rori,” He'd hand the datapad to a governor who came to collect the inventory list and extended information taken from the logs on board the transports.

[ Hidden Mission Completed: Cripple Borvo's Organization. Scimitar Replica Voucher. ]