Within a week after his request, Durga’s three main opponents and detractors had died in “unrelated” accidents. Opposition had grown far quieter after that ….
Durga had paid Xizor for his help, but the prince’s fee had been so modest, so much less than the young Hutt lord was expecting, that Aruk’s heir knew he hadn’t seen the last of Black Sun.
“I was only too glad to provide whatever assistance you needed, Lord Durga,” Xizor said, spreading his hands apart in a gesture that conveyed sincerity. Durga didn’t have any trouble believing the Falleen Prince was sincere. The Besadii Lord had known for a long time that Black Sun would be only too happy to gain a foothold in Hutt space. “And I must say, it is my most humble wish that we will have cause to work together again.”
“Perhaps we will, Your Highness,” Durga said. “At the moment, all my time is taken up with running the affairs of my clan, and I have little time for anything outside Nal Hutta.”
“Ah, but surely you have time for Besadii’s Ylesian interests,” Xizor said, as if doing nothing more than musing aloud. “Such an impressive operation, such efficiency, all of it achieved in such a comparatively short span of time. Most impressive.”
Durga felt his stomach contract around his supper. So that is what Xizor wants, he thought. Ylesia. He wants a share of the Ylesian profits.
“Of course, Your Highness,” Durga said. “Ylesia is essential to Besadii’s business interests. I take my duties toward our Ylesian enterprise most seriously.”
“That does not surprise me at all, Lord Durga,” the Falleen Prince said.
“I would have expected no less. Your people are akin to mine in their efficiency in running their business affairs. So much better than many of the other species that pride themselves on their business acumen, frankly.., like the humans, for instance. All their dealings colored by emotion, rather than remaining rational and analytical.”
“Indeed, Your Highness, you are entirely correct,” Durga said.
“However, both our peoples have regard for family ties,” Xizor said, after a moment’s pause.
What in the name of all the denizens of space is he getting at? Durga wondered. The Hutt Lord was completely in the dark, and that irritated him greatly. “Yes, that is also true, Your Highness,” Durga agreed after a moment, keeping his voice neutral.
“My sources reveal that you may need some assistance in discovering the truth behind your parent’s death, Lord Durga,” Xizor said.
“Apparently some … irregularities have surfaced.”
How did he learn about the forensic report so quickly? Durga wondered, then he mentally shook himself. This was Black Sun he was talking to, the greatest criminal organization in the entire galaxy. It was possible that not even the Emperor himself had better spy networks.
“My people are conducting investigations,” Durga said, neutrally. “I will let you know if I require assistance, Your Highness. But I am gratified by your wish to help me in my bereavement.”
Xizor inclined his head respectfully. “Family must be honored, debts must be paid, and, when necessary, vengeance must be swift, Lord Durga.
I am sure my sources could be of considerable assistance to you.” He looked Durga square in the eye. “Lord Durga, let me be frank. Black Sun’s interests in the Outer Rim are not being served as capably as they could be. It seems to me that we would do well to ally ourselves with the natural masters of that region of space—the Hutts. And it is very evident to me that you, Lord Durga, are Nal Hutta’s rising star.”
Durga was not flattered by Xizor’s words, nor reassured. Instead he flashed back to a conversation with his parent. Prince Xizor had contacted Aruk several times in the past two decades, and had made the Besadii lord several similar offers. Aruk had always refused as gracefully as possible.
The Besadii lord knew better than to anger Xizor, but he did not want to become one of the Falleen prince’s lieutenants, or, as Xizor termed them, “Vigos.”
“The power of Black Sun is seductive, my child,” Aruk had said. “But beware it, for there is no turning back as long as Prince Xizor is alive.
Easier in some way to say no to the Emperor himself. Give Black Sun a kilometer, and they will take a parsec. Remember this, Durga.”
I remember, Durga thought, and faced the holo-image squarely. “I will think upon your words, Prince Xizor,” Durga said. “But at the moment, Hutt custom demands that I pursue my investigations and possible vengeance as a sacred … and solo … trust.”
Xizor inclined his head again. “I quite understand, Lord Durga. I shall look forward to hearing from you when you have had the time to ponder my proposal.”