[Last Of The Jedi] - 05(2)

The Erased had all conferred, argued, and then, in the end, decided that Ferus couldn’t ignore the summons. Besides, they reasoned, he might learn things from Palpatine that could be useful in the coming fight against him.

It was too dangerous for his friends to be near the Senate. They had gone to the secret hideout of Dexter Jettster, hundreds of levels below on Coruscant. If Ferus didn’t return that day, they would come looking for him.

The thing was, he’d just had a hard time breaking out of an Imperial prison. He didn’t want to end up in one again.

“I don’t break my promises,” Palpatine said. “You will be allowed to leave once you hear my proposal. I’m hoping you will accept it, but if not, the door will be open. However, I have no doubt you will accept.”

Think again. There was no way Ferus would help the Empire. But for the moment, he’d keep his mouth shut.

“I’ll let you be briefed by Moff Tarkin, who has been in constant contact with our Imperial advisor on Sath.”

The tall man with the gray skin and dark hair took one step forward.

“We have received a request from a planet called Samaria through our own Imperial advisor there,” he said. “The Samarian ruler has asked us to send an emissary directly from this office to help them. Their mainframe computer for the city systems of the capital city of Sath has been infiltrated. A bug has been introduced into the system that has transferred personal information from one citizen to another in a random pattern — and thus has thrown the banking, medical, and social services into chaos. Not only that, but the city systems have also malfunctioned. Do you know Samaria?”

“I’ve heard of it,” Ferus said. “Never been there. I do know it’s a desert planet, completely dependent on technology. I would imagine that this problem would eventually lead to major systemic breakdowns.”

“Excellent,” Palpatine said. “You have the picture entirely. Already, there is danger that the planet will collapse into anarchy.”

Tarkin continued in the same terse tone. “The bug has been introduced so cleverly that no one can figure out how to kill it. Every time they’ve tried to fix it, it sends the programs into another random sequence. If the planet has to start over and collect information on every citizen, it could be disastrous.”

Tarkin stepped back, his moment in the spotlight over. He seemed such a colorless presence … yet Ferus’s instincts told him to beware.

“You can see why I’ve come to you, Master Olin,” Palpatine said. “Since you’ve popped up, I’ve had occasion to read your file. You have an impressive history since leaving the Jedi. You’re the best in the galaxy at computer security.”

“I wouldn’t say the best.”

“I would.”

In a former life, Ferus had been an expert at computer systems and identity coding. His company, Olin/Lands, had helped people disappear into new lives and had been expert at security wipes and the creation of new ID does.

He could guess how much trouble the planet of Samaria was in. But that didn’t mean he’d be an agent of the Empire.

“You were the most proficient in the galaxy,” Palpatine continued. “No one else has been able to solve this problem. Your job will be to trace the saboteur through the system and find the key that will lead you to who did this. Then the Empire can restore the planet to stability. After all, stability is why the Empire began. We will reign over an unparalleled number of peaceful years. And we will always reach out a hand to help any planet in distress.”

And if you believe that, you’ll believe anything.

“I appreciate your problem,” Ferns said. “Unfortunately, I can’t help you.”

Under the hood, the dark gaze flickered.

“I’m needed elsewhere,” Ferns continued. “Now, since you assured me your exit door was open, I’ll take my leave.”

“If you must. Let him go,” Palpatine instructed the Royal Guards.

Ferus walked toward the door. He waited at any moment for the Guards to strike him down on Palpatine’s order. He wouldn’t hesitate to use his lightsaber. If he had to die here, he would. There was no way he was going back to prison.

“There is just one more thing you should consider,” Palpatine said.

Ferus stopped, his eyes on the door — and freedom. Here it was. He must have been a fool to think for even a second that Palpatine would let him go.

“You probably haven’t heard the news. Your partner, Roan Lands, has been arrested.”

Ferns felt the name like a stab in his heart. His partner. His friend. Roan.

Still, he kept his face to the door. He wouldn’t give Palpatine the satisfaction of seeing his face.