“But you’re not a Senator … anymore.”
“It doesn’t matter!” Sauro snapped. “I still have the title!”
“Senator Sauro, a communication for you.”
“Who is it? I’m busy.”
“Lord Vader. He’s a lord, isn’t he?”
Sauro’s eyes widened. “You left Lord Vader waiting? Put him through to my private holo-line immediately, you idiot!”
He was surrounded by fools.
He swiveled as the small holo-image surfaced on his desk.
“Greetings, Senator Sauro.”
“It is an honor to -“
“I am running a project on a strictly ‘need-to-know basis. I am looking for a recruit at the Naval Academy to volunteer for the project.”
“Of course, I’ll arrange it right away. Any requirements? Top of their class? Sons and daughters of those in favor?”
“No. Avoid those. And any children of Senators, anyone who might ask questions. Discretion is key. Some hungry recruit, someone desperate to rise. We will start with one recruit and move on if we need to.”
“May I ask-“
“No, you may not. Just send me a student.”
“Immediately, Lord Vader.”
Without another word, the hologram faded.
How was he supposed to do this? He didn’t get involved with the recruit brats. He couldn’t name even one. He’d have to rely on Maggis, his second-in-command, to choose.
Sauro smiled. This was still good news. At last, a favor. His career turnaround was about to begin.
He drummed his fingers on his desk. What would make this even sweeter was if he could deliver some payback at the same time. Wasn’t Bog Divinian’s son enrolled in the school? It was clear to Sauro that whatever this project was, it was not something you’d want your child involved in. That would be tasty revenge.
Vader had told him the recruit should have a low profile. He couldn’t ignore the direct order.
But if Bog volunteered his son … that would be different.
He just couldn’t know he was being steered to do so.
Given Bog’s level of intelligence, this wouldn’t be a problem. The key to getting Bog to do something, Sauro had found, was to make him think he was being excluded.
He turned to his comlink. It was time Maggis called Bog in for a parent-advisor conference.
A short time later, Bog Divinian settled into the chair opposite Maggis at his desk. “So, how is my boy doing?”
“Well enough,” Maggis said. “There’s always an adjustment period. And since you told me that his mother was not in agreement about his training, I assume that he’ll take a little time to settle in.”
“I wouldn’t assume that,” Bog said, rankled by the suggestion. “He’s a good boy. Smart boy. Takes directions well - at least when his mother isn’t around. Talk about a bad influence!” He laughed, but Maggis didn’t join in.
Bog didn’t know how Maggis had landed this job. Only Sauro was above him. Maggis seemed lazy and out of shape, two traits Bog didn’t imagine would be tolerated by the Imperial code. Maybe Sauro liked to put incompetents in positions underneath him to make himself look better.
It was only the beginning of the Empire. Lots of jockeying for power going on. The cream would rise to the top. Just as he did.
A light lit up on Maggis’s console. “Excuse me, 1 have to take this,” Maggis said.
Annoyed, Bog didn’t move. The nerve of the guy, taking a comm when Bog was there! Probably some whiny parent keeping tabs on his son or daughter.
“It’s from Senator Sauro,” Maggis said pointedly.
“Hey, Sano is a buddy of mine. I’m sure he wouldn’t niind if I listened in.”
Before Maggis could move, Bog reached over and switched the comm to holo-mode. Maggis couldn’t do anything - Bog was an Imperial governor.
Sano appeared in holo-form. Bog stood in front of the monitor. “Hey, surprise, old friend, it’s me. Good to see you. Been meaning to contact you - I just got into Imperial City today.” Not really - he’d been there a week.
“Where’s Maggis?” Sauro asked.
Maggis moved forward. “Here, sir.”
Sauro hesitated. Bog knew Sauro didn’t want him to remain, but he couldn’t ask him to leave. Bog was now several notches above him in rank, and his security clearance was now higher. Bog smiled, enjoying his former mentor’s discomfort.
“Go ahead, Sano-mano,” Bog said. “Maybe I can help.”
“Maggis, I need a recruit volunteer for a special project,” Sauro said. “He or she should be both intelligent and also have unquestioning loyalty to the Empire. Therefore, no new recruits. This comes straight from Lord Vader’s office, so give it top priority.”