Alan Foster - The Approaching Storm

"Structural fatigue," she murmured to Mousul. "Uncommon in this day and age, but not unheard of."

"Indeed," the Senator from Ansion replied noncommittally.

"Such an important person. A terrible tragedy. Terrible. I will deliver the eulogy for Tarn Uliss myself." Long- fingered hands folded behind her back, she started down the hallway.

"That's thoughtful of you, Shu Mai." The Senator took a deep breath. "When they learn what has happened to Tarn Uliss, after what happened to Nemrileo of Tanjay, I don't think any of the others will give us any more trouble."

"I agree. Our support should be more manageable once again."

The Senator gestured down the hallway. "If you don't mind, I think I will leave you now, as I have work of my own to do this afternoon."

The president of the Commerce Guild gestured understand- ingly. "I understand. I have work of my own to do as well."

They parted amiably; Mousul to return to his Senatorial du ties, Shu Mai to her private office. There she locked herself in so tightly that nothing short of a small nova could interrupt her. Only when she was sure that everything was secure did she activate the special code sequence that put her in contact with the remarkable individual to whom she was charged with reporting the progress of the conspiracy on Coruscant.

When a familiar face appeared before her, she began speaking without hesitation. "There have been some-problems. The Jedi succeeded in making peace between the urban and nomad fac tions on Ansion. As a result, the Unity delegates on Ansion voted to keep their world in the Republic."

The voice on the other end was firm, confident. "That is too bad. It will force us to scale back our immediate plans." The face smiled. "I wouldn't have thought the Jedi could accomplish it. Not in so short a time."

"Something else. While Senator Mousul remains firmly com mitted to the cause, a number of our supporters were preparing to move forward despite Ansion's decision. It was necessary to deliver an-object lesson," She proceeded to explain.

The individual on the other end of the secure communication

listened quietly until Shu Mai had finished. "While I regret the loss of the industrialist Tarn Uliss, I understand the reasoning behind your actions." Without quite knowing why, the president of the Commerce Guild felt much relieved. "It doesn't matter. Events advance, designs move forward. We can swallow the loss."

"The resolve of the Guild remains strong," Shu Mai told him.

Count Dooku smiled. "As does that of our other backers. I consider this nothing more than a temporary setback. The eventual outcome is inevitable, no matter what the irksome Jedi do. Great changes are at hand. Destiny awaits us, my friend. It comes, and soon. Those who are ready will be the ones to profit greatly."

It was a good thought to cling to, Shu Mai mused as the transmission was terminated. Deactivating the privacy shielding, she rose and left the room.

There was much to be done.