Before they came, Seneal had already figured out the internal structure of the base. The original plan was to mix in with the cargo, sneak inside, and then act. But the risk of being discovered was too high, the timing was uncertain, and it was easy to miss the opportunity. Once discovered, it would be even harder to get in.
The current situation was much better. Although the conflict occurred earlier than planned, they could go directly to the target location.
"Did your people notify the Pykes? Don't let us get surrounded as soon as we go out. Even stealth won't work then," Amir asked.
"Don't worry. Before we even got off the ship, the Pykes had already received my 'friendly reminder'," Seneal said with a laugh.
At this point, the alarm was already sounding. The base's remaining forces were converging on their position.
Amir wasn't worried. The important step was complete. In this base made of steel, if he let himself get cornered, he'd lose.
Along their route, all the alloy valves—behind them and at intersections—were closed and powered down. It was impossible to open them in a short time.
The only thing they had to deal with was what lay ahead.
Amir had wanted to try closing all the valves in the base, leaving only his own path open, but the load on his brain was too great. Although his perception could cover the area, finely distinguishing and controlling every single circuit was too difficult, at least for now.
However, he could precisely control everything within a twenty to thirty-meter radius.
After a few steps, they reached a new area. The buildings here were filled with mountain rock, with alloy structures interspersed, creating a dilapidated and filthy scene.
Amir turned his head and saw a skeletal person leaning in the corner of a room, moaning silently.
Suddenly, he saw Amir. A crazed look appeared in his eyes, and he used all his strength to crawl toward the door.
This must be the prison area, Amir thought. The rooms were clearly cells. This person has been tortured into this state.
But as the prisoner got closer, Amir finally understood his muttering.
"Give... spice! Spice..."
Amir's sympathy turned to pity.
He ignored him and continued deeper into the building.
A squad of Pykes rushed out from the corner ahead. But as soon as they showed their heads, Seneal's blaster fired. The Smart Combat Pack on his back attacked in coordination.
The three Pykes, unable to stop, were instantly turned into sieves.
Amir moved past Seneal, activated his lightsaber as he rounded the corner, and with a few precise sweeps, deflected the incoming blaster bolts back at their source. With a few more quick slashes, in just one exchange, seven Pykes were dead.
The surrounding valves continued to close. They encountered several more squads, all of which were easily dealt with.
Seneal said happily, "I thought it would be a fierce battle after we were exposed. It doesn't seem so difficult."
Amir rolled his eyes. If he hadn't closed so many valves, hundreds of Pykes would be swarming them. The corridors would be packed. No matter how tough they were, they'd never break through.
Cutting through them like vegetables, the two soon saw an ornate gate.
The dark alloy valve was carved with beautiful patterns, and sparkling crystals were embedded where the lines met. One look and you knew there was something good inside.
But in the open hall in front of the room, over a hundred Pykes were aiming their weapons at them.
"You and your big mouth," Amir said, remembering Seneal's earlier words.
"Tsk, tsk." Seneal looked frustrated.
The moment the blasters fired, Amir grabbed Seneal and pulled him back behind the corner.
A dense barrage of bolts left a layer of craters on the wall less than two meters away. The alloy wall was heated red.
Amir wiped away his sweat. "Are we exposed? They were clearly prepared for us."
Seneal also frowned. Logically, only he and Amir knew about this operation. He hadn't told anyone.
He had contacted Amir partly because of his skills, and partly because he was worried about leaks. He couldn't trust his own people.
But they had still run into the worst-case scenario. This was a trap.
Seneal couldn't figure it out. He had no idea what went wrong.
"So, what did you come here for?" Amir asked.
"I didn't want to tell you this, but since it's come to this..." Seneal leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. "I'm here to find evidence of collusion between an Imperial officer and the Pykes."
"What for?" Amir asked.
"He holds an important position on Corellia. I can use this to make a... deal with him, hehe," Seneal said with a bitter smile.
"What kind of deal is worth breaking into a Pyke base?" Amir asked curiously. What is worth this much risk?
Seneal thought for a moment. "Remember that time with Frenis? When you set off that explosion, I got an invitation to the core level of the Black Sun."
Amir nodded. So Seneal joined the Black Sun. This was an enormous criminal organization in the Empire's shadow. Its tentacles spread to every corner of the galaxy. From the shining towers of Coruscant to the dirty cantinas of Tatooine, they had people. Many didn't even know they were working for the Black Sun, but they were all contributing.
The organization's core was right in the center of the galaxy: Coruscant.
"I've been assigned to the Corellian system. Hehe, they need to open up the situation there. This officer is an obvious breakthrough, so I came."
Amir finally understood. "Are you sure the evidence you want is in that vault?"
"They just traded a batch of Imperial ships and high-end equipment. I have reliable info that the equipment is in that vault. I just need to get in, record it, and I'll have my proof. This stuff is important Imperial property. They'll never tolerate it being leaked for personal gain." While stating his goal, Seneal couldn't help but glance back the way they came. He was already thinking of retreating.
"Where did you get this info?" Amir noted.
"The leader of the Black Sun..." Seneal stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing. "Damn it! I get it now. The info is probably real, but the messenger isn't trustworthy."
Amir smiled, looking at the remorseful Seneal.
"You're still in the mood to smile? Hehe. Does that mean you have a way?" Seneal looked up at Amir.
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