Dr Doom in Star Wars

 The Middle Ring. Nar-Shaddaa.

 752 DBYA.

 14 years before the Mandalorian Purge.

 The next day.

 Darth Dohm.

 Having settled in one of several secret Sith bases located in a relatively tidy neighbourhood, where order is maintained by Hutt militants who, for some reason, call themselves law enforcement, I set about my plans.

 In addition to the need to improve the reputation of the mercenary Victor von Doom, it would also be extremely useful to expand the local intelligence network. Of course, the Sith were very interested in Smuggler's Moon, as they themselves lived on the other side of the law, in its shadow. But it was clear that their intelligence was too limited to have a large-scale impact.

 They overestimated the Hutt in their records. Yes, they have a number of advantages in the form of longevity and survivability, not to mention their resistance to the Force... But even the most brilliant crime boss needs numerous subordinates with whom they can spread their influence... And this is most evident in the sedentary Hutt.

 That's why it's important to recruit subordinates. Moreover, I would never allow myself to humiliate myself and flatter these slimy creatures. Only if I kill them at the end of the conversation, and nothing else. Even if a Hutt suspects something or simply kills a recruit for some other reason... There are always others. The possibilities for persuasion through the Force are practically limitless, because it replenishes itself in the gifted. And the Dark Side makes the process even easier, considering that it suits me perfectly.

 That's why I was talking to this arrogant, intelligent former chief advisor to one of the middle-ranking Hutt lords.

 An advisor who was extremely dissatisfied with his boss, who, in his opinion, belittled the merits of his most loyal, ha-ha-ha, associate.

 Who, in my opinion, was himself to blame for getting such treatment. After all, he managed to infuriate even Vi, who was listening to our conversation and was quite indifferent to such fools. No pride whatsoever.

 As for me... I had to restrain my emotions and keep them inside. Later, I would release them with Lightning Bolts... But now I had to be patient. All for the sake of my mother's soul. For her sake, I could swallow my pride and accept the insolence of others.

 "...I repeat, I am, in principle... Agree to your terms... Of cooperation." — The Twi'lek repeated his words once again. — But I don't understand why you want to spare the life of this slime! He is completely unworthy of the trust of such a wealthy gentleman as you!

 "Because this is the planet of the Hatto. As much as you and I might wish otherwise, ninety-six percent of all bosses with more than two hundred subordinates are Hatto." — Barely restraining myself and hiding my anger at this fool only with the help of a voice synthesiser that levelled all emotion in my tone, I explained to this clueless... creature.

 Twi'leks really seem to be good for nothing but slaves, including sexual ones.

 "But there are those who are not huge... disgusting... slimy!" — He shuddered all over, and the hologram trembled slightly.

 "There are. But let's be honest, those are special cases, and for yours to be one... You have to try hard. And be patient." — I continued to endure his insolence and stall for time.

 Exactly what I needed to do. My genius quickly came up with a plan to lure this intelligent creature into my trap. The recorded conversation would be doctored to suit my needs and would become excellent ammunition against this Gakor when the Force's influence wore off. Under its influence, he would agree anyway, and then... He wouldn't be able to back out because of the fake conversation, for which he would face the most sophisticated punishment the Hutt were capable of. And they, like me, had an impressive imagination.

 "Ah! I see! I thought... Well... I apologise, sir." — The Twi'lek bowed deeply, having only understood my false plans for him when they were stated directly.

 Imbecile. Flattering fool.

 "You thought I intended to let the Hutt live when there was a reasonable, more cooperative option available? Honestly... It will be much easier to establish common interests that will bind our cooperation. Whereas the Hutt do not accept others as their equals... I assume you, like me, are aware of the peculiarities of their race's psychology." — I shrugged, which was undoubtedly reflected in the same gesture of the faceless human figure on the other side of the connection.

 "Ah yes... It's their division of crimes into Hatti crimes, which in their eyes are truly... Ha-ha, crimes... And all other violations, heh-heh, of laws, which they do not consider crimes... Arrogant ur-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r — The intelligent man, dressed in high-quality clothing and with green skin streaked with dark stripes, muttered with considerable irritation.

 "I suppose we have an agreement, Gakor Elaph?" — I asked the indecisive fool with barely suppressed anger, pretending to be relaxed as I crossed my legs.

 "Well..." — I couldn't take it anymore, and my hope for a simple resolution to the situation collapsed into the underworld with Mephisto.

 "We have an agreement." — I waved my hand in front of the hologram, making a conscious effort to transfer my power to the other side of the conversation.

 Alas, influencing the mind over long distances was a much more complex and lengthy process than simple strangulation. This was the second reason for the length of the conversation, besides the need to fake the last part.

 "Yes... We have an agreement..." — the alien said with a delay and a certain sluggishness, blinking slowly.

 "Good." — I replied briefly and turned off the projector with a radical gesture. Clenching my right hand into a fist, I simultaneously turned the device into flattened scrap metal with the Force.

 The characteristic squeak and crackle of electricity attracted attention and made Vi, a female saboteur I had recently recruited on a voluntary-compulsory basis, who was standing nearby, flinch.

 She now wore a specialised hoop, which I had once put on a now-dead gangster. Only this one had been improved and, in addition to the explosion itself, which I had informed the girl who was knowledgeable about explosives but not about the program code, it also transmitted everything she saw and heard to me. She was not aware of this. That's why she has the right to know about my plans. If necessary, I'll just get rid of her, maybe even taking some annoying enemy with her to the grave.

 Some would say that I made her a slave... But it's still an act of mercy on my part. Those who tried to kill you must be mercilessly destroyed. A form of slavery with a great deal of freedom is an extremely lenient alternative to the types of punishment I know and can think of.

 "How did you find this idiot?" — Recovering from the sharp sound, the woman with faded hair muttered, raising an emotional gaze at me. "He's a complete moron! How the fuck is it even possible to discuss such things on a voice projector? Everything gets hacked there!" — The mercenary was genuinely outraged, staring contemptuously at the destroyed voice projector from her sofa.

 This greatly pleased me with her intelligence and improved my mood somewhat.

 "There are more like him than you can imagine." — which prompted me to even bother explaining, placing my hands on the armrests. "And they will be the perfect foundation for my plans."

 "Do I have any tasks? I am a reasonable person, Mr. Doom." — This individual asked me respectfully, but with a hint of insolence.

 I like that attitude.

 Without answering, I silently pored over the countless lines of information I needed. I had no intention of stopping at simply expanding the network provided by the Sith, establishing the necessary reputation as a public figure, and creating the conditions in this body's home principality for my successful ascension to the throne, while simultaneously carrying out a project to blockade the Mandalorians' resources. They could serve as an excellent, simply marvellous tool. They may not be the invincible army they were more than three thousand years ago... But they are still an extremely militarised and skilled society, devoid of many prejudices that hinder me.

 "You will have several tasks related to your main speciality," I said matter-of-factly after several tens of seconds of complete silence, broken only by the mercenary reassembling the explosive devices.

 "And...?" — the representative of a race unknown to the galactic community asked cautiously.

 "Later," I dismissed her, refocusing on placing the pieces on the enormous chessboard that was this galaxy.

 I don't know if it's fortunate or unfortunate, but so far I don't see any other players. Only pieces, and only them.

 If the saboteur doesn't screw up and completes all the tasks assigned to her, the list of companies selling small electronics to the Mandalorians will be reduced by three. And they will be forced to go to the very company that the Sith secretly subjugated before me.

 A new lever of influence will appear.

 At the same time, it will deprive the current monarch of the Principality of Hyperbernia of some of his connections, limiting his financial resources.

 Two birds with one stone.

 It seems like a very simple plan, not even particularly worthy of my genius... But at the very least, the Senate, the Jedi, and the Republic are so short-sighted and narrow-minded that they cannot find a way to restrict the Mandalorian Sector, which is not part of the galactic hegemony and couldn't care less about sanctions. It reminds me of my native Latveria, which also didn't give a damn about all the politicians from America and the European Union.

 They are pure and simple idiots who do not understand that you have to sacrifice a little to gain a lot.

 However, the proud people did not have the best mercenaries and bounty hunters with my brilliant intellect, which is why I can influence them to the point of absolute control. Years will pass, perhaps even a decade, but they will come under my command and become my most loyal subordinates. Given their main activity, the Mand'Ade will be of considerable assistance in locating my reborn mother once I have used the Force to obtain her appearance and/or distinguishing features.

 "That's... interesting," I said aloud with interest, glancing at the girl who had approached me, then immediately turning my gaze to the contract posted on the Holonet for the search for a senator's daughter.

 The senator was from the sector where the principality of Hyperbernia and the very promising industrial world of Metallorn were located, both of which were on my list of expansion targets. The scale of my activities had changed, and I needed an army like I had never had before.

 Hundreds of thousands, millions of Dumdroids and tens of thousands of Dumboots.

 And for that, I need entire industrial worlds.

 And this order... As the Gifted, and especially the Jedi, like to say, it is pure providence of the Force. It should be used to the utmost advantage. However, it is important to first understand why the senator did not turn to the Jedi to free his offspring... They seem to be in the business of doing that, if the news on Holonet is to be believed.

 And why hasn't this order, at such a price, been picked up by other mercenaries? A few minutes spent changing the encryption of the new holoprojector installed next to the destroyed old one, and literally half a minute later, a young woman answers the call.

 "Greetings." — The young woman nodded slightly, scrutinising my figure. "My name is Jaxa Velana — I am the secretary of the honourable Senator Kravtola U-Li... And you, I presume..." — she looked away. — "...freelance mercenary Victor von Doom, I presume?..

 "You are correct," I said, leaning back in my throne-like seat. To my satisfaction, the Sith knew their stuff.

 "You use effective droids of unknown manufacture... No failures... Few known cases..." — she began to read some kind of summary, probably found on one of the numerous portals on the Holonet, where all kinds of amateurs with nothing better to do hung out. "In principle, you suit us. I would also like to discuss the possibility of selling the technical documentation for your droids. Believe me, the senator will be..."

 "The case." — He interrupted her usual ramblings, which she had undoubtedly been well trained to deliver in her position.

 "Ah... Business. Yes... That's more important." — She quickly corrected herself, coughing into her fist. "You will need to rescue Lillian Wu-Li, the only daughter of a respected senator. But... There are a couple of important points, one of which, I must admit, has caused many mercenaries to refuse the assignment.

 "Are you proposing something impossible?" — I asked, genuinely interested. I had always loved challenges, something that would test my intellect.

 "No... Not at all... It's different." — She hesitated, glancing around.

 "Don't keep me in suspense, secretary." — I urged the hesitant woman. "As they say on a distant planet, time is money."

 "An interesting saying... But that's not what we're talking about. Your main task will not be so much to rescue the daughter as to destroy all the databases and information carriers belonging to the vicious gang that kidnapped the respected senator's daughter. If they fall into the wrong hands, it could affect the stability and prosperity...

 "Don't try to feed me this nonsense for the herd that calls itself the general public." — I interrupted her with a wave of my hand, mockingly expressing my own position. "I've been on the wrong side of the law for a long time. Republican or any other. And I understand everything... But that doesn't explain why the mercenaries refused to take this generously paid job before me.

 "You are perceptive." — the woman acknowledged, sighing softly. "The thing is, the senator intends to use his daughter's release to capture... the Jedi. Your task will be the first part, and to provide whatever assistance you can to the fugitives from Coruscant. Of course, the honourable senator will protect you from any claims the monks may have regarding your... professional activities. But for some reason, your colleagues don't believe this, even though my superiors are renowned for their honesty...

 I chuckled quietly, unnoticed by my interlocutor. An honest senator... As mythical as any other honest politician. Here or on Earth. Galaxies change, worlds change, races change, but the essence of intelligent beings remains the same.

 "I am not a coward. And unlike my... colleagues, I am not afraid to cooperate with the Jedi. But I warn you right now, if the Jedi decide to try to arrest me... My complaints will be directed not at them, but at your superiors." — I used a little Force influence on her mind, making her perceive my words much more clearly. Alas, my personal charisma works best on those around me in live communication.

 "Well..." — The woman, who was shivering for reasons unknown, nodded slightly. "That is a wise warning on your part, but don't you dare forget that you are just a mercenary, and my boss is a respected...

 "We have an agreement. Jaxa Velana. Or find someone else who is capable of covering for your, ha, respected senator near the chief champions of justice in the galaxy." "You have ten minutes to pack," I said, using the Force to cut off the connection. "Your skills could be useful to us," I said, turning my gaze to the silent demolition expert.

 "As you say, as you say..." — said the destruction enthusiast, her eyes flashing with anticipation.

 Which, as it happens, are a great way to cover up the traces of my plans.

 Middle Ring. Metallorn.

 Eight hours later.

 Once again, as we stepped out of the spaceship, a new, unique world appeared before us.

 A world of factories and countless mines cutting into the planet's body like wounds on my face.

 Smoke from the factories filled the air, poisoning the atmosphere, which was rarely cared for in this galaxy. Once again, another advantage of my Latveria over all other states, no matter what galaxy they were in, became apparent. I made all production waste-free, and if it weren't for all the restrictions that EU countries have imposed on their own citizens, there would be no end to the number of holidaymakers in my country.

 Well, if I suddenly changed my principles and started providing such benefits to those who do not obey me absolutely. Even temporarily.

 "I'm sure you're being very generous and all, but... Mr. Doom, will everything be okay? I heard that Jedi don't like others... Well... Those who aren't Jedi... How can I put it!

 "Express your thoughts more clearly. You can talk to others as you please, but spare me such hesitations. You will soon see the answers to your questions for yourself." — I replied disapprovingly, walking inexorably towards the government complex in the capital where the senator resided.

 An interesting political moment. Often, it was the senators who were the real rulers of their sectors, because they earned much more than the legitimate rulers by using their political opportunities as senators and their senatorial immunity.

 A circus, nothing else.

 Nevertheless, when my goals are achieved, there will be only one power and one will.

 The will of the Duma.

 "I understand," the girl who had begun to learn humility nodded quietly.

 I wasn't lying. Let her interact with the others as she pleases. I don't care. But I will not tolerate the same attitude towards myself. No one dares to speak to me like that. And if I allow it, it only means that I am postponing my revenge for something extremely important to me.

 "Victor von Doom. I've been hired by the senator. You should have been informed." — I addressed the two guards at the gate to the senator's mansion in a tone that brooked no argument. After I spoke, they began to check the information.

 "You may pass." — One of them nodded, barring me and Vi. "But the droids will stay here. For the senator's safety, of course. And you have nothing to fear..." — The fool chuckled confidently, not even bothering to check us for any threats to his charge.

 Even if there were magnificent security systems capable of killing us in seconds... The senator would not be saved by the explosions of a dozen thermal detonators hidden in Vi's equipment.

 Blatant negligence.

 Ignoring yet another fool in my life, I moved on. I need droids only to deal with small fry who aren't even worth my time, not for protection.

 Besides, despite her age, my subordinate is far from defenceless. She's much more dangerous than all the local security guards put together.

 Soon we found ourselves in the senator's office, where Kravtol U-Li himself was already waiting for us, dressed in the latest Alderaanian fashion, despite the fact that his Metalorn had nothing to do with that headscarf except for being part of the Republic.

 Besides him, there was also... a couple of Jedi, who immediately stared at me with interest. But they didn't seem suspicious at all, so I figured that the tech hiding my affiliation with the Dark Side of the Force was still working.

 But what it didn't do was hide the fact that I was Gifted. For I do not intend to completely hide the fact that I use this mystical energy in the future... Especially since there is evidence that the Jedi allow groups that do not use the Dark Side to exist.

 *— canon.

 And in general, this moment brings up a very interesting combination worthy of my intellect.

 "Hmm." — One of the former representatives of the flexible and agile humanoid race of Mirialan made a very surprised sound. — Senator, you did not tell us about the other... guests.

 "I apologise, honourable Jedi Master, but I cannot take that risk. I certainly have great faith in your abilities, but sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise. And I am obliged to take extra precautions. After all, we are talking about my daughter, honourable ones." The senator of the human race immediately began to defend his point of view, but even without the Force, I sensed his concern not for his offspring, but for the information possessed by the bandits.

 It was unlikely to be a case of simple blackmail, like back then on Bandomir.

 You can't fool senators like that, they're too high up and too powerful. It's something else... Something that will definitely be useful to me. But. We can't rule out the possibility of influencing her father through his rescued daughter. To appear before her as a noble saviour, an ideal that will make her become my agent of influence... Why not?..

 My potential senator puppet should be surrounded on all sides right now.

 "Well, we're not particularly happy about it, but we won't object to additional help." — The second Jedi, who was a little more diplomatic, closed her eyes.

 After examining what appeared to be a representative of the Force-sensitive Korun race, I rolled my eyes contemptuously.

 Brats. Just children who haven't seen the world.

 How were they going to protect anyone? It seemed that the senator had decided to play it safe, not only for the reasons he had given me, but also because of some doubts about the abilities of these particular temple guards.

 "Then let me introduce you to each other." Smiling flatteringly at the owners of the multicoloured light sticks, U-Li waved in our direction. "Honourable Jedi Masters..." Oh, if these pathetic knights are Jedi Masters, then Richards is the secret supervillain that all the idiots liked to call me. "Before you stands a very reliable soldier of fortune, Victor von Doom. And before you..." — With much less respect in his eyes, he looked at me. — "Honourable Masters Kashra and Zakiri, respectively.

 "We are only knights, honourable senator." — The dark-skinned woman, who was none other than Zakiri, replied in an even, measured tone.

 "We can leave all this Jedi bowing and empty chatter for later... For the longer we talk now, the less chance we have of rescuing your daughter. —rewarding the Jedi with an unmistakably contemptuous glance, I barely refrained from commenting on their intelligence and stared expectantly at the politician.

 "Do you have something against the Jedi, Mandalorian?" — The green-skinned brat rewarded me with a openly hostile look, placing his hand threateningly on the hilt of his lightsaber.

 "Firstly, I do. Secondly, I'm not a Mandalorian." — I replied in an equally confrontational tone, meeting the fool's gaze.

 "How dare you..." — The youngster was stunned by my, ha ha, insolence, but was immediately reined in by his more sensible and reasonable colleague.

 "Rald, don't provoke a conflict. This is not Jedi, and we have a common goal..." — Listening to the knights' light banter with half an ear, I glanced at the subversive woman, for whom all this seemed like an excellent circus performance. Never mind, she'll earn her ticket to the circus. No one dares to entertain themselves at the expense of the Duma.

 Finally, everyone calmed down more or less, and we returned to constructive dialogue.

 "Here is all the information about my daughter that will help you find her in the database of this very... very bad gang." — The professional liar shook his head feignedly, clearly hinting at the connection between the criminal group and this politician.

 Otherwise, I see no reason for choosing such a target.

 There are plenty of intelligent people who can't summon Jedi at the snap of their fingers like the senator, and who are much richer. And yet their children are less protected and their parents value them more than this crook.

 "A home flower..." I muttered irritably as soon as I saw how innocent the kidnapped person was.

 She would definitely drive me crazy with her childish behaviour and spontaneity. And I need to appear to her as a fearless and irreproachable knight, like my numerous heroic enemies. And although I have armour, I don't have a cloyingly good-natured character... I never have and never will.

 But I have to... I have to. Especially considering the fact that she is actually the sole heir to her father's fortune and other assets, which means she could easily become a senator in the future... Accordingly, as her saviour, I will have to squeeze as many resources as possible out of the young girl and then leave her as a completely obedient puppet in the position of senator.

 Damn Jedi. Because of them, I can't easily influence the minds of important political figures. Even these temple-dwelling fools will notice sooner or later, and I know from experience that it will happen at the worst possible moment for my plans.

 As Boris said, we've been there, done that.

 Glancing at the Jedi, I sighed mentally. Yes, this job would not be the most pleasant for my peace of mind and faith in intelligent beings.

***

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