Middle Ring. Hyperbernia
751DBY.
13 years before the Mandalorian Purge.
Dumstadt.
Darth Dohm.
I was so absorbed in working on my new kingdom that I completely lost track of time.
There was too much to fix to make Hyperbernia match my vision. My ideal and perfect vision, which only my magnificent mind can see. And only the latter can realise it with maximum efficiency. The local administrators are ridiculous and incompetent. The republican system and its liberal rules are completely incompatible with the proper functioning of the relevant authorities.
The latter work only and exclusively when it is profitable — that's how everything worked in the United States, damn them.
Or when they know that punishment is inevitable if they fail to do so.
That's how things worked, in part, in the USSR, and in part in my Latveria.
In the former, there was the Party, which had many supernatural beings at its service, and in the latter, there was me.
Fortunately for the Hyperbernites, I decided to take them under my wing. They will serve my plans, obey my every word... And in return, they will receive an ideal standard of living that does not corrupt the population with idleness, but at the same time does not cause suffering.
As practice showed, here in this galaxy, which was not as safe for ordinary people as the 21st century on Earth, many desired such conditions. They were literally heavenly, and during the months that I sat on the throne of King Hyperbernia, the population... increased by a tenth.
Six million arrived from neighbouring planets, seeing that the once-desolate planet was on the rise.
I accepted them if they accepted the radically changed laws, which were modelled on those of Latveria, only with adjustments to suit the local flavour.
About a million left, calling me a tyrant.
Well, the systems I developed remembered each and every one of them. And none of them will ever be able to return to my rule. Because Doom does not repeat himself. Doom speaks, and the rest must listen. If a fool does not understand such a basic truth... That is his problem.
Others have tried to return.
But they were kicked out with a kick in the ass.
It doesn't matter if you were a rebel who seized power with me last year or not. Even the rebel leaders who have come to worship me agree with this. They were not ardent supporters of ephemeral freedom... They were not driven to rebellion by some imaginary justice, but by the decline of the comfort zone that I had raised to unimaginable heights.
And to keep it, these people will stop at nothing.
This includes the conscientious continuation of all my endeavours, whose success even the most ignorant of the Gungans could see, and the representatives of this aquatic race are complete idiots.
My latest genius plan has been crowned with preliminary success!
Which means... I can do something more interesting.
The ancient worlds of the Sith.
I am more than sure that, busy preparing their ridiculous Stra-a-a-sh revenge on the Jedi, they were too lazy and afraid to visit the places of their former power. And if they did show up, they were too scared to venture into the depths, being complete weaklings.
For now, my fortress on Hyperbernia is still under construction, so I have nothing to do there. I've automated everything to a sufficient level so that it won't fall apart without my personal involvement. And in the palace, my movements will supposedly be seen periodically, although in reality it will be just another droid dressed in an exact copy of my armour... The first step towards the full use and deception of enemies with the help of Dumboots has been taken.
Soon, very soon, I will amaze the intelligent beings of this galaxy when they discover that instead of me or people connected to me, there are only robots.
Now if only I could come up with something for the gifted ones who can sense organic life. But never mind, I'll figure it out. Am I Dumb or not?
"So... The Sith worlds... How much meaning there is in those words," I said with unprecedented thoughtfulness, even removing my mask and staring intently at the large hologram displaying part of the galactic map.
Perhaps the most remarkable place in the entire galaxy.
Places where the greatest Sith Empires were born and died, whose power once inspired something like respect in me... Places where, over tens of thousands of years, a great many different things have been hidden that will undoubtedly be useful to me.
Whether it be conquering this galaxy or defeating heroes...
I have already sent enemies, friends, and other people to search for the artefacts I need. The results were relentless — failures. In any case, it was not always the direct fault of the heroes, but only indirectly... But the fact remained.
If you want to do a job better, do it yourself.
This expression is about to become an axiom for me.
Anyway, back to the Sith worlds.
The map of them was complete enough for me to plan my journey.
Corriban.
Dromund Kaas.
Ziost.
These are the planets that interest me the most.
They were centres of Sith culture and power, once great, now extinct. Sorzus Sin and his allies arrived on the first of these planets and subjugated the local people, who became known as the Sith.
But those days are long gone. Now all that remains is a legacy that I must claim. After all, it was the inhabitants of these planets who made a deal with Mephisto. And since the cunning demon almost certainly tricked them, I may be able to enlist their support to gain more power and kick the cunning demon's demonic glands!
Turning off the map and rising from my throne, I headed straight for my ship. Not the unofficial one that the locals still don't know about. But the Sith one, whose Stygian-based cloaking allows me to maintain an unrivalled level of stealth. It's a pity that these crystals are incredibly rare in the galaxy, and even those that do exist cost an incredible amount of money, according to the Sith Archives, where, in addition to knowledge about the Force, many more material treasures are kept in a secret compartment.
Naturally, I did not go alone.
It would have been too dangerous, and therefore... I needed simple, banal meat.
If it had been a normal fight, I would have taken more Dumbroids, which, although hand-built, I had long since learned to assemble using telekinesis, and the process took almost no time at all, as it was done in parallel with the state activities of the monarch of Hyperborea.
I decided to hire third parties through Vi, who is responsible enough to find useless specimens of mercenaries.
"Cannon fodder..." — she scratched the back of her head, blinking her large eyes. "Well... Let's say I know where to find them. But why do you need them, boss? We have these wonderful droids, who are better than any worthless thugs..." — she patted one of the robots on the body with a satisfied look on her face.
And immediately she was grabbed by the wrist and lifted into the air.
"Petty. My patience is not unlimited, and I am not known for my forgiveness." — I looked straight into the twitching eyes of the woman raised above me. " — I say — you do. Am I clear?
"Yes, boss... No more questions..." — she sighed, trembling slightly from the Dark Side aura that had licked her, escaping from me for a moment.
How good it is that we are not on Hyperbernia right now, and the Jedi won't connect the flash with me.
I don't even know what's better — the absence of other Sith rivals in this era of galactic history, or the need to hide... For the same reason. No, I need to create other Dark Side adepts to whom I can shift all the blame. Otherwise, I'll die from all these spy games.
And cannon fodder... I'm not going to say outright that they are needed solely so that ancient spirits can inhabit them and we don't have to fight them for our own bodies. Yes, that brat is coming with me... There are tombs there, and the best way to seal such places, as my intellect tells me, is to blow them up to Hutt's mother.
The Middle Ring. The Hatto space. Nar-Shaddaa.
Vi. The saboteur and that brat.
Returning to a planet that was practically her home did not bring relief.
Not at all.
Perhaps because this moon was not her home world, located in the Uncharted Regions?
Or maybe because she had to carry out another crazy task from her new boss?
"Yes, things..." — she scratched the back of her head, adjusting her new equipment once again.
It looked too unusual, more like... military gear, but very convenient for carrying a bunch of explosives and knives. And the only blaster, which was quite large, somehow managed to be attached to all these straps... And it was easy to reach...
But that didn't change the fact that Duma... I mean, Mr. Duma, for some reason, needed a squad of at least twenty cannon fodder. Consequently, it was necessary to select exemplary cannon fodder who would be obedient, resilient, and patient enough to wait for their money instead of trying to sell themselves... The last point made the task truly difficult.
For the Hatta had long taught everyone on Smugglers' Moon that deceiving and betraying your neighbour was right and proper throughout the galaxy.
Stupid... According to Vi and her now deceased mentor. And her parents, whom she only knew through his stories.
However... The boss told her where she could carry out her mission.
And how fortunate that she was given four droids. Without them, she would have been guaranteed death in that place, or self-destruction, which in the current circumstances was not the best outcome. With some kind of sixth sense, Vi was sure that her new boss, the very same Sith from the numerous tales and rumours of the Outer Ring, would get her even after death.
"Well... I'm in deep..." — running her fingers through her hair, she continued her way through the countless corridors and alleys of Nar Shaddaa.
The map was a great help in this endeavour, as it prevented her from wandering aimlessly, which was typical of anyone who had not been to every corner of the planet, something that was simply impossible even for long-lived races, unless they set out to do so on purpose.
"Hey, stop! Who are you, small fry?" — a Rodian stopped her at her destination, pointing a blaster at her and thus revealing his complete idiocy.
Well, that's how a Hutt's security should be...
"None of your business." — She shrugged and began to play with the detonator that had suddenly appeared from her holster. "My business is only with the honourable Kzhas Hutt. He can make a lot of money, and if I leave now, he'll get nothing. And you... You'll find out how good their digestion is." — She grinned recklessly, playing with the detonator that protected her better than any armour or threats.
Everyone wants to live. And this beautiful thing only interrupts lives on their way.
"Let her go." — A green-striped Twi'lek stepped out in front of the Rodians, who were shifting from foot to foot.
As far as Vi remembered, this was part of some Duma intrigue related to increasing his influence in the criminal world.
And now that intrigue was coming to fruition. It was no coincidence that he had sent cannon fodder here, to this particular hutt. Although, in theory, this mission was supposed to be secret and covert, the place they were heading to was painfully interesting. Someplace called Corriban.
"And why do you need my master?" — asked the native of Riloth or some other galactic hole, and there was not a shred of respect for the Hutt in his voice.
Vi even wanted to know — was he really such an idiot that he didn't hide his feelings towards his boss? And was the boss such an idiot that he didn't notice his subordinate's attitude?
"I'm going to make a lucrative deal with him." — Vi shrugged with maximum indifference. His boss had acted secretly when recruiting him, so he shouldn't know about Vi either. " — And if not... Well, either I'll have a whole Hutt as an enemy, or I'll die right there, taking all of you with me." — causing the green-skinned man to turn pale and look like a fresh salad, the saboteur grinned, slightly opening her cloak and revealing the grenades fastened here and there.
And how many more were hidden and concealed... It was largely for this reason that she had decided against full armour. Sure, a human woman of her age would be stronger than her, but she had no intention of compromising her mobility... And her skin was tougher than that of humans.
Not wanting to risk getting involved with the crazy little man (as he probably thought, much to Vi's delight), the Twi'lek, whose name was too insignificant for Vi to remember, led them to the owner of this place, who was sprawled out on an anti-gravity ramp.
The sight of this piece of slime was enough to spoil anyone's appetite, but at least this Hutt was unusual, covering his body with some kind of elaborately painted cloak.
In terms of size, he was a rather unremarkable representative of his species, but for some reason he had caught the interest of the entire Sith.
"So... You've decided to disturb the peace of my master, the great and terrible Kzhass Hutt?" — The ancient droid standing next to her immediately translated from Huttese, but Vi didn't even glance at him, continuing to stare straight into the eyes of the most criminal race in the galaxy.
"O great Khasha Hutt! I have come to you with a lucrative offer!" — began the saboteur in an inspired tone, still in Huttese, bowing deeply. Unlike the others, the Hutts were the only members of the criminal underworld who were both intelligent and fond of flattery... A fondness that somehow did not prevent them from recognising the true motives of those who entered their presence.
Since they were not Jedi or Sith like their boss, the only adequate response was natural intelligence and considerable experience in these matters.
"Continue." — Waving the droid away with a flick of his hand, the Hutt looked at her with his cat-like eyes.
Perhaps the great and respected Hutt would have repented, and forced her to humiliate herself and practise flattery, but their lesser representatives were not yet so arrogant and understood... To become great and respected, they had to make such lucrative deals, otherwise, by showing arrogance before their time, they could remain small — and that was unacceptable.
Hattas always want more than they have.
"I ask your permission, O great Kzhassa, to recruit several bands of rabble that roam your territory and pay you tribute. I need many fighters... Not the best skilled, but many." — It was veiled, but Vi was sure the Hutt understood what she meant. "They pay you tribute, of course, so I am willing to pay you a sum sufficient to compensate you and bring you great personal gain.
"How much?" demanded the slimy creature, his eyes flashing greedily, his long tail twitching with impatience.
"Allow one of my droids to enter your domain... And you will see everything for yourself, O great one." — Vi bowed again, feeling an overwhelming desire to blow up the whole place, including the Hatto's mother.
Or to her father. They seemed to be both husband and wife at the same time... As the boss had said... Oh yes... That's right. Hermaphrodites. Or hermaphrodites? Oh well, who cares.
"Let her in." — The piece of slime and fat waved its little hand imperiously.
Dum was also arrogant, and like the Hatties, he demanded complete obedience to his will... But he didn't force anyone to humiliate themselves, and he didn't look so disgusting. The Hutt Vi were not afraid of, unlike their boss, whose very presence was oppressive and made them shiver, the Hutt Vi were annoying and made them want to stuff more grenades into their oversized mouths and see what would happen.
Well... If this Hutt is going to be eliminated, the saboteur will personally ask to be assigned to the job.
"Ohohoho!" — The man mentioned in Vi's thoughts immediately became excited when he saw the neat stacks of credits in the case. "I agree, I agree!" — Kzhassa, who had just been offered a considerable sum, jerked his whole body in a fit of joy. It was at least three times more than he was willing to accept for a few gangs of scum on his territory, who would surely die quickly working for the boss of this little piece of trash.
Hutt quickly realised that this was not a real leader. This small creature was just an emissary with a bunch of these black droids of unusual design.
Vi also understood that he understood, but... Like dealing with what she was doing here with the repainted droids of the ruler of Hyperborea, the owner of the horns and tail was going to leave that to her boss. He had sent her here with clear instructions, transmitted directly to the main computer of her assigned ship, so let him deal with the consequences of his orders.
Next, Vi's path lay with these very gangs.
At first, there were no problems with recruitment. For the offer they had already made, the local scum were ready to jump even into the jaws of Sarlacc from Tatooine. Vile creatures, as far as Vi remembered from the stories of her mentor, who had been there.
The only setback came when a Trandoshan appeared in one of the gangs.
The brazen reptile decided to take offence that he, so beautiful and well-regarded by his imaginary Keeper of Accounts, who was something like a goddess of competition or something like that... In short, he thought he wasn't getting enough.
"What kind of moron are you!" — cried Vi at the top of her voice, unable to bear it any longer, forced to communicate with mentally retarded idiots instead of her beloved saboteurs... Did the boss feel the same way, constantly mentioning the fools around him?
If so, she should keep quiet... But now a wonderful idea came to her mind.
"So what are you going to do, little shit? Get out of here... You're not getting my gang. Or do you want to stay for lunch?" — the supposedly intelligent creature licked her lips greedily.
"Lunch... Well, here's your lunch!" — Quickly removing one of the thermal blankets hidden in such a position, she threw it straight into the Trandoshan's mouth, which was open in laughter.
He immediately began to cough, for Vi's aim was spot on.
Only after spitting out the unpleasant mess did the boss of the rabble realise what he was facing and rush away with his gang.
But... The bomb didn't explode, revealing to the silent gangsters a dangerous object being picked up from the ground and wiped on the outside of her travelling cloak.
"I hope we've cleared everything up. What was your name again, lizard? I've got plenty more of those things. And my droids..." — The bomber's guards took a sharp step forward, causing the gangsters to flinch again. "You'll be shot before you blow up my thermal generators..."
The silent agreement was the most pleasant answer for Vi.
The boss's task was completed. All that remained was to deliver this rabble to the right planet, but then Mr. Doom himself would take care of them... * * *
Outer Ring. Sereno.
Darth Doom.
The planet of arrogant aristocrats and numerous counts was the perfect place to gather bandits and head to the part of the galaxy I needed.
The locals were too arrogant to pay any attention to another bandit, probably thinking he was a distant servant of one of the nobles. That's why no one suspected anything about fifty armed bandits nervously looking around.
Especially since they formally belonged to one of the local aristocrats, who had unfortunately incurred a debt to Darth Bane. It was a serious debt, the disclosure of which promised this family complete oblivion until the end of time, and most likely destruction by the Jedi.
After all, they don't like games with the Dark Side, and the founder of the Rule of Two, whose last chance for revival I am (funny, with my mind, to continue this nonsense), was no fool, and bound the entire Demichi family, who were the closest supporters of the leading House of Dooku here, to it.
"Everyone ready?" — Vi barked, standing in front of me, playing with a thermal detonator and thus forcing the bandits to submit to her will.
The little one is doing well. The Force led me to her for a reason... She knows how to please her most powerful adept. If not now, then definitely in a decade. Right now, some Jedi from the long-lived races can outmanoeuvre me in the Force. They make up for their lack of intelligence with a lot of time spent honing their skills.
Stupid... But Bane's Sith do the same thing. They make up for their lack of brains and strength with the length of their plans.
"St..." — I stopped the petty saboteur's latest threatening tirade by placing my armour glove, modified for local conditions, on her shoulder. — "Y-yes, boss."
"You don't need to know my name. Call me Mr. Doom." — I began, folding my arms behind my back and spreading my legs shoulder-width apart. "As you must have already understood, I am your employer. And therefore, I will conduct a short briefing.
"Come on, boss!" — exclaimed one of the gangsters, and was immediately shot by a well-aimed shot from the droid, causing the others to flinch at the sight of such swift justice.
"I already told you how to address me," I said coldly. "I don't need idiots. I paid you good money for obedience, not for this. Anyone who doesn't like it can leave, and the rest of you will get more." For a moment, fear and greed fought on their faces.
Only two of them walked away.
They'll die anyway in a few hundred metres. It wasn't for nothing that I placed droids not only around myself.
No one must know anything about this mission. Hutt won't talk, nor will his subordinates, especially... They don't have long left, and those who were recruited, well, hired by my subordinate, will certainly not survive in the sands of Corriban, and their deaths will serve as fuel for me. The Dark Side wins over the Light Side once again in this matter. "How surprising..." I muttered sarcastically, immediately raising my voice and turning my attention back to the rabble. "We're going to an ancient planet. We're going to plunder graves. I'm warning you now — don't hide anything from me, my droids... You understand." — I nodded to myself, not particularly concerned about their understanding. "But I am generous to those who obey me. And for every supposedly worthless trinket you find, I will reward you. And believe me, it will be profitable. You won't have to sell each item yourself, fearing that you'll be shot for its value... And I doubt that you'll be able to get off the planet without my ship." — I waved towards one of the smugglers' favourite ships, which was standing peacefully nearby. "Plus, if by some miracle you manage to do that... I think with my money I can hire a couple of Mandalorians..." — The bandits shuddered almost in unison, for the reputation of the currently rising representatives of this warlike people, who would serve me in the future, was very formidable. "And they'll bring me to you in any condition. I... I'm making myself clear!"
"It couldn't be clearer, Mr. Doom!" — one of the bosses of the groups gathered here barked submissively, and the other bosses followed suit, expressing the position I needed to hear.
Their lieutenants followed suit, and soon it was the turn of even the most stupid fighters.
"Excellent." — I raised my hand, creating absolute silence. "I hope none of you change your minds. For I hate traitors more than anything else." — Releasing a little of the Dark Side, I made everyone around me shiver.
Even the dumb Dumbroids seemed to glance nervously at me.
Gangster scum... They turned out to be motivated and frightened enough to obey my orders without question. They saw the benefits and the strong hand. That's what worms like them always needed. So there won't be any problems until they start getting killed openly on Corriban.
"Strange." — I stopped them in their tracks. "Then let's get going."
***
patreon.com/posts/dr-doom-in-star-132737081