Chapter 787: Seeking Skin From a Tiger
"Whatever the Republic wants to do, we Hutts are not afraid." Upon hearing Mira Han's words, Oruba snorted and said, "In fact, it's you, Mira Han. You've interfered too much in the war between the Desilijic Family and the Besadii Family. Involving yourself in our Hutts affairs is not something someone who wants to live longer should do."
"The matters of the Desilijic Family and the Besadii Family are their own choice. Zorba Desilijic has ruled the Desilijic Family for many years; he surely understands the reasoning involved, and I am merely doing some work for his money." Mira Han said, "Speaking of Terminus, you know this Planet actively joined the Galactic Republic and entered the war. This also indicates that your plan has failed."
"Hmph!" Oruba appeared quite displeased. "I've mentioned it before. The Republic doesn't concern me."
"If you are familiar with Wilhuff Tarkin's methods, you should understand that once he takes control of Terminus, you will have no chance. Don't forget, Terminus had already reached an agreement with Tarkin to suddenly join the Republic when we launched our attack, which is what caused us some unforeseen difficulties. Do you think he will continue to tolerate your actions?" Mira Han said.
"Alright, let's talk about your terms." Oruba agreed immediately.
He has a very sharp mind and quickly figured out the problem.
He initially targeted Terminus, hoping to take advantage of the direct and indirect conflicts between the two Largest Families of the Hutts—the Desilijic Family and the Besadii Family—to expand his own influence.
The Gorensla Family, as a newly emerging Family, has to struggle to carve out their share, whether in the Hutt Space or among the countless Smuggling Routes across the Galaxy. The sphere of influence had already been divided, and no share was left for them.
And Terminus is the target he has carefully chosen. As long as he can establish his influence here, he can control much of the Smuggling Activities in the Western Reaches of the Galaxy and Wild Space.
Only then would the Gorensla Family truly possess the strength to stand alongside the Besadii Family and the Desilijic family.
Moreover, Mira Han is correct; with the methods of Wilhuff Tarkin, he cannot tolerate even a grain of sand in his eyes. He cannot stand by and watch the Hutts behave shamelessly on his territory.
Wilhuff Tarkin is a fervent Human Supremacist, and this has become an open secret.
"Conditions? That's not something I can comment on." Mira Han clarified her position.
"Dawn agrees to the Gorensla Family conducting Smuggling Activities on Terminus." Matt Horner said.
Oruba burst out laughing and said, "Hahaha! What do we Hutts need a mere Dawn's consent for? Hahahahaha!"
"Terminus is not within the scope of Hutt Space." Matt Horner sneered and pointed out the key issue directly.
He may be clumsy with words, but that doesn't mean he isn't smart.
The smile on Oruba's face instantly disappeared, and he slowly said: "Terminus is mine. I can agree to let the Fleet from Dawn resupply there, and I can also rent out a Spaceport for your use, but this Planet must be under my control."
Matt Horner said lightly, "Do you really want to manage this Planet openly? I don't mind. But will the Grand Hutt Council actually allow it?"
"Establishing an Autonomous Planetary Government is second nature for the Gorensla Family." Oruba glanced at Matt Horner.
"This is not the result of our Army throwing away their lives merely for your benefit, allowing you Hutts to enjoy the fruits without effort. If that were the case, we would rather fight to the death." Matt Horner flatly refused.
He then stated his conditions, "The Government of Terminus must, in name, be subject to the rule of the Dawn. We must appoint all Government Officials, and we will station Security Forces to maintain order on the Planet. At the same time, our Fleet will also be stationed in orbit to defend against potential retaliation from the Republic. In return, we will allow you to engage in Smuggling Activities on the Planet and guarantee your exclusivity there..."
As he spoke, he pulled out a prepared list, "At the same time, our Escort Fleet can also protect your Smuggling Convoy. However, publicly, we will declare your gang illegal and prohibit you from conducting any activities on Terminus."
"You're asking for too much! Dawn! Just remember, it's you asking me for help now!" Oruba said.
Matt Horner crossed his arms and said, "If this offensive fails, we can temporarily retreat. General Grievous, the Supreme Commander of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, will lead the next attack on Terminus."
"It is impossible for Grievous to pay attention to this Remote Planet!" Oruba said.
"Remote, yet it's a crucial Transportation Hub!" Matt Horner said.
The two people argued for more than an hour and finally reached an agreement. During this time, Mira Han found it boring and logged off the communication to do her own things.
"Then, there's the question of the planning. How do you want me to help you? Let me make it clear. I don't want to do anything that is too troublesome," Oruba said.
"First, try to use your influence to get the Mercenaries and Bounty Hunters hired by the Republic to leave. Second, it concerns the Capital City of Terminus, Fermos..." Matt Horner said with a stern expression.
...
Three days later, in the Capital City of Terminus, the Western Suburbs of Fermos.
In this direction, the Fourth Civilization Army has finally launched another attack.
Unlike previous offensives, this time, the Fourth Civilization Army launched an attack using a large number of reinforcements in the form of Battle Droids. They changed their previously agile and sharp tactics to adopt a similar offensive method as the Droid Legions from the Confederacy of Independent Systems.
That means an Army of Battle Droids, like the sea, continuously launching attacks.
However, with the current minimal supply methods of the Fourth Civilization, their Droid Legions are far from being described as a sea. Such a desperate attack does not threaten the defenses of the Republic's Clone Army.
However, the Clone Army of the Republic is ultimately too small in number, and the pressure is still immense. Therefore, to ensure there was sufficient strength, the 18th Army spent large sums in the Underground Black Market to recruit Bounty Hunters and Mercenaries to join the fight.
In recent days, perhaps because the price offered by the 18th Army is quite attractive, the number of Mercenary Groups signing up to participate in combat seems to have increased considerably...