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 committed 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 Tam Uliss, I understand the reasoning behind your actions.” Without 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.
Alan Dean Foster, Star Wars: The Approaching Storm
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