Location: Nar Shaddaa, Docking Bay
Time: 11 BBY
Alex leaned over the holographic display, studying the ancient Rakata databases he had copied years ago during expeditions. A colossal amount of information. Much of the data was encrypted or damaged by time, but what he managed to decrypt opened up astonishing possibilities.
"Still digging through the old stuff?" Verena asked, entering with a cup of caf.
"Not just digging. Studying the Rakata hyperspace station map." Alex pointed to a complex three-dimensional map of the galaxy, dotted with millions of glowing points. "Look at the communication network they had thirty thousand years ago."
Verena sat down next to him, examining the hologram.
"Impressive. What are the different colors of the points?"
"Station classification by power and functionality." Alex highlighted several categories. "Blue ones are main hub stations, green ones are regional relays, yellow ones are local beacons. And the red ones..."
He pointed to particularly large red dots, strategically positioned.
"Red ones are super-beacons. Stations of colossal power, capable of maintaining communication over intergalactic distances."
"And how many of them have survived?"
Alex activated a modern galaxy map, overlaying it on the ancient schematic. The picture was grim—most of the points had gone dark, leaving only rare islands of operational stations.
"Forty-five percent," he stated. "And in the Unknown Regions, the situation is even worse—no more than ten percent of the original number are functioning."
"Is that why the Unknown Regions remain unknown?"
"Exactly!" Alex became animated, finding confirmation for his theory. "I always thought the problem was the lack of star charts or dangerous gravitational anomalies. But the real reason is the degradation of the hyperspace communication network."
He opened the technical documentation for modern navigation systems.
"Look: for a safe hyperspace jump, the navigation computer must contact at least three communication stations to get up-to-date data on gravitational fields, solar activity, and the movement of large objects. Without this data, the jump becomes extremely dangerous."
"And I thought navigation computers worked autonomously."
"Basic calculations, yes. But precise navigation requires constant data correction," Alex explained. "In the known regions of the galaxy, there are still enough operational stations for relatively safe flights. But the further you get from the center, the more 'dead zones' there are, where navigation becomes almost impossible."
Verena studied the map, which clearly highlighted areas with high and low densities of operational stations.
"And this degradation is ongoing?"
"Constantly." Alex showed the statistics. "Several dozen stations fail every year."
He connected to one of the stations he had gained access to a few years ago during an expedition. Data slowly loaded, showing the current state of the network.
"Hmm, interesting," Alex muttered, studying the reports. "In the last two years, another one hundred and seventy stations have gone offline. Mostly on the periphery, but several key hubs in the central regions have also failed."
"Doesn't the Empire maintain them?"
"Partially. But only the most important ones that serve the main trade routes." Alex pointed to the map of Imperial priorities. "The rest are considered unprofitable to maintain."
Verena shook her head thoughtfully.
For the next two weeks, Alex practically didn't leave his office, studying star charts, trade routes, and economic data of various planets. He was looking for the perfect scheme that would allow him to use his knowledge of ancient communication stations for profit.
Verena brought him food and caf, watching as he covered the walls with holographic maps, connected systems with lines of possible routes, and calculated delivery times and transportation costs.
"Got it!" he exclaimed at the end of the second week, pointing to a group of four systems. "Here's the perfect scheme."
"Show me," Verena approached the map.
"Four planets, perfectly complementing each other economically," Alex began to explain. "Velthros is an agri-world, producing surplus food. Nargant is an industrial planet, manufacturing agricultural machinery and fertilizers. Kvarion, where rare earth metals are mined, and Tersik is a mining world, where minerals necessary for fertilizer production are extracted."
"And how does this relate to the communication stations?"
"Official routes between these planets take weeks due to the need for multiple jumps through safe systems," Alex explained. "But here and here," he pointed to two points between the planets, "are ancient hyperspace stations, but with depleted power sources, which can serve as navigation beacons for direct jumps."
He showed the calculations:
"The standard route from Velthros to the mining planets is three weeks. If these stations are restored, the route can be reduced to four days. From the mining planets to Nargant—two weeks versus two days. From Nargant back to Velthros—one and a half weeks versus one day."
"So, a closed loop?"
"Exactly!" Alex drew a diagram. "But not simple trade, but a complex barter system. We take food from Velthros to the mining planets, exchange it there for minerals. We take minerals to Nargant, exchange them for fertilizers and agricultural machinery. We take machinery and fertilizers to Velthros, sell them for money and food—and the cycle repeats."
"And the profit?"
"Substantial at each stage." Alex showed the financial calculations. "But first, the stations need to be restored."
Location: Kairos-Alpha System, Ancient Hyperspace Station
Time: One week later
Verena piloted the ship through the void of space, approaching the coordinates of the first station. A regional hyperspace station was supposed to be here, but nothing appeared on the scanners.
"Strange," Alex muttered, refining the coordinates.
Suddenly, a faint silhouette flickered ahead – the station was almost invisible, its cloaking systems still partially functioning. As they approached, details became visible: a massive structure about a kilometer long.
Docking went smoothly – the automated systems were still working, albeit at a minimal level. Alex passed through the airlock into the station's main corridor, lit by dim emergency lights.
A oppressive atmosphere of abandonment reigned inside. The corridors were empty, most systems were shut down, and the air was stale. Alex headed for the central command center, where the station's main computers were located.
"System activated," a synthetic voice announced as he approached. Alex was surprised by the ancient Republic equipment. "Last maintenance was performed nine hundred and seven years ago. Power source is depleted by ninety-two percent."
Alex connected his portable computer to the station's console, initiating the download of diagnostic data.
"Show the station's history," he commanded.
A timeline appeared on the screen:
"Station built by the Infinite Rakata Empire 30,247 years ago. Captured and modified by the Galactic Republic 21,347 years ago. Last technical maintenance – 907 years ago. Autonomous mode limit exceeded by 300 years. Critical depletion of power sources."
He went to the power section, where the crystalline power sources were located. Massive crystals, once brightly glowing, were now dim and covered in cracks.
"A complete replacement of power sources is needed," Alex stated, taking measurements. "Plus reprogramming of communication systems."
Alex had been working in the station's power section for eight consecutive hours, carefully installing a new crystalline heart. The crystal, the size of a human head, weighed several tons and required precise calibration and connection to dozens of power conduits.
"Careful," he muttered to himself, adjusting the final connections. "One wrong step, and twelve million credits will turn into expensive junk."
Finally, the installation was complete. Alex activated the system and moved to a safe distance. The crystal slowly began to glow, gradually increasing in brightness.
"Power source activated," the station's computer announced in a more confident voice. "Power restored to ninety-five percent. Initiating diagnostics of all systems."
Lights began to turn on throughout the station, computers activated, and life support systems started working. Alex walked into the central command center, where dozens of monitors now shone brightly.
"Excellent. Now we need to reprogram the communication protocols."
He spent the next few hours modifying the station's software. The Rakatan control terminal was supplemented with some ancient Republic development, which was of quite good quality. Alex only had to reprogram it.
"System ready for operation," the computer reported. "New communication protocols activated. Access is permitted only for navigation computers with appropriate encryption codes."
"Show the range."
A three-dimensional map appeared on the screen with the station's coverage area. The range was about twenty light-years – enough to provide navigation between all four planets on the trade route.
"Excellent. Now for the second station."
Location: Veltrus-Beta System, ancient hyperspace station
Time: The next day
The second station was in even worse condition. It drifted in space with minimal signs of life, many external sections damaged by micrometeorites and space debris.
"Last maintenance – one thousand two hundred and three years ago," the computer reported. "Autonomous mode – five hundred years. Critical failure of life support systems."
Alex carefully made his way through corridors devoid of air, where many holopanels were faulty. In the power section, the picture was even more dismal – the crystalline power source had completely dimmed.
"This station was shut down even before the Ruusan Reformation," Alex mused, studying the system logs. "The Republic simply abandoned it when it focused on the main trade routes."
Restoring the second station took longer due to more severe damage. In addition to replacing the power source, damaged hull sections had to be repaired, malfunctioning computers replaced, and life support systems restored. Of course, he didn't do it alone, but with the help of repair droids.
"Beta-class power source activated," the computer announced after the installation was complete. "Power restored to ninety percent."
Alex repeated the reprogramming procedure, installing the same communication protocols as on the first station. Now both stations could work together, providing navigation data only to ships with appropriate access codes.
"System ready. Testing communication between stations."
Data on the communication quality between the two restored stations appeared on the screen. The signal was clear and stable, with minimal delay.
"Excellent. Now we can plan trade routes."
Location: Veltrus, administrative center
Time: A month later
Alex stood in the office of Nelus Pamir, Veltrus's chief trade coordinator, admiring the view of endless golden wheat fields through the panoramic windows. The planet was one giant farm – perfectly even fields divided by irrigation canals and transport routes.
"Mr. Corren," said Nelus, a short, stout man with tanned skin, "your proposal sounds interesting, but I don't fully understand the scheme."
"It's quite simple," Alex explained. "I'm creating a trading company that will conduct regular trade between your agri-world and the industrial planet Nargant. Officially, I'll transport your food there, and bring back fertilizers and agricultural machinery."
"A standard trade scheme," Nelus nodded. "And what's the benefit?"
"The main part of the trade will be done by barter," Alex explained. "I supply you with fertilizers and equipment, you supply me with food. No monetary transactions, just mutual offset of goods at market prices, but minus all taxes and duties."
Nelus leaned forward with interest.
"So we save on taxes?"
"Exactly. With barter, you get goods at their real market value, but you don't pay export duties, taxes, and other fees," Alex explained. "The savings can be up to thirty percent of the transaction value."
"That's a significant benefit," Nelus agreed. "And what about official reporting?"
"Part of the Narglar operations will be official, with full documentation and payment of all taxes," Alex replied. "This is for reporting and maintaining the appearance of normal trading activity. But I will buy much more from you by barter for other places."
"And the risks?"
"Minimal. Barter transactions between private individuals are not prohibited, especially in the Outer Rim," Alex assured him. "The main thing is confidentiality and mutual understanding."
Nelus pondered, looking at the endless fields.
"And payment for your services?"
"For the products from Narglar that I will supply you beyond the contract, you will pay with chip crystals," Alex explained. "This will compensate for my transport costs and risks. I know you have this capability. Worlds in the Outer Rim pay you this way."
He took out an envelope with credit chips.
"And this is what the monthly gratitude for mutual understanding and flexibility in work will look like, personally to you."
Nelus glanced at the contents of the envelope and hid it in a safe.
"Alright," he said. "Let's try. But if problems arise..."
"They won't," Alex assured him. "I have experience working with such schemes."
Alex had similar conversations on the other planets.
Location: Nar Shaddaa, "Starlight" cantina
Time: Two days later
He sat at a corner table in the dimly lit cantina, waiting for an old friend. Jack Tolcho appeared ten minutes later – a tall, sinewy man with prematurely gray hair and a scar on his left cheek. A seasoned smuggler, an experienced pilot, an old acquaintance.
"Alex!" Jack shook his hand firmly. "Long time no see. How are things?"
"Can't complain. And you?"
"So-so," Jack ordered Corellian whiskey. "Last job ended a month ago. Looking for something stable. I'm tired of taking risks."
"Perhaps I can offer exactly what you need," Alex said. "Trade transport, good pay, regular flights."
"Sounds tempting. What's the catch?"
"Almost none. The cargo is legal, but there are documents for only a small part of it. Everything as you like it. Just need an experienced pilot for regular flights between four planets."
Alex activated a portable holoprojector, showing the route diagram.
"A closed loop: Veltrus – Kvarion – Tersik – Nargant – Veltrus. About a week for a full circle, four flights a month."
"And what are we transporting?"
"Food, minerals, fertilizers, agricultural machinery."
Jack studied the route.
"These systems are quite far from the main trade routes. How will we get there?"
"I have access to... effective navigation solutions," Alex explained cautiously. "They allow us to reduce travel time."
Tolcho smiled.
"I see. And the payment?"
"Twenty-five thousand credits per flight plus bonuses for urgent delivery."
Jack whistled.
"That's two and a half times the standard rates."
"Because the job requires reliability," Alex explained. "Besides, you're my friend who taught me a lot."
"And the ship?"
"We'll rent a suitable freighter. Reliable, spacious, inconspicuous."
"And no hidden pitfalls?"
"The only condition is that you will use special navigation software that I will install on the ship," Alex explained. "It's optimized for these specific routes."
Jack pondered, finishing his whiskey.
"And if something goes wrong?"
"Everything will go right. As for the navigation computer, I guarantee its operation. You'll handle the rest. You'll have a budget for bribes."
"Alright," Jack extended his hand. "Deal. When do we start?"
"In a week. We need to find a suitable ship and install the navigation equipment."
Location: Nar Shaddaa, "Star Anchor" shipyard
Time: 10 BBY, one year later
Alex stood in the main hangar of his shipyard, watching the mechanics at work. Several battered smuggler ships were undergoing "repairs" – the official reason for large financial transactions.
"How are the financial flows?" he asked his chief accountant, a reliable droid analyst.
"Trade operations are bringing stable profits," the droid reported. "The barter scheme is working without issues."
"And the total turnover?"
"The trade scheme provides the main profit, and we legalize part of the funds through the shipyard," the droid reported.
"Excellent," Alex said with satisfaction. "Let's keep it up."
The "Star Anchor" shipyard became the perfect cover for laundering income from barter trade. Officially, it was engaged in ship repair and modification; in reality, it served as a financial center for servicing traders who needed cash.
Over the year, the scheme brought colossal profits, while officially all operations looked like ordinary trade and repair activities. Most importantly, the scheme was now working and could be scaled if needed.