Chapter 3 Summary

Talon Karrde prepares a business dinner for Mara Jade, a fellow smuggler who works for his organization. He tells her he wants to promote her and she is suspicious. His wants to groom her to be his second in command. As he continues with his offer, they get word that the Chimaera has made orbit and is launching two shuttles, both heading their way. When Karrde hails the Imperial ship, he offers to help them, knowing the shuttles are headed toward the forest. Pallaeon is suspicious of the smuggler and is reluctant to accept his help. Karrde finally convinces him to let him send two men out to help them get the ysalamiri creatures that they are looking for.

Karrde does this since he knows that it is a way of keeping an eye on the Imperial goings-on. He knows they are after...