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71
Star Wars: The Crimson Covenant / Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Last post by Medivh on April 16, 2024, 12:32:46 PM »
Corellia

Surface: Coronet City

"How can we help you?"

The idea that peripheral characters would volunteer to assist came as an unexpected surprise to Mara.  Yes, these were friends of Riley - notwithstanding that one had shot him.  But they weren't jedi, or one of the ones who being hunted, or part of the infamous prophesy (at leas,t as far as Mara knew).  They were just ... friends.

What Mara wanted to tell them?  Protect Riley at all costs.  But that would make him resentful, and probably end up getting them killed.
Nor was she prepared to ask them to lie, file any report that might help Corellia but was untrue.

"Corellia is facing many threats right now.  The Republic, sinking into chaos; A group of fanatic sith-worshipers.  A powerful sith, seeking power and revenge.  And on the flip-side, protecting Corellia's integrity and freedom.  I've witnessed what happened when Corellia gave up freedom for tyranny as the price for protection.  It didn't end well.

You may know that Senator Soldys has been named the commander of the entire Corellian Sector's defensive forces.  He will need to be able to coordinate with CorSec, with Director Veritaas.  He will need people he can trust with discretion, but also people who will not hesitate the call out over reaching, changing the character of Corellia and what makes it special.  if you want to be helpful to Corellia, to really help defend this world against everything that threatens it ... that might be a place to start"

It was honestly a vague sort of answer.  because Mara, for all her time in leadership with the Trade Federation, was an operative at heart. She worked best alone, or in small groups, and was not good at delegating.  Not like the senator or the director were.

"If you'd like to meet Senator Soldys, he is in the other room now, speaking with Agent Thekla.  Why don't you go have a chat with him, while I speak with my nephew"

Whatever misgivings or second thoughts the two friends had, they didn't bring them up as they exited the room, leaving Mara and Riley alone.

"You wanted to explain yourself.  Here's your chance.  But first, let me remind you this.  Adubell attacks recklessly because she believes she is immortal.  She can be reborn anytime her body is destroyed.  I know about your contingency plan.  I know why you think it is a great loophole to a prophesy.  And I know the risks.  I know why it is a terrible, terrible idea. You cannot afford to be reckless.  You cannot afford to act like you always have another life to live.  Because that mentality - that takes away your humanity.  that is how someone becomes a machine; a monster.  What makes you special, Riley, is not that you are born of a magical prophesy.  What makes you special is your humanity.  Your mortality.  Don't you dare throw it away."

Mara let out a sigh, taking in a deep breath before again looking to her nephew.

"So, now, that said - what do you have to say for yourself?"
72
Star Wars: The Crimson Covenant / Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Last post by Syren on April 13, 2024, 04:19:24 PM »
“Cycle, cycle
Only one that I know.”

-Peel

Corellia

Surface: Coronet City

The evaluation is fairly straightforward, a series of questions meant to uncover evidence or indication of external control. Answers that could reveal radicalization and subsequent levels of threat. Riley Patten feels like he is handling himself well until his Aunt Mara appears with a flat, displeased expression on her face.

Uh oh.

Mara dismisses the doctor and returns her gaze to the trio, lingering on Cassidy and Sixta.

“And which one of you decided it was a good idea to shoot my nephew?”

Cassidy gulps but Sixta, not intimidated by her own family let alone anyone else’s, steps forward.

“I did. Stun, not blast. He’ll be fine. To be fair, the initial lack of details surrounding his return mirrored other threats that made such a precaution necessary. We are, after all, agents of CorSec so you can understand the duty to security, even if it may come from within.”

“Thekla cleared him.”

“We heard,” Sixta says pointedly, keeping her voice lowered. “We heard a lot of things. No one knew where he was and bad things happened when the others eventually reappeared.”

“Others?”

“For starters, the CorSec Medical Director, Doctor Cross. She nearly murdered Director Veritaas as I am sure you are aware. In the Republic, Janessa Kain is linked to an explosion that killed the President as well as herself. And lastly, we have Garron Prescott who, from what we were told, attempted to kill Dane Gellar on two occasions in the Corporate Sector. All share a period they were missing then returned to ingratiate themselves into their respective positions and roles only to then cause harm. Surely you can see our concern. We had no way of knowing what Riley may or may not do until he was debriefed and cleared.”

Her memories were recalled instantly, although it had been some time since Mara had thought of Garron Prescott and their brief time together. The something that may have been. Or not. Feelings - genuine and intense - yet fleeting like so many other things in these worlds. She had seen the headlines. Cross and Kain are dead – would this be Garron’s fate as well?

Riley sighs, “Can I say something?”

“You will get your chance to explain,” Mara says coldly, focusing on Sixta. There is a young arrogance there but she can appreciate the accountability even though she could do without the defiant edge in her voice. “Exactly what do you think these individuals were sent back to do?”

Sixta assumes she knows what they do and more but remains hyper-aware of their location and the precarious nature of their current situation. Also, Mara does not seem like someone who wants her time wasted.

“Sow division and further stoke galactic tensions, of course. Why did I shoot him? Cross failed to kill Veritaas so how could we know that Riley wasn’t sent to finish the job? Sentimentality and curiosity blinded Veritaas and led to egregious procedural lapses that made us further vulnerable to Republic scrutiny. In short, I was doing my job.”

“So it seems,” Mara concludes, shifting her attention to Cassidy. “And what about you?”

He manages a small grin, “We care about Riley and that is why we took the actions we did. Now we know there are…other variables. Riley said our focus needs to be here. On defending Corellia. He says you are here to do the same.”

“That is true.”

“Good,” Cassidy says. “How can we help you?”







-TBC
73
Star Wars: The Crimson Covenant / Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Last post by Medivh on April 12, 2024, 10:07:40 AM »
Corellia

Surface: Coronet City

The conversation was long, detailed.  And exhausting.  The look on Agent Thekla's face, a mix of shock and awe and confusion and worry all showed Artemis and Mara the real risk of putting their cards on the table.  A risk for them.  And a risk for anyone in the know.

Mara barely said a word as Artemis updated Thekla on the threats that Corellia was facing, and what they were doing to stop it.
One thing, she noted.  Artemis didn't say a word about what Mara really was.  It was a fairly recent revelation for him and that he kept it to himself showed that even with honesty, he knew how Corellians would perceive her, even the best, most well meaning Corellians would see her as a threat.

She remembered that feeling.  How she had to run, flee.  Fight her very programming.
And lost.  She had, afterall, committed the very acts she was originally programmed to do.  She infiltrated Corellia, and the Trade Federation and killed some of PHAGE's most top-tiered enemies, including those she now considered family.

Mara wasn't really needed for this conversation, and didn't really want to be present for whatever reaction Thekla was going to have at the end.

"I don't need to sit here for this entire debrief.  Agent Thekla - I came here to ensure that my nephew is alright.  If you are satisfied that he is not the danger you perceive him to be, I'd like to go see him.  The senator can continue to answer any questions you have."

Thekla's shocked look broke for just a moment as he turned away from Artemis Soldys to Mara.  He didn't really know what to say.  If anything, Riley and his cohorts actually sounded like they were more dangerous than he had originally thought.  But the senator had placed his trust in him.  He couldn't really break that trust right now, whatever misgivings he had.

"He's not detained. Technically.  He's undergoing a psych evaluation down the hall, and if cleared, will be released."
"No more surveillance"
"I cannot promise that"
Mara stood, a cold look in her eyes as she repeated herself.
"No more surveillance"

Thekla looked to Artemis with an almost helpless look on his face, hoping the senator would agree with him.

And though Artemis was opposed to Riley and Gemma's contingency plans, he was otherwise supportive of giving the young adults the free reign they need.

"He needs to be able to move about without being tracked.  No more surveillance.  You and I can discuss more, but he needs to be free and unfollowed"
Thekla let out a sigh but nodded his head.
Mara said nothing more, swivelling around and making her way down the hall, where she found Riley sitting, Sixta and Cassidy standing nearby, as the psychologist was running through a checklist with him.  Riley was about to answer another question when he turned to face Mara, a sheepish look crossing his face.

"Aunt Mara ... what are you doing here?"
Her look was stern, tone matter-of-fact
"Making sure my nephew isn't getting arrested or getting himself killed"
"Aunt Mara"

"Don't Aunt Mara me young man.  You've got enough recklessness in the things you have planned that you cannot afford to be so uncareful.  There are people out there who will, at the first chance they get, take you out. And unlike your friends, what they do to you will be a lot worse than having you detained."

She lifted a datapad, handing it to the psychologist who seemed bewildered by Mara's sudden appearance.
"Agent Thekla has cleared Riley.  You don't need to complete your evaluation, and I'm going to ask that you step out so we can have a private conversation."

The psychologist was hardly one to refuse orders, and Mara had an imposing presence as it was.  After the doctor disappeared, Mara's eyes glanced over at the two CorSec agents standing at the side.  She recognized them both as colleagues of Riley, but the way she looked at them was anything but friendly.
"And which one of you decided it was a good idea to shoot my nephew?"

TBC
74
OOC Cantina / Dark Empire graphic novel (compilation of the comic books)
« Last post by SWSF Hoppus on April 09, 2024, 11:58:19 AM »
Just picked up my first Star Wars graphic novel (how is that possible).

What are other series you all enjoy?
75
Star Wars: The Crimson Covenant / Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
« Last post by Syren on March 17, 2024, 05:43:37 PM »
“Now that the truth is just a rule that you can bend
You crack the whip, shape-shift and trick the past again.”

-Metric

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril
  
Cadranel Hills

The party is certainly hip but in the most generic way.

Kinsa is only present because Quinn dragged her to it which predictably begins with a slew of photo ops when they arrive. To be fair, they look spectacular. Those stylists Escara Wu sent over really do know their shit. What was this event even for again? Oh, right, the city has been thrown into chaos yet a moderately successful, mostly unproblematic actor/singer on a real streak still found time to launch a new line of liquor. Because of course, she thinks, sipping a drink plucked from atop a seemingly lethargic service droid. Admittedly, the cocktail is pretty tasty which is…annoying.

Since her brush with the law, she’s kept as low a profile as someone like her can. She met with some producers and expressed interest in a few choice complex roles. Murmurs were exchanged, a handshake or two, people telling other people they would be in touch. She’s been smart with her career which has paid off but not without a price. Little do they know she is playing the most challenging role yet – her own life! She hasn’t lost any time since but is still no closer to understanding how Janessa wound up being the central figure in a capital murder investigation. Worse still, Selene hasn’t tried to make contact which could mean she is either not as useful to them as they thought or she is being brushed off. Either way, Kinsa is convinced Selene is mad at her.

Kezlan Roan is here, fresh off a dismissal for a rather bankable Holoplex star after allegations of bad behavior on set led to threats of litigation. He spots them and heads over, once he is done mugging for the cams, of course. Kinsa introduces him to Quinn even though they’ve met briefly before, but Quinn acts as though she has never seen this individual before in her life. It is truly a talent to be that aloof and, even better, too pretty to be mad at for long. 

Mercifully, Quinn excuses herself to a gorgeous group of hammered models and leaves Roan to entertain her.

“Worn any suspicious jewelry lately?”

“Hilarious.”

“Too soon? Forgive a counselor's poor attempt at humor.”

“It wasn’t so bad even though I am not sure whether that insults your Bothan side or your human side more.”

“Not sure you’re ready to see my Bothan side, Miss Cavanaugh.”

She laughs, “Oh, cheeky! That’s the first time I’ve genuinely smiled all night so thank you.”

“Of course. What’s the matter, are you not feeling the pretentious vibes?”

“It’s complicated.”

“With you, I have no doubt, but why attend? You don’t seem like the kind of woman who does anything you don’t want to do.”

“I wish,” Kinsa mutters, taking another sip. “But I could ask you the same question. Why are you even here? A booze launch doesn’t seem like your thing.”

He shrugs, “Need to establish a presence and relationships with the potential client base even though that makes it sound sleazy. You know how these things go; gotta be seen, blah, blah, blah. However, I am not that guy.”

“Says all guys.”

Roan arches a thick, furry blonde brow, “Not a fan of hybrids?”

“Not a fan of men in general, really. Species has nothing to do with it.”

“Fair enough. Friends, then?”

“Can you deal with it?”

“I’m an excellent wingman.”

She chortles lightly, touching her nearly empty glass against his, “Well, then, let’s rustle us up another round.”

*

Lower Downtown

Agent Ollo knows it’s over but that doesn’t stop him from trying.

He kicks the cluttered ottoman beside him, startling his assassin enough for him to lunge for the hall. Quentin corrects quickly, firing a shot through Ollo’s knee. The blast is nearly silent, indicating modifications that belie a professional job. Someone hired and sent. That is telling in and of itself yet someone not only knew what they found but that they were looking for it in the first place. Given the timeline, he would venture to guess someone was waiting for it.

The older agent growls, stumbling forward as he pulls his weapon free of its holster. He manages to twist around on the way down but Quentin lands a kick at his wrist that snaps it cleanly and the blaster spirals away from him. He lands hard on his back with a hateful grimace.

Quentin looms over him, “The Empire thanks you for your service.”

Now he knows where he recognizes him from. He and Vrent had spent hours sifting through an inordinate amount of photage investigating the Cavanaugh lead. The boy had been in several stills and linked to Kinsa’s sister, Quinn. Had they all been operating on Imperial orders?

Ollo’s face softens as he realizes, far too late, that they want this outcome and would use the RSB to facilitate it. His death would further bury a man they hoped could be stopped before he destroyed everything they stood for and worked to build. His procedural brain continues whirling even now over a futile course correction that would likely never come. Not in his lifetime.

The truce is a lie. It had always been a lie. 

As skeptical as he was over the whole thing, the obviousness of the deception stings worse in those last fleeting seconds.

“Fuck your Empire,” he spits out.

Two shots to the head and Ollo is still.

Quentin holsters his weapon and searches the agent until he finds what he is looking for. The datacard. He slips it into the inner pocket of his jacket and rises from Ollo’s blackened, ruined face. He confirms he has the package and then sets about ransacking the small flat, collecting anything deemed valuable but half-assing it enough to set exactly the stage they want. The next RSB scandal to mutilate any last shreds of their authority and reputation.

A shame to waste such talent, Quentin thinks darkly.

Good law enforcement is hard to find.

*

Five Points/Serinus border

Agent Vrent arrives sooner than she expected.

The lateness of the hour aided in her ability to navigate to her destination without much interference. That is, in this case, a partially constructed residence tower among rows of abandoned warehouses waiting to be snapped up on the cheap. According to records, investors opposed to the ruthless application of the FURA pulled out and left the fate of the project in question. It is not an uncommon situation, as stories on the Holo continue to illustrate. It is not good business when potential tenants occupying a place in the capital city could be detained or worse at any moment. Ambaril is not what one would call a desirable place to live these days.

She sighs but a glow halfway up the building catches her attention. Unclipping her holster, she enters cautiously, passing the empty lift shaft to the open stairwell. Vrent is grateful she is in shape as she finally emerges on the thirtieth floor where she counted she saw the light. Only now, it is moving.

“Ollo?”

Only the wind whipping through the floor answers along with what almost sounds like the clicking of heels. It floats in the air and then disappears. Across the unfinished floor, in the distance, the glimmering radiance of The Menagerie. She shudders, keenly aware of how exposed she is up here. Something doesn’t feel quite right yet she is driven to expose the corruption within the Republic and so she pulls her blaster and follows the light. It seems to be several rooms ahead, obscured by the varying degrees of completed construction. After nearly a full circle, the light stops. Vrent steps into what would be the floor lobby to find a glowlamp sitting in front of the darkened lift shaft.

Retrieving it, she strains to hear anything.

The clicking sound returns – this time louder, distinct, closer - so she whirls around to see a stoic Quinn Cavanaugh casually appear in the lobby and close the distance between them with an uncomfortable speed. The strange incongruence of her materialization here, at this exact place, is why she does not raise her weapon.

It is her final mistake.

As Vrent opens her mouth to speak, Quinn lifts a toned leg from beneath the slit of her gown and kicks a heel into the center of her chest. The agent hits the back of the cool duracrete shaft hard, catching one last glimpse of the model's blank, beautiful face before she plummets silently into the blackness below.

At the bottom of the stairs, holding the glowlamp in front of her, Quinn pulls up the hem of her dress and steps between widening rivers of blood streaming from the open shaft and out into the night.

*

Cadranel Hills

It is way too late, or super early, but no one really cares at this point at any party.

Kezlan Roan has been remarkably good company for the evening. They dance among minor celebrities and make wagers on who they think will make it. He repels some of the more unsavory industry characters which allows her the space to breathe. In return, she helps him entertain relationship prospects, ranking them by career compatibility and potential to wind up needing legal counsel. He is impressed by the thoroughness of the assessment and makes a mental note to initiate a conversation with the top three. They are considering calling it a night when Quinn emerges from behind a table of leering promotion assistants.

“Quinn! Where have you been?”

“I don’t know,” she says distantly, glancing around at the waning scene. “This place is tired. We should totally bail.”

Roan is making eyes at the number two pick but Kinsa frowns sharply and lowers her voice.

“You don’t know?”

“It’s always such a blur, babes! Now, let's cruise."

Roan walks them to their transport, a Vectra-branded hoverlimo to ensure safe delivery. Quinn’s contract comes with so many perks.

“Thank you for a lovely evening, Kez.”

Roan smiles as she slides in beside her sister, “Anytime, Miss Cavanaugh.”

They ride in silence for a while, Kinsa tipsy and spun from the evening while Quinn crosses her legs and pouts out the window. Despite everything, she is glad she came. She needed a bit of fun tonight. Beams of light wash over them in rectangular bars which draws Kinsa’s eyes to something that causes her to tense suddenly. She has to look again to be sure but a thick knot of dread twists in her stomach. There is something on Quinn’s shoe.

A dash of wet crimson on a silver heel.








-TBC
76
Star Wars: The Crimson Covenant / Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
« Last post by Syren on February 25, 2024, 07:04:58 PM »
“When the curtains call the time
Will we both go home alive?
It wasn't hard to realize
Love's the death of peace of mind."

-Bad Omens

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The press conference only serves to deepen their resolve.

Leeds is poised to risk the entire Republic to achieve his fanatical metric of security. He does not present like a man with nothing to hide. If anything, it seems to be consuming him alive. The unhinged performance with a rather alarming definition of their democracy makes it very clear they are no longer living in one. And so, with Vrent agreeing to hold off on reporting their findings, the agents continue to dig. From these efforts emerges confirmation. The trail of credits, changing hands, weaving their way through this and that account, indicate it is more than a theory.

Ollo identifies payments moving between the hedge fund overseen by the Chandaar Prime subsidiary to Orestes on multiple occasions across the past five years. Vrent cross-references the dates to those of the bombings. Even without details from the Bolerathon Tower investigation, all three happen within a month of each incident. That aligns with the timeframe Sonagrass procured the box and it hit the Anasaii Antiquities inventory – a convergence.

The signatory authorizing these specific transfers? Gil Leeds.

So. The one person who would stand most to gain from such destruction filtered credits to an organization that produced the devices used in at least two of the bombings. Lives lost. The Jedi reviled and practically exterminated. Deep social unrest. Their head of state murdered. Teetering on the precipice of conflict with Corellia. Everything that has happened since Leeds transformed the Republic into a tyrannical hellscape barely clinging to the last vestiges of its power. A corrupted system that has failed the galaxy once again.

Vrent gasps and pulls the datacard, clutching it tightly as her eyes dart to Ollo’s.

“Yeah,” he mutters ominously. "We might not want to have that in anything official yet."

Neither is entirely surprised. Disappointed, perhaps, but more so for younger agent Vrent who still believed in the mission behind their agency. She is crushed by the implications but maintains a sense of duty.

“This is bigger than us. It is too important not to share.”

“I agree but it needs to find its way into the hands of someone we trust. RSB leadership is out; even after the death of Drakos there is no guarantee they are not compromised. They know we are chasing the credits so it will not be difficult to tell them we hit another dead end.”

“Right. Buy some time. The Concealed?”

Ollo frowns, “Turning this place into a vigilante state will only lead to greater harm. It needs to be less controversial.”

“That rules out the Empire,” Vrent chuffs.

“They would have an advantage in all this and therefore should never be trusted.”

“Copy that. What about Mon Cal? They could be the ones to talk Leeds down, not escalate the situation. If we are talking about noncontroversial options.”

“Could work but might be viewed as overtly partisan. I hear they are a grounding force in the Senate. A pragmatic balance. The Republic’s list of political enemies is diverse yet they have a reputation for integrity. Others may finally listen.”

Vrent tosses the datacard to Ollo, “One can hope. You hold onto that. Keep it safe until we can arrange a meeting with the Mon Cal delegation. The Senator is a good place to start.

“You alright?”

“No,” she says. “I was hoping he was…better than that. That we were better than that.”

“Damn shame. On all accounts. Let’s call it a night. I’ll reach out to some folks, and see what I can do.”

She offers a weary smile on the way out, “You’re one of the good ones, Ollo.”

“I’m glad someone thinks so.”

*

An hour later Vrent’s comlink bleeps from the nightstand.

She had only just drifted off to sleep and groans at the noise. It’s Ollo on the line, speaking quickly in his low, gravel tones. His contacts came through and arranged for a discreet meeting with someone from within the Mon Cal delegation - but they must meet tonight. He sends details and cuts out. Her frustration gives way to suspicion. Ollo has been in law enforcement a long time and he's got a long list of associates. She knows to trust his judgment and this feels rushed. It could mean Mon Cal is also looking for a way to stop Leeds from bringing the Republic down around them. For reference, Vrent does a spot check of the coordinates against the city map: Five Points. That close to the border of Serinus is a mixed bag, ripe for redevelopment, which means it's transitionary, naturally less dense. Still, this cannot be their burden to carry alone. They would need allies for this to be made public.

Sighing, she grabs her belt, boots, and blaster and heads for the door.

*

Real change comes with risks, some more calculated than others.

Ollo clicks off and pulls on his jacket when he spots the man in the corner of his apartment. A novice move, not checking a room – even his own – when there is this much on the line. His hand is at his weapon in an instant but the man calmly issues a command.

“Don’t.”

“What do you want?” Ollo barks, assessing the situation; the distance between him and the hallway, the blaster trained on him, knowing he’d never make it to the door. “Tell me your business here.”

The man shifts in the light and Ollo squints, “You look…familiar.”

“I guess I just have one of those faces,” Quentin Swire says as he steps out of the shadows. “But don’t worry, Agent Ollo, you will never see it again.”








-TBC
77
OOC Cantina / Sorry about the downtime
« Last post by SWSF Hoppus on February 19, 2024, 08:43:57 PM »
Fixed it, though!
78
Star Wars: The Crimson Covenant / Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Last post by Medivh on February 09, 2024, 11:41:30 AM »

Corellia

Surface: Coronet City

Inspector Thekla's frustration at his lack of access shows on his face as he again tries to access the file.
Project Sucellus: Classified

He wasn't actually expecting a different answer, but somehow he kept making the attempts.  It seemed only the Director himself could provide access, something he would be less inclined to do now that he had been placed on leave.

Thekla's thoughts are interrupted by a chime at his door, and he stands to open it.

There, standing before him, the spitting image of Corellian hero Valerie Gellar, with a face of hardened determination.
"Where's Riley?"
The voice was a asking a question, but the threat behind it was unmistakable.
"Who ... who are you?"Thekla takes a step back, his hand moving to the holster on his side, ready to pull it out.

"No - stop that - both of you"
From behind the Gellar look alike, none other then Artemis Soldys came forward.
"Inspector, we are not here to harm you or threaten you"
Even as Artemis directed his comments at Inspector Thekla, his gaze was turned to the woman, who glared back at him before her face softened.
Only then did Artemis turn to face the inspector.
"This is Mara Tacofer.  She is Riley Patten's aunt and guardian - or at least, she was before he became an adult.  Ms. Tacofer is assisting Corellia in its defensive maneuvers"
The Inspector looked from one to the other, a concerned look on his face.
"You mean ... against the Republic?"
"The Republic - for one.  But Corellia is facing many dangers, as is the galaxy as a whole.  Mara here, and Riley Patten, are both assisting in ensuring Corellia remains free."
"But ... what about the investigation?  the attack on the Director, on CorSec?  the explosion ..."
Artemis looked over at Mara, then back at Thekla.
"You've known of me for a while now, Thekla.  You know I have stood up for the Corellian Sector my entire life.  That is where my loyalties have always lied.  And that's where they stay.  Are you loyal to Corellia, Thekla?"

The question caught him off-guard.  Yes, he knew of the trouble in the Republic, but he never thought that Corellia and the Republic would be facing against each other, not withstanding what he had been hearing.

"Yes sir"
"Our operation has been keeping at arms-length from CorSec and the other civilian institutions. If everything goes bad for us, they could maintain plausible deniability.  I can tell you everything you want to know, Thekla.  Answer every one of your questions about what Riley is doing and why.  But if I do, you lose that plausible deniabilty.  You would be implicated.  Labeled, like me, a traitor to the Republic.  But on the other hand, it will explain why the Director needs to be returned to duty, and Riley Patten needs to be free - and free of surveillance.
So, Inspector, are you ready to be on the inside?"
Again, Thekla's gaze turned from Mara to Soldys, back and forth, before he finally nodded his head.

"Yes sir"

"Alrigh. then you had better sit down"
TBC
79
Star Wars: The Crimson Covenant / Re: CC: Corporate Greed
« Last post by Syren on January 23, 2024, 07:05:59 PM »
"You can ask yourself
Are we having fun?
You can ask yourself
If I am the one
But all that I know
Is money and love
Love and money
Money and love.
Love and money."

-ceo@business.net


Corporate Sector

Etti IV: Mondder

Garron Prescott idles by the landing platforms across from Gellar Tower.

His jaw is set tight beneath a pair of dark sunglasses and a cap that makes him look like an anxious tourist which is not entirely unexpected given his daring escape from this very building not all that long ago. Alka Dawning sighs, something she has become quite good at, eyes rising slowly up the impossibly textured exteriors of the skyline.

“This will never work. Coaching me from the sidelines is only going to piss everyone off, especially with Jedi in the mix.”

“Perhaps,” he says, trying to keep his tone south of shrill. “But what alternative do you see? I am compromised so I cannot do it myself. If everything you told me is true then it has already begun. Closing in on those The Four hold dear is the precursor to a final confrontation, one which will determine an outcome that seems to have been in play for longer than anyone realized. I often wonder how much Rutherford knew, if he was not stuck in a different loop, one strengthened by ambition and grief. He had his motives. I suppose we all do.”

“How comforting,” Alka groans, rolling her eyes. “Wait, if I am telling the truth? Wow, you really are something lately. We are not imagining these things, Garron, despite what they may have done to your head.”

“I do not think you are lying but allowing for the possibility it could be misinterpreted. It would not be the first time. You need to be careful.”

“Yeah, no kidding.”

Garron manages a weak smile, “I need you to be a source of reason for Dane while infiltrating the Direx board for their connections and security. There is greater visibility and insight with that access. You already have an in, you just need to capitalize on the opportunity. Can you do that?”

“Yes, but not sure it will be enough if he is intent on nose-diving into Gemma’s fatalistic assessment of the situation. Also, we lied to their faces. The Direx board would willingly sacrifice us if we were exposed. Blood for blood.”

His voice is trembling, “I will try to help with that. Hopefully, it will buy you time. Dane has considerable resources which is why I do not believe he will be directly targeted first. It would be easier to eliminate Masterton and Patten…”

“But?”

“But that is not to say they will not make him suffer along the way to bend him to their will. He is not short on enemies. None of you are.”

Alka throws a glance behind her as she steps out onto the platform, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The lift ride is spent in quiet reflection. Everything seems to be closing in but she pushes through with the same determination that makes her such a sensation on stage. She approaches Ximena’s desk slowly and watches the admin’s eyes widen at the sight of her. Alka only made a half-hearted attempt at pulling herself together after the attack and rescue.

“Uh, hey. Irunlan in?”

Ximena glances down at her screen, “She’s wrapping up a call but…”

“It’ll only take a moment.”

She nods, tapping away at her keypad. Ximena has a list of priority individuals Irulan can be interrupted for, something her boss was rather vague but stern about. She did not question the directive and looks to the shaken prima ballerina.

“You can go on in.”

Inside the cavernous office, light piercing the room in sharp angles, Irulan rises behind her desk.

“I must say this is a surprise, albeit a pleasant one. Dane and his companions think you have been abducted or worse. They are on D’ian freaking out as we speak but I will send for them. I am pleased to see you have not fallen victim to their worst fears.”

Alka approaches and falls gracefully into one of the plush chairs, “For the moment, at least.”

“Our people discreetly took care of your slain security so no worries there. Best not to involve the Espos if we do not have to. May I ask what happened?”

“I was attacked.”

“Anyone we know?”

“Unclear,” she says, sweater sliding down her shoulder to reveal the cut on her shoulder. “I escaped before I got a look at them.”

“Well done but it clearly warrants further investigation.” 

Irulan rounds the desk, removing the bandage Garron placed there to take a look at the wound. 

“This needs treatment.”

“So, you are a medic as well?”

“I can do many things. Help build then grow this company with Rutherford; teach Dane in these ways, and try to keep him safe so that he may run it if he so chooses. However, the success of any of our business ventures is not dependent on his survival – although it is preferable.”

Irulan retrieves a small medkit and meticulously sets the contents on the desk behind her. Alka allows her to work, wincing slightly at the antiseptic sting, “That is more consideration than we would likely get otherwise.”

“You are speaking of the troubles with your father and those scrambling at Dawning Enterprises in his absence.”

“I should not be talking to you about this.”

“We are not competitors, Alka.”

“More so investment opportunity or acquisition target. I know how this works.”

“Good, then you also know it is not personal. Would you rather D’Ken’s company be torn to pieces internally or continue to flourish with Gellar Enterprise capital?”

Alka watches her suture the wound carefully but quickly then apply a fresh bandage. She has endured worse through grueling practice sessions, pushing her body to the limits for a jump or turn that appears effortless to the audience. Dane had said as much about their position, as obvious and trite as it may be. Such is the way of things here and while she may be more jaded than she wishes to be having grown up in this world, it does not dampen the fight in her.

“You make it sound so harmless. Like it would not destroy his legacy in the process.”

“Is this a legacy you wish to inherit and continue?”

“I make my own way,” she says defiantly, a mixture of rage and sorrow glowing behind her dark eyes.

“Yes, you do. And you are lucky not to be tied to your father’s business materially. It gives you far more flexibility with your future outside the twisted webs the corporations weave. You are the principal dancer in the most prestigious company in or out of the Sector with more influence than you may realize. Considering I am a fan myself, I would not be betraying my duties by telling you that there is a silver lining here.”

“I know which is why we will accept the roles of Direx.”

Irulan steps back, “Interesting. I expected that of Dane but was not entirely sure you would.”

“We have an opportunity to do some good.”

“Is that all?”

“No,” she says, recalling Dane’s words.“These positions bring us power and power equals leverage. Also, I can keep an eye on him considering his more…troubling thoughts these days.”

Irulan replaces the kit in her desk drawer and then draws a finger across the back of her chair.

“You love him. That is a statement of fact, not a judgment. I loved once and was loved in return. What I would not give to feel that again but that is no longer my purpose. As I said, although preferred, his survival is not tied to a successful business outcome.”

“Ruthless.”

“Necessary, so consider this carefully: if he chooses this path and you follow him down it, will you die with him or for him?”

*

Beneath the tower, Dr. Maumbile has procured everything he needs. Cloning tanks, hibernation chambers, and an impressive array of tools to assist with any genetic tinkering. He has begun his work, the work that Rutherford Gellar first procured his services to assist with. Now, he would honor his benefactor and friend by ensuring that while the prophecy must be fulfilled, there would be a dormant contingency ready to counter whatever darkness may follow.

Maumbile holds up a vial, extracted from the blood of Dane’s last diagnostic sample, and smiles.

Rutherford would have his revenge.







-TBC
80
OOC Cantina / Re: Email notifications
« Last post by SWSF Eidolon on January 21, 2024, 08:18:46 PM »
hover cursor over links in following chain to pull the drop down menus up to select next step..


Profile > Account Settings > Modify Profile > Personal Messaging



Notifying By Email When get a Pm line, drop down menu..  select Always, Never or From Buddies Only.

it goes back to Never every time it is set to something else and you click Change Profile to presumably Save at bottom


dunno if that helps solve at all
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