Notes and Disclaimers: Sort of a sequel to The Foundation of All Desire, but focussing on my agents and the SWTOR spy world. 'Spy Vs. Spy' takes place in the unknown years before KotFE. All the usual disclaimers apply and as always my thanks to Star Wars and Bioware/EA for letting me play with their Barbies in their sandbox. Some spoilers for Imperial Agent stories. Hope you enjoy.
Spy Vs. Spy (Part One)
Cipher One strode past the twelve, or as he called them, 'the jury'. Silent, unmoving and identical they were created in their Master's image and served as his Grey Council.
The jury wasn't really a council—that would imply they had minds of their own and opinions to share. In truth, the greys were a shadow of what once was, and their only verdict was agreement.
One scowled. Mindless automatons.
Darth Jadus stood on the dais at the far end of the conference room aboard the dreadnaught Apocrypha.
"Lord Jadus you wished to see me…" His tone carried a hint of gravelly warmth, despite it's blasé timbre and his question was more of an observation.
"I have been patient these last months, agent. I trust the subject has acclimated and is primed for induction?"
"I believe so. You know I have a preference for what I call old school methods. Chemical solutions, while initially promising, were shown to be inadequate, as you'll remember in the case of Cipher Nine. My methods require time and precision, but in the long run, I've little doubt you'll be pleased with the result. I have a few minor details that require my attention, but final testing is set for tomorrow. Would you care to observe, Lord Jadus?"
"I leave it to you agent, but know this," Jadus wagged his index finger in warning, "If he fails the simulation again, I will have no choice but to terminate the subject, and the trust I place in your methods and ultimately in you, will be re-examined."
"Of course, my lord, but rest assured your trust has always been my primary motivation. I won't fail you."
"See that you don't. I am the embodiment of destiny, and you, as my chosen, are the extension of my will and that is not a gift to be taken lightly, agent. The time has come to effectuate my vision of a bold new Empire, second to none. Deliver my enemies to me. Succeed and your authority will only be exceeded by my own. Failure is not an option."
"He won't fail." One's lip crept up at the corner and his smile curved like a scythe.
One returned to his quarters and froze in the doorway. Candles covered every flat surface, their golden glow throwing undulating shadows on the walls.
The scent of Alderaanian nectar hung in the air and a bottle of fine Daruvvian champagne sat propped in an silver ice bucket. A round table for two, decorated with ivory roses and fine plates and cutlery graced the corner. Domed entrees awaited his appetite and fragrant rose petals blanketed the bed like snow. The myriad scents competed with each other as if someone was trying too hard to please.
He chuckled, "What's all this?"
"Don't tell me you've forgotten!" Raina emerged from behind the decorative screen in the corner, clad in expensive Corellian lingerie.
"Well, it's not my birthday…and it certainly isn't yours…I'll go out on a limb…could it be our anniversary?"
"You're such an awful tease. You knew all along."
One closed the distance between them and drew her into his arms. "Of course I did."
"I know you're busy…how was work today?" Raina gushed.
"You know my motto…no day without progress. But let's not talk about that…I have a gift for you…right pocket"
Raina dipped into his suitcoat and withdrew a keycard. She eyed it quizzically, "What's this?"
"Wrong pocket. Your other right." He slipped the card from between her fingers and tossed it aside on the nightstand, "Just my clearance, nothing to concern yourself with."
"All right…" She plucked a flat rectangular box from his pocket and beamed. "Can I open it?"
"I would hope so."
"You're awful!"
"So I'm told—almost daily," One deadpanned.
Raina waved him off playfully and tugged apart the white ribbon to open the gift. She gasped at the contents. "It's beautiful…put it on me?"
"Of course darling." He plucked the fine platenite chain from the satiny folds and slipped it about her throat, until the pendant dangled above the cleft between her breasts. She turned the blue-green krayt dragon pearl between her fingertips and smiled. "I'll always treasure it."
She spun about and locked her wrists at the nape of his neck to draw him close. He lingered at her cheek, breathing in the floral perfume she wore, the scent nearly luring him into a trance. He pressed his lips over hers to sample the sweetness he usually tasted there, and urged her backwards toward their bed.
"What about dinner and the champagne?" She murmured.
"It'll wait…you know I'm more of a dessert first sort…" He claimed her lips again, stripping out of his suitcoat and shirt without breaking the kiss.
Her fingers travelled over his pale toned chest and powerful arms. He loomed over her, easing her onto the field of rose petals she'd strewn about. He smelled of fresh cut cedar and Raina breathed in the scent until she thought she'd get high on it. The keycard glinted on the nightstand in the candlelight and she closed her eyes.
One trapped her beneath him and with urgent hands he flayed the lingerie from her body.
Balkar strolled into the Slippery Slopes Cantina with a pair of adoring blue-skinned Twi'lek showgirls clinging to him. They fluttered their false lashes and fawned over him with almost single-minded devotion.
He scanned the lounge, his attention finally fixing on a darkened corner, highlighted by a mop of golden hair he recognized.
Lana lifted her chin in subtle acknowledgement as he drifted toward the table. "I had hoped we'd have our privacy." She eyed the showgirls with icy disdain and stood.
Balkar chuckled, "And we will. Just one moment." He favoured each girl with a wanting look and kissed them in turn, his fingertips strumming against the exposed flesh above their hips. Subtly he pressed a fifty credit note in each girl's hand, and his gaze followed them longingly as they sashayed toward the bar.
"Was that really necessary?" Lana muttered.
"Maybe. You stood me up the last time. Bliss and Jewel were my back up plan in case you did it again." Balkar held her chair as she sat, and then slid in across from her.
Lana rolled her eyes.
He'd secretly hoped she'd dress up for their meeting, but as usual she wore the dignified deep olive toned business attire she seemed to prefer.
"Apologies, it couldn't be helped. Korriban was under attack. I meant to com you, but it was madness. Thousands died. Much of the academy was reduced to rubble."
"And what about Theron?" He blurted.
"I promise you, given the choice I would have preferred to meet you. Seeing Korriban levelled in a day, only months after we'd finally managed to restore it—"
Balkar held up his hands. "Okay, okay. Let's just get down to business. That seems to be what you want."
Lana's brow peaked. The glint in her eye suggested she wanted to argue his insinuation, but thought better of it. "It is. Now let's get on with it."
"A'right. First things first. Who was that guy?"
The server set a cup of caf before each of them and left promptly.
"I took the liberty of ordering…"
"Cantina caf? You're braver than I thought," Balkar muttered and took a sip.
"As I was about to say Agent Balkar, the man who abducted Theron is known to Imperial Intelligence as Cipher One…a counterpart to Cipher Nine. He was also known as The Hand of Jadus. I believe the SIS referred to them as Alpha and Omega. And Nine was also known as Legate while she worked under Arden Kothe."
"Legate was Cipher Nine? I'll be damned."
"Anyhow, up until that security capture you sent me, I'd believed One was dead."
Balkar narrowed his eyes, "Is it me or…wait a minute…you had something going on with that guy…didn't you?" He leaned over his cup of caf and grinned devilishly.
Lana averted her gaze and pursed her lips. "In the interest of full disclosure…yes, but that was a long time ago. I was fresh out of the academy, long before Darth Arkous hired me on as his advisor."
"Sounds like there's something still there…am I wrong?"
"Will you focus please?"
"You could say I have a sixth sense about these things," Balkar shrugged. "So why'd you think he was dead?"
"He was aboard the Dominator with Darth Jadus…One said he was a part of his grand vision…as was Cipher Nine.
"Then why wasn't she with them?"
"Jadus needed her to give validity to his disappearance. He knew she would search the ends of the galaxy to bring justice to the terror cell that caused his death."
"Was there something between them?"
Lana sat back and shook her head appalled. "Why is that always the first thing you think of?"
"It just sounded to me like he mattered to her."
"He did, as her better."
"You know I really hate it when you Sith say that."
"Fine. Apologies, I meant in a working capacity. He was her…superior…her employer, if you will."
"You still didn't answer my question."
"Do I believe there was something between Jadus and Nine?" Lana shook her head. "I don't know. I don't think so."
"Tell me more about Nine."
"She works with us from time to time…she's a ghost. Nearly impossible to track down…Darth Marr had the means…but regrettably we've lost him."
"Lost him…Darth Marr is dead? What about Liatrix? She's still alive, right? Right?" Balkar pressed.
Lana shook her head. "It's unlikely. She was with Darth Marr aboard the Erinyes. I sensed his passing. Near as we can determine, they rammed the Erinyes into an enemy craft. Their bodies haven't been recovered—we're investigating but we're not optimistic. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I know you and Theron cared about her deeply."
"Theron thinks she died on Dromund Kaas. What about Scourge? And Lia's children?"
"We found him adrift in his personal craft. His condition…well suffice it to say, it could be some time before we have any solid answers." She stared down into her cup, "As for the younglings, they remain in the care of Darth Marr's staff, until such time as Lord Scourge can resume his role as father and guardian."
Balkar looked away. He forced his attention to a dancer gyrating about a pole at the next table. He kept his gaze locked on the lithe Nautolan's moves until they became a blur. "Do you think Nine would be in on this?"
Lana shook her head. "I don't think so. Nine," she hesitated, "is in my opinion, a soft heart. Her methods are unusual for those in our field. I find it rather astonishing that she's still alive, or that she was accepted into Intelligence in the first place, but owning the galaxy's secrets…well, I suppose that serves as a potent insurance policy. She's not the sort to misuse them. That and her companions, while an eclectic band, are rather formidable in their own right and they are loyal to her alone."
"So...what happened to Jadus?"
"Nine outmanoeuvered him. She exposed his plan…millions were saved…but he's still out there. I have the dossier here…if you wish to acquaint yourself with the events that followed. Needless to say, it's against our security protocols, but if we are to work together, we must learn to trust one another." Lana reached into her case and slipped the disc across the table.
Balkar dropped it into his inside breast pocket. "We're no closer to finding Theron than we were before. I don't suppose you have anything in that file about One. We need more about him…like where to find him."
"I realize that." Lana cocked her head, noting that he hadn't made eye contact in at least ten minutes. "Are you all right?"
"What the hell do you think? Everyone I care about is dead or missing…probably dead," he snarled.
Lana shirked back into her chair and blinked. Her lips parted as if she were about to speak but nothing came out.
"Kark…" He hissed and ran his hand through his hair. "I'm sorry—you didn't deserve that." He shook his head, "I haven't been sleeping…it's making me short."
"Don't misunderstand, I'm not unsympathetic Agent Balkar," she began, "But I must admit I'm not the most adept at communicating emotion…it's difficult for me."
"That's the most human thing I've ever heard you say," Balkar murmured. "And please…call me Jonas. The last thing I want right now is to be formal…"
Lana smiled apologetically, "And formality is all I know…but given the circumstances, I will try."
Balkar sat hunched over his caf for a long time. "I appreciate that…" He drew a deep breath and met her eyes. "We need a plan."
"Agreed. With so little to go on, I think the only one who could help, is Nine."
"But how do we find her?"
"If I had the answer to that question, matters would be far less complex." Lana straightened and fell silent. Her gaze shifted between the entrance and exit, to the kitchen and restrooms. Men and women clad in dark garments flooded the lounge. "Jonas…we'd best be going now," she whispered.
"Aw hell…" His gaze shot towards the ramp leading to the second floor lifts. "This way…C'mon." He clasped her hand and drew her toward the crowded dance floor.
Raina watched her husband sleep. His breathing was deep and slow, and even in the dim light, she could see his eyelids quiver with REM sleep. She pushed herself to the edge of the mattress, deliberately, carefully, to avoid jostling the bed.
She winced as she rose, her inner thighs tight and achy. She felt where he'd been with every step she took. After she dressed, she swiped his clearance from the nightstand.
She held her breath when the door hissed open to the bright hall outside their quarters. When he didn't stir, she backed away from the entrance and started for the lab.
Thick dark glass separated the lab from the confinement cell. She peered through the glass and watched the test subject. She recognized the man as one of the SIS's best field agents. While she'd never met him personally during her brief stint on Yavin 4, she knew his reputation.
He sat in the center of the bright room. He held his head between his hands, with his elbows planted over his knees.
"Best not take any chances…" She took the only remaining pistol in the locker and stowed it under her belt.
She slipped the access card into the reader. The doorlock clicked and slid open just enough to allow her entry.
The agent lifted his head and blood shot eyes stared at her. "Don't come any closer. I mean it." His voice and hands shook.
"Agent, I'm not here to hurt you, I promise." She crept closer, and extended her hand. "My name is Raina. I want to help you."
"I know what you want." He shook his head incredulously. "Stay away." His gaze strayed from her face to the pistol tucked under her belt.
"It's all right, I won't hurt you. Your name is Theron, isn't it?"
His gaze shifted, and then he nodded slowly. Beads of sweat dotted his brow.
"Look, I was afraid you'd hurt me, that's why I brought this with me. But look, I'm going to put it down. You're safe." She drew the weapon from under her belt and set it on the table.
"No…I'm not safe. Neither are you. Go away, I'm begging you."
"Listen to my voice Theron. I'm here to help you, but I must tell you something first."
"What?"
"Whatever they've said, or done, you need to know that Nine is not the enemy. You mustn't hurt her. Do you understand?" Raina waved her hand before him.
"You lie."
"No Theron it's the truth. Let me help you."
"I don't want your help. Get away from me."
"You need help…I was sent to watch Darth Jadus, but this is wrong…keeping you here like this."
"You're a liar." He dove for the pistol and turned it on her. "Get out of here, while you still can."
"You won't hurt me. And you mustn't hurt Cipher Nine." She passed her hand between them again.
"That Jedi trick isn't going to work on me. You're one of hers…"
"No…I promise Theron, I'm her friend and I want to be yours too." She took a few steps closer and smiled.
"You have kind eyes…" His breathing quickened, "But it's all a trick. That's what this is…you're not even real. Not real."
"Give me the pistol Theron. You won't hurt me."
"I can't…" His hands shook. He turned the pistol on himself, notching the end of the barrel against his temple.
"Please, put it down. You don't want to do that."
"No…you're right. I don't." He lowered the pistol.
"That's good. It's the right thing to do." Raina took another step closer.
"No…but this is." He trained the pistol on her and pulled the trigger. The air between them shattered with a deafening zing and scarlet sparks.
Raina stood before him, her gaze dumbfounded. Blood trickled down her forehead between her eyes and over her nose. She collapsed and stared up at him, her eyes wide as if death hadn't registered yet.
Theron lowered the weapon and cocked his head. "You're still there…" He knelt beside her and dabbed at the dark puddle spreading under her head and shoulders. "You're still there…you were supposed to vanish," he muttered under his breath, still staring at the wetness staining his fingertips. He pointed the pistol at his head and pulled back the trigger several times in fast succession, but nothing happened. He hurled the pistol across the room.
The door to the lab slid open and One strode in. "You see? I told you, you'd know what to do when the time was right."
"She's still here…why?"
"Because this time…she was real."
Theron shook his head, "No…no, I didn't just kill her."
"Oh yes…how else do you explain the blood?"
"Who was she?"
"No one important. Just my wife."
Theron stared at the pretty young woman at his feet.
One slapped Theron's shoulder, "Don't fret my friend. She was a problem. And that's what we do, we solve problems. Come—join me for tea…Corellian breakfast…your favorite." He urged Theron out of the confinement unit and led him to the office adjacent to the lab. "Tea always makes you feel better."
"Didn't you love her?" Theron murmured.
"Hard to love someone whose been playing you from the off. Oh look…biscuits," One pushed the plate toward Theron. "Go on…take one, and lets discuss the future." One tipped the aurodium trimmed tea pot and filled a cup for each of them. "I prefer mine clear…you?"
Theron eyed the biscuit warily and then took it, as if expecting it to bite.
"You're one of us now. Revel in it. That was inoculation."
"I don't understand…why?"
"Simple. Because of you, I lost someone very dear to me."
Theron stared at the blood tainted biscuit in his hand.
"You really don't understand do you?" One brought the tea cup to his lips with tapered long fingered hands. He blew at the steam and watched Theron through his opaque rectangular cybernetic spectacles.
Theron shook his head, but as he did he caught a glimpse of One's pale ice blue eyes from behind the specs.
"Two years ago you cornered a woman…your government took her into custody. Your people questioned her…but she was in no condition to answer. It seems they were too stupid to realize she was damaged—they chalked it up to Imperial conditioning. She was no threat to you or the SIS. Come to think of it, she was no threat to anyone. She was brilliant once…until my associates systematically destroyed her mind. It's an injustice that simply can't be allowed to stand unanswered…so this is your due reward. Understand now?"
Theron nodded.
"Good. Now drink your tea. Few things are more foul than cold tea."
((To be continued…))
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