AFTER scouring the safehouse of Inquisitor Marrik for gear and supplies, Sal departed with the Force-sensitive children. Litholan and Tony went along too, providing the transportation. The first stop was Revelen 3 where Sal met with the Black Spiders and convinced them to send someone with her to represent their TRIBE. From there, Sal visited each of the other planets of the Tribes of Tython and did the same. Afterward, she left the Force sensitive children with these representatives on Svobrum. From there Sal returned to Saleucami and introduced her contacts in the Rebel Alliance to Litholan and Tony. There, Sal received word that a MAJOR DEVELOPMENT was underway…
MEANWHILE, time had come for Agent Sluka to complete his "undercover assignment". He met with Agent Rison upon the Bulwark and there he received his new orders. Transfer to the Imperial II-class Star Destroyer Enforcer to serve as its ISB officer was the unclassified order in open channels. He would be accompanied to the Enforcer by Sergeant Conor. The CLASSIFIED ORDERS he was to undertake were given to him in an attaché case he was not to open until after assuming his new role on the Enforcer.
Thus begins CHOICES, EPISODE 9 of THE ADVENTURES OF AGENT MALGO SLUKA, ISB…
Mid Rim
Centares System
Landing bay of the Enforcer, Imperial II-class Star Destroyer
Two officers in Imperial gray green uniforms made their way along the corridor, passing other officers and enlisted personnel hurrying from one site to another. The taller of the two, a lean middle-aged human male with short black hair and whose uniform bars marked him not only as a Captain but also as the Commanding Officer of the Enforcer, carried an attaché case in his right hand. The marks of the officer walking beside him marked her also as a Captain as well as the starship's Executive Officer, the Enforcer's second in command. She too had short black hair but was not quite as tall as the Commanding Officer. The shape of her lean and athletic build could be determined despite wearing an Imperial uniform. But that aspect of her appearance was of little consequence. The truly remarkable quality of her appearance was her face because it betrayed her youth. She appeared no older than perhaps twenty-four standard years of age.
The pair stopped at the entrance to the landing bay.
"A zeta-class shuttle which is not listed on any flight plans is approaching," the Commander began. "And with it will come a passenger of highest importance," he continued. "An individual bearing a lightsaber. Do not question it." He waited for a response from the XO but her face remained blank. "There are many agencies within the Empire, Captain Tenneka," the Commander said. "Many whose existence themselves is a highly classified matter and this individual serves within one such agency." He paused a moment, allowing the gravity of the situation to fully sink into her. "Assistant Director Magnusson of Internal Affairs has directed my Command to ensure this passenger receives whatever assistance he deems necessary, for he carries with him the Authority of the Emperor." The Commander smiled at Captain Tenneka. "And I have given you the assignment to ensure the resources of the Enforcer are properly put at his disposal."
"You sound like you've dealt with this man before and that you do not wish to do so again, Commander Rivenner," Tenneka answered.
"You are correct," Rivenner answered. "However, this is an opportunity for you to excel. Assistant Director Magnusson has made it clear that she will put in a word of recommendation for my advancement for seeing this properly handled. And you are my most capable subordinate." Rivenner left unsaid the implications of those two final statements. "Deliver this to our…guest," he said and transferred his case into Tenneka's hands. "And remember, ask no questions regarding his missions or position. He could kill you, or order you killed, with no repercussions."
"Yes, Captain Rivenner," Tenneka answered.
The two separated, with Rivenner continuing down the corridor and Tenneka entering the landing bay. She made her way past several groups of technicians and maintenance crew members before finally came to a stop as a zeta-class shuttle landed in the open deck spot in front of her. A trio of technicians dragged a cable to the shuttle to lock it into place on the deck while another trio dragged a refueling cable to it.
The hatch ramp opened and a moment later a trio of individuals exited the shuttle led by Agent Sluka in his black ISB uniform. The Unnamed King's lightsaber was in plain view along with a blaster pistol on Agent Sluka's belt and he carried an attaché case in his hand. Behind him, Doctor Asimka and Sergeant Conor strolled down the ramp, the Sergeant in his Imperial greens and Doctor Asimka wearing a short white lab jacket over a blue blouse and short black skirt.
Malgo Sluka? Tenneka said in shock to herself. Focus, she told herself. This isn't your drinking buddy from the Academy. He may be dressed as an ISB Agent but remember Rivenner's words. He carries the Authority of the Emperor with him. She stood at attention, waiting for Agent Sluka to speak first.
Agent Sluka stepped off the ramp in front of Captain Tenneka and stopped, looking her up and down.
"Captain Aschele Tenneka," he said. "Executive Officer of the Enforcer." She remained at attention. "Wow, it is good to see you again. At ease," he added and Tenneka relaxed. "First in your class at the Academy. I knew you would climb fast." Agent Sluka offered a warm smile.
Tenneka smiled back. "This is for you," she said and handed to him the attaché case Rivenner had given to her.
"Thank you," Agent Sluka responded. He quickly looked glanced over his shoulder and then turned back to Tenneka. "This is Sergeant Conor and Doctor Asimka. I am delivering the orders transferring them to the Enforcer." Tenneka nodded. "When we get to Coruscant, you're going to have to take these two out. They think they can outdrink you."
"Has he been telling you stories about me?" Tenneka asked, looking at Conor and Asimka.
"No stories," Agent Sluka interjected. "They're all true." Doctor Asimka and Sergeant Conor.
"Do they know their way around an Imperial II?" Tenneka asked. Agent Sluka nodded in response. She glanced back to Asimka and Conor. "To the Duty Officer for check-in. Dismissed."
"Yes, Captain," Sergeant Conor quickly replied. He turned away with Doctor Asimka following him.
Tenneka turned back to Agent Sluka. "Follow me, I'll show you to the cabin in the Officers' Quarters which has been assigned to you." She turned and walked away with Agent Sluka walking right beside her. How much has he changed? Tenneka asked herself. Always know the people you are dealing with, whether they are your subordinates or your superiors, she added. "So," Tenneka began, followed by a pause. "Has the great Malgo Sluka finally found someone to settle down with yet?"
"No comment," Agent Sluka answered.
"No comment?" Tenneka laughed out loud. "I've witnessed that response given more times than I can count," she said. "And given it more than a few times myself. The way you answered 'no comment' tells me all that I need to know." She looked over at Agent Sluka without breaking stride and smiled.
"Is it that obvious?" Agent Sluka laughed.
"Yes, it is," Tenneka answered him. "When do I get to meet her?" She paused, but Agent Sluka gave no indication he was going to respond. "Wait until I tell her some stories I remember."
Agent Sluka shook his head. "Let me make one thing clear," he added. "I will come and go as I please. Say nothing of my movements on this vessel to your Commander."
Tenneka stared at him for a moment. "Will do, Agent Sluka," she replied. Well, Rivenner did tell me to ask no questions of what he would be doing.
They continued walking along the corridor in silence and then she pointed out Agent Sluka's quarters to him and turned away.
Careful, Tenneka said to herself. This man can have you killed. She paused then considered her situation. She formed an image in her head of a tall, lean, and shirtless ISB Academy student, Agent Sluka, in a fistfight with a shorter but also lean and shirtless male Naval Academy student while surrounded by cheering students with drinks in their hands. Then she pictured it on the bridge of the Enforcer. I graduated first in my class and became the youngest XO on a Star Destroyer, Tenneka said to herself. Malgo partied. She paused and rethought her conclusion. No, he did more than party, she told herself. He was always more than competent…and he just knew how people worked. People always ended up doing what the great Malgo Sluka wanted. She laughed to herself and took a deep breath.
Properly make the Enforcer's resources available to Malgo Sluka and I can be its next Commanding Officer.