(In his office, with Lana and Theron)
L - Shae is on the hunt again then?
(He sounds displeased)
O - Yes…
T - The fight was unfair though. That has to count for something.
O - For some, but not all. Mandalorians follow power like a dog follows a piece of meat.
L - We still have some of them guarding our transports. It's not a total disaster.
O - It is on its way to that, let's not kid ourselves.
L - We have imperial guards also now. It won't cause any concern for our operations.
(Occlus is silent, pondering)
T - What's on your mind?
O - Shae tires me. She made too many mistakes on Ruhnuk. She made Sa'har leave with the holocron. I had her right there!
L - That is unfortunate. Getting Sa'har and the holocron would shed considerable light to the mystery surrounding Malgus.
O - Not only that, she also let me get captured. She was in a position to free me from the sonic disruptors, and she chose to "defend" her honour.
(He paces the room, visibly irritated)
O - And she led herself into a trap. She committed to the fight blindly!
T - Yeah, ok. But, she is determined to end Heta. If she does, I assume we will continue operations as before.
O - You assume that, do you? Why?
T - Why not? She gains a great deal from working with you. If not, she wouldn't have your help.
O - And maybe she shouldn't anymore.
T - What do you mean?
O - We don't need Shae's mandos. We have enough protection now, as part of the Empire. And hopefully soon, we will have more than enough.
T - Back to "being Emperor" talk?
O - Of course. That's what I care about. That's the ultimate goal.
T - Right…
O - Look, I want Shae to succeed, but it can't be to the sacrifice of everything else. She needs to realise that there are more things at stake than her honour.
T - You have a point. Let's see where this goes. Maybe, if I ever see her, I can have a word with her.
O - You might see her, if she ever stops being a bounty hunter and starts acting like Mandalore again.
(Theron nods in agreement. After some moments of silence in the room he turns to address Theron)
O - Theron, could you give us a moment please?
(Theron isn't pleased)
T - That means the briefing is over?
O - There is nothing more to cover.
T - Fine. We'll talk later.
(Occlus nods, Theron leaves)
(Lana approaches him, she in a romantic mood, he isn't)
O - I sent him away for a reason.
L - Oh?
O - I saw Bask using his emitter on Shae.
L - I know.
O - No, I mean, I was in the room with him.
L - Oh!
O - Shae is a burden Lana. I saw an opportunity and I took it. It didn't work out, sadly.
L - You wanted Shae to lose the fight to Heta?
O - I didn't care for the outcome. Bask promised Dar'manda support, and it had the added benefit of riding myself of Shae.
L - So, you would substitute Shae's troops with Dar'manda.
O - They are more reliable. If cash flows they are loyal. Easy.
L - And with the added support from imperial troops, you would be secure.
O - Exactly.
L - I see. A pity then. Hmm…
(She seems puzzled)
O - What?
L - I didn't expect you to be so cold towards Shae. You don't betray or abandon your friends.
O - As long as they are my friends. Shae obviously sees me only as an asset. I'm not her asset, she is mine. She is too full of herself to see this.
(After a moment she says)
L - Theron won't like this.
O - I know. He doesn't need to know, not yet at least. If the situation between me and Shae changes, I am sure I can make him see things my way.
L - I am sure you can.
(He smiles, then he becomes all serious again)
O - Bask got away, I think, from all the fighting. If he contacts us, make sure to remind him of our arrangement. And, put some fear into him.
(She smiles broadly)
L - I rarely get to menace simpletons anymore.
(While smiling he nods in agreement)
O - If he doesn't make contact, hunt him and make sure he knows I'm not happy with him.
L - Will do, my Lord.