A New Crew Member

"Speech"

"Radio or calls"

'Thoughts'

Meeting Room of the Vagabond

The group was gathered together, after getting a night of rest. Or for Feldt and Setsuna, a few hours of making out and cuddling. Christina's eyes looked over the pair, whose hands were linked. She smiled, and gave Setsuna a teasing smile, which he blushed and looked away at. A smiled was glued to Feldt's face, a low hum leaving her as she couldn't help but just feel giddy at the previous night.

Tieria just sat, annoyed at Lyle being late, seeing as he called the meeting, but he just tapped his foot. He had something he wanted to tell their leader, but that would have to wait until after the meeting, though it would be a lie to say he wasn't interested in whatever information Anew had.

Allelujah had shoved his thoughts about Marie into the back of his mind. It would only hurt to keep obsessing over it, and his team needed him at their best. And he turned his head as the door opened, Anew and Lyle stepping through, both of them a bit out of breath. And what was noticed by everyone was the marks on both of their necks.

The Jedi didn't really care one way or the other, and Tieria just groaned seeing the Corellian clearly having done something with the imperial defector. He would have complained it was unprofessional and that she couldn't be trusted completely, but he had enough faith Lyle could be professional enough about it that it wouldn't be a problem.

Christina meanwhile just grinned as she wolf whistled, which caused Anew to blush and Lyle to roll his eyes, "Christina, was that really necessary?" 'I knew Setsuna and Christina would notice, but that?'

Christina just smiled, "It's not every day that you see you actually getting laid. And with an imperial defector." She winked at the pair, Anew blushing brighter. Setsuna just sighed and Feldt laughed quietly, squeezing Setsuna's hand. He smiled warmly back at her, squeezing back.

Lyle laughed, "Alright, alright. Anew's head is going to explode at this rate." He didn't expect her to be this embarrassed about it after how confident she appeared last night. Anew glared at him, which he just gave her a boyish smile in response. She let out an annoyed sigh, and was about to say something when Tieria cut in.

"Can we please get on with this? I didn't come here to see you two flirt. And you two are late at that." His arms were crossed over his chest as he leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping against his upper arm.

The Corellian nodded and the pair made their way to the head of the table, bringing up the holographic projector, which showed the subsector. Lyle cleared his throat, "Anew and I talked-" There was a stifled chuckle from Christina, which he ignore as he continued, "Anew and I talked a bit before this, and she has something she wants to tell us."

Anew nodded and spoke in a clear tone, "When I told you guys that I was imperial intelligence, that wasn't exactly true. I'm not part of the normal military or civilian intelligence. I worked for the Inquisition, under Inquisitor Ribbons Almark. I apologize for lying, but I didn't want to say that in a bar filled with people who might be fleeing the empire."

Allelujah was stunned to hear the name again, resisting falling back into his memories as he looked at the lavender-haired woman. Tieria scowled, hatred and regret rising in him. Feldt bit her lip and leaned on Setsuna, who wrapped an arm around her.

Anew felt her nerves fray a bit, but Lyle just nodded in support of her. She took a deep breath and continued, "I know the Inquisition has hurt many people. And that's why I left. I couldn't stand how he tortured people, abused his power to get what he wants. And when I learned about Ribbons's secret operation going on, I had to tell someone. I had expected to find the rebels easily on the station, but we saw what happened with that."

She changed to display a jungle planet, zooming in on it from the larger subsector map, "This is the planet of Khor Hazat. Ribbons had been obsessively researching something called the Infinite Empire, which had led him to this planet. He managed to find an ancient Sith ruin on the surface, and created a small expedition to begin excavating it for the last couple months."

Setsuna spoke up, "What is this Infinite Empire? And why would he assume that this Sith ruin was connected to it?"

Anew shrugged her shoulders, "Unfortunately, I have no idea in either case. The only thing I picked up was the Infinite Empire was something that predated the Republic, and seeing its symbol."

Allelujah hopped into the conversation, "Maybe the ruin he's looking for is below the one that's there?" He had visited an ancient ruin in his time before becoming an apprentice, where the order had discovered some Jedi holocrons in a layer below the surface ruin. It had been an exciting day, and some of his more academically minded classmates wouldn't stop gushing about it.

Anew just took a breath, "Maybe, but with Ribbons, I have no idea what he has planned for this. If they find some ancient artifact or weapon, it could be an issue for the rebels."

Feldt looked at the holographic display, hand on her chin, "Not to say this isn't important, but what active risk does this have for the rebellion? Surely after a few months they would have found something?"

Anew was about to say something, when Tieria interrupted her, "Whatever he's planning could be bad, so we need to check it out." The group looked at him with shock, Lyle the first one to respond.

"Don't we need to bring her back to headquarters?" Lyle was unnerved at how determined he looked, a fire lit up in Tieria's eyes. On top of being unusually reticent to follow protocol.

Anew quickly picked up on it and worry filled her voice, "I wouldn't normally be opposed to going back to your superiors, but Ribbons had mentioned they were close to some sort of breakthrough a week ago. We need to get there as soon as possible."

Christina spoke up, "While we are given…freedom to act…we also do need to report back. We were supposed to get you and return you to headquarters."

Anew took a deep breath, a frown coming to her face. She didn't know how to convey how dangerous Ribbons was, how power hungry he had shown himself to be. Lyle could see something bubbling under the surface and put a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it. She let out a sigh and smiled at him, before looking at the rest of the group, her voice rough, "I know I'm a defector and you probably have some doubts. But don't doubt these words. Ribbons is a monster and if he finds whatever he is looking for, all of us will become his targets. Citizen or soldier alike." She gestured to the room, but her implications were clear.

Allelujah, fighting back against the anger radiating from Hallelujah at the mention of their torturer, looked and could sense the raw emotion radiating off of her. His heartstrings stirred, and he pursed his lips, wanting to believe her. Feldt could also sense her strong emotions radiating off of her, and her force powers detected no lies. Though there was something odd about her. It had been hidden before, but she swore she saw a thread connect to her from the outside, though it was gone by the time that she detected it.

Tieria just gave the group a look, before looking at Lyle, "Weren't you the one that told me that we don't always strictly follow orders? That we have to do what we have to with the resources we have?" His voice was even, acting cool and collected.

Lyle wanted to laugh at Tieria trying to get him to break protocol. It was still so strange and he had to admit that sticking it to the Inquisition was so tempting, especially after his brother went off and disappeared after he went after said organization. He knew what his actually job was, but maybe now was a time to at on impulse.

Lyle cleared his throat and looked at the team, "We will go investigate this ruin and see if we can learn about what they are doing. After that we will report what we found and bring Anew back to Sumeragi to get briefed and questioned. Is that understood?"

Anew looked gratefully at Lyle, "You won't regret this."

The team nodded, and Setsuna just spoke in a low, casual tone, "You know Sumeragi will chew you out for that."

Lyle just grinned, "Oh absolutely. But it's my decision, so I'll take the blame."

Tieria bristled at that, "Oh no. I am going to take credit as well. I said we should do it first, so it's my responsibility to take any reprimands." The Corellian smiled endearingly, Christina chuckling as Setsuna rolled his eyes. Feldt just looked at the sight curiously as Allelujah couldn't help but smile at the team really feeling like a team.

Christina looks at Anew, "So what are we expecting there? I assume you have some information."

Anew nodded, "I haven't been there personally, but security should be relatively light. It was kept secret from the rest of the Empire, no doubt due to Ribbons wanting to keep it all the credit from his fellow inquisitors. There will also be slaves and civilian workers."

Setsuna pursed his lips, "So that means that a head-on assault or something like that is out of the picture. How easy would it be to infiltrate it?"

Feldt perked up at that question, "Do they have any security fences or other physical ways to block us getting in?"

Anew smiled, "Good question. I suspect they have a way to lock down the ruin if attacked, and most likely some sort of electric fencing. And guard towers. Probably not too much, but enough we would have to be careful."

Allelujah spoke next, "So I assume you have some sort of plan then?"

Anew half-smiled, "Yes. Does your ship have any stormtrooper armor and imperial blasters?"

Christina perked up, "Yes. I decided to pick up some just in case it might be useful. We even have some fake IDs that should be able pass muster if caught."

The lavender-haired woman nodded, satisfied, "Well that's good. Because I haven't seen my name on the wanted list, so I will be able to go to the sight as Ribbons follower. And I can you guys dress as stormtroopers, acting as my bodyguards. That wouldn't be abnormal for people like me."

Lyle tilted his head, "And what about our ship? Wouldn't it be identified? And how would you explain that you showed up in it?"

Anew looked up to the bridge, before looking back at the rebel leader, "You have a backup transponder signal, right? So I can say I paid for the ship, you being my pilot. Sometimes the inquisition wants to…be a bit more stealthy and that means not having imperial markings."

Lyle grumbled, "You better not cost me my ship."

Anew smirked, "I'll try my best, flyboy." She looked back at the team, "We will probably need one of us to scout ahead, to get some information. Setsuna, I assume you can maintain a disguise?" Setsuna nodded, and she continued, "We can sneak past whatever security is in orbit, and drop you off. After a day, we show up and myself, along with the men, go into the camp. Setsuna can then join us on the inside of the ruin. How does that sound?"

Her tone became more confident, and she turned off the projector, looking at Lyle, "That's all I have."

Lyle nodded, "Well, unless anyone has any other questions, you are all dismissed. We have a few days before we get there, so get some rest and prepare." The team nodded and shuffled out of the room, the last two remaining being Lyle and Anew.

Lyle laughed as he gave her a heated look, "You know you are hot when you are confident, right?"

Anew just rolled her eyes, "Keep it in your pants, flyboy."

Hanger of the Omen

The shuttle landed with a thud and a hiss, Marie standing next to Ribbons and a few of his guard. The ramp slowly descended as group began to move, the Echani happy to be back onboard the Omen. The stay on Ribbons ship had been full of paranoia and worry, and once she could make it back to her quarters, she could be away from the man.

And as the group of imperials reached the bottom of the ramp, they took in the sight of Sergei, along with a handful of bridge officers, saluting. Sergei's eyes moved to Marie, and she gave him a nod and a half-smile. He returned it and the Inquisitor spoke in a deceptively soft and cool tone, "Greetings Admiral. At ease."

The men relaxed as they stopped saluting, and Sergei offered a hand to Ribbons as he stepped up, "I thank you for rescuing Lieutenant Peries for me."

Ribbons gave him a smile, "And you saved some of my people yourself, so I think we are even. And think nothing of it. I would save any imperial who was in peril near my location."

Sergei looked at him curiously, "Pardon my words, but you seem remarkably…friendly for an Inquisitor."

Ribbons just laughed, "I get that occasionally. It sometimes pays to play nice with others." Ribbons held his hands behind his back, looking Sergei in the eye as the pair of men judged each other. Marie looked at both men, moving past them and joining the rest of the officers. 'Please be careful. I can't lose you to him too.'

Both men broke their staring contest as Sergei hummed under his breath, "I'll give you a tour of the ship. Do you need any quarters?"

Ribbons shook his head, "No need. I only plan to be here for a few hours and brief you on my situation in this subsector. I have operations I need to get done today after that. And please don't worry yourself giving me a tour. I'm sure your time is more important than that. Besides, I'm sure you wish to talk to the Lieutenant."

Marie hid a scowl as he mentioned his operations, wondering how many of them involved torturing innocent people. Sergei merely nodded and gestured for the captain to give him a tour, before dismissing the rest of the men. Everyone went back to their task as he placed a hand on her shoulder, "Are you ok?"

Marie nodded at him, "Yes. Ribbons's doctors were good enough to heal me."

Sergei began to walk, her falling in beside him as they headed to her quarters, "Anything you wish to report?"

"Ali al-Saachez is seemingly dead. I didn't see a body, but his main ship was destroyed."

Sergei's eyebrows raised at that, "How do you know?" The pirate had been a few steps ahead of him for the past couple months in the sector, becoming the only major pirate lord that had really frustrated his efforts at hunting down pirates.

Marie tried to keep her nerves calm as she spoke, Allelujah's face popping up, "He managed to capture me after I caught onto his trail. I only managed to get free after some mercenaries attacked him." She hoped her lie would hold, as she owed it to the rebels after they saved her and Allelujah.

Sergei, having raised her since she was a teen, could tell she was hiding something, but he trusted her judgment. He gave her a genuine smile, "I'm happy you are safe, but is there anything we need to talk about in private?"

Marie nodded, "Yes. A few things." Sergei nodded and the rest of the walk was silent as they reached her room, both of them entering as Marie sat down on her bed, gesturing for Sergei to join her. He obliged and let out a breath.

"You don't like Ribbons much, do you?" Marie shook her head and he continued, "At least you were able to hide your abilities from him. What is it you wanted to tell me?"

Marie took a deep breath, "Ali wasn't the only thing I ran into after I was captured. I also met an old…friend." Sergei looked at her, concerned, gesturing her to continue. She nodded and looked down at the ground, "He was one of my fellow Jedi. He had managed to avoid getting killed. He even stepped in to try to save me, though all that managed to do was get us both captured." Her face was red as her feelings came to the front.

Sergei couldn't help but see the shine in her eyes and red face as she looked down. He chuckled, "It seems that he was more than a friend." Marie blushed deeper, and Sergei couldn't help but find it cute how embarrassed she was. It was just like when she first showed up after Order 66, having to learn many life skills.

Marie wanted to lie, feeling so embarrassed at blushing like a teenager in love, but she couldn't help it. Her and Allelujah's bond went deep, and the reawakening of their bond had changed something in her. The Echani just smiled unconsciously, "Yeah, he is. I missed him a lot." She then frowned, "I feel so conflicted about hunting people like him. I should tell the Inquisition about him, but I don't want to."

Sergei pulled her into a hug, and she pressed her face against his chest, his deep voice echoing through it, "It alright. The Jedi didn't deserve what happened to them. But as long as they don't know you know, we won't have to find him." Marie bit her lip. 'He's a rebel. We have to.' But she kept that off of her tongue.

Sergei held her in the hug for a few more seconds before breaking it, "Listen, I will message you when Ribbons and I are meeting. Get cleaned up and put on your proper uniform."

Marie smiled and nodded, "Thank you." Warmth filled her eyes as she looked at him, "I love you. I just wanted to let you know."

Sergei laughed as he pulled her in for another hug, "I love you too." He broke the hug and stood up, "No matter what Ribbons would ever do to you if you get caught, I will protect you." He walked out of the room, leaving her speechless.

She looked at her hands, worry filling her. She wasn't worried about being revealed, but Ribbons would show her no mercy if he caught her, if Allelujah's story was accurate. 'I have no reason to doubt him. The Jedi either don't exist or are enemies of the state. They would get no mercy.' She looked at her comm unit, grabbing it as she put in Allelujah's comm number he gave her. It was a risk, but she didn't want to forget it.

Author Note

Act 3 begins and we get right into the setup! It should be fun to see how the crew really reacts to the new member of the ship, and Marie now has conflict. Who knows what will happen next?