Hela's Apartment

They both sat in the bed, a tray beside them, full of savoury snacks they ordered in.

"Are you staying tonight?" She asked Orson before taking a mouthful of the spicy wrap.

"Not tonight. Early meeting."

"Again?" She asked more out of politeness and the requirement to manage her diary, more than any need, although he was very attentive when he was here. She knew he had a special role and could be called away at any time; she soon found his work was his priority and his first love. She was a distraction, a way to relieve the stress. She accepted that, he was the same for her for different reasons.

"Most of my work is meetings but I may have to go off world soon. So I will be away for a while."

"Oh!" She tried to sound disappointed but she had things to do and he was distracting, turning up when he wanted.

He wiped his mouth on a napkin. "I'm sure you'll be able to find plenty to keep you busy."

Plenty to keep her busy, she had a kriffing career! Besides she had a project she was planning and it didn't involve Krennic.

She took a breath but she had a problem. Ben was injured in the explosions and now he was off-world, uncontactable with Bail Organa of all people. He persisted in saying he didn't trust politicians. She would have to contact Cody direct and she was not sure how amenable he would be to what she proposed.

The shower in the fresher started; she hadn't noticed Orson get out of bed, she was so tied up in her thoughts, on what she wanted to do. Two more weeks to the end of this season and she was free for a short time. She could do it then, if she could get the logistics sorted in time.

The kiss on her cheek disturbed her.

"Get some sleep!" ordered Krennic, then let himself out.

A few minutes later he was on the concourse and his ride pulled up; he had ordered it earlier, not leaving anything to chance. He sat in the back not bothering to speak to the human driver, it didn't even register with him that this was unusual.

"Where to sir?"

Krennic sent the destination on his datapad.

"Certainly sir."

"No detours." Ordered Krennic. He had a lot of work to do in time for his meeting.

.

Mas Amedda's Office

Certain Amedda was interested in his suggestion, Krennic studied him; Supreme Chancellor Palpatine had originally presented the schematic to the Strategic Advisory Cell at its second briefing. A Separatist design, Poggle the Lesser maintained Count Dooku provided the basic plans, and the Geonosians refined them.

"You should have spoken up at the briefing." Amedda castigated him.

Krennic ignored it.

"Perhaps, but I felt this is better discussed in private."

Amedda's dangling lethorns trembled slightly.

"Many of the finest minds in the Republic are working on the battle station's principal weapon—all except one." Krennic continued.

The tremor in Amedda's fleshy growths intensified.

"Galen Erso." He added.

"Should I know of him?" Amedda asked.

Krennic shrugged.

"My sphere is politics, not science and technology."

Krennic knew exactly what Amedda's sphere was, it was overseeing the Republic slush fund and placating Palpatine.

"Galen Erso is one of the Core's renowned polymaths. A theoretician, mathematician, engineer and experimental physicist. He is the preeminent authority on crystals and their use in supplying power." Krennic explained.

"Crystals?"

"He's been experimenting with many types but more recently kyber."

Amedda's expression remained blank.

"I understand kybers are rare."

"They are but if the Jedi Order was persuaded to share information, things could be different." Krennic continued, watching him closely.

"These kyber crystals are important to the Jedi?" Amedda asked.

"They power their lightsabers."

Recognition flickered on Amedda's face.

"That must frustrate him."

"It does and he has attempted to synthesise them."

"A bold move. I have heard the kyber described as a living crystal."

"I've heard the same." Krennic agreed.

"But what makes you think Erso's research would have any bearing on a battle station weapon?"

"I confess I'm not acquainted with the current state of his research. But Special Weapons evaluated his earlier work, and it indicates that Erso's theories could be a new direction in energy enrichment. We're studying ways to adapt the research."

"To weaponize it, you mean."

"Yes. But we need a complete understanding of his work and access to his research on synthesis."

Amedda paused.

"How do you know Erso?"

"We became friends on Brentaal, in the Futures Program."

"You were in the gifted program?" Amedda asked with scepticism.

Krennic let the slight slide; Amedda knew exactly what he had done.

"Yes, before moving to the design regiment of the Corps of Engineers."

"Ah, yes," Amedda said.

"If memory serves, your team is responsible for many of Coruscant's military headquarters." He paused, "Do you think it likely the Separatists are working on a battle station?"

"Dooku left many clues. He has acquired massive amounts of certain rare resources, hacked Republic data to acquire scientific data that has since been redacted and quarantined including Galen Erso's published research."

"Why wasn't Erso approached to join the cell from the beginning?" Asked Amedda.

"He was under contract to work for Zerpen Industries."

"Neutralists—profiting from both sides." Amedda glowered. "Then we simply need to get Erso to break his contract."

"Unfortunately, Dr. Erso is in a prison on Vallt." Krennic advised.

"Why is he on Vallt? They have gone over to the Separatists."

"Yes. But it was a Republic member world when Dr. Erso agreed to work at Zerpen's onworld facility. A deal was cut with Vallt's previous leadership that allowed for mining and construction in return for a generous aid package."

"A poor choice. Why was he arrested?"

"Trumped-up charges of espionage. Perhaps to compel him to change allegiances."

"Vallt was on the edge for a decade. Their representatives were always a disaffected group, complaining about being ignored by the Republic. And now the military has staged a coup and allied itself with the Separatists." Explained Amedda.

He regarded Krennic. "How did Zerpen react to Erso's arrest?"

"Republic Intelligence has been monitoring the situation. Several weeks ago, a transmission was intercepted, alerting them to the seizure of the facility and the arrest of Dr. Erso."

"And the response?"

"Zerpen planned to take action, but we've asked them to stand down."

"We?" Asked Amedda.

Krennic smiled, "I took it upon myself, Vice Chancellor."

Amedda leaned forward, lowering his horns menacingly.

"Why, Lieutenant Commander?"

Krennic took the posture in his stride.

"I believe a rescue by us would help to persuade Dr. Erso to share his research with the Special Weapons Group."

Amedda leaned back.

"Ah! But why does he need to be persuaded? You said he was in the Republic Futures Program. He should be willing to cooperate."

"Except that he's a pacifist. A conscientious objector."

Amedda huffed in disdain. "If that's true, then we needn't worry about him serving the Separatists. Let him rot in prison."

Krennic needed to pull the Vice Chancellor back to his way of thinking.

"Under normal circumstances I would agree. However, Dr. Erso's wife was pregnant when they left, and she should be close to delivering the baby by now, unless something has happened."

Amedda took a moment. "Are you suggesting that those in charge on Vallt might use Erso's wife and child to persuade him?"

"We are at war, Vice Chancellor. Anything's possible. And if the Separatists are indeed working on a battle station …"

Amedda nodded, understanding, "I see what you mean. But I'm inclined to let this lie—or perhaps allow Zerpen to take the lead."

"I would agree with you. But I've an idea for having it both ways."

Amedda regarded Krennic intensely.

"Somehow I expected you might. But I don't want to know the details, Lieutenant Commander. And for your own sake distance yourself to ensure full deniability, should things go wrong."

"Of course."

"If Erso's research gets us closer to a weapon for the battle station, then you will have my gratitude, that of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and of course, the Republic."

"We all play our part, Vice Chancellor."

.

The Negotiator

Cody sank into his chair, such as it was. He was tired, not physically but mentally. The flimsi work and admin took up more and more of his time. The General had been in the Halls of Healing for several weeks after being severely injured in the recent terrorist explosions; he'd heard through the grapevine that SOB was onto that. The last thing they needed was another battlefront on their own doorstep, there were already enough fronts to fight; despite more brothers coming from Kamino, they were stretched thin.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and looked at the latest message from his General, apologising for not being available but he was on urgent Jedi business and would be away for the foreseeable future. There was no return date.

Which meant don't ask too many questions. Cody knew how to follow orders, even though they weren't explicit.

Rex and the 501st were with Skywalker searching for Grievous; he was a menace. There was no negotiating with him. Cody felt a surge of anger after what happened to the 104th; he could do with burning that anger off but he'd have to find someone to spar with, the flimzi work didn't cut it.

I hope Skywalker isn't too reckless this time, that usually costs clones lives, despite what Rex says. There was no Kenobi to pull him back and Cody knew from experience Rex could be just as bad and the new Padawan didn't help.

He looked at the latest message pinging through on his datapad— another request from GAR HQ.

His door entry pinged.

"Enter!" He answered quickly, taking the chance to avoid his datapad.

Mayday walked in.

"Commander! Good to see you. How's Alpha?"

"Good. I think. It's difficult to say."

"He's okay then."

Another ping on his datapad, Cody looked down feeling uncomfortable with the preview he saw.

"Sir?" Mayday could see something was troubling the Marshall Commander just from his posture and confirmed by the look on his face.

"We've just had a request from High Command. They need two ARC trained troopers to accompany a natborn on 'special assignment'. Sorry it's so quick.

Cody had hoped to have a little more time to catch up with one of his newest Commanders.

"ARC trained? What about SOB? Commandos?"

Cody pursed just lips. Mayday knew that meant he was extremely unhappy with what he was being told but couldn't do anything about it. It happened more often and usually when something came from High Command and not the Jedis.

"Not in their jurisdiction, apparently."

Mayday's eyebrows rose despite himself.

"The Nulls won't like that." He warned.

He'd met Prudii and Mereel, and appreciated their skills.

"I think they've got enough on their plate at the moment with the explosions."

His datapad pinged again, "What's this?" He noticed a transfer request drop into his inbox via Mayday's ID.

Mayday kept a straight face, as Cody read it.

"It just needs signing off. He's a good man." Mayday informed him.

Cody's eyes scanned quickly down the page and opened his record. It was good, nearly impressive but he wasn't in the 212th. "ARC trained eh?"

Mayday held his breath; he didn't want to be accused of poaching but Veetch needed a Captain's position, he knew that look on his Commander's face. Cody finally looked up, his face blank.

Damn! I've jinxed it.

"Transfer Agreed and I've sent you the orders. You two can practise some of those new skills you've acquired, sooner rather than later."

"Already?"

"Is that a problem?"

"No sir, like you say, the sooner the better. I just thought I might be getting my own regiment."

"And you will, but this first because it's time sensitive. You've got 24 hours before deployment."

Mayday saluted.

"Dismiss!"

.

Cody headed to the mess hall. He needed a GAR caf with sweetener, perhaps two after the reams of flimzi work he'd done.

"Sir?" He didn't recognise the particular clone voice and turned to see Mayday sitting with a new brother, who he assumed was the new ARC, Veetch. The invitation was there, so he took it with his caf, greeting other brothers, as he walked to their table.

The ARC rose and saluted him.

"At ease, Captain. We don't stand on ceremony in this mess hall." Cody explained.

It had caused mayhem when the General first came in for his tea, clones bobbing up and down everywhere. Some Commanders were a bit more strict but their Jedi General's didn't use the mess hall regularly. Kenobi did for his tea and would speak to any trooper who stopped him. Cody often thought he was very lucky with his General; he had heard some horror stories.

"Were you responsible for this, sir?"

Mayday placed a container on the table facing Cody and opened it. Cody didn't have to look inside it to know what it was.

"She insisted." He said before sipping his caf; it was scalding hot.

"It would be rude to return it, sir." Veetch butted in, his eyes twinkling.

Mayday gave him his best cynical glare and Veetch ignored it. Cody was surprised Mayday didn't cross his arms.

"You could go see her and thank her." Veetch added, before stuffing a large forkful of spicy noodles into his mouth. His eyes crinkled even more at the corners as he chewed.

Cody could see Veetch was enjoying this and not just the noodles, although they smelt good for once. He tried not to smile.

Mayday has found his second.

"It would be the polite thing to do. Civilians appreciate that sort of thing." Added Cody.

"I don't know."

"She could be offended if you don't." Veetch persisted, before pushing another large forkful of noodles in.

Mayday looked from one of his brothers to the other knowing he was being played but still curious as to why she did what she did.

"I suppose so." He crossed his arms, "she did write me a letter."

Veetch nearly choked on his noodles.

"You never said that." He mumbled, trying to swallow quickly.

"You never asked." Mayday replied smugly.

Mayday turned his attention to his own noodles now, deftly twisting them around his fork before pushing them in his mouth and sucking the last one up.

.

Mayday stood with his towel wrapped around his hips and retrieved his dress greys. He still hadn't been allocated his officer quarters and he admitted to himself he preferred bunking down with his brothers, it was all he had ever known. It was familiar. He brushed them down with his hand. He had left them for the cleaning droid before he left for Kamino and they had been returned pristine as usual. He dressed pulling on the trousers, they were a little snug. He pushed his arm through a sleeve.

"Kriff! It's tight!"

He pulled harder; there was usually more give in them. There was a ripping sound.

"That didn't sound good ner vod." Veetch commented as he exited the 'fresher. "I've had the same problem. Medic says I've put on at least fifteen pounds. Says it's average after ARC training. Have you had your med eval yet?"

"08:00 hours, tomorrow."

"Cutting it fine, or expecting not to get back tonight."

Mayday glared at him.

"I have no problems. So not imperative."

"Looks like you've put on the same amount. We could swing by the quartermaster's before we leave."

"We?" Asked Mayday.

"Well! You don't think I'm going to let you into the gundark's den of a civvy home without backup, do you?"

Mayday rolled his eyes, then glared.

"Who says I'm going into a civvy home."

"It would be polite."

"To just appear at her door?"

"Why not? She can only say get lost."

"Hmm." Mayday still wasn't convinced. He'd knew how he and some of his brothers had been treated by civvys on other planets and around here. He wasn't blind to the prejudice.

"Come on!" Veetch cajoled him. "I want to see her."

"Okay but the quartermaster first."

"Why?" asked Veetch as they left the squad room.

"New Dress greys to order."

Veetch smiled, he liked his new CO.

.

The quartermaster looked up from his datapad, as they entered. He was old Imperial Navy, who transferred to the GAR and the Quarter Masters Store was his domain.

"And what can I do for you gentlemen?" He asked.

He was human and the few times Mayday had dealt with him, he had always been cordial. He squinted at them, his brown weatherbeaten face showing all the wrinkles of a life well lived.

"New dress greys." Stated Mayday,handing over his ID.

"ARC training?"

"How did you know?"

"You both look bigger than standard troopers but you're not commandos." He pulled out a small infrared measuring tool.

Mayday frowned at it. He had only ever gone through procurement for replacement parts for his blaster or armour. Everything else was just standard issue.

"I need to measure. You all pack on muscle differently." He switched on the tool.

"Does that mean we get better material, it itches?" Asked Veetch from behind Mayday.

The Quartermaster laughed, "You're in the army lad, what do you think?"

"That's a no then."

"Right in one. Arms up and to the side."

He noted the figures and then completed the rest, feeding it into his datapad.

"It'll be three days. Do you want the ARC armour? All the bells and whistles?"

"Yes. Why not."

"I'll get a crate for you."

.

Mayday felt underdressed, in his fatigues, as they entered the foyer of Hela's building. The protocol droid manning the desk moved out and came towards them. It was obviously a high end model, its movements were smooth, not as jerky as some he had seen. He still had the urge to blast it. It looked them up and down.

Veetch stepped forward.

"Commander Mayday to see Hela Nim." He introduced his CO, where he had seen that and how it was done was anybody's guess.

Too much time on the Holonet, thought Mayday but he let him continue. He was enjoying himself.

The droid seemed to straighten up as it prepared to reply.

"The lady is not in the building. Goodbye." The droid turned away.

Veetch and Mayday looked at each other.

"Mayday! It's you!" A female voice announced from the lift doors that slid open. "And you've bought a friend."

Mayday rolled his eyes, then frowned.

The protocol droid turned to Hela, "You know these…. People, ma'am?"

"Of course. They're welcome anytime." She smiled at them. "It's good to see you. Why're you here?"

Mayday cleared his throat a little, he couldn't think why it was tight, "To thank you for the cloak…..Hela."

"Did you like it? Was it okay? Was the colour right?"

"Perfect, ma'am. "Veetch answered, "I'm Veetch. The commander's second." He leaned forward holding out his hand.

"Good to meet you Veetch." She smiled at him, shaking his hand.

"I'm just going to Dex's, care to join me?" She looked solely at Mayday before tilting her head to one side. "Please say yes."

She was on her own today and didn't like it.

Veetch was almost out of the door before Mayday agreed.

"Let me just deal with this droid. You can wait outside." She turned to the protocol droid.

They stood waiting for a few minutes before Hela came out, a frown on her face, quickly turning to a smile, when she looked at them.

"That's done. Let's go." She slid her arms through both mens, to walk as a threesome, "So what have you boys been up to? Was the cloak really okay? Was it thick enough? I wasn't sure about the colour. I know you boys all have different paint colours for your armour. Is yours the same as Cody's. Are you going back to the 212th? Has Mayday told you about General Kenobi? You'll like him."

.

Outlander Bar

Coruscant

Zur could not believe they had chosen this place to meet of all the places on Coruscant. He could have picked any number of more discreet bars; he swirled his drink around his glass waiting for his contact to appear. He did not look around, just concentrated on the liquid in his glass. It was a bad choice, he could see the cloudy sediment settling at the bottom.

The woman slipped into the seat opposite.

He finally looked up, even though he could have spotted her as RI a mile away and it wasn't just her odour, which he picked up as soon as she entered the bar, despite the disparate number of alien races here.

"Report!"

"She's with Krennic now."

"How far has it gone?"

"They're sleeping together."

"Is it serious?"

He watched her, satisfied she could not discern the disdain on his face. She just did not know the mark, not like he did. He had been with her for years now; since she graduated and there was preparation before that.

"Unlikely, it's only been a few days and he just seems to be using her."

"Are they using each other?"

"Possibly."

"Keep a close check on it. Our superiors will want to know how far it progresses if it does."

He nodded.

She put her hand inside her cloak; he tensed, expecting possibly a blaster. You could never tell with RI, even with this one, his handler. The one supposed to be on his side. She retrieved a tiny square metallic object.

"We want to know what they talk about—in bed. Sometimes even the most circumspect lover can reveal things in the heat of the moment. Can you get it there?"

"Easy. I have access to all of her Apartment, she trusts me implicitly."

"Good."

"Krennic? A Person of Interest?" He didn't have to ask but he wanted to know just how far he may be asked to go with this.

She looked at him trying to gauge his mood, to read him. She would fail. He had been doing this longer than her. She was relatively new to this game. He was not. He had practically been bred to it; it was his family business going back generations. If the Princes needed something like this doing, his family were first to be called upon, until now. Now they didn't speak to him.

"Everyone is a Person of Interest to us." She finally replied.

He nodded in acknowledgement, accepting the implied warning, before she slipped away, as quickly and as silently as she entered. He drained his drink and motioned to the droid server for another one, even though it had not taken the unpleasant taste away from his mouth. It would take too many to do that, not even he could drink that many—and stay alive.

Staring at the table, not liking himself, he was surprised when a turquoise hand with carefully manicured talons placed his drink on the table in front of him. He looked up to see a scantily dressed twi'lek, standing there watching him.

"Thank you." he said, noting the sculpted chest displayed in front of him; he took a few seconds to appreciate it.

"I'm a good listener among other things." A Ryl accented voice said.

He nodded to the chair opposite and the Twi'lek sat, smiling.

The strong hands reached across the table and grasped his own, holding them tight.

"Whatever you want?" The voice was deep and seductive.

Zur looked him up and down, liking what he saw and there was a lot to see. He was just his type and now at this moment Zur wanted, no, needed more.

.