"Talking"
'Thinking'
[Droid]
~Parseltongue~
{Black Speach}
Dromund Kaas
In the morning, Salazar woke up to the smell of something good hitting his nostrils. Getting up to wash and head towards the living room he spots his mother and Vette chatting at the table with a COO-2180 droid making breakfast.
"Good morning mother, Vette."
"Morning son, sleep well?" Artemis asked.
"Can't complain." Salazar said.
"I slept like I was in cryo-stasis, but in a good way." Vette said.
Both mother and son chuckled at Vette's words.
[Madam, the food is done and ready to be served.] the droid said.
"Thank you, COO." Artemis said.
Once the trio were done with the food. Salazar and Vette had to go and collect their new starship, but not before promising Artemis to be careful and in Vette's case, wishing her luck in bagging her son and getting her some grandkids to spoil, that earned a decent sized blush on her face.
They hurried to the speeders and sped towards the spaceport. Once there, they had to ask for directions before they finally entered the personal hanger of Darth Baras. Inside was a magnificent yet menacing ship. From what he knew of ships, this one was a Fury-Class Interceptor.
Vette was amazed. "Wow, take a look at this. We're going in style now..."
Salazar gazed proudly at his new ship. "Indeed we are."
The two made their way through the control room to the ship in the hanger. As spacer, Vette could tell that speed and maneuverability was key in its design.
"Nice ship. Are you leaving Dromund Kaas?" A voice asked from behind them.
The two turned to see a figure step out of the shadows. A man named Ralesk, dressed in Sith robes with some light armor underneath and surrounding his neck. He had no hair on his head and his eyes were a dark yellow. In his right hand he held a lightsaber, still deactivated. They also noticed that he was holding a large case
"Why? Need a lift?" Salazar asked.
"No thank you. But I'm glad I caught you before you left. Cellvanta Grathan sent me to deliver this token of her appreciation. For all you've done for her. It will greatly enhance this new ship of yours."
Ralesk gives Salazar the case, who then gives the case to Vette.
Salazar turns to the Sith with a raised brow. "Does she usually send a Sith to deliver a gift?"
Ralesk smirked. "Very good. No, that's not the typical MO. I'm here on behalf of Cellvanta's husband, Lord Grathan, who has added his own present to the offering. He claims you know too much."
"Ah, so he seeks to shut me up." Salazar said.
"He seeks to slice you up. Shutting you up will just be a beneficial side effect. I've murdered just about every form of sentient being in the galaxy. And I'm here for you." Ralesk said.
"I highly doubt the 'every sentient being' part." Salazar replied as he and Vette slowly stepped out of the control room and into the hanger.
"Ha! You think you can run from me? Think again!" Ralesk yelled as he charged the two.
"Who said anything about running?" Salazar asked before flicking the finger on his right hand. Just as Ralesk was crossing the threshold into the hanger, the blast doors suddenly closed shut on him from both his left and right sides. With a sickening crunch, he was crushed in between the two doors. His mangled torso was stuck in the gap while his head was non existent, popping like a balloon.
"Gross." Vette said as she watched the gore dribble down the door and accumulate on the floor.
"So what's in the case?" Salazar asked.
"Let's see." Vette carefully undid the locks and opened the case; revealing a large device that made the former-pirate squeal in excitement. "Karabast! I think I know what this is: It's an Electronic Warfare Pod. They're used to jam enemy radars and weapon systems."
"So, Cellvanta gave an official gift while her son tried to have me killed. Something's wrong with that family." Salazar said.
While Vette tells some workers to add the EWP to the ship, Salazar goes to Ralesk's corpse and grabs his lightsaber and pockets it.
When everything was loaded and the ship prepped, Salazar and Vette boarded the vessel. Walking up the ramp and through a narrow corridor led to an open chamber where they were met by a droid.
[Oh! Ah, I mean... greetings! I am 2V-R8, factotum droid for this vessel. You must be my new master. Gentle, kind new master...]
"What's your function aboard my ship?" Salazar asked.
The droid answered immediately. [I am programmed for a wide array of tasks, including but not limited to meal preparation, ship maintenance, janitorial duty and etiquette. Welcome aboard this Fury-class Imperial Interceptor, a versatile craft combining a starfighter's maneuverability with armament to rival larger military vessels. You'll find all the standard amenities, including your own private captain's locker for storing valuables. The astrogation console contains a constantly updated map of the known galaxy. Interstellar communications are accessed via the ship's holoterminal. Priority alerts that you may find useful are available from the Imperial HoloNet console. Lastly, the ship's intercom will inform your crew that you wish to issue new orders. Any questions, master?]
"None, I have a mission to complete. Time to see what this ship can do." Salazar said.
[Thank goodness you aren't deactivating me! I mean… good luck! I regret I am unable to offer you combat support, master. Frankly, my chassis couldn't withstand the stress. However, should any errands arises that are beneath your superior status, please do not hesitate to call upon me. I function to serve you! Whenever you are ready to depart, consult the galaxy map on your bridge. It will program the proper astrogation coordinates and activate the engines.]
Salazar nodded and left the droid to its own devices. While Vette decided to explore the ship a little deeper, Salazar went to the captain's chambers, inside was a large king sized bed, a desk with a chair, a wardrobe, two chests, and the room has its own bathroom; toilet, sink, and shower. On the desk, Salazar noticed a note, picking up the note it read.
My son, your father left one more surprise for you. I've told my contact to place it in one of your chests.
Your loving mother, Artemis Vizsla
Curious, Salazar looked into the first chest, which was empty. The second chest however, contained a book, a jar full of spiders, and a medium sized box.
Salazar picked the box up and opened it, inside was an egg laying in a nest made of straw, it was big enough to rival the size of his hand
"Ok, strange." Salazar muttered to himself before placing it on the bed.
Salazar was so focused on trying to figure out what lays an egg this big that he didn't that the egg cracked.
Salazar looked at the note again to see if it could give him some sort of clue; it didn't.
When Salazar wnet to check the egg, he finally noticed that the egg shell was cracking. A few more cracks appeared and a few moments later something came out.
It was a baby snake, it had dark green scales and bright yellow eyes, its teeth were more like toothpicks, when it slithered out the shell, it looked up at Salazar curiously.
Salazar walked closer and stopped in front of it. ~Don't be afraid, little one. I won't hurt you.~
He slowly extended his hand out. The snake slithered towards his hand. The snake looked hesitant, but eventually it climbed up his hand, it slithered up his arm before it's head reached Salazar's shoulder. At its current size it was the same length between Harry's shoulder and elbow. It stopped on his shoulder before it nudged his face with it's head.
Salazar slowly and carefully brought his other hand up and close towards it, he carefully touched the head of the basilisk and petted it. The snake leaned into his touch.
Salazar analyzed the snake and swore that he'd seen its kind before but didn't know where, until he looked at the eyes. Its bright yellow eyes, feeling the small amount of power within said eyes. Salazar finally understood that this was no ordinary snake. No, this was a basilisk.
"So, one of dad's gifts to me is a basilisk?"
The baby basilisk gestures its head to its stomach, Salazar knew what that meant; feeding time.
Using the pieces of Ralesk's lightsaber, Salazar was able to redesign his. Gone was the archaic and stiff durasteel design wrapped in browned weathered leather with an oversized button. Now replaced by a sleek and ergonomic design; Its length was reduced so there was just enough space for a two-handed grip, yet short enough not to dig into Salazar's wrist if he needed to wield it one-handed. The grip was shaped so it fit comfortably around his palm and fingers but was also curved to maximize its use as a makashi-style weapon.
Salazar activated his newly designed lightsaber. He could tell that the beam was more focused and sharpened appearance.
Salazar nodded to himself, proud that he was able to upgrade his lightsaber.
Soon enough, they got clearance and left the atmosphere of Dromund Kaas to be greeted by the black, starry depths of deep space.
Once safely away from the planet's gravitational pull, Salazar with Vette by his side contacted Darth Baras through the holoterminal. Within moments his master's large frame materialized in front of him.
"Apprentice, I trust you find your starship satisfactory."
"It's an outstanding vessel." Salazar said.
"I hope that it serves you well. There is much to be done. My interests must be protected and my enemies destroyed. Nomen Karr's efforts to expose my spies and prove his Padawan's power to the Jedi Council must meet with systemic failure. You will exhaust yourself in this charge."
"Where do you suggest I begin?" Salazar asked.
"The information we siphoned from the Republic agent will be our map. We know my spy on Nar Shaddaa was being surveilled. We know where this Padawan was discovered, where she trained, and that the Jedi have sent someone to investigate my spy on Balmorra. The Padawan will have to be hunted down and destroyed, but first you must secure my network by silencing my spies on Balmorra and Nar Shaddaa." Baras said.
"Understood, master." Salazar said.
"My contacts on Balmorra and Nar Shaddaa will detail what must be done. Your tasks are paramount, apprentice. Bring cruelty. Bring rage. Bring death."
The hologram cut off.
Salazar turned to 2V. "Set course to Balmorra."
[Acknowledged.] The droid bowed and went to set the coordinates.
"So we're just gonna kill off spies now?" Vette asked.
Salazar sighed. "Yeah, personally I'd rather not but they're working for Baras, so they knew the risks."
30 minutes later
The ship was in hyperspace and travelling towards Vaiken space-dock
Salazar can be seen playing with his new basilisk, or more accurately feeding her the spiders that came along with it.
Yes, the basilisk is a girl.
After successfully catching three spiders in quick fashion, Salazar gave her a warm bath to keep her scales clean.
"So, wanna explain the snake?" Vette's voice broke him from his focus.
"Regina's a basilisk, I found her egg in one of the chests." Salazar said.
"Regina?" Vette questioned.
"It's her name."
"Ok, and what's a basilisk?"
"Here." Salazar gives her a book.
Vette looked at the cover. "Magical Beasts?"
"Turn to section B, the creatures are divided by the first letters in their names.
Vette turned to section B and was shocked at what she saw. The creature was huge, big enough to rival a rancor.
"Of the many fearsome beasts and monsters that roam our land, there is none more curious or more deadly than the Basilisk, known also as the King of Serpents. This snake, which may reach gigantic size, and live many hundreds of years, is born from a chicken's egg, hatched beneath a toad. Its methods of killing are most wondrous, for aside from its deadly and venomous fangs, the Basilisk has a murderous stare, and all who are fixed with the beam of its eye shall suffer instant death. Spiders flee before the Basilisk, for it is their mortal enemy, and the Basilisk flees only from the crowing of the rooster, which is fatal to it." Vette read aloud.
"It's one of the more rare creatures that are known on my father's homeworld." Salazar explained.
"But what about the whole killer eyes thing." Vette asked, a bit concerned.
"She's just a hatchling for now, she doesn't have enough magic power to kill with a look yet, however when she grows a bit more she'll gain protective eye lids, that way we won't have to worry. Plus she's bonded to me, so by extending she'll be no danger to you or anyone else that'll gain my trust."
"Still, magic though? Seriously?" Vette asked.
"Dathamirian witches use their magic to enhance themselves, create weapons, mind control weak willed beings, and raises the dead. So yeah, magic." Salazar said.
"Well, at least she's cute." Vette said, scratching under Regina's chin.
"Wait a couple of months and call her that again." Salazar grinned. "And speaking of cute, I bet you were adorable."
"Hehe! Yeah, even when I was a slave, I was a cute little girl. Before I got free. Sort of full circle, I guess."
"Many of your people are born into slavery. Is that what happened to you?" Salazar asked.
"Near enough. My mother and sister and I were grabbed when I was little. I don't remember much of it. We worked the mines on Ryloth, then they separated us. I got sold to a Rodian, then a Hutt, then some sort of weird three-eyed thing.
'A Gran?' Salazar thought.
"I'm guessing your masters found you more trouble than you were worth." He smirked.
"Har har. Yeah, so I was never going to get slave of the year. Anyway, I guess you know you've moved around too much when a Sith's ship starts to feel like home."
"This is home. And this is our strange little community."
"I guess you're right. Watch out I don't start calling you 'pops'."
"Please don't." Salazar said flatly which earned a small giggle from Vette.
Balmorra
The ship finally exited hyperspace and entered the Balmorra system. Salazar, wearing his new Beskar armor with the Hannya mask, immediately contacted Darth Baras via the holoterminal.
"Ah, you've arrived on Balmorra. Excellent. Your contact there is Lieutenant Malavai Quinn. I trust you'll find him most helpful."
"Where can I find this man?" Salazar asked.
"Quinn will meet you in his office at Sobrik headquarters. We will speak again as soon as he has briefed you.
As the ship landed, Salazar and Vette observed the immedeiate landscape surrounding the city of Sobrik. It was nothing less than a warzone. The entire city was protected with shielding which was occasionally pounded by enemy artillery fire. Salazar mentally flipped through what he knew of Balmorra's history.
Balmorra was a factory world that was located within the Balmorra system, situated in a strategic position between the Colonies and the border of the Core Worlds. Due to its intense industrial manufacturing it was known as one of the most important foundry worlds in the Republic's space, where some of the most advanced weaponry and battle droids were constantly produced throughout most of the planet's history.
Since Balmorra was very rich in iron and other minerals it gradually became one of the most recognizable factory worlds in the Galactic space. Large parts of Balmorra's surface was covered in industrial wastelands, which still contained most of the earliest assembly lines and refineries on the planet. Although manufacturing weaponry was the primary profit for the Balmorrian economy, the planet's atmosphere suffered greatly from the high pollution, which was emitted from the countless industrial plants.
During the Great Galactic War the Sith Empire resolved to seize Balmorra due to their military manufacturing plants and strategic location close to the Core Worlds. The Republic immediately sent soldiers to prevent that from happening. As the Great Galactic War continued and the Sith Empire's control continued to spread, the strained Republic began removing forces from Balmorra for redeployment to more important conflicts. This continued until the Treaty of Coruscant was signed.
Following the treaty and the beginning of the Cold War, the Republic was forced to officially end its support for Balmorra. However, a small underground Republic force was left on the planet to aid in a resistance against the remaining Sith Empire. However, most Balmorrans shared the view that they had been abandoned by the Republic. Surprisingly, the remaining underground resistance prevented the Sith Empire from ever taking complete control of the planet.
In the years since the signing of the treaty, the Republic began reintroducing Republic forces to the planet and while the Balmorrans were receptive to the assistance, their resentment of being abandoned in the past remained. At the same time, the Sith Empire attempted to escalate their presence on the planet in a further attempt to claim Balmorra's battle droids and weaponry.
Salazar surmised that if he could assist in the consolidation of Imperial control on Balmorra, it would help him gain more influence within the Sith council as well as the military. That opportunity conveniently presented itself when the pair was about to exit the spaceport. A Imperial Captain strode up to Aaric once he was sighted and saluted the apprentice.
"My lord. Welcome to Balmorra. I hope you like bombed-to-pieces mudholes. Captain Rigel, Imperial Conquest Consolidation Corps. When the Empire invades, we're the ones who seal the deal. Don't suppose you're aware of the situation here on Balmorra?"
"I know we took this planet in the last war. How's the occupation proceeding?"
"Unfortunately, we've been spinning our wheels in the mud ever since. Resistance fighters think they can drive the Empire off Balmorra. We're here to prove them wrong." Captain Rigel said.
"So how can you succeed where the Imperial army has failed?" Salazar enquired.
"We're the army too. Other soldiers just don't have the capability to handle our kind of specialized missions. Some of which would need the specialized skill set a Sith of your caliber to complete." Captain Rigel said.
Salazar nodded. "Alright then. You have my attention. But I expect to be properly compensated, understand?"
"Of course, my lord! We'll ensure the proper rewards are routed to your account once the missions are complete. Let me give a little more background: So the Balmorran government-in-exile, backed by Minister of Defense Vol Argen, is giving us fits, backing a strong faction of the resistance. The minister is safely off-planet, but if we break his allies here, we break him. We break him, we break the resistance." Captain Rigel said.
"What about the rest of the government-in-exile?" Salazar questioned.
"Vol Argen is the only minister with military experience and also the most vocal. When we destroy his power base and wipe the floor with his whiskers, none of the others will have the backbone to oppose us. That's why we need to take everything out." Captain Rigel explained.
"I understand. While I have my own mission to complete during my stay here, I'll look into completing yours when I can." Salazar said.
Captain Rigel bowed once again. "Thank you, my lord. You support is greatly appreciated. My second-in-command, Lieutenant Davrill, is masterminding phase one of what we like to call 'Operation Breaking Point.' You'll find him in Sobrik. He's got plans to blow Balmorran resistance sky-high. I think you'll like them.
When they exited the spaceport, what greeted them was an entire cityscape of buildings of industrial design. There was almost nothing but grey except for the smattering of red from the numerous imperial banners that dotted the roads and footpaths. Overhead was the hexagonal patterned shield which covered the entire city. Imperial military personnel could be seen everywhere with the occasional Balmorran civilian keeping to themselves and staying out of their way. Since Sobrik was situated inside a small canyon valley, the plateaus which towered above the city were filled with anti-aircraft emplacements and hangars.
Sobrik was the original capital of Balmorra before the more advantageous location of Bin Prime was chosen to replace it three hundred years ago. Since then, the city of Sobrik has first shrunk, then been almost entirely obliterated by bombing runs and rebuilt by Imperial engineers. Sobrik was one of the last cities to hold out during the Imperial invasion of the planet; because of this and its close proximity to the state-of-the-art Balmorran Arms and Okara Droid factories, the Empire had made Sobrik the headquarters of its occupation, maintaining tight control over the remaining civilian population.
Soon, they reached the location of Lieutenant Quinn's headquarters. Walking through the corridor and rounding a corner, they entered a generously spacious office. To their right was a set of living and dining quarters while the far right side of the room contained two conference tables.
"Here are the reports, sir." An enlisted soldier said to the officer.
The soldier had blonde hair, his skin was pale with a bit of color on his cheeks, he also had green eyes.
"Why are you just handing them to me now? I asked for these reports three days ago. Now they are useless to me!"
Quinn had short black hair, pale skin, like he almost never felt any real sunlight, and he also had cold blue eyes.
"But sir, there were complications and..."
"I don't want excuses, Jillins. I want results." Quinn said before grabbing the soldier ruffly by the collar of his shirt and pulling him towards him. "Don't think I won't send you to the front lines for this incompetence. I couldn't care less about your life."
Quin pushed him away before glaring at the man. "Next time, finish your reports in a timely manner or you just might find yourself on the receiving end of enemy blaster fire. Dismissed, Jillins."
The man named Jillins snapped a salute before making an about face and slowly making his way out of the office.
"Wait a moment, Jillins." Salazar said, resting a hand on the soldier's shoulder.
"My lord. It is an honor to meet you." Quinn said, standing at attention for Salazar.
Salazar turned to the soldier, ignoring the lieutenant for a moment, and gave him a conspiratorial grin. The soldier, in awe at the Sith nodded his head ever so slightly in acknowledgement.
"Jillins, wass it?" Salazar asked the soldier.
"Yes, my lord." Jillins replied. "I serve as secretary for Lieutenant Quinn."
"I see. I couldn't help but overhear that you had trouble with writing your reports. Would you mind explaining to me what problems you had?" Salazar asked.
"My lord, I assure you that this is none of your..." Quinn began before Salazar cut him off.
"I don't believe I was talking to you, Lieutenant. Patiently wait your turn."
"We've been having troubles with the communications due to the resistance jamming our signals and the power has been fluctuating due to the bombings and skirmishes near our power generators." Jillins said.
"Thank you, Jillins." Salazar replied. "If you would kindly wait here, I will have a quick word with the lieutenant before I dismiss you."
"Yes, my lord." Jillins said before standing at ease.
Salazar then turned to Quinn. "I assume that you are Lieutenant Malavai Quinn?"
A proud look crossed the officer's face. "Yes, my lord. At your service." He replied before snapping a salute.
'Yep. Typical ass kisser.' Salazar and Vette thought.
"I see that you are well decorated and your medals are well kept." Salazar remarked.
"Absolutely, sir. I am a distinguished officer in the Imperial Military and I make sure to polish my medals every night so they remain in pristine condition." Quinn replied, puffing out his chest.
"Is that the only thing you polish every night?" Salazar asked, an amused smile on his face.
In the background, Vette was giggling while Jillins was doing his best to keep his composure. Evidently, the joke seemed to go over Quinn's head as he replied. "I also make sure that my boots and my work space are properly cleaned and presentable."
"Of course you do. Now do those tasks plus your normal duties take up all your time?"
"No, my lord. I make sure to schedule hours out of the day to inspect the troops and to check on the status of the cities defenses and utilities."
"Really? If that is the case then wouldn't you have noticed the power fluctuations and signal jamming from the enemy?" Salazar asked.
The smug look on the lieutenant's face faltered for a second. "I have."
"And have you personally had trouble with your work load because of these disturbances?"
The corner of the man's lip twitched before replying. "Yes."
"Well then, don't you think that your berating of Jillins may have been a little unfair and uncalled for since you knew about and had personally experienced these problems?"
"Perhaps." Quinn replied.
"So don't you think you own Jillins an apology?" Salazar asked, grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
Quinn tries to keep his composure after being told off.
"Jillins." Quinn finally said.
"Yes, sir." Jillins said.
"I... apologize for my... previous outburst. I will be more... lenient when it comes to your report writing." Quinn said, each word obviously hurting his pride.
"Thank you, sir." Jillins said.
"You are dismissed, Jillins." Salazar said, turning back to Jillins.
Jillins gave one final salute before exiting the office. With him gone, Salazar turned back to Quinn.
"I see you like to use fear and intimidation to keep control of your soldiers, Quinn. While that may work in the short run, you will inevitably find someone who will not be frightened so easily. Someone who will fight back and rally the men against you. If you want real respect, treat your men as equals. Be firm with them in punishment but also praise them for their success. Understand that there will be complications that they may not be able to overcome. Then, you will truly be a great and respected leader."
"I will take that into consideration, my lord." Quinn said, bowing his head before walking towards a holo communicator stand. "I was told by Lord Baras to expect you and your slave's arrival."
A frown crossed on Salazar's face. "She is not my slave, as you can see she doesn't have a shock collar on, and you will call her by her name."
"Apologies, my lord." Quinn said before turning to Vette. "May I inquire your name?"
"Vette." She replied.
"Very well. Now that you and Vette have arrived, I was told to contact Lord Baras before leaving you to have a private conversation with him."
Salazar nodded, allowing the Imperial to punch a few keys on the terminal before the communicator activated, the image of Darth Baras appeared.
"Ah, I see you've convened with my apprentice. Very good, Lieutenant. Leave us." Baras ordered.
Quinn bows his head and leaves.
"Quinn owes his career to me, but we should keep the details of your mission between the two of us. We must act swiftly. Nomen Karr's Padawan has directed the Jedi's suspicions to my undercover spy. There on Balmora. Do you recall this?"
"Of course, I remember everything." Salazar answered.
"Good. I'll get to the point. My spy is Commander Rylon of the Republic resistance. He is the central contact for all of my operatives in this sector. Unfortunately, Quinn is tracking an investigator that the Jedi have sent. That means we have to cover our tracks before you kill Rylon. Your first mandate is to destroy evidence that links Rylon to the sabotaging of Balmorra's defense systems during the war. To do so, you must break into the satellite control tower. Quinn reports that the tower is a death trap of mechanical security."
"Understood, master. I'll handle anything that dares get in my way." Salazar said.
"This task is priority one. The Jedi's investigator could be zeroing in the evidence as we speak. Quinn has everything you'll need. I'll summon him back. Remember, he is not to know the reason for your mission. I'll be in touch." Without waiting for a reply, Baras's holo cut out.
Quinn spun on his heels and faced his current charge.
"My lord, I've prepared what you need for your assault on the satellite control tower. In order to destroy the mainframe, you'll mount this charge to the base and activate it. Then contact me and I'll be able to detonate." Quinn explained, handing him an explosive device.
"So... we off to blow up this satellite tower thing now or what?" Vette enquired as they left Quinn's quarters.
Salazar, without breaking his stride, turned towards the local market. "Not so fast, Vette. First we need to acquire transportation and in this environment I doubt anyone will be in the business of renting speeder bikes. I'll have to purchase one."
The Twi'lek put on a thinking pose before nodding. "Yeah, that makes sense. No use renting them out when they're more likely to get blown up in this hellhole."
Inwardly, Vette was getting excited. They were getting their very own speeder bike! Now if she could convince Salazar to buy a cool model and let her ride it once they've made a purchase...
Soon enough, they made it to the city's market district and began searching. It took only a few minutes before they found what they were looking for. A makeshift garage with a fleet of speeder bikes for sale. Manned by a portly male human with balding hair and sporting a handlebar moustache.
Vette squealed excitedly and ran over to inspect each and every vehicle on display while Salazar took his time to surveil the wares. Said portly man recognised Salazar's garb immediately and went over to greet his potential customer.
"Ah! You must be one of them Sith eh? A thousand greetings my lord! Name's Taka." Introduced the man. "You look like your into the business of purchasing a speeder. Please take yer time and browse my fleet. Fair prices this side of the galaxy. You check!"
"I'm sure it is." Salazar said.
"Woah... It's an Adno A-R6!" Vette gushed over one of the models. It looked more polished than the rest. "Acceleration's top notch on this one! Ooh! Ooh! What about this baby? A GSI HMF-03 Exploiter! Not as quick on the uptake as the A-R6 but its top speed probably outpaces anything else here!"
Forgive my companion." Salazar sighed with an amused smile. "She's quite...expressive."
"No worries, my lord." Taka waved him off. "Seems to me she knows quite a thing or two about them speeders. Maybe she'll help make an informed decision."
Salazar continued to browze but then one model did catch his interest.
"I'll take the Aratech 74-Z." Salazar said.
With a bit of haggling, Salazar was able to get the Aratech 74-Z speeder, it just needed a few screws tightened, and some parts that needs replacing.
"For the third time in a row, the answer is still no."
"Aw come on Sal! Ya gotta let me take this baby for a spin." Vette begged.
"Look, if you're as good as you say you are, I'll let you take a few spins. You said you can pilot a speeder bike before. I'd like to know your credentials before I even allow you to touch it."
"Well... alright." Vette sighed. "Ever heard of Nok Drayen? Pirate? Terrified the criminal underworld for a few decades?"
"He destroyed the Rath Cartel and the Vandelhelm Combine in some giant power grab. Same guy?" Salazar asked.
"Yeah, same guy. Weird to think of him that way. Nok Drayen was the most famous killer in the galaxy but he set me free. I was still slaving it up for Three Eyes when he crossed Nok. Or maybe he just had something Nok wanted. I never did ask."
"Did any of the gang survive the encounter?" Salazar asked.
"You mean anyone that wasn't owned as property? No, they did not. I'm still not sure how Nok got his speeders into the camp. One minute they weren't there, then they were. He was ruthless but not a thug, you know? Sort of a pirate prince. Freed all the slaves and told them they could join up or go their own way."
"You were what, eight? I'm surprised he allowed a child to make that kind of decision." Salazar said.
"He was like that. Never once talked differently to me. Not sure he really understood kids. I was the smallest of the on the crew and mining had taught me to fit in tight spaces. Nok's crew showed me how to steal. For a long time, I didn't feel bad about stealing. So much had been taken from me..."
"It must have been hard for you." Salazar said.
"Well it's a long time ago anyway. Let's get back to work, looks like the guy's done with the speeder." Vette said.
"Good. Vette, take the speeder to the ship and you can start upgrading it in anyway you think will help for our mission."
"What about you?" Vette asked.
"I'll be fine." Salazar assured her. "Just gonna clean up this mess the incompetence within the ranks made here on Balmorra.
Sobrik
On the way to Lieutenant Davrill, a man named Gryffin Remus came up to him.
"Hey. Hey there. You got a second? Ooh. You're one of them Sith Lords. I ain't seen one of those before. Am I supposed to bow or something? I bet you could get me to who's in charge."
Salazar raised an eyebrow. "And why would the Empire have any interest in a little worm like you?"
I'm part of the resistance. Or was. Was! I mean, it's dead. We've known that since you set our own droids against us. I want to come out of this with my head. I got info, right here." He gestured to his skull. "Where the rebels are, what they're hitting. Introduce me to the mucky-mucks and I'll trade 'em the rest for a berth off-planet."
"You, want to defect?"
"Now you're getting it! Help me out. I think Lieutenant Treshoda handles defections, but she's been targeted a few times, so she don't take people off the street anymore. You convince her I'm the real goods, and I bet she'd cut you in a finder's fee."
'This guy's a real idiot.' Salazar thought.
Salazar was thinking of how to screw that guy over when an Imperial Officer walked up to him.
"My lord, I have heard much about your accomplishments. I understand you are not averse to occasional... off-the-record tasks which require some discretion? One of our officers just had an unfortunate dust-up with a valuable delegate and we need to... doctor the results."
"Why don't you lay out the situation first." Salazar said.
"This... officer recently quarreled with one of our Chiss delegates. The delegate did not survive. The Chiss have provided crucial intelligence here and elsewhere in the war. It would not do to strain relations with them."
"And what exactly is your plan?" Salazar asked.
"We have doctored a security recording to make it appear that Balmorran rebels attacked the delegate. We need someone with no direct connection to this officer to go to the room where the murder occurred and upload the doctored footage to the security cameras. With luck, we can turn this into a galvanizing point against the rebels."
"An excellent plan." Salazar nodded.
"The delegate was killed in the back room of a cantina--I'll give you the coordinates. Just tell our man at the door that you're working for Breedin and he'll let you pass.
Operation Breaking Point
"My lord, word of your talent precedes you. I'm honoured. Davrill bowed.
"You're well aware of the situation I'm sure. The government-in-exile, the resistance: cowards. If my lord is willing, we're going to bury them in their little hidey-holes."
"What's war without a little bloodshed?" Salazar shrugged his shoulders.
"I like how you think. The old government's sending generators to the resistance, powering their artillery. The resistance has given pardons to Balmorra's worst killers in exchange for a little guard duty. Phase one of Operation Breaking Point is to destroy those generators and put those killers to sleep. You in?"
"I signed up to serve the Empire, and I intend to do it." Salazar said.
From the looks of you, I'd say you mean it. The generators are in the Neebray Warehouse. If you can blow them to pieces, you'll show the Balmorran resistance It takes more than cold-blooded killers to stop the Empire.
The Defector
"Are you the officer who deals with defectors?" Salazar asked.
"My lord. My poor station is honored by your presence. I am Lieutenant Treshoda. Hi Command has tasked me to learn how these rebels think. As distasteful as that is. Have you found a candidate? Someone of enough value for the Empire to recruit instead of capture?"
"A man named Gryffin Remus. He gave me this intel already. Interrogate him for anything else he's got." Salazar said.
"I'll send my men to pick him up." Treshoda gave him a small smirk.
"Thank you, my lord. Forgive me the paltry payment for your service. We have a, uh, standard rate..."
Body of Evidence
"I'm working for Breerdin. Salazar said.
"Go on in. But be careful--the delegate's bodyguard droids are still inside, and on full alert. The Gamorrean doorman said.
When Salazar entered the cantina he saw three bodyguard droids; two were leaning over their employer's body while the third was leaning against the bar.
The moment Salazar walked passed the droid by the bar, all three sprang into attack mode. Using the Force, Salazar lifted all three droids and crushed them up together to form a ball of parts.
Salazar then uploaded the Doctored Holodisc and returned to Officer Breerdin.
"I handled your cover-up. As far as anyone will know, the rebels killed that Chiss." Salazar said.
"Excellent. And I have heard nothing of it, which is even better. Please accept this payment. For your service... and your silence.
Taking a Sobrik taxi, Salazar leaves Sobrik all the way to the edge of the Markaran Plains.
Another Imperial approached him.
Data Corruption
"My lord, I'm Major Tyrus, commander of the Second Battalion. We have an... an emerging situation. I have need of your assistance and your discretion. We have a rescue operation that must be mounted immediately."
"Is this someone important?" Salazar asked.
"The major shook his head. "It's not a single person. We've lost contact with Besh Company's entire First Platoon. We sent them in to the Okara Droid Factory for a covert electronic operation. Eight hours ago, their communications blacked out, which means the droids are on to them."
"What are their chances that close to Okara?" Salazar questioned.
"I'll be frank. Other than grass, the soldiers are only living things within a kick of that factory. That's the droids's protocol--nothing survives. So when I say I need you to find First Platoon, I mean it."
"I would be more than proud to help." Salazar said.
"Their ranking officer is Lieutenant Rutau. If the droids got him, then please, take command and lead the unit back."
Erase the Past
After destroying the Satcom guard droids, Salazar placed the explosives.
Salazar felt his comlink buzz. Answering it revealed to be Quinn.
"My lord, I mark your progress, and see that the charges is armed. I will detonate once you are at a safe distance. But first, I have Darth Baras on holo for you. I will retreat and leave the line secure for the two of you.
Quinn disconnected, replacing him was Baras.
"Apprentice, we have one more potentially compromising thing to take care of before you can confront my spy Commander Rylon. It involves invading a Republic keep to find a lowly ensign named Durmat. He is Rylon's son, and the commander confided his true identity to him. Ensign Durmat must be silenced, permanently."
"Rylon was foolish to tell his son." Salazar said.
"The one chink in his otherwise flawless armor. I'll signal Quinn to give you the details. Be swift."
The comlink switched back to Quinn.
"My lord, Ensign Durmat is being detained in the brig of the Republic crater outpost, awaiting questioning by the mysterious agent Baras has me tracking. I will alert you if the investigator appears to be heading there. I assume you wish to get to Durmat before she does."
"You assume correctly, Lieutenant." Salazar said.
"Then I won't delay you any longer. Good luck on your mission, my lord. I'll be here if you need anything."
End
mail4benni: I'm actually taking my time with the pace.
Favor and Follow if the mood strikes you.
Feel free to review or pm me.
Remember, reality is an illusion, the universe is a hologram, bye gold, BYE!