Defection [Play by Post: Open]

[kitaree]

Planet: Nar Shaddaa
District: Lower Industrial sector
Time: Late at night




Eyip'faki stood along a dirty wall, nervously stroking one of her lekkus. She had been waiting for over an hour now, but in her current state of mind it felt like ages. The young spacer-turned-scientist knew that her situation was precarious and she didn't like waiting in the open. Looking around, she could see the usual movement of industrial droids going about their business, while overhead a constant stream of hovercars sped through the skies.

Even if it was late at night, Nar Shaddaa was a planet that never went to sleep. She could hear various industrial machinery sounds coming from nearby, while the ubiquitous slot machine noise came from the various casinos on floating platforms. While the chances of someone taking interest in her in such a location was remote, she still had a hand twitching at her blaster pistol's grip. After a decade carrying sensitive goods and people between planets, she knew exactly how dangerous Nar Shaddaa could be.

Just as she was about to mutter yet another curse in Huttese, she jumped in surprise as a voice came from right beside her. Turning, she let out a sigh of relief as she saw a familiar face from the male human that had just come out of stealth.

Jonas: "Sorry 'bout the delay, sweetie. Had to take a detour around he custom offices."

Eyip'faki: "Finally! I've been waiting forever. Can we go now?"

The young Twi'lek was clearly annoyed at the Republic spy's massive grin, as if everything was cool and he was in control of the situation, while she had been on the verge of cracking. She knew full well what she was risking, defecting from the Empire, and had hoped the SIS would have made this transition smoother for her, especially considering the amount of information she would be giving the Republic. But it was too late to turn back now.

Jonas: "No problemo! Just follow me, we'll have you on Coruscant in no time..."


((This story follows the announcements made at War Room by Kita.. Feel free to jump in and play other parties.))

[kitaree]

Planet: Nar Shaddaa
District: Spaceport
Time: Late at night



The taxi whizzed by many tall structures on its way to the space port. Eyip'faki still couldn't believe that the SIS's most undercover, secure transportation method for its future insiders was taking a common taxi shuttle.

Jonas: "Relax, honey! We'll be there in no time."

The Twi'lek spacer was everything but relaxed. This was a high risk situation for her, at least until they would be safely in Republic space, and the relaxed attitude of her protector wasn't really making it easier on her. Soon however, the taxi arrived at the spaceport terminal. The taller Republic agent disembarked first and provided a helping hand for her. The Twi'lek sighed and took it, placing a foot on the metallic platform, before freezing as she heard a robotic voice call for her from around a corner.

HK-55: "Declaration: Attention, meatbags! Commencing killing functions, now."

The Twi'lek started yelling at Jonas, but before a single sound was out of her mouth, the hand that had been holding her steady wasn't there anymore, and she started falling forward on the platform. As she did, everything seemed to go in slow motion. Within a split second, Jonas had turned around and pulled his blaster pistol. Blaster shots rang out as a nasty looking HK droid fired in their direction, yet the man next to her calmly returned fire, aiming straight at the droid's head.

By the time Eyip'faki hit the floor, the droid let out a number of electrical noises and fell down onto itself, half of its shoulder support having been blown away, and its skull cracked in two. The Twi'lek couldn't believe her eyes, and by the time she looked up at Jonas, his hand was once again brought forward to help her up.

Jonas: "I'm so sorry for this, my dear. Here, let me help you up."

Having completely forgotten about her earlier annoyances, Eyip'faki couldn't help but blush and take his hand, standing back up.

Eyip'faki: "Wow.. that was so.. fast and precise."

Jonas: "All in the training. Come on, our shuttle is waiting."

As the two walked away, two dim lights still showed in the HK unit's mechanical eyes. A short communication was sent out.

HK-55: "Bzzzzt Report: Subject located with Republic Agent at Nar Shaddaa spaceport. Bzzzzt Attempted capture. Bzzzzt Failed. Functions terminated."

[Oathbreaker]

Location: Interior of a stone temple - possibly Yavin 4.
Time: Dawn

The room was occupied by a dozen soldiers occupied monitoring various sensor and communications devices as the Oathbreaker strode in; greeted by a motley collection of salutes and 'my lords'.  His ridged red pureblood face was drawn, and they all knew why - project Falling Stars was taking a toll on their old commander - he always took maneuvers seriously, and this was a big one.

Oath: "I'll need the room, people; take an hour."

The soldiers filed out boisterously; taking the moment as they passed to say 'Aye, sir.' or 'thank you, lord'.  In moments, the Oathbreaker was left in silence.  He stood stiffly for a few more moments to be certain he was alone,  then began to dismantle the housing for the central holo-projector's focusing crystal.  He removed the crystal, and replaced it with one that had been dangling on a chain around his neck.

Finally he stood with a pained grunt, stooped to massage his knees, then rolled his shoulders with a pained wince.  He collected his composure, then pressed several buttons on the dialling console, then stood back to wait.  The connection took almost a minute to establish; when finally a human woman's image flickered into life on the holo-projector wearing stately robes in republic fashion.  A smile crossed Oath's lips.

Oath: "Hello Mei'li, my love."

Mei: "Sorry I took so long to respond; I was in a sensitive meeting."

Oath, with a smile:  "I know matters have progressed slowly for you there; but a matter has come to the fore that only you can take care of.  Dealing with this crisis will likely disrupt much of what you have been working for there; but you are our only hope of a vaguely positive resolution.  I'll forward you the data now."

The holocom's image flickered, showing the face of an attractive, female twi'lek.

Oath: "Meet Eyip'faki - a deserter from an Imperial research facility. An interception was attempted at Nar Shadaa spaceport; but her SIS escort managed get her free.  She is now enroute to republic space; and the plotted course has them making a stopover near you.  The minister is calling this matter a top priority; we need to you intercept the girl, and return her to Imperial space to face the consequences.  If recovery of the Twi'lek is impossible, she is to be dealt with as an enemy of the state and summarily terminated." 

Mei frowned with determination:  "I'll see it done."

Oath smiles kindly, dropping his military demeanor.  "I miss you."  He called over his shoulder. "Wei, Sartori!  Come see your mother!"

Two young pureblood/human children, each no more than six years old ran into the room, the girl holding a stick, swinging it making saber-sounds, and the boy holding a model starship.  In unison they look up to the projection, chanting happily:  "Hello mommy!"

Mei's image on the projector blinks back tears, stooping with a smile:  "Hello, my loves.  Are you behaving for daddy?"

Sartori: "Mummy!  We have a new teacher called Lashila and she has no hair - she says she has montrals instead and she's teaching us to fight!"

Wei, at the same time: "Hello mummy, dad says I need to learn to fight with a saber but the teacher is GIRL - girls can't fight, can they?"

Mei smiles fondly: "I'm glad you're learning, Sartori.  Wei, if you don't start practicing, your sister will be able to beat you every time!"

Wei:  "Noooo!"
Sartori: "Yaaaay!"

Oath bundled the children under his arms: "We'd better not maintain this line too long; but if all goes well, my love, we'll see you very soon!"

Children:  "Bye mummy!"

Oath smiled as he closed the connection, retrieved the crystal from the housing; then turned to go:  "Come on you two, lets find some food."

[kitaree]

Location: On a ship
Time: Hard to tell by looking out the window



Senator Krasz: "And you're sure this 'Sun Reactor' is working and stabilized?"

Eyip'faki frowned, standing in front of the holo display showing the face of an older gentlemen with grey hair and a grey beard, sitting behind a large desk and looking periodically between her and a number of holopads on his desk. The Twi'lek wasn't sure whether the Senator was just slow or if he was so distracted he missed half the things she said.

Eyip'faki: "Yes, I've relayed that information months ago. The prototype is fully working and powering their Tatooine outpost. They also have several more reactors under construction on other worlds."

After a moment, the Senator replied, once again looking semi-distracted.

Senator Krasz: "Hmm.. Yes, this is a concern. Well, with you on our side, we'll catch up to the Imps in no time, right? Hehe. As soon as you get to Coruscant, Major Malorne from Weapons Division will work with you to get all the technical details we need and get started building our own."

The name of her future work companion wasn't reassuring the young Twi'lek.

Eyip'faki: "This will be a defensive project, right? The whole reason for me coming here is because of what I saw this thing could do, and how devastating it would be for the Galaxy if the Empire built hundreds of those, able to power an unprecedented attack force. My hope is that by building them on planets they may want to target, powering defensive shields, it will act as a proper deterrent."

Once again, the Twi'lek had time to glance out the window at the stars flying past as the ship was in hyperspace, while the Senator took the time to press several buttons on his holopads before replying.

Senator Krasz: "Uhm? Oh! Ahh... Right, of course. Defensive shields. Yes, well I have to go now, but I look forward to the Major's report on your progress once you get here. Coruscant, out!"

The Twi'lek let out a frustrated groan and banged her hands on the console. At this point, she was starting to really hope that this had not been a colossal mistake, when she heard a familiar voice come from the cockpit.

Jonas: "We're arriving, babe!"

[Mei]

((NOTE: this is my first "play by post" so I hope I did good and didn't step on any toes  ))


Planet: Coruscant
District: Senate
Time: night

Mei'li clutched onto the purple crystal charm that dangled around her neck, as if holding it brought her family closer to her. Her thoughts drifted from on to the next as she gazed out the window. The night sky seemed lost on Coruscant's  twinkling skyline.

A slight smile crossed her face as her father's words came to mind: "Stars are of past kings and queens, and all of them come to Coruscant." She shook her heard fondly at her first memory of seeing the capital world from orbit. It was an awesome sight.

A cough at the door disrupted her thoughts, and she turned to see her uncle Gung'chul Areum. He was a large man, years of service in the Republic's military not only earned him the rank of General, but also gave him grey hair, which he was slowly loosing.  Mei gave him a smile and left her seat on the window sill.

"Leaving already?" Gung'chul questioned, his eyes glancing briefly at her half packed luggage on the bed.

Mei laughed. "I've been here months."

"In Republic space, yes," her uncle crossed his arms, remaining in the doorway. "But you only just got to Coruscant a couple days ago." He watched her cross the room.

"You know how business can be," she replied, carefully folding an outfit into a bag.

Gung'chul smiled and nodded with a quiet laugh. "Aye," he stepped into the room. "Especially the nature of your business."

Mei looked up at her uncle; both aware he was wiser to her true assignment than she had told him. Her jaw tightened ever so slightly.

"Relax, kiddo," he assured her with a chuckle. "You know full well that blood is thicker than politics." He smiled, sitting at the end of the bed.

"I thought it was 'Politics spilled more blood'," she smiled as her father's words escaped her.

Ghung'chul shrugged. "Well, either way, it's certainly kept all of us employed all these years."

Mei closed and locked a suitcase.

"I may have gotten Soresh curious enough to want to meet you," he watched Mei closely as she paused, setting her bag on the ground.

"Oh," her eyes drifted downward as she weighed the urgency of one situation to the other. Kaatulf had told her this new crisis might break all that she had been working for...

"But something bigger has popped up?" he smiled. "You look down when you're about to lie, Mei."

She sighed.

"I know you can't explain, so I won't even ask, but..." he shrugged as he continued. Family over duty. "Anything you need me to do?"

Mei had never dealt with the SIS before, nor was she a trained spy for that matter. Her first assignment for Sith Intelligence had thrown her into a comfort zone that reentered her into her past with the Republic. Information gathering, not going one-on-one with an agent of the SIS. What if he made her? What if he tried to capture her? Or worse... kill her? She knew nothing about this agent.

"I'm meeting an... old friend," she lied, trying her best to look up. "Who may or may not have an SIS agent with her."

Gung'chul nodded. "Ah, the good ol' SIS," he slapped his hands on his knees before rising. "I'll make sure your record is squeaky clean," he went for the door, turning, "Just to be safe." He gave an assuring wink before disappearing down the hallway.

Mei went back to packing her belongings. She may not be as highly trained as this SIS agent, but she was still a Sith Lord, and bringing in Eyip'faki was now her priority...

[TrickyNick87]

Sith Intelligence Minister’s office, The Citadel
Late evening


The bags under Nicohlas’s eyes had been heavy the last few days.  Zythia’s destruction made him a target of Acina’s advisors who were furious that he had not informed them beforehand that there was any reason to be concerned Imperial interests there might have taken a turn for the worse.  The truth was Nic hadn’t known the extreme design Darth Thrax and his Dark Network had planned for the planet, and Nic had spent the last day doing damage-control with Acina’s advisors who were clamoring, yet again, for the dissolution of Sith Intelligence.

“What you’ve neglected to uncover, Minister, is the identity of the parties who targeted the Zythian Star Fortress for destruction.” The cloaked figure on Nic’s holoterminal had been seeking to diminish him for the last half-hour and Nic was growing impatient.

“My lord, I . . . ”

“Enough lies, Minister!  You have repeatedly attempted to sway the Empress to divert our resources and manpower to focus on Zakuul when you know damned well you should join the rest of us in echoing the need to focus on the obliteration of our old enemy, the REPUBLIC!  I know that it was YOU and YOUR AGENCY that attacked the Zythian Star Fortress.  What do you suppose the Empress will think of you when she learns of this from me?”

Nicohlas was a busy man and was eager to get this bloviating fool off his holo so he could concentrate on more important work.  “My lord, I assure you Sith Intelligence took no part in the Zythian assault.  As to Empress Acina’s intentions, I hardly expect she’ll concern herself with the unfounded accusations of a Vowrawn supporter.”

“A what?!  How dare . . . ”

“My lord, it is well known you are romantically involved with an alien officer in the Ministry of Logistics who served as a personal slave to Darth Vowrawn, and that your alien friend has an expressed desire that Darth Vowrawn shall return and reclaim his ‘rightful place’ in the Empire.”

“Bah!  She doesn’t believe . . . How do you know . . . Minister, you will not . . . ”

“I’ll be in touch when I have new information, my lord.” Nic closed the transmission and the image of the gaping Sith figure on his screen disappeared.

Nic stared at his desk for several seconds.  He had tried for years to convince Acina and her counsellors of the greater threat posed by the Eternal Empire, but to no avail.  If any of Acina’s allies could uncover proof that Sith Intelligence actively focusing its resources in Wild Space, it could undo him and his agency permanently.  Nic’s mind immediately focused on an ongoing operation that posed tremendous risk to his organization.

“Fixer Four, come in here, please.” Nic spoke into his desk intercom.  He returned his attention to his desk computer and began typing.

“Yes’ir, Minister, sir?” The fourteen-year-old with disheveled red hair asked as she entered the room and promptly snapped to attention.

Nicohlas finished typing and transmitted the new document to the young Fixer’s datapad.  “See this gets to Darth Kaatulf without delay.”

“Right away, Minister.” The young redhead eagerly stated and bounced out of the minister’s office, eager as always to be helpful.

Nic pulled up the latest report compiled by his counterpart in the Logistics Ministry on the most recent tribute paid to Zakuul.  He leaned back in his chair, cushioned though he got no comfort out of it, and released a heavy sigh.

------------------------------

/////ENCRYPTED/////
TRANSMISSION RECEIVED
MEMORANDUM
TO: Darth Kaatulf Bluedark “Oathbreaker”, Special Advisor for Anti-Eternal Empire Operations
FROM: OFFICE OF THE MINISTER
SUBJECT: Termination Order TO-A-18-287

By my hand, termination for subject known as EYIP’FAKI is ordered.  Please see this directive carried through in a timely and effective manner.

Note: My friend, the risk posed by this defector is great enough I have determined that no matter how our operation to capture her proceeds, she must be eliminated at all costs.

Empire Forever!

///ORIGINAL SIGNED///

Nicohlas Heermann
Minister of Sith Intelligence (Acting)

END TRANSMISSION
/////ENCRYPTED/////

[Mei]

Mei’li pulled her dark red robes over her shoulders and sank into the captain’s seat of her small shuttle. She was cold, tired and just wanted to be home at last. Any other day she would sleep through the hyperspace portion of this route back to the Empire, but she could feel Eyip’faki in her quarters on the ship. Ever since they met on Coruscant she had felt the uncertainty in the twi’lik, and it was no different now, despite Mei’s lies that she was keeping her safe and in the Republic.

Perhaps it was killing the SIS agent. She didn’t know. She thought she had covered the act well by pretending to be a Jedi. By framing him as the enemy and not her. It was manipulation, which Mei was apprehensive about, but it worked better than other options.

She glanced up a moment at the starlines and let out a soft sigh.

Options like terminating the twi’lik… as she had been ordered to do by Minister Heermann. But Mei couldn’t find it in herself to do it. Despite being Sith, she wasn’t a killer for hire. Should Sith Intelligence find out she purposely disobeyed direct orders, they might take disciplinary actions…

A laugh escaped her at the thought. Whatever SI had to throw at her in terms of disciple would not nearly be as bad as where she and Kaatulf were five years ago. Certainly she wouldn’t land herself in a kolto tank... or worse.

She twirled the crystal charm that hung around her neck in her fingers as her mind drifted. She had her reasons for keeping the girl alive.What if she overheard vital information about what the Republic was planning? Maybe she knew something important that could benefit the Empire in the war effort? There hadn’t been enough time for proper interrogation to make such a rash decision… at least in Mei’s mind.

They might ask why she didn’t interrogate twi’lik on the ship. Simply put, interrogation was not Mei’s strength. Pretending that it was would do more harm than good. Interrogation was an art, not simply casual torture as many sith seem to treat it.

A high pitched beeping alerted Mei and she pulled the ship out of hyperspace. Ahead of her was the clouded world, Dromund Kaas. As was typical, she could see lightning dancing in the clouds. Oddly, it was a welcoming sight.

The shuttle’s communication console flickered on, and she saw the familiar appearance of Dromund Kaas orbital security.

“Unknown shuttle, please identify,” the officer requested.

“Shuttle Darathian, transmitting clearance code now.” Mei sat up straighter as she prepared her approach. For a minute the officer was quiet on the other end, she raised a brow in question as she waited for their response. Certainly her clearance was still good.

After a moment the officer returned. “Shuttle Darathian, please proceed to landing platform E176.”

“Thank you,” Mei responded, clicking off the communication. She proceeded to her cleared landing area and settled the ship.

She looked down the hallway to see if Eyip’faki was nearby before retrieving her holocomm.

“Kaatulf,” she spoke quietly. “I have returned with the defector.”

[kitaree]

To say Eyip'faki was freaking out would be an understatement. The Twi'lek had just seen a man gruesomely killed in front of her, and had been whisked away on a ship by some woman she had just met, and who was the one who had killed Jonas right in front of her.

It took her a few hours to calm down, alone in her cabin, and try to make sense of what had happened. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined things could do like this. She needed to get a handle on the situation, and ensure everything she had done would be worth it in the end.

But as the ship flew through space, she started having doubts. She used to be a spacer after all, and while stars all look similar, she had a good instinct for this. Things seemed wrong. They were not in route for Coruscant.

So for next while, she tried to poke around the ship's systems to find out more about this mysterious 'Jedi' that had suddenly taken such an interest in her. She was no slicer, but had gotten enough skills to reach the subsystems. The one of interest was the comm relay.

The first sentence she heard confirmed her worst fears: “Shuttle Darathian, please proceed to landing platform E176.”

The Imperial accent was undeniable. She turned off the terminal and let out a deep sigh. She had been betrayed. Slowly, she stood up and went out in the hallway, a mix of anger, fear and uncertainty on her face...

[Mei]

Mei ended the transmission and closed down her personal holocomm and turned to see Eyip’faki down the corridor. She didn't smile. Her cover was over. Nothing left except the brutal truth.

They were securely back in Imperial space and her people were on their way. She only hoped the girl wouldn't make matters worse for herself. As she looked at the twi’lik, she could see in her expression that everything she had suspected was true. Mei was no Jedi, and there was no reason to keep up up the facade.

She made her way over to the defector, sensing the twi’lik’s fear and anger.

“You're no fool, Eyip’faki,” she spoke soft, her tone calm as she came closer. “By now you must know we are not on Coruscant. I suspect you've known for awhile now too.” She stopped and looked at the other for a brief moment. “What you did--trading secrets… secrets like this--that was wrong. Dangerous. Treason.”

Mei saw Eyip’faki eye the saber on her hip, and her hand slid over the hilt. The gesture probably appeared threatening to the twi’lik, but it was more out of defence than anything else. She had already been shot at by the SIS agent, and wasn’t about to give the upper hand to the traitor.

“I'm not going to kill you,” she assured her, then added, “but there are others who want you dead. I highly recommend you give full cooperation and answer anything they ask you honestly. You're dealing with powerful Sith lords and highly trained intelligence agents… they know a lie when they hear one.”

Mei approached closer, one hand hovering over her hilt, the other retrieving shackles to bind the prisoner.

“I'm not the one going to hurt you,” she assured again, moving behind the twi’lik. “Did you really think this was wise? Did you really think you would get away with it? What good did you think would come of another dominant force in the galaxy having this weapon?” She asked her questions, but wasn't expecting an answer. She continued quietly, cuffing the prisoner with a slight shake of her head. “No one should have this powerful a weapon.”

[kitaree]

This was so much worse than she could have expected. She never imagined that her brave foray into unknown territories, following her heart and what she thought was right, would end up like this. Now she was caught and there was nothing she could do about it. The Twi'lek was a spacer, an amateur scientist, but certainly no fighter. She avoided danger and violence, because she knew what it did and wanted to stay away from it. She had seen some of the results of war and this was in large part why she had wanted to avoid yet another Galactic war without end.

As the Sith assassin headed towards her, she shook her head at the order not to resist.

Eyip'faki: "I won't resist. I have nothing to fight with. You're the assassin, I'm just your catch, right? Is this why you haven't killed me yet, you want your masters to torture me and interrogate me? I know nothing that you don't already know."

She lowered her head and let herself be shackled, resigned to her fate. While she didn't truly believe that she would be caught and brought back, she had accepted that possibility.

But when she heard the girl's last comment, she looked up and spun around, eyes opened wide, almost yelling at her captor.

Eyip'faki: "No they shouldn't! No one should have such an insanely powerful device! Why aren't you helping me, then?! Don't you know what will happen when the Empire has a full fleet of reactors? They will decimate people across countless worlds. Are you so without heart that you don't care if billions die, even if they aren't Imperials?!"

[Mei]

Mei was stunned when the prisoner turned and shouted at her. She found her hand gripping her saber, but lessened the hold as she listened to the other speak.

“Of course I care,” she stepped back, the Twi’lik still bound. “You think I don't have loved ones spread across this galaxy? In the Republic? Or are you so naive as to think all Imperials are born here?”

She shook her head, that was beside the point.

“What matters is you leaked dangerous information to the Republic. Did you truly believe they would just sit there with it and not create one all their own? This is war, Eyip’faki, and it has gone on as long as it has because both sides are equally powerful and dangerous.”

She turned the prisoner around and made sure the shackles were bound tightly around her wrist.

“It’s a stalemate,” Mei continued, pushing Eyip'faki towards the shuttle's exit. “Rather than exposing this weapon to an equally war hungry government, it should have been destroyed at the root.”

Her words half sounded accusatory, but they were merely her thoughts coming out. She paused at the ship’s exit.

“I will do what I can, Eyip’faki, to lessen whatever they have in store for you, but I am not as high up as you may think.”

She hit the button to release the airlock. It hissed open and cold humid air filled the ship. The landing platform reflected the city surrounding it in puddles of ever falling rain.

[Oathbreaker]

The Oathbreaker stood with a dozen Imperial Soldiers at the base of the disembarkation ramp as it lowered.  The soldiers bristled at the sight of the Twi'lek and her human captor; but at a raise of his hand they stood down.

Once the hiss and clanking of hydraulics and durasteel Subsided and the pair emerged, he spoke; loud enough that the soldiers and any hidden observer could hear:  "I see my message about the update to your orders did not reach you, Lady Mei'li - but you have performed admirably, regardless."

He turned to the leader of the soldiers.  "Sergeant, take the traitor into custody and escort her to our holding facility.  I want a full unit on guard detail of this prisoner at all times in addition to the regular roster.  Once the wretch is secure, notify Lady Kitaree that she may collect this ..." He sneered with distate. "Immediately or observe our interrogation specialists at her preference."

The sergeant led her team forward, roughly attaching more bulky restraints to the prisoner, before dragging the heavily cuffed Twi'lek down the ramp and out of the hangar.

Oath stood taciturn for a few moments longer, until he was certain they were no longer being observed, then rushed forward to scoop Mei'li into his arms for a desperate kiss.

"I've missed you, my love.  Fiercely."  He smiled, stroking her cheek and hair.  "Come; lets get your debrief out of the way so that we can collect the children."

[kitaree]

A line of Imperial troopers stood in silence, all of them clearly staring at the two girls as they walked past. It was hard to say whether they were more interested in the Sith's unusually skimpy clothing style or the bound and gagged prisoner. Lady Kitaree had her usual devious smile as she walked the bound Twi'lek towards her ship. To any attentive eyes, they could see Kitaree's manners were unlike most Sith. Her hands held onto the Twi'lek, slowly caressing the traitor's Lekkus and whispering into her ear as they slowly walked out of the Sith Intelligence stronghold.

Eyip'faki had her sight down on the ground as she was walked by her previous employer back towards where this whole journey began. She was filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand, she felt ashamed and guilty at having betrayed the Empire and then being caught in the act, while on the other, she was sad that all of her efforts had gone to waste, which may mean the death of billions if the Empire went the route she thought they would.

As the shuttle departed on route to Tatooine, Kitaree wasted no time untying her catch and getting her comfortable in one of the back seat, sitting next to the girl in what any onlooker would consider a casual, even romantic setting. But Eyip'faki knew better. She had worked for the Sith for many years, and seen her manners. She knew this was all a game, and the only person these acts were meant to satisfy was herself. She held no illusion of what being freed of restraints meant, and what the Sith was capable of. Still, while she knew Kitaree could be cruel and harsh, she knew the Sith was no monster, and preferred being at her mercy rather than handed over to some unknown Sith Warrior who only takes pleasure in physical torture.

Kitaree: "Ahhhh, my dear little Twi'lek. How hurt I was when you left me for the Republic! Have I not provided for you? Have I not given you a place to stay, work and play?"

The Twi'lek let out a deep sigh, thinking hard as to how best to reply.

Eyip'faki: "Lady Kitaree.. I never wanted to betray you. I was just.. I tried to.. You know how powerful your creations are, mistress. You know what the Empire will do with your plans and your help to build these reactors. The other Sith, they will turn them towards the Republic, towards innocent worlds, they will kill billions with your work. How can you sit by and watch?"

Kitaree let out a soft laugh.

Kitaree: "Ahh.. My poor little Eyip. I misjudged how idealistic you were. You know as well as I that the destiny of Sith is to rule others. This means crushing our enemies, that's what war does. My research has never been about killing or saving people, it is an end onto itself. One planet, ten planets, are of no consequence compared with the power we gain. Our work will be key to the Empire's final victory, what better result can there be? Now, stay still, we're arriving to the outpost."

Kitaree smiled and kissed the Twi'lek' forehead which sent shivers down her spine, and produced another sigh. Eyip'faki knew that the days ahead would be challenging, as the planet came into view and the shuttle started its descent...

[Oathbreaker]

The Oathbreaker stooped as he strode up onto the shuttle; his apprentice, Teindrthesh a step behind - likewise stooping under the low frame.  The pair of giant pure-bloods strapped into the pilot and copilot chairs and initiated the launch sequence.  They spoke no words; they had worked together too long to require such mundane means of communication.

As the shuttle departed Vaiken on course for Tatooine, Oath rolled the minister's words in his mind: The girl is too dangerous to be allowed to live.  Oversee her interrogation; then dispose of her.

Oath clenched his fist in irritation; finally prompting Tein to speak.  "Master, what are we doing?"

"Lady Kitaree has a facility on Tatooine - we are to go there and oversee an interrogation, then ensure that her captive -a twi'lek by the name of Eyip'faki- never speaks again."

Tein simply nodded.  He knew that there was more troubling his master; but also knew better than to disturb him in such a mood.

As the craft exited the light-speed exclusion zone, they slid into hyperspace - left for a moment in the dull hum of the engines and the glimmering light out the viewport.  They coasted; reverting to their natural quiet.  Tein left the cockpit to run his saber katas again, leaving Oath to ponder.  He was no stranger to execution; it had been necessary at various points in his career; though usually the circumstance had been at least tangentially related to his own circumstance.  This was purely abstract.  She failed the Empire; she must die. He ran the thought over in his mind; reciting it like a mantra.  His mood continued to sour as they floated through the hyperspeed blur.

After the momentary eternity of the jump; they receded out of hyperspace to be faced with the planet Tatooine.  Tein made his way back into the copilot's chair and initiated atmospheric entry protocols, while Oath hailed ahead.

"Listening station 834034-gamma, this is Imperial-995; 'Compulsor'.  Be informed we are on final approach vector - inform your master that the Oathbreaker has arrived to monitor the prisoner's interview."

The vaguely garbed voice of the comms-monitor sounded affirmation, and the ship swung down to the planet's surface.

Mere minutes later, the embarkation ramp lowered, and Oathbreaker and Teindrthesh descended into Kitaree's facility, Oath brushed aside the officious little greeter with a stern wave:

"Point me to where I will find Eyip'faki, then get out of my way."

The master and apprentice strode purposefully into the facility.  In a blind spot between security cameras, Oathbreaker removed his vibroknife from his boot, stowed it in his sleeve, then stalked onwards, face set in grim determination.

[kitaree]

It wasn't long before Kitaree sensed the new arrivals at her outpost, and that something was wrong. She didn't need cameras to know someone she had met before was around, and to feel the disturbance in the Force. So as the two Sith stepped into the outside courtyard, coming out of the entrance area and turning a corner, Kitaree was waiting, standing there and looking at them with a questioning look.

Kitaree: "How unexpected to see you again so soon, Darth Katuuf. Once our business was concluded, and you were duly thanked, I thought we wouldn't see each other until..."

She frowned a bit, sensing the weapon in his hand, realizing what he was here for.

Kitaree: "Ahh.. I see. So you are here doing the bid of others? I already said that the girl would be properly dealt with. She is my property, and thus mine to punish. I can assure you that I have all the necessary skills to deal with the matter myself."

She then had an idea and her frown was replaced by a devious grin.

Kitaree: "In fact, let me make sure your trip here wasn't for naught. I know about your upcoming strikes planned against Zakuul's heart. Let me provide you with some probe droids, especially modified by my team to be able to retrieve Zakuul technology far quicker and more effective than standard scanning equipment. Consider it my gift for everything you've done so far. What do you say?"