"Perfect Square Act I" Pt. 5

An even longer time ago, in a galaxy just as far away...

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"Thanks. I didn't build all this alone of course, I had plenty of help from the rest of the company," Kelly smiled back. "As for why ADIN isn't being implemented, well, it's a true intelligence. Rewiring a droid and installing combat software isn't something innovative at all, but being able to do that on the field requires a new personality to overwrite parts of the old. And like all droids with a personality matrix they develop their own quirks over time. There can be more restraints built in, but with something that can access any system and take over any droid body...Intelligence thinks there's still too much unpredictability."

"All done, ma'am," ADIN's voice reemerged.

The holoprojector began to form an image once more, but this time, it was not the diagram of the brain but a holographic projection of Keeper.

"Secure transmission established," the director of Intelligence spoke. "You may send the data."

Kelly retrieved the datachip she had taken from Gundo's Palace, inserting it into the terminal. With the press of a few buttons, she sent the information on the Hutt's financial transactions back to the headquarters of Imperial Intelligence. While they waited for this to complete, Keeper looked to Mischa for a status update.

"Your actions on Nar Shaddaa resulted in quite the spectacle. The communications we've intercepted so far suggests that the Hutts don't know of your involvement, but I need your assessment. Are there any signs that you are being followed?"

"None whatsoever, Sir" Mischa replied folding her hands behind her back and adopting a relaxed but formal posture, "Steps were taken at every juncture to ensure the mission would not be compromised. Cipher Sixteen should be en route to reprt to you in person, if he hasn't arrived already of course."

"Our reports say he's just checked in at Kaas spaceport," Keeper replied. "Either way, we're already receiving your copy of the data. The Watchers will analyze it and try to pin down what exactly the Shadow Guard is trying to do. In the meantime, how much do you know about the political situation here on Lannik, agent?"

Mischa shook her head lightly, "Only the informal brief Ms. Haron was able to provide en route. Is... there something we should be aware of, Sir? Last I understood of things we were simply here to transfer ships before returning to Dromund Kaas?"

"There's a change of plans," explained Keeper. "The current ruler of Lannik is unstable, and it's generated great civil unrest across the planet, both within the populace and the court. Moff Ceylor has been keeping an eye on this situation and has asked for Intelligence support in taking advantage of it. He'll be here in two days, and you're already on the planet. If you're certain your cover is still functional, then file your report here and await the Moff's arrival. Keeper out." "The work never ends, does it?" Kelly commented as the hologram flickered away. "At least we get a little break..."

Mischa chuckled at Kelly's comment as she turned to face her once more, "And here I was all excited to see this lovely ship of yours in action as we made our way home! Still... two days is not a lot of time to build an accurate political picture. We should make the most of the opportunity to learn all we can about this current ruler and the regime in place..." she pauses and eyes Kelly for a moment with an idea formulating in her mind; apparent from the twinkle in her eye, "Perhaps we can combine it all together. I've seen enough of high society to know that if there's one thing they are good for; it is a party, and perhaps it is high time for the face of Haron Inc. to rub shoulders with Lannik's top brass!"

"That's not a bad idea!" Kelly agreed. "I'll check in with my business contacts here, see what I can get us into while you put together that report for Keeper." She moved away from the holoterminal, walking towards a set of large curved doors on the other end of the boarding ramp. Tapping a passcode into the terminal, the entrance slid open and the room beyond lit up automatically, giving Mischa a glimpse of the lavish living quarters before Kelly stepped inside and the doors shut behind her.

After an entire day of exploring the city of Vorria, mingling with the locals of both upper and lower classes, the Imperials had returned to the ship to await Moff Ceylor's arrival when ADIN received the transmission. The artificial intelligence sent a notification across the ship immediately and Kelly sprung out of her room, walking into the lounge and leaning her arms on the large holoterminal in the centre of the room as she inquired on the nature of this message.

"It was sent directly to our communications frequency," ADIN elaborated. "The encryption bears Imperial signatures and the decryption key is located within the code package provided to us by Intelligence."

"Sounds like it could be our Moff. Make sure it's safe and then apply the key," instructed Kelly.

"Done," its reply was almost instant. "The message reads: Operatives requested. Report to hangar one-oh-five."

Mischa had been sat in the lounge reading through research notes on the Lannik rebels when the call came in. While Kelly processed it through the holoterminal she had calmly stood and moved across the room to stand and pace casually behind where Kelly stood. As the decrypted message played she looked to Kelly, "Well at least we don't have far to travel" she smiled, "I'll grab my jacket and we can get underway."

Kelly waited for Mischa to prepare before they set out, taking with them the earpieces that allowed communication with ADIN while off the ship. They made their way through the now-familiar spaceport towards the hangar that they had been directed towards. When the elevator door swung open, the two were met with the sight of a large transport ship, not too different from the one that had brought them to Lannik two days earlier. This one was significantly newer and cleaner, a sleek long vessel with a silver-grey paint job. Approaching the boarding ramp, they were greeted by what appeared to be two mercenary guards- a Duros and a human both wearing rugged, personalized armour. However, when they spoke asking for identification, their true nature was made clear as the human guard carried an Imperial accent so proper that it could only mean he was raised in one of the central worlds of the Empire.

Mischa looked from one guard to the other before focusing on the one who asked for identification, "Our presence was requested by your superior" she replied in her natural highborn Imperial accent as she looked to him expectantly. The two guards shared a cursory glance to one another before stepping aside, Mischa simply affording them a slight and courteous nod as she walked between them to board the ship, making sure Kelly remained close as they climbed the boarding ramp.

Kelly stayed close behind Mischa as they boarded the vessel. With a darker grey colour scheme and dim lighting, the interior appeared much more Imperial than the outside of the ship, though it was still recognizably different from standard Imperial military designs. It was as if the individual who owned the ship wanted their personal transport to feel like something they were used to, or that it was an Imperial craft doing its best to look like something unaffiliated with the Empire. The latter explanation increased in probability as they passed two more 'mercenaries' and stepped through a doorway to be met with a tall man wearing the distinctive armour of the Imperial Army. The trooper instructed the two to follow him and led them through another hall into a room whose layout suggested that it was an office. There were two couches near the entrance, positioned around a small dinette, an arrangement clearly made to greet guests. In the back of the room were several computer panels attached to the wall, in front of which a single desk stood with one chair behind it and two in front. A middle-aged man with greying hair sat on the chair that was behind the desk, speaking to a hologram that was being displayed by a projector built into the table. The identity of the holographic figure was shrouded in a hooded robe, though it was most likely one of the locals as the bulges on both sides of the hood were indicative of the long ears of a Lannik. By the elaborate decorations on the cloak such as the symbols that lined its edges, the figure was possibly a member of the local nobility. Meanwhile, the man on the other side of the desk, though not dressed as fancifully, was also visibly important from the clandestine Imperial uniform that he donned. "You'll have to excuse me for a moment, it seems my guests have arrived," the man said to the hologram as Mischa and Kelly entered. With a quick but courteous bow, the figure flickered out of existence and the Imperial rose to his feet, moving over to greet his visitors. He nodded to the armoured guard, who stood at attention with his head raised in the fashion of an Imperial salute before turning and leaving the room. When the doors slid shut behind him, the uniformed man looked to the two women that remained. "I'm Moff Tomen Ceylor," he introduced himself. "And you must be...?" "Kelly Haron of Haron Incorporated," replied Kelly in kind before motioning to Mischa. "And this is my colleague, Miss...Agent. I must say, you're younger than I expected. And better looking, too." The Moff smiled, "It's good to know that my charms are still holding, but I admit I'm not in as fine shape as you ladies are. I suppose that's required for your work, seduction and all. You are the operatives Intelligence sent, correct? They only mentioned one agent." "Well, I'm only an informant, really," Kelly turned to Mischa once again. "She's the agent."

Mischa folded her hands behind her back, adopting a formal yet relaxed posture as she looked from Kelly to the Moff with a slight nod of confirmation, "We already have a fair picture of the political climate here, though I would know what your assessment is; that we may formulate a strategy. That, was a local informant of yours you were just speaking with I presume?"

"Not quite," Moff Ceylor smiled again, looking back to the desk where the hologram stood a minute ago. "That was the Crown Prince of Lannik." Beckoning for the two to follow, the Moff made his way back to his chair, inviting the two to take a seat before him, "You don't exactly need to be familiar with the politics here to see that the ruler is not popular with his people. That is something the Empire can take advantage of. The Prince is an idealist- he wants to bring order and stability back to Lannik, but just repairing the damage caused by his father alone is going to take outside assistance, assistance that we can provide." Ceylor leaned forwards, resting his forearms on the desk, "That's where you come in. The Prince is willing to denounce Lannik's neutrality and work with the Empire, but first, he has to be king. Which, of course, means getting the current king out of the way."

Mischa politely declined the seat, preferring to remain on her feet for now as she listened to the Moff speak, "The Prince does seem to be surrounding himself with outspoken rebels and those generally dissatisfied with the current rulership of his father. It is unfortunate that Master Ciede was executed so promptly - his part in things could have proven useful to us - oh, do pass on my commiserations to the Prince if you speak to him again before I; it is my understanding that Ciede was an old friend to the Prince long before he joined the rebel cause... and they did interrupt a splendid party to do so!" She paused to allow the Moff a moment to digest her words before continuing, "I assume the Prince has no delusions about what dethroning his father will entail; can we rely on him for resources and information to aid our operation?"

Moff Ceylor stared at Mischa, impressed with her knowledge, "I see why Imperial Intelligence is so renowned. You've certainly done your research. You must be aware, then, that the King has ordered the military into the city and put his personal riders on high alert. The execution of Elix Ciede was only the most recent in the King's mad rampages. Unfortunately, that means the Prince's allies are either dead or forced into hiding, another reason he's turning to us for help. We do not know whether the King suspects that his son works against him or if his actions are mere paranoia, but we must assume the worst." "My men and supplies are at your disposal, but to keep our presence concealed, this ship and everything on board is all we have on Lannik at the moment," the Moff continued. "These'll be your primary operational assets, along with whatever you brought here. While the Prince cannot be relied upon for resources, he will be able to provide more detailed information than what I have to offer. Shall I contact him for you now?"

"That won't be necessary." Mischa replied with a dismissive wave of her hand, "I will speak with the Prince directly in due course. Should you speak with him however; please advise him to anticipate a corporate visit." With that she turned away to address ADIN, giving a slight knowing look to Kelly, "ADIN, see what you can do to correct the oversight of that missed appointment in the future king's calendar." Mischa turned back to the Moff, "If that will be all... we are late for an appointment. I will contact you in due course."

The Moff nodded, "Good luck with your mission, agent." As he turned his attention back to working on the terminal in his desk, the guard reentered the room to escort Mischa and Kelly out of the ship. The trooper stopped before the same doorway they had first encountered him at, not moving any further for fear of his Imperial armour being spotted. He left them to descend the boarding ramp on their own, where the two guards dressed as mercenaries still stood guard. ADIN's reply came once they had left the docking bay, "You now have an appointment with the Prince in two hours and sixteen minutes. I've outlined his office in the palace for you." "Thanks ADIN," Kelly said to her droid before looking to Mischa. "So...we're just going to walk into the palace and say hello?"

"Of course" Mischa replied with a sideways smirk as they walked along, giving Kelly the clear impression that she is up to something, "But before that, we should really check in with our new friend, it is only polite after all" she smiled as she paused on the spot to retrieve her holocommunicator. Dialing in the desired frequency, she was rewarded a few moments later by a rather surprised looking Twi'lek, "Keelah?" "Lien'Rysulu!" Mischa greeted over enthusiastically, "I'm so glad I caught you! Listen; Ms. Haron and I were just checking out some of the city before departing and we saw some troops who looked to be doing relief work, and so we thought of you! If you have a few moments to spare, why don't you swing by for more of a catch up before we part ways?" The Twi'liek looked back to Mischa slightly bemused but after a moments consideration she nodded, "Alright! Send me your location and I'll be right over!" "Ciao!" Mischa beamed before closing the holo channel and turning back to Kelly with a far more professional composure, "Step 1; we need to get you a new face.... ever pictured yourself with lekku?" she chuckled, as they searched around before finding a suitably quiet spot to sit down with a drink outside a bar on the main street.

"A lekku?" Kelly asked, confused for a second before catching on. "Oh! You want to use her as a disguise! I don't know the inner workings of Verta Foundation, but I think I've heard enough about them to pull this off to the people here. And I've always wanted to try being a Twi'lek. Outside Imperial space that is. On places like Nar Shaddaa they get all the attention..." She sat down beside Mischa, waving to one of the bartender droids and addressing it in a rather authentic-sounding Republic accent, "A cup of spacer juice, please." She turned to the agent as the droid left, "So, how's my accent?"

"I'm impressed" Mischa smiled, "You clearly have a natural aptitude for this line of work" she turned to the serving droid and requested a simple glass of water while fiddling with her holocomm, which she casually discarded onto the tabletop when their guest approached as she stood to greet her, "Lien! It is good to see you again" She welcomed the Twi'lek with a warm smile before nestling back into her seat. "Hello Keelah, Ms. Haron" Lien smiled to them both before settling into the third seat at their table, across from Mischa, "I have to say, I was quite surprised to receive your call" "I did not expect to be making it!" Mischa laughed, "But when we saw the troops doing relief work, we just had to touch base with you!" "Yeah, your tip about the General was bang on the money! I can't thank you two enough for the help - so many innocent people here owe you their lives..." she turned her attention to Kelly, "Does Haron Inc. do much in the way of charitable aid then? I... don't recall ever seeing the name involved with anything before, though Verta does likely operate in pretty different regions to you!"

"Well, my father supplied the military with medical droids for free during the later days of the war, if that counts," Kelly replied, returning to her natural Imperial accent. "He was wounded at Bothawui and wanted to see other soldiers taken good care of. If I'm not mistaken, your main source of income is medical items and cybernetics, isn't it?" "That's correct," Lien nodded. "We sell medical supplies and equipment on the market. I wish donations alone could fund us, but...that's not how the financial world works." "If only your organization started in Imperial space, my father would've helped," stated Kelly. "He was an avid supporter of cybernetics technology and research." "That's a good to hear! As long as it's not the crazy things they do with the tech in Hutt space, of course." Kelly shook her head, "Oh, nothing like that. He used a lot of medical cybernetics after his injuries, and he was always looking for ways to improve them."

Mischa listened to the conversation continue for a short while before her holocom - still sat on the table beeped, interrupting Kelly and Lien. She reached forward casually and retrieved the device, checking some data on it before looking up to Kelly, "Apologies Ms. Haron, but that is your afternoon appointment due." She turned to Lien with an ever pleasant smile, "I am so glad we were able to catch up with you Lien, but business calls and we must sadly return to our schedule; I'm sure you understand." Lien smiled back, " All too well Keelah! You two take care now and remember; if there's ever anything Verta can do to assist you Ms. Haron, do give me a holo!" "Keep up the good work! I do hope we get chance to work with you more closely some day, ciao!" Mischa chirrupped happily as she stood and led Kelly away one she had said her fairwells too. Discretely leading Kelly to a public restroom, Mischa secured the door behind them affording the pair sufficient privacy as she looks to Kelly with a smirk as she retrieved the holocom from her jacket, "Is Ms. Rysulu ready for her fitting?"

"All set," Kelly grinned as she took the holocommunicator. She took another similar looking gadget from her belt, attaching it to the communicator Mischa had given her. For over a minute she worked quietly and intently, typing on both devices as a miniature display of the Twi'lek they had just spoken with spun around idly. When she was finished, Kelly hooked her device back to her waist, connecting it to the power source built into the metallic strap. With a tap on her side, the holographic disguise sprung to life. Where Kelly was before, there now stood what appeared to be a Twi'lek female in a white jacket trimmed by the blue of two lekku draping down her back. Kelly twirled around fancifully, mimicking the holographic image from earlier. The lekku shifted as she did, the approximation of its physics indistinguishable from the real thing, at least not with human eyes. The holographic clothes clung tight to her form and had only minimal movement, which meant they would not be an issue. Turning back to Mischa as she finished her spin, Kelly smiled and the mouth of the Twi'lek projection moved naturally with hers, "So, how do I look?"

"Indistinguishable from the real thing" Mischa smiled approvingly, "I see you even observed some of her movement and mannerisms, good work!" she moved over to a washbasin and leaned forwards, checking her own appearance was suitably pristine for a royal audience before turning back to Kelly, "Alright then, show time! It is just a short walk to the palace from here; should give you a good chance to grow familiar with new skin before we arrive to our appointment" She led them back out of the restroom and walked side by side with her new Twi'lek friend as they strolled through the district, "If you have any questions or concerns; now is the time" she smiled, carrying the sense of a much more casual conversation as they walked.

"This skin looks very nice!" Kelly remarked as she glanced into a nearby mirror on their way out. "I should try wearing this to a cantina and see what happens." "You're not going with a skin, then?" she asked a more serious question as they began to make their way towards the palace. "I mean, you're not anyone high-profile, but if the cameras spot you once, wouldn't it be harder to sneak in again? Unless you're planning to use a disguise the next time...if there's even going to be a next time?"

"I Prefer to keep my options open; only do what's necessary - when it's necessary." She smiled back with that knowing twinkle in her, "And I must say, you are adapting very well to..." she was cutoff as they approached the main walk towards the palace. "Ms. Rysulu... oh Ms. Rysulu!" Called a familiar voice from behind them. Mischa turned to see the General jogging up to them, pausing to catch his breath as reached them, "Ms. Rysulu, I'm glad I caught you..." he looked to Mischa, "And Keelah... I did not expect to see you away from Ms. Haron's fine company is this.... ohhh" he smirked looking to Kelly, "Doing a little corporate poaching are we?"