Everything Or Nothing

[Connor Harrison]

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn7cgs91ERo

Republic Stronghold
Attahox, Attahox System

​

The Caledonia was stationed above the planet, and was a mighty sight amongst a number of smaller transports and fighters arriving and departing down the planet. In the recent purge of the galaxy from unknown forces, everyone was on high alert to fight an unknown enemy, and also their own enemies, to take back systems, planets and territory once thought lost. Attahox had been a mighty battle, but one that the Republic forces had won and secured.

Fixx hadn’t been back in the system long before his new assignment came through, and it was of great important that the Caledonia was still in orbit above Attahox because that meant his target was still on the planet. A basic ship had brought him to the system and was now taking him down to the stronghold and to his target; Kayleigh Tyven.

Sitting in the rear of the transport that was also taking down supplies and troops, Fixx had secured a place down to the surface where he would operate alone on a mission that hardly anyone in the Republic knew about, and for good reason.

He had known Kayleigh Tyven, Supreme Commander and Admiral of Republic Forces, for a good 6 years or so now. Still together, even after their impromptu meeting on Coruscant, and still together after facing separation when the job took them in different directions facing different threats. While Fixx had been part of covert espionage units posted to the Outer Rim during the crisis codenamed ‘Netherworld’, he was now back in full service as the galaxy repaired itself. He bore a few wounds, a few cuts and bruises, but it all reminded him that the danger was still there and never going away.

Fixx brought his hands up and brushed them over his face, his blue eyes looking at the picture of the woman he loved that he kept under his wrist-com. Wearing a combat outfit of pure black and carrying his sidearm strapped to his side, this was official business for the secret service unit of the Republic and it was killing him, but it was his duty; she would do the very same thing were she in his position.

The transport banked softly and the pilot announced they were docking in moments. His body rocked gently with the movement of the bulky ship, but his eyes were fixed on nothing as he thought about what he had to do in the next few moments.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

It had been a long, hard battle. Attahox rebel forces were now for the most part dispersed. The palace had been reclaimed and the city was now under temporary marshal law while the reconstruction process was underway. Until that was complete, the Republic forces would remain in place to secure buildings and fend off any remaining rebel forces. Kayleigh had finally managed a moment of rest in the wake of all the chaos. Her armor and weapon rested on the table of the makeshift hotel she was using for the interim period.

Glancing down to her right leg she made note of the minor sprain from a hard landing when her team had dropped in on a band of rebels via a rooftop entryway. There was no time to really address the issue, she had a job to do, and wouldn't be seeing Onderon again for some time. The core was lost, and she still needed to complete the evacuation of THI to Onderon before the entire corporation was lost. Her mind danced back towards Fixx. Where was he? She hadn't seen him in months due to the requirements of the Republic. Such was life, and as much as she hated to be away from him, she knew the job was necessary to everyone's safety.

She layed her head back on the headboard of the bed, closing her eyes as she listened to the sounds of dropships coming and going, troop movements and assignments taking place. The admiral had a few hours to kill before she needed to be back on duty, and they would be spent hopefully in peace.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

The shuttle landed on the outskirts of the city, as most civilian designated ships weren't directly permitted in potentially dangerous war-zones. Fixx stepped out once the loading doors opened and took a moment to get his bearings. It was mid afternoon and it felt, smelt and sounded like a large work-in-progress of repairing and securing the city.

He had no friends here, and didn't need to waste time. Passing by a group of technicians, Fixx flashed his identification as a representative of the fictional Arlington Industries, and with his knowledge of THI, could talk his way into having business to help the Republic war machine.

A few directions here and there, a few shrugs, and a couple of wary suggestions led Fixx into the city with the great palace looming in the distance. The hairs on the back of his neck bristled, and his face was set in stone as he walked towards a large number of makeshift bunkers and barracks.

A solider walked by, and Fixx reached out to stop him gently.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for Admiral Tyven, of THI and the Caledonia. I'm Mr Kearney from Arlington Industries, due for a meeting about heavy weapons and defence for the Republic reformation of Attahox."

The soldier took his ID and nodded, turning back on himself and walking across the barracks. Fixx turned slightly and watched where he want with his blue eyes.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

A knock on her door would be met with a quick and friendly "Come in!" The admiral was greeted by one of her lieutenants with a salute. She returned it promptly and asked him what he needed. A quick reply would indicate that she had a guest, and displayed the credentials of [member="Fixx Kearney"]. "Orders Ma'am?" She smiled, but was slightly confused as to what Fixx would be doing way out here, especially now. "Let him in, lieutenant. Thank you."

The man would salute once more before turning on his heels and exiting. Returning to Fixx the man would toss back the ID and point back towards where he had just come. "She's right inside. You're free to proceed." Nodding to the agent he would turn and continue on his path, leaving the man alone to enter as he wished.

 

[Connor Harrison]

He stood and watched, not moving, eyes like a hawk. The soldier started back and Fixx turned to meet him, and grabbed the ID as it was thrown back with his sharp reply.

"Thank you...I think."

Fixx glanced back to watch the soldier with the attitude carry on. Obviously would rather be anywhere than here trying to put a planet back together. Fixx turned and walked to the complex where the soldier had come from and stopped before the door, hand on the slider. He closed his eyes for a second and shot out a breath. His firearm was under his arm, his black attire making him devoid of anything but the shadows he operated for.

He pulled the door, letting the light follow him in as he stepped through.

"Hi Kayleigh."

Fixx pulled the door closed behind him and slowly walked forward, seeing a relatively peaceful room that had seen it's share of battle, but had been made into a home from home, her armour and weapon away to the side. He saw her there, looking radiant and as lovely as ever.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

The blonde looked up from her datapad as Fixx stepped through and called her name. A warm smile flashed across her face from cheek to cheek as she dropped what she was holding and stood up. If this weren't the middle of a battlefield with dozens of armed soldiers constantly about she would have ran towards him to embrace him. Instead she simply shouted his name happily.

"Fixx! What brings you way out here to this desolate wasteland that we've been tasked to clean up?"

Walking around to the front of her desk she propped herself up on top of it and waved for him to come over. She was curious why he would be here, but she was certainly happy to see him both alive and well.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Fixx looked around the room discreetly as he walked through towards her, leaning on the desk. He'd seen a good deal of her over the last few months, but with the galaxy plunged into surreal affairs, it was all hands on deck to bring the Republic back from the brink of losing everything to continue fighting for something.

He swallowed gently and looked in her eyes as he got a little closer.

"Work, I'm afraid."

He reached into the side pocket of his belt and pulled out a small chip, placing it in his wrist com that activated a faint green illuminated 3D hologram of Kayleigh. Fixx didn't look at her as he tapped the com a few times, before the projection vanished.

"Kayleigh...I need to talk to you, can you make sure we're not going to be disturbed?"

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

She'd known Fixx long enough to know when something wasn't right, or out of place. So when he said work and illuminated a holo of her, a wave of unease washed over her as he asked for privacy to speak with her. She slid off from the top of the desk and nodded before lifting her comm up. "Captain Trev, please redirect all communication to Captain Rovins until I give further orders." She then proceeded over towards the door and locked it before turning around and leaning against it.

"What is it? And why am I on your to-do list for work? Your type of work....Generally doesn't end well for the recipients." She placed her hands folded underneath her arms as she bit the lower corner of her lip, waiting for his answer.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Fixx just watched her give the orders, and then lock the door. After she spoke, he started to walk around the room slowly, looking at her personal items that he knew so well, and also each area of the establishment she made a temporary home. The sound of transports and orders given outside was muted, but there.

"Kayleigh, everything I do or say from now is strictly under the command of my bosses. It no way reflects what I feel for you, and what we have."

He turned to her by the door, noting he defensive posture. Could he blame her?

"Admiral Tyven, I have orders to bring you in to be placed in quarantine for suspected treason. I am to use any means necessary to bring you in, and I will do what I must. I don't want to hurt you, so please just come with me and it will all be over soon. I promise you."

While he didn't have a time to bring her in, he simply had to leave with her, so time wasn't a question he was bothered about.

He held out his hand for her

"I'm sorry." Fixx had a cold, but soft voice, and he meant it.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

Kayleigh stood still for a long moment, with nothing but a blank stare and sporadic eye movements. She was entirely dumbfounded. Is this seriously happening? Did they actually have to send him for this? The blonde opened her mouth to say something, but no words came, just heavier breathing. If this was anyone else standing before her she would have demanded answers, thought they had plotted to assassinate her, or something far worse. But this wasn't anyone else...It was him. After some time had passed she broke away from her trance.

"Wha....." She struggled with the thought while looking at him. Instead she turned around and placed a single hand against the doorway. "Treason? With what evidence?" She turned back around and leaned against the door. Her arms lifted and dropped to and from her hips as her eyes raised and lowered. She had no idea what else to say. The girl wouldn't, and couldn't fight him. "I don't understand."

Sliding down the door she sat with raised knees, the implications for these accusations were generally lifetime imprisonment or execution. Neither of which she was exactly OK with. "Do you realize what will happen to me? I've done nothing wrong, Fixx. This has to be a setup. There's no way this could simply be a mistake."

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

He had turned his emotion off the second he landed on planets ide, but seeing the girl he loved now faced with treason reduced to – this – was heart-breaking. Fixx used what he could to see her as a figure who could well have played him off to others, aiding the Sith in their clashes with the Republic and doing anything she had to do in order to survive.

"I can’t say anymore right now but it has stemmed from the Republic conflict at both Manaan and Prakith. Both of which you were involved in."

He stood in the glare of the sun from behind, his figure appearing to her nothing more than probably silhouette. Certainly an agent who operated from the shadow.

"I have my orders Admiral, but I will find out what has happened. I will find the truth."

With Kayleigh’s name provided to the service as one who aided and abetted the Sith in the Prakith invasion, Fixx had thrown Manaan in as a decoy.

Prakith was the issue, and her name was blacklisted as one who had the resources and intel to net a few credits and allow the Sith the chance to walk all over the Republic forces.

"Do you want me to contact anyone for you – do you want to talk me to me about anything? About Prakith, or Manaan?"

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

Kayleigh wasn't much of a crier. She never really allowed herself to feel the emotions of a normal person, but he seemed to always be the one to drag those out of her. This was no different, but for a far darker reason. The blonde's eyes swelled slightly as she remained still, her lower lip began to slowly quiver as she thought about what to do. "Fixx..." She never thought she would hate to say his name. But he stood there, determined to complete the job regardless of her feelings.

"You know me. I would never do this. I wasn't at the battle of Manaan so you've been given false information Fixx. On Prakith I was serving under Stahlmann. My crew had been redirected to another Captain, and I was still a lieutenant. What kind of information would I have been privy to then? This is bogus and you know it!"

She had lived her life in service to the Republic. The past six years was nothing but constant conflict and slow progression back to normalcy, and it was all being taken away, for what? Someone had planned to take control of the Republic's military forces. That was the only explanation. But why? Did they have some kind of personal grudge against her? Or were they simply power hungry? Was Fixx somehow involved with this? Had he been the one to play her all this time?

An unwilling shake vibrated through her body as she glanced over towards her gun resting next to the armor she typically wore. She would need to be pretty damn fast to reach it before he shot her himself. What was she to do? Simply surrender and potentially be shot in some burnt out warehouse on Attahox? This was a bad situation.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

He held up his hand, turning his head to look at anything but her broken face.

"Just - stop."

Fixx held his palm out, lowering it gently after her outburst.

"Don’t lie to me, Kayleigh. Please. You were involved with the situation on Prakith and at Manaan. We know you were. I don’t know why this has come up, but I’ve been tasked to find out why your name came to our attention and we have people on it now – but I’m here, and looking you in the face and I’m seeing you eyeing up your weapon beside me on that table."

His hand dropped to his side – she would see that as a posture ready to move.

"I know you’ve been through a hard few years, I know that more than anyone. No-one is free from stumbling now and again."

While he couldn’t let the source of the information be known, Fixx could try to make it easier for her to come out with either a name or an indication why she was prime suspect in helping the Sith follow hot on the footsteps of their force to rip away the Republic strongholds.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

"I've never lied to you, Fixx." She shook her head and dropped her arms. She didn't have the heart to pull the trigger even if she managed to get to the gun. There was no point in even bothering. "You know, it figures. The one time I let my guard down and open my heart to someone, you step all over it. I shouldn't have been so stupid. I'm telling you Fixx. I wasn't at Manaan. You're wrong. Or you don't care. Or both. I don't even know"

Her fists clenched together as her right hand swung back and collided with the door. The pain was beginning to sour into anger. The one person she trusted was the one person to hurt her. How terribly ironic. "So, what then? Are you planning to take me somewhere and beat me into a confession? Shoot me and leave my body someplace? You're not telling me everything."

Slowly the girl lowered her hands and slipped them behind her back, clasping them together, discreetly reaching into the back of her pants for her sidearm. True, she wouldn't fire it, but she wanted the truth from him.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

His face soon lost the sentimentality of who he was facing. He had been stupid to let his armor down; to give his heart away. This was exactly the reason he never had before - duty. It was all he'd ever known, and now he had been put in a position that was near impossible to make for a man trying to do his job.

Faced with the woman he loved aiding the Sith, which he felt wasn't true, but this fire in her made him think if pushed, what else would she do out of anger or desperation. He walked forward to her, his face hard and voice low and stern.

"I'm here as an agent of the Republic and nothing more. You think I want to do this? Hm? Your name has been linked to an incident where Sith ships were able to land on Prakith clearly passing by Republic cruisers. Once on surface they had intel on who was leading the command, where and how. All I know is your name is right at the top."

He reached out and took her arm forcefully, but at the same time not painfully.

"You've got a fire in you Kayleigh. Are you sure it didn't get out of hand and you lost control when it was too late to back out?"

Fixx had seen her other arm down near her spine, and let her show what a wildcard she really was.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DEHeUIH89k​

The last bit of strength she had in her gave way as he laid the accusations on her of both the Republic and his own implied theory. The latter hurt the most. Now he had begun to believe whatever was fed to him. She could have pulled the gun from her back, she could have pressed it against his face as he grabbed her other hand, who knows, perhaps she could have simply shot him. Her body just wouldn't move.

Frozen in place, she simply looked at his hold on her and began to cry. "I don't understand why this is happening to me. I don't. And you don't care. And that hurts the most." She drew the weapon from her back and tossed it toward the opposite side of the room. Through her glossy eyes she looked directly into his. "You can put the job first, but you've lost your faith in the person you said you cared for. I'm done, Fixx. You've lost your mind. Do what you want with me."

She looked away and turned her back, leaning her head against the door, her hands lingered behind her back. She half expected him to simply shoot her in the back of the head and move on, another tragedy of war. And as her tears dropped from where they formed onto the carpeting beneath, she realized that everything to her in fact, was nothing.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

It was hard enough seeing her upset - that was something he didn't like, but the fact it was coming across like he was doing this on purpose; for fun. He had taught himself to kill his emotions when faced with the job because it would mean life or death in a heartbeat.

However this wasn't life or death - this was everything or nothing.

Fixx felt the sting in his eyes, but buried it deep down in the cold soul Kayleigh was now seeing; the soul he had to kill to do the best he could and protect the Republic. He took hold of her wrists with his hands and gently pulled her away from the door, placing a hand on her back and moving her across to the other side of the room to seat her on the vacant chair by her gear.

"Please trust me. I'm sorry."

It was all he could say, his eyes flicking to hers for a second as he turned and sat her down. Backing away, he tapped into his wrist-com. Seconds passed and a beep came through. He backed away from her and behind a partition where he activated the incoming message.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

The now ex-commander sat as she was walked to her chair and looked at him with disgust and regret. Her lips curled and twisted in anger, followed only by silence and more tears. Her memory flashed back to her apartment on Tython. He had been so fake. Asking about her family all the while entirely disconnected from her. For what? To get in her pants a few times and claim some sort of trophy? The more she thought about it the more she hated it. As he turned and stood behind the partition she spoke just loud enough for him to hear her.

"I wish I never saw you that first day on Coruscant. I wish I never met you. I hope you're proud of yourself."

She dropped her head back down into her lap and covered her face with her knees. All of these years, wasted. Wasted on him. Wasted on herself. Wasted defending something that betrayed her in the end. Is this what her family had believed in? Would her father be proud to know that this was what would be left of his family's name? Of his daughter?

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Behind the patrician, torn and not showing signs of scorching, Fixx moved it with his fingers and spoke into his com.

"Give me something more and quick." His voice hard and stern.

An acknowledgement came and silence followed. The agent looked around at the walls, seeing the effects of the battle to take the city, sunlight peered through from holes in the ceiling and cracks ran up the stone. He turned slowly to look back towards Kayleigh – face hidden in hunched up knees.

Was it really going to come down to losing her or losing his job. The job never judged – she did, and it was clear she made up her mind. The truth was coming out. The com beeped and a female voice came over.

”We have another name – a Lieutenant Commander of the Republic. Problem is Fixx, he committed suicide after the Prakith invasion. However we’ve been told there is a splinter cell operating from within the Republic and Admiral Tyven – “

Fixx span to the wall.

"Don’t give me the name, give me evidence. I can’t keep her here forever and if this falls apart we’re going to lose the best Admiral we’ve got."

”Fixx, listen, I’ll do what I can. I’ll get Vorana on it this end. We’re quick learners. “

He looked through the patrician to Kayleigh.

"What the hell sort of cell is this operating under our noses and we didn’t even know it exists. Do a forensic analysis on Tyven and all traceable history to her personal account and listed operations with the Republic. Find out who this Commander was and what the link is to her."

Without waiting for a reply he killed the signal and folded his arms. The silence was worse between just the two of them. He slowly stepped out from behind into view.

"You don’t mean that. And if you truly know me you know I am not proud of this."

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

The girl overheard bits and pieces of his discussion with whoever was on the other end. Though she couldn't make out everything she heard him asking for evidence. So he doesn't even have anything but the word of some karking jackoff in an office someplace? Fantastic. The anger in her was nearly overtaking her, putting her on the verge of an anxiety attack. She never thought she could be so furious with anyone, not since the fall of Coruscant. The tears in her eyes more a mixture of sheer heartache and fury.

Kayleigh's voice was muffled, her face still well within her lap, uncaring as to whether or not he could understand her. She didn't have the desire to look at him any more.

"I never really knew you at all. That much is clear."

Her arms shifted a few times, to clear the water from her eyes and face before lifting her head up and out towards the window to look at the skyline, anything not to look at him.

"So much for everything you said in the past, huh? You might as well tell me it was all guise and get it over with. I mean, what's the point in pretending any more?"

[member="Fixx Kearney"]