Private Of Spies & Sorcery

[Allyson Locke]

//:Jutrand //:
//: Attire //:

Allyson hummed to herself as she moved around her apartment on Jutrand, hurriedly tossing essentials into a small pack. Behind her, Bait circled, meticulously checking items off the list they had prepared together for her trip. A thought struck her, and with a flick of her wrist, the large comm screen in the living room lit up, dialing Taeli Raaf .

When the call connected, Taeli saw a pacing Corellian clearly packed for travel.

"Taeli, I need a favor," Allyson began, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Varonat. It's Governor, well… he's gotten into a bit of trouble. Seems he's been toying with the idea of breaking away from the Empire." It wasn't exactly true. In reality, the Governor had made a single offhand comment, a moment of disagreement with Sith policy. Hardly treason, but Allyson was running with it.

"I was wondering if you could authorize a… discussion. Or, better yet, help arrange for a more loyal governor to take his place." Allyson said casually, but the implication was something else.

Of course, she wouldn't be the one leading the charge. That role belonged to someone else, someone with a vested interest in reclaiming Varonat's seat of power.

"So," she asked, tilting her head, "Can I get permission to replace him with someone better?"

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Allyson Locke
​

That Dark Council meeting had been lively to say the least, and to say it had been enlightening would be an understatement. She now had a clearer understanding of her colleagues, and the new Voice, and the events revealed during it required action. One action she could take immediately, while the other... she would have to see.

So, when the call connected to Allyson, she was a little surprised to see the former Shadow was already packing a travel bag. Had she developed deeper precognition abilities since beginning her studies within the Sith Order? It was possible she supposed. Or...

"A favor?" came the expected question before Allyson explained that she had intel that the current governor of Varonat was planning to break away from the Empire. A second wayward soul in the Anoat Sector? Perhaps a far firmer hand was needed there than she had anticipated. Her head tilted in curiosity as Allyson asked if she would authorize a... discussion or arrangements to replace the governor with someone better. There would be a slow blink as she processed the request, considering a few factors in her head.

It was possible that Allyson had already begun to sink further into the darkness than she had anticipated if she wanted a planet to rule over. It was something unexpected for her, but another piece of the puzzle clicked in her mind, something that echoed she herself had said just an hour or so ago. Varonat. The world that the new Minister of Order had once overseen. The same Minister that, she had noticed, had a Rae Cooke assigned as her personal bodyguard.

The eyebrow would raise, an amused expression now forming.

"Varonat hmm? An odd world to request for a replacement," she would remark wryly. "You know, it's very odd you bring that up when Madelyn Lowe, who was just officially appointed Minister of Order, once ruled that planet. Very odd indeed."

Purple eyes would keep that amused sparkle in them, guessing where this was going. Quite a big gift.

"Well, as luck would have it, I have a mission for you in the Anoat Sector regardless. If the governor of Varonat happens to be displaced at the same time for someone else, well collateral damage happens in these investigations."

 

[Allyson Locke]

//: Taeli Raaf //:
//:Jutrand //:
//: Attire //:

"Oh?" Allyson feigned surprise, arching a brow. "Madelyn Lowe's still kicking?"

She tugged up the collar of her leather jacket, a flimsy shield against the conversation. She returned to folding the clothes for her trip. "Didn't even know. She's gotta be, what, a million years old by now?" A forced laugh, light and casual, as she shoved more clothing into her backpack.

"I didn't even know she ran Varonat. What a funny little coincidence." Another laugh, just as fake, was heard when she crossed her arms, pulling the jacket collar even tighter around her neck.

Silence stretched between them. Allyson suddenly looked like a child caught sneaking sweets before dinner.

"Okay, yes, I slept with her." The confession came small, her gaze stubbornly avoiding Taeli's knowing, maternal stare. This made three now. Three Taeli-appointed officials Allyson had made things interesting with. And she knew Taeli hadn't forgotten.

"And yes," she added, puffing out her cheeks like the guilty scoundrel she was, "I was going to take the planet and see if she wanted it back."

Another stretch of silence. Allyson flicked her gaze toward the woman on the screen, peeking at Taeli from the corner of her eye. "Why are you sending me to the Anoat sector?" Suspicion laced her tone now, her posture shifting. Why was she being sent there if this wasn't just about Varonat?

The collar of her jacket flopped open, revealing the faint imprint of a love bite. With everything out in the open, there wasn't much point in hiding it anymore.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Allyson Locke
​

She had long ago learned the art of patience in getting someone to admit something to her, having raised her family for several years before Fiolette disappeared with two of her children, and then again with her expanded family once they reconnected and her babies at home. To see it seemed to work even on battle hardened, mission focused, spies was amusing to say the least. That or it was because she had once again seduced someone Taeli had arranged to be in a position of power. One time was a chance, two times was a coincidence, and three times was a pattern.

"I'm sure she will want it back," she replied, a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth now. "And what you do and who you do in your free time is up to you, Allyson. I approve if that makes it any better for you. You'll be good for each other, I think." And if it meant Allyson continued to create ties that would further her connections to the Sith Order all the better. Purple eyes would amusingly look at the love bite on her neck that Allyson had been trying to hide with her jacket. "Very romantic gesture, taking back the planet she once ruled. I'll give you points for style on that one. Fio never gave me a planet."

There had been many properties and projects, and Genesia was mostly owned by them but other wealthy families still controlled portions, but never a whole planet all at once.

"You have my approval to unseat the current governor as a Dark Councilor," she would continue, her voice changing to a more serious tone. "What means you choose to use to do so is up to you, although as you can imagine, a more permanent solution will be ideal for your goal." Not the first time she had written off a peon governor for someone else as a way to gain influence and an ally. "As for your mission..."

Her image would disappear for a moment, replaced by a twisted Sith Lord with white eyes and a frightful appearance. Her voice would still carry over, however.

"The Voice of the Emperor recently received intel that this man, Darth Nefaron, is plotting a coup or rebellion against the Dark Council and the Emperor from his seat of power on Anoat as its governor. The Dark Council will be moving to... audit Anoat in the near future, but we want an advance agent to verify the information before we act. As you are the most experienced operative in the Empire, the mission is being given to you. You have authorization to use any means necessary to find information either confirming or denying the existence of this plot."

Her image would reappear.

"Any questions?"

 

[Allyson Locke]

//: Taeli Raaf //:
//:Jutrand //:
//: Attire //:

"Pft." Allyson shook her head, grabbing the last pair of socks before zipping up her bag. "Romantic? It's just sex, Taeli."

Denying came easier than admitting, especially regarding any feelings she might harbor for the Minister of Order. Shaking her head again, she brushed her brown hair from her face and sighed. "It's a thank you. Something about being good for the Empire."

Clearing her throat, she flashed a smile, already thinking like Taeli. Of course, Madelyn would want Varonat back; its history alone made that obvious. It was a tangible piece of her past, something still within reach despite everything that had changed. Either way, Allyson had made up her mind. If taking the planet was what it took to give Madelyn a semblance of normalcy and potentially happiness, she'd do it.

"Well," she added, smirking, "I can give Fio some tips if you want me to." The smugness returned as she dropped onto the sofa's edge, arms crossing over her chest.

She listened as Taeli laid out the actual mission, the one that mattered. A hand moved to her chin, her mind working through the details. Nothing seemed too complicated, at least not on the surface. So why her? This was beyond her usual assignments; she was capable, sure, but this? There had to be a deeper meaning to it.

Raising an eyebrow, she tilted her head. "So, am I doing this as Tsis'Kaar, or am I doing this as the Emperor's apprentice?" Her smirk deepened as she leaned forward slightly. "Or is this a favor for you?"

Each question carried a demand for clarity. If this was Tsis'Kaar's business, she'd be answering to the Tsis'Kaar Councilor, which made Taeli's involvement curious. The other options made more sense coming from her.

"Also, 'by any means', does that mean just surveillance, or am I free to encounter the target if necessary?" Allyson leaned back slightly, intrigued. "Can I question him a little if I get the chance?"

Lately, she'd taken a particular interest in talking to the Sith within the Order. Each had their own perspectives and ambitions, yet they all still clung to a semblance of loyalty. She was curious about this one. Darth Nefaron.

Why had he decided to stray?

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Allyson Locke
​

The amusement would return as the former Shadow deflected on the reason for returning the world to Madelyn. If it was merely physical intimacy, it must be quite the experience if she was prepared to give her lover a planet. She wouldn't say that part out loud, but her expression would say it all. The Lady of Secrets, even if Allyson wasn't ready to admit it yet, was falling fast for the new Minister. But a chat about the developing emotions could wait for another time, perhaps after Varonat was taken. For now...

"This mission is as an apprentice to the Emperor and as a request from me as Dark Councilor," she replied simply, keeping the focus on the mission. The events at the Dark Council meeting had tilted opinions, and she did not foresee a reason for Allyson to be reporting to the Tsis'Karr. "And any means necessary you may do whatever you desire to accomplish this mission. Interrogation, theft, surveillance, assassination. Use your imagination."

There would be a thoughtful pause as she considered Allyson might want to speak with him as part of the investigation.

"I am not familiar with Nefaron's personal philosophy and beliefs, so if you determine what those are it may explain what he might be up to. I am aware merely of the capabilities he has demonstrated in the field. He is a master of fear and death, utilizing both Force techniques and biochemical agents to achieve mass panic. His forces, as the reports from Woostri state, are quite insane and have been warped by him into a force of frenzied fear with little regard for their personal wellbeing. If it comes to a confrontation, your mind will be the first target."

It was a warning for the Shadow to be on guard, but also there would be notes of concern for Allyson. She had spent a considerable amount of time and patience in getting her to where she was now. The last few steps needed to be done delicately and... she did care about the wellbeing of Allyson from a maternal point of view.

"Whatever equipment you require will also be provided to you, all expenses covered."

 

[Allyson Locke]

//: Taeli Raaf //:
//:Jutrand //:
//: Attire //:

Allyson's brow furrowed with irritation as Taeli relayed the details about the Sith Lord she was about to investigate. A master of death and fear. Great. That meant her mind would be the first thing he'd go after. Her head dipped slightly as the thought settled. Just once, she'd love to investigate someone who wasn't obsessed with breaking minds. Just once.

To make matters worse, her usual tricks wouldn't be helpful here. With how things were shaping up, Nefaron would look at her less like a metaphorical piece of meat and more like an actual one.

"What is with the Sith and putting absolute psychos in charge of things?" she groaned, slinging her pack over her shoulder.

She checked her shuttle itinerary through the HUD in her cybernetic eye. The flight was soon. And long. She frowned; she really should've splurged on first class. But blending in coach was easier. With a sigh, her focus shifted back to Taeli, giving her a nod.

"Understood. I won't report anything to Tsis'Kaar, but I might use their influence depending on what I find." She'd have to be careful. No matter how much she had fortified her mind, there were still things she'd rather not relive. And definitely, stuff she'd instead not let slip, especially if it put anyone she cared about in danger.

"Well," she exhaled, smirking, "I'll send you the bill for anything I need covered. Wish me luck, I guess?"

She chuckled, but something made her pause before she turned to leave. She looked back at the holo-call, fixing Taeli with a pointed stare. "Please. Next mission, can we not send me to investigate some nefarious Sith Lord or an Eldritch horror?" Her brows lifted for emphasis.

"Oh, and I'll send you my location when I arrive. As much as I'd love to stay in Anoat, I doubt a place like that has decent accommodations."
An encrypted itinerary flashed across the transmission, revealing her intended stay, a small lodge in Edgefield, a quiet town just outside the capital.

She hesitated. Taeli knew things.

Before the woman could say a word, Allyson groaned. "Yes, I know." A hand pinched the bridge of her nose. "It's her hometown. I know. But setting up a base of operations outside the capital makes sense - lets me do what I do best."

She shook her head and muttered, "It's nothing like what you're thinking." With a flick of her wrist, she prepared to end the call. "I'll check in when I land. And when I make contact with the target."

The transmission cut, and with that, Allyson made her way to the starport.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Allyson Locke
​

"I'll try, but I make no promises," she would reply to the quip about the latest missions for the Shadow. It wasn't Taeli's fault that the galaxy had shifted into a spookier mood recently.

The only response, to the pause and admission about where she would be setting up her base camp, would be an eyebrow raise. She could say a lot of things about Allyson's choices and about a river on Ankhypt called denial, but that could wait until after the Shadow had done her work. She would give Allyson a nod as she promised to check in, adding, "I trust you to keep contact at levels you deem best and when it is appropriate to contact me with details."

Before the connection cut off, she would say, "Allyson. Good luck and happy hunting." Once the call ended, she would lean back in her office's chair, contemplating. She fully trusted the younger woman to get the job done, she was extremely capable after all, but she was also used to being sent in solo on these missions, often with the low expectation of her survival from the SIA or the Jedi. It was one way she had slowly gotten Allyson into her web, to show that someone actually cared that the Shadoe came back from her missions. That she wasn't just some expendable asset.

She would turn on the holo once again, bringing up Nerralyn. She would put out the order to have a team of Geists on standby in Aurora's stealth ships in the Anoat Sector, to shadow the Shadow and give her support if necessary, in both of her tasks.