Trial by Fire (Maelion)

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Maelion Liates"]


A normal person would have probably found the bland, emotionless tone of an HRD unnerving. Assuming they were not fooled by the pretty, blonde-haired package. However, Enyo's upbringing had been less than conventional, to put it mildly.


She found the dull monotone soothing. Organics were so...messy and their emotions were all over the place. "Ok. Thank you," Enyo had gotten cleaned up and put on fresh, clean clothes. Soon she would be forced to cease being herself and play the role of her archenemy.


"Take me to the cargo hold and show them to me," she spoke. Her voice sounded different. Firmer and more confident. She could not allow herself to feel uncertainty or apprehension on this mission.

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Enyo Typhos"]
Without another word the HRD led Enyo into the hold where items had been laid out. Leather was much in evidence. A somewhat shiny recreation of Siobhan’s rarely used lightsabre lay there, as did a hold-out bolter and a Cylix bolt pistol.

There was also a wig and some hair colouring, depending on which way Enyo went.

Vess clearly expected Enyo to change here and now, and being a droid did not bother turning away. Humanoid anatomy was all the same fundamentally.

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Maelion Liates"]


Enyo examined the items one by one. She picked up the bolt pistol and checked it professionally. The gun was rather heavy, but it felt like it belonged in her grasp. She was still inexperienced, but quite a good shot. Next her eyes fell upon the hold-out bolter. It was useful for assassination or to surprise an enemy, but usually a weapon of last resort since you only had one shot. Easily conceable. She eyed the very revealing, tight leather outfit with an expression of distaste.


"She'd wear that? I shouldn't be surprised. It's bloody impractical and doesn't protect anything...or conceal much," Enyo muttered a bit grumpily. Her distaste for her mirror was obvious. She looked a bit uncomfortable when Vess stayed put, then got over her modesty and stripped down, changing out of her practical paramilitary outfit into sexy leather.

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Enyo Typhos"]
Vess tilted her head to the side. “An irregularity many organics share,” she noted impassively.

If Enyo was looking for someone to commiserate with her…she was looking in the wrong place.

Still, now she was suitably dressed Vess could show her some video taken of Siobhan at various public events. Doubtless Enyo would see it as examples of her mirror’s arrogance, pride and lust. However, it was the pattern she’d have to emulate…at least well enough to get past a casual observer.

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Maelion Liates"]


HRDs were not the type to provide pep talks. Fortunately Enyo was not looking for one. Now that she was appropriately dressed she was able to 'enjoy' a couple vids about her mirror at this or that public event.


The setting varied, as did the attire, since it seemed Siobhan loved to dress up. However, her pride, lust and arrogance were a constant. Enyo could not help feel disgusted...and yet even she had to admit that Siobhan had a presence. Love her, hate her, you could not deny that she oozed power and authority. It was no surprise that those without power of their own gravitated to her and submitted to her will.


Perhaps a part of Enyo was feeling jealous of her counterpart. Get your act together, Enyo. That's how you have to be. So stop sulking, she told herself. "So I have to strut around like someone who thinks she's queen of the world, act like I can cow anyone who's uppity and grope you in public a lot," she summarised.


Well, that was kind of accurate. "I don't have her strength in the Force though. Not yet." Siobhan could afford to behave as if she could bestride the galaxy like a colossus because she had the power of a demigoddess at her fingertips. Enyo would have to learn to be subtler than her. "I believe I understand. Let's get to Nar Shaddaa."

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Enyo Typhos"]
“That is one way to explain it,” Vess stated calmly. “We are not expected to encounter anyone capable of using the Force, so your strength in it is less important than what people think your strength is.”

It would not be long before they would be emerging over Nar Shaddaa and descending to the cityscape’s frantic streets.

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Maelion Liates"]


Enyo nodded. "That's a fair point. Most people probably don't understand how a 'mystical energy field that permeates the universe' works anyway. I just wouldn't want to be caught off-guard, but then I'll just improvise on the fly" she said calmly. "Anyhow, I'll be in my bunk and go over the mission data will we reach the system."


Thusly she departed and spent the few hours during hyperspace studying the profile Maelion had given her, exercising and catching some sleep. She'd set the alarm, so she was awake on time when she was alerted that they'd arrived at Nar Shaddaa and were about to land.

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Enyo Typhos"]
The descent to Nar Shaddaa was like entering a place unlike any the young clone would have experienced. The sheer amount of beings, the Force energy they exuded, and the type of energy they gave off could be somewhat intoxicating.

Waiting for them at the fancy hanger bay was the squad of mercenaries, the finest…or at least the most available…to be found.

Their leader, Daria Kaz, strode forward. She seemed the sort to not give too much respect to anyone.

“I’m Kaz. So you’re the great Siobhan Kerrigan, are you? I thought you’d be taller. Anyway, we’re at your command.”

It’s doubtful the real Siobhan would stand for such insolence.

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Maelion Liates"]


Here she was now, on the Smuggler's Moon. Siobhan Kerrigan's old stomping ground before she began her journey to glory. This place was so different from any she'd experienced before. The Archangel base was sterile and obsessively clean, whilst Gehenna was a death world inhabited only by spirits and monsters.


But Nar Shaddaa...teemed with life. The aura engulfing the moon was alien to the young clone. Her still unrefined senses picked up on the presence of countless beings, all living their own lives. The desperation, fear, anger...but also hope they emanated was intoxicating for the young. It was a stench of decay and desperate living. She dared not look down after realising that they stood on the top of a massive platform...and that it would be a very long descent if she stumbled and fell.


Enyo's eyes narrowed when she saw the leader of the mercenaries. The real Siobhan Kerrigan would not stand for such an insult. More to the point, Enyo felt like she would not accept it either. She was no weakling who could be pushed around. Oh, if only she knew the truth!


"Then you will treat me with respect. Consider it your first order," she spoke coldly and called upon the dark power to wrap the woman's throat in a Force Choke and squeeze tightly. Enyo was no master and so she could only keep this up for a limited duration, but the gangster didn't know that!


"The only reason I, Siobhan Kerrigan, do not strike you down is because I have some use of your limited skills. Pray that my assessment does not change and you outlive your usefulness. Now obey my commands and be ready to depart."

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Enyo Typhos"]
Daria Kaz gripped her throat, choking as the invisible fingers closed around them. When she was finally released she glared up at ‘Siobhan’.

“Point taken, boss,” she said softly. Knowing she’d been seen by her group she went to impose her authority on them with yells and her rifle butt.

Vess appeared beside Enyo silently. “Well done. But know she will likely attempt to betray you out of misplaced pride. Regardless, your meeting is soon, I will go with you as far as I can.”
The HRD slipped her a small disc which was hidden inside Enyo’s ear. “I will monitor everything that happens and communicate to you if needed.”

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Maelion Liates"]


That felt...good. The sensation of satisfaction took Enyo by surprise. She had felt strong, empowered and dominant. Like someone who was in control. The feeling was similar to how holodocumentaries had described the effect of a spice rush. Except a hell of a lot stronger.


Maybe this was a test, too. Archangel had warned her against succumbing to petty emotions. She would have to be on her guard, for she knew Siobhan was ruled by nothing but her own lusts. "Good," she responded coldly to Daria after finally releasing her from the telekinetic grip.


She gave Vess a nod after the HRD had spoken up. "I thought so, but thanks for the headsup. I'll just have to deal with her when she does. Her minions might be swayed though," she accepted the small disc and it was slipped inside her ear. "Ok, let's get going then." One of the mercenaries seemed to be watching them, so she ran a hand down the assassin droid's shapely back and gave her butt a possessive grope.

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Enyo Typhos"]
Vess reacted in the programmed way that organics were supposed to, she coughed and moved away from Enyo.
“Uhh…we should get going, boss,” she said demurely. Her voice changed slightly too, more human, less monotone.

It was a short walk from the private hanger to a long tunnel which in turn led to a large, squat building on the other side. Of course, looking down was a very unwise idea.

Daria Kaz and Enyo led the party, Vess behind and the mercs at the rear. Vess was pushing a hover cart containing the payment.

“So my contact in the Cartel tells me that the Hutt is ready for us. Should be a simple exchange, but I’ve also heard he had business on Zygerria so he might try and push a hard bargain.”

The ‘voice’ of Vess came into Enyo’s ear. ‘This is unexpected. We were unaware of this, it may be untrue, but be on your guard.’

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Maelion Liates"]


This revelation gave Enyo pause, though she managed to keep her composure and avoid giving herself away. She had to remind herself that she was playing a role here. Chin was held high, back straight and she avoided looking down into the pit beneath them. Otherwise she'd probably start feeling dizzy.


Naturally she'd heard about what had transpired on Zygerria. Kerrigan and her gang had used a pod race as an opportunity to slaughter the local, slaveholding oligarchy. There'd been a good deal of collateral damage since innocent people had been watching the race, too. Supposedly the queen had perished in the melee. The Hutt Cartel had had businesses on the planet.


How would Kerrigan respond in this situation? "Typical for a Hutt, no matter," Enyo spoke haughtily in a dismissive tone, brushing these concerns aside as if they were buzzing insects. "Zygerria should be a lesson about what I do if crossed. He'll know not to drive the bargain too high. Be on your guard and I will reward you well."

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Enyo Typhos"]
The dwelling of Areenu the Hutt was along the typical lines for such creatures. It was crowded, smelly and ostentatious. Vess remained outside whilst the guards let Enyo enter. She passed through a scanner and then on with just Kaz and one other guard to the audience chamber.

There the Hutt was sitting enthroned with dancers and flunkies all around.
“So…the great Kerrigan comes to my hall.” He pressed a button and a large energy shield surrounded his throne. “No offence, but you have a reputation.” Sluggish eyes narrowed as he looked her over.

Of course, he clearly underestimated what it would have taken to stop the real Kerrigan, but still.

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Maelion Liates"]


The sight was a truly disgusting one for Enyo. This Hutt was a typical cretin, lording it over others to 'prove' his superiority and leeching from them like a parasite. The throne room was excessively grand, opulent and smelt.


Unsurprisingly, he was surrounded by sycophants and collared slave girls, who seemed nothing more than pretty ornaments. She dared not contemplate what the Hutt...actually did with the girls. Enyo felt a strong desire to murder this repulsive slug and turn this place into dust...but she restrained herself. She swallowed her disgust, taking in the entire room, noting the positions of his guards, their weapons and possible exits. She would have really preferred to wear some proper armour instead of this silly leather outfit.


"No offence taken. I'm glad to hear my reputation precedes me," she said arrogantly when the energy shield came to life. His behaviour reminded her of an animal puffing itself up in face of a rival predator. She took refuge in audacity. "Then you should also know I don't stab people in the back unless they cross me and give me good cause. Now, I'm here for business. I imagine you have the crystals for me?"

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Enyo Typhos"]
“Straight to business, I can appreciate that. Bring the goods for our guest,” the Hutt commanded.

A large chest was brought out by a pair of Gamorreans and opened.

Inside were a collection of impressive looking crystals, sparkling in the light of the throne room.

Yet there was something wrong. Enyo would not sense any special presence from the crystals. They were, for all intents and purposes, inert.

“Our fee is as agreed two million credits,” Areenu burbled patiently. Hutts were hard to read, so it was not clear what he was thinking at this point.

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Maelion Liates"]


Enyo stepped forward to examine the crystals inside the chest. They sparkled brighter than a Twilight vampire and looked terribly shiny, but there was something wrong about them. Her senses were not as honed as a master's, but she could feel they were inert.


When she reached out to touch them through the Force, she felt that they were mundane. Fake crystals. Trap? These thoughts raced through her mind as fast as a speeder on a race track. The Hutt had either genuinely not known because it's not like he had the Force or he'd tried to cheat her. Perhaps because he wanted to add the 'great Kerrigan' to his collection of trophies. Archangel had dosed her with a good deal of suspicion.


She sent a silent ping to Vess, who was monitoring things. "No deal. These crystals are fake. Did you really think you could deceive me, Areenu? Give me the genuine ones, or the deal's off and I won't be happy." she hissed. Her lightsabre was within reach, ready to be ignited. The same applied to a thermal detonator that could, if it became that, dire even the odds a bit. However, she did not draw her weapons yet.

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Enyo Typhos"]
The Hutt goggled at Siobhan, though to be fair it was mostly what they did at the best of times!

“Fake?!” he bellowed angrily. “Are you calling Areenu the Hutt a liar?! I am a businessman of integrity and I keep my bargains!” the Hutt said, sounding hurt and more than a little angry.

“Why, I have twenty of my people who saw these were the crystals I got…from….” The Hutt paused, simmering down a little.

“Why do you say they are fake?” he demanded, a new and suspicious tone in his voice, and not aimed at Enyo either.

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Maelion Liates"], [member="Valiens Nantaris"]


Enyo cocked her head to the side. This was a tick she'd picked up from her mechanical caretakers. "I can use my powers to sense whether they're genuine. These here are completely inert. There's no Force presence residing in them," she said. Well, that probably didn't explain anything at all, but both Jedi and Sith excelled at being needlessly cryptic.


A frown creased her features. Hutts were more difficult to read than other sentient beings, but she could feel how genuine his outrage was. The outburst of emotion and the hurt in his tone showed that. "I believe you when you say that you didn't know this, Areenu. I can sense you weren't trying to swindle me. So one of your minions must have switched them. Or your seller."

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Enyo Typhos"]
The Hutt slammed a meaty fist down onto the arm of his throne.
“Find me that smuggler!” he bellowed. “I paid in good faith from a smuggler, and he has betrayed me.”
An unfortunate flunky came forward. “Mighty Areenu, the smuggler has left…for the spaceport.”
“With my money!” the Hutt growled.

A cunning chuckle and he looked to Enyo. “Perhaps you would like to lead the hunt to reclaim this treasure? If you find the real crystals they are yours, but return my money paid. The smuggler’s name is Tali Arn.”
A minion gave Enyo a datapad with a ship name, description and image of a pretty scoundrel.

Vess spoke into Enyo’s ear. “The smuggler is on his way to the space dock. If you wish to chase, you must leave now.”