Why Must We Fight?

[Jamie Pyne]

A quick nod would let Aela know that Jamie understood. Perhaps she was simply overthinking the depths that their hosts would go to vet their new arrivals. After all, it was just a gala, not exactly a military training exercise.

"I know." She said. Jamie could think of a dozen worlds off the top of her head she would rather visit for a vacation than a fortress world surrounded by capital ships and orbital gun emplacements. This was hardly on her list of top picks. "I'm just after a bed that doesn't feel like a slab of duracrete to sleep on. Small victories" Small they were. There were plenty of things the blonde could be busy worrying over, whether or not they'd be caught or tortured or killed. But instead, she busied herself with imagining how plush the pillows might be when she finally had a moment to lay her head down.

"So today the goal is just to practice our roles?"

Jamie felt pretty confident that she had the identity of Priscilla down, but everything always seemed to be perfect inside one's own head. She had to make sure that her and Aela could actually pass as siblings, even if, as the younger of the two, she was to play the awkward sister. Jamie had no trouble being awkward, but her name wasn't usually Priscilla.

[member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

There was a slight drop in her stomach as they entered the atmosphere, Zven apparently having no trouble getting them past customs. Aela smiled slightly as she felt the odd lurch that came with the application of real gravity.

“Practice, and appearance.” It was important that they looked the part when they walked into the manor.

It was why in one of the cases Aela had brought some of the clothes that her mother had given her quite a while ago, a set of fairly nice garments that one would wear on a cold winters day. Of course winter on Borleias was a bit warmer than elsewhere...but it would work. Jamie would have to borrow another set.

“Come on.” She waved as she pulled open the drunk. “You’re a bit smaller than me so some of this will be a bit loose, but that should be alright.”

Perhaps they’d believe it was the style on Yaga Minor.

 

[Jamie Pyne]

Jamie sifted through a variety of different articles of clothing in the trunk as instructed. "If there is any sewing equipment I can make some adjustments to the waistline if needed. My mother taught me when I was little." Better to make sure both girls looked like what the people of Bastion expected to see. A little bit of extra room in the arms or legs wasn't much of a problem, as it could be seen as flare, but a top that sat too low on the shoulders, or a deeper cut at the chest than appropriate would make for odd looks and give off the wrong impression.

Luckily there appeared to be some items she could work with. Dark colors, but Jamie's waist and bust were a bit smaller than Aela's, so she had to be more selective when it came to the clothing she picked out, but she could make do for now. Fortunately it looked like she could get away with one particular outfit that was just a tiny bit smaller for now. The clothing could perhaps due with a bit of ironing, but otherwise they would suit their needs until they made it to the marketplace for their ballgowns.

"This should work I think."

Spoiler

​

[member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

Aela nodded as her padawan picked out what she would wear. It didn’t exactly have to be super fancy anyway given that they had just been traveling, even nobility liked to travel comfortably after all. Still, they had to look and act the part, so as the Freighter dipped low into Bastion’s sky line and headed towards the marked landing pad Aela quickly ducked away to change.

She came back dressed in a black garb slashed with lines of orange. Nothing too fancy, something that had clearly been made to be comfortable while walking around for a day or more.

“Two minutes.”

There was a call that went out over the comm. It reminded her of an ETA during a warzone, but of course they were neither heading into battle, nor starting one. Perhaps it was just the way the Soldier had said it, or perhaps it was just her own mind shifting to a more familiar situation.

“Remember.” Aela told Jamie. “We carry ourselves like everything else is beneath us. These are not kind people.”

They would find that out for certain soon.

 

[Jamie Pyne]

Jamie quickly trotted off to change as well. The cargo hold was certainly big enough, but there was the whole no privacy thing. The blonde looked over Aela's outfit and gave her a nod. They looked relatively similar, which would help pass off the idea that the younger sister tended to imitate the older, with a bit more flair as she had added the overly flashy and unnecessary golden headband that was more a crown than anything.

"Right." I have to act like the other nobles back home. "Got it."

The ship began to rock slightly as the landing gear extended, then shook for only a moment when it touched down.

Jamie smirked, a mischievous grin appearing on her face. "We look fabulous. I of course look far more beautiful however, being the younger, prettier sister." Her voice made a bit of a high pitched Hmph as she sauntered towards the exit, trying already to make herself at home in the role. Better to practice now without any worry!

[member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

Aela made a quiet ‘hmpf’ noise as Jamie began to stalk down the loading ramp, one of the soldiers chuckling behind her as she did so.

It was good that Jamie fell into the roll so easily, even if she only did it playfully. Despite Aela’s cheery disposition, this mission was very important. With the liberation of Coruscant the Galactic Alliance was now one of the undisputed Governments in the galaxy. Anyone would be hard pressed to challenge them and that of course meant everyone would.

If the families here on Bastion were funding terrorist activities back on Sullust and other Alliance worlds...then they had to be stopped. It was vital that anything like that came to a close before anyone could get seriously hurt. Aela knew it, the other Marshalls knew it, and the heads of SIS knew it.

“Let’s go.” She motioned to the man behind her.

A lady should never go out unescorted after all, not to a new place like this. As she stepped off the ramp and after Jamie Aela took on a frowning visage, her gaze disapproving, and her eyes set hard before her.

 

[Jamie Pyne]

Standing outside the ship Jamie took a look at the manor they would be staying in. While it certainly was nothing to scoff at, it didn't do much for Jamie's architectural aesthetic tastes. Everything looked and felt very rigid. It was more defiant than it was beautiful. This was likely due to the general overall Imperialist demeanor that the nobles of this world had. While Naboo was very warm and inviting, the buildings and landscaping vibrant, Bastion was rather dull and brooding, as if the planet itself was contemplating rebelling against the galaxy.

"This is it?" She said, her voice indignant. "I've not visited Uncle since early childhood. I've clearly mistaken his importance. This hovel is half the size of our own."

She turned to Aela, her hands brushing down to straighten the fabric of her outfit. "This place is dreary, sister. It eats away at my soul. Just look at it!"

Jamie flicked her head back towards the building as they approached. "I've half a mind to return to the ship and set course for home. There had better be something worth my time on this dredge of a planet."

Her face appeared cold, irritated, and generally sour. "Servant!" She shouted towards one of the soldiers that accompanied them. "The door certainly isn't going to open itself!"

It was as if Jamie was familiar with the attitudes of nobility or something.

[member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

Aela wanted to laugh, though her face remained a painted mark of stoicism. Jamie apparently took to being the bratty young noble quite well, something that she would have to mark down for later. There would always be more missions, and if they were able to slot Jamie into rolls that she was more familiar with it would help the girl be at ease. Of course, eventually she would have to branch out, but just like Aela she would have to learn slowly...very slowly.

She watched Jamie for a moment more, then turned to the startled soldier beside her.

He looked like he had just seen a ghost, apparently not expecting Jamie to get so...strict so quickly. Aela only perked an eyebrow at him, giving him and expectant look. He shook his head half a micron and then quickly set down the box that he had been carrying. He scrambled quickly after Jamie, rushing towards the double doors and pulling them open. He waited there for a moment as Jamie sniffed at him, her chin held high as she passed through the doors.

Aela watched her 'sister', then looked down at the box.

"Don't forget that. It's worth more than your life." She sneered towards the man, then quickly followed Jamie into the house.

A smile broke out onto her face as she passed through the double doors and into the manor, though her eyes remained somewhat dead and stern. It was an odd look, the same you might expect to see from someone who was enjoying a big of Schaddenfreude.

 

[Jamie Pyne]

Jamie was quite pleased with herself, entering only after the lowly servant had opened the door for her perfect self. If he expected a Thank-You he was looking at the wrong girl! Striding into the building she took a gander around. The walls were a pristine, though bland white. There was little in the way of decor, save for some murals of what Jamie assumed to be famous Bastion painters or something. They were hardly impressive in her eyes. Ahead of the parlor she stood in there was what looked to be the expansive kitchen with attached dining room to the right, which doubled as a sun room of sorts. A dozen or so windows surrounded the room on three sides, with skylights above and a large chandelier hanging from the single support beam across the center of the room.

The kitchen itself had three stoves, two refrigerators, two hydro-washers for dishware, a massive double sink, center island and personal bar off to the side. Jamie wondered if there was wine somewhere nearby, after having noticed the bar. While she wasn't a heavy drinker, she did enjoy sampling whatever she could whenever the opportunity arose. Perhaps later she could do some searching.

"As disappointing inside as it is outside. A pity."

Jamie went about fixing her hair, though the actual purpose was to check for any obvious cameras, or things that could be potentially used to hide cameras in or behind. Luckily everything was surprisingly bare as to decor, making it less than likely that the inside was actually bugged. Still, she didn't want to entirely dismiss the possibility, so she carried on walking through the home, her eyes looking just about everywhere, fingertips running along the surfaces of things, the look on her face one of scorn and disapproval.

[member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

Aela did the same as Jamie, thought she moved more carefully.

The force stretched out from her as she wandered around their temporary home, eyes slowly folding everything as she carefully probed for a sense of danger anywhere in his house. If she had the same skill as Kaili or her father she would easily have been able to sense any cameras or microphones, but alas her expertise did not sit within the realm of technology. Slowly however she made her way around the house, eyes fluttering over one of the bedrooms for just a moment longer as she thought she felt...something within.

She frowned, then returned to the main level. "Niri."

Her voice was strong, commanding.

"Check the house." The soldier nodded, placing the box down and flipping it open to reveal a host of electronic equipment. "Upstairs bedroom, to the left. Start there."

She wasn't sure that the man would find anything, but that was where Aela had felt the most uncomfortable. It certainly wasn't the best indicator, but it was at least something to go off of. They had to be sure that the house was clear before they could get down to any real work, otherwise the missions might be over before it even began.

 

[Jamie Pyne]

Jamie paused in her wandering, hearing Aela speak. She quickly wandered back towards where she'd come from, noticing one of the 'servants' carrying a bit of equipment up the stairs, his eyes staring down at some kind of device with a screen on it. There were a few soft tone beeps as he made his way upstairs and out of sight of the two. Jamie was unsure if Aela had found something or was just being extra cautious, so she decided to think of a way to subtly ask if that were in fact the case.

"He best be sure that everything is the way we expect."

The blonde wandered over to the other room, where a deluxe sized couch with plush leather seats sat in front of a surprisingly ornate fireplace. Just above the mantel was the oversized HoloProjector screen. Jamie dropped herself down onto the couch and stretched out from one side to the other. A small yawn came as she studied the rest of the room. Until the soldier returned to Jamie and Aela and gave them the clear she didn't want to do or say a whole lot.

[member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

Eventually the soldier returned. He held a small teddybear in his hands a small smile on his face. Aela looked at him with an eyebrow raised.

"Camera, probably not meant for surveillance."

Ah.

Aela remembered her mother buying one of the devices to watch Nohei when she had been a child. The idea had been amusing to her father at the time, mostly because he had pointed out that they hadn't had such a thing with any of the other kids. Kira hadn't listened of course, thinking it a grand thing. Micah had broken the camera inside of a week. She smiled for half a moment, then pointed towards the rest of the house, nudging the soldier slightly. "The rest?"

"Everything is clear, though, there's a speeder parked outside that I suspect is here as surveillance."

That was a given, but Aela breathed a sigh of relief.

"Good." She nodded. "Get everything else inside, Jamie, pick a room then meet me back here in the living room."

They would need to start working on things, especially on knowing the members of their targets family.

 

[Jamie Pyne]

Jamie hopped up from the couch and gave Aela a quick nod.

She'd already kicked off her shoes so as she trotted off up the steps there was only the soft tapping of feet as she made her ascent to the top floor. There were several rooms available, each more or less similar. Each bedroom had its' own private washroom, similar decor and bed. Just for good measure Jamie tried out each one as she entered the rooms, intent on finding the most comfortable of them all. To her surprise they all felt the same, and so she simply chose the one to the right of the stairs as hers.

Before venturing downstairs she grabbed her belongings she had brought with her and left them atop the bed before leaving. Finding Aela again in the living room she took a seat next to her.

"They're all pretty much the same. I just left my stuff in the room on the right."

With the threat of being compromised by hidden microphones or cameras gone, Jamie returned to her normal, typically cheerful demeanor. "So now that we know we're only being watched from outside, what next?"

[member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

"We practice." She pulled out the datapad that had been stashed in one of the boxes the soldier had been carrying and threw it on the couch beside Jamie.

"We may be here as dumb socialites, but the socialites here have a dangerous edge to them." That was true. Most of them weren't half as dumb as one expected them to be, and others were even trained in fighting and arts of assassination. It was a strange combination, but the blade one didn't expect was often the deadliest. "We have to learn names, faces, everything we possibly can. The Family we're after are called the Berath's, their head of the family, our target, is Joran."

Aela moved around the small table and plopped herself down on one of the other chairs. "I've already had you study a little, but its important we know these things, especially since I suspect his two daughters aren't the airheads that they appear to be."

"His son...his son is probably a genuine idiot though." She shrugged. "These people aren't your regular nobility, they've been doing this for millenia."

That made them all the more dangerous.

 

[Jamie Pyne]

Jamie took up the datapad with both hands, her eyes falling from Aela to the device. It had already been opened to a block of data with a photo. Scrolling down would reveal several other names, each one a member of the Berath family beginning with the children, all leading up to Joran. Details of each one included their name, age, hair and eye color, approximate heights and weights, as well as a compilation of each of their common interests as well as closest friends. It had seemed that the SIS did a fairly expansive job at learning a great deal of each member of this family before they set out on the mission.

"What makes you believe the son is less intelligent than the other members?" There didn't seem to be anything in particular through a quick look over of the information that would indicate why that would be.

The blonde scrolled back to the top of the list and read aloud, starting with the youngest daughter;

Name: Marabell
Age: 24
Height: 5'8" (appx)
Weight: 154lbs (appx)
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Interests: Equus Riding, Archery
Closest Associates: Tabitha Catsi, Naryi Mefthis, Brent Yurthen

[member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

"He once set his own speeder on fire." Aela said simply. The boy really was a bit of a simpleton, or a fantastic actor. Aela thought that the latter was a bit harder to believe, mostly because of the sheer astounding amount of news articles that had cropped up about him over the years. The Jedi Archive didn't often hold inane things like that, but this family was noteworthy enough that there had been a record of news articles about them, and a surprising amount had been all about the families son and heir.

He was an embarrassment to the Berath's, a large one.

"He's also apparently broken several priceless family artifacts, has caused several public...scandals, and has been arrested half a dozen times." Aela mused for a second, then faced Jamie. "Of course his father got him out each time, but apparently he's got quite the reputation on Bastion."

Mostly for being an idiot.

It was a fantastic example of what too much privilege could do to a person.

 

[Jamie Pyne]

There was an urge to laugh about the boy setting his own speeder on fire, but Jamie decided to withhold that, given that she'd nearly destroyed her father's own speeder once, Kurt's ship, and her own on two separate occasions. Anything with a control deck and engines were generally not friends to her. Instead she simply nodded along, a small smirk on her face all the while.

"If he's an idiot, maybe getting to his father through him would be the easiest approach then?"

It seemed no matter where one went in the galaxy, when you got right down to it, nobility was relatively similar everywhere. A small majority of humble, good folks, separated by the vast majority of highbrow elitists, and mixed into the bunch a few exceptionally bad apples that just made everyone look bad. Those were the ones that quite often everyone else had to clean up after. Jamie hated those types. They were the worst.

She scrolled to the older daughter and read her details aloud as well;


Name: Kristantha
Age: 28
Height: 5'11" (appx)
Weight: 137lbs (appx)
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Interests: Bastion Luxury Yacht Club Owner, Exotic Beast Keeping
Closest Associates: Brent Yurthen, Tori Shunwer, Lorus Barlyn

[member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

She nodded.

The assumption was a correct one. "That was my original plan."

To say that Aela was bad at seduction was...well that was perhaps the understatement of the year. She had never even kissed a boy, nor had she been close, but from what she knew the eldest son of the Berath's would pretty much chase anything that was new on Bastion, and given that she and Jamie were the newest to arrive...it was a safe assumption that the boy would come calling before too long. Of course, the only question was which one he would go after first.

"We'll have to adjust slightly now that you're here." Aela said calmly, trying not to laugh at the idea of this idiot trying to seduce her. "Undoubtedly, he'll approach one of us at the ball."

They would have to go from there.

Fortunately, Aela could at the very least somewhat deal with it, given that she was an avid rejector of any such advances. Not to mention that her time with the Shadow Syndicate had allowed her to grow a little bit more used to the attention of others.

 

[Jamie Pyne]

There was a mild look of worry on her face. Her hand raised to the back of her neck, rubbing slowly.

"Not that I'd wish you misfortune, but I hope he's more into girls his own age."

Quickly Jamie scrolled down to his file and read it quickly.

Name: Tommus
Age: 31
Height: 6'2" (appx)
Weight: 182lbs (appx)
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Interests: Fraternizing, Pazaak, Gambling, Alcohol
Closest Associates: Manuel Cortaine, Grent Worbon, Women

Jamie's eyes raised from the datapad back to Aela. "So he's an alcoholic gambling party guy that probably objectifies women, based on the very clear underline of the word women here." She turned the datapad to Aela, her finger pointing to what she was explaining. "This guy is going to be a nightmare." Jamie was familiar with these types. She'd been approached a number of times by guys in this bracket of intellect. They rarely used their brains to think with. Alcohol was their confidence booster, and their self-image was everything to them.

"Great." She was not eager to meet this guy.

[member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

"Well." Aela began slowly, leaning back. "There's upsides to both. The biggest concern is that one of us gets him to talk, which judging from the way he drinks and acts isn't very difficult, but..."

She trailed off for a second, thinking about how to best phrase it.

"While you can't lie, and thus likely can't really walk him into the right talking circles, I'm not very good with men." That was an understatement. It wasn't that she couldn't talk to them, that wasn't it at all. Aela was fine holding down a regular conversation with a man, it was the...romantic side of things that she hadn't quite gotten a hold of. To many men she was a bit too intimidating in fact, and honestly she couldn't blame them. She was a Jedi Marshall, stood six feet tall, and she carried herself like someone was was ready to fight.

Not attractive to most.

"There's an upside though. If he goes for me, I can likely get what we need just because I can lie, but if he occupies himself with chasing you I can try to skirt behind the scenes and get the information out of someone else." Both had difficulties of course, but both also have solutions. "The trouble is we don't know what will happen, so we have to prepare for both."