You Really Do Belong With Us, Here Among The Clouds [First Order Dominion of Bespin]

[Popo]

(3/20)

"Currently?" the holo started after a moment. "Currently, none exist. They're hand made, specially fitted, and custom to the assigned user. The key difference between the elite variant and the standard is that while the standard features marginal lightsaber resistance, the phrik plated variant is entirely resistant."

"The issue is that one phrik plated suit easily costs a squad of standard M1-01s. None have been made beyond the prototype half because the cost and half because they're custom fit."

The holo flickered for a moment before showing a series of looping holos depicting various tests undergone by the powered armor ranging from weapons fire to durability trials.

"If you have someone in mind to receive an elite variant, I'd be more than happy to have them fitted and add the suit to the order. That said, would I be correct in assuming the data you have been shown isn't quite enough for your superiors' tastes? Or are they feeling out the offer before them still?"


[member="Razelle Breuner"]

 

[Darth Metus]

If the divine saw fit to tear open time and space itself...

If they decided to tell the Josiah of the past what the Josiah of the present was up to...

He would have laughed.

Yet, despite the irony of it all, the once-staunch huntsman of the Black had now reversed his stance. He who once believed that the Light existed solely to snuff out the Darkness...now stalked the Light. [member="Coren Starchaser"] was the intended target of this particular venture, and the First Order would not be denied in their goal. For the sake of the greater "good", Josiah had this task to do. But it sure as kark did not feel good. Once the accord was reached between the Ancient Stormtrooper and the Archmaster, the seizures began.

They moved like a storm. The din of thundering boots echoed throughout. The cries of disrupted lives filled the air. Doors were systematically kicked open, roars of demands were made. The Stormtroopers were vicious in their goal...and thorough. One by one, every domicile in their way was searched whilst Josiah looked on. And with each search...with each seizure...something cold grew in the pit of his stomach. Was it guilt? Shame?

Doubt clouds your mind, Herodias. Shall I question my appointment?

That voice...The harsh tone of the Supreme Leader impaled his thoughts.

Feelings are irrelevant. The mission will be completed as ordered.

There was no response. Did Sieger Ren buy it? There was no telling...but what Josiah did know was that the man was watching. He exhaled, attempting to set aside the ice which grew in his belly. He inhaled, attempting to place the mission above everything else. He needed to find Starchaser. Plain and simple. Now, how does one locate a needle in a haystack? They were looking, and damn thoroughly, but maybe he could contribute in another way. Another breath. The Force opened his eyes, allowing him to see.

He could see the aggression. The despair. The Dark Side was growing strong about Bespin. The First Order was moving in quite rapidly.

And so, in this fog of all Dark things...a Jedi would shine like a star.

What was that? A glimmer?

"Over here men!" he called.

The Sight was abandoned. Josiah led the way in a jog, saber ignited and at the ready. A rather solid Push saw the sole obstacle in his way, a door, blown clear off its hinges. And in its wake? A...Bar?

"Be on your guard." he warned.

Now it was up to the Stormtroopers to drag the Bar's occupants out...whilst the Archmaster awaited the emergence of the mark.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"], [member="Coren Starchaser"], [member="TK-4261 Strain"]

[6/20]

 

[Malok]

Objective: Secure the Exex.

The Tart Cart.

The name held special significance for the Trooper, and not solely because of its ridiculous nature.

Back in the day...back when the Techno Union actually stood for something other than money...he fought for them. He was created for them, born for them, and bled for them. Yet, Maverick wasn't alone in this: he had brothers. Damn good brothers. Time and time again, they deployed in a modern version of the archaic LAAT/i. And its name? The Tart Cart. Now, the original vessel had long since been shot down. Liberty Concord saw to that...but that didn't stop Maverick from giving a new one that name. That didn't stop the Clone from attempting to relive the glory days.

At present, Maverick had found something to fight for. Order. Stability. The First Order was the name of the game. And today? They wanted him to do his part in occupying a rather lovely ball of Tibanna Gas. In particular, there was a collective of leaders whose presence would be a great boon to the more politically-minded of the occupying force. Problem was, they had practically vanished. Without a trace. Okay, not without a trace, they just weren't where the budding Empire thought they would be.

But.

As the operation moved ever forward, the location of the so-called Exex would come to be known. And who better than a rather special Stormtrooper to descend upon their position, right?

"Arriving at drop point in 3...2...1...GO!" called the pilot. The side doors of the dropship opened and out leapt TK-0308. Oh look, purty clouds. The drop point was designated on his HUD: a shiny blip right in front of his eyes. It directed him to freefall before kicking on his jetpack at the opportune moment. From there, he flew in, extinguishing the thrust to make a solid landing just before the doors. Now, the Jedi present may not have been able to feel his impending arrival (#ForceDead), but she sure as kark could hear zoooom, thump, clatter.

Especially the kick. She could definitely hear a boot kick open some doors.

"By Order of the Supreme Commander, I am to bring the lot of you into custody. Please do not resist. Come quietly and no harm will be inflicted."

He raised his blaster, one of the particle beam variety, just to get the point across.

[member="Nubica Felidae"]

[7/20]

 

[Malok]

Whew.

That was a relief to hear.

Affording himself the slightest grin of satisfaction, thankfully veiled behind his mask, Darth Metus continued.

"You have my sincerest thanks." he began, rendering a polite decline of his head. "As of present, Arakyd Industries is relying on...admittedly subpar facilities. Either we produce from remnants of Stargo Enterprises, or refurbished facilities from a long, long time ago. Suffice it to say, we manage, but these Shipyards will be a welcome change. Perhaps I dream too large, but what I hope for is something of the caliber Druckenwell's former shipyards. Something large enough to produce and maintain a national fleet."

He paused.

"What do you think?"

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

[8/20]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Darth Metus"]

The holographic camera would start to follow Danger as she mulled over the details. Her image would seem to continue her slow amble until she made it towards the display of various cakes.

"It can be done." she told him, "But it will take time. With the Republic now engaging the Mandos into a war, things are getting complicated." she pursed her lips. She wasn't happened about that, but that was a topic she was still in the midst of investigating.

"I do have resources I can tap into that can provide you with the raw and refined materials." another thought. "I can mobilize enough of a production fleet to bring what you need to the planet."

"How soon would you want to start?"

 

[Malok]

Complicated was an understatement. But, fortunately, the Techno Union...and the Trade Federation...were smart enough to keep their most vital "goodies" far from the clutches of those nations. At least, as far as the Sith Lord recalled anyways.

"For both, I would be exceedingly grateful." he said. "I am ready to begin immediately. The sooner Arakyd has access to suitable facilities, the better."

Then, the camera moved.

"Well. Those certainly look delicious." he commented.

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

[9/20]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Josiah Denko"]

Objective: Search and Destroy
Location: The Seedier part of Bespin, [member="Rekha Kaarde"] 's bar?
6/20

Troopers were troopers. The five left to guard the Prisoners were on point. some of TK's best men, hand-picked veterans of several long campaigns, spanning numerous empires. And the rest? Well they were alright. Some vet's and some plucked from other Black Ops units and conscripted into the 3rd Imperial Infantry’s service.

Oh yes and the Forcie was ripping down door and in a mad Rage. Tk grinned inside his helmet as they surged through the door ahead of him. With abandon the men spread out, digging the corners and slamming patrons to the ground. Flex cuffs were produced, prisoner cuffed and tossed aside. They had established a perimeter in the form of a semi circle spearhead in the doorway.

Fatal funnel cleared. Phase two.

"Shall we?" They asked, already anticipating the Commanders next orders.

"Let the Scum eat it men!"

TK watched cackling soullessly within his helmet as stun grenades sailed through the air. There was explosions, screams of terror and pain. He was sued to it. Putting down Rebels children on Crina under the Imperium had put the nail in that coffin.

Bodies were hitting the floor at a an alarming rate as smoke and explosions rocked the room.; Half the patrons were out Cold, and TK held up a single hand, stopping the madness in it's tracks.

"Listen up flea ridden dogs. Turn him over. You know exactly whom I’m talking about! Turn over [member="Coren Starchaser"]!"

 

[Krayn]

Objective: 4
Re-establish the Bespin Wing Guard Under Our Rule
Allies: The First Order, Political Intrigue
Enemies: Political Intrigue
Post: Ileris [04/20] + Kira [02/20] = 06/20 Total

ILERIS

The votes had been placed quickly and had to Ileris’ knowledge already been counted by the time Captain Adina had returned to his position above the chamber. The look on his face gave a puzzling in look towards the results he was about to deliver.
“Quiet please.” The Captain said needlessly, the room was as silent as a grave. “The votes have been counted and with sixty seven percent of the count our emergency Administrator will be Ileris Sonn of Rothana.”
The room was supposed to be filled with polite applause and levels of congratulations but instead the amphitheatre had only room for silence.
“It is done then.” Ileris stood and slowly made his way through the amassed nobles and houses of Bespin. Narrowed eyes and whispers followed him as he went, everyone wanting to know how despite it was obvious to them all.”
Captain Adina gave Ileris a questioning look as he approached.
“It seems your bargaining paid off.” He was angry, frustrated that the man who had seen the removal of Turvik and a promise to not get involved was now chosen representative of Bespin. “I hope your office suits you. Sir.”
“Oh it will do fine.” Ileris moved next to Captain Adina before looking towards the Lieutenant who had moved in closer behind the Captain. Ileris gave the nod.
It was over quicker than any had been expecting. Adina was pinned to the console before him and a pair of binders put on his wrists.
“WHAT?!”
“Mord Adina, you have been found guilty of treason in the First Degree.” Ileris said as he turned to the amassed crowd. His presence frightening as some seemed to back towards the door. “Conspiring with known terrorists and aiding the so called Resistance against the First Order.”
“The First Order hold no rule here. We are the law not them!” He struggled against his constraints. “This is not legal!”
“You are the law, yet you now follow my orders.” Ileris gave him a sneer. “My first act as Administrator is this, Cloud City and all it’s territories; including the greater planetary mass of Bespin is now the legal property of the First Order Territories. They will not interfere with the businesses of this planet as long as cooperation is ensured.”
Several nobles went for the doors. They didn’t get far as a line of Stormtroopers moved into the building and began to block off the exit.
“Those of you here who have nothing to hide have no reason to fear. Allow yourselves to be processed and dispatched.” Ileris then turned to the Lieutenant who was holding down the Ex-Captain. “The Wing Guard are now yours Captain Ipol. I look forward to seeing your capabilities.”
“Yes Baron-Administrator. Long live the Supreme Leader.”
“Long live the Supreme Leader.”

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Darth Metus"]

Danger could only smile, and it was one that brightened her entire face. To see a woman so happy, one would wonder just what Alric Kuhn had managed to make it so. A hand would fall to trace the table, her green eyes skimming the varying plates for tasting.

"Mmm... they do look quite delicious." a small chuckle, and a perk of her good mood. Turning back to Darth Metus. " My wedding and honeymoon will last the next month. However, I can assign a direct report of mine to start on the project right away." her mind would go over names. Finally settling on one particular.

"Her name is L'via, she is a Chiss who normally conducts all Arceneau Trade oversight among the Unknown and wild regions. She could be your direct report while this construction goes underway." She was also the representative assigned to the One Sith. If that was an issue, Danger could always assign another.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Objective: 3
Allies: [member="Ludolf Vaas"]
Posts: 3/20

Natasi didn't share Vaas's enthusiasm for the 'lavish dinners' he described, buts he feigned a smile. She knew that the Baron typically liked to entertain business guests for late evenings. It was going to be a long night, and one she would have to spend with both a ridiculous caricature of a Baron and [member="Ludolf Vaas"], a man with whom Natasi was having a difficult moment. He was a loose end, having seen her at her most vulnerable, literally pulling her bleeding body from the rubble of the Magister's building on Skye. She didn't like the idea of a potential underling seeing her as a mortal, and a weak mortal at that, and she had every intention of making Ludolf Vaas (and every last fellow member of the First Order -- save the Supreme Commander and the Supreme Leader) her subordinate. But her ambition was a topic for another time.

"Delightful," Natasi murmured, pleasantly agreeing. She followed the Baron into the mansion and murmured a question about his son, a university student offworld -- as far as the Baron knew. They made pleasant chit-chat while walking in, where they were greeted by the other guests who had already arrived. All in all there were six guests, plus the Baron, who were seated around the dining table."

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Objective: 3
Allies: [member="Natasi Fortan"]
Posts: 4/20

General Vaas, for his part, had no reason to mistrust Ms. Fortan... yet. Thus far she had been a loyal and valuable member of the First Order, and had done nothing to be the subject of his ire. He would expect the same from her tonight, in front of the Baron. In truth, this was her arena, and he felt as though he should be leading his troops in the skirmishes unfolding in the underbelly of Cloud City, but sometimes, the weight of a General was needed in certain social situations. The gas Barons needed to know that they would be much better off without testing the strength of the armies of the First Order. They would bend the knee or face the consequences.

"Good evening to you all," Ludolf said to the guests in attendance. "I am General Ludolf Vaas of the First Order, and this is my colleague, Governor Natasi Fortan. It's a pleasure to be invited here tonight."

After the rounds of handshakes and bows and once Ludolf had a seat to Baron Korper's right, he felt he could begin his stratagem. He would ease the old fat Baron into his arms slowly. He wouldn't begin discussing business matters, for it was better to loosen old Korper up with some alcohol first, to make him more amenable to negotiation. Judging by the girth of his stomach, Ludolf figured Korper would happily oblige.

"Please, Baron Korper, pour us both a glass of Cloud City's finest spirit," He suggested. "The journey was long and if the tales are true, Baron Korper samples only the galaxy's finest wines at his dinner table."

 

[Kenrath]

Objective 3
Allies: Unknown
Enemies: Unknown
Persons of Note: [member="Natasi Fortan"] [member="Ludolf Vaas"]
Post: 1/20

Viktor walked the halls of Bespin a man with an air of confidence that would not be denied. On one side of him was one of the Barons of the City. On the other was Viktor's personal assistant. A few feet behind them was a lone Bodyguard....Viktor's most trusted friend. Viktor turned to the Baron as they walked.

"Tell me something Baron." "In a Galaxy plagued by war do you want to put your stock in an untested infant or a Power that never loses?" "Sure this First Order is young and hungry." "But they are untested." "The One Sith has beatne back anyone and everyone who dared oppose them." "Even the great Galactic Republic itself has failed to keep them at Bay."

He paused letting his words sink in before he drove on last point home.

"Sure they can promise you the Galaxy but can they deliver?"

Viktor smiled. It took only a few minutes for the Baron to speak.

"I understand and heed your point Governor Alexander." "However it is Baron Korper who holds the ears of the Baron's and the First Order." "You must convince him if you wish to sway them all." "He is hosting a Dinner party in an hour." "Perhaps it is something that would be of interest to you and the One Sith."

Viktor nodded.

"Then I shall go see this Baron." "Just remember.........we gave you an opportunity.........and we don't like to be told no." "We ask once..........then we take."


An hour latter Viktor made his way to the dinner he had been told about his assistant at his side. As soon as he entered he made his way directly up to the Baron. He smiled warmly clasping the man on the shoulder and sticking out his hand.

"Baron thank you for the invitation..........Viktor Alexander.............the One Sith send their regards and celebrate your good health."

Viktor turned to the others guests with a smile and a nod but did not say a word pausing as his assistant whispered something to him before excusing herself from the room.

"Please forgive me...........my assistant is not feeling well." "My associate waiting outside will escort her back to the ship while we dine."

Viktor's expression seemed sincerely apologetic as he moved to an empty seat at the table.

 

[Razelle Breuner]

Objective: 5
Allies: [member="Popo"]
Post: 4/20

There was assorted chatter on Raz's earpiece. It wasn't terribly surprising to anyone involved that this hadn't gone as they'd hoped. The men on the other end of the line were as professional as Razelle herself was, and you don't play spy for years without getting used to things not going according to plan basically ever. A perfectly executed op didn't exist, even one as simple as a contract negotiation. You took what you could get and you ran with it. At the moment, "what you could get" was priority access to infantry-deployed tactical armor. It was worth a bit of flexibility.

Her handler agreed. "Close the deal, Sieglinde, as agreed."

The clone gave another imperceptible nod. "We can work with that." She tapped a few points on her datapad. "If you'll review and mark this for approval, we'll deliver payment per unit until there are enough available to buy in bulk." She sat back in her chair and clasped her fingers over the table once again. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you. We hope this to be the first step in an extended and prosperous agreement for both parties."

If she hadn't responded with that, she probably would have been chewed out when she got back to Ubi Actual.

 

[OK-3103]

Objective: 5 (joined the party late)
Location: Chasing down a lead
Post: 1/20

When OK-3103 arrived at the address for the supposed rebel facility, he found only an empty hangar dock filled with old-model cloud cars and other small sky vehicles waiting for repair.

“There’s nobody here,” he said out loud – his words superfluous to the empty space, but intended for his comms unit.

He around. “Are you certain this is the correct location?”

“Affirmative,” came the voice through his ear-piece.

“Something’s not right here,” he said.

His training was already kicking in, unconsciously moving him closer to battle mode.

The outer bay doors were open wide, and clouds stretched out in a vast empty skyscape, tall gray thunderheads rising above the white ritists far below. Judging from the weather patterns, OK-3103 suspected that heavy storms would strike the floating city before the day was out.

He went deeper into the docking bay, looking around, growing more suspicious by the moment. He stopped by two of the cloud cars, bent over, and touched their control panels. One was painted a rich blue, the other a bright scarlet. Both were typical recreational vehicles, cloud cars that had been souped up and probably used for races or sky patrols.

His reflexes coiled like an overwound spring, suddenly whirled him about – without conscious thought. In the only entrance to the cloud-car bay were three Ugnaughts. Beside them stood two Wing Guard security policemen.

“You caught them,” OK-3103 said to the Wing Guards, thinking that this was part of the debriefing: identifying three of the rebels.

But his eyes told him the logic of the situation was flawed as the Wing Guards and the three Ugnaughts hauled out their blaster rifles.

“We have been betrayed,” the trooper said into his mouthpiece.

 

[Kira Vaal]

Objective: Do Your Own Thing
Secure and Remove Underground Assets
Allies: Who knows
Enemies: #TeamFirstOrder
Posts: Kira [03/20] / Ileris [04/20] = Total [07/20]

KIRA

The trip to back through the corridors to the docking bay were uneventful. Several times Kira and Onasi found they had to duck behind a doorway or a stack of crates to remove themselves from the view of patrolling squads of stormtroopers that were making pathways through the lower levels of Cloud City.
Once they had been spotted by a First Order scouting Probe but Onasi had managed to shut it down with a quick EMP shot from his blaster. They had left the shell laying on the corridor floor however so it would not be long before someone or something came looking for them.
“How far is your ship again?” Onasi remarked through quick breaths as they came to a stop at another corner allowing Kira the time to peer around in search of scouting patrols.
“At the end of the next corridor.” She replied, “We however have a problem.”
“What?” Onasi slid forward and peered passed Kira at the two stormtroopers at station by the docking bay door. Clearly someone had got the hint that the ship was something to be suspicious about. “Damn.”
“There’s probably more inside.” Kira unclipped the strap over her blaster holster. “I’d rather not risk a frontal assault.” She gave a scout of what surrounded them, a crate here and there not much that would be considered cover in the best of senses.
“Any way you could get eyes in the ship? Know what we are up against.” Onasi offered with a rise of his shoulders.
“I could call Bee, but they would hear it, i’d rather not blow any cover he may of found.”
“Bee?”
“My droid; long story.” Kira closed her eyes and tried to think, there had to be another way.
“I’ve got an idea.” Onasi said with a look of desperation.
“What? What idea?” Kira didn’t have time to consider the declaration as Onasi took hold of her shoulders and pushed her hard out into the corridor where the Stormtroopers were stood.

 

[OK-3103]

Objective: 5 (joined the party late)
Location: Chasing down a lead
Post: 2/20

OK-3103 backed up, holding his hands in front of him to prove he had no weapons. Only a few meters behind him stretched the open entrance to the cloud-car bay and another immense drop.

"Just keep backing up until you're over the edge," one of the Wing Guards said with a chuckle. "Save us some energy in our blaster packs. Don't make us shoot you down right where you stand. That would leave us with quite a mess to clean up."

Thinking quickly, OK-3103 leaped into the scarlet cloud car. Squirming to right himself inside the cramped space, he fired up the engines and roared his vehicle into motion while the surprised security men cried out and rushed into the room after him.

Blaster bolts rang out, one sizzling and ricocheting off the scarlet paint near OK-3103’s head. He fumbled with the cloud-car controls and adjusted the dials to their maximum output.

With a lurch, his cloud car blasted out into the open sky and spun in a full circle. He nearly tumbled out of his seat, but managed to bring the car under control. He dispensed with the notion of fastening his crash restraints.

"There are always alternatives," he said as he sped away.

He twisted around to look behind him at the gleaming white metropolis in the clouds. "It does not appear I’m safe just yet," he said into his comm link.

Not far behind him, they could see that the thugs had helped themselves to a pair of cloud cars, newer and brighter than the one he had found. The killers raced after him in hot pursuit.

 

[Popo]

(4/20)

"Unfortunately, you'll notice this particular droid has no method of signing," the hologram said, projecting the Hutt's voice with relative ease. "However, once this comm call is completed, if you'll follow the droid you'll find it will lead you to... a signature, of sorts. A gesture of goodwill, perhaps. One that will work well enough as a signature in place of a physical one."

The droid flickered for a moment before flipping around to an image of bespin. It held for a moment before zooming in to their location, holding a moment more before moving a short distance away and highlighting the area.

"The droid will lead you to this structure. When you find my signature, the passcode to open it is 97G5RS33."

The holo flicked back to a swirling depiction of the galaxy and held the image.

"Will that be all, Agent?"

[member="Razelle Breuner"]

 

[Kriel Firin]

Objective: 5 (looking to be found – like some lost sheep)
Location: The cloud-car bay
Post: 2+1/20

The trooper fizzed by on a scarlet cloud-car. Behind him came the Wing Guards and the three Ugnaughts in two more vehicles. Kriel scowled. They’d taken the top of the range models – the ones he’d come in for.

The odd truth was that he could have bought this bay with his weekly allowance – along with its contents. But where was the fun in that? Where was the adrenaline rush?

So he waited in the shadows for them all to leave before stepping out into the light. He was about six-feet tall and rangy. But he walked with a confidence that bordered on a swagger. No, scratch that, he was oozing arrogance.

And the problem with the sort of high that petty theft gave was that sooner or later there was no thrill. You needed to raise the stakes. And he knew a local crime lord owned a stable of cars here. It was a front for his money laundering too.

So he wandered around, deciding which model to steal. It was too easy – which displeased him. The prospect of being caught was a brief high – but once he realised none of the recent visitors were for him, his heart returned to its natural beat.

So he took his time – for that heightened the chances of being caught. Finally, when it seemed nobody would come, he selected a silver model. Brand new and top of the range. A sport’s vehicle with all the trimmings. All he had to do was get inside and he was home free.

[member="Josiah Denko"] and [member="Greifen Ren"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Objective 3

Allies: First Order, [member="Ludolf Vaas"]
Enemies: Rebel Scum
Unknown: [member="Viktor Alexander"]
Posts 4/20

Natasi was helped form her fur coat by a butler or footman, whom she thanked with a rather perfunctory nod. She paused to adjust her glove, tugging it taught on her right hand with her left before placing her left hand in the crook of General Vaas' arm. It was a courtly gesture, reminiscent of dinner parties at Herevan or the surrounding estates, and it brought her some comfort despite the elbow belonging to Vaas. He made her uneasy; to be frank she was a little intimidated by him, since his heroics at Skye had put her firmly in his debt. They were ushered into the dining room and seated with various guests, whom Natasi studied briefly before the arrival of [member="Viktor Alexander"].

Her dark eyes flicked across the table to Vaas, widening as if in alarm, her lips twisting into something quizzical before she seemed to seize upon her senses and forced herself into a passive facial expression. She was at the Baron's right hand when he finally sat. Natasi was searching her memory banks the entire time until she finally found a hit. "It's Governor Alexander, is it not?" Natasi asked primly, raising her eyes to [member="Viktor Alexander"] curiously. "I rather seem to remember having heard your name in connection with arms manufacturing -- Balmorra, wasn't it?"

 

[Kenrath]

Objective 3
Allies: Unknown
Enemies: Unknown
Persons of Note: [member="Natasi Fortan"] [member="Ludolf Vaas"]
Post: 2/20

Viktor smiled politely to Natasi as he took a seat his posture perfect.

"Have you now? You seem pleasantly informed. Have we met before Miss................"

He paused briefly giving her a chance to introduce herself before he continued.

"I was born on Balmorra yes...........and followed in my father's footsteps before getting into Civil Service."

Viktor's smile never left his face the entire time he spoke his full attention focused on her.



__________________________________________________________________________________________



Outside the room a lovely young woman could be seen a greenish tint to her complexion leaning on the shoulder of a sharply dress man as they made their way from the banquet room. Every few feet she appeared to stop and almost double over for a moment before standing back up. The man wrapped his arm around her half carrying her down the hallway a look of measured concern on his face.

After they turned the first corner she seemed to trip sending them towards an unmarked door the man propping her up his hand slipping under her arm to hit the door release to open it.