#imperial agent x watcher two

[tiredassmage]

“ Imperial Intelligence doesn’t discourage its agents from bonding. And that’s all this is about: bonding in the aftermath of a crisis. And creating a little good luck for a change. ”

[miraluking-respectfully]

everybody all over Hunter like he's the last half of a boston kreme in the dunkin box, meanwhile Watcher X is RIGHT THERE

[vespertine-legacy]

Ok, but like. The agent's Nar Shaddaa mission had to have been about 80% unsanctioned, right? Like, yeah, go find out about and dismantle any terror cell on Nar Shaddaa, by whatever means you deem best, yes. But the means being "collaborate with a former Watcher who so deeply traumatized the rest of the Agency that they can't even talk about what happened but they thank you if you kill him" can't have been like. "plan a."

[queen-scribbles]

taris agent story mention trap card activated; I'm REAL curious to know how arkady is feeling about how everything goes on taris? a couple credits for his (preliminary at least) thoughts?

Well, first off, he's extremely wary of Lokin. He clocked how dangerous the Affable Unassuming Old Man is within second, just didn't figure out the "can transform into a rakghoul (almost) at will" part. (But really, who expects something like that?)

He hates Taris as an environment. Arkady is a city boy. He was born and raised on Ziost. Sure there was training for different terrain, but that doesn't mean he enjoys it. xD He does not like trekking through swamps and dodging cityscape debris and mud and predators and this is so much worse than the Dromund Kaas jungles.

He's... a bit of a mess mentally for a bunch of reasons, not the least of which is the brainwashing reveal. I think that hit him even harder than it did Ody and it flipped her world upside down. He tried to blame it on the Sith, but couldn't ignore the reality of even if they asked for it, Keeper(the First) complied. He hates so much that it proves Watcher X right. Oh, my gosh, he's so grumpy about that. But he's still sorting through it all--Imperial Intelligence brainwashed him, Republic SIS found out how to control him using it, he's supposed to infiltrate and destroy this cell but does he really want to do that? These seem like good people, who are doing what they have to to protect their people, and really, how different are they from him?

(and floating in the background of it all is Watcher Two's voice saying high Imperial citizen casualties from the Eradicators are acceptable if it lets them stop Jadus. Even having joined Intelligence more to get away from home than anything it bothers him that she's ready to make that sacrifice so easily. First crack in his resolve.)

Chance is easy to work with; trusts him to do the job and seems to accept he's working on it even with complications. (Arkady spends half of Taris fighting the urge to ask how long Chance as been an agent bc he's way more trusting than any other spy he's met. >.>) Ardun's reaction to/commentary on Ki Sazen is what makes Arkady suspect the man's a Jedi himself; it sounds like way too personal an issue. Does make him smirk a little the Jedi seem to have the same issues as the Sith with rogue members and the like.

All of my agents are what might seem too forgiving of Ardun and Chance using the keyword and even if he's not questioning as much as, say, Jaaide or Ody, Arkady's no exception. In fact, I think he's bothered by it almost the least(might be tied with Ody), bc with his ruthlessly pragmatic streak he would do the same as Ardun without hesitation. (He wouldn't even be sorry; this is a war and protecting your assets comes first) (Besides, there's that slave you inject with what's basically the prototype serum for the Castellan Restraints back on DK, so it'd be massively hypocritical bc he DID do the exact same thing)

Him saving Chance instead of letting him die is the second crack in his loyalty. He should be "eliminating the enemy" and this is literally the perfect cover; he wouldn't even have to do anything, his inaction would be enough. Just let Chance succumb to his wounds. But he doesn't. Bc he's not a bad person, and pragmatically speaking, helping Chance will further ingratiate him with the team.

By the time he actually confronts Ki Sazen, he's pretty thoroughly convinced she's crazy. Also acting like a petulant child who ran away from home bc she didn't get her way. He killed her, bc there's no way Arkady is going to suggest someone join the Sith, and he wouldn't think she has the temperament for spy work so SIS is out too. (Also that line about "You were a savior. Now you're a martyr" is a banger)

I don't think he'd completely sorted through all his thoughts and emotions about his, uh, circumstances by the time he left Taris. He definitely dislikes the Sith even more now(haha can't wait til he romances Lana and has to Rethink Biases), he picked up a new nexu pet who will love him no matter what his decisions, and he's further embedded himself with Kothe's team, which he tells himself is good bc it'll let him do his job better. Not bc he's actually starting to like most of them. >:3

[bardic-tales]

Alone in the Dark

Novel: Fall of Darth Jadus

Pairing: m!SI (Darth Jadus / Darth Notkis) x f!IA (Cipher Nine / Cynthia Prescost)

Fandom: Star Wars, The Old Republic

Word Count: 606

Warnings: implied child abuse, implied rape, au:canon divergent

Rating: Mature

Premise: Cynthia Prescost, an Imperial Agent who goes by the moniker Cipher Nine, confronts her lover, Darth Jadus. A secret is spilled out.

Source: Angst Prompt Generator

Tag List: @arrthurpendragon @perasperaadastrawriting @starryeyes2000

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ALONE IN THE DARK

1.

“I was alone!” she howled at the Sith before her. “When I truly needed you, you disappeared! So, you don’t know what I have been through! You. Don’t. Know!”

“Cynthia, I know — ”

“You don’t know! How could you know what happened to me?!” She cut Darth Jadus off as she dug her fingernails into her palm. This trick worked to distract her when her parents locked her in her childhood bedroom when she was younger. Presently, it did nothing.

As he bent down, Jadus set a holopad on the table next to them. She was too irate to see that he was carefully examining holo-news or read the breaking headlines about an attack on the distant planet of Bespin. Authorities said none survived.

She trembled, the shaking barely discernible to the naked eye, but Jadus knew all her idiosyncrasies. He immediately knew something was wrong. Her heart hammered in her chest.

“I knew they would hurt me,” she cried out, sobbing as those memories took hold of her as they often did now, “but I never thought that they would do that. How could anyone predict they would do that?”

“No one could,” Jadus murmured, his voice no higher than a melodic purr. He wiped one of her tears away with his hand, the moisture leaving a spot behind on the ebony-colored clawed glove. “You have experienced one of the worst things that a person could endure. You don’t need my permission to mourn.

“And you need not fear a punishment for this outburst either, Cyn. You’re not the reason that happened, but you need to do whatever you can to heal from it. Even if that means you must leave me and be by yourself for a bit. I have no use for someone who’s broken.”

Although his words were harsh, there was a gentleness to them. Cynthia couldn’t fault his reasoning. In her current state, they were no closer to realizing his glorious empire than they were after fate reunited them.

I can’t even look at him without remembering what happened. This was not Jadus’ fault. If she were honest with herself, every man reminded her of those who captured her, those who took torture too far. He was only a stand in for the ones who took part in her abuse.

She breathed in and out. Her breaths fell rapidly on each other, and each stopped with a choked sob. As time passed, her anxiety rose until it reached its tipping point.

I can’t breathe, Cynthia panicked. Again, her air was cut off with a choked sob.

“Be at ease,” he tried to soothe her as he pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her. No amount of comfort would make it okay. “All who participated in such a plan will perish by my hand. I give you my word that they will not escape me.”

Although Imperial Intelligence was no more and Sith Intelligence rose to take its place, Jadus would hunt down all who were responsible for what happened over the skies of Corellia.

The Sith always reveled in the hunt. This time would be no different, and all of those she considered her friends were in danger from his never-ending rage.

I can’t allow him to figure out who was responsible. Shara was the one in most danger should he look into the plan that they all agreed to. He would murder the former Watcher Two and Keeper, but most importantly to Cynthia, one of her few friends.

[eorzeashan]

Agent re-play quickly devolving into straight up villainy: it was interesting choosing bolder choices like not slicing the cyborg's brain and killing Watcher X, but it made sense for Eight.

'Let's hope you can trust the word of a terrorist.' "I do. No man fearing a fate far worse than death would lie."

'How would you know-?'

From the angles of his sliced cameras, Eight turns and smiles to him, his image flickering in the static. Watcher X feels his disapproval morph into the icy veins of silent, slow horror.

Where warm pools of brown once were, nothing remains in his eyes but the all-consuming abyss- a black hole of empathy, absorbing all light. This man is dangerous.

-----

'I'm actually really happy you stopped Watcher X, Cipher,' Shara congratulates him over the holocomm, relief bleeding into the soothing annals of her voice.

Cipher Eight, however, remains silent from where he stands over Watcher X's dead body.

'We'll send a retrieval team in a moment. His brain and body are Imperial technology...'

"Watcher Two. Do you think I am different from X?" He poses the question as calmly as asking the weather over the water cooler. Or as she might put it, not unlike one of their dates in the Dromund Kaas' cafes.

Shara blinks once, then twice, thinking she misheard him. 'I'm sorry?'

When he does not answer, she quickly smooths over her initial confusion despite the abrupt turn in conversation. "You're nothing like him. We were raised together; the way his mind worked scared me, as did the thought of him going free."

Eight mulls over her answer for a good minute, hands clasped behind his back. His expression does not change. "I see."

She frowns at his caginess. 'Cipher? Is something wrong?'

"No, Watcher," He says, his gaze staring far past her and anything she could comprehend with a voice like sweet death, "everything is fine."

Bonus Zhorrid:

Sorry. I only dream of your Father.

[serenofroses]

(repost from sideblog to here)

Thinking about Ania and Marr meeting for first time leading up to the start of IA's Heart of Terror, something I had dabbled my thoughts into this change. The timeline in this verse were different than canon as Heart of Terror set a year before JK's Strike of the Desolator.

Anyways, the idea sorta started when Jadus had mentioned about their own personal Hand in passing note regarding the Empire business but Ania's identity remained mysterious and private. Jadus preferred to keep Ania for themselves but Marr was determined to learn the identity on who is the Hand of Jadus knowing it wasn't Lord Rivix who worked exclusively with them.

When questioned, Jadus was rather... protective, or should we say possessive over Ania. They didn't want anyone to get closer to her.

Marr took some digging around (with Lana's assistance) and they were informed it was a 'Cipher Nine' through a redacted profile, though Marr was surprised to learn her identity through the profile database with her parents' name listed.

Marr and Ania did see each other face to face for the first time when she left Jadus' office. Later on, Jadus departed in the Dominator and commanded Ania to enter the Dark Temple to deal with the dissidents on their order, Marr and their advisors watched the Eagle's broadcast and requested Intelligence HQ for Ania.

Upon returning, Ania was told with a warning by Keeper that a Dark Councillor summoned Ania to meet them in their office at the Sith HQ, she doesn't understand why nor what was going on because the Keeper looked wary and nervous.

As they met for first time more properly, despite the lingering glances before, Ania wanted to know what was going on--she was taken aback by Marr communicating with her through Imperial Sign Language.

Ania prodded for answer on why she's being summoned and asked if it to do with the Dark Temple, worried if she was reprimanded for the breach of entry into the Dark Temple because it was completely offlimits to everyone but Emperor, Dark Council and higest ranking Sith.

Marr was aware the decision was Jadus' alone--they had their own reasonings. Though, the debriefing wasn't why she's here, Marr showed her the Eagle broadcast confirming the Dominator's destruction and Jadus' 'death'. Marr studied her reaction and body language, Ania kept her emotions to herself but stiffened upon the news about Jadus.

She wasn't really sure what to think or how to react to the news--staying true to her professionalism. Was she supposed to act happy, sad, shocked or not? She did had a relationship with Jadus--she knows they had been a huge part in her life for the past two years, so she has mixed emotions towards the news.

Of course this changed things and it meant that Marr is stepping in temporary to become the handler and oversee Ania's mission until a new Sith Lord get appointed to Sphere of Intelligence in couple of months.

This paves way for Zhorrid not being included in Agent story and replaced with Marr to play the bigger role in Ania's story. This could meant Ania may have companions who 100% replaces Kaliyo and Vector.

Fast forward to epilogue, Jadus was really peeved when Marr offered their hand in marriage as one of Ania's suitors because they became more aware of Ania and Jadus' relationship. And guess who Ania choose to marry? Marr.

Now I think about it, this added more fuel to the fire on the rivalry drama between Marr and Jadus.

Also, Marr would put Ania's health priorities first to pull her out of the mission (due to being informed about Watcher X).... but Ania politely declined the offer to step down and determined to keep going while she was still in shock over the blood test revealed her 'cryptic' pregnancy.

[viennen]

A Risky Conversation

Liv and Leo decided to take a risk and meet up on Nar Shadaa. They haven't seen each other in person since Leo was sent to Bergeren. This is part of the conversation that occurs, and what happens afterwards.

Leo belongs to the lovely @tiredassmage, and @commander-krios helped me write Leo and Kaliyo's side of this, as I'm not the most confident in writing them at the moment.

[Read on AO3]

Nar Shadaa - Promenade

Liv stopped near the Cantina, having just finished dealing with Watcher X at the spaceport. She needed a break from things before heading back to the ship. She had gotten an encrypted message from Leo saying to meet him there, but she didn’t want Kaliyo there. She wasn’t sure what the Rattataki would do if she recognized Leo, or if she knew anything of his history. She turned to Kaliyo.

“Kaliyo, would you mind checking on the ship? Make sure it’s ready to go? I’ve got something to finish up, and it’s better if I do it alone. I’ll meet you there after.” she asked.

“Trying to get rid of me, Agent?” Kaliyo asked in her usual tone.

“Of course not. I simply want to do some things on my own.” Liv replied. Kaliyo looked her up and down, not bothering to hide her suspicion. 

“Don’t have all the fun without me. I might get jealous.” Liv wasn’t surprised that Kaliyo was suspicious of what she was doing; put in simple terms, Liv was an Imperial Spy.

“I’ll try not to,” Liv stated, her tone slightly sarcastic. “We can always do something together later, if you want.” she suggested. Kaliyo shrugged, turning away with a wave of her hand.

“Whatever. I don’t care what you do. Just don’t make it long.” she said.

“I shouldn’t be. Maybe an hour at most, depending on if they’re here yet or not.” she replied. Kaliyo waved it off, and walked away in the direction of one of the two taxi spots the Promenade had. Liv watched her walk away for a minute; then, once she was a fair distance away, Liv turned back to the Cantina; she walked in and glanced around, surveying the area for anything and anyone that might be suspicious before looking for her brother. 

She smiled when she saw him. She hadn’t seen him in person in years. He was facing away from her when she spotted him. She walked up to him. 

“I thought you were dead?!” she said in a half-faking tone. She knew he wasn’t. She was one of the only people who did. Leo turned when he heard her voice. 

“Hey stranger!” he replied happily, his accent seemingly back to his ‘normal’ Imperial one. He figured it might help if anyone saw them if he didn’t sound so obviously Republic. “As for not being dead, well, that’s a story for another time,” he stated, even though he knew that Liv knew the general story. He didn’t want to chance that anyone listening would catch onto that. Liv hugged her brother. Leo didn’t stop her and hugged her back.

“It’s good to see you, Leo.” She said before stepping back. 

“It’s really good to see you. I’ve missed you, kid.” Leo stated, smiling weakly. Liv caught it and smiled back.

“I’ve missed you too,” she stated. “How have you been?” she asked.

“Why don’t we talk over a game of Dejarik?” he asks.

“Sure,” she replied, and followed him down the stairs to the lower area of the Cantina. They sat down at one of the Dejarik tables. 

“So, what else have you been up to lately?” she asked, referencing what she already knew from their holo call.

“Being dragged halfway ’round the galaxy by a… uh, friend.” Leo suddenly looked nervous, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “How about you? How’s it on the other side of the war?”

“Well, you know, the usual. Under-the-table deals. General mayhem. Sith killing each other for power. Not much is new. Still dealing with the . . . people, that caused the travel restrictions.” She stated. She didn’t want anyone to accidentally overhear her say ‘terrorists,’ in case it set someone off. But Leo knew what she meant. “How’s your crew? You mentioned a kid you’d picked up over the holo, Corso, I think you said?”

“Yeah. He’s good. Maybe a little too green for all of this war shit, but he’s been solid so far.” Leo gave her a small smile, getting more comfortable in his chair. “How about your team? You said you picked someone up on Hutta? The only people on Hutta are… well, Hutts and criminals.” He said knowingly. He had been to Hutta before and usually managed to avoid getting into too much trouble with whichever Hutt’s palace he stayed in. 

“You’re not wrong.” Liv agreed. “Though I don’t think Kaliyo would take too kindly to potentially being called a Hutt,” Liv added playfully. “Criminal? Definitely. Hutt? Not so much.” she said. She returned Leo’s smile, then turned on the game. “She’s a Rattataki who was working for the Hutt I talked to. Decided she wanted to leave Hutta, so she helped me.” Liv explained, making the first move. “Still don’t completely trust her yet, obviously. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t fully trust me either, and I don’t blame her. She knows what I am. Just not who.” she stated. She paused for a moment. “But she’s been good so far,” she said, sitting back in her chair, waiting for Leo to make a move.

Leo chuckled, making a move on the board without really paying attention. “As long as you have someone watching your back, I won’t have to worry about you so much.” He paused, staring at the dejarik board in thought. “I do, ya know. Worry about you.” he said quietly.

“I know,” she stated, watching him think about his move. “You always have. I’d probably think something was wrong if you didn’t.” She stated. “Even when you don’t admit it.” she added. Leo sighed. She was right. He seldom admitted such things out loud, let alone to himself. But Liv was someone he would always care about, no matter what happened.

“He’s not giving you any trouble, is he? Since I left?” he asked. Figured he might as well check in on him while she was here.

“Who, Father?” she asked quietly. She lightly shook her head. “No. No more than usual, anyway,” she stated. “I don’t really talk to him unless I have to.” Leo smiled for a moment. He may not have to deal with the bastard anymore, but he knew Liv did, at least on occasion. He nodded lightly, staring at the dejarik board absently, not knowing what else to say. He was lost in his thoughts for a minute or two, the silence stretching uncomfortably between them.

“There’s something you’re not telling me.” She stated in a knowing tone, after watching him stare at the board for a minute and not do anything. She made a move on the board.  

“What makes you say that?” He asked, studying the board, and what she had done, so he could try to beat her. This time. They’d had a running tally when they were younger about how often they had beaten one another.

“Well, for one, it’s my job.” She stated, watching him study the board. She thought she saw him smile at her job comment. “And two, I know you better than just about anyone in the galaxy, so I know your tells.” she states. 

“I’ve just… dealt with a lot since Begeren, Liv. I don’t mean to shut you out.” Leo stated, making his move. 

“I know,” she replied. She paused, watching his move. She figured his not telling her had something to do with someone or something he didn’t want her to know about for whatever reason. “Staying out of trouble?” she asked, in a half-questioning, half-sarcastic tone, as she already had a pretty good idea of the answer, but wanted to continue the conversation.

Leo snorted before he realized what he’d done. “Oh, uh, yeah, of course. You know me. Never gettin’ in trouble and stuff.” he stated, trying to sound as convincing as possible.

“Really?” she asked, her tone reflecting that she knew it wasn’t true. “We both know that’s a lie,” she said. “Especially with the names you gave me. Even a cursory search is enough to tell me you’re in a lot of trouble.” she stated, making her move and taking one of his creatures out.

“Ok, you caught me. Could never get anything over on you.” He grinned at her. “You were always smart.” he stated. Liv smiled at the comment.

“Thanks, Leo.” She replied. “I can think of a few who would disagree with you, probably out of spite more than anything, so that means a lot.” she said, smiling lightly.

“It’s been hard, gettin’ on my feet in the Republic. If it wasn’t for Dash-“Leo cut himself off, realizing he already said too much. 

“Dash?” she asked. She had been watching the board, and looked up at Leo when he cut itself off mid-sentence. “You mentioned him on the holo,” she stated. “Said he’s been helping you, but you didn’t say much else.” she said. She paused. With how quickly he cut himself off, she could tell there was something about ‘Dash’ that Leo was keeping secret for a reason. “Anything I should know?” she asked, “Or do I need to look him up too?” she teased. Leo’s eyes widened, and with a quick shake of his head, he cut that thought off immediately. 

“Liv, please don’t. I… I already bring him enough trouble as it is, with what I do. I don’t need to bring the Empire down on him too. He’s… too important to me.” Liv smiled and laughed lightly at how flustered Leo became talking about this Dash person. He was clearly someone important to him, even without him saying it. The fact that he did, told her that whoever he was, Leo cared about him greatly. 

“Don’t worry. I won’t if you don’t want me to. That would put you in danger too.” She stated. She paused, momentarily looking at the game board. “That said . . . Important, how?” she asked curiously. “This is me asking, nothing else.”

Leo ran a hand down his face, sighing. “He’s my best friend, Liv. My only friend besides you. And I… I think I…” He wanted to cry because it shouldn’t be like this. He shouldn’t feel these things, but Dash was so good, and he wanted something he didn’t deserve. 

“Might like him more than just a friend?” She asked. She’d seen him with a similar expression on him before when he was telling her about some of the boys he’d met at cadets. It had just been the two of them in his room on Ziost. He’d let how he felt about one of the boys slip, but thankfully no one else had heard him, otherwise she was sure Father would have talked to him about it. If he was talking this way about Dash, she knew he was important to him, and that it would take him forever to admit it, especially to himself.

“More than that, Liv. He’s important to me.” He met Liv’s gaze, the same blue that he had. This was the hardest thing he’d ever had to admit, but this was his sister. If anyone would understand, it was her. “This isn’t like the guys from the Imperial military. He’s more.” 

“Does he know how you feel about him?” Liv asked. She knew that would take him just as long to admit. “Or do you know if he shares your feelings?”

“I don’t know. I’m afraid of ruining our friendship. If I lost Dash…” He trailed off, the thought too painful to voice. She saw the expression on his face saying what he was afraid to. 

“You still might lose him, even if you don’t tell him. Then you’ll be mad at yourself for not telling him sooner,” she stated. She knew he would be if that happened. But she also knew where some of that fear stemmed from. “It’s not like he can show up and stop or yell at you.” She added. She paused for a moment as she thought about what else she could say. “Remember what I said about not being hard on your friends?” she asked him. “How long have you known Dash?” 

Leo let out the breath he’d been holding. “Since… Begeren happened five years ago. He’s the one who broke me out. I wouldn’t be here without him. He could’ve given up on me when we got to Coruscant, but he didn’t.” he explained. He stared at the game board, lost in his own thoughts, thinking about how many times Dash could have just left him, but he never did. Liv paused for a moment. So that was how Leo had gotten off-world in the aftermath of the riot. She smiled.

“Seems I should be thanking him,” Liv replied. “And you’re right; he could have left you when you arrived on Coruscant, or even turned you over to the authorities, but he didn’t. Most other people probably would have, if they’d even gotten you off-world in the first place.” She paused for a moment, momentarily thinking what might have happened if Leo hadn’t made it off Bergeren, considering his being there was a punishment from their Father for embarrassing him. “The fact that he didn’t tells me that, for whatever reason, he cares about you. I don’t know all the details about what happened on Bergeren, I just know what the file says, and what you told me in your letters. . . . And I don’t know Dash. But, I have to assume that something happened between the two of you there that bonded you; otherwise, what was his reasoning for saving you?” she finished. She knew how her comment sounded, but she also knew that she was right, and that Leo would understand what she actually meant. 

Leo sighed, running a hand through his hair. Then he smiled, glancing up at his sister. “You’re right. You always are, Liv. I’ll… talk to him about it. Next port.”

“You’d better,” she stated. “Or I’ll find a way to kick your ass about it.” She paused and looked back at the board. “Now, whose turn is it?” she asked as she studied the board.

***********************************************************************

After Liv heads back to the ship and deals with Zhorrid’s request. 

Once Keeper turned off the holo, Liv walked back to where they had put Yanol and made sure he was secured. He was still unconscious, but Liv gave him a sedative, so he wouldn’t wake up while they were in flight, then try to take over and crash her ship, or something stupid like that. Kaliyo came up behind her and stopped in the doorway.

“How was the cantina?” she asked. Liv finished what she was doing before turning towards her. 

“Fine, why?” she asked. But before Kaliyo could answer, the telltale beeping that she was getting a call on her main holo terminal sounded. Liv paused her conversation with Kaliyo, walked to the terminal and pressed the button that answered the call. Watcher Two appeared. 

“Hello, Cipher. I’m sorry for calling; I know you’re busy, but there’s a high-profile call for you.” She stated in a neutral tone. 

“High profile?” Liv repeated. “What kind of high profile? Who is it?” she asked. High profile meant that it was someone with a high military rank, Sith, or some part of the aristocracy. Or some combination of the three. It wasn’t Zhorrid; she could just have her droid override Intelligence again and talk to her directly. She wouldn’t go to the trouble of routing it through Intelligence HQ.  

“Vorza Ashold, Cipher.” Keeper stated, appearing beside Watcher Two. Liv visibly hesitated. Talking to her Father was not something she had planned on, especially after whom she had just met on Nar Shaddaa.

“Did he say what he wanted?” She asked the two people in front of her. She hoped that how she felt about her Father was too obvious. 

“Just that he wanted to speak with you on a private channel.” Watcher Two replied. Liv paused for a moment, thinking about what he might want to talk to her about. She knew for sure that he hadn’t asked to speak to her because of her rank. He wouldn’t have known it, and if it was about that, he’d have contacted her earlier. So he had asked for her by name. And Keeper was the only one in Intelligence that she knew of, who knew of her relation to Vorza. She guessed that Watcher Two knew now as well, but she would deal with that later if she needed to.

“You are allowed to refuse him because of your current case,” Keeper commented, catching Liv’s hesitation.

“It’s fine. Put him through.” She stated. “Though can I ask that it not be recorded?” She asked. Watcher two pressed some keys, before replying. Liv looked at Kaliyo and met her eyes. She silently asked her to go somewhere else for the time being, hoping she wouldn’t be in the room when the holo changed to her Father. He had a typical Imperial mentality when it came to aliens, not as strict as some, mind you, but enough that Liv didn’t want her new associate nearby when she talked to him. Kaliyo walked away.

“I can turn off any devices on your end, Cipher; you’ll have to turn them back on manually. But because the call is routed through HQ, the main recorder here can’t be switched off. Though after, I can make sure no one else can access the footage.” She replied. 

“Thank you, Watcher Two. Do that, then put him through. I’ll make sure to turn anything back on before I leave the spaceport.” Liv stated, then readied herself to speak to her Father. Moments later, Vorza appeared on her holoterminal. 

“Hello, Olivia. It’s been a while.” He stated in a neutral tone. 

“Hello, Vorza.” She stated in the same tone. She used his name on purpose. She didn’t need everyone listening to the call knowing he was her Father, but they might figure it out anyway. She knew he would understand that much. “What do you want?” She asked. 

“That hardly resembles a proper greeting, Olivia,” Vorza stated. She scoffed and shook her head, lightly fuming. Of course, he was going to be like that. She sighed, audibly. “I’m sorry. Let me try again.” She stated, her tone and expression showing her disdain. 

“Hello, General Ashold. It’s so good to see you again; I’m sorry I haven’t kept in touch. I’ve been a bit busy lately.” she stated, her tone a touch sarcastic along with conveying how she actually felt about what she was saying. “Happy?” she asked, her tone gaining a touch of snark.

“I could say something, but I don’t want to argue with you right now, so I guess it will suffice.” He stated. “Now, Liv –”

“You don’t get to call me that,” she stated, cutting him off.

“I can call you whatever I like,” he stated sharply. Liv glared at him. “And that is what I’ve heard some people will call you when they don’t know what you do.” He stated.

“Yes.” She agreed. “My friends or people I trust,” she explained. “You don’t have that,” she stated, coldly. “Respect, yes. Obviously,” she said. “But trust? You lost that years ago and haven’t earned it back yet,” she explained. “For you, my full name or my rank.” she clarified. “Now, What, do you, want?” she asked sharply. Vorza just stood there for a moment, silent. Few people willingly spoke to him in that way, ever. 

“Very well, Olivia,” he began, “When was the last time you saw your brother?” he asked. Liv paused for a moment, confused. That was why he was calling? Really? 

“I haven’t seen Xander since his Academy graduation,” she stated. “I’ve talked to him a couple of times since, but that’s it.” she added. She was still unsure why he was asking. She had a sneaking suspicion that it wasn’t Lysander he was asking about, but she knew her fear of that was hidden behind her current tone and demeanour due to talking to her Father.

“That is good to know, but not who I was talking about.” He stated. Liv looked confused for a moment. As far as anyone knew about the family, Xander was the only living brother she had. His comment confirmed her suspicion.

“Leo?” she asked, visibly taken aback. They had been told that he had died on Bergeron, but Liv knew he was alive. She wondered if someone had seen them together in the Cantina. 

“Yes, Leonth,” Vorza confirmed. “When did you last see him?” he asked, bringing Liv out of her apparent surprise.

“I haven’t seen him since before you sent him to Begeren!” Liv snapped, a hint of sadness entering her voice. She knew how to convincingly lie to her Father; she’d done it for years before Leo had left. She just hoped it convinced Watcher Two and Keeper as well, whom she knew was watching the call from HQ. “And we both know how that ended. There’s no possible way I’ve seen him lately; he’s dead!” She added. 

“Are you sure about that?” He asked. Liv looked surprised. 

“Of course, I’m sure. That’s what we were told after the riot. And before you say anything about keeping secrets, I doubt they would lie about something like that to you.” She replied. She knew Leo had gotten out, and now knew how from her conversation with him in the Cantina, but she wasn’t sure what Vorza had all been told later on, behind closed doors, so to speak.

Vorza paused for a moment. He knew that Olivia had been close with her older brother, but he also trusted that, no matter how she felt about him, she would remain loyal to the Empire if she ever learned the truth that Leonth had survived and joined the Republic. 

“I’ve been recently told that there are a handful of rumours flying around that he may have survived.” He stated. Liv looked shocked. 

“But that’s impossible.” She replied, “And even if he did, what’s it got to do with me?” she asked, still wondering who had seen Leo and when. 

“I know you two were close when you were younger. I figure that if he did survive, he might have tried to contact you.” Vorza stated. He knew the report that his son may have been spotted on Nar Shaddaa could simply be a case of mistaken identity, and it was someone who looked very much like his son, but he had to check every angle. 

“Well, he hasn’t.” Liv lied. “And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bring him up in future.” she added. She was now more certain that someone had seen Leo on his own, and hadn’t seen the two of them together in the Cantina, as she had a fairly good idea what would be happening if anyone had seen them together. She wouldn’t be talking to Vorza on her ship. She would likely have been arrested by now. She watched someone else she didn’t recognize show up on the holo, whisper something to her Father, then leave the holo just as quickly. She guessed it was a lower officer, wherever he was.

“Very well, Cipher.” He stated. He knew his daughter was doing well in Intelligence, but he hadn’t yet learned her rank. Now he had. “I assume that if you do see or hear from him, you’ll turn him in to the proper authorities.” He asked, though, by his tone, it was more of a statement than a question or request.

“Of course,” she stated. “Now, General, if you don’t mind, I do have work to do.” She said, the sadness mostly gone, but the bite was still in her tone. She really wanted this conversation to end, so she could get back to generally ignoring her family. 

“Of course, Cipher. Until next time.” He stated, then ended the call. Liv sighed. Watcher Two appeared again moments later. 

“Are you alright, Cipher?” she asked. “I’ve read the file about the prisoner riot that happened on Bergeren several years ago. I’m sorry,” she said. Liv could tell she actually meant it.

“Thank you, Watcher Two. And it’s fine. I’ll turn the others back on in a minute.” she stated, then sighed and looked at the floor. 

“Of course. I’ll see you back at Headquarters. Watcher Two out.” Watcher Two replied, then turned off the holo. Liv backed up to the wall and slid to the floor. Even with all her training, her Father still set her on edge every time she spoke to him. For him to contact her and ask if she had heard from Leo, told her that something had happened where someone had seen Leo and reported it to Imperial Command. She wasn’t sure when or where, just that someone had seen him and at least partially recognized him. Her protocol droid wanted in and looked down at her.

“Are you alright, Master?” He asked, his tone concerned. She wasn’t sure if he meant it, or if reading emotions was part of his programming.

“I’m fine, 2V. You can go back to what you were doing.” She stated, her voice calm. Much calmer than how she actually felt. The droid walked away.

A few silent minutes passed. Liv remained sitting on the floor; her head dropped down, so she was looking at the floor. Her arms were resting on her knees.

“You’ve been naughty, Agent.” Kaliyo stood in the doorway to the communications room, leaning against the frame, a smile curling her lips. “Someone’s been keeping secrets,” she stated. Liv looked up at her friend from the floor.

“That is my job, Kaliyo. You’ll have to be a little more specific,” Liv replied lightly.

Kaliyo rolled her eyes. “Cute. But I saw you in the Cantina with who I’m now assuming is your brother. You lied to your daddy and the ones with your leash. I didn’t think you were capable of that.” she stated, sounding vaguely impressed. Liv laughed lightly. She was used to people underestimating her. She now knew that Kaliyo had seen them in the Cantina, but Liv didn’t think she had been the one to report sighting Leo to the authorities. Though she could be wrong. But if she did, Liv had to wonder, why hadn’t Kaliyo reported her too?

“Why not?” Liv commented, about Kaliyo’s last comment, looking up at her. “And is it that obvious with the General?” she asked. Kaliyo smiled, but it wasn’t a happy one. 

“I’ve seen a lot in the last few months with your “Empire.” No one can get away with back-talking a General unless they’re family. Or you’re sleeping with them. I’m gonna guess it’s not the second.” she stated. 

“That would be just a bit weird,” Liv replied. “Though it wouldn’t surprise me if something like that has happened before,” she added, before getting up. “Why is it surprising that I lied to him?” she asked. She knew that they weren’t being recorded because she still had to turn them back on. She decided to do that after they finished talking.

“Something about you just screams “daddy’s little princess” to me with all the “yes, sir” and “as you say, sir” that comes out of your mouth. Not many people surprise me anymore, Agent. You’ve got my attention,” she replied. Liv laughed.

“Princess?!” she replied, with another light laugh. “No. That would be my sister,” she stated. “As for me addressing people . . . that’s just training and practice,” she said. “I tend to find most people will give you more information, postpone killing you a little longer, or both, if you at least seem generally ‘polite and obedient’ about it. Often, semi-polite will work. Or depending on how you phrase things.” she explained. “Pretty much the only thing those boring etiquette classes I had to sit through have been good for.” she added offhandedly.

Kaliyo snorted, but her gaze wasn’t as sharp. “I would say maybe you could teach me a thing or two, but I wouldn’t be caught dead being nice to anyone. But you’re clever. I think you and I might get along.”

“I know you wouldn’t.” She stated. “And considering we’re working together, getting along is generally a good idea.” She added. She proceeded to turn things back on, then headed to the bridge to set the ship to head to Dromund Kaas. 

[rinskiroo]

Spooky SWtOR - #10 “Wake up! I heard something outside the ship!”

So this is not the usual squad, and it is not spooky.  It’s very much one of those, I just started writing and this is where it went.  This is my agent, Ruest, and he lives in a van down by the river alone in his ship on a beach.

Therewere far too many voices in his mind. Awake, asleep, it didn’tmatter.  If it wasn’t his own thoughtsrebelling against his actions, it was Ardun Kothe and Hunter saying thatdamnable word, or Watcher X babbling nonsense. Only the Force knew how that wretched man still managed to infect histhoughts.  He was tired, oh so tired.

“Would you stop rolling around.  You’re hogging all the blankets,”  came the sleepy mumblings of a very familiarvoice.  It was not a voice he hadexpected to hear—not on his ship and certainly not in his bed.

Ruestsquinted in the darkened room, his head turning slightly to his left to see thegrey, bald head turn and burrow into the pillow.  He was about to say something—shake her, pushher off the mattress.  Yell at her andask what in all the nine hells she was thinking crawling into his bed.  His mouth was open, ready to  strike, when an arm draped across his middle.

Heglanced back over at Kaliyo, still snuggled facing away from him.  It was not her arm.

“Whatthe f—” he whispered hoarsely to himself as his head turned the other direction.

RainaTemple, with her flawless skin and soft curls, squeezed her arm around him andcuddled next to his side.

Thiswas… this was definitely nothappening.  He closed his eyes and wipedhis hands over his face.  The tumultuousromp with Kaliyo had been over ages ago. Once he’d woken up to just how untrustworthy she was, he’d put a stop toit.  And Raina—

Fingersstill pressed into his eyes as he tried to think and place what time itwas.  Not just hour or day, butyear.  The thing with Raina had beenafter the op with the SIS.  So if thatwas over and done with as well, why was his mind still trying to fight againstthe conditioning?

Hepulled his hands away from his face and cautiously glanced from side toside.  As he suspected, his ex-lovers hadboth disappeared from his side.  With along exhale, Ruest kicked his legs over the side of the bed and stood up.  He went through his greatly abbreviatedmorning routine of a few light exercises, brushing his teeth, and ashower.  As he got farther and father awayfrom his time in Intelligence, many of his old habits had fallen by the wayside.  He only managed a quarter of his usualpush-ups and sit-ups before it was just too much effort.  Sometimes he took a run down the beach, butif he was being honest, it was a brisk walk back and forth and then laying outon the hammock.

Hishand rubbed over his stomach as he looked at himself in the mirror with steamalong the edges.  He shrugged slightly,not really missing the defined abs all that much.  He liked retirement, and the fresh seafood onhis island getaway, and the pastry shop that was a quick hop into a smalltourist-infested town.  As he ran a handover the untended bear on his face, he had a thought about shaving, butnah.  Maybe next week.  He pushed a comb twice through his red hairand tossed it back onto the sink before leaving the ‘fresher to find some clean clothes.

Therewas a muted thumping somewhere—probably just birds flying into the side of theship.  Stupid gulls.  If there was one thing he did keep up with,it was the maintenance and cleanliness of the sleek old bird.  He might not have had much else—no job, nocrew, no family, but at least he had her.

Hewalked out of his quarters, datapad in hand to look up the latest news.  Not intelligence briefings, or galacticpolitics.  He couldn’t give a toss about any of that.  He needed sports scores, who won Dromund Kaas’Next Top Model, and time tables for some choice waves.

“Hey, Toovee, remind me to pick upsome shampoo next time I’m in town,” Ruest said as he walked towards the kitchen.  When there was no response, he looked up formthe datapad and glanced into the different rooms.  “Toovee? Blasted droid.  Always underfoot,but never when you need it.”

Thethumping outside sounded again, a bit louder this time, but it was overriddenby a strange humming coming from the kitchen.

Whenhe saw where the noise was coming from, his breath and heart stopped.  She was standing barefooted at the smallstove wearing a loose, floral dress—far too cheerful for the black and greyship.  Her dark hair was tied loosely ather neck, somehow longer than he had remembered.  He watched in silence for just a second asshe pushed the eggs and bacon around in the pan until the pad came tumbling outof his fingers and hit the floor.

“How many of those are you going tobreak this week, Ru?”  she scolded him ina light, amused tone.  She didn’t turnaround to look at him, just continued her cooking.

Shehadn’t called him Cipher or Agent, andnot even by his name—a nickname.  Anaffectionate, and intimate, designation. If his heart ever managed to start beating again, he was sure it wouldburst.

“Shara,”  he barely breathed out her name.  Not Watcher Two, or Keeper, but Shara, his Shara.

“I thought you were going to sleepall day.”  She turned finally, smiling athim.  No longer the very serious cog in theEmpire’s intelligence bureaucracy, but happy, free, just a woman.  “You’ve gotten lazy.  And fat.”

Ruestsmiled at her teasing, warm and familiar. “It’s your fault,”  he said, finally finding his voice as hewalked closer towards her.  “You keepcooking me all this fattening food and dragging me out to cafes for dessert.”

Hedidn’t care if the memories spillinginto his mind were fake or real.  Hewanted to absorb them, keep them, treasure them always.  After he and the former Minister had rescuedher, gotten her medical treatment, and a safe place to stay—yes, he’d gone andhelped his former masters and their new allies with their ghost problem, ofwhich he’d been graciously compensated, but after that—he hadn’t left herside.  She had wanted him to stay, wantedto join him in his new life where no one was controlling them.

Hepushed the ponytail over her shoulder and kissed the back of her neck.  His arms wrapped around her waist, rubbingher swollen stomach.  Yes, he rememberedthis, too.  The thing he’d been fighting for his whole life.  He could never go back to the family he hadbefore the Empire had taken him—his Republic soldier father and pirate queensister.  But this new family, safelytucked away on the Outer Rim world where no one knew they were spies with pastsoverflowing with death and deceit.  Hecould have this.  They could haveit.  Together.

Sharaturned off the heat and moved the pan to the counter before turning around andwrapping her arms around his neck.  Whenshe kissed him, it felt like the first time all over again.

“You carry on like this,”  she warned. “Your breakfast will be cold.”

“I don’t give a damn aboutbreakfast,”  he practically growled as henipped at her lips again.  He didn’t misswhen her smile gave way to a wince.  “Ismy boy giving you a hard time?”

Sharalaughed and nodded as Ruest dropped down to his knees and rested his cheek onher large, pregnant belly.  “I keep telling him to come out any time he wants.”

“Soon,”  he whispered to the occupant.  “I have to warn you though, I’m very good at hide and seek.  I won’tgo easy on you.”

“Yes, you will,”  Shara chuckled and combed her fingers throughhis hair.

“Yes, I will.  Always listen to your mother.”

Please, let me keepthis,he prayed silently.  To the Force—lightor dark, it didn’t matter.  He’d do anything they asked to trade hislonely existence on this little island for this life.  He squeezed his arms around her, holding herclose and their son between them.

Thestrange dream that had stirred him awake forgotten now, along with all theother lovers in his past.  All the onesbefore Shara, there was always something wrong—something he couldn’t get past.  He hadtried to change them, but realized he couldn’t, he shouldn’t.  He needed to find find that perfect personwho was already right in front of him. He gazed up at her, glowing even in the artificial lighting of theship.  She was perfect, in every way.

“Ruest.”  She sighed, her hands continuing to brushthrough his hair and across the hairs on his face.  “There’s something outside the ship.”

“No, darling,”  he said with a shake of his head.  Though it was getting louder, moreinsistent.  He could hear it moreclearly.  Already breaking through hisconsciousness.

“It’s time to wake up.”

Shewas perfect.  In every way, but one.

 “Usually, when someone doesn’tanswer the door, they want the visitor to goaway,” Ruest grumbled after the door slid open revealing the rather annoyedlooking woman.  He blinked in thesunlight and stretched obnoxiously wide until his dirty t-shirt lifted up overhis stomach.  He scratched at the pouchhanging just over the waistband of his shorts and sucked noisily on his teeth.

“No wonder you live out here alone,”  Lana Beniko delivered in her usual cuttingtone.

Truthbe told, he could have gone his entire life never seeing the Sith again and itstill wouldn’t have been long enough.  To have her show up here at his very much offthe grid hideaway, it must have been big. And none of his business.  Heabsolutely did not give two shits about whatever her problem was.  Not that he wasn’t curious what exactly it was.

“How did you even find me?”

“I was Minister of SithIntelligence, if you recall.”

“I mean, you only reminded me of itevery other sentence.  Not sure how Iforgot that.”

Shewas getting even more frustrated and annoyed. Good.

“Someone calling themselves the ‘RedBlade’ got horrendously drunk at a pork roast last week.”

Ruestfrowned and scratched at his beard.  “I was wondering where all those tiki torches came from…”

“Cipher—”

“Yeah, you call me that again, I’mgoing to shoot you, Minister.”

Thefrustration seemed to break somewhat as she let out an exasperated sigh beforethe corner of her lips curled up slightly. They were both using titles neither one of them had anymore.  Still practicing the moves of an old dancelong after the song had ended.  “I’m putting together a resistance.  To fight against Arcann.”

Hereally should have figured that’s why shewas here.  Lana was idealistic thatway.  Some people saw it as pragmatism,but Ruest recognized that desire to make the galaxy better.  Even if the view was from the stiflingrigidity of the Empire.  “Don’t youalready have a spy in your pocket?”

Shedidn’t deny it right away, which was theobvious tell.  She didn’t flinch or lookembarrassed that she was again working with the SIS agent.  She just watched him, as if she were studyinghis reactions just as much as he was studying her.  “Agent Shan is working on a very specializedtask.  It’s going to be a large operationwith a lot of moving parts—I need someone who can see the big picture.  And you’ve cultivated a very different listof contacts.”

“Playing both sides again?”

“Whatever it takes.”

Rueststared past her to the waves lapping up at the shore.  Arcann was a vicious, foreign tyrant.  Somehow, the fact that he was from out beyondWild Space and here exerting his will over their galaxy made him even worsethan the Sith.  At least he could counton the Sith to eat each other.  Didn’t have to worry about one particular tyrant for too long.

“Lana—”

Shefrowned as he addressed her so informally.

“—look at this place.  It’s paradise.  Why would I leave?  I don’t want your resistance.  I don’t want your war.  I’m retired.” He lifted his hand up in a mock half-salute and turned away from her,back into his ship.

“I’ve discovered I’m very good atfinding people, Ruest Botau.  Perhapsthere’s someone you’re missing?”

Ifhe hadn’t had that dream—she could havebeen talking about anyone.  She couldhave meant his parents and sister, whom he had found on his own after leavingDromund Kaas.  She could have meant hiscrew that had left him after he decided sipping vodka from the bottle on thebeach was a much better use of his talents. Sometimes the galaxy worked in strange ways—sometimes, things weren’tjust coincidence.

Hetried to keep his face even, like what she said hadn’t affected him.  Likeit wasn’t the switch that would make him do anything she asked.  Not exactly a code word, but functionally thesame.  He could be that agent again, justfor a little while.  “All right.  Where do we start?”

“I’d suggestthe gym.  But I’ll send you some leads I’vebeen working for you to check out.”

[Uncanny SWTOR Prompts] [Masterlist]

[depizan]

Game canon is presumably fic canon unless otherwise shown or mentioned, which is fine most of the time...

But kind of frustrating when either there are adjustments you want to make for fic canon that you can't figure out how to write or allude to at some point (Kyrian's so far word of god only celebratory night with Sanju, for instance) or when game canon doesn't entirely make sense but working out what does is a can of worms. (Probably carnivorous worms. It is Star Wars.)

I'd accuse Nar Shaddaa of being the planet (okay, moon) where logic goes to die, but I think it's really only Smuggler!Nar Shaddaa and Agent!Nar Shaddaa that have issues, especially if you start poking at anything. (Or those are just the only two class stories where I have started pulling threads and suddenly I don't have a carpet any more.)

My issues with Smuggler!Nar Shaddaa are at least as much personal preference (I would prefer that Bowdaar not be luggage, thanks) as actual screwy writing. (Or I've forgotten how bad it is, since I'm pulling a whole entire reject your reality and substitute my own with it.) But the more I look at Agent!Nar Shaddaa, the more I find myself going "wait, what!?"

Watcher X's exit is...odd. But there are any number of ways to make it more sensible, from the agent (or Watcher Two) being smart enough to figure out what's going on on their own (if you want to kill Watcher X) to the agent running into bad traffic (if they sympathize with Watcher X but don't want to take his deal).

What's harder to render sensible is, oh, everything else involving Watcher X. Imperial Intelligence thinks this guy's dangerous, but has nooo problem giving him the wherewithal to cook up a drug that mimics the effects of too many stims/questionable enhancements and cybernetic implants that let someone disguise their vital signs (this isn't a concern for a prisoner? sure, he probably can't implant them in himself. probably.). Never mind letting this guy give an active agent both drugs and those highly questionable implants.

(Okay, you can refuse the drugs. Not the implants.)

Sometimes it seems like Intelligence thinks Cipher Nine is awfully expendable. Are we sure they're supposed to be a top agent and not some incredibly lucky/skilled sacrifice?

What the Agent is doing on Nar Shaddaa also gets a little slippery (and is weirdly very directed by Watcher X, which is probably a gameplay thing, never mind that it does slightly odd things to the story). I won't say it doesn't make sense, but it does feel like there's a piece or two missing if you look closely. (Heck, one might be able to nudge it slightly and imply that Watcher X was the actual leader of the Nar Shaddaa terror cell...)

But, even if it were all perfectly smooth, with no nagging questions or unpleasant implications about just how expendable Intelligence considers its agents, I'd still be poking it with a stick both because of those highly questionable implants and because it ends with the agent slaughtering VerveGen's top people. (Who are, yes, evil terrorists producing and distributing a drug that enhances you then melts you. I'm not saying it's not justifiable, just that it's a lot of murder.)

The implant isn't really a character problem. It's an obviously risky move that raises (or should raise) all kinds of questions, but Kyrian (more or less) accepts the risks of his profession...as long as those risks only apply to him. However, it's still a can of worms. As I once noted to @pyr0clast, how does Intelligence know the implant only does what Watcher X says it does, how does the Agent know that, and, most importantly why does it only do what Watcher X tells the Agent it does? Imagine if the Agent goes after Watcher X when he escapes, only to be brought down by the implant when they try.

(Okay, that's not what happens in the game because the players would be pissed. But it'd make a hell of a moment in a story.)

Theoretical impressive exits by Watcher X aside, you'd think Intelligence would want those implants out of their agent ASAP. You'd think the Agent would want those implants out ASAP! Game canon, of course, just forgets they exist, but fic has to deal with these things, whether with a quick trip to an Intelligence post or a back alley doctor recommended by Kaliyo (because why stop at one bad medical decision for the week).

VerveGen, however, is a character problem. Kyrian doesn't like murder as a solution to anything, even people-melting enhancement drugs and intergalactic terror organizations. Arrest by the Empire is out, the local authorities are just murder with more steps and exotic wildlife, so that pretty much leaves some form of sabotage (unless I've overlooked something). Which makes the implants irrelivant, since they're part of the murder plan. (Provided Watcher X doesn't cook up different highly questionable implants for the sabotage plan because, damn it, he wants to do unpleasant elective surgery on some member of Imperial Intelligence and no one from HQ is handy.)

All of which means I need to write or allude to bits of slightly alternate Nar Shaddaa.

At least it's marginally easier to deal with than the problem of Sanju Pine.

[tiredassmage]

okay I’m finally free of class which means I CAN WILL SMITH AGGRESSIVELY AT THIS ACTUALLY PERFECT CREATION @captainderyn made!!!!! I’ve had a night to vibrate about it and I’m still at a complete loss for words. ;_; They are everything to me, your honor, and they are. immensely in love.

Just Tyr & Shara stealing a date night out in Kaas City to put aside Imperial Intelligence for at least a few hours and just. be two young fools in love. ;_; They end up half-soaked anyway on their way home because Tyr won’t stop dancing with her to half-recalled fading cantina music.

And also completely shameless plug for Deryn’s commissions - a completely lovely experience from start to finish and I’m just kadnfladsfnlsdf. Like I said, completely speechless with the results. Actual magic.

[monocytogenes]

Alrighhhht @nirikeehan​ let's goooo (full sith warrior and imperial agent class story spoilers below)

Pravin:

2. What is your muse’s kill count?

This is a really interesting question, actually, because I see it as considerably less than ingame. Pravin's ex-navy but I don't think he killed anyone during his naval service (he wasn't a fighter pilot; he flew recon and transport missions) and while I actually think he does more years of service in Imperial Intelligence than the class story represents, he spent most of that time on covert/undercover work--more social engineering, less murder. There's a line Keeper says about the Hutta mission that's like "you used violence as a tool, not a crutch" and yeah--Pravin can and will kill when he feels he needs to, but he usually has better, less drastic methods at his disposal.

(I have a headcanon as well that ImpInt would poach a lot of military SpecOps folks to handle wetwork; Pravin went with some on the mission to the Star Cabal's headquarters. These partnerships worked fine for the most part, but there was also a fair amount of jurisdictional bullshittery on the part of the military COs who'd see it as overriding their chain of command.)

Anyway, here's some people who I do see Pravin having killed in his class story (and why):

The Red Blade (self-defense)

Three or four terrorists on Nar Shaddaa (self-defense when his cover was blown, then he killed the one that was a young recruit to keep news of his movements from getting out and felt bad about that)

Watcher X (Pravin tried to arrest him, they had a 'I'm not going back to jail' confrontation, he killed him in self-defense)

Kaliyo (executed her after he found out she'd sold information to criminals and endangered him; he'd clocked her type pretty much immediately and was more disappointed that she was stupid enough to try and get that over on him than anything. Standard punishment for treason in the Empire is death, so...)

Two assassins on Tattooine (self-defense; I see him as having snuck/manipulated his way through most of this assignment)

Kothe, Saber and Wheel on Quesh (pure fucking vengeance and the reason why he's on the SIS' most wanted list; he actually saved Chance to try and stay on the SIS' good side since he hadn't broken out of the restraints yet at that point)

Three or four folks Hunter sent after him (self-defense)

Two or three Cabal members (following orders while with a group of infiltrators)

Hunter (VEGENANCE. My headcanon of how this scene went was Hunter doing the 'let me show you one last thing' line, Pravin shooting him in the head, and then going "no" to his corpse. He was so fucking done at that point, oh man.)

Post-class story and before the start of my fic, Pravin also assassinates a few former Cabal members for personal vengeance/vigilantism reasons.

So yeah, his kill count is probably in the 20-30 range. He's not like, proud of that total; most of it was just a matter of survival. (He's a little proud of getting the better of Hunter and the Cabal members, though, not gonna lie.)

5. What is your muse’s biggest regret?

His life was so shaped by his time in ImpInt that it's difficult for him to imagine it taking another course, but he regrets not having the courage to see if he could've made it as an actor. He shelved that idea because his parents found it disreputable--the only performing art they might've been okay with would've been opera, and he didn't have the voice for that. It certainly would've been far less traumatic than what he wound up doing for a living, and it's a path that's closed to him now that he has to keep a low profile.

9. What is one thing that would break your muse?

Gonna pick something he's worried about in my fic: Shara telling him she's disgusted by the life he's leading now and not wanting anything to do with him.

Pravin has some serious baggage in general around the prospect of people seeing him as a disappointment--as a kid growing up in a wealthy family, he was simultaneously emotionally neglected and given the whole 'don't you dare embarrass us' treatment. He's spent much of his life putting up faces and swallowing feelings others might find unpleasant, seeking validation while avoiding the mortifying ordeal of being known, and while the mind control thing gave him the courage to pull a 'yes I'm angry, fuck you, and I deserve to live life on my own terms', he still isn't actually...dealing with the trauma that left behind. He's kind of having a midlife crisis and refusing to acknowledge it for what it is.

He's in love with Shara and she's always been good at seeing through his bullshit, so he's afraid that she'll pick up on all the messiness of his drug addiction, loneliness and lack of a real career plan and find him too changed, too unlikeable, too pathetic. If this brilliant woman who's been to hell and back with him sees him that way, well--maybe he is objectively unlikeable and pathetic.

So yeah, that would wreck him.

Isra:

3. What is your muse’s biggest fear?

The people she cares about dying because of her--because she's not strong enough or quick enough or smart enough, because she makes a mistake that puts them in danger. Much like Marr, Isra is very much a proponent of 'with strength comes responsibility'--she believes her job in the natural order of things is to protect and defend her country and its citizens. Failing to do that would thus not just be a personal tragedy, but her own failure to be worthy of her titles and fame, which she's worked for years to earn. In spite of all her apparent confidence, she still deals with that nagging fear that she's not quite as strong and talented as she needs to be, as well as the deep-seated dread of an orphan who always felt a bit out of place--that the family she's chosen for herself isn't something she'll be able to keep.

Because of this, I headcanon that when Draahg attacked her crew, she brutally murdered him outright in the spaceport, ending their duel by bashing his face in with the hilt of her saber. (The scene's depicted in this fic, and it's one of the few times Quinn sees her go absolutely apeshit on an opponent.)

14. What was the most traumatic moment in your muse’s life?

Baras trying to crush her to death in that mine.

It was legitimately an instance where she thought she was going to die--not on a battlefield taking out enemies of the Empire, but at the hands of her piece of shit master who didn't even have the courtesy to face her. Not after reaching the peak of her career and powers, but while still stuck doing the dirty work of said Piece of Shit, all because she was too good at her job. Isra, who'd done her utmost to prove herself in a society that hadn't even admitted her species to their academies for years, who had cut her way through swaths of soldiers while male officers questioned the idea of her even having a place in combat--this was how she was bound to go out?

She saved herself--and Pierce, who jumped on her to try and shield her--by holding the tunnel's walls and roof in place with the Force but went into her wound points strained herself so badly in the process that she lost consciousness and wound up bedridden for days. While most of the relatively horrible stuff she'd see in battle didn't mess with her mental health because the euphoria of the dark side kept her brain from processing it as traumatic, she does have some PTSD from this incident. Explosive blasts can trigger her a bit (though she usually encounters them in the context of using dark side powers and can kind of channel the fear off that way) and she struggles with claustrophobia, both in legitimately cramped spaces or very dark rooms where she can't get an easy sense of scale.

16. If your muse could talk to one person they’ve lost, who would it be?

Her mother.

Isra lost her mom when she was around five or six years old--old enough that she can kind of remember her. She was a zabrak woman who had been a merchant crewman and wound up stuck on Bothawui when the war interrupted trade; she turned to sex work to make a living and conceived Isra as a result.

Isra wound up spending much of her life in the care of adoptive sith parents who genuinely loved her but also strove to dissuade her from looking too alien--an impulse that came from a place of valid concern in a speciesist empire, but that also made her feel ashamed and unworthy. She started deconstructing that after bonding with a zabrak teacher at the boarding school she attended as a teen and eventually took steps to reclaim her heritage, getting traditional tattoos, building on the zabraki that she'd barely spoken since childhood, and no longer hiding her horns in her hair. She also began going by her mother's surname, Taluwe, in social settings, rather than her legal surname Hyrak (the name of her adoptive parents.)

She doesn't know that much about her mother beyond her general circumstances, but she knows she was loved--she's always been able to sense emotions, after all, and aside from the intangible, there's documentation related to her adoption where other refugees attested to how she was raised and protected. Given the choice, she'd want to talk to her, to tell her that her unapologetically zabrak daughter got the name Taluwe lauded by the Dark Council. To tell her that her husband, brought up in a venerable old Imperial family, asked to take her name as his own. To tell her that her life is good and full, even though it came about out of hardship.

[vespertine-legacy]

Don’t mind me, I’m just thinking a lot about how (at least in my canon) they were friends before he became Watcher X

[bmalsuj]

Probably the greatest strength of the Agent story (IMHO, obviously) is the strength, diversity, complexity and generally interesting nature of the side characters... and Watcher X might be the most interesting of them all... tho aside from adding to his weird vibe, I”m not sure why he doesn’t wear shoes...

[tishinada]

100 Days of Writing – Day 31

Continuing the last few days’ examination of the class stories AS literal stories and who their audience is.

The Imperial Agent story? Is very dark and emphasizes the agent's loyalty and all the ways they're betrayed and used. I feel like the Agent is justifying their decision about what to do with the Black Codex to their audience (which I think could vary depending on their choice.) They may have gone rogue. They may even have become a double agent for the Republic. So this is less entertainment than emphasizing what they went through and how they were treated to justify their choice.

It varies a bit more by gender than most, I think. The female agent's view of some of the men she has the option to seduce---quite oily at best---points out the lengths she was willing to go to for the Empire. The one positive involvement she has (which is hard to actually navigate to if you don’t already know about it) is the fellow agent on Balmorra. And there's an element of sacrifice even to that encounter. They can't try to build it into anything more because of their duty.

The male agent's description of the women he's involved with is generally a lot more positive. I get the sense he's boasting, even preening, a bit. But if he romanced Watcher Two/Keeper/Shara Jenn, that relationship is also sacrificed. BTW, while Shara’s been conditioned, which leads some people to criticize starting a relationship with her, the story---particularly Watcher X---suggests the agent has also been conditioned previously, just milder than what happens right after Act I.

I won't go into all the other classes, but I think anything in any class story should be taken with a grain of salt and viewed through the lens of the audience for the class character's story.

By the way, Jadus and Zhorrid deserve at least a full post to themselves, partly because they are also told as an extreme, possibly to justify the failures of Imperial Intelligence. Am I the only one who has found it peculiar that the only grounds we have for believing that the order to use the Castellan restraints on the agent is Keeper’s word? I mean, we know he ultimately gave the order, and does anyone think he wouldn’t lie to save his own skin? After all, Watcher X warned us that Imperial Intelligence has been doing similar things to agents already. We never get any verification of who gave the order. I think Marr can mention it obliquely, but that’s not confirmation that the Dark Council gave the order, only that he knew about it.

In fact the Agent’s story tends to put the blame for everything on Sith and they’re all described as unbalanced and dangerous, which could be because they made the decision to dissolve Imperial Intelligence (even though we know the Star Cabal was ultimately responsible.) But Jadus and Zhorrid are a huge hole in the Agent story. We're never told what happened to them if they lived past the end of Act 1 (other than one cryptic message from Jadus on Hoth) and why they lost control of Intelligence by the time it’s dissolved and the Agent is sent to Corellia. That seems like an odd oversight for the agent’s story.

(Day 30 here) (Day 32 here)

[thedinalixlegacy]

Secrets

There are five thousand other things I should be writing at the moment but monkey brain took over and wanted to give my agent some comfort in the mess that is the imperial agent storyline. So here we are.

You can have plenty of fail-safes to ensure a secret doesn’t get out, but theres’s nothing that can protect it from a twin sister who knows when things don’t add up.

Aka, the one in which Dofir finds out about that one thing Omaras cannot say anything about.

Characters: Koldo’mara’sioular (Omaras), Koldo’fi’reoran (Dofir), minor roles for Imp. Agent crew Words: 3879 Spoilers: Imperial agent storyline up until Quesh Warnings are under the cut bc they include spoilers for chapter 2

Warnings: Hallucinations (only first part until the second dotted line -perfectly fine to skip), panic, anxiety, mind control

Takes place after you come back from Taris and chaos ensues.

-------------------------

The room was spinning. No, his head was spinning. There were people walking on the ceiling of the ship, people out to kill him. Omaras’ heart was racing. It smelled of poison. He had to get out. Out, now! He nearly tripped over his own feet in his haste to leave the room but the next one he entered promised nothing better. A monster in the corner, people talking. A skull clattered on the ground and shattered into a thousand pieces. 

It was a warning. It was a promise. 

He turned his back and hurried into the corridor but the skull followed him. Away, away. People talking. People- A sudden flash of pain in his chest, horrible fire spreading across his ribs, his lungs. He had been shot. This was his end, shot in the back by a comrade. The monster was laughing. People were talking and the fire was eating him alive. His knees hit the floor first, and then his head followed and he saw stars. Like a puppet without strings. A puppet. 

Breathe! Breathe, damn it! He gasped for air but it wouldn’t reach his lungs. He gasped again. His heart was pounding and his fingers were numb and he would die here. Die, the people were saying. We control you now. The floor was cold as ice underneath his cheek but the fire burned in this chest still and the flames ate at his flesh and it hurt so bad.

Two feet, no boots. Watcher X? He had killed Watcher X. Shot him. Empty eyes and the voices of thousands of people dying, dying because of him. A risk. A sacrifice none of them had agreed to make. It smelled of burnt flesh and ashes and tears. 

People were talking. Watcher X was talking. The skull was whole again. On the ground in the corner, its hollow eyes watching him. Following him. Always. A warning, a promise. 

Watcher X was saying things. I told you so. He had. You killed me. He had. You’re on your own. He was. An antidote, a cure? Omaras thought he asked, said, pleaded. Watcher X’s face became clear suddenly, kneeling at his side. Find the records, find the cure. Wait for the right moment. Waiting he could do. It was his job. 

He didn’t have to wait for the end any longer, the darkness finally showed mercy and carried him away.

-----------------

“Ah!” Was the first thing Omaras heard as he blinked against the bright light. “Our patient is awake.” 

Lokin. 

All of them actually, Omaras saw when his eyes were finally used to the light. He was in the medbay of his ship with one hell of a headache. He groaned and closed his eyes again. 

Just as he was starting to ask himself what happened he remembered the images, the fear. Hallucinations most likely, caused by the programming in his mind. Watcher X had seemed surprisingly real though, and the task he had given made sense. Look through his personnel files in Imperial headquarters, if no direct countermeasures were filed then he might at least learn more about what they had planted in his brain. He was glad he remembered it in the first place.

A hand on his shoulder brought him back to the present and he opened his eyes again, catching the tail of Lokin's question. "...another stim?" 

"No, no that's not necessary." Omaras said as he carefully pushed himself up, hoping to have guessed the question right. His head was killing him and the last tendrils of fear still stuck to him, but apart from that nothing felt off. 

"Found you kissing the floor," Kaliyo told him, "you look like hell." 

Someone messed with my brain. He wanted to explain. There's something going very wrong here. But "I'm fine." is all that came out of his mouth. 

He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and just caught the disapproving glances of the others. Trouble shared is trouble halved people always said, and never before had he wanted to share his troubles so badly. These hallucinations were frightening, not something he had ever experienced before. And the overall brainwashing was just… Omaras shuddered unwillingly. It was part of the job, he knew that, part of the risk. He just wished he could get it out of his head is all. 

“Listen, if there’s something we must know you’d better tell us soon.” Kaliyo said.

Lokin hummed in agreement. “It’s been a while since I played ship doctor... But there is something odd here Cipher.” 

Yeah, as if Omaras didn’t know that. 

“We’re going back to Dromund Kaas.” He announced, planting his feet back on the ground and holding onto the bed until he was sure his legs wouldn’t give up on him again. “I need to find something.”

“We will follow you, as always.” Vector gave him a nod.

“Oh one more thing Agent,” Lokin began as Omaras turned towards the door of the medbay. “Someone has been trying to reach you, your holocom went off three times while you were out. Same number too.” 

Omaras looked towards the com on the little side table usually reserved for Lokin’s vials and concoctions. It was silent now but he could guess who had been calling; only his sister would continue trying and he had said he’d give her a call -one he was pretty late for now. They had bumped into each other on Taris just a few hours ago, but Omaras had been too busy being brainwashed trying to get to Chance to exchange more than a few words. He had promised to call when he had finished the mission, but never got the chance before his brain had decided to riot. She would be wondering what had happened. 

He rubbed his head absentmindedly, the headache still persistent behind his eyes. “Thanks.” He grabbed the com off the table and made his way to his quarters on shaky legs. Best to call her back immediately, maybe talking to her for a second could wipe away the rest of the worry and fears. 

The ship felt awfully cold suddenly so he grabbed a thin spare blanket out of his closet before settling with it in the chair at his desk, putting the holocom on the table in front of him. Just as he was about to type in the right frequency it went off, the sound making his heart jump. He pressed the accept button, hoping that it was indeed his sister calling again and not one of the SIS agents. 

“Well it was about time you answered my calls.” The words were in Cheunh, their native tongue, and he exhaled a sigh of relief. It was her. 

“Hey sis.” 

“Don’t “hey sis” me, what happened? Did you run into trouble?” 

“Sort of.” 

“Sort of? You look awful.” 

Omaras snorted. “And you can see that through a holocom?” 

Dofir’s lips pulled up in a smirk. “You always look awful, it’s a safe guess. Didn’t think it was possible to be even worse than when I saw you planet-side though.” 

The agent pinched the bridge of his nose, first Kaliyo and now her, how obvious was it really? How much longer until he couldn’t hide it at all anymore? It was a sign of weakness, and the moment you showed weakness to your enemies was the moment you died. 

“You doing good?” Dofir asked when he had stayed silent a little bit too long. 

“Yeah.” He told her, because there was nothing else to say. Nothing else he could say, despite wanting to. “Just…” 

“Just?” 

He sighed, a simple version of the truth would have to do. “I passed out in the middle of the hallway when I came back here. It was a bit sudden, that’s all.” 

The blue hologram figure on the table furrowed her brows. “You’re working yourself too hard, it’s finally caught up to you.” 

Omaras tsked and couldn’t help a sly grin. “You do realise who you sound like right now?” 

Dofir laughed, a sound that could make him feel better in the worst of circumstances. “Lords no, forget I said anything at all. One Olittsi is more than enough for any family.” The agent couldn’t help but laugh along. Their older sister sometimes worried a bit too much about them, but they loved her just as much for it. 

“Just so.” 

“But hey,” Dofir began, “if you feel like taking a short break, and it looks like you could use one, want to meet up at the usual? It’s been a while since we talked face-to-face.” Their usual spot was a small stronghold on Manaan that Olittsi had been able to arrange for them. It wasn’t officially her place but it belonged to a friend who didn’t have the time to come there often and who didn’t mind others using it. The strict security detail on Manaan and the precautions Olittsi’s friend had taken ensured it was a safe place away from prying eyes and curious ears. So the perfect spot for them to meet and talk. 

“Yeah, alright.” Omaras could definitely do with some company right now. He didn’t necessarily mind spending time with his crew, especially Vector was easy to talk to, but it would be nice to just hang with someone who knew him so well. Especially after all the acting and lying he had had to do lately, he just wanted to be himself again for a moment. Then again, he never really could be himself while the SIS still held control over him. 

“But I do need to do something else first.” He added then. “Shouldn’t take more than a few days.” 

“Sure, contact me when you’re done and I’ll meet you there.” She seemed to hesitate for a moment. “And take care alright?” 

Omaras gave her a smile. “Will do, and you too. See you then.” He clicked the holocall off and leaned back in the chair. Despite the blanket he was still cold, but at least the headache had faded a little bit. It was time for answers. With a swing the blanket ended up on the bed and Omaras made his way to the cockpit. 

Next destination: Dromund Kaas.

-----------------

It was a disappointment that the serum didn’t immediately take effect, but Omaras was just glad that he had found something that might work. Until it did he would need to have patience and hope it didn’t turn out to be either more harmful or that it simply didn’t do anything at all.

He hadn’t been called by the SIS with a new mission yet so he contacted Dofir again with the message that he had time to meet with her. It would do him good to think of something other than mind control, hallucinations and dead Watchers talking in his head. 

The agent was truly glad to see his twin sister again, and when they sat down on a bench on the front lawn of the stronghold he felt a little bit of the tension that he had been carrying with him ever since the start of this undercover mission slip away. This was familiar, comforting. 

Of course he couldn’t discuss anything about his missions with her, but Omaras was content to listen to the shenanigans his sister and her crew had gotten into while chasing their bounties and their glory. It also appeared she was developing a tiny crush on one of her crew members. 

“A Mandalorian?” Omaras asked, both surprised and happy for her. “You’re kidding. What’s his name?” 

Dofir grinned and waved a hand at him. “As if I’m going to tell you that, I don’t want you stalking the poor guy. And don’t try to tell me you weren’t planning to do exactly that.” 

The agent shrugged and held his hands up in surrender. “Alright you got me. But I have to look after my sister a little bit don’t I? You never know with Mandalorians.” 

“Nah, he’s a good guy. And I won from him both times while sparring, I’m pretty sure I can take him.” 

Omaras smiled. “I’d expect nothing less.” It had been a while since the two of them had sparred together but his sister had as of yet won most of their fights in hand-to-hand combat as well.

Dofir shifted to look at him, her legs curled up underneath her and one arm on the back of the bench on which she rested her chin. “So,” she began, and Omaras was already rolling his eyes, having expected this question, “how are things going with your love life? Have you already come to the conclusion you can afford to have a little bit of fun every now and then?” 

The agent shook his head, but a smile played on his lips. “You know very well I cannot do such things. And I’m honestly not interested in a relationship either right now.” There was a little bit too much going on in his life already. 

“Okay yes I hear you,” Dofir countered slowly, “but consider-” 

She was interrupted by the shrill sound of a holocom. Omaras head jerked towards the pocket in which he had put the darned thing a little too quickly, but Dofir was searching for her own as well. The agent plucked the thing out of his pocket and saw it was indeed his holocom that was ringing. He swallowed and stood up. 

“I gotta take this.” He said to his sister, the relaxed atmosphere gone in a moment. What the hell had happened to his nerves of steel? He took a few steps away from the bench and then turned around so that Dofir, who had now also stood up and was looking at him curiously, was a few steps away and right across from him. That way she would fall just out of frame. 

Of course it was just his luck that it wasn’t intelligence but a SIS member who appeared in the blue light of the holo when he accepted the call. 

“Legate! Heard from the boss you had a few days off. You must be missing us by now.” Hunter was as arrogant as ever and Omaras absolutely loathed that he was nervous about talking to a snob like him. If the guy wasn’t so happy to throw that blasted keyword around every chance he got Omaras wouldn’t have spared him a second glance. The agent took a breath and willed himself to calm down. It was just another job. No big deal. 

“Hunter,” he answered the man, “to what do I owe the pleasure?” 

“Boss wants you back, says there’s a new job lined up.” 

“What kind of job?” 

The man huffed. “Not one that we can discuss over com, obviously. He’ll brief you once you’re on your ship, but asks if you can hurry so get going.” The blue figure cocked his head. "No, you know what, let me make extra sure you don’t linger around. Just in case.” Omaras’ heart dropped and he resisted the urge to fling the holocom across the room. He knew what was coming. And for what reason! “Keyword: onomatophobia. Head back to your ship and report to base command via a secure channel.” 

Omaras saw his sister’s brows furrow in confusion. She took a step closer on instinct and Omaras wanted to shoot her a look to warn her not to come too close because if Hunter saw her he would know the agent wasn’t alone during the call, and that carried all kinds of risks with it. However, his eyes were glued to the hologram in front of him and all he could say was: “Copy that, heading back to the ship now.” 

The reply was quick but sounded unconcerned. “See you soon Legate. Hunter out.” 

The blue light from the hologram flickered out and he could once again focus on Dofir standing in front of him with frown on her face. 

“You shutting off in the middle of a conversation? That’s a first. That keyword he said, what did it mean?” 

Omaras started to move towards the shuttle that would take him back to the fleet, and then his ship. “It’s none of your concern.” He automatically answered in Basic, then cringed internally. Not using Cheunh when talking to his sisters was a surefire way to alert them there was something wrong. He didn’t know if he was happy that that little detail hadn’t been included in the programming or not. 

“What?” The surprise was clear in her voice. Yet he didn’t answer but walked right past her, his body hell-bent on reaching the ship even if his mind wanted to stay. 

“Talk to me Omaras.” He heard from behind him, unable to even turn around or wait for her. And then, when he still didn’t answer, her voice became little more than a whisper and he wasn’t even sure it was meant for him to hear anymore. “What have they done to you?” 

How he wished he could just tell her everything. They brainwashed me, he wanted to say. Out loud, just for once. One word and I’ll do whatever they want me to. I cannot talk about it but I wish someone knew. Anyone. And yet I fear that if you find out they’ll order me to silence you and I cannot allow that to happen. It’s frightening. It’s lonely. His step never faltered. “They’ve done nothing. Truly, I am fine.” 

Dofir came running up to him now and put a firm hand on his chest. For one moment he feared he would simply push her aside but it worked, he stopped in his tracks and looked at her. 

She wasn’t just confused now, for the first time since they left the Ascendancy all those years ago his sister actually looked scared. It tore at his heart and he wanted to scream and hold her close and tell her that it was all going to work out, that he was scared too but that he might have gotten his hands on a cure now and that they just needed to wait for it to kick in. But his face was blank, emotionless. Showing nothing of his internal struggle, even better at hiding it than he, with all his training, had ever managed to do. And Dofir, his sweet sister with whom he had shared so much over the years, saw it too. For all his skills in acting he could never hide from her. Not even now it seems. 

“Are you still in there?” She asked, carefully. 

I am. Believe me, I am. “Please stand aside, it’s vital that I leave now.” 

Her eyes widened and then she closed them in sorrow, as if her worst fears had just been confirmed. They most likely were. And Omaras couldn’t do a blasted kriffing thing about it. Her hand on his chest clenched to a fist, rumpling the fabric underneath it. When she opened her eyes again they shone with anger and unshed tears. “How are they doing this?” She asked him, her voice low. 

“I don’t know.” His answer surprised himself just as much as it did her. 

“Omaras?” 

“I don’t know,” he repeated quickly, thanking every star in the galaxy he was allowed to say that much. “But you can’t tell anyone, they’ll…” command me to kill you. “…want you to keep it a secret.” Kriff! That had been admitting too much. 

Luckily Dofir wasn’t a fool. She shook her head. “How can I not now that I know what they’re doing to you? Blast it all!” Her hand fell down and Omaras continued his way to the shuttle. He had a mission to complete after all. Darn it. 

Dofir caught up to him and walked alongside him this time, eyes fixed on the horizon. “I will.” She said after a moment of silence. He didn’t look at her once, but at least his sister now knew he still heard everything. “Keep it a secret that is. But I will also try to find out how to fix this, you have my word.” 

Omaras’ heart filled with warmth at that. How he had missed having her at his side. Having anyone at his side. He dearly hoped that she wouldn’t get herself into trouble, it was high time the serum started working and he could tell her everything.

Normally they said their goodbyes at the shuttle, but this time Dofir silently joined him and walked next to him all the way through the Fleet, and then towards the hanger where his ship was. Despite the possible dangers in being spotted together and despite her knowing that he wasn’t totally himself anymore. A silent companion standing besides him in the storm, and one Omaras couldn’t be more grateful for. 

There was someone else who knew now, he wasn’t completely alone anymore.