Only Shadows in Coruscant

[Sarah_Kerrigan]

This is the start of the Hand of the Empire faction quest. But many of the characters were introduced in prior posts, so it is recommended you read the topic from start to finish to get a full grasp on it.

Sophie Ellis kept the room dimly lit. The panes of glass that otherwise would have provided some manner of vantage for onlookers, sheltered those within much like a two-way mirror did between a detective and his or her suspect: they could see out into the office space that made up the second-level of the EPD HQ, but no one could see within. Sure, they might have noticed the odd coupling of the dark-lad and his aloof, fiery-haired companion however, once they had vanished across the threshold and into the conference room proper, business as usual resumed its daily grind. Officers and their charges maintained an air of professionalism, sifting through their own files at their leisure and distributing assignments to their proper assets. Whilst others drifted through a myriad of complaints lodged by citizenry and military-minds alike.

In Coruscant, peace could never be outright ensured, but they would certainly try to at least maintain the facade that things were completely under Empire control - even if that happened to be quite far from the actual reality. Case in point: the image that slowly sprung to life before the Teenager's eyes. At the center of their meeting table, a man in a suit took shape. The Boy stared with stupid wonder and Sarah folded her arms across her chest, relaxing at the display with such familiarity in its barbaric yet political nature. It felt like home. The hologram panned, zooming out further and further until the full scene could be observed with a relative amount of accuracy.

The Gentleman - for that is how he presented himself - stood firm leaning against his cane. Before him lay the bodies of several blurred individuals, and at either side an armed brute. It appeared they had done his dirty work. But, that could only be a partial truth. With a blink, Sarah saw the rest of it: the dark smudges along the shaft of the walking stick, the tell-tale signs of death by bludgeoning, the grim but well mannered look and perhaps most importantly, the vacant twisted expression of psychopathy.

The thugs were a show; the real deal at the center was far more of a threat than they could ever be. She tilted her head absorbing in every ounce of his visage - since he couldn’t be anyone else besides the targeted individual. Clean-shaven, mid-fifties, black hair with the faintest hints of grey and an expensive suit with a traditional tie, all of these things represented authority, and his men’s faces (respect riddled with fear). Smirking already, she shook her head as the recording played; anyone with a brain could ‘fake’ what she saw.

“This,” Sophie began, “was taken by one of our seldom patrollers on Tier 6.” The footage rolled on and on. The bodies were still alive, but wouldn’t remain that way for much longer. “The man you see there - with the cane - is your mission . . . “ As the goons continually thrashed on the bodies, the camera shifted, highlighting a neon but dark display above them. The sign read: ‘The Merciful Knight.’

It wouldn’t be proper to laugh here, but Sarah wanted to. Instead, she snorted - audibly at that - playing it off she stretched out in her seat. Just a problem they want gone. That’s fine. I’ll handle it. Briefly, she looked over to her Companion, still as dumbstruck as before, he clearly would be far more useful as a tool in this task, rather than any contributing intelligence. However, that lack of attention to details that could mean life or death, annoyed her. ”FOCUS,” the telepathic thought sent rippling tremors through his mind. Whereas he had been shifting about awkwardly in the room (in and out of his chair exploring every crevice), he stopped dead in his tracks at the command. While he may not have sat, he did return to her side. After the interruption Sarah nodded, giving her approval for Sophie to continue.

“T-they call him Sir Gawain, and he is the owner of the club you see behind them. The EPD is certain that it’s a front, but the only evidence we have to that respect, is what you are seeing now.” She swiped across her tablet and the rest of the ‘evidence’ played out its final few seconds. No guns could be seen, but shots were fired and the bodies thereafter laid limp and warm, blood already pooling. “Our sources indicate that the victims were gamblers who either had not paid their due, or had been cheating the establishment.” With a press on the tablet the streamed video ceased.

“As the Empire’s presence is lacking in the lowest Tiers, we fear that if his influence remains unchecked, that his position will become a direct threat to the Peace that we are sworn to uphold.” Here the Lieutenant caught her breath, rolling her tongue across dry lips and peering from one of her assets to the other. Although, she mostly watched the redhead, as she considered the Boy to be completely unreliable, and maybe savage like those things that hail from borders within the Kingdom’s domain. That and according to Brandt he would essentially be under Sarah’s care as physical ‘property.” Given the circumstances, it might be best just to ignore him for the time being.

Did she practice that bit? Sarah smiled already rising from her place. After all, she knew what needed to be done. No reason to stay in this cramped office space - especially not with a greenhorn as her supervisor. So, she turned to leave. The Boy followed along obediently, though she looked back. “Oh, is there anything else, Soph?” The Teenager narrowed her eyes gauging the reaction of the nickname she had shoehorned in. She wanted to see if Ellis actually held the authority over her rank. This test would be effective enough in the short term. Feigning the actions of actual departure, would add depth to the manipulation. But, Sarah didn’t get that far.

“I-I didn’t dismiss you.” Sophie’s stammer told a story.

“Right, you didn’t.” Fully facing her superior, the Teenager - almost defiantly - folded her arms across her chest. “That means there is something else then.” A statement not a question as tone would no doubt depict for her. Now, her eyes never fell away from the Lieutenant's own. Perhaps now wasn’t the best time to completely destroy confidence. Rather, it wouldn’t do if their source of information broke-down halfway through the assignment. Besides, there would come a time wherein Sarah might need the help of a ranked Officer - that and the Boy couldn’t understand a single thing going on. He wandered around the room again, apparently deciding for himself, that they were not in fact departing. Fair enough all things considered: they weren’t.

“You’ll need these,” Sophie stated regaining some of that lost composure. Nothing could redeem her entirely in Sarah’s eyes. Entering a few orders into her - probably brand new ‘officer’s’ tablet - two paired sets of devices slowly began to materialize on the table. Technology never ceased to amaze the Dark One, and as they formed, he stepped forward (rushing by them both) to watch. The swirls of particles dispersed around the objects in question after a few seconds, revealing what oddities had been dispatched pre-approved by the Empire for personal use.

They even came bugged - so nothing would go unheard or unseen (great right)!

“These are standard issue, but reliable.” Sophie picked up a set holding it out to the awe-stricken boy, so he could get a closer look-see. “Wirelessly connected, the wrist-let displays your connection to the dataverse at all times and allows for user input. While the headset, relays all video communications, in addition to providing building layouts and expected terrain formations.” At this point she took note of Sarah’s own equipment. “I can also tune the frequencies of your own gear, so you don’t have to use this tech precisely - unless you want to?”

“I don’t have the time nor the desire to adapt to your standards. The pairing should work..” The former Confederate Ghost could have been more diplomatic, but with each passing moment, she grew more and more restless. She wanted to leave and be done with this ‘test’ of an assignment. With that out of the way she could easily carve a life here without the fear of being struck down by forces - she didn’t as of yet - understand.

Playing into their hands (a parlay of sorts) would be enough to garner trust that she could use to learn the most delicate secrets of this Empire, and exploit them if required. While she vived for the order and Peace they preached, she didn’t trust it in the least. Ideals were great as thoughts, but horrible in practice. Eliminating pain would be enough to sustain her and contain that monster she knew lurked within herself. She locked eyes with her ever faithful ally. It’ll also allow me to train him properly. He needs to learn, whether he understands the concept or not. Otherwise, yeah those guys back at the Barracks are right: he’s a liability in the field. He could fight but tactics were something that he couldn’t grasp presently.

“R-right then. I’ll do it now, Sarah.” Again Sophie toyed with her new toy tablet. She inputted orders that couldn’t be seen nor heard, but shortly the effects were notable. At first static echoed in Sarah’s helmet, but after she lowered the goggles with a casual gesture, it stopped. The excess of information impressed her to say the least.. The layout of the room they were in appeared and swiping her hand across, naught but air, brought up a menu and a digital readout of what most denizens of the Omniverse called: the Dataverse. The technology transitioned well enough for her purposes, and quite satisfied she only tested one last thing: with a couple fingers she pressed keyed letters in rapid succession typing out a message to post on this interlocked netscape. When finished, she lifted her goggles up and grinned.

“It works, but does he really need one too?” The Boy had snatched his set away from Sophie a bit prior and was messing around with the features; a vain attempt to understand their purpose without instruction. He would find the Dataverse, but whether or not he’d actually be able to understand its complexities, was up in the air. Sarah doubted his ability to read anything to begin with. For now though, he could play all he wanted, as it had no bearing on their task. But if it got them into trouble later, she would regret ever letting him have at it (so to speak) in the first place. With a defeated sigh she shook her head. “Nevermind. It’ll keep him busy at least - stop him from wandering off like before.”

Lying to herself happened to be more comforting than the truth:

He had followed her into the bathroom; he wouldn’t leave her side again unless directed. Thinking on that . . . she would have to teach him about privacy at some point. He couldn’t have guessed why she had acted so violently earlier this morning, and her subsequent behavior probably didn’t help matters. However, all of that would be put on hold for a field test. This mission would determine if he was useful enough to keep around. After, she could worry about molding a blank mind. Right now, she had someone that needed a desperate reality check. The Prime would need to remember his position in the Empire (first that they allowed him to continue his business without intervention), a tool nothing more. He needed to be reminded that he could be detained and contained without question.

“That’s everything. You’re dismissed, but keep him close, please.” That air of detachment made her sound tough. At least, that is what Sophie believed, but really they were on a first name basis - more of a budding relationship than that of a military superior and her subordinates. The Teenager nodded, turning for the final time and exiting out of the room. Shortly thereafter her lapdog followed, staring so intently at the the device attached to his wrist (he had somehow managed that as they had been talking) that he nearly ran into the wall instead of slipping quietly out and into the hallway. Regardless, they would leave the EPD Headquarters behind them, with only a few bumps into walls and other people as they went about their workday.

“This is a soundcheck, Sarah can you hear me?” For a time the quiet had been a relative escape, but now the reminder that she would always be watched, dawned on Sarah yet again. She suspected that the devices they had been given were being monitored, but had no proof to back up that assumption. Meanwhile, the lift purred into activity and she along with her ‘property’ began the descent into the lower tiers of Coruscant. They would be traveling to Tier 6 so it would be at least several minutes before their arrival. Using the time at her disposal, she adjusted her rifle, shutting her eyes briefly as it hovered before her. Mentally, she focused on cleaning it and slowly she took apart and reassembled it with only her thoughts to guide her.

Her companion continued to be mesmerized by his access to the verse-wide dataverse. He smashed, pressed and played entering in commands and other gibberish whenever prompted. The people of the nets would tire of his nonsense quickly - if he in fact made any unintelligible posts to be seen. Sarah didn’t care; he hadn’t caused trouble the entire trip.

I’ll grab that from him before things get heated . . . Sarah made a mental note before responding to Sophie.

“I read you just fine. Keep the channel clean of chatter. I’ll report in - don’t worry.” Despite the fact that her own internal comm probably couldn’t be heard, she still wanted Sophie to be silent. There was no need for further communication until extraction would be required by higher authorities. Until then, the information which had been provided was enough to go on. Along with their tech, she would be able to get a decent layout of the club in question at any rate. She really would only need to determine when this Gawain would be the most vulnerable. Normally, people in his line of work were never alone, but if he was secluded in any way, she would exploit that weakness and strike without reservation.

The lift jarred to a stop, and its doors opened automatically. “Welcome to Tier-6 have a pleasant day,” an automatized voice chimed. Unfortunately, there was nothing pleasant to gawk at here so far out of the reach of any semblance of order. The lone bastion spread out before the pair: a stretch of clustered buildings with their entrances spanning into each other - one after another and so on down the block. Walls protected it, gates rising high as well as posted guards at every entry point. This kept stark in contrast to the decrepit streets. Barrels lined up with flames, crowds surrounding them and all around light persisted. Not that of the sun, but of the Neon kind. Bright, and type of pollution that scoured the eyes and plagued any individual that came too close. A dirty fact, but not a hidden one.

So, this is supposed to be a well-kept secret? Nothing more than a short-ride away from the tiers higher up. Sarah stepped across the threshold, her rifle briefly floating before her, and donning it she began to walk the first several hundred feet into the armpit of a ‘civilized’ society. “This is not hidden. It’s just no one cares to notice - an important difference.” She spoke aloud not really caring who heard. The Boy looked up from his toy and looked perplexed unable to completely grasp what she had said. He much prefered the illumination of that thing on his arm to the awful scene ahead of them. Abruptly though, the Girl grabbed his arm and powered it down.

He resisted for just a moment.

”Leave it alone. Stop.” Two simple orders she echoed into his mind while she pointed ahead. ”Pay attention.” Although, she didn’t think it needed to be said again, she wanted to be sure. Here, there were no turrets of authority to protect them from the rift raft all around: the gangers, the drunkards, the gamblers, the addicts and the petty low-lifes. No more thoughts were necessary, Sarah advanced, heading for the brightest cluster of Neon she could find (the club district) their destination. It became readily apparent, as they continued onward, passing through the most immediate slums that lay just out of the jurisdiction of what could be called a Community Center, that the technological level that most of Coruscant possesed, simply did not exist down here. They were decades behind the progress, if not a century based on the prospects and examples all around.

It wouldn’t have mattered so much, if such conditions didn’t foster criminal behavior and stir up locales wishing to maximize the profit and power gained. Sarah and her follower didn’t take any detours, keeping to what visible walkways weaved through the garbage and the sick and their vomit, along with individuals in rugged, tattered or generally worn attire. Occasionally a few glared at them, but it wasn’t until they had left the lift back up to a more refined society far behind, that they were approached by less than savory persons. With a cursory glance Sarah noted they were armed, sweeping her eyes along the knives they held and the one or two that kept a firearm latched at their side.

Instinctively the Boy at her side already reached for the blade sheathed at his back the other hand sweeping back to grab his shield his well. However, something stalled him. Sarah hadn’t made any move of her own, which in a sense completely caught him off guard. He looked over to her blinking once with confused eyes. One thing came into his mind: ”No.” she said flatly in almost a bored tone really. But, then that changed entirely. “I’m looking for the Merciful Knight.” She advanced with what could be described as a swagger. The rifle relaxed on her back. The leader of the little band had positioned herself at the front, so that is whom the Ghost addressed.

“I’m told that is the place with the best . . .” she lowered her tone on purpose; it become sultry and still younger - almost naive in a way - than she actually was. “E-entertainment,” she finished with a childish stammer, learning from Sophie in that respect. Having no idea if that was in fact, she gambled on the Merciful Knight’s reputation in these parts. Portraying vulnerability that could be exploited, would have them lower their guard enough to let them pass without trouble. In that respect, for a moment the female goon gazed almost shocked, but still she clung to the blade in her hand. She pointed it at the youthful boy.

“What about him then; is that your tribute? A brat as a dressed vagabond, dueling to the death. Gawain will at least be amused by his potential.”

“You can’t be serious.” One of the thugs protested. “We could have some fun with them both, and take what we want!”

“If that buys my ticket in, sure.” Sarah replied completely ignoring the outburst from the man with the obviously lesser rank in their little gang. Still, she didn’t so much as retreat a foot fallen tread back. She wanted to make sure that this scoundrel before he could clearly see her figure, and subsequent worth that could be utilized in the club sector. But, no plan ever survives the battlefield. A few of the others agreed with their comrade and had decided their number overruled any order from their would-be commander. They shoved past her glaring at Sarah while making the distance between them irrelevant. Too bad they had played right into her advantage. They never saw the swirls of violet as they converged around her eyes. Her pupils strained and narrowed, then an emitted force lurched forward knocking the group back and onto the ground. A blast of psionic energy that they never saw coming. After all, they weren’t aware of their status as Primes or their capabilities therein.

Their cries of annoyance, and surprise were notable while they scrambled to their feet, and darted for dropped weapons. Sarah didn’t give them a moment to recover however. With rifle in hand she sprayed them, launching a hail of fire that burst forward; once, twice and thrice again, riddling the lot of them with a plethora of discharged rounds. None of the blows were fatal, but they would be feeling the pain for several hours. With that done, she ejected the magazine. A couple seconds later a new one took its proper spot, and thereafter she stashed the weapon in its slot. Without another word she stepped around the grunting and whimpering bodies. She grabbed her companion's arm and dragged him along from the ride.

He stared vacantly at the number that stung with minor injures. Then, they departed from the street, slunk down an alley and continued to head for what had to be the red-light district in the not-so-far off distance. Meanwhile, her communicator sprung to life: “Sarah, Sarah what’s happening I heard gunfire. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine - just some locales trying to mug us. I left them alive. We're moving towards the Merciful Knight now.”