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Author Topic: Zealots  (Read 14475 times)
Karmack
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« on: January 13, 2018, 10:38:43 PM »

Zeal(n) - Definition
 1. fervor for a person, cause, or object; eager desire or endeavor; ehtusiastic diligence; ardor.

Zealot(n) - Definition
 1. a person who shows zeal.
 2. an excessively zealous person; fanatic.

Chapter 1: Devotion.
M'Tzigon, near the Bitrose sector, Wild Space
5 ABY

Julwynn sat in the chapel, bathed in colored light from a stained-glass window and just listened.  The Monks sang here every day, filling the basillica with glorious sound.  The order, the Sons of the Way, claimed a heritage going back nearly 10,000 years to Coruscant and a time before the Jedi or Sith or any force users.  Even then, these monks had known of the Singer - and His Song - and they and dedicated themselves to sharing it as best they could with all who sought after it.

As she had.  M'Tzigon had been a revelation to her.  In all the years she'd spent pursuing the force, the song, and the power that came with it she'd never thought of anything or anyone but herself.  Even her sister had been a secondary consideration, a partner who could help her achieve her goals.  Not until she'd met Balnard had she thought of someone else.  And then the Mak'Tor had come and accepted her...

A tear trickled down her cheek and she quickly scrubbed it away.  Talia, or Ta'Lia Cam as her adopted Mak'Tor "clan" name was pronounced, had become a close friend in the last few weeks.  The girl was young and annoyingly beautiful but her open spirit and easy way had won Julwynn over.  She was someone to talk to, someone who would listen without judgement, and someone who was also an outsider.

Or had been, at any rate.  She and her husband, Illian (Il'Lian'Cam, here) had been adopted into the clan structure, taken into the Cam clan, one of the ancient force-sensitive clans that had transplanted from Coruscant when the Mak'Tor were expelled by the Jedi Order centuries ago.  In a short time, however, the young couple had been not just absorbed but accepted by the Mak'Tor.  It helped that, among force sensitives, it was very hard to hide your true feelings for any extended time. 

And then there was the Way of the Maker.  Julwynn had read the book, given to her by Talia, cover-to-cover in the first week she'd been here.  She'd then sought out and found this small chapel, away from the main shrines and the activity of the Grays.  Here she'd found Father Tim'Our, an ancient monk who had spent twice her lifetime studying the Way they'd been given. It had been Father Tim who'd shown her the path and finally opened her eyes to the Maker and His Song.

Tears streamed freely now as Julwynn opened herself up to the Song, letting the Song of the Maker flow through her.  Again, as always, the way the singing of the force-blind and song-blind monks interlinked and locked together with the flow of the Song in the force amazed and thrilled her.  How?  How could they sing in harmony to a melody they couldn't even hear?  Didn't even know empirically existed?  They only knew of it by faith...

And that's the secret, Julwynn.  Faith.

The song ended and Julwynn wiped her eyes dry.  The choir would file out, returning to their duties and chores.  Which meant it was time for her to...

The hand on her shoulder startled her, making her jump slightly.  "Ah, there y' are lass.  I ken y'd be here."

Julwynn covered her husband's hand with her own and smiled up at him.  "You know me so well, Bal." 

His grin was it's own answer.  "Come, love.  Mistress Telow'na has summoned ye and me.  No reason, all hush-hush and mysterious she was.  Something excitin' is in the works."

"Well then, we should be going!" Julwynn rose, turned, stood on tip-toes and planted a quick peck on her husband's cheek before turning to the Rector.  "Father Axel, that was beautiful!  Please give my compliments to the choir and if you'd be so kind ask Father Tim'Ous to light a candle for me?"

"Of course, mum!" the young monk replied as he prepared to begin cleaning the polished granite floors.  "Maker preserve you both!"

"And you!" Julwynn replied.  She theaded her arm through the crooked elbow Balnard offered her and they exited the building together, Bal shortening his stride as she lengthened hers so they could walk in-step.  She glanced up and caught the slight grimace just leaving his face.  "You still don't believe in the Maker, do you?"

Balnard made a playful face at his wife but then lapsed into seriousness.  "Lass, tis not that I don' believe, its that I no ken see the point o it.  The Maker made the universe and fills it with song.  That's all well and good, but for one so high 'n mighty He sure doesn't keep up with th' management of th' place!  And at any rate, what I'm up to is neither his concern or business."

Julwynn grinned up at him.  "Bal, I pray the Maker will change your mind about that." With the force she reached out and grabbed a pebble, bringing it up behind them and lightly tapping him on the back of the head with it.  "And I hope He doesn't have to crack that thick skull of yours to do it!"

Balnard rubbed the back of his head dramatically.  "Oh, sure.  Abuse a poor force-blind man.  See what it gets you later, lass..."

Julwynn stopped, pulled his head down and kissed him firmly on the mouth. "Oh, I hope to, husband.  I truly do."  She grinned, offering her arm again.  "But for now, I think we'd better get to our meeting before someone comes looking for us."

*******

Telow'Na Jackson was uncharacteristically serious when they entered the briefing room.  Illian rose to greet them and Talia smiled her own hello, but the atmosphere was far from jovial.  Julwynn sat, Balnard next to her and across from Illian and Talia.  Telow'na leaned forward, her hands folded before her.  "Thank you all for coming.  As you no doubt know Master Er'Lav Racc returned rather ... unexpectedly about a month ago.  I'd like to say she was rescued by one of our teams, but I cannot.  Instead we can thank this group, the Sons of Kessel, for her liberation.  How she came to be where she was is a long and painful tale, but today I want to talk about how she started on that path."

Telow'na touched a key, dimming the lights and activating a small holographic projector in the table-top.  "Four years ago, shortly after the Battle of Yavin IV, we became aware of an Imperial weapons manufacturing in the Outer Rim.  We didn't know where the site was, but the weapons were moving through Lyran IV in the Quiberon sector.  The thing that puzzled us was the amount of weapons moving on non-Imperial hulls, especially through smugglers.  Er'Lav went in with two other agents, Men-At-Arms, posing as free traders looking for profitable cargoes.  Er'Lav was quickly able to identify the proper agents to court and they were soon on their way.  However, things went bad when they reached their destination."  Telow'na touched another key, and a red course appeared on the hovering starmap, ending at Rothana.  "The Kuat Drive Yards subsidiary in Rothana is insular and heavily protected.  Er'Lav wasn't aware of what tripped them up, but they were in the process of loading a secondary consignment for a further secret location when they were boarded by KDY security.  They attempted to fight their way out and failed.  The ship was heavily damaged and siezed.  One of the Men-At-Arms was killed in the fight.  The other was tortured to death in an attempt by the KDY thugs to find out who they worked for.  Er'Lav managed to convince them that she'd been sent by the Trade Federation, and planted the idea that selling her as a slave to the Hutts would be a fitting punishment.  Her intention had been to escape during transit and flee.  It ... didn't work out that way."

Telow'na paused, pain evident on her face.  Julwynn shared a look with Talia across the table.  No one knew the details, but everyone had heard that Meanowan Racc had suffered terribly at the hands of her captors, that years of systemic torture and rape had left her physically and mentally broken.  It was a stark reminder that in this business there were many ways that Bad Things could happen to you. 

Telow'na let her eyes drift over the map, settle briefly on the the area around the Kessel sector.  "Others ... will be looking into how she got home.  But I have a different mission for you four."  She zoomed in closer and threw a light circle around Lyran IV.  "Since the death of the Emperor and Vader at Endor we've seen evidence of increased shipments of weapons and military supplies through Lyran IV again.  Putting a Mak'Tor healer there after Er'Lav's disappearance finally paid off.  We have good intel that KDY is moving illicit shipments through there again, using the "smuggler's cove" as a recruiting ground for hulls.  Here's all the background we have on it." She handed Illian a data crystal.  "What I want you four to do is go in posing as free traders.  Balnard, your ship has been cleaned up and refitted with the best weapons and sensors we can supply.  Its the perfect cover, though, as you have an already established pre-existing REAL history out on the Rim.  Can you pass these three off as your crew?"

Balnard looked at Illian and grinned.  "Aye, lass.  I've always wanted a dashing young first officer ... and gorgeous ship's mascot."  His eye twinkled as he looked at Talia.  For her part, Talia just stuck out her tongue and crossed her arms across her chest, but she relented and returned the smile as the group rose and headed out to being preparations for departure.

Telow'na, alone now, felt her spirit lift a bit at the by-play.  The four had only known each other for a few weeks, but they'd already forged deep friendships ... and more importantly they had trust.

And they're going to need it... the thought came unbidden to her mind, as well as a flashing impression of great pain and suffering.  ...Maker preserve them!
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« Reply #1 on: January 13, 2018, 11:52:36 PM »

And so it begins. Wonderful start Karm, I'm excited to see another story with Illian, and getting to explore Balnard will be fun. I don't know why, but I love how you started out the story with the definitions. I already knew them, but it just seemed a great way to begin something like this. Can't wait for more.
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« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2018, 11:59:17 PM »

This.

Is.

AWESOME!

I love where you're going with this thread Karm!  And what you've done with Julwynn (not to mention her husband Kohl  Wink).  Hmm...wonder just who is/are the zealot of the title... Regardless, I'm going to have a great time finding out!  Thanks my friend for taking us on yet another wonderful adventure  Cheesy 
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Karmack
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« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2018, 12:47:10 AM »

LOL  I can't share EVERY story.  :-)  Should be fun.  Probably a lot of broken stuff and blood and tears as well.  Seems to be the Mak'Tor way...
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« Reply #4 on: January 15, 2018, 01:39:14 AM »

Someones binged on the Kool-Aid...that's going to be a tensions between Julwyyn and Kohl that could really drive wherever this is headed.  Anyway as i think i mentioned before Kohl seemed a bit of a scene stealer with his odd abilities in Wind Chimes.  Good to See Talia and Illina back in the picture too, sort of like a B team get together!
Interested to see where this goes...also how Kohls REAL history might catch up with him...
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Lord_S_Gray

Surik: "Kreia, what are you—are you a Jedi, a Sith?"
Kreia: "Does it matter? Of course it does, such titles allow you to break the galaxy into light and dark, categorize it. Perhaps I am neither, and I hold both as what they are, pieces of a whole."

Karmack
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Light side points please.


« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2018, 03:22:23 PM »

Someones binged on the Kool-Aid...that's going to be a tensions between Julwyyn and Kohl that could really drive wherever this is headed.  Anyway as i think i mentioned before Kohl seemed a bit of a scene stealer with his odd abilities in Wind Chimes.  Good to See Talia and Illina back in the picture too, sort of like a B team get together!
Interested to see where this goes...also how Kohls REAL history might catch up with him...

SHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   ;-)
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Karmack
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« Reply #6 on: January 17, 2018, 02:44:52 PM »

Chapter 2: Trolling the Bait
Lyran System, Lyran IV
5 ABY

The Dragon settled lightly onto the landing pad in a cloud of light dust kicked up by her thrusters.  The field wasn't much to look at, stabalized earth surrounded by a low boundary wall.  Beyond it lay a small fuel depot and grain fields, and a lone gravel road leading into town. 

Not much to look at in any way shape or form - outside of the small cluster of light freighters scattered around the area.  Lyran IV was an agri-world, a pleasant place with tons of arable land producing bumper crops which were then pre-processed into easy-to-pack containerized form and loaded onto massive bulk freighters, which took the bounty to any one of hundreds of worlds.  Most of the process was automated, handled by machines and droids, with a few live bodies clustered in high-tech enclaves where the machines were serviced and repaired and the various contractual issues were sorted out and administrated.  Some of these hubs were quite large, and all of them were cosmopolitan and generally prosperous, if few in number.

And then there were places like this one...  The sign at the small electronics shop/control tower/customs office said "Skantandar Corners" in bright gold letters on an equally bright green background.  It was an impressive sign - the most impressive thing about the field, actually - and the quiet, clean exterior hid a deadly truth: This was a 'smuggler's cove'.  Of the seven other light freighters sitting on the pad, Balnard had recognized the names of five.  Places like this played host to any number of drifters, smugglers, and 'free traders'.  Basically anyone looking to make a buck and avoid any legal engtanglements found their way here, or a place like it.  Bal had never been here but he'd seen more than his fair share of coves. 

And there as always a bar and casino...

The Dragon had been scrubbed by Mak'Tor ground crews and re-painted in a beautiful light tan with sapphire blue stripes and bright yellow highlights.  Her hull had been slightly modified as well, with subtle curves replacing many of her hard edges.  This had been accomplished by the application of armored panels to the outer hull, greatly increasing her hull strength while making the ship look lighter and frailer.  The upper and lower laser turrets had also been streamlined and replaced with turret-mounted "stubbies" - quad-firing turbo-lasers that were far more powerful than the guns they replaced without looking it.  Overall the ship now appeared to be either a rich man's expensive and fast yacht or a fast and prosperous 'free trader'.  Today they were going for the former.

The parts had been agreed to (with much argument) on the trip in.  Illian would play the rich young merchant, suave and debonare, looking to make throw around some money and make some 'business' contacts.  Balnard would play the part he played best - the rich kid's bodyguard, hired by his father or other interested party to keep the stupid young buck alive. 

The argument had erupted around the parts the two women would play.  Talia had led the charge, arguing that it was obvious that Julwynn should be the pilot, dressed slim and deadly and no-nonsense, while she would play the part of the "eye candy", the less-than-intelligent but very beautiful young woman brought along to hang on the rich kid's arm and impress everyone with her looks.  This would free her from much in the way of scrutiny, and allow her to use her training in mind tricks and force perception to find their target while the rest of them mixed and generally made the rounds of the local society.

Julwynn had immediately argued that she would be better as the bodyguard, with Bal playing the part of the pilot since he was in fact the ship's primary pilot.  Bal had countered that he was also far more experienced at being a bodyguard, and that Julwynn would certainly have no trouble playing the part of a fierce and independent free-trader.  Bal had further argued that Julwynn would look FAR better in a uniform, and anyone from his past who laid eyes on Bal would remember him as a soldier, not a pilot.  It would make far more sense for him to be the guard, and would also free him to armor up and carry some impressive firepower of his own.

Illian had then tried to argue that he would be a better infiltrator and attempted to swap rolls with his wife.  Talia and Julwynn both had simply laughed, and Illian's ego had suffered a crushing blow when Bal had slapped him on the shoulder and said that while he'd make a fine rich boy, he'd never be someone's boy-toy.  The blow was softened by Bal's explanation: His eyes were to active, to aware.  He just didn't look the part.

Whereas Talia...

And so it was settled.  When they emerged, Julwynn began a cursory walk-around of the ship, inspecting the plates and hatches that Balnard had drilled her to inspect as she launched into her part of ship's pilot and acted as the group's tactical reserve while Illian, dressed in an impressively fine gray suit over a white shirt, his light-saber hidden carefully away under his coat, with Talia at his side, hair bleached nearly white and her eyes a striking lavendar color thanks to a nano-tech treatment supplied by the Mak'Tor intel team.  Like Illian, her outfit was white and gray.  Unlike him, she had nowhere to hide anything. 

The three exited the ship and were met by a small speeder sent from the local club.  Julwynn, acting as valet as well as pilot, had made the arrangements as they entered orbit.  The open car was cramped with Bal in full armor, but the three managed to fit with a little wiggling.  Illian tried to be 'in character' as they took off and Talia's dress became so many streamers in the wind.  For her part, his wife was enjoying herself, but her experiences on Coruscant had hardened her to things like body modesty.  Illian had grown up with reclusive Jedi.  He wasn't a prude, but he tended to avoid anything that might draw attention like the plague.

And tonight his wife would be drawing plenty of attention...

"Nothing to do lad but enjoy t' moment..." rumbled Bal's low voice in his earpiece.  All three of them were linked by the short-ranged comm system, and Julwynn was also listening in via her own earbug through the base unit on the ship.  "A lass like Talia isn't one to do anythin' half-way."

Illian swallowed and glanced sideways at his wife, who was openly laughing and enjoying the ride despite the wind-tossed exposure.  "Yeah, that's exactly what I'm afraid of..."

***********

The casino was both less and more than Illian had anticipated.  From the outside it had looked like a dive - ramshackled and run down, with little or nothing to recommend it to anyone as more than a very shady place to maybe find a drink.  Maybe.  If you were lucky...

But once inside, the dive transformed into a subtle but quality establishment.  Unlike the crowded gaming establishment he'd expected the rooms were open, airy and only lightly populated.  Which meant that the entry of a new party had momentarily drawn the attention of every eye in the room.

Every eye - taking in the rich kid, his muscle, and his ... toy.

For her part, Talia had played the part to perfection, flirting with every male (human or otherwise) in the room and quickly displaying the characteristics of someone hyped on glitter and higher than a kite.  She flitted from table to table, being noticed for her figure and summarily dismissed by most.  A few paid her much more attention than the rest, of course, and Talia played the part here as well, flirting and playing hard-to-get, the air-headed bimbo playing the field to make her man jealous.

For his part, Illian did his best to stay in character.  Balnard helped him more than he cared to admit, offering tidbits of sage advice over the earpiece mixed in with the near constant commentary on who was armed with what and where they were in the room.  They'd been in the casino nearly an hour when Talia's voice came over the comms, sub-vocalized and deadly serious. She only said one word.

"Bingo."

Illian grinned as the older woman he was conversing with - and who kept hinting that they should ditch their respective partners and head off somewhere private together - reached the climax of her current mindless story.  He took the opportunity to glance around the room and spot Talia at a table nearby.  "Well, Jadzia, that was a refreshing story, but if you'll excuse me a moment I need to refresh my drink."

"Certainly, Lee.  Don't be long!"  The woman batted her eyes at him and Illian managed to smile warmly before turning away.

"Maker preserve me...   Bal, who is Talia with?"

"Older gentleman, name of Garak.  No other information, but he has two security types keeing a discrete eye on him."

"Thanks." Illian sub-vocalized, then caught up with Talia.  "There you are dear!  I've been looking for you."

"Lee!" Talia lit even brighter, clapped her hands on either side of his face and drew him into a deep and very passionate kiss.  Illian resisted for about a half-second, then surrendered as his hormones kicked in fully and returned the kiss with gusto.  When they parted, breathless, there was a low whistle from the table next to them.

"Well, I guess that ends my chances with this charming young lady." the man named Garak chuckled lightly.  His amused look was in stark contrast to the daggers being stared at Talia by the man's companion, a girl just as gorgeous - and scantily clad - as Talia herself.  At a gesture from Garak the girl smiled and wiggled closer, snuggling up against her man.  "Though I must admit, her ... charms ... are certainly compelling."

"That they are." Illian said, imparting a grin on Talia as she matched the other woman's move and pressed herself into his side.  Illian shifted his drink and extended his hand.  "My name is Lee.  Lee Golwin.  I'm new to this area, looking for ... business partners ... for a venture my company is hoping to mount out here in the Outer Rim soon."

The man smiled and took his hand, his grip friendly and firm.  "Garak.  Please, join us.  I'd be delighted to hear about your venture."

Illian sat and sipped his drink, plying the man with details about his company's venture in the Outer Rim.  All of it patently false - and all done while both he and Talia slipped further and further into his mind.  Finally Garak he grinned, eyed Talia once again, and issued Illian and his entourage an invitation to his villa the next day so that they could "discuss business." Illian accepted the invitation, rose and shook the man's hand before heading out of the casino, Talia playing her part to the hilt by draping herself over him suggestively all the way back to the ship.

Julwynn met them on the ramp, a wide grin spread across her face.  "Well, that certainly went ... well."

Illian huffed and collapsed into one of the seats in the ship's small lounge.  "That's one way to put it.  You didn't have to watch your half-naked wife flirt with every male in the sector."

Talia let her eyes go wide, then sauntered over to her husband.  "Flirt?  You call that flirting?  That was just light-weight hard-to-get teasing!  Let me show you some first-rate courtesan flirting, boyo..." She dropped into his lap and pulled him into a kiss that left them both breathless.

"Hey, get a room!" Julwynn teased from across the room. "Talia, are you sure this is our target?"

Talia wiggled around, still on Illian's lap, but her eyes were serious now.  "Yes, he's the one.  I dropped some hints about how my Lee had all this extra room on the ship and his need of a cargo hauler for a small and very hot consignment came right to the front of his mind.  I didn't even need to dig for it.  He's our guy."

Balnard frowned.  "Could just be a smuggler. We ARE on Lyran IV."

Illian answered this time.  "No worries there.  The cargo is Imperial tactical computer software and some key logic chips made by a military contractor in the Core.  They're proscribed since the Empire lost the world to the New Republic last year right after Endor, but you need them if you're building Nebulon-B Frigates.  I pulled that and the destination - Rothana - from him while Talia was ... distracting him."

Talia grinned at Illian.  "See, I told you it would work!" 

Illian looked serious.  "I never doubted it would work, but we don't have the consignment yet.  We need to do that tomorrow at this meeting/party with Garak." He rose, pulling Talia up with him.  "We should clean up and get to bed now.  We need to rest.  We have a long day ahead of us."

The bait had been trolled.  Now it was time to see if they had a bite - or just a nibble.
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TheDutchman
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« Reply #7 on: January 17, 2018, 04:57:49 PM »

So that's what it would look like it "Star Wars" married "James Bond." Wonderful Karm!  I really enjoy the "old" (Illian and Talia) meeting the new (Julwynn and Bal).  Individually, there is so much potential with each but collectively?  Yet another jackpot my friend!

Now let's see how far down the rabbit hole this adventure takes us on  Wink

Until next installment friends  Smiley
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My sabers:Zearic's Aldrnari, Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, AS; Zearic's shoto, Apprentice v4 w/Obsidian, AS; Graflex SE w/Obsidian, GB; Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, CG; Dark Sentinel v4 w/Obsidian, BR; Sentinel LE v4 w/Obsidian, GB; Initiate v5 w/Obsidian, AS; Sentinel LE v4 stunt, EG; Aeon LE v4 stunt, FO; Dominix v4 stunt, BR; Aeon v3 stunt, SY

Lord_S_Gray
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« Reply #8 on: January 17, 2018, 11:17:07 PM »

Well that seemed easy for the group...a little too easy i suspect.....
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Lord_S_Gray

Surik: "Kreia, what are you—are you a Jedi, a Sith?"
Kreia: "Does it matter? Of course it does, such titles allow you to break the galaxy into light and dark, categorize it. Perhaps I am neither, and I hold both as what they are, pieces of a whole."

Karmack
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« Reply #9 on: January 18, 2018, 02:42:28 PM »

Well that seemed easy for the group...a little too easy i suspect.....

Going down-hill is easy...  Until you hit the cliff...  ;-)
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Karmack
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« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2018, 10:08:42 PM »

Chapter 3: Setting the Hook
Lyran System, Lyran IV
5 ABY

"Well, the house is ... nice."

Illian snorted a chuckle.  "That's one way to put it.  The words 'fortress' and 'castle' also come to mind."

Kohl wasn't laughing.  "Aye, thaht's the truth o' it, boyo.  Its a fortress and I no ken how we'll be gettin' out o' it once we've gone in." 

Talia patted him on the shoulder.  "No worries, Bal.  Between Illian and I we'll have Garak eating out of our hands in no time."

Balnard turned and fixed Talia in his gaze.  "Lass, I know you're confident, but its my job to see you get both in and back out safely.  Are you sure you can do that?"

Talia turned serious.  "Yes, Bal.  We can do it."

Bal looked at Illian, who also nodded.  "By hook or by crook, we'll get out.  You need not fear the wrath of your wife."

Bal looked back at Talia, then back to Illian, then set his jaw and nodded once sharply.  "Aye then.  Let's get on w' it."

Illian grinned and turned the small skimmer toward the front entrance.  They had rented the vehicle in town the night before for the trip back to the ship, a small closed skimmer with room for four, and contracted to keep it for their stay on the planet.  That gave them more ... tactical mobility, Bal had called it ... and more freedom on how to approach the upcoming meeting.  The ripples in the force and the increasing tension in the song's themes and melodies seemed to verify Bal's assessment, yet nothing he, Talia or Julwynn could sense indicated anything but success for them.  If anything, the tension seemed poised to erupt behind them, perhaps caused by them but not involving them directly...

However it played out, though, the fortress before them was indeed impressive.  The main gate they were approaching was made of what appeared to be durinium, with heavy weapons covering it on either side.  There was a low wall with an open and beautifully manicured 'kill zone' in front of it, with more open lawn behind it along a gently rising slope to the main house, visible on the hill a half-mile away.  Between the outer wall and what Illian could only think of as the "keep" was nothing but beautiful, green, evenly mowed lawn.  No cover of any type whatsoever.

The weapons tracked them briefly as they approached the outer gate, but then stopped when something - facial recognition? - marked them as friendly (or at least not hostile) and put the turrets back into stand-down mode.  Illian settled the skimmer and punched a call button built into a comm unit in front of the gate.

"Verdant Vista Gate Control.  Please state your name and the purpose of your visit." came a flat voice.  Illian couldn't tell if the voice belonged to a droid or a person, nor was there a visual, so he just shrugged and responded.

"This is Lee Golwin and party.  Garak invited us for dinner."

There was a slight pause before the voice (a droid, Illian decided) responded.  "Confirmed.  Proceed to the main parking area.  An escort will meet you there with further instructions."

The gate opened and Illian piloted the skimmer up the hill to the keep, where there was an obvious parking area, a very tan and beautiful young woman waiting next to an open parking slot.  Illian swept in with panache and parked the skimmer with a flourish, which brought a slight smile to the woman's face.  The smile dimmed just slightly as Illian emerged and helped Talia out as well.  While her outfit wasn't nearly as risque as the dress she'd worn the night before it was still designed to show off her slim and trim figure.  The smile disappeared and became a disapproving frown as Bal emerged from the other front seat, wearing a dark gray 'suite' that was obviously designed for tactical use, complete with a heavy blaster strapped to his thigh in a quick-draw holster.  "Master Golwin, you are most welcome but I must insist that your ... bodyguard ... check his weapons with the valet."

Illian flashed her a radiant smile as he reached out with the force and brushed her mind.  "Thank you for the welcome!  I am so gratified that you granted my waiver request for my escort's hardware."

The woman's face went slightly blank, her eyes empty as she repeated his words.  "...granted your waiver request..."

"Allowing him to keep his weapons with him at all times was most gracious!" Illian continued.

"...allowed to keep his weapons..." the escort intoned.

"The sign of trust is most welcome and gratifying!" Illian completed. 

"...trust ... most gratifying..."  The woman replied, then her eyes came back into focus suddenly.  "Of course!  Now, if you'll come this way we'll bypass the normal security stops and you can meet with Lord Garak in the garden."

The woman gestured for them to follow her and instead of heading into and through the house on a lengthy tour under the scrutiny of the houses security systems (as she had intended) she turned and led them to a direct-line route that bypassed the bulk of the security systems and and sensors (as Illian had mentally suggested).  Illian winked at Balnard and Talia and turned to follow, Talia hanging on his arm and Kohl trailing a few steps behind, a bemused smile on his face. 

Despite being a direct route the walk was still none to short.  The house was simply huge, with beautiful stone facings and wonderful vaults and arches, crenelations and even gargoyles guarding the water run-off spouts.  Nor were the battlements simply facade.  Illian could sense guards patrolling up there, and Balnard whispered details of heavy support weaponry mounted at the corner towers.  The manor was designed to impress, and it did.

Finally they came to a low fence and their escort led them into a beautiful garden filled with verdant plantings, ornamental trimmed hedge work, and splashing fountains.  A sparkling blue pool covered nearly a half-acre of land and was occupied by a trio of young women, who seemed to be as ornamental to the scene as the hedges and fountains were.  Illian made a point of ignoring them, focusing on their host as they approached.

Garak, wearing a comfortable open-necked shirt and shorts, was relaxing at a shaded table.  His companion from the night before was with him, wearing a very brief bathing costume.  Illian felt a slight shift in Talia's demeanor as they approached, as she pushed her own 'eye candy' persona to the fore, but Illian sensed a hint of jealousy from her as he allowed his own eyes to linger on the other woman in evaluation and appreciation.  Though he knew he was playing a part, just as she was, he felt the pang of guilt rise in his gut and re-focused on Garak as the other man leered at Talia.  We have got to find a different way to play this game...

"Lee!  Welcome to my humble abode!  I hope you enjoyed your tour of the house and grounds?" Garak said in greeting.  His eyes met those of our escort briefly, but before anyone could say more Talia interjected into the conversation. 

"Oh yes!  The house was grand!  The artwork was just amazing and so many rooms!  I wish we could have something like it back in the core, but land is so scarce..."

Illian hid his own grin as he felt Talia brush Garak's mind in the force even as he brushed that of the escort yet again.  Both of them gave a slightly glazed look for a few seconds, then cleared.  Garak now had a fuzzy memory of receiving a favorable report of his visitors tour and unarmed status.  The escort now remembered making that report.  All while Kohl stood there still openly wearing a heavy blaster pistol.

This is utter madness!

At a gesture they sat down and began chatting, the women staring daggers at each other when they thought the men wouldn't notice.  Food was brought and they ate, the conversation turning from the weather and Garak's appreciation of the social scene in his small sliver of Lyran IV.  Before long Garak's companion, fed up with Garak's indifference and unable to draw Illian's attention, stood up in a huff and went off to join the other women splashing away in the pool nearby.

Finally the conversation shifted to the the business deal Lee was offering - and the other business opportunities Garak had that they might be interested in. "Oh, there's always something to keep a smart operator occupied in the Rim." Garak said over his wine glass.  His eyes were slightly glassy, but not from drink.  Illian and Talia had been burrowing deeper and deeper, subtly driving the conversation while implanting suggestions along the way to cover their tracks.  Finally they were at the critical point.  "In fact, if your ship has any of its original cargo capacity, I might have something you'd be interested in."

Ken sat back, rubbing his chin and showing interest.  "Oh? What might that be?"

Garak smiled.  "Just a ... small consignment that I need to get to Rothana.  Not to much cubage, maybe ten square meters or so.  There is a bit of a risk, mainly from pirates, but you appear to be well equipped to handle that kind of thing.  I can offer you ... seven thousand ... if you're willing to make the run."

Illian felt his pulse quicken and he quickly dampened it.  He pretended to be skeptical and wary.  "Rothana?  That system is sewn up by Kuat.  No doubt the fees and duties alone will be near three thousand.  Add in the cost in fuel and possible damages, we'd be lucky to break even at seven thousand.  Even assuming we decide to take such a detour."

Garak leaned back and took another long pull on his wine, letting his eyes roam over Talia yet again.  "True...  I could go to, say, ten, if there were certain ... reciprocal inducements included in the deal."

Despite himself Illian felt his blood chill.  Calm!  You have a plan to handle this...  Illian mimicked Garak's posture and swiveled in his chair, casting an evaluatory look at Talia.  For her part, Talia just giggled and sipped her wine, giving the appearance of a bimbo deep in her cups and utterly oblivious as to what was being negotiated.  Illian made a show of considering it long and hard before turning back to Garak.  "Twelve."

Garak grinned.  "Eleven.  And the girl."

Illian looked over at Talia one more time, then jerked his head toward Garak.  Talia grinned and walked over to Garak, depositing herself in his lap.  She leaned down and whispered into his ear "You and I are going to have soooo much fun tonight..."

Garak's grin widened, and then his face went totally slack as Talia's hand made contact with the base of his skull.  Illian leaned forward and reached out, placing his own hand on Garak's temple.  That he was human helped immensely: simple mind tricks were generally universal in effect, but to create complete, false memories required ... familiarity.

The work was intense but over fairly quickly.  Illian had plucked the intent for Talia to be included as part of his compensation from his mind along with the details of the shipment.  Together they'd crafted a script of details that they now implanted in his mind, using an advanced technique the Mak'Tor intelligence group knew of.  Using a specific motif, Illian sang while Talia used a more conventional approach to layer the false memories of a wild night of pleasure and debauchery into the industrialist's mind.  When they were done, Illian layered out a more general stealth motif that would fog the perceptions of anyone in the vicinity for a time.  He and Balnard then hoisted the unconscious Garak and "walked" him into the house and to his private apartments.

When they left several hours later Garak was still unconscious.  He would awake in the late morning with a vivid memory of a night's activities that never actually happened.  The one thing they couldn't do was erase security logs and records, however.  If there were tapes, and if Garak checked them, there would be an obvious discrepancy.

It was a risk, but the whole enterprise was a risk.  In the mean time, by the time the sun rose over the horizon they had loaded their cargo and were breaking orbit.  The hook was set: now it was time to land their catch...

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« Reply #11 on: January 19, 2018, 11:00:35 PM »

The more I read about Talia, Illian, and Bal, the more that I like them!

Yes, definitely a different feel to this narrative, more espionage than adventure  Wink  Man that Garak is a pig; nice bit of karma for his...indiscretions. 

Wonderful writing Karm; I feel like I'm reading an original Ian Flemming novel...with high technology  Cheesy

Until next installment friends  Smiley
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« Reply #12 on: January 19, 2018, 11:09:30 PM »

Illian doesn't seem cut out for deep cover work where his Wife is involved, that protectiveness if not almost prudishness could be an issue if they try it again not everyone is going to be as soused as Garak...surprised the other women with Garak didn't notice him being dragged off unconscious though...presumably they memory wiped them too or something?


PS didn't know Ken was along for the ride LOL
"Ken sat back, rubbing his chin and showing interest.  "Oh? What might that be?""
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« Reply #13 on: January 19, 2018, 11:13:01 PM »

Illian doesn't seem cut out for deep cover work where his Wife is involved, that protectiveness if not almost prudishness could be an issue if they try it again not everyone is going to be as soused as Garak...surprised the other women with Garak didn't notice him being dragged off unconscious though...presumably they memory wiped them too or something?


PS didn't know Ken was along for the ride LOL
"Ken sat back, rubbing his chin and showing interest.  "Oh? What might that be?""

ARGH!!!!!  I keep writing Ken instead of Illian.  The two characters are very similar in my mind, and they keep super-imposing!  It doesn't help that I am writing about BOTH...  LOL

My apologies.  That's supposed to be ILLIAN, not Ken.  Nice catch.  To bad I can't correct it!

As for Illian - you're correct.  He's not taking to this form of infiltration to well.   That might have consequences down the road...  ;-)
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« Reply #14 on: January 20, 2018, 12:40:44 AM »

Hehe, yes. I knew what you meant, but seeing that I am not the only one that has a problem keeping characters straight is nice. Makes me not feel so bad.

But this is seriously good writing. It is so much different than any of your other stories have been, but that just shows how good of a writer you are. Can't wait for more.
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