Tavoes smiles. "Seems the lady chose wisely. You seem a very clever bunch. This eases my concerns. Now you will be given the ship you took from the drive yards on kuat as your own. It is in the process of being repaired and retrofitted and repainted. It will be a couple of days before it is ready. That will be your opperations ship. In the meantime you will be allowed six thousand credits worth of gear each, from the ships armory. In addition we are giving you each ten thousands credits as pay. Lastly you will each be given provision chips worth up to one thousand credits. Use those chips to purchase lodging, food, and other necessities. You have free reign on how you get the mission done but you have two months tops to gather as much info as you can on all three targets. I will be giving you a long range communicator so you can update me on mission status, send any info you find, and recieve further instructions. Are there any other questions before I dismiss you all?" Tavoes stands awaiting response.
"Are any specifics known about the lab itself? Schematics, current projects/and or the scientists working there, defenses, that kind of thing."
Karval thinks long and hard ticking or points on his hand.
"Alright:
Anything else?" the query directed at himself as much as anyone else.
Tavoes nods. "Deductive questions. Good." He pecks a few buttons on the holo console in quick succession. The image before reveals the lab. "It has not been in use since Cortel was promoted to Admiral and vanished. Now the rebels hold it. Thanks to the conflicts on the planet, our intelligence agents suggest the rebels haven't had time to move much if anything for fear that the moff made hit any curiers. The rebels have a dug in and fortified the place awaiting reinforcements. Not sure what it will be like when you arrive but right now it is under rebel control. We have old schematics but sources say these aren't entirley reliable. They should show a basic layout of the base. If the moff isn't actively attacking the facility, expect heavy rebel resistance. I would advise a more subtle entry if one is even possible."
He looks to Karval. "Planet side we have a few agents and a safehouse in the main Chandrilian city. We are outfitting your ship with codes to allow you to land. Once landed I recommend you do not activate your ship again until you leave. Our agent. Romm Koltan will meet you. He's human. With him should be Derrek Vaker, Yallie Norson a Zeltron, Tin'Pwel a Twi'lek, and Yuro Beafk a Gotal. That is the team. I have given you authority over them so feel free to use their expertise to their fullest. No reinforcements can be given and we have no loyalists on the planet. It would be wise to keep the faction name low less you sincerely believe it could win us allies in the right places. I will leave that call in you hands. Also, try and keep criminal association on the down low. We don't wan't any potential allies believing the rumors that the Empire had dealings with various criminal groups. It tarnishes our lady's reputation. At the same time however, I know there are times of "necessary evils" please be wise about how you use those resources and only resort to them if there is no other option. Thank you. Any other questions?"
Karval smiles at the briefing as slowly he comes up with a plan. "So do we sneak into the lab. before or after we check out Cortel's house. Then we can do some subtle digging and befriending the lab's security staff."
He nods; "Yes, of course we would use any names or alliances sparingly. I joined the Empress because I know 'the ends don't justify the means'."
"I would prefer to use sneaking in as a last resort, personally, but we need to keep all options open. I'll have to do some homework while we wait for the ship to be prepared before coming up with any further plans. I have no further questions at this time."
"Fair enough, it only takes one person to spot us and the alarm is raised. Planning is best done on the ground anyway." Karval adds.
"Will you get a master-data pad, what's everyones specialities and capabilities. Just thinking about what type of equipment we shall requisition." Karval queries.
Zaelos watches silently as his bodyguard and the Chiss scoundrel plan the groups strategy. He represses a smile as he adds, "Tavoes, I am OK with this plan. I will also check with my contacts and see how the current situation stands. I do wish to requisition the purchase of an astromech droid for assistance in piloting our vessel. With your leave of course."
Tavoes nods. "Good to see your already thinking tactics. We have one more thing to offer at no cost. A vehicle if you desire. You can have one of the following. An AT-ST, an AT-PT, a TIE Crawler, a Hover Tank, or Two speeder bikes. They will be disguised proper so you will not draw unwanted attention. You can chose to accept or refuse this offer as you see fit. Let us know. Now, do you have anything else to add?"
With a dry voice he looks to the others; "Not the bikes, I would probably think a walker could be useful. The AT-ST or AT-PT, would be interesting, good maneuverabilty, able to stop and less likely to be shot down."
Zaelos looks at the specs for the walkers closely, admittedly no expert on the different models of the vehicles available.
"Hmmm, perhaps the AT-ST would be better as it can carry a co-pilot. I leave the decision up to you Karval, as you will be piloting it, he he."
"I have no preference on the vehicles. They are outside of my specialty as well, so I shall allow others to make that decision. If I could get a copy of the lab schematics just in case, that would be helpful, as well as any other documentation you may have on the lab or any or our targets, but otherwise, no, sir, I believe that I have all the information I need to start gathering information and putting together a plan."
Karval raises an eyebrow and looks across to Me'eona. 'I am driving ?!, oh well.' "If they both only carry 2 people easily, I would go with the classic AT-ST. It has a higher physical profile and is more common, therefore more likely to be found on a rebel planet. Especially since the Battle of Endor debacle. The rebels probably got their hands on them." His voice calm and level.
"Better than in Ewok hands....I once had a duel with an Ewok" His voice drifts off slightly reminiscencing; without answering the unspoken question. 'Who won the duel?'
He turns to the General. "Sir, apart from that, I believe, No Sir. No more questions, Sir."
"AT-ST I would say. And, no sir, there is nothing else."
Zaelos sighs inwardly as Karval missed the subtle humor implied in his last remark. Truly, while I have heard Mandalorians have a subtle sense of humor, I have yet to find it in Karval.
"An Ewok, Karval? Perhaps you would care to enlighten..." Zaelos catches a narrowing of his bodyguard's eyes and hastily amends, "Perhaps later then. We need to get moving."
He turns to address Taevos. "No Sir, I have no further questions."
Tavoes shuts down his holoprojector and turns to face you. At this point you stand. "Very well. You will have an AT-ST. They are big enough to transport to pilots and two passengers so it should be a good way to get around. Try not to flaunt it too much. It is highly maneuverable and quick, it will also have to twin-linked turbo laser, rocket launcher, and Gatling laser customary to all AT-STs. We will also load what lab schematics we have for you. Hopefully it will serve you well. This concludes mission briefing. Go and rest. You have two days to unwind before the mission starts." With that you are all dismissed.
The two days pass quickly and you spend much of your time in training and in the special forces quarters. You get to know one another a little better. Finally the day comes when you are to head out on your mission.
The gunship you brought in has been redesigned and retrofitted for your mission. It is in pristine condition and waiting for you. Me'eona and Karval take the helm and fly off. One last transmission comes in. It is Mirianna Palpetine. "I know how important this mission is so I am going to personally see you off. Go and make me proud and may the force be with you." With that you take off.
Your ship leaps into hyperspace for Chandrila, once in orbit, where do you head first?
Erdenburg The city where Cortel house is located.
Yaravan Town nearest to the laboratories.
Chandrilian House Home to the seat of government on Chandrila.
You could also land on the outskirts on any of these locations.
What is your choice?
Karval gives a crisp salute as General Tavoes dismisses them. Turning to the others he nods his head and his lips tight curve the merest amount upwards. "Comrades, a couple of days R&R to prep and bond together."
Of course they barely have time to rest, before mission preparation and training starts. Karval transitions seemlessly into this, making sure his weapons are working at top capacity. Getting used to their weight and finding the trajectory projection of the laser bolts. Swapping between firing hands and stances, the Mandolorean practices with his off-hand improving until dexter and sinister are nearly indistinguishable.
Lightly clothed with a pale open-collared shirt and dark leather trousers, Karval drops felinely into the co-pilots seat of the gunship. As Mirianna Palpatine appears on the holo-projector, he instantly straightens his heart pounding as from the exertion of an afternoons training. "Thank you, and with you too." he answers.
"Erdenburg, first, we can get our bearings for the culture of the world. It is also the least dangerous and least exposed? We can see if there are any leads to the Cortel family." He says to the others once underway.
Zaelos tilts his head to one side, a look of curiosity on his face. "Should we not attempt to make contact with our agents in the Chandrillan House area first? They should have additional information on the current political situation of the entire planet. Plus I am not comfortable leaving our gunship exposed in the open, despite Tavoes' assurances."
With an incline of his head Karval concedes; "Good point, I just thought that we could do some recon in case they are watched - or not so hidden." 'Or double agents'
Nichos spends the next two days poring over the public domain of the holonet, collecting any information he can on the three targets, the lab, and a handful of relevant side issues, collecting even the wildest of rumors onto datacards for future reference. When he sees the repaired ship, he is impressed; they clearly mean business to take the time to repair the ship that thoroughly that quickly. He just hopes they don't have to test it's full capabilities for awhile. On the trip to Chandrila, he reviews all the information he had picked up on Chandrila, the lab, and Adam Cortel to try to formulate a plan of action.
"I, too, would suggest Chandrillian House. As the seat of government, it would draw the least attention for us to land there, and it would have the highest chance of finding a shuttle to rent which we could use to go the other places without using our own ship, which I would strongly suggest we not use to fly around the planet. As for making contact with the other agents, that's a good idea, but let's be careful not to reveal too much of why we are here, lest the walls have ears."
"Alright agreed." Karval says.
"If the capital has the largest space port, then I agree; otherwise, let's hit something else."
As you approach the planet you see the imperial blockade. You transmit the code Tavoes gave you to pass by with.
Once past the blockade you land in Hanna city.
As you disembark a single well dressed human steps up to meet you. "Greetings. You must be the guests I am Romm Koltan. Here my card." He hands you a business card. "I look forward to doing business with you. Why don't we return to my place and we can talk in more comfortable arrangements. Shall we?"
Agent Romm Koltan. Leader of the infiltration on Chandrila in the service of Empress Palpetine.
Any questions you ask are met with. "Come let us talk at my place."
You follow him to a shuttle that takes you to a fancy residential district. There you get off and follow Romm to a night looking condo. You follow him inside. Once inside you meet a human lady. "Welcome back Mr. Koltan." Romm smiles and nods at her. He heads to the back and through a door. Following him down a flight of stairs. You end up in the basement. Romm knocks on a door and speaks a phrase in an unfamiliar language. A second phrase responds. Romm speaks again. The door opens. The four of you follow Romm in. Inside you see a Twi'lek male greet you. "Welcome back Romm. These the new agents Tavoes sent?"
Romm nods. "Yes they are." He turns to the four of you. "Come have a seat. We need to start planning our next course of action. The others are out, they will be joining us in a bit. For now, let's get acquainted. I am Romm Koltan, leader of this group of agents. This is Tin'Pwel. He watches and keeps our safehouse. Now, Tavoes described you but I would like a more formal introduction."
Before the crew departs, Zaelos instructs the newly acquired droid R2-L7 to lock down the gunship and immediately inform him via secure comm if anyone approaches the vessel.
"Beeep....wirrr...tweet...tweet"
As the group meets with the Empress' agents, Zaelos bows politely in response to Romm. Zaelos Buerlon, pleased to meet you. I am the team commander and formerly a minor bureaucrat in the cogs of the Empire."
Karval is quiet as they enter the Capital and disembark. He carries a heavy gym bag, with his guns, weapons and stuff inside. Looking up at the sky, he realises how good it is to be on-planet again. With a quick nod to Romm he follows him to the safe-house noting any guards, people following them or other signs of surveillance.
As they enter the building he briefly looks at the woman's face, with a polite tilt of his head whilst making sure to note any distinguishing features.
Once in the basement he accedes to the request. Standing upright virtually to attention, pushing out his chest slightly. "I am Karval de Longinous, emissary of our benefactor and guardian." He says in his deep rich voice before letting his muscles relax into his customary lounging tiger pose. He gently drops the bag.
Me'eona keeps his senses open as they walk to the safe house. Once they arrive, he listens intently. "Names Me'eona. What can you tell us about the current situation on this planet?"
Nichos will keep his eyes and ears open as they travel through the atmosphere and through the capital, having spent the duration of the trip looking through all the information he had collected on the current status with Adam's house and family in an attempt to try to piece together a believable cover story for the team's investigation into that site. Seemingly relaxed as the team meets with the other team of agents, Nichos is alert and watchful. When asked for a formal introduction, he simply replies, "Nichos, security expert." Considering that even his teammates haven't been able to get much of his past from him aside from general statements of previously working with the empire, and more recently, shopping around to check out the various would be faction leaders, and the details of even his more recent activities only get mentioned when answering specific questions, the short answer comes as no surprise.
Karval cocks his eyebrow at his monosyllabic friend, then thinks back the Miralukans also hasven't been too forth-coming with information. 'Their business, although I never would have thought I could be the talkative one.' He smiles wryly.
"Good to make your acquaintance, what can you tell us of the world, and what you know of our mission?" he asks the pair.
Romm nods. "Good to meet you all. You must be a strong if the Empress hand picked you herself. The situation on Chandrila is bad. Civil war has torn the planet in two. Thankfully this makes it easier for us to move about undetected. Seerdon is a pompous over arrogant fool. He is getting his imperial butt handed to him by a handful of grounded rebel geurillas. It is actually quite entertaining. At anyrate you won't find it hard to move around. We will teach you our pass phrase and you can come and go as you please."
Romm stands. "Tavoes said you would need info on the Cortel Residence and the labs he worked at. For the moment we have something we can give you right now. An individual has stepped forward claiming to be Cortel's heir. His name is Guro Muka a Bastard. He claims to be the illegitimate son of Harold Cortel and is petitioning to take ownership of the Cortel residence. We haven't been able to gather more than that. Tavoes made this requests just a couple of days before you arrived so we didn't have much time."
Karval nods, seemingly relaxing slightly however his natural instincts and training have his nerves taught for action. "That is why we need to be unified, the rebels have torn too much apart." the heartfelt words tumble out.
"So I take it there is a curfew, but the leader, President Seerdon correct?, does not have the troops to effectively end it." Karval's low voice reverberates. "Interesting, an heir, since the house was untouched this will be a ploy. Whether by an aspiring con-artist, the President or a Noble House trying to get through his opponents and the red tape Cortel or his family trying to find some lost information."
Rocking back on his heels he continues; "Probally not the rebels, they would have different aims and objective to focus their resources." he looks to the others for confirmation of this.
"So do we need to get inside quickly, or will it be more difficult, more guarded with this new claim." Rocking forward, he then suddenly exclaims, words running on as he makes a realisation. "Guro, must give a blood/personal sample to prove his legitimacy, so they have a sample of they Cortels to match it against, there should also be a list of items in the house, ensuring nothing has been taken in the interim. If...if we could get some of this data, that would help?"
Relaxing back as he tries to assume his calm air again but the exclamation shows his inexperience at these tasks.
Zaelos is silent for a moment as he analyzes the new information provided to him, weighing its effects on the group's mission. Finally he speaks, his tone somber. "I do not like this at all. This cannot be a coincidence. Karval raises a good point here about proving the validity of Guro Muko's claim here." He turns to face Romm, "We need you and your team to figure out who this person actually is, and more importantly, who he is working FOR"
He addresses the group nex although his sightless gaze lingers over Nichos , "I think speed is of the essence here. My guess is another Imperial faction may be running interference for House Cortel. They may be aware of our presence here already. If so, we have little time."
"If you could keep looking for anything you can on the guy, it would be helpful, but for now, do you know where he currently is? He's the best clue we have to get started, so we may as well see how close we can get to him."
Karval questions; "So we look for Guro Mika? Or go straight to the house before it's ransacked?"
"That depends on where Guro Mika is. If he is already in Erdenburg, we may need to hit the house first, otherwise, I'm not sure."
"So let me get this straight, we came all the way here and all of a sudden their is an 'heir' to meet us? Ambush." Me'eona walks around a bit. "I agree we should chekc the mansion first. If we don't find what we need, then we shadow this 'heir', take him when no one is looking, and get to the bottom of this."
Karval nods his head curtly; "Simple plan, good plan." he pauses "Do we know what sort of security the house has? Especially with new claimants to the property. At least should only be private security." he says grimly. 'Mercenaries'
Romm pulls out a datapad and pecks for a second. Guro is currently in Erdenburg seeking to expedite his petition. Trust me this is really out of the blue. We are hard pressed to find any info on this guy."[/b]
Just the you hear a signal at the door. Tin head over and speaks the phrase. Romm stands. "Ah they're back," The door opens and in steps an ugly gotal, a gruff looking human, and the most beautiful woman any of you have ever seen. She follows the other two in with such grace and elegance.
This woman's presents radiates with hormones and surprisingly a strong force aura, untamed and untrained but present.
The man speaks. We're back. These the folks we expecting? Really? There're couple blind guys among them.
The woman speaks. [b]"Derrek, the blind men see more than we ever could. Show some respect Derrek. We have the best assistance we could ask for." Her voice flows into the ears like sweet honey down the throat. Her tone though pleasant resonates with her disappointment in her partner. She approaches the four of your and bows. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Yallie Norson. I look forward to working with you all." The human man rolls his eyes and steps forward. "I am Derrek Vaker. I hope you can help us finish things up here." The Gotal steps forward. "I am Yuro Beafk. We have information about the two places you wish to hit and a bit more on this Guro Mika person."
The three of them sit down all pull out their datapads. Derrek starts. "The laboratory is a battlefield. The moff keeps launching attacks but the rebels are so well dug in that nothing is getting through. The moff's men have, however, kepy the rebels from moving anything in or out. Whatever info it possesses is intact and so valuable that the rebels aren't giving an in. Definitely worth giving a shot. The imperials have it surrounded and under siege. They are unwilling to use any bombing runs, artillery, are anything more destructive than infantry and troop transports. Reports say the Moff is looking for mercenaries to storm the labs." Derrek sits up obviously done.
Yallie sits up and nods. "I was looking into the Cortel home. This has been mostly preserved and little has been moved and and from what we've gathered, everything was left the way it was. With the only heir AWAL, the government is considering auctioning off the house and everything in it. All the Cortel rivals are lined up and then this Mika guy shows up and all things have flared up. I did what I could to get close but this guy is under maximum security. Even with my persuasive skills the guard is tight. I was, however, able to ask around and gather info from the underworld. People are quite talkative to a pretty face. No one seems to know anything about this guy or the Mika family. The rivals of Cortel are currently looking into it. Yuro has also looked into it. He can give more info."
Yuro pulls out is tablet. "No one is able to get near Mika. He is currently under review by the authorities but because of the civil war the process is taking time. The moff is more concerned with the rebels than family feuds. Mika has publicly proposed a blood test promising that his DNA is Cortel. The moff agreed without bothering to check into Mika's background. The test will be taking place tomorrow. Once it is done, the Moff will turn over all rights to the estate over to Mika. So time is limited."
Romm nods. "There you have it. Time is short either way you look at it. We have to plan quickly. If you have any questions now is the time to ask." Tin puts out a holo projector. Two images appear. One of the estate and one of the labs. The map of the estate shows a wealthy neighborhood and a the Cortel estate sitting cozy on top a hill. There is a good deal of security on the perimeter of the estate as well as several local police patrolling the massive yard.
The Laboratory image is more distant showing the ring of imperial fores surrounding the laboratory. It is a large facility but the security is not letting anything get through.
"The time with the lab is short, but not as short as with the Cortel estate. We must get there and investigate the mansion as soon as possible before this claimant is able to get his hands on that information. I had hoped to keep a low profile, but it is clear that such will not be as possible as I would have hoped. Where can we rent a shuttle, and how far is it to Erdenburg?" Nichos seems discontent at the rapid pace things are developing at, but tries to make the best of it.
"I agree with Nichos here, I believe our time is short. I do not think we have the martial skills necessary to masquerade as a mercenary group to infiltrate the laboratory in any event."
Karval gives a formal bow from the waist; "Miss Yallie, Mr Vaker, Mr Beafk." he says to the newcomers;. "I thank you for the information and the trouble it has cost you. It is for a good cause."
His slowly paces a few steps across the basement, then realises how frustrating that can be and stops. Leaning 'casually' against a wall he listens carefully to the rest of the team. "Agreed Nichos, we need to be in Erdenburg soonest and then we can check out Cortels house. Sneak onto the grounds, or try and bluff our way through? Do we have any jammers for radios? I should have thought of that earlier." he chides himself.
"Miss Yallie, Yuro do you have something like that?" he asks softly. "Also if Mika is willing to submit to the test he is sure he will succeed. Thus he is either a clone, can dupe the test or bribed/ nobbled the examiners." he states before conceding "Maybe he could be genuine?" He flicks his hair slightly over his face, showing his years are not as many as could be assumed from his serious persona. The glances at the beautiful woman subtly, as a young gentleman is wont to.
Me'eona "looks" over this new woman. After frowning, he smiles "To the estate then. Do we use guile or strength? I could steal a security vehicle and we could throw on some uniforms, hoping that they wear helmets or goggles. Once we sneak in as a security detail, probably will need some faked ids for that, we can check the place out." He pauses and smiles even more "Strength would be finding our little party favor and blasting our way in. Wonder how long it would take them to send anybody with all this civil war going on? Any intel on troops deployments in the area? Heavy weapons? walkers? That sort of thing."
"I've thought about most of those things, Karvel, but with time as short as it's been, we're just going to have to wing it, I'm afraid. I would say try guile, but be prepared for using force. It's a painful strategy probably, but it is all we have time to put together. Zaelos can take the lead as the noble, and the rest of us back him up as his entourage." As he says this, he struggles to hide a very strong wince.
Without turning his head, Zaelos responds to the Chiss in an emotionless tone "Thank you for the vote of confidence, Nichos. I will play my part as you will play your part."
After he responds to the Chiss, he turns to face Yallie, "Forgive me for ignoring you earlier, my attention was elsewhere. Your assistance is most appreciated, Ms. Norson. One question: would the security be tighter in the evening, in your estimation?"
Yallie giggles gleefully. "We have a bit more time than you seem to think. Shuttle systems on Chandrila are still efficient. It would take us only an hour to get from here to Erdenburg. The important thing to note is that with the civil war going on, The moff and his system aren't very quick to resolve domestic matters. Figures show that Mika will not be able to begin renovating until three days from now. Also, the laboratory is barely a two hour shuttle flight itself, even if your coming from Erdenburg. Also the attack on the laboratory is not expected to happen until a week from now so we have some time to get things sorted."
Romm sits up at the other volley of questions. We do not have jammers. Those are good for certain war time tactics but in this case, they may give us away. Jammers have a habit of raising red flags in most places. Especially when trying to get into the Cortel residence. We don't want to be mistaken for a rebel force because that will draw the moffs attention and thus his armies. We will simply will need to do this the old fashion way. Proper timing and planning. As Yallie stated, we do have some time to prepare."
Romm sits up and gets more comfortable. "Also as far as deployments are concerned. Chandrila has about twelve hot spots where skirmishes between rebels and imperials are taking place. The laboratory is one big one. There are local security troopers at the Cortel residences but no actual military."
At Zaleos Yallies smirks. "Its no big deal, though it is surprising when a guy ignores me. I do at times feel just a hint offended at such behavior. Though with your eye sight I can imagine it is hard to tell me from the others in the room so you are forgiven." She sounds more playful rather than upset as she answers. She looks down to her datapad again. "As for Mika, no one knows where this man has come from and he has submitted, confidentially I might add, to the DNA tests. Looks like he's legit so far."
Yuro the gotal leans forward. "Our analyse of the residence suggest that the guard is tighter at night than during the day. Many of the Cortel rivals are quite upset by the appearance and have tride all sorts of tactics to get into the residence. We can't rely on bribery as that has already been tried. I like the idea of acting as security though. Give the five of us a day and we could have you outfitted to the best. Now this would only get you close, you may be expected to follow security orders and patrol routes. We will dig up what we can about their routines and patterns for you." Looking at Me'eona. "They all wear down graded stormtrooper helms so you should be fine."
Romm nods enthusiastically. "Good, it sounds like a plan. Are there any other questions you have, or other tactical ideas you wish to try before we get started?"
Zaelos focuses his full attention on the beautiful woman and bows again to her. "I do believe I did insult you and I do indeed welcome your forgiveness, however undeserved it may be. You may rest assured there is no way I could ever confuse you with anyone else, milady."
"Sounds like a plan Yuro. Make sure we have transports that look legit along with code clerances."
"Glad to work with such a competant team. Experts. I think it might also be useful if there are any plans, sections or structural details of the building. We can work out a layout and if there any potentially secret areas." Karval says calmly. 'Good to see the boss flirting.'
"What should we look for precisely?" he asks his companions.