| abstract
| - The heart of Security and Intelligence operations aboard the Nemesis, this massive chamber houses row upon row of security monitors and computer banks in wide trenches that run either side of a central gantry, scores of Naval and ISB officers processing and analysing data from across the ship and the Empire under the watchful gaze of a commanding central dais where the Chief of Security maintains their post. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- Obvious exits: leads to Detention Block -- V2SD Nemesis. The security centre is abuzz with activity - a dull indistinct roar echoes off of the bulkheads and decking, the culmination of hundreds of conversations as datapads are passed back and forth and ferried to the grand throne of the Nemesis' intelligence hub where the chief of security is locked in conversation with Lord Thel. "The intelligence appears to be actionable, my lord. We have identified several potential sites and are eliminating them as best we can." It into the heart of this uncommon chaos that Kelbris has been summoned. Kelbris walks up to the security chief and lord Thel and says "you summoned me sir?" before giving them a salute as a sign of respect The daggers glared in Kelbris' direction by the naval chief of security could almost cut skin as the veteran officer voices a correction. "My. Lord." The rise of Aldus' hand, two fingers extended upward bids peaceful silence however. "Agent Cooper." he addresses the young man, returning a datapad to the security chief and turning to face the newcomer. "Are you familiar with the CDU Treaty of Nonaggression?" Kelbris says, "I don't believe I have heard of it my lord, why? Have the rebel scum breached it?" "The Caspian system has long maintained its independence." Thel explains. "The obstinance of its people knows no bounds. Sixteen years ago, Grand Moff Rellick was charged by Emperor Valak with its conquest. He underestimated the Caspians will to resist occupation and the campaign was a disaster." Aldus turns to place Kelbris and the security chief equidistant in his view. "The Empire was humiliated and forced to withdraw. After the Retribution of Coruscant at the end of the Blitzkrieg, the Caspians were essentially at our mercy. The rebels had been crushed and they stood alone. They were forced to sign a treaty which affirmed their neutrality, committing to remain outside of the galactic civil war. This was a deception." Kelbris says, "I see, interesting. Am I to assume that they sided with the rebels behind our backs, in breach of the treaty?" Kelbris thinks what would the CDU gain from betraying the Empire. Having seen their power first-hand, surely the CDU would know better "An astute deduction." Thel's lips briefly crease in a sly smile, the expression over as quickly as it had formed - like a cloud passing before the sun. "They have been secretly arming the Rebellion for years. Perhaps since the treaty was first signed." Aldus looks to the naval officer. "Commander..." The old officer leans forward, presenting a datapad to Kelbris' view "Most arms manufacturers will not deal with the rebels. They rightly fear Imperial retribution. Our intelligence indicates that the CDU has been acting as a 'middle-man' for the rebellion. We have identified a number of potential sites for the stockpiling of these goods prior to shipment." "I see, do you wish for me to investigate these sites to confirm your suspicion?" Kelbris said, smile broadening on his face as he did so. He was happy to be of assistance and enjoyed slaughtering the rebel scum and their supporters every chance he gets, after getting every bit of useful information out of them of course. The door of the turbolift opens with a slight hiss, behind it stands the imposing figure of Loreck Hawkins, Imperial Stormtrooper Lieutenant. He is wearing the standard white battle armor, his helmet is cradled in his hand and as often is the case, his hair and skin are soaked in sweat from training with his men. He takes a step forward and out onto the security deck, pausing a moment to observe the scene. "The Caspians are seized of a naive love of their democracy..." Thel explains. The high lord stands at the end of the raised gantry - twice the usual number of intelligence and naval officers bustle about here, the dull roar of activity serving to censor the discussion he holds with the Nemesis' chief of security and Agent Kelbris Cooper. "...Rellik's error was to present himself as their enemy. One they would fight to their last breath. Their obstinance, you see. But they also value their neutrality. To break Caspar, we must first relieve it of these fool notions. Proof. Proof of the deception perpetrated by its government. That is what I require, a paper-trail is insufficient." The arrival of the turbolift and Lt. Hawkins draws Thel's attention, beckoning the stormtrooper to his side. "Agent Cooper, First Lieutenant Hawkins, two-hundred and third legion. Once the site has been identified, the Lieutenant will assist you in obtaining the evidence we require." "It is a pleasure to meet you Lieutenant Hawkins, I look forward to working with you on this mission." Kelbris says, holding his hand out to shake the Lieutenant's Loreck makes his way over to the two, having been once again summoned by Lord Thel. He makes a bee line, dodging in between the bustle of the intelligence officers. He finally approaches, presenting himself and standing at attention, one arm still cradling his combat helmet. "Lt Hawkins reporting as ordered sir." He offers a nod in acknowledgement to Agent Cooper and says in turn, extending his hand to meet with Kelbris hand, but remaining at attention "You as well sir, the appropriate troops have been selected and have been briefed on the concept of operations, they merely need a target to be turned onto." "Very good, Lieutenant." Thel acknowledges Loreck's report with an approving nod. "As I have explained to Lt. Hawkins, secrecy is of the utmost importance. If you are detected the entire enterprise will be immeasurably damaged. The conquest of an entire system may rest on your success." "Do not worry sir, we'll get the job done." Kelbris says, eager to please his master and to conquer some more systems in the name of the Empire, he is also all too eager to cut off the rebels supply of guns. Loreck nods intently, "Yes, it should go well, Agent Cooper, if you can provide further direction and intelligence on the objectives, it would be appreciated for planning purposes." He takes the liberty to stand at ease now as they discuss the upcoming operation. Kelbris says, "I will find some low-life scum that is a member of the CDU, someone that we can easily chalk-up as being killed by the Hutts, take them, interrogate them and kill them." "No." Thel countermands the plan with a softly spoken finality. "You will proceed to the Imperial Embassy on Caspar. Set up your operation there. Identify either the warehouse where these goods are being stored, or else the vessel on which they are being transported and infiltrate it." Thel receives a datapad from the security chief. "Discretion is the word, gentleman. We can afford no risks." "Understood sir, I shall prepare the necessary equipment and leave as soon as possible." Kelbris says understandingly, realizing that his plan might ruin the whole operation if they were caught. Loreck 's eyes shift to Kelbris and he nods, "If need be to further the Empire's goals." He wonders whether the man is truly this blood thirsty, as it could present an unwarranted danger to his own men. He then returns his eyes to Thel as he countermands, "Understood sir." He turns to Kelbris, "We will need equipment for 10, you, me and 8 of my troopers." "very well, I will see to it that you have all the equipment you and your men will need. Once all that is done, we shall head for the planet." Kelbris's eyes lit up, he was unsure why but he was surprisingly happy. He then turned to lord Thel and said "Is there anything else you wish to add my lord? If not, then I shall take my leave to prepare for departure." "I care not for the lives of the Caspians." Thel remarks for clarity. "But murder will attract far more investigation than a simple break-in. Ensure that you are not captured, and that your activities cannot be connected, even by rank suspicion, to the Empire. This is my directive. You're both dismissed. Serve me well, officers - the galaxy requires that the Empire have this victory." "very well sir, don't worry, we won't let you or the Empire down." Kelbris then turns to Lieutenant Hawkins and says "well then, let's get started. I would suggest disguising ourselves as officials within the Caspian society, that way we will look less suspicious when we infiltrate their facility. What do you think Lieutenant?" Loreck nods, "That could work, what kind of facility is it, are you able to obtain that many believable uniforms and identifications?" He motions towards the turbolift, "Are we going to need to breech security?" "don't you worry about that. I will find a way. What do you think we could do? Also, speak freely, I have no intention on hurting someone based on their criticisms, if you have any concerns let me know." Loreck looks to the Agent and grins slightly, "I would hope you wouldn't attempt to hurt me..." he leave it at that, but then continues, "What kind of security is there at this facility? Perhaps we could disable one of their systems that would require 2 inspectors and 8 techs to repair, that would give us the cover to move freely about the facility and gather as much information, also we could slice into the system directly and pull down information." He pauses a moment, "The cover of repair equipment would also allow us to bring in weapons, explosives, interrogation equipment, etc, should things go poorly." Loreck nods in acknowledgement, "We may need to send a small infiltration squad in the evening before to cause the damage..." Kelbris says, "Good idea, do the damage before the main team arrives." Loreck pauses and then says, "Perhaps we can hack into their system to disable their climate control systems while leaving their power lines and datalinks operative?" Kelbris says, "That is a good idea, flush them all out of the facility so we can work in peace..."
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)