Private Against The Odds

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

Petrusia. This is my first visit to the world; although I have been in communication with a few members of their government for a while now. With biomolecules becoming an intregal part of their medical system, I was most pleased to be able to schedule in time for a visit while on my way home from an art show on Belasco. Of course that art show was just a cover for something far greater. But that real purpose is elusive to most. And I would prefer to keep it that way.

A new hospital wing was being dedicated to NCBC and my efforts for them, and for that I cannot help but to be thrilled. It is indeed an honor. The ceremony is planned to be held later this afternoon, giving me time to tour the nearby university grounds. I am dressed a little more casually than normal; with a glittering longsleeved top over a simple light dress. There is no need for me to dress in too much finery. Afterall, this is not an event that will hold much fanfare across the Galaxy. But for this little neutral sector, it will. Independance from all neighboring Galactic powers was key to their survival. It is what has kept New Cov safe and far from war. And in working with other neutral governments like my own; that helps to ensure Petrusia's neutrality.

Oh but my thoughts are rambling. I must keep myself on task!

Finishing up my tour of the university grounds, I begin to make my way to the hospital on foot. It is not very far and I can see it from here. Two guards keep pace with me, although not too close. Both are dressed only in suits as was recommended for this trip. Afterall, I have no enemies that I am aware of and I find that some find heavily armored and armed guards to be a little unnerving. I myself had gone through such feelings after a disturbed Sith tried to gain control over New Cov. He had failed of course, but it had taken me a bit of time to get over it, truth be told.

Now there are no hints of any aggression towards New Cov or myself for me to be wary of. The only issue is the trade emgargo that I co-signed against the Dark Empire. But some of their agents, most especially in their science department; would rather find a way for us to work together without endangering the embargo. It is a bit of a dangerous gamble for us to take should it be discovered, but beneficial as well. Afterall, biomolecules can help to cure some diseases that regular medical science cannot.

I give a small smile and nod as other people seem to be heading towards the hospital as well. I have little doubt that they are going to the ribbon cutting ceremony as well. How wonderful. It looks as though there will be a small crowd to enjoy the spectacle.

Perfect.

Tag: Rath Nihro

 

[Rath Nihro]

E X T R A C T I O N

Tag: Liin "Tera" Terallo

It wasn’t unusual for the Dark Empire, or anyone in power that had tasked himself into either taking out a target, or simply capturing them. Not everyone was pleased to see the Dark Empire moving in earnest as they had gained substantial ground as of late. Even more so now that the Sith had joined their ranks as well. A movement that Rath in particular didn’t agree with. They were a passionate bunch to be certain, but Rath knew that they were just as likely to backstab each other over the slightest inconvenience. Some didn’t even need a reason to do so either.

In response to these movements, there were those who would directly stand up against the encroaching darkness. Some moved in a way that might seem trivial, yet no less important. Hope. Such a motive could move thousands if not millions of like minded folk to raise their arms. The arrogant would invite the challenge, the proud would believe that no matter how many stood against them that they would emerge victorious, and the wrathful would simply destroy whatever and whoever that came across their path. Fortunately for everyone involved with this event, Rath was neither of those.

Once he had been given an objective to capture and extract a personnel who went by the name of Liin Terallo. An COO who had recently signed a deal against the Dark Empire. Most of the Sith, Elite included, would have likely just slaughtered the people and extracted the target by force. The benefits for always wearing a mask was that nobody would recognize who they were without it. Of course, anyone could've adopted Rath's identity within the Elite, but there was little chance they could effectively pull it off.

The duets of corrupted yellow swept over the masses as a crowd had formed where the ceremony would take place. It was a new hospital that was recently constructed in hopes of tending to the sick and the wounded. A noble cause that would certainly paint Liin as some sort of savior for enabling such a development.

The mixture of scents lingered in the air as various perfumes and colognes were strong amongst some of the local folk. It was a pleasant change from the putrid scent of rotting meat and the metallic taste that often filled Rath's mouth whenever he was near the other dark siders. The gentle wind that caressed his form as the bantha leather jacket only shifted with his stance. His hands tucked inside of the jacket pockets more out of habit than anything else. He carried no such weapons as it was prohibited within the premises. Nor was he garbed in the usual dark armor of his.

As everyone’s voices started to raise from the normal volume as their heads gradually turned one by one. Indicating that something, or someone, had gained their attention. Naturally this drew Rath's attention as well, his head turned to look upon the public figure who was flanked by two well armed bodyguards dressed in suits. His eyes slightly narrowed at this revelation, but it wasn’t something outside of his abilities.

’It just means that things are about to get complicated.’ Rath thought to himself. For he chose not to act right now, only to observe and be patient. A characteristic that might have been almost impossible for a Sith, but fortunately for everyone Rath had better control to not let his emotions control his actions.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I can feel all of their eyes upon me as I made my way up the small steps with my hands holding up a fold of my dress so that I do not trip. One can gather eyes upon their back easily enough by the sudden raised volume of nearly hushed voices. I am used to this from various other events that I have attended, although the crowd here is smaller. And it is outside. Both circumstances I find to be a breath of fresh air.

Putting on a well practiced smile, I then turn on me heel to face the small gathering. A long ribbon was attached to the doorway behind me, and next to that stood the Chief of the hospital carrying a large pair of scissors. Some of the nurses stood dutifully beside him and it was next to them that my guards took their posts.

Here there is no mic required for everyone to hear us. The weather is calm, peaceful and the air is quiet. So too is the Heart. And so the Chief steps up beside me and holds the scissors up for me to take before he addresses the gathered crowd. "Greetings, everyone. It is my great priveledge to welcome you all here today." Oh I like his voice. It is calm and soothing; and one can clearly tell that he has a wonderful bedside manner to go along with it. "Today marks the official opening of the NCBC - Terallo Wing of this very hospital. Through their generous donations, scientific partnership and biomolecules that we have been able to eliminate many of our most troubling and deathly diseases that have plagued us over many years. And here beside me is the Director of NCBC herself; the fair Lady Liin Terallo. I ask that she say a few words before cutting the ribbon. And then you are all welcome inside for a tour and refreshments."

I take my cue, dipping my head in acknowledgement before I begin; "Thank you for this esteemed honor, Chief Monterro. It is NCBC and our partner the N & Z Umbrella Corporation's ambition to utilize our resources and scientific research for the benefit of everyone. And unlike some corporations that are run by one of the major governments in the Galaxy like the Alliance or the Dark Empire; we offer our services freely, allowing your neutrality and freedom to remain intact. For that is a common joy that both of our planets share; our freedom from war and strife, and the ability to govern ourselves without limits under our own banner. I look forward to our continued partnership and sharing of our research now and in the future."

"Thank you Lady Liin Terallo. And now without further ado, please cut the ribbon."

I ready the scissors, sliding them into place with the ribbon in between and then wait for any holo-pictures to be taken before - SNIP! - The ribbon falls down gently to the ground as those that gather there applaud and cheer. My smile broadens as I take in the excited energy of those around me.

I then step to the side, handing back the scissors to one of the staff before the Chief addresses everyone once more; "The NCBC - Terallo Wing is officialy open! Please everyone, step inside and have a look around." Remaining by the door, I prepare to greet everyone that shuffles past near me for the usual shaking of hands and exchanges of a few words. Yet already my mind was wandering off to calculating how long it will take before I am back to my home office.

Tag: Rath Nihro

 

[Rath Nihro]

E X T R A C T I O N

Tag: Liin "Tera" Terallo

The murmuring and the whisper had only been silence when the chief and the director began to speak. All eyes were on them as a colorful ribbon was the only barrier from reaching inside of the hospital itself. It was almost a pity that today would be short lived for everyone involved. The pair of piercing yellow eyes was sizing up the important officials and their guards. He didn’t act out nor was he being rash. Not even when the Dark Empire's name was spoken for.

He silently noted how several amongst the crowd nodded their heads in acknowledgement. Their hope burned brightly as one. Rath knew if he acted now, the others would likely intervene and suffer injuries. At least none of them would have to go far to reach the hospital. Not a single one of them were sensitive to the Force, or at least they didn't carry the scent of rot that Rath had become accustomed to when he was near another dark side user.

Considering this hospital was constructed on neutral grounds, no giant of the organization was going to have much claim over this ordeal. This was an act made possible by two hands joining as one, and effectively carving a better future not for themselves, but for others who were dealt with a less fortunate hand.

’No one in the Dark Empire would ever consider doing this much for someone else. And if they did, it was because either they benefit from it somehow or it was part of a larger scheme.’ Rath mulled over his thoughts as Lady Liin and Chief Monterro snipped the ribbon as the two halves descended in a ceremonial fashion. An action that resulted in an uproar of cheering and applause. It was a strange sensation, a stark contrast to how Rath ordinarily heard such things in the past. Once he was somewhat like them, and yet not one was aware of a threat that hid amongst the crowd.

At the chief's behest, the crowd began to shuffle their way into the hospital doors as they showered Lady Liin and Chief Monterro with praises and gratitude. Rath chose to be the last one in so to speak, not to hide, but to spare the people in some morsel of mercy. Technically his entire approach for this ordeal was perhaps unorthodox for a Sith to pull off. Perhaps Valstina herself was still influencing his actions to this day.

Regardless, Rath was patient as he stepped closer towards the duo. To reduce the panic, to stifle the unnecessary noise, Rath simply had to be the last one to approach the duo. He flashed the trademark smile that never quite reached his yellow eyes as he shook hands with the Chief, and then he turned his attention over to Lady Liin herself as he extended a hand towards her.

”Congratulations, Lady Liin. I can see why everyone places such high hopes for you.” A typical praise that a few others had said before. He wouldn’t have been surprised if either of the duo had begun to disassociate after a while. With the assumption of shaking hands, Rath was half tempted to simply maintain a firm grip, but as his eyes flitted to the now distant people in the hospital wing. He decided to not go through with that notion as he withdrew his hand. There was no need for a show of force just yet.

”I represent the Dark Empire, and they would like a word with you at your earliest convenience, Lady Liin.” Perhaps all of that time his old squadmate, Rex, back when the man still served the Eternal Empire as a humble soldier. Rex had wanted to bring Rath on a number of parties amongst nobility, and the good man was kind enough to instruct Rath how to address and speak with the nobles. Especially the Sith, but Rath was never much to grovel before them. For the Overlord was the only true ruler that Rath would wholeheartedly follow.

Of course, it was nothing more than a veiled threat when it came to the Dark Empire, but it was one that granted the pair a choice to either go along peacefully, or not. Rath noted the guards as well within his line of sight, but otherwise his shoulders were relaxed yet his posture was rigid and formal with a touch of strength. Once a soldier, always a soldier.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

The crowd was growing smaller by the minute as each of them made their way past us. Not all of them said anything, for there were a few amongst them that seemed a bit shy; only giving eye contact, a smile and bow of their heads before walking inside. Perhaps they were there mostly for the free food.

Finally the end of the line came into view. And already my plan was in place. It was to go inside, have a quick look around, have a bite to eat and then make my departure for home. That should not take more than an hour.

The last man that approaches last seems a little different than the rest. His smile does not reach his eyes as he speaks to me. They are odd in their appearance as well, being a lighter shade than most, reminding me of a burning flame. His grip is normal enough, however. So perhaps I am being overly cautious.

His praise is similar to the sentiments that others have passed on to me, and yet he lingers as though he has more to say. That assumption is quickly deemed as correct the moment that he speaks again, yet the words that he utters come as a surprise. Hhe is not outfitted like the others of the Dark Empire that I have come across. Always they wore a military uniform depicting their rank and status. But this man is dressed more casual like a spy or a spook. Has he been tailing me?

I offer up a polite smile, although it is more for appearance than anything else. This is not the time nor the place to cause a scene, afterall. Nor is it the time for my schedule to be interrupted. So now I must determine how urgent this request of his may be. "Well, as you can see now is not very convenient. So please inform them that they can get in touch with me in a few days once my schedule is a little more open." I can only hope that he accepts my response for I am only delaying his request and not brushing him off entirely. That should be good enough. Although a small part of me tells me that it may not be so simple. I just hope that my gut instinct is wrong.

Tag: Rath Nihro

 

[Rath Nihro]

E X T R A C T I O N

Tag: Liin "Tera" Terallo

At the very least, he certainly had her attention. Clever as she was, for she didn't deny the ruse. Instead she opted to dance around it metaphorically. Her body language betrayed not a hint of her alert and cautious mind. Not even her professional smile gave her away.

His eyes glanced off to the side as ordinarily that would be fine if it was a pleasant outing. However, as Rath was certain that Liin had gathered by now, it was not a pleasant outing.

”Let’s just say there are enthusiastic officials who are… Restless to say the least.” Rath followed up as he glanced over at the guards. His mind was churning for a way of getting around it. By technicality he was to capture Liin Terallo by any means necessary. As he was aware of how the Sith operate, they likely would've decimated the hospital with the people still in it. They had always been keen to destroy and corrupt whatever they had their hands on.

Rath proceeded to slightly lean forward, his voice dropped to a whisper for Liin to hear.

”For your safety, and for the others. I suggest you come with me now. The higher ups had taken great interest in you, Lady Liin.” Though Rath didn't say it, nor did he need to. But he knew that they would stop at nothing to get what they want. If push came to shove, the desperate would even go as far as destroying what brought their attention to prevent anyone else from having it. Mostly due to their innate sense of displaying strength by crushing the others with little regard for a future.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

Unfortunately my gut is not wrong.

He presses on the matter further, his gaze drifting to my guards soon after. One can easily surmise that he is calculating onto whether or not he can handle them in a fight. I do not know if he is one of those Force Wizards or not, but I can only assume so. Nearly everyone that I have met outside of New Cov is one. So the odds are pretty good in that fact.

He leans in and offers a bit of advice, if you could call it that. Yet I see it as a clear and final warning. Go with him now or everyone here is in danger. I am not a fighter. I have barely held a weapon. And these people do not deserve to be injured because of me. Or even killed.

I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly, speaking low but loud enough for the Chief beside me to hear; "Well, if they insist, then I suppose that I can make the time for them." I turn my head to him. "Forgive me, but it seems as though I am required elsewhere. Please offer my apologies to those inside. I will schedule another visit soon so that I may have a proper tour."

The Chief, to my surprise, says nothing. The look of worry in his eyes says enough. But he has his own fellow citizens to look out for. I do not blame him for that. Without any remark he bows his head to the Dark Empire official and proceeds inside of the hospital.

I then return my attention to the man before me. "Let us be off then. Although I insist that my guards come along so that they can escort me home again." Among other things. The Dark Empire were well known for their cruelty.

Tag: Rath Nihro

 

[Rath Nihro]

E X T R A C T I O N

Tag: Liin "Tera" Terallo

As far as capturing went, this was by far one of the most casual ways that Rath had ever done. Turns out that they could get a lot done without much use of the Force or the threat of a lightsaber. It wasn’t considered a success just yet, but it was certainly far better than what he truly expected. Naturally there was always the timeframe it’d take to reach his ship. However, the man was confident in his abilities to subdue whichever threat that might come and intervene.

The dark haired man simply nodded his head when Liin insisted for her guards to accompany her. As a gesture of good faith in trust. If nothing else, Rath was a man of his word to say the least. Not that the Dark Empire as a whole would share the same sentiment as he does. As they tend to be a bit more passionate in their work to the point that they sometimes overstep their boundaries.

”Of course, right this way.” Rath briefly turned his attention to the Chief who was quite rooted in place. Torn between what he wished to do, yet fearful for his people at the same time. For even if they had struck against Rath and somehow succeeded in doing so. It would likely provoke the Dark Empire’s full attention, and the next one to come after Liin likely wouldn’t be so lenient or considerate as he was. Rath bid the chief farewell with a casual salute before he turned away.

Rath would’ve kept Liin in his line of sight as he opted to walk just a step behind her at the side. It was only when they were relatively out of earshot that Rath spoke in a more casual tone, yet the tension never quite left his shoulders nor was he any less alert as he mentally kept note on her guards.

”There’s a ship waiting for us on docking bay 042. Once there we will make our way to the fleet where the meeting will take place. Once it’s done, we’ll escort you back to Petrusia. Do you need to grab anything before we depart?” The dark haired man laid out the plan of action as it was straightforward and simple to follow. However, he could understand her hesitation of venturing off into the Dark Empire’s fleet. They haven’t exactly earned the most glowing terms of recommendation from those of the good aligned folk. For a moment, and only that moment, the corruption that blazed in those duets of yellow had dimmed in luster. Traces of green dashed across the war-torn eyes as he could feel the cold yet constant flames of hatred waver.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

It is an odd thing, being taken to a meeting that I am not prepared for. New Cov has no enemies, and by extension I do not either. However in a small respect, I do. If there was any of the major governments in the Galaxy that put me on edge whenever their agents were present; it was the Dark Empire. Their efforts to quash rebellion in their sectors and to punish foreign investment led both myself and other corporate elites to sign a trade embargo against them. Those that had workers, shops and factories within Dark Empire space had to leave before they could be held captive or killed in response to the pact.

I listen quietly as the agent gives me notice of his plan. It seems pretty straight to the point. Simple, even. However there is much that I do not trust about it. Would I really be returned here so readily? He keeps close to me as we walk, enough so so that I was certain that if I were to try to run, he would get a grip on me easily. It is not as though I would be quick at running anyways.

My guards on the other hand, they flanked behind us. I could not tell if they were making up plans silently between themselves or what, for they were out of my vision.

"Do I need to grab anything? Well that all depends. Do you know what this meeting is about? And why go to all of this trouble when a simple holo message would suffice?" I knew the answer to my last question before I had even finished speaking it. Intimidation. The Dark Empire was known for it. So it made me wonder what sort of blackmail that I was walking into. At least I had no children or spouse or anything of the sort to be held hostage. That is at least one benefit to living alone.

"May I have your name, please? Or how should I refer to you if we become seperated for whatever means?"

Tag: Rath Nihro

 

[Rath Nihro]

E X T R A C T I O N

Tag: Liin "Tera" Terallo

Naturally, given the Dark Empire’s reputation for being cruel and relentless like a storm of darkness that shrouded the galaxy. The good Director was cautious as to what she was getting into. They’d either have to lack self-preservation or they had an ace up their sleeve if Lady Liin didn’t pry into what matters that the officials wished to discuss. Or rather what they were attempting to coerce her into doing. He recalled how they initially wanted to have Rath be the one to force Liin to sign the treaty, however Rath blatantly turned them down.

It didn’t go well for the ‘diplomats’ in question as they even went as far as using veiled threats of stripping Rath of his power. Only Rath had to remind them that he wasn’t given the status Elite just because he asked for it. Unfortunately the mouthy one had paid for it with his life with a sickening crunch of his neck after the Force crushed the bones. This was what prompted the survivor of the ordeal to come up with an alternative to simply bring Lady Liin to their fleet alive.

”I am sure that you’ve already gathered what’s going on here, but the long story short of it. The meeting revolves around a treaty of integrating your business and breakthrough technology with ours. Anything more than that I’m afraid is outside of my knowledge.” Rath informed her as he glanced off to the side. He could sense the guards’ anxiety levels being elevated as their quickened hearts were having trouble to be quelled. Their intentions evident between their body language and the tension that continued to grow in their shoulders. Not that Rath could see them technically, but his sense in the Force was enough for him to gather what they were up to. He had already given them a warning, but should they act on their bravado. They’ll find that it’ll likely be their last.

”My name is Rath Nihro. But if we happen to be separated I know the Empire’s ship layout from the back of my hand.” Sure, others might be confused as to why a member of the Elite would remain so… casual. Most of his other peers were emotional, shackled by the past, or fragmented by what others had failed to achieve. Not that Rath was any different really, but he doesn’t let those past mistakes dictate how he should carry himself on a mission. No matter how ludicrous he thought it was for the blue collars’ greed. It was unbecoming of a professional to let his emotions guide his actions.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

A treaty? No, that cannot be done.

On purpose I slow my pace down. I cannot help it as the weight of what might transpire begins to take form in my mind. I know that he is close behind me, yet at the moment he seems weaponless. That makes me feel a little more bolder and braver. "Signing a treay would be going against the embargo. It was ratified. If such a treaty goes public, it would discredit the embargo and tarnish my reputation. All the while they would gain nothing. I already have a scientific partnership with one of the members of their science division. Is that not enough?" Maybe it was not enough. Perhaps some of their higher ups caught wind of our sharing of knowledge; and so they had wanted more.

"RUN!!"

The sudden word being yelled spurned me forward in a rush, as I was not expecting it. I quickly turned my head to see that both of my guards had taken the opportunity to grab hold of Rath's arms in a bid to overtake him and hold him back from me.

"RUN NOW!! TO OUR SHIP!!"

And so I did. I run as fast as my heeled shoes and dress would let me. The treed field soon gave way to the city block that leads to the docking bay. I do not look back as I run, for surely I would lose my footing if I did. But already I can feel exhaustion kicking in. I am a proper Lady; not an athlete! So I turn into the first shop that I find, open the door and hurry inside. I turn on my heel and close the door behind me and lock it.

"What are you--"

"Shhh! He is after me!"

Tag: Rath Nihro