Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Duty Calls (Flint)

@[member="Flint Pherson"]

The halls of the Republic's HQ bustled with innumerable people. Some were lowly cadets and junior officers, while some were generals and admirals.

Walking amongst them with great purpose was a very tall woman with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. In contrast to the uniformed people around her she wore a black set of civilian clothes with a holster at her side. In deference to where she was, it was empty.

She approached a desk where a secretary waited. "May I help you, ma'am?"
"Maelion Liates. I have an appointment with Supreme Commander Pherson." Maelion's voice was calm, polite, measured.
"Certainly. Guard! Escort Ms Liates to the Commander's office."

It was a short turbo lift ride to a small meeting room. Maelion sat in one of the seats and then...stopped moving. She was still breathing and blinking, but otherwise made almost no movement. It was rather uncanny. However, when Supreme Commander Pherson entered she rose and offered a precise salute.
"Commander, Maelion Liates reporting for duty!"

Her personnel sheet had been sent through, and it had disclosed only to Flint her true status and origins. It was something she wished to keep secret, and which Flint would also see the wisdom in keeping secret as well.
 

Flint Pherson

Guest
F
Flint entered in a grey dress uniform with yellow bars. He returned the salute but didn't smile. Motioning instead for Agent Liates to have a seat.

"Good evening Agent Liates. Please have a seat."

He pulled up a chair near hers and seat his pad on the table. Swiveling to a relaxed position and bringing his chest to face the woman across from him.

"I've read your profile and have enjoyed what I saw. You come with high recommendations and an excellent skill set. I am glad to have you aboard. ...Now. Let's talk about why your here. To begin with. What do you know our most recent Treaty Excursion to the Hapes Cluster? Your perspective, please."

Flint would talk to her as she were a woman. And he would continue to do so until the replica was no longer capable of understanding him. Only then would he modify his communication. To Flint, Maelion was an experiment in trust. To all else, Agent Liates was just another Navy Specialist.
 
Maelion sat as bidden. She maintained a relaxed posture, and by looking at her one could not tell she was really a device of metal beneath her pleasant exterior.
"Thank you, sir, Ms Hawk was most kind to pass on such a good recommendation," Maelion said. She always called Ti'Cira Hawk that, in recognition of the very special association they had. However, with Ti'Cira's return to the witches of Dathomir, their time together had ended, and the witch had given her contacts high up in the Republic military.

Maelion tilted her head to the side slightly when asked for her perspective. Flint wouldn't like her real perspective, as that involved a good deal more purification of organics than acceptable. This was one of those human things where they asked questions they already knew the answers to.
"The Hapans have successfully deceived themselves into thinking that this deal will barely affect them. Data I collected from numerous sources indicates that they understand that their effective independence is at an end. They consider this an alliance of necessity, not choice, and many are ambivalent about whether Princess Kiena was truly on the side of right or not. The Republic however gains a rich territory with strategic positioning in case of attack by the Sith Empire." She had said it all in a flat, calm voice, eyes never leaving Flint, barely blinking.
 

Flint Pherson

Guest
F
"Mmm."

He pursed his lips and rubbed his chin. Not the answer he was expecting really. But an enlightening one, none-the-less.

"Alright then. Let's talk about your duties now. Your job will be to ensure the safety of the Republic Supreme Commander during away missions. This includes when I'm traveling. So I'll need you mobile. Though, not necessarily at my side. The Intelligence Branch goes to great lengths to ensure the Chancellors safety. Whether that be doing background checks, information data mining, facial profiling, and even preemptive location inspections. However, you are no longer a civilian and your duties must reflect the Military nature of our operations here."

"Thusly. I am promoting you to Naval Commander. However, your independence and clearance in this regard will be reinforced doubly, as you will be tasked to my Staff Personally. So, you will be acting as a Naval Specialist as well. With special privileges that will allow you to move unhindered as you go about your duties. In this way I hope that you will enjoy a welcome freedom and creativity as you strive to protect the Office of the Supreme Commander."

She shifted his head to examine each of her eyes in turn,

"Do you accept these freedoms and security clearances. When we are on my Star Defender, you may need to assume the role of Boat-Chief of Security as well."

It was time to see just how well this replica could multi-task. In a sense, she would become one of the deadliest Special Agents that the Navy had to offer. Because, when it came to bodyguards? Flint favored the sword. Rather than the shield.
 
Maelion nodded her head. "This will not be a problem, sir, I will be able to perform all these duties," she stated calmly. It was a statement of fact. "I shall require a uniform and a data terminal to use. For reasons of appearance this should be in a cabin or room so as not to arouse suspicion. I require one hour a day to power down, but I can schedule that with you so that it works within your needs."

"There is one other important thing, sir. You must formally accept the position of my Controller. That allows you to give me direct commands which will override all other protocols except self-preservation and those relating to Ms Hawk. Do you accept this?" she asked. There was no anxiety, even though she was effectively making herself forced to obey almost all his commands.
 

Flint Pherson

Guest
F
He squinted for a moment but carried on with a nod of his head.

"I, Flint Pherson, do now formally accept the position of your Controller. And I will relinquish this position to my successor should that ever become appropriate to do so. Please note your preservation as a unit is a top priority for your new Controller. However, as with all my soldiers, there may be a time when my orders will conflict with your self-preservation protocols. However, I trust that eventual combat and your possible destruction during the course of your duties are not foreign to you. So I will skip the speech."

He pursed his lips and rubbed his temple. He wasn't used to robots, it seemed.

"From now on I will address you as Agent Liates. And you will address me as Commander. You will be provided with any uniform you so desire. As well as a complimentary luxury apartment here on Coruscant. As, I have been asked to keep your identity a secret. We will be taking many steps like this one to ensure your paper-trail is as human as possible."

"Now. You have also been issued an Operations Budget. A budget upon which in addition to your Military Armory Access, will allow you to retrofit your person, your housing, your vehicles, and your daily activities; in what-so-ever way you desire. I will review this budget weekly and make changes as necessary. This budget reflects the pay grade of both a Naval Commander and a Special Agent. ...But, let's go buying any convertibles, yes?"

She smiled at that comment. The thought of robot, wanting a car. Was it like a pet or a boyfriend he wondered. Heh. Anyway. Nevermind.

"Your first assignment will be to oversee the inspection of the Star Defender Gravity Hurts. This being, my current vessel and the Republic's Flagship for combat operations. I desire that you understand this vessel inside and out. You will be my personal Staff Representative on the Inspection Committee. I expect that you find the vessel's housing, armament, supply routines, personnel additions, and security measures; comfortable."

He rubbed his temple and stroked his chin.

"You may use the rest of today to acquire any items or resources you will need for the up-coming future. Here is my schedule for the next two weeks, a direct com line, and all the noted Staff Meetings I need you present for. Tomorrow you will begin the Inspection of the Star Defender. I expect this inspection to take no longer than ten days."

"Are my instructions understood Agent Liates. If so, I look forward to working with you in the future."
 
Maelion saluted crisply. "Everything is understood, Commander. I have been destroyed before; the experience is not unknown to me. I shall begin my inspection tomorrow."

Maelion left the room and found her apartment. It was luxurious, but utterly useless to her. However, she took the time to investigate the rooms thoroughly and to examine any irregularities. She always took care to make the room looked used though; rumpling the bed and putting items in the trash helped in this regard. Satisfied that there were no dangers she next retrieved the new uniform she had and put it on. It would require minor alterations to better fit her, but otherwise it was serviceable.
The subject of finance was not going to be an issue at least. Maelion could use any number of weapons, and had her ones now with her. Furthermore, since she did not eat or require entertainment she would have no expenses there. Added to this that she saw no use whatsoever in buying frivolous items, which meant that her general costs were less than 10% of her income. All she needed was a data terminal to interface with, and that was all.

The next day she went to the flagship. Having already spent a good twelve hours examining blue prints, reports and other information inside her own head, she already had a good idea about how to improve matters. After an intensive day during which she exhausted the crew assigned to her she traversed almost every area of importance, and the next day completed her assessment. She spent that night typing a response, her fingers moving more efficiently and quicker than any human.

And so on the third day she approached @[member="Flint Pherson"] in his office after one of the meetings and presented a datapad to him. "I have completed my investigation, Commander," she stated. She had finished seven days earlier than required, but there was no pride or arrogance there. "If you wish I can relate my key findings."
 

Flint Pherson

Guest
F
Flint looked up from his desk but made no noticeable emotional response. It took him a moment to realize that she was early. Really, early. To which he only raised an eyebrow. Her efficiency must have been ruthless.

He looked over the datapad and motioned to her to begin,

"I have the report from the deck officers already. But, yes. ...Why don't you go ahead and list to me the improvements you've made so far."

He began skimming down her report. It was emotionless. But extremely complete. Devoid of the speculation and biased pessimism that so normally taints a human compiled report. And. He was sure yet which he enjoyed more. The human flaws or the machines lack of them.
 
Maelion launched into a long, ordered list of irregularities and faults she had detected. Some were minor tweaks, some were concerning. Since this writer is not going to make up techno-babble, we shall assume that she knew what she was talking about.
"Finally, I believe Engineer Wellin has been doctoring maintenance reports. She has listed several key sectors in the hyperspace engines as cleared, but I found long standing faults with wiring problems and carbon scoring. Either she has not been making the inspections or she has been ignoring these faults. If left unchecked there is an 85% chance of dramatic failure of the hyperspace engines within one month."
"Also, I found the caf making facilities to be substandard. Crew efficiency could be increased by 3.45% if this was fixed. That would be desirable unless you wish your navigator to fall asleep again. I am sure you would not enjoy that." Maelion was not just a drone though, she had a rather dark sense of humour on occasion.

And that was it, she stood back at attention. She could hold that pose for hours, literally.
 

Flint Pherson

Guest
F
Flint stared off into space, his mouth tightly clamped shut. As she talked he found his boring office to suddenly take on a whole new aspect. It suddenly became interesting again. I mean. He liked her report. It was good. Down right exemplary, really. But holy mole'y, was this robot boring to listen to. Reminded him of an old girlfriend he used to date back in his Colony Years. Yeah. He imagined the replica in a nun outfit just before snapping back to reality,

"No. I'm not sure I would not enjoy that either. Hmm."

He stroked his temple and looked out the window,

"Very well then. I have no more duties for you to perform at the moment. You may see the Sergent down on two, for addition assignments around the district. Or, you can see if Admiral Noah requires assistance with his smuggling investigations planet-side. Mm. Always something that needs doing around here."

He looked up and noticed that she was standing perfectly still. And he did begin to wonder if the replica could hold that pose for literally hours. Truth. She would have made for a down-right beautiful woman in that uniform. Well. If she wasn't so darn creepy all the time. ...Ugh. The shivers.

"...Dismissed. Thank you for your report."
 
Maelion saluted crisply, indeed with bone cracking force. She then turned and left. It came to what passed for Maelion's mind that she should try being a little more...human around others. The notion annoyed her. Organics were so obsessed with unimportant things. She could see that even @[member="Flint Pherson"] had been unable to pay attention for ten minutes without his mind wandering. Yet she was sure that if the opportunity arose he would waste ten minutes in fruitless pursuits without a second thought.

She did indeed head downstairs to see the duty officer. For this meeting Maelion decided to try out a more human approach.
Her pose relaxed slightly and she strolled forward. "The boss sent me to see if you needed any help, Sergeant...?" she asked, leaning on the desk nonchalantly.
The Sergeant looked at her. "Sergeant Mitre, ma'am. We could use someone to help inspect some of the defence lasers near the Senate Tower, if you don't mind, ma'am."
"Hey, not a problem, Sergeant. And by the way, you doing anything after you get off?" she asked, shamelessly flirting.
The woman looked startled and blushed. "Uhh...well...no. What did you have mind mind?"
"I hear that new holovid 'Galactic Lampoons Anaxes Jedi Vacation' is showing. It's about some Jedi going on a sightseeing tour in a battle."
"Well, sure! Pick me up at seven."
"Done, see you then!"
Maelion strode off, and when out of sight her pose resumed its rigid shape. She was really hoping Flint had seen that display. If there was one thing Maelion loved, it was trolling her controllers.
 

Flint Pherson

Guest
F
The next day there was a staff meeting and Maelion was in attendance. When the meeting was over Flint asked her to speak with him in hall,

"Agent Liates. I wanted to ask you something. Sam and I have a date on Friday. Admiral Daniels, I mean. ...And, I was rather hoping you would be able to drive us to Maverick's Steakhouse down on fourth and Newbury. I know it's just come up and is rather sudden? But I hope it wouldn't be too much trouble to ask if you would pick her up around six and take her to the restaurant for me. Claire, Patrick, and I will be leaving from the base an hour earlier but it's too far to do both."

He stroked his chin as he contemplated,

"...I have her mother's address right here. It's where she will be staying that evening and where I'll need you to pick her up. Again, around six. Yeah. So. Is that possible on your end?"
 
Maelion tilted her head to the side, a trademark habit of hers. She took the address. "I am perfectly able to be a chauffer, Commander," Maelion stated without a hint of emotion. "I will perform this duty with the utmost dedication."

"Is there anything else, sir?"
 

Flint Pherson

Guest
F
He tapped a pen against his chin in deep thought,

"Hmm? Oh no. That will be all. Thank you. ...Ah! Oh wait. Wait. There was one more thing. I sent Admiral Noah your name for an upcoming op he is planning with the boys in District Seven. Drug trafficking, if I remember correctly. Anyway. He was looking for an actress."

Flint tapped the pen against chin and then pointed to Maelion,

"...And something tells me, your just the woman for the job."

He smirked. Waving his exit as he went.
 
Actress indeed! Maelion was good at it, there was no denying the matter. In her meeting with Mitre the other woman did not have a clue about Maelion's true nature. Maelion had watched the very bad comedy movie, ate some popcorn substitute and then had talked for a while before they split up. It was a good way to keep in practice for just the sort of thing that Maelion had been commanded to do.

As she left the meeting her comm buzzed again. It was Mitre, wanting to see her again. Maelion frowned, but didn't reply.

Instead she went to see Admiral Noah and found they needed someone to play the role of a drug buyer, so she took the role. After a long series of events which this writer far too irritated to write out, the criminals were caught, and Maelion was able to break someone's arm. A bit of violence against organics was always something different!

So when she returned to see @[member="Flint Pherson"] the next day she had accomplished all her goals, and again appeared before him and saluted.
 

Flint Pherson

Guest
F
Flint was standing in the Senate Hall and waving goodbye to a Bothan Ambassador. Truth be told, it wasn't business at all. The Bothan had been an academy instructor of Flint's back in his Colonial Years. It was fun to catch up with old friends these days,

"Ah. Agent Liates. Hello. Admiral Noah sent me his regards. I understand you did very well yesterday. Congratulations. Job well done."

He stood still for a moment and watched his old friend wave and step into a cab. Flint smiled and seemed lost in thought for a moment,

"Ya know. ...I've recently received an apology from a young Minister fellow back on Hapes. And, apparently, he would like to have us over for dinner in the near future and have me speak at a University in the capital. ...I think I might just do that one of these days."

He turned around to face Maelion and mused with a squint,

"Though. I do hope this time nobody is trying to kill me. Hmm."

He nodded and waved away the thought.

"...So. Still on to pick up Admiral Daniels tomorrow? I certainly hope so. I'm counting on my best agent to see that it gets done."

Flint smirked and held out a datapad for her to take,

"Here. Details on the Hapes trip. Two weeks from now. Talk with Security Chief Treykev on my Star Defender to coordinate the ground teams. High profile this time. No more acting. I've already cleared it with the Hapans."

He nodded and looked back to the curbside. Flint couldn't put his finger on it. But he suddenly felt like he was in a better mood today.
 
"I find it likely an assassination attempt will be made," Maelion commented about the Hapes visit. "I will attempt to prevent your termination," she added not so reassuringly.

The next day Maelion pulled up at Admiral Daniel's exclusive apartment block. Stepping out she approached the door and knocked. She was dressed in her uniform, but was noticeably more relaxed. When the Admiral opened the door Maelion saluted.
"Admiral, Supreme Commander Pherson sent me to pick you up. I've been instructed to drive you to the restaurant."
 

Flint Pherson

Guest
F
"Oh? ...Okay. Well. Let me just grab my coat and we'll get going then."

Sam gave a short smile and retreated back into the house for a moment to grab her coat. She wore a LBD and heels with sashed ribbon around her ankles. She gathered her gray Britannia trench coat, her silver purse, and closed the door behind her.

"Okay then. Let's go."

She hoped into the passengers seat and smiled.

"So. Your Flint's new bodyguard I hear. Hehe. It must be tough. ...Being a woman I mean. He can be such a knuckle head sometimes. I don't think he ever learned the proper way to talk to a lady. Colony boys, ya know?"

She smiled and looked out the windows. Admiral Daniels was in her thirties and had a son from a previous marriage. She wore her dress with a eager confidence that only came with time and practice. Her make-up hid her age well and she could boldly stride in her high heels on almost any surface. In everything the Admiral did there was an air of comfortable experience. Even when it came to dating.

"...But don't worry. I'm slowly, slowly working on him. Hehe."
 
Maelion's protocols kicked into gear, and she opened the door for her guest and got behind the controls.
"I am, ma'am. He's nice, but I don't think he's used to anyone fussing around him," Maelion said conversationally. "But thank you for the assistance, ma'am," Maelion said.

She drove the Admiral to the restaurant and let her out on time, and then went to park the speeder. Thus finished, she went inside to lurk in the shadows and watch over Flint and his date....
 

Flint Pherson

Guest
F
Flint was waiting for Maelion at the hostess' desk with Sam and Terry as she walked in.

"Ah. Here she is now. Agent Liates. This is Terry. Colonel Redfield by demand. Haha."
"How do you do Agent Liates."

"...Heh. He was telling me about the scores between the Jets and the Rockets on Primetime. Maybe you two could talk shop or something?"
"Oh? A fellow sports fan now eh? Fascinating. Care to join me at the bar Miss Liates? ...I shouldn't interrupt Daniel's dinner any further."

"Oh knock it of Terry." Sam smiled, "...Flint just wants me alone tonight. Hehe. I can tell."

Pherson gave Terry and Maelion an overt wink and followed the hostess into the restaurant. Terry smiled at Liates and shrugged,

"...Admirals? What can you do right? Haha."
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Top Bottom