From Coruscant, With Love (Republic - Pre Sith Invasion)

[Connor Harrison]

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZAEl41hcOk

Galactic City; North Landing Pad
Coruscant, Coruscant System


Set Before The Sith Invasion

​

In his cream suit and white shirt, smart with an air of the "casual tourist" stood in the beaming sunshine, Fixx Kearney stepped off the old CS4 Transport, complete with vintage propeller and twin turbo engines, and looked over the landing pad, dark eyes scanning the area behind dark sunglasses.

High above Galactic City on Coruscant, the intelligence officer was to find the nearest transport to the headquarters of the Galactic Republic to make himself known and to offer his services and skills outside of his top secret division.

Fixx had a specific set of skills that he had acquired over a very long career. Skills that made him a nightmare for people like the Sith, the mercenaries, the warlords. The same old lunatics with the same old galaxy-conquering dream.

He just had to make it to where he hoped to have a very long, rewarding and dangerous career...

 

[Slate Estrada]

His job was simple, find and escort one man to the Galatic Repubic HQ. The job was too simple. Usually the military wouldn't waste Slate's skills on a job like this. Nevertheless, he was really in no position to complain.

After much waiting and anticipation on who he may be escorting, a well dressed man exited from the transport ship. Unluckily for Slate, he was not recognisable, so he probably wasn't a Galatic celebrity. He looked more like a tourist. Strange. The soldier allowed his guest to look around at his location before approaching. He hadn't been given a name, so it could get complicated.

"Hello Sir, I believe I am your escort to the Galactic Replubic HQ." Slate would say to the man, hoping that he was correct. If not he would be facing a very humiliating day.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

The pad was busy, but it seemed everyone knew where they were going. A few large cruisers at the far end were receiving and disembarking passengers, and air cabs flew in overheard. All in all, business as usual. Fixx slowed his walk and stood by the rear of a cab and waited.

Soon enough, as expected, the moment he stopped he had attention. This time for a burly looking military type, showing no clear sign of his intentions. He was dressed as anyone ready for action would be, and looked healthy, ready for combat.

With an introduction that was devoid of names, Fixx didn't react at all. He shifted his stance slightly.

"And what would make you think that?"

Unarmed, Fixx wasn't prepared for a hostile welcome. But, then again, who would know he was here aiming to get to the Republic?

[member="Slate Estrada"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

[member="Fixx Kearney"] | [member="Slate Estrada"]

Why didn't I bring a droid with me to carry this stuff? Kayleigh was lugging back a full three packs worth of power cells and gas canisters to load on to her ship that she had been placed in temporary command of. The Sonata. They were low on some supplies and had decided to touch down on Coruscant to refuel, and resupply the essentials, as well as take the opportunity to get a moment of peace from the job. As she headed up toward the landing pads at the docking station she noted a fellow that looked to be a part of the Republic Army. He appeared to be talking to a dreamy looking man in some very fine clothes. Well then...

Kayleigh adjusted her path to interject the two talking. Dropping the bags of cells as she approached the well dressed man she eagerly introduced herself, "Hi there! I'm Kayleigh! er...Lieutenant Tyven, Republic Navy. I recognize this gentleman to your left here, Army, right? But you...I don't recognize you."

 

[Connor Harrison]

Behind his shades, Fixx caught the pilot walking towards them. He moved his head slightly to face the girl who very much looked the part in more ways than one. At least there was some indication these were Republic crew, but it would till keep for him to keep his own agenda quiet.

The girl was bubbly, enthusiastic and had names and rank. That was a start. Fixx gave a slight bemused smile.

"Fixx Kearney. A pleasure. And a lieutenant? Impressive."

Reaching out, he offered his hand to shake. Fixx then turned slightly to the unnamed soldier.

"So do you have a name? If not - " dark eyes flicked to Kayleigh, " - I think I've found my ride."


[member="Kayleigh Tyven"] [member="Slate Estrada"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

The blonde haired lieutenant extended her hand in turn and shook Fixx's. "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Kearney." She smirked.

"I believe the gentleman to your right is Slate, but he's a busy man. What exactly is it that you're looking for anyway?"

 

[Connor Harrison]

About to speak up to the man known as Slate, Fixx was silenced by a finger raised as a comlink came to life, taking the soldier’s attention with all but a brief nod to excuse himself form the pair. Fixx watched him move away, curiously trying to read his body language.

”I’m trying to make my way to the Republic’s headquarters, or their main base of operations, “ he focused his attention now on Kayleigh, ”and if you could take me, I’d appreciate it.”

He had his cover for now, not knowing which side of the battle the pilot really was on. In a galaxy seeming to thrive on deception and manipulation, Fixx had his guard firmly up.

”Are you on a job, or is this a pleasant coincidence your being here just when I need a Republic escort?”

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

Kayleigh nodded as Slate stepped aside, turning her attention back to Fixx. "I see. Depending on which base of operations you're speaking of, I may be able to take you."

The blonde ran her hands through her hair and looked down to the bags of power cells and gas canisters she had just picked up, then over toward her docked ship, the Sonata. "Well, I am taking these power cells to restock the Sonata there, and then once maintanence and repairs are finished we'll likely be given new orders. I am both the interim commander and chief engineer aboard the ship, but I do have some free time."

Picking up the bags, she motioned to another one of the men and handed them off, turning back to Fixx. "So, are you looking to reach the Navy command, the Army command, the Jedi temple, or the Senate? They are all relatively close, but they are all in different buildings."

 

[Connor Harrison]

As the pilot spoke, Fixx held his bag and walked slowly forward, looking over at her ship and her general command of the situation. It was an impressive ship indeed and it sounded like she knew her way around a craft, which could prove very useful.

”Liberation Class assault ship with hyperdrive capability. That’s a nice ship, Commander.”

He turned and gave her a warm smile. Behind his glasses, eyes scanned her once more to weigh up her allegiance.

”Army command. And if you’re not too busy, maybe you can show me the way and then join me for something to eat later.”

Fixx waited for her response.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

Kayleigh smirked as Fixx rattled off the classification of her ship. "I see you know a thing or two about cruisers. And thank you, she is a beauty. Though I am only the interim commander of that boat. Big aspirations though to have one of my own someday."

The girl nodded as he spoke, indicating the command center he was looking for. "Of course, I can take you there." Kayleigh hailed toward a passing cab."Are they expecting you? I don't have any credentials with the Army, so my word wont get you far there. Each military branch likes to play this is mine and that is yours kind of games."

Her smile widened a bit at the proposal, "If you somehow manage to stay awake through whatever meeting you have with the Army, I'll be here loading the rest of this cargo, come find me if you'd like."

 

[Connor Harrison]

Fixx stood back as the cab arrived, open-top and driven by a chubby little Dug. He walked to the rear and lifted the boot to throw in his bag. As he did, he patted his jacket to ensure he had his wallet and credentials before shutting it with a satisfying thud.

”After you.”

He gestured with his hand for Kayleigh to step up and into the cab first, and he soon followed. He sat back and looked out over the landing pad, letting his guide tell the driver where they needed to go. With a steady hum, the engine fired up and the cab moved away. Fixx turned.

”I’m expected, don’t worry. I should be anyway if all the paperwork is in order. “

Glancing out past the driver to make a note of where they were, Fixx laid his left arm on the edge of the seat.

”I hope I won’t get in trouble for keeping you from anything important, it could be seen as…what’s the term…misuse of company property?”

His lips broke into a small smile as he turned to look out at the magnificent city below them, and also towering above. Coruscant was the jewel of the galaxy, and with the non-stop hustle and bustle of citizens and factions, it wasn’t hard to see why.


[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

Kayleigh let out a lighthearted laugh as Fixx commented on her leaving the ship.
"Misuse of company property huh? Never quite thought of myself that way. I suppose they'll have to get along without me for an hour."

She smirked, shrugging her shoulders, "Either that or throw me in the brig when I return. At least then I'd get some R&R for more than 8 hours for once."

The cab moved along at a brisk pace, the Army's HQ was about a 10 minute ride away. The blonde leaned back and closed her eyes for a moment, losing herself in thought. "Oh, so I meant to ask, if it's not too much, are you a defense contractor, or company rep? Typically they are the only ones wearing nice suits like that who visit the military." It wasn't really like her to pry, but the suit peaked her interest, and if he was a company rep, she was interested in seeing which one of her competitors was visiting the Army.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Fixx chuckled softly at Kayleigh's remark. It was one of the first times that he had been around military type in the open, discussing ins and outs of what made them tick. However his own reasons were behind the armour built up around himself psychologically.

Looking over at her as she spoke, her hair lapping in the open air breeze as the cab rose and fell gently towards their destination, Fixx pursed his lips slightly at her question.

He had to keep his role secret. Here was an attractive girl he didn't know offering her services to a man who had given her nothing except a name. Trust? Of course, it was there, but there was far more to it than just trust. He thought for a second.

"Defence contractor. In from Bastion and here to offer services to the Republic in their efforts of battling tyranny across the galaxy."

Slipping his right hand into his pocket, he pulled out a business card. Totally imaginary, but one that did reach his com. He held it out to her.

"Arlington Industries. We're new, but we're good. Time will tell."

Maybe in time he would reveal his real job, but for now he had to ensure he was taken in and establish himself and not put her in danger.

"If there's anything I can do for you, my com is on the card."

The small smile cracked again and he looked out towards their destination ahead.


[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

Kayleigh nodded. "Interesting. Well, The Republic is lucky to have anyone willing to fight on its behalf." Taking the business card in her hand she observed it. "Arlington Industries. What do you guys build?" She reached into her front pant pocket and pulled out her own card, handing it off to Fixx. "I run Tyven Heavy Industries, outside of the military life. We are a weapons and armor manufacturer for The Republic."

The young blonde smiled, tucking his into her jacket pocket with a pat. "Likewise, my office line is there on mine as well. If I am not in, my administrative assistant Meredith knows how to connect you, if need be."

 

[Connor Harrison]

She was full of questions, but luckily he was full of answers. Fixx took the girls’ card and looked it over.

”Nothing out of the ordinary, just communication systems. Networks, software and hardware. Everything you need to police the galaxy.”

The cab began to slow and turn off into its final destination; an ordinary looking building but one that was designed with great detail and precision in the architecture. It dwarfed many buildings below but was overlooked by others.

Fixx watched the cab follow a couple of others as they moved into the docking station to off-load and pick-up commuters from the building. A large holodisplay was flashing current news and headlines up above, and the building seemed very ordinary, minus the pocket of masked guards and surveillance systems around the front that he picked up straight away.

With a hum, the cab came to a stop on the left hand side of the station, behind another. Fixx pushed himself up and out and collected his bag from the boot, walking around to where Kayleigh was still seated.

”Lieutenant Tyven, it’s been a pleasure. Thank you for your time.” He held out his hand again.

”I’ll be in touch very soon and we can leave talking shop when you clock off.”

He gave another appreciative smile.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

Kayleigh smiled, "That's admiral work, Fixx."

As the cab approached the base and Fixx exited, she nodded, and took his hand in a shake. "You're quite welcome. Come find me when you please."

With that, the girl turned to the Dug driver and requested he return her to the landing pad. While the cab began to pull away, returning to her destination, she turned back and shot a gentle smile to Fixx, her blonde hair waving good-bye as she sped away.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Fixx handed a credit to the Dug and stepped back, bag over his shoulder and inclined his head slightly at Kayleigh as she offered the invite to find her again.

It was after her final smile and when he watched the cab move out of the docking station and back up on itself to the landing pad, Fixx smiled to himself as he turned to look up at the large building.

It was now or never; time to get to work and set out his operation within the Republic.

And work out how, and if, he would tell Kayleigh – should they ever pursue and meet up again.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Felicity Vorana]

Back at the Republic HQ

"Where is my coffee? Mr. Rosey, I gave you one job... One job and you already failed. I assure you it will not look good in your file."

"But..."

"Mr. Rosey, if you continue to stay here murmuring about your job. You are going to get fired."

The man rushed out the door, Felicity could hear the swears escaping from his not so clean mouth. He had to know, for Felicity a day without coffee was like hell, and she was already late to drink her morning coffee. If they wanted her to work efficiently they had to give the woman what she wanted.

She was sitting on a chair, looking at the computer which contained some important files about previous cases of theft, murder... But a new data entered to the Spy System got her interest, a new recruit, which she heard about him in some cases.

"Kearney, Fixx. Job: Intelligence and Espionage. Estimated Arrival: 15 minutes. APPROVED"

It was pretty interesting. Republic had very little Intelligence units which specialized in the ways that Felicity worked. So this man could be an asset... or a problem, only the time would tell.

Well, after working for 8 years in Republic, she knew pretty much about its operations and the way things worked. She had a pretty decent life and probably got everything she wanted. A cup of warm coffee every day, a home to sleep, respect and of course, information.

After getting her morning coffee, finally, she gave an evil smile and thanked the man with a sarcastic voice. Taking a sip from her cup, she read about this new recruit, his biography, what he did... Not a crime, no records of bad behaviour... He was good at his job, she could say that.

Well, she had 10 more minutes to meet this man... Until then, she continued to enjoy her coffee. This would be an interesting morning.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Walking down towards the bureau responsible for Intelligence & Analysis, he looked around the marble lobby and noted the various suited and uniformed men and women of varying races and sex carrying about their duty. The Republic was as diverse as they come for all corners of the galaxy to unite in striving for a more peaceful existence.

Turning his head to admire a couple of green Twi'lek Jedi standing by in their familiar robes, Fixx smiled to himself, only to be nearly taken out by a man muttering and mumbling under his breath looking rather annoyed.

Watching the man walk off angrily, Fixx continued to walk in the direction he had come from and looked for the numbered room he had been told to go to. 130G.

Coming to a stand at the doorway, sunglasses still on and bag in his hand, he had seen through the frosted window of the room there was someone already in there using a terminal. He noted the image of his face on the screen before it vanished behind numerous other details.

Bringing up his hand, he tapped on the door with his knuckles to get the attention of the lady inside and see what she was all about.

"Excuse me, I'm here from Arlington Industries."

[member="Felicity Vorana"]

 

[Felicity Vorana]

As she was lost in her work, drinking her coffee and thinking about things, her concentration faded away as she heard the sudden knocking of the door. She hated people interrupting her while working, but they never listened and continued to interrupt her anyway. Changing her voice to an angry one, she replied.

"Rosey, if you are interrupting again I'll..." Then, seeing the man that she just searched about outside the room, her expression changed suddenly and she placed a fake smile on her face. "Oh, Mr. Kearney. Please come in." She watched him as he made his way into the room, and then introduced herself. "Felicity Vorana, from Intelligence Gathering and Hacking Unit." Welcoming him to her little office, she showed him the most comfortable sofa in her room to sit.

"Well, let's see... I've read your file before you showed up, and I can say I am impressed, you have a pretty clean record. We can talk about the details while we are having our drinks. Oh... How rude of me, what would you like to drink?" As she took the last sip of her cup, she entered some data to the terminal in front of her.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]