Intelligence is Common

[Kay-Larr]

Even though Kay was supposed to be taking time off to bond with her newborns with her husband, [member="Veiere Arenais"] , there was still much going on in her mind that kept her from investing fully into their family.

A so-called Great Galactic war was going on out there and in the lead up to it, powerful governments that had previously ignored the Systems Alliance had been visiting and seeking agreements for future aid. But not all of their causes fell within her own. So to commit to their agreements blankly wouldn't be wise. For the safety of their people, they needed to be picky.

But as she was hidden away in their private Estate, finding out valuable intel was tough. She needed to find someone obscure enough, yet reliable as a set of eyes and ears for her. Someone with no connection to herself or her government.

After some research, she came across the name and contact info for [member="Myles Davorak"] . He seemed like a good enough hire. But looks can be deceiving. Only one way to find out. She whipped up a message for her assistant Olivia to send:

~Greetings,

I hope this message finds you well. If you are looking for work, then you are requested to come to the Senate Hall in Chasin City on Commenor. If needed, travel arrangements can be made for you.

Please let me know as soon as possible.

Olivia Herra~

 

[Myles Davorak]

Myles was seated in the cockpit of his beloved ship, The Tempest when the SIGINT specialist, Hawkins prodded him. "Sir, we have an incoming message. I am patching it through to you now"

Someone contacting Myles? Been a week or so since the last contract, he wouldn't turn down any work, as long as the risk wasn't too astronomical. Nodding at Hawkins, the message was soon relayed to a nearby screen, to which he read.

~Greetings, I hope this message finds you well. If you are looking for work, then you are requested to come to the Senate Hall in Chasin City on Commenor. If needed, travel arrangements can be made for you. Please let me know as soon as possible. Olivia Herra~

Raising an eyebrow he was quick to act on this one. Commenor, a planet even he hasn't visited. No one in Triad Security has at least. Smiling at the possibility of having a contract, Myles replied to Hawkins "Open an encrypted transmission channel Hawkins"

Isaac Hawkins acted quickly and flipped a few buttons, then alerting Myles that he was good to go. "I am always looking for work Lady Herra, I am inclined to accept any work you have for me. I have arranged transport and should arrive in Chasin City shortly. I look forward to speaking with you"

The transmission was soon sent and his men changed their heading to a new destination: Commenor. Parker, who was one of the other members of his crew chimed in "Is Raven Squad being deployed for this op sir?"

Myles shook his head and replied "Not yet, I want full staff aboard the Tempest running normal protocol unless I make other arrangements. This....Olivia Herra, I have to speak with her further before I determine what our next course of action is. "

His men nodded as the Tempest was lumbering in the direction of Commenor

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Olivia read out the message from [member="Myles Davorak"] to Kay over their private channel. It wasn't hard for her to guess on how the Queen would respond, yet the woman did surprise her at times. Even this request to contact Myles at all came as a surprise when she was supposed to be resting and not meddling in matters of State. But Kay was a stubborn woman, and a work-a-holic. If only she'd listen to the advice from her husband and her staff every once in a while.

~Well that was quick, Olivia. Be sure to meet him there. You can use my office.~

"You're not going to ask me to pretend to be you, are you?"

Kay's laughter could be heard on the other end. Olivia was old enough to be her mother. She certainly couldn't pass off posing as the Queen. They didn't even look alike. ~By the Force, no. I wouldn't do that to you. Just give him our proposal and see what he says. Or better yet, you can have me brought up on screen to ask.~

Olivia quickly shook her head. "You are supposed to be out of reach. So stay out of reach, my Lady. If I need you, I'll get in contact with you. But I'm sure that I could handle this. I've been around long enough to know how this works."

~Alright. But let me know how it goes.~

"Yes, my Lady. You should go and rest now. Olivia out." She shut the transmission off and sighed as she leaned back in her chair. Kay's stubborness was tiring at times. Still, she couldn't let it disrupt her duties.

Before long, Olivia was headed out of her office in the Palace and getting an escorted ride to the Senate Hall, datapads tucked under her right arm. There were guests arriving and she needed to get there first. In her mind this should all just be a piece of cake.

 

[Myles Davorak]

The Tempest barreled through the atmosphere as it approached Commenor. Myles' team was on standby and anxious to see what would happen on this unfamiliar planet. Myles looked to his men and started giving directions before they were granted clearance to land.

"Hawkins, you are monitoring the scanners and communications relays. If something weird is going on, tell me ASAP so I can plan contingencies. Hale, head down to the landing pad and inspect the area, make sure no trickery is going on the exterior of the ship. Parker, you keep the ship in standby mode....just in case"

Myles didn't expect to be crossed or betrayed in any way but being prepared just in case, has saved his life more time than he could count.

Chasin City was such a sight to take in. The Tempest looked like a bug compared to some of the high-rise buildings in the area. He could admire the sights later perhaps, for now he needed to get to Senate Hall and meet with Olivia Herra.

Finding a taxi service outside of the landing bay wasn't too hard. He hailed a taxi and prompted them to take him to Senate Hall. Myles paid the credits that were due and soon he was out of The Tempest's sight.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The taxi came to a brief halt as Myles snapped back to attention. The scenery was taking him by surprise and the prospect of this meeting was intriguing him further.
Hopping out of the taxi speeder, he walked a long path to the impressive Senate Hall.

"Alright, Raven Squad. I have reached position outside Senate Hall. Confirm tracking"

Crackling at first, Hawkins piped back on the comms crystal clear "Tracking confirmed Dagger. We got all readings on you. Careful out there sir. Broadsword out"

Now to find Olivia Herra and see what would be going on. Who knows, maybe this payday would be hefty with the grandiose structures around on this planet.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Moments before [member="Myles Davorak"] had arrived at the Senate Hall, Olivia had prepared a meeting room, had refreshments brought out and walked briskly to the main doors of the Hall to greet their guest. It was easy to pick the man out. He wasn't dressed in the attire of a government official. Instead he looked a bit rough around the edges. More than likely that came with his age and experiences. Olivia on the other hand looked like a stern old history teacher. She always had a ring of old keys hanging from her belt. Just what they unlocked, only she knew the answer.

Her hand reached out to the man right as she approached him mid way to give his own a firm shake. "You're Mr. Davorak, are you not? I'm Olivia Herra. Welcome to Commenor. If you'll follow me, we'll go inside and get started." With almost military precision, she turned on her heel and started to head to the main doors to go inside. She didn't look to see if he followed, she just trusted her instincts that he would.

Some wary looks were given by passersby as they walked inside. There had been a couple of attacks in the Senate Hall since it's opening and due to safety concerns, the buiilding was no longer open to the public. So it made them wonder just what Myles was doing there. Still, it wasn't their business.

There was no small talk given. Olivia had a job to do and she was going to get it done. Once at the meeting room, she opened the door and stepped aside to let him walk in before her. "After you. Please help yourself to the refreshments and then have a seat." The meeting room was beautifully carved dark woods and granite pillars. A long table stood at the center with trays of finger foods, teas, cafs, Commenori brandy and water on one end, while some chairs stood on either side of the more business end. Tall windows brightened up what would otherwise be a dark room, with it's 18 foot ceilings.

Olivia poured herself some tea and then sat down at the head of the table, datapads already present. "Now, Mr. Davorak, tell me, how well travelled are you? Are there any bounties or warrants out for your arrest?"

 

[Myles Davorak]

Approaching the Senate Hall was a woman who looked more like a teacher or mentor, but he did not let this observation change his mannerisms. The woman walked up to him and offered him a handshake, to which he happily returned.

"You're Mr. Davorak, are you not? I'm Olivia Herra. Welcome to Commenor. If you'll follow me, we'll go inside and get started."

"Nice to finally meet you Lady Herra. Quite an impressive place this is." As she proceeded to the Senate Hall, he would obey to follow her. He couldn't afford to be impolite on such an.....extravagant occasion. "Of course, after you m'lady" he added. A calm breeze swept over his hair as if it was a sign from the beyond that everything would be calm, just like the breeze itself.

Myles picked up on some of the....distasteful looks in some eyes of the guards. Political unrest perhaps? Myles thought to himself. After walking into what was the Senate Hall, he could only admire the materials used to construct such a building. Wood and Granite could be seen throughout the structure. He snapped back to reality as his host prompted him for refreshments.

"After you. Please help yourself to the refreshments and then have a seat."

"Why thank you m'lady. This is quite the place." Myles walked over and picked up some tea. Tea was a staple for Myles other than the occasional Jawa juice and Renan Irongut. Sipping on his tea, his eyes closed briefly as the taste overwhelmed his taste palette in the most pleasing way.

"Now, Mr. Davorak, tell me, how well travelled are you? Are there any bounties or warrants out for your arrest?"

Setting his cup of tea down Myles nodded at the woman and gave her the answers that she was searching for "Can't say I have been here to Commenor but I have been to more systems than I can count. I leave that to my SIGINT specialist. To be prompt, I have traveled far and wide my dear. As for bounties? No, I do work for said people to pay them off or most commonly, I collect rewards and bounties from them so no posting can ever be made on me. Well traveled; yes. Bounties and warrants? No. I am off the radar m'lady"

Myles had a hindrance for rambling too much. He didn't want to take too much of Olivia's time but he wanted to be up front and give her specifics if applicable.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Olivia nodded as she listened to [member="Myles Davorak"] give his answers. She jotted notes down on her datapad, much like any secretary would. A few of his points would be underlined, reminding her to ask for more details.

"What is SIGINT, if I may ask? Is that a company? Or some organization?" She picked up her cup and sipped her tea, her eyes ever watchful of him. She wasn't cautionary, she wasn't judging. She was merely studying him. It wasn't often that she got to speak with someone of his ilk, so she found it a bit intriguing.

"And please elaborate on what you mean by being off the radar. Is that from everyone? Or just certain governments?" In other words she was trying to discover if he was a neutral party or had some affiliation towards one side or another.

 

[Myles Davorak]

Myles observed the woman making notes during the process. It wasn't unusual for his clients to make notes of his responses, it gave him a better idea of how methodical his patrons were.

"What is SIGINT, if I may ask? Is that a company? Or some organization?"

Myles smiled in amusement and gave her the answer "I am sorry m'lady, forgive my briefness. SIGINT is a field profession that one of my operatives is proficient in. It means Signals Intelligence. He handles communication, navigation and mechanical equipment aboard my ship. I have three other men aboard my ship that help run operations."

She was asking very interesting questions, not in a bad sense either but they were good enough to keep him on his toes.

"And please elaborate on what you mean by being off the radar. Is that from everyone? Or just certain governments?"

"Of course Miss Herra, I do not favor one faction over another. I have not made significant enemies yet. When I meant off radar I mean from everyone. If they wish to source my specialties, they know how to get in touch with me just as you did I am sure."

Sitting upright with his hands folded together he listened intently on what else Olivia would have to say.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Olivia nodded as [member="Myles Davorak"] answered one of her questions. He didn't seem to hide anything. It was almost as though he was an open book. That made her wonder just how far into her questioning she could go before his want of privacy kicked in. Of course that would be saved for another day. Her snooping around was all for good reason. She wanted to protect Lady Kay at all costs. That woman could use all the protection in the Galaxy and it still wouldn't be enough.

Yet Myles wasn't here for that. His purpose was for something else.

The man had a ship with it's own crew, capable of gathering intelligence. All good things that she had wanted.

Another question of hers was answered. "We don't have a habit of favouring others either. We are neutral in the truest sense of the word. While that has left many doors open for us, it has also left us blind. What we'd like from you, at least partly, is to be our eyes and ears for elsewhere in the Galaxy. The Mandalorians have broadcasted one threat to us, and whether or not it's just posturing, well, that needs to be discovered. What are your thoughts on that so far?"

 

[Myles Davorak]

Myles studied the woman further, her questions made him quite curious as to what services she required. Olivia revealed the intent of the meeting and what she needed from him, which was something not all clients ask for. Precision Intel. He and his team were good at gathering intel but it was a service not many requested.

She wanted him to gather information, from Mandalorians. Myles has worked for a Mandalorian before, he was a respectable man and paid him handsomely. He would have no qualms in gathering intel, it was something he and his team were damn good at.

"My thoughts, Lady Herra. All threats, whether they are jokingly or not, need to be rooted out and discovered. Could be a bluff, or a fact. Mandalorians you say? I know the kind. Just let me know where you need me to be, or what you need to know and I will give you said items."

Myles never guarantees anything but intel is something he could work with. Part of his job description is risk assessment, which is what he is doing. Mandalorians, no matter how small or big the force is, they can do damage.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Olivia nodded once again, although she didn't jot anything down. Instead she just took in everything that [member="Myles Davorak"] had said. He didn't seem to express any loyalties to the Mandalorians. It could very well be that like the CSA, his main priority was to his own.

"The threat seemed to originate against those that went to Ruusan to try to strike up some accords. My Lady tells me that nothing concrete was accomplished and that many of the super powers chose not to attend. Moreso just the usual bickering took place. It is a little odd that these threats were done in the first place."

She glanced down to her notes and then returned her gaze to the man. "There are some battles being fought in Galactic Alliance space and the Mandalorians are among them. Who's side they are fighting on, I don't know. Perhaps everyone is their enemy. We are a bit isolated here as we cannot risk sending our fleets out and leaving ourselves so vulnerable. So a bit of news on what governments are participating and instigating it would be valuable."

Olivia sipped her tea. With the King and Queen away, it was up to her to call the shots and protect their territory. She'd close the borders if she could, but the ease of trade was needed and partly what had kept the super powers at bay.

 

[Myles Davorak]

Myles took all the information to heart and starting processing it while Olivia was talking. She certainly wasn't skimping on details, which would make this mission much smoother.

"I do find it strange that these threats just happened without a thought. Over some accords you say? Could be a scare tactic but I will treat it as a factual statement. Mandalorians, from what I have found; have always been 'out for themselves' and more of a rogue faction. I could be wrong but every Mandalorian I have met has made objectives based on his or her clan."

He listened to more of what she had to say, while drinking his tea he was already laying out a plan of action that his men would execute as soon as they departed.

"And that's why you called me. I understand, you have to keep your people where they are safe. I don't blame you one bit. If information is what you need, then information is what you will get. The Mandalorians?? I can spy on their comms channels and find out who their allies/ enemies are. I could find out more if need be. I can get to the bottom of it."

Leaning forward in his chair, eager to hear Olivia speak more, he was curious as to how this plot, and his battle plan would fold out.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Olivia nodded. "A scare tactic is possible, yet we cannot afford to just brush it off. We have to be prepared in the event that it is real. Then there is no loss if it isn't." She finished her tea as [member="Myles Davorak"] continued on. He was saying all of the right things and there was no hint of falsehoods. So that meant that he was either being truthful, or was a really good liar. Olivia was more inclined to believe the former.

"My Lady can be a bit too trusting and naive. She looks for the good in even the darkest hearts. Sometimes it goes well for her, while other times it goes against her. Finding out who could truly be out there to harm us could be extremely helpful."

She folded her hands on top of the table and looked at him squarely. "Of course this task is just the tip of the iceberg. Your pay isn't determined by what you find, yet what efforts you and your crew put into it. My Lady prefers to have everyone paid well. You could be called for other tasks in the near future. So I do hope that you keep in touch during all of this."

 

[Myles Davorak]

Myles nodded in agreement with Olivia "You are right Miss Herra, it wouldn't hurt to get all the information to see if there are looming threats or not. " Finishing this statement he took another sip of the tea.

The tea was amazing and it almost tasted like how his mother used to make it. Maybe after this job he would visit her on Naboo and catch up. For now his focus was on Olivia's face as he examined and picked apart everything she said. He would do his best as he would with any job.

When Olivia made the comment about her Lady, Myles understood what she meant and listened to her speak. Other than the Doctor he protected recently, this meeting and setting was rather nice.

"Your Lady, seems wise Miss Herra, I may be a soldier of fortune at heart but I do not rescind an opportunity. I am unsure of the information I will retrieve but you and your Lady have nothing to worry about with me. I will inform you...or whomever you choose throughout the process via encrypted message."

He set the cup of tea down and embraced the warmth of the chair he was in as he gazed into Miss Herra's eyes.

"I understand, I put full effort in my work. There is no skimping. I will find out everything I can and relay every piece to you. I would be honored to be considered for future job opportunities Miss Herra. You have been most hospitable and clear in your terms, to which I thank you graciously ma'am." He smiled.

He raised his cup of tea up to toast in her presence as his smile was made apparent.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Looming threats. Plots being undertaken behind their backs. Olivia was sure that there were plenty of those. It was all just a matter of whether or not those plots were being implemented or not. For their sakes, she hoped that they never would be. She was fine with their territory being small, yet Kay's ambition of drawing other worlds under their safe protection of neutrality was soon going to draw bad attention. Allies could become rivals. It was far better for them to be aware of it before a potential enemy got the drop on them.

[member="Myles Davorak"] seemed to like the tea very much. It was evident in his eyes with each sip. That was something that he had in common with Kay. There was no doubt that they'd become fast friends as the Queen loved sharing her favourite drink.

Olivia nodded as he gave his remarks, assuring her of the level of trustworthiness that he had. She found herself smiling back at him, which was a little unusual, given that she preferred to maintain the apperance of being a no-nonsense type of lady. "Relay all of the information that you find to me, please. No matter how small. I'll sort through it and if there's anything concerning that comes out of it, I'll contact My Lady and Lord." Normally Kay and Veiere would be handling this, but they were busy with their newborn twins.

"Have you got any questions for me?"

 

[Myles Davorak]

After Olivia nodded he returned the gesture and gave affirmation "A soul will not move until I report it to you Miss Herra. Information is power, and a safety barrier at the same time. " What caught him off guard was the fact that Miss Herra smiled back at him.

Myles at least liked humoring people or seeing them smile. Something....inside made him feel better about his patrons. "No questions from me my fair Lady. Although, I guess I should start my search anywhere in Galactic Alliance Space?" He would paraphrase to make sure he understood his clients before proceeding with a mission.

Drinking the last of his tea he set the cup down in a proper manner and leaned forward to hear Olivia's further response.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Olivia nodded. Information was power. It could lift someone up and tear someone down. She knew that well enough.

She sipped her tea, watching [member="Myles Davorak"] as he observed her in kind. Again another nod to his question. "It seems as though Galactic Alliance space is where all of the action is headed. We are friendly with Coruscant and one of their newly appointed Generals. So there are no known hostilities between us, yet no direct treaties either that would label us as a potential threat to the governments attacking them."

Olivia hoped that he wouldn't get a target on his back for this. But that was all a part of his job, a risk that gave him and his crew a bigger paycheque.

 

[Myles Davorak]

Shrugging his shoulders in amusement Myles added "Well I guess that narrows down the search then. Glad to know that you are friendly with Coruscant at least. I can get started right away if you like, I am sure you have a plethora of duties on your plate Miss Herra and I do not wish to keep you."

Getting up out of his chair his rapped his left hand on the table in a rhythmic pattern "However, I have enjoyed your company, the tea and the chat ma'am. I will be in touch, and should have something for you in the coming days at least."

He would wait to see what Olivia would do next, Myles was taught not to be dismissed unless directed so. In the meantime he rolled his shoulders, stretching his aged muscles. "Perhaps I could indulge in some more tea when I return?" he joked. Myles enjoyed humor somewhat in his dealings, as it helped him get a bigger picture of his clients and acquaintances. He didn't want to overstep his welcome of course but the tea was damn good.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Olivia nodded. Indeed she had plenty to do. With Kay's assistant off to the far edges of the Galaxy, and with the twins, her workload had increased. So it was rather nice of [member="Myles Davorak"] to take notice.

A brow was raised as he seemed to linger, even put in a bit of a charming comment or two. Was she really that good of company? Hardly so. Work was her life and all that she did in her day to day. There wasn't time for anything else.

She smiled anyways and got to her feet. "I will look forward to your communications. And unless My Lady has used up all the tea supplies, there will be some for us to share when you pass through." Olivia started towards him, holding out her hand for him to shake. "Good journey, Mister Davorak, and good luck."

 

[Myles Davorak]

Myles met Olivia halfway across the room and offered a reassuring smile and his hand "As will I Olivia. I look forward to further communications and more tea of course. Pleasure to meet you Miss Herra"

As if on cue, Myles offered a polite bow toward the lady and spun around using his heel, walking toward the grand doors that he passed through only moments before. He got about thirty feet away before he held his hand in the air and waved backward "I'll speak with you later on today Miss Herra, don't work too hard" he humored.

Some of the guards followed Myles with their eyes, not sure whether to trust this stranger or not. They didn't have to but Myles trusted that he and his crew would complete the mission as expedient and precisely as possible.

The last that Olivia would see of Myles is his silhouette leaving the building and heading toward a taxi pad. A deal had been struck but more importantly a new, yet successful partnership would be sure to follow.

[member="Lady Kay"]