Scratching the Surface

[Djorn Bline]

VORZYD V​

Addiction.

It was like a horse just looking and walking straight. Perhaps not the best simile to define it, but it made simple sense if one could analyze the simile and find different meanings to it. People that harbored an affinity to such vices couldn’t look around, observe others and reflect on themselves. All they did was look straight, their hunger and lust in control as such deadly sins ordered their hosts to satisfy their needs.

Never ending needs they were.

Whether they were drugs, alcohol, gambling, pleasure, or work there was something people were enslaved to.

Did Djorn live with such devices? Yes, he did and he recognized them, but there was no helping to stop it. He enjoyed the company of women, though he tried to establish himself in a relationship. But it ended up bittersweet as there was something else he aspired more towards.

His profession as a Sith-Imperial Inquisitor. Bline pursued to give positive results for his Emperor and Empire, sometimes pushing his limits and deprive himself from sleep. And with his work, well it didn’t work coherently with women he dated.

That addiction was something he could understand with those on Vorzyd V. Not a single minute passed without someone gambling, winning and losing depending on their luck and skill. Hell, he was unsure if people went broke on this planet. They say this planet had no limits, everything and anything goes.

Djorn stood on a docking pad, alone in casual clothing, his ship stationed. The Inquisitor looked out and observed the vibrating city. Colors danced around buildings, speeders raced about, music of different genres boomed with each other creating some unique melody. Like Coruscant except more wilder, and smaller.

A cigarette was between his lips, smoking away and hurting his lungs. He wasn’t diagnosed with some cancer or disease, but maybe down the road if he continued with it. The Inquisitor awaited for his partner this fine evening, Kole Harper. They first met on Dac when the Sith Empire came to conquer it, slaughtering known opposition that defied their ideals. Djorn and Kole? They were tasked with the assassination of the King and other important figures that needed to bite the dust.

Harper impressed Bline, and decided to induct the man in his special Operations Squad Squad. However, Djorn had other reasons for his actions. He wanted to know Kole better, know him inside out. He couldn’t sleep well by the fact that he knew nothing about that man. He hated mysteries and the unknown, finding the truth about secrets.

Nosy? Yes, but that was his job.

And he loved it.

[member="Kole Harper"]​

 

[Rakaan Horne]

Addiction? It might've been something he indulged in, once before, in a past life he no longer lead. It was difficult to say, really. Kole hadn't an understanding of who he really was, lost in confusion and the revelation that he wasn't entirely organic. He was the quite opposite. He hadn't been the fruit of a womb, but instead the creation of a machine- inherently one himself. Implants. They dictated his personality, placed in an attempt to shape the man he would seemingly be. He struggled to understand where those implants ended and his memory began. It wouldn't be something he could determine soon, nor would he divulge anyone else.

It was his secret; their secret. Kole wasn't able to lie, it was programmed within him. He could only ever be vague if he attempted to conceal the truth.

Kole had been planet-side already, but he hadn't done much. He sat, he waited, he fell in thought, that was the usual. Especially the last few days, weeks, month? He hadn't know how long it'd been. Too much uncertainty, but maybe a real task could distract him. "Bline." Kole greeted with a nod of his head. He hadn't been told exactly what this operation was, Harper hadn't been given that liberty. Instead, he was told where to go. "What've we got?" He idly asked aloud, taking another few steps closer.

[member="Djorn Bline"]

 

[Djorn Bline]

He was lost in thought, time passing by as the Inquisitor made some quick theories on Kole and his life. Maybe he came from a classified project of the Sith Empire. Maybe he was some thug or outlaw that was forced to be conscripted to the Saaraishash or face iron judgement. Maybe this, maybe that. Many theories that could be legit to Djorn. As long as they made sense and logical, of course.

But at the end, all the answers he looked for where hidden in Kole.

What and who are you?

He returned back to reality when the agent arrived, greeting Djorn by his surname.

”Harper,” Bline greeted back to Kole while flinging his half finished cigarette out into the air. Be hilarious if it hit some guy on a speeder. Cruel humor, but speaking of humor.

”Feth, Harper, speak up a bit louder I don’t think the priest heard ya,” the Inquisitor said with a chuckle, his tone in a joking manner. They were alone, but he couldn’t pass the opportunity of making a joke. He was still human, after all and still retained some old habits of his. Flirting, joking, whatever that made Djorn himself. He was serious in his line of work, but would always make some humor out of it to brighten the mood. Many people would see him as a monster because his allegiance to his Empire, but he saw the same in Jedi and other insurgents.

”Anyways, this is what we’ve got in store. The Empire always sends out survey units to take a peek in at close systems to its borders, see what we’re up against before expanding our presence to it. The Saaraishash sent some out here in the Vorzyd system and have yet to report back to us. Before going dark they did mention finding some suspicious activity going on around these parts, but weren’t able to discover what or who they are. This is where we come in. Locate those men and try to find out what’s this about.”

That’s what they got.

”Ya got that?” and gestured the operative to follow him to get to a landspeeder. Crafted by the Engineer Corps of the Sith Empire. It looked luxurious, but its looks hid what it packed. It was extremely armored, could withstand anything but ordnance. Had reinforced transpirasteel over driver and passenger, and had a ton of neat gadgets suited for undercover agents.

”Get in,” the Inquisitor said to Kole before getting into the driver’s seat and making himself comfortable.

[member="Kole Harper"]

 

[Rakaan Horne]

Kole offered a tinge of a grin accompanied by the briefest raise of his brows. It had been in response to Agent Bline's humorous initial reply, but Kole had never really been one for humour within the workplace. It had been something for the home life- the private one, where he could spend his time as someone other than the stoic and dutiful Agent Harper, or K-001. It had been as if he accepted his robotic identity in those moments- these moments. It certainly never harmed his work ethic, at the very least, that could be said.

"Do we have exact locations, or general areas?" The Android had asked as he slid himself into the speeder, of course closing the door behind him. His head peered over his shoulder, inspecting the interior as it then shifted upwards and ran along the roof until staring through the windscreen ahead of them.

He hadn't such question for Bline. It might have proven flattering, but all those things he kept concealed were bound to make him paranoid. Bline, like anyone else, was definitely going to discover eventually. It wasn't as if it was something hidden beneath too many layers, only something that Kole preferred to keep close to his chest after recently discovering it himself. He feared his own freedom, and hers. Did it make them lesser beings within the Sith Empire? Possibly. Kole wasn't too interested in finding out, though.

[member="Djorn Bline"]

 

[Djorn Bline]

He enjoyed these questions Kole offered. It showed he paid attention and was dedicated to the task, showed a lot about his personality. Not many people would do the same, they'd open their mouths and talk if a question was presented to them. Otherwise, they were quiet and that frankly annoyed Djorn. Kole on the other hand was someone the Inquisitor could tolerate, and maybe enjoy.

Yeah, he enjoyed this small bit. Especially as the Saaraishash operative could learn something from his partner. Any information, minor or grand, was relevant to Djorn and never waved it off.

Hell, even knowing what was Harper's favorite color would help him. Some esteemed psychologists say that one's color could say a lot about them.

"Some, yeah. Particularly the popular casinos running this rock, but first let's take a pit stop on our place we'll be staying in," he said to the agent as he revved up the landspeeder's engine. It fired off a sound that was music to Bline's ears, a smirk on his lips.. Powerful and aggressive, symbols that the landspeeder's motor and parts were top of the brand. The Sith Empire was never short in providing their personnel the absolute best. From the docking pad the two agents sped off into Vorzyd V's traffic. Traffic was light and it flowed well as the capital city, Efavan, was busy as ever with its patrons making the night alive with their endless gambling. He wondered how it looked it bright daylight.

"What did you thought of Dac, Harper? Enjoyed it, cause I sure did," oh he enjoyed it alright. A mission gone successful was something he relished in.

Bline continued to drive them towards their designated hotel. It wasn't exactly the exquisite hotel on Voryzd, but it was decent enough to be comfortable in.

___________________________________________________​

​

VORZYD IV​

​

Vorzyd V made the other planets in the system irrelevant.

But this came to an advantage for one particular group, operating in the shadows and doing unethical operations. Vorzyd IV was a planet focusing on manufacturing and such. One company here was officially recognized as an organization with operations on refining raw material into manufactured goods; however, unofficially, they were a major corporation that worked in fringe science with biology and chemistry.

Here and other locations they produced the most sinister experiments unveiled to the Galaxy.

It was also here that the survey operatives of the Sith Empire were imprisoned here as hostages, tortured and interrogated. They were still alive, but not for long as the Council had plans for them. For now they had their own operatives on Voryzd V, patrolling Efavan discreetly. From their intel on the survey agents, knowing where their allegiance lies they would expect any other Sith-Imperial personnel strolling around these corners waiting for the moment to assassinate or capture them. They hadn't followed Djorn and Kole...yet.

But the games would begin once they did.

[member="Kole Harper"]​

 

[Rakaan Horne]

Dac. Hmph.

He could remember the violent currents and rippling tides, endless depths and ferocious beasts. Kole failed to understand someone who found 'enjoyment', as it were, in such activities. It was never anything he had done for a thrill, for satisfaction, but of necessity, and, well, anger. He had found it difficult to reign in his temper at times. He said things he wish he hadn't, he did things he'd take back. Harper, for all his artificiality, was a man. It's simply a thing that they did. But, still, Kole wasn't here to become a burden, especially not to a commanding officer. "It was-" His head shifted to the side, rotating ever-so-slightly as if in consideration of an answer, "-an experience." He didn't lie, he wasn't capable of doing so. There was some kind of wiring within that synthetic brain of his that prevented it. Vague; it was as close as he could get.

Impossible.

Kole, as well as Djorn, had become painted in a swath of neon lights as they steered their way through the heart of Vorzyd V; gliding alongside several skyscrapers that clung oh so very close together. The Droid had averted his eyes to several distractions, his artificial orbs flickering between several of them, identifying and intaking each sliver of information they could provide with the slightest of ease. It may have proven a concern that he hadn't known he wasn't Human a long time ago.

"Did the survey units expect anything worthwhile?" Kole questioned after turning his gaze from the window back onto Djorn. A brow had been quirked to accompany his query. It'd certainly prove beneficial to know if there was anything rumoured to be here, something he might not want to encounter. Kole had always been a bit cautions, perhaps a little too much at times.

[member="Djorn Bline"]

 

[Djorn Bline]

He could accept that answer, not the one he was expecting for though. Perhaps it was his patriotism he had for the Sith Empire, but he wasn’t absolutely consumed by it to make him ignorant. He thought about it again only to check himself that Kole was just a new agent in the Saaraishash. A rookie, the ‘new guy’. But Harper had quite the talent to be recognized as a rookie.

”You’ll like them more in time. Your skills, however, impressed me. You don’t see much of that in people on their first day,” Djorn said to his companion. Skills and talent aside, it really was just an experience for Kole. His first mission that concluded as a success. Maybe, just maybe, the more often he was deployed the more he’d like and get used to them.

Or at least in theory.

They steered through neon lights, casting different pigments on them, the landspeeder, and others that walked alongside the sidewalks of the city. But something was hiding behind those alluring lights and the gambling hobbies of the planet. Something people ignored because of their addiction, just walking and looking straight never bothering to look around and raise an eyebrow of suspicion. Just as long as they had their fill, they could give a damn about the Galaxy. But when you take away those things from them, they panicked and go in a frenzy. As if their world was coming to an end. Things that just made life depressing and grim.

Another question was thrown at him. Djorn would have to get used to that. Funny, as it was Bline that was suppose to barrage his partner with questions. But again, he wasn’t bothered by it.

”Not a whole lot. They reported on some minor criminal elements occurring in the planet’s own Underworld,” the Inquisitor replied back to Kole whole looking straight ahead. But that wasn’t it as something else that the survey agents reported back caught Djorn’s attention. ”But, and looked at Harper, ”they did discover some odd things. Kidnappings, as they call it. People disappearing without a trace, during their time here they counted about fifteen people gone missing in a week. People not from the Underworld, but up in these parts. A bit skeptical for my tastes, they just left with their credits and clothes. Their belongings sitting around collecting dust.”

After driving some time they finally made it to their hotel, parking the landspeeder in a vacant spot. ”I got some things for us in the back. Two duffel bags, one for you and one for me,” the Inquisitor said as he got out of the vehicle and went to the back of it, popping the trunk that storaged exactly what he said. He grabbed his with a grunt as the bags were heavy. What did they have? Oh, just some clothes, a couple of weapons, a blast vest, and other miscellaneous items for their mission.

”You got family, Harper? Friends?” Djorn asked to his partner, seeing what he could get off from that as they walked to the main lobby of the hotel.

[member="Kole Harper"]

 

[Rakaan Horne]

Rookie. Right. Kole was content with allowing that to be how he was perceived, even if the reality as far from that very notion. It might not have been entirely truthful considering his implanted memories, and hadn't been absolutely certain as to where the implants ended, but, as far as his muscle memories and capabilities ventured, Kole was an experienced practitioner in several forms of warfare. Still, with a level of uncertainty, had Kole dabbled into the criminal underworld. The Droid had been akin to any other scum, he simply got out alive, and it left him alone. It was more than some could say. Now, well, he- it, was here. Too many roads to take, not enough time to wander along them all.

Kole had nodded along in response, absorbing the information through his auditory sensors. It made sense to warrant an investigation, it was no wild or nonsensical chase through the streets, grasping at empty truths. It was, however, an ugly one. He could never blame anyone for turning a blind eye, if you stared into it maybe you brought more trouble than you could afford to answer for. Everyone seemed to have a 'oh, not me' complex, and it served all bar fifteen. So far, that is.

They had both taken steps outside of the vehicle, Kole lingering barely behind as he took any extra moment to witness the hotel, or whatever it may be. It wasn't an awful place, far greater than he had expected. He was rather used to living in poorer conditions, after all. Inevitably, though, had Kole reached the rear of the speeder where he stood alongside Djorn whilst raising the strap of the duffel bag around his shoulder. "Not necessarily." Kole vaguely answered with a truth, to an extent. Lynnori didn't quite classify as 'family', nor did she a 'friend'. Awfully close friends, if the case. He had no real reason to lie other than a futile attempt to further distance those two lives he lead.

It hadn't been anything against Djorn, no. Perhaps against the system itself. It only proved to keep her from the ever watchful eye of the Sith; the same Sith that only had to dip their toes into their resources in order to discover the whole truth. Darth Maliphant had.

"Yourself?" The Droid questioned with a raised brow and a head turned to face Djorn.

[member="Djorn Bline"]

 

[Djorn Bline]

He wasn't sure how to take that answer though. It was vague, very vague. It meant many things to him when interpreted in various angles. It could mean that Kole had family and friends, but weren't too close to them. Or it could mean that his family were six feet under, but had a few distanced friends. Many different answers to that. It's what happens when something was vary broad, makes one to come up with theoretical answers that could be just it.

But Djorn wouldn't stop there. Oh, no he'd continue to pick at it, until he was given an answer he could be satisfied with.

"I got family, yeah. Just my parents. Don't have that many friends, most of them are just associates and acquaintances," the Inquisitor replied honestly to Kole's question. It was a step, a step to earn some kind of trust with Kole. One he had one foot in the door he'd be able to enter all the way through. That is if he played his cards right and not cause the operative to raise his eyebrows in caution. He knew how to play such games, and not many excel at it. It took patience, time, and skill like in all things.

And so far, the two seemed to get along with each other. That was a point for him.

They entered through the doors to the lobby, head over to the main desk where a cute woman helped them with checking in and giving them their room keys. The names Djorn entered were false and was backed with fake documents that looked legit to the woman. No need for anyone to know their identity, especially with Sith-Imperial personnel missing. After that they went to the elevator and waited for the repulsorlift to come. Their floor was on level ten, and there were twenty-five stories to this hotel.

"Say, what did you mean 'not necessarily'? You're not close with your folks or something?" he asked in a genuine tone that could leave someone confused of perplex. Hopefully it was genuine.

Give me something to work with

[member="Kole Harper"]​

 

[Rakaan Horne]

​Kole had begun to grow tired of the questions, but there was little that could be done. There was the option to ask nicely, sure, but Kole never wanted to become something of an issue, a loose cannon, or something to watch out for. He had always been another face in the crowd, and he certainly intended on keeping that reputation about him; and, by reputation, it was more so a lack of one. It may have proved difficult to find work in the past as a result, but, well, Kole was capable enough that it had always worked out. Eventually, that is.

"Not really." The Android kept a clear focus ahead, moving in said direction without offering as much of a glance. "Are you?" He furthered as they arrived at the repulsorlift.

​Maybe Djorn had an angle, one that Kole couldn't determine. It wasn't as if he was really just trying to get to know him, right? No, of course not. That'd be insane.

[member="Djorn Bline"]

 

[Djorn Bline]

Oh, he was. He intended to get to know Kole every aspect of him and not miss a single spot on him. All this talk helped him somewhat, but information was information. That brain of his started analyzing, evaluating what he knew so far about Harper. Has some sort of family, but isn’t too close with them. Always gave these answers he completely disliked that were very vague. Shows he had past not wanting anyone to dig it up and learn from it. And Bline was wanting where “x” was to discover that treasure.

Of course, he’d have to work harder for his meal based on the answers he received so far.

He could ask questions all day and receive answers like he was getting. Maybe switch it up, not ask anything that was too sensitive.

”Now and then, it’s not like the times when you were a kid. Gotta move on and develop your life,” he answered, taking notice of Harper putting some distance between them. That was a sign, a bad one too. Had to try and rebound from it. The repulsorlift arrived and opened up for the two operatives to get inside. After doing so, the Inquisitor pressed for level ten.

”I hope I’m not stepping on any toes. Just like to talk especially on slow, quiet missions like these. Don’t know how many agents annoyed me without moving their lips,” commenting to Kole in a calm, neutral tone of voice. Nothing annoyed just yet.

Another question came in mind. This time not as personal to Kole.

”Echani or Thyrsian?” and the repulsorlift arrives to floor ten, opening up which allowed the Saaraishash agents to get out and walk towards their room. They’d be in there vquick. Settle down their things, take what they needed, and head to another location. One that wasn’t a casino or one of Vorzyd V’s main intaerest points.

No, they’d head out to another hotel where the survey team stayed and hopefully learn something from there.

[member="Kole Harper"]

 

[Rakaan Horne]

Kole panned his gaze around within the elevator. It looked at each corner, each button, each stain, each immaculate portion. It was an elevator, and there wasn't a lot to do beyond stare, listen to the music, and hear Djorn ramble on. He hadn't really cared all that much, it was something he was indifferent towards. But, he showed some sliver of attention by listening. Suppose Kole could say that.

They arrived at their designated floor, a soft ding ringing in an attempt to alert them of the fact despite the doors clearly opening. Bline asked his question, Kole rolled his head over, he gave a soft pause, staring forwards. A subtle smirk, "Zeltron." He huffed in amusement before stepping forwards.

[member="Djorn Bline"]

 

[Djorn Bline]

That wasn’t his angle on the question, but it amused him. He was more asking who’d win a fight, pushing that aside to entertain this approach. ”More of a Hapan person myself, but I’m all around besides that,” and a small chuckle with the sentence. The two men continuing walking towards their room reserved for them, both had keys to enter. If one lacked one, they could easily hack in with an anti-security blade. Oh, they came prepared alright. Djorn always anticipated any kind of situation he could possibly face. Of course, the problem was one couldn’t carry everything.

The agents then entered their room after Bline used his own key to enter. The suite looked decent, nothing too ridiculous in terms of luxury. He didn’t care about that. Wealth or fame was never important to him. Only just duty and fulfilling it to his best abilities.

”Alright, two bed, two baths, and one kitchen with enough size to eat,” the Inquisitor said as he walked towards his room, just stopping to turn around and facing Kole. ”Though I don’t plan on staying that long, so we equip ourselves with whatever we need and roll out. There should be a blast vest in your bag, put it on. There are also some pistols, slugthrowers and blasters, and some vibroknives. Choose wisely and just make sure it’s concealed, don’t want to send any wrong impressions to whatever that we’re dealing with. Pick out some devices that are anti-security, but don’t pack yourself too much. We both got ten minutes max, after that we’ll head out to the hotel the missing surveyors went and see if we can pick up anything. Questions?”

If not, they’d both get in their dorms and ready themselves with whatever they needed for the unknown. One last thing Djorn would do after preparing himself would install some portable security devices around their hotel room. Live feed cameras, sensors and scanners, and other sophisticated hardware to protect their room with their belongings.

Always had to be one step ahead and expect the unexpected.

[member="Kole Harper"]

 

[Rakaan Horne]

Truthfully, Kole had never taken a particularly keen interest in those warrior cultures that so often bloodied the sands, tainted the rivers, and littered the fields with fire that turned to ash, and corpses that reduced themselves to bones, even metallic armour that now comprises of rust; laying there eternally, as a monument to their sins. Thrysians and Echani, to Kole, had been two sides of the same coin. They were to beat themselves with the same old sticks until the other didn't exist, likely for reasons most could hardly remember. The Mandalorians, for that matter, were an issue in among themselves. They were always going to try and kill one another, of that Kole felt was certain. So, really, when it came to the question of preference Kole had interpreted it differently. It was to be a disservice to Lyn if he answered anything but Zeltron, too. He could remember vibrantly pink skin, seemingly abnormal blue hair, and those amber eyes. Gone now, but permanently glued to the inside of his eyelids. Bearing witness to it with each blink of his inorganic eyes.

Kole instinctively panned both left and right, viewing the corners of the suite as he entered with that bag still being carried over his shoulder. He couldn't quite explain as to why he did so, but, well, he did. It was something he couldn't explain. It was fine by Kole, really, he hadn't lived anywhere particularly grand. Coruscant, Nar Shaddaa, now Bastion. Arbra, if he could count it. He didn't know whether or not it was wholly real, or those memories apart of the Galactic Alliance. He lived a life, or so he had been made to be believe. But, the real question still lied: when did they end and he begin? Kole, honestly, hadn't the slightest clue.

He allowed the bag to slide off of his shoulder, drape down his arm, and drop onto a nearby table. The HRD began to pour through it in an attempt to seek out any particular items as Djorn gave his brief yet necessary explanation of the events that were to proceed. "No, that'll..." Kole trailed off, narrowing his gaze at something he believed to be present within the bag. It was an arbitrary item, something that didn't mean much, but, well, he hadn't expected to see it is all. He cleared his throat, "That'll do." He confirmed with the nod of his head as his eyes briefly met with Bline's.

The replicated individual followed suit, of course. Installing some devices that were undoubtedly beneficial to have considering the current circumstances.

[member="Djorn Bline"]

 

[Djorn Bline]

He frowned, internally to himself, from Kole's slight pause after his question. While taking notice of this, it was something Djorn would push aside for the moment. He'd bring it back up if it was necessary, but right now he was confident that this pause was really nothing to worry about. They had just arrived recently on the Gambling World, surely their safety wasn't compromised this early.

And yes, the Inquisitor took note of everything. Even the small things that one would deem inferior and insignificant. Best be safe than sorry because a sorry won't undo a single damn thing. Going into people's trash was literally part of his profession, and he didn't care if he ever trespassed the privacy of others. Bad ethics? Absolutely, but having morals with Jedi and Rebels at your doorstep wouldn't do anyone no good in the Sith Empire.

Security hardware was installed in every corner of the hotel suite by the Inquisitor and Kole. After that they geared up with sophisticating blast vests and other equipment that was all hidden away on their person. Blast vest was underneath his leather jacket and button up shirt, anti-security tools in his jacket's pockets, and a heavy blaster pistol strapped on his chest. Hopefully it was enough to not give away to the public.

"If you're ready, let's move out," and stood at the front door of their suite, waiting for Kole. They'd immediately return to their luxurious landspeeder and head for the other hotel Djorn mentioned.

Later...​

​

They arrived with their speeder parked and walked for the main lobby. Immediately that they entered...

"Good evening, sirs. How may I assist you this," a woman from the front desk acknowledged the two Saaraishash operatives, standing up from her seat.

"Just visiting some friends, they're expecting us. Think you can send us up," he replied to the female attendant.

"Absolutely, what number?"

"Room 738."

That received him an astonished look from the attendant.

"You must be confused, sir. Says that the room is vacant, maybe they gave you the wrong number?"

He had to push harder, they needed to get to that unit.

"I think you're mistaken, ma'am. We have some friends up there waiting for us. Maybe your system is glitched or something. Can you please send us up?" His voice was much more dominant and demanding, the kind of customer when some associate irritates you when not meeting your demands.

Silence followed for a mere few seconds until the attendant gave in.

"Very well, I can't give you a key but I can allow you access to the lift."

"Thank you," with an annoyed tone in his voice. The two operatives walked for the lift, not talking until they were inside of it and the doors closed.

"That's odd, the Saaraishash made sure that there were enough funds for long term stay for the surveyors for at least a few months. Unless they ditched or something, that room should not be vacated."

But even if the surveyors ditched, they could still be tracked down one way or another. Desertion was frowned upon in every department of the Sith Empire and was met with severe punishment, either death or life service in factories to build the machines of war for the Empire.

[member="Kole Harper"]​

 

[Rakaan Horne]

It wasn't as if there was anything for Kole to really do. It was merely something for the Android, undercover twice over, to wait through. Djorn spoke of another Hotel, another place for them to investigate and visit, but it wasn't the kind in which he managed to glance around and admire the beauty of a world so corrupted by greed. It was everywhere, and Kole struggled to find his eyes in a direction that didn't have that particular sin plastered right over it. Yet, he was hardly ever one to judge such wrong doings. He was hardly a great man, a better man, in fact, possibly worse. Then again, it wasn't as if any of that mattered, no? It was another fine detail that you could forget about, let go, allow it to be lost. Nobody was to go looking, anyways.

He waited rather patiently throughout Djorn's exchange with the receptionist. His eyes wandered further, ever the curious individual who hardly knew where to look, when, or why. But it might've all been apart of the act.

"I don't see that happening." Harper commented rather idly in response.

[member="Djorn Bline"]

 

[Djorn Bline]

The lift stopped and the doors presented them the floor they arrived to, both men stepping out with Djorn leading the way to room number 738. The hallway was empty, with distant noises coming from the rooms. They had no key to enter, but there were other alternatives to opening the door. Using loud, excessive force was one way, but that was sloppy. They would simply use a blade, designed by the Sith Empire to breach doors and such.

"Well, it'd be stupid of them to ditch. Something to remember, Harper. The Empire always remembers," the Inquisitor said to his companion, as they walked. Bline appreciated the strict discipline and order of the Sith Empire. He may have been unorthodox and radical in his line of work, but never would he betray his Empire.

"Here," and pulled out small device that would unlock the suite room for them.

click

The door was pushed by Djorn's hand slowly and when it was wide open...

...the room was...​

​

...empty.​

​

____________________________________________________________________________​

​

Downstairs...​

​

"Two men have asked about room 738, sir, and have gone up," the woman at the front desk spoke in the comms.

"And?"

"They said they were friends with them, were certain that the room was not vacated."

"Interesting, seems suspicious to me."

"Your orders, sir?"

"Ready your snipers and have them take out these men. Then send in a squad to pick up the bodies and dispose of them. Make sure to clean up the room afterwards, but they will be forgotten. Report once the job is done."

"Will do, sir."

Orders were then sent out, snipers setting up on the building opposite of the hotel where they could get a view on the suite room. The hitmen in comms with the front desk woman, telling them their status and positions.

[member="Kole Harper"]​