Bankor

The interior of the farmhouse was cozy, but lacked warmth. The walls were clean, the counters were bare and the cupboards empty. Yet it seemed like someone made sure to clean off the cobwebs and keep things tidy but the façade of a lived in home was just that a façade.

At a table in the kitchen a woman sat looking at a holo-projector image. Across from her sat Captain Hurn, and in the holo-projector was a scrambled image of the third party, the voice digitally masked.

“I have the equipment, stored safely and ready for the next stage, the stage where I get paid,” Captain Hurn said.

“I have a courier that can get the job done, I just need a destination.”

The woman across from her replied, “Clever Man, with the Museum now under control of the Republic it could be prudent for Captain Hurn to get the Cipher for you. Should be a simple matter, for her.”

The Clever Man’s masked holo image spoke, “My agent is correct, before we can conclude our business I need the Heraldian Cipher. I am prepared to double your rate, Captain for safe delivery to my agent. Then, our business will be concluded.”

Captain Hurn said, “You’re asking me to take all the risks while you and your agent sit back and do what? Be mysterious? I want triple the rate, or I walk.”

“There is already a great deal of scrutiny with the death of that idiotic hutt. Any more risk, well you're leaving my arse out to dry.”

The woman nodded and then said, “There will be a concert tomorrow, some local trash band, the Resistance and the Republic will probably be distracted. Perfect time for you to reduce security and I can handle the rest. Acceptable?”

“For both parties?”

“That seems like a good compromise, fine… less risk to me and you handle the dirty work. I already got my hands dirty enough. So like I said, when do we make the next move?” Captain Hurn asked tapping the table.

“When my agent has her hands on the Cipher, you will get your destination,” the Clever Man responded.

“Fine, I need to get back to base,” she said rising from the table.

“Your window will be brief but it should be more than enough to get done what you need. I would appreciate it if you kept any casualties to a minimum. My commander is skittish enough. Good doing business with you.”

She departed opening her communicator.

Once he was gone the woman continued, “The Republic are predictable, they allowed Tano to escape as you surmised. With Zanebry off the board, we may not have the leverage to escalate this conflict.”

“With the Republic turning down aid from the Empire, we lose another avenue of conflict. It would be prudent to have a direction and target or this is going to be a very short campaign.”

“Sabotaging the Resistance has kept us in the game, with the Peace Treaty our plans have been set back… perhaps decades. We have to rely on outside sources to do our work for us.”

“If you need a target, move on to Garig Port Town, speak with Huya Vy, tell her the Clever Man is calling in his favor,” Clever Man responded.

“A pirate turned, crime lord, at least we know she has few moral scruples. What if she does not honor the favor? It might be a little difficult for me to extricate myself if things go sideways,” the woman replied.

“Well, I can always send her with you,” the Clever Man replied.

“She has wanted to get out since we found her. Could be a superb test for her new frame? Yes, take her with you.”

“It is about time you organic simpletons recognized my superior capabilities,” another image formed on the holo-projector.

“This frame is more than capable of cowing a criminal.”

The woman didn’t like the droid… if it could be called that but recognized that it was deadly and would be more than sufficient for any surprises the crime lord could spring. She agreed and said, “Then we have a plan, HYDRA, head to Garig Port Town and I will meet you there.”

Clever Man ended his holo-projection.

/scene