Mission 3: And so Falls the Hackerman

[Insalius]

Nameless Planet, Orbit

It had been some time since the hidden shipyard had been secured from the ill-fated smugglers that had used it as their base. The fools didn't know the potential of their makeshift home, nor did they take advantage of the raw materials still left around by the facility's builders. While not near enough to construct the Dominator, it had allowed the price of the overall construction drop from ridiculous to merely "building a new fleet". The accountants would be a bit happier for that, once they knew after the fact. With how Kurtis had manipulated the funds and paperwork to cover his tracks from spies, no one location had received a larger influx of credits or orders for supplies to make it seem that all this money was being spent equally across the fleet. He couldn't be too careful, as it wouldn't do for the Jedi or Mandaloreans to learn of this ship before it was done with it's construction.

To that end, all builders and security hired for this job were kept on site and not allowed to leave the system until they were done. Their contact to communication outside the immediate area was also limited and monitored, yet few complained about these stringent measures. They had all been told of the terms of their work beforehand, though not exactly what they would be working on, so only those willing to work with these conditions had been hired and thus were prepared for the incredibly tight security. Such a situation made it easy to see when someone tried to do something they were supposed to, though, meaning a fair number of spies or fools had already been found and dealt with.

Kurtis stood in the main computer security room that had been converted from a conference room in the shipyard. The physical and cyber security that he had hired was a company from Hapes, SmartSec as they were called, and while their services had required top dollar they had so far paid for their investment and then some. Mainly run by women, as was common for the Hapes system in general, their loyalty to their employer and overall skill had proven invaluable in preventing espionage and the accidental reveal of his new ship. A warning light flashing on one of their consoles made him aware that another attempt was happening, someone trying to slice into their systems. He trusted them to stop the attempt, but he knew it had to be local. "Mr. Ordo, we have another one trying to break radio silence. It seems like it's coming from Bay 4. May I ask that you handle this one just like the rest? I leave the manner to your discretion." Turning off his commlink, he again admired the Bounty Hunter's dedication to his contract. It was one of the smarter business decisions he had made so far.

((OOC: Death Disabled))

 

[Nor'baal]

Kicking his feet up onto the table in front of him, Ners yawned. It had been roughly a week since he had last shot something - and being paid to sit around do nothing was begin to grate. Over the past few days he had perfected the art of punting Gizka - which had already managed to infect the lower levels of the station. He heard his commlink beeping, and began to scramble madly around the room trying to find it. ”WHY WON’T YOU ANSWER ME!’’

Ners shook his head, regretting downloading the ‘Funny Ringtones Pack’ from the store. After the commlink had insulted him several times - which admittedly at the time seemed very funny - Ners found it, holding it aloft like some sort of trophy. ”On the case.’’ he said, in a disappointingly short call.

It was the third time in recent days that he had been required to do something like this, not that Ners minded. Sighing, he picked up his usual issue gear, and made his way down to the location he had been instructed to clear out. Making a thumbs up to the camera, which no doubt lead to the bridge upon which Kurtis stood - he continued down the corridor.

 

[Insalius]

Kurtis felt bad for Ners, knowing that such waiting wasn't what he was used to. He'd come to respect the Bounty Hunter's skill and knew that downtime like this could dull it. While the perpetrator was probably some worker who wanted to get a message home to his family, the Admiral still couldn't be too careful about the affair. Whoever it was had broken their contract, and it was written in that this form of 'Termination' was as literal as possibly. A gasp of surprise from one of the security personnel made his brow furrow, a first of this kind of reaction from the trained specialist.

"I'm getting multiple attempts from the same node, at least three if not more. They're layered so close that it was almost impossible to pick up." The woman kept typing as she spoke, trying to get to the bottom of the attack. "There has to be at least that many individuals attempting the slice. This hasn't happened before, this is a professional attempt. I think we have a spy, more than one." Frowning at the news, Kurtis turned on his commlink again to Ners' frequency. "It would seem this is more serious than initially reported. There are at least three persons attempting to hack their way out of our security, using espionage tactics. They are most likely armed and dangerous. Do you require backup?"

 

[Nor'baal]

OOC - Sorry for the late reply, was away over the weekend! Should be able to post frequently this week however.

" "It would seem...more serious.'' the static-laden commlink reported. ''...three persons...hack their way...espionage...armed and dangerous...require backup?" the rest of the communique was just as garbled. Shaking his head, Ners sent a simple set of clicks down his commlink, inteded to cut through the static. In basic code, it would say ''No Comms. All Down.'' enough to get across that Ners was not disobeying instructions, he simply had not heard what they had been.

From what he had managed to draw from what he had heard, Ners understood things in the docking bay/hanger where not all as they had seemed, and he drew his two DL-19ps, one in each hand, a flash-bang held in his left hand as well, thus rendering his left pistol useless. Approaching the door, he chucked his grenade inside, and waited for the telltale boom that would follow. Upon hearing it, he walked in, ready to levy fire at those who would oppose him.

The room was completely empty. He spied a side door slamming shut. ''Why can things never be easy?'' he lamented, starting to give chase.

 

[Insalius]

The reports of the communication loss made Kurtis' frown increase, showing that this was more than just a simple act of a homesick worker. Two things were now apparent at the situation: This was a deliberate act of espionage and the perpetrators now knew that they had been discovered. "Send a message back to Mr. Ordo in the same code. Number Unknown. Possible Jedi. Sending Sith Backup." For some it would have been a stretch to assume it was a Jedi involved, though Kurtis had seen exactly what they could do and the kind of preternatural foresight that the Force could provide. Even if he wasn't sure, the Admiral wasn't going to take that chance. Once the message had been sent, he changed his commlink frequency to a direct line to a Sith Marauder that the Emperor had assigned to assist him. Master Xaxis'Kahal seemed a very capable person and Kurtis was glad to work beside him, yet he never presumed to command the Sith despite his higher rank.

"Master Xaxis, my apologies for interrupting you but we have a spy problem. At least four, highly skilled, and a possible Jedi among them. My head of Security is hunting them as we speak but if possible I would like to ask you to assist him. Your skills with the Force and countering the Jedi could mean the difference between success and failure. I have sent the location information of this incident to you in case you wish to help. Either way, thank you for your presence at this project." If it was one thing Kurtis had learned when working with the Sith it was to always treat them with the respect their power demanded. He would never be able to feel or hear the Force, which meant that Xaxis would always have more power than him despite their ranks. Better to appease the man than try to lord over him, especially with so critical a construction as the Dominator.

 

[The Good Doctor]

While the others were elsewhere doing their thing, Xaxis found a secluded room, a cargo bay in which he thought he would be able to meditate with the downtime. It wasn't too long since Xaxis was fighting at Korriban against the Jedi Army on Korriban. Xaxis was puzzled as to why he was here at the behest of the Emperor. Sure this 'Dominator' project is seen as critical in the eyes of the Emperor, but did Malon forget that the Dark Side of the Force is the greatest weapon of all? But if the Emperor wills it, so shall it be done.

"Master Xaxis, my apologies for interrupting you but we have a spy problem. At least four, highly skilled, and a possible Jedi among them. My head of Security is hunting them as we speak but if possible I would like to ask you to assist him. Your skills with the Force and countering the Jedi could mean the difference between success and failure. I have sent the location information of this incident to you in case you wish to help. Either way, thank you for your presence at this project.""

Xaxis' meditation was interrupted as he heard this. He was mildly annoyed, but he answered back. "Very well." The Taz'goreii Sith Sorcerer said and stands up from his mediation. If this is a Jedi doing this, Xaxis isn't sensing any other force presences, but of course such a Jedi would be foolish to not draw in his aura. If it's one the plebeians though, Xaxis would be able to find out if he probes in the right direction, after all the Dark Side of the Force is all knowing. He uses the force to pull his Kyber Staff which was standing up against a wall to his right hand. He has his Light Inquisition Armor with a hooded black robe covering it. He had his lightsaber put away on his left hip. And lately he had the Force flowing through him and ready to answer his call. He would move towards the head of security's location.

 

[Insalius]

There were six men in total, all of them slicers yet only one was a bona-fide Jedi. They had planned their infiltration so carefully, finding the project by the most purest of luck and being in the right place at the right time. Even this had only gotten them a name, Dominator, and Jedi Knight Zimon had to assemble a team quickly in order to successfully infiltrate the Sith construction without them being found out. The security when they had arrived had been tight, though when they found out what it was for the spies could understand why the utmost of secrecy was being kept. The ship itself was huge, but when Zimon had learned of the possible power of it's main armament he knew he had to get this information to the rest of his Order. They had been slow and deliberate with putting together what they needed: Access codes, secure areas, pieces of plans and data, all in preparation for breaking the security network to send out their warning. Even that had not been enough, though, and now they were being hunted by the Grand Admiral's pet Bounty Hunter. The man's callous nature hid the depths of his cruelty, meaning all of them would find their lives forfeit upon capture.

Now they were trying for their incredibly risky plan b: Escape from the system and deliver their report first-hand. The shuttle had been pre-chosen, yet the access code had changed just earlier that day. Now they had to slice it manually, though by now any number of guard dogs were on their way to take them out. "Get that shuttle ready ASAP. Vickers, Helmut, Bryany, I'll make some cover for us." Fixing his glasses, Zimon sat down with his legs crossed and began to meditate. Nearby piles of material and boxes of supplies began to slide over, bits and pieces interlocking together to form a semi-circular wall of spare parts. A few openings were left for the other spies to aim their weapons and fire at anyone approaching, the men and women taking their places as ordered. They would either escape or they would give the Sith hell for the attempt. It was taking all Zimon could do to keep the barrier strong and in place, though he had faith his comrades would pull through for his efforts. The other spies would open fire the second they saw anyone else, even if they were just a common worker, and their position was one where it was impossible for someone to sneak up behind them as they were at the last docking bay against the wall of the shipyard.

 

[Nor'baal]

Ners made a mental note to remind the Commander to get his internal scanners checked - as the number of enemies fielded against them was now double what his initial scans had shown. He watched from cover as what appeared to be a Jedi constructed a makeshift wall out of crates and cargo, and cursed under his breath. Not killed a Jedi for a while, he mused - reminding himself to dodge the large scary sword most of them made use of. From his observations, the only way to get to the enemy was through the wall they had made for themselves.

”Sorry.” he mouthed at the nearby security camera, as he kicked a thermal detonator around the wall and bounced it into the Jedis makeshift barricade. The resulting explosion would no doubt shatter the Jedis concentration, and bring the wall tumbling down. He stepped out from cover as soon as the boom was heard, a pistol in each hand - a solid stream of shots firing from his weapons, hammering the thieves into their cover positions as he closed the gap striding down the corridor purposefully.

”Argh!’’ he grunted, as a blaster shot grazed his leg, Ners returning fire with a single shot dropping his target. He turned his weapons on the Jedi, and let loose a barrage of fire - doing so whilst the others slowly re-emerged from cover after his initial assault. His intention was clear, to kill the Jedi whilst it still recovered from his Thermal attack.

 

[The Good Doctor]

With the power of the all-knowing dark side of the force, detected what appears to be is the light-side of the force actively being used. It's purifying, disgusting presence, and so Xaxis'Kahal then ran in that direction using that same force presence to navigate his way around. He wasn't that far away from the action to begin with, as he was there to assist the Grand Admiral with anything he needed help with, he made himself available inspite of wanting to leave himself to his own devices for the time being. He heard an explosion nearby, which only confirms that he is heading in the right direction. He came in the room just as the bounty hunter was firing a barrage of blaster fire at what appears to be the spies.

Xaxis, then charged into battle with his Kyber Staff at the ready. As Xaxis approached, his larger profile and his charge immediately drew the attention of spies, then started firing their blasters at him. Using the defensive properties of his Kyber Staff, then rapidly spins it, to block all incoming blaster shots his way. After an opportunity arises, Xaxis then extends his left hand, aiming at one of the spies with the cover tumbled down, and then projects green lightning with the Dark Side of the Force from it which covers the area in a neon-green light, erasing any shadows. After it would hit one spy, he would then shoot lightning at the other remaining one as well. The lightning isn't set to kill, it's merely to incapacitate them, as they will answer to the Emperor next.

 

[Insalius]

In his haste, Zimon hadn't considered a move such as banking a thermal detonator off the back wall to get behind his barrier. He dove to the foot of the shuttle to avoid the blast, causing his shield to fall and create a useless pile of metal and leading to the death of one of his companions at the hands of the Bounty Hunter. He looked on as a Sith Marauder entered the fray, using an odd version of Force Lightning to knock out his other friends who had been defending him. He stood up with a grimace, igniting his silver lightsaber with a wince as he felt some pain from his side. He had probably bruised his rib, or worse, which would make combat difficult. A glance to his remaining men, though, gave him hope as they successfully opened the shuttle door and stole inside. With his free hand he pushed up his glasses again, looking at his two foes with a grimace on his face. He needed no words, no bravado, instead he would give them action and valor.

Reaching out his hand towards Ners, Zimon called one of the fallen blasters to his hand to start firing at the man. Once a few shots had been loosed he would dive for the waist-high wall of scrap metal that had been part of his original shield. He would use this as cover as he shot at both his enemies, switching between the two to attempt to keep them from being able to concentrate on either the Force or on lining up a shot or preparing a grenade. His lightsaber was in his other hand in case one tried to get close to engage in physical combat, hoping that his hail of blaster shots would be enough to keep them at bay. His goal wasn't to defeat them but to delay, making himself a threat so that his companions could warm up the shuttle to launch. He knew that most other Jedi preferred to rely entirely on the Force and their lightsabers yet at the moment he would have to use whatever means he could to ensure the success of his mission. Even if he fell, they had to get this information to the Jedi at whatever cost.

 

[Nor'baal]

Ners was somewhat shocked to see a newcomer on the field, having been unaware that they had been on the ship. However, he was grateful for the new arrival, who set to work levelling the odds in their favor no sooner than they had arrived. The Hunter was hardly in a position to voice his thanks however, and lacking a deflective weapon - he bolted for cover, seeking it behind Xaxis, who was doing an ample job at keeping stray or intended shots at bay.

Despite the hail of fire coming his way, Ners was impressed with the damage he had done thus far, and continued to levy fire on their enemies as the wall exploded. He saw the Jedi lift its hand, and, in a flash, charged forwards to close the distance between them, slamming directly into the Jedi as he threw his right hand pistol aside, and drew his vibroblade as he jumped.

He jabbed the blade once, twice, three times into the Jedis torse, and headbutted him as he did so. It was not clean, yet it was effective. Zimon never even had a chance to do anything beyond raise his hand; for Ners was no fool, allow a Jedi too much time, and battles with them end all too quickly. Rolling, he used the Jedis body as cover, rolling behind the fallen crates, and recovering his pistol, throwing the lifeless Zimon off him, and kneeling behind the crate, one pistol in his hand, bloodied blade in the other.

”Didn’t see that coming did you?’’ he panted as if casting a final insult to the fallen Jedi.

OOC - Told you I would stab him :P

 

[The Good Doctor]

The Jedi was slain by the Mandalorian bounty hunter. Pathetic Jedi. The force is the greatest weapon in existance but it seems that the 'Will of the Force' the Jedi hold in high regards squandered such power on someone so weak. With the Jedi slain and the spies firing upon the two knocked out, all that was left was the shuttle. Perhaps they the Bounty Hunter and the Sith Sorcerer could stop them in time... The Sith Sorcerer went to the docking port to the shuttle, the one that the foolish plebeian Jedi and the spies defended ever so valiantly. The door to the shuttle was locked as the shuttle was still warming up for take off.

Xaxis had to act urgently, he didn't have the know-how to override the lock, but instead he simply with his left hand pointed his index and middle fingers at the access console, and a spark of green lightning then stuck the console, not enough power to destroy it or shut it down, but instead of cause a brown-out which disengaged the lock-down protocol on the door. After that, the door was accessible. Xaxis shown himself through the door. The shuttle was that of a small, no-nonsense utilitarian design. Once he firmly stepped firmly into the shuttle, he had the rest of the spies and the pilot all close in his line of sight. It did not matter how the fools react, as Xaxis then extended his left hand out. With the Dark Side of the Force, he would attempt to project green flames from his hand, attempting to incinerate all the rabble where they sat or stood in a green inferno. "DIE VERMIN" He shouted as he attempts to execute the spies. He is putting in power to kill them, but he careful to hold back on range as he doesn't want to damage the ship he is standing in.

 

[Insalius]

The threat was over, just as suddenly as it had begun. Kurtis took his time interrogating the survivors, learning everything he could about their plan. It seemed that this Jedi named Zimon had been in the right place at the right time to get a hint of the project and had mobilized this group to infiltrate to learn more before sending word to his peers. On one hand that was a foolish move, nearly guaranteeing their failure if they couldn't pull off a transmission or escape. On the other, it made sense for the man to want proof before alerting the Jedi to a possible new threat. Resources that were sent after fake threats could hurt the war effort greatly so one needed to be sure before investment. Twirling the man's silver lightsaber in his hand, Kurtis couldn't help but admire his dedication to the war effort. Pity he had been on the wrong side.

As soon as the interrogation was done, the men were executed. There could be no word of this spreading and their example would serve to quiet those who had more innocent reasons to try to leak information to their loved ones. Personally the Admiral hated such measures but the times and importance of the project demanded the highest of security. The writing was on the wall: The Sith were losing and there wasn't much strategically that could be done to turn the tide against them. At the very least, though, they would make it an incredibly costly victory for the Jedi. As for the Mandalorians, he wasn't sure if they would ever be able to recover after the sudden loss of their leader on Korriban. Kurtis had watched footage of the attack that had claimed the Mand'alore's life, made from a Jedi ship. It was so perfect and cunning that he admired whomever had come up with the ploy. Perhaps the two factions would fight against each other now, for a bit. It wasn't enough to stem the tide but would still prove to be quite costly.

For now, though, Kurtis' attention was focused on the completion of the Dominator. It wouldn't be long now until it was time for the final tests. The hull was complete, the transformation mechanisms had been tested and were found to be working fine, and the various weapons besides the main cannons had been through their trials and had all passed with flying colors. All that would be left was the main cannon, the Legion Buster, and Kurtis had just the idea for it. He would have Ners reach out to a traitorous Captain who had gone along with Alexei's failed bid for the Imperial Throne, one who was now acting like a pirate to build up his own fleet for whatever ambitions the man had. He would give his Bounty Hunter a set of codes to give to this man, as if he were selling him the information for this traitor to attempt to steal a new piece of Imperial technology for his own gains. The access codes would get the man close, but also bug his systems to give Kurtis control once he got within a certain range. The man had an Empyreal-class Star Destroyer, one of the most powerful ships in the galaxy, and it would make a good test of the Legion Buster's abilities to fire against a live enemy target. Effectively he would be killing two birds with one stone. Hopefully Emperor Malon would be pleased with their work.