16 BBY
Rhelgim Security Command Orbital Defense Station
Meeting Room
"And you suspect the pirates are operating with collaborators from this system and perhaps even this world?" Menno asked looking not too surprised.
He could sense that Hark wasn't lying nor was he illicit and his adjutants here seemed to be the same. Clearly protégés of the man.
Hark hesitated for just a fraction before nodding.
"We suspect," he said carefully, "that they have help from a few of whom are on that list." He indicated to the data pads they provided us.
The room went quiet.
Milhorn's expression did not change from his unfazed observing gaze.
"Define help."
"Information leaks. Delayed responses. Patrol blind spots being exploited too precisely to be coincidence," Deputy Commander Selva Rinn said, the other operational backbone for the planet's security.
Menno glanced at her. She seemed competent, though he felt her frustration. Or in this case pride of having to get help in dealing with such a small yet elusive enemy.
"And yet no interrogations I read here nor warrants issued for searches," He asks coolly, "no arrests?"
This was quite....uncompelling.
"Our jurisdiction is… limited," Hark admitted. "Certain commercial and Industrial interests wield influence here. The Governor and the Admiral has made their points clear in not harassing them especially in these weathering economic times",
And there it was. The corruption.
But he needed to prove it. Perhaps the Governor nor the admiral was involved , or perhaps they were being bribed or blackmailed into submission, or perhaps the Political ruling body had no other options that working with devils that called themselves elites.
Only time will tell though.
He could feel the pieces beginning to align, to force was trying to provide some insight tell him something but he needed more information. Not only on the pirates, but also on local elites, quietly profiting while the system rotted. The ones that could be called the true rulers.
Typical behavior from corporations.
And before he could respond again, Hark cleared his throat.
"There is another matter," the commander said. "One of… diplomacy."
Milhorn looked mildly displeased already.
"The Governor is hosting a formal ball tomorrow evening," Hark continued. "A seasonal event. Prominent industrialists, shipping magnates, guild representatives, bankers and business owners shall attend. He has also formally requested Imperial attendance.... An ambassador of sorts to attend, whoever it may be shall be up to your discretion."
Milhorn and I smelt the rat. This was dangerous , this could go south and whoever it was would already be in enemy waters.
And yet the Captain gave be a side glance which I didn't quite like.
A look that said , "Get ready cause you're going".
"Dammit!" Now I take back the little good I said about him.
'We could've sent Dile.'I thought in annoyance.
Now the urge to see him choke was filtering into my mind.
"We are not here to party Commander Hark , every hour spent not doing as mandated is wasted time", I raised an eyebrow.
"The Governor knows and you can be reassured that the necessary explanations will be provided to your superiors if needed,"
"But he believes," Hark said diplomatically, "that your presence would reassure investors. And perhaps… discourage certain behaviors."
'If that is the case then this perhaps is partial confirmation that the governor wasn't illicit in these criminal activities and he was inviting us to search them out without him having to play an active role to these enemies he might be facing. If I was a criminal I wouldn't want law enforcement snooping around my business so this was a way for us to investigate yet someone in this room could be a spy and Hark seems to know this but which one he doesn't know',
I sense it.
'Ahh yes now its adding up'
'Him!', I mentally pointed out as I now gazed in his direction.
Chief Inspector Varo Seln, planetary-side security liaison.
His emotions were rather chaotic now.
'Nervous are we?' I laid the question bare in my thoughts.
I looked him in the eyes not blinking for a few seconds before looking away back to Hark. Then man seemed calmed visually but he was everything but underneath.
He had a good control of physical expression.
Milhorn turned to Menno, expression unreadable.
"We shall discuss this amongst ourselves and provide you with an answer", Milhorn says as he stood straightening out his tunic.
I followed as well standing with calmness and ease. No need for theatrics like my fellow captain here though. But it was clear that we were leaving the meeting.
"Gentlemen, Madam", Milhorn nodded.
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Back on the Stark Harrow
"A representative needs to represent , We need someone ranked high enough to not show any ire of disrespect, and relay our etiquette of proper diplomacy. You see the conspiracy a foot just as I do lieutenant and there is no one here better to gather intelligence and serve as ambassador of the Imperial Armed Forces in this system.",
"And I am not declining the order Captain but say I was perhaps taken hostage by these hidden elements and this went south what then?", I asked.
"Its a public gathering none of such will happen you're too cautious for your own good", He sidestepped the question.
"Per their request It seems I have to also stay planet side for a tour of the city also. And that would be over 24 hours spent within the arms of danger",
"We are not sure what is truly happening, and I'll not have you spread fear or doubt here Lieutenant. You'll go. You'll report whatever valuable information you can and make whatever necessary investigations you need to and you'll come back to the ship all in proper pieces after this tenure" Hark says with a raised voice, it seems I was getting to his head.
"As you command Captain." I relayed my compliance to his order.
"The technicians will provide you with the necessary equipment you'll need, encrypted communicators and wires so we could listen in while you're at this ball", Dile said.
To say I was afraid was a lie. I hadn't been afraid of danger, what I've been afraid of is the fact that whatever danger lies down there might make me expose myself in a way I didn't want to and that meant I had to kill all witnesses no matter how many and erase all evidence.
Being force sensitive and a disciple of the dark side was not about restraint and forgiveness to those that wished to do you harm.
But on another note it gave me the opportunity to speak to the governor with my proposal and other prominent figures.
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