RPG Silver One

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=#DAA520]Erica, from the vantage point of being out on the balcony of her estate on Reflection, watched as the two flagships the Creator and the Conqueror passed by. Both ships so massive that even on the ground she knew what the two shapes were as they headed towards the home world. Though she knew when they were due to arrive so it was no surprise to her, nor did she need to use a portable type of scanner and screen meant for deep space viewing, much in the same way those on Earth would use what they called a telescope.

Now that they had returned, she was going to be even more busy. Erica had already approved the release of the program Silver One and had it sent to Kiva on the Transcendence. Once she finished her vacation she would have found it waiting for her. As much as Erica hated giving it to her, she like Kiva understood the necessity of not standing out. So since it would be useful, Erica had made a point of getting it done. They couldn't rely on Jason or Celestia's programming expertise at the moment anyway and the moment Erica had learned of their capture she had immediately issued the orders to modify or outright quit using things that Jason and Celestia had written.

Erica got up from where she had been sitting on the lounging chair and went back inside her bedroom. It was almost time to take the medicine that enabled her to sleep. Without it the pain would keep her awake. It was a pity that the one medicine that could keep her from hurting also put her to sleep. Still, if she was going to finish preparing everything for Kiva to find, she was going to need to be rested. Most of it she had already taken care of, but there was still a few things to be done. Erica sighed as she took the medicine, if only the pain medications for the day could be so effective.

[CENTER]-----------------------------------------[/CENTER]
Even though she had recovered from what had made her sick, Celestia still found herself tiring easily. But as Jason had said when she first got sick, Dakar did not care if she was tired. The moment the doctor had cleared her, Dakar had immediately started their interrogations again. Taking them, as he always did, down the hallway to the lift and then down to where the rooms with the equipment was. And even though they had been cooperating by answering the questions, Dakar still had them secured into the chairs each and every time.

Today had been no exception, and even though Dakar had not used the disruptor's on either one of them, Celestia was still afraid of accidentally saying something that he wouldn't believe. Something that would result in him torturing either her or Jason. But what made it worse was part of her just wanted to tell Dakar and the god damn High Council to get lost. If Jason wasn't here she probably would have. And when they dropped them off in the quarters they had been assigned to and the door locked behind them Celestia turned around and stomped her feet.

"[B]God Damn cowards![/B]" She yelled, not caring if they could hear her through the door.

"[B]Celestia![/B]" Jason reached out and gently grabbed her shoulders, turning her so she was facing him. "[B]Please, don't do that. They'll hear you![/B]"

"[B]I don't care![/B]" Celestia said, still furious. "[B]It's not like they aren't watching everything we do and say anyway.[/B]"

"[B]Correct.[/B]" A cold voice said from the doorway.

With a startled shriek Celestia whirled around to see that the door had opened and that Elite Commander Dakar was standing there, with his arms folded across his chest, looking far from amused.

Celestia couldn't help it, she stepped backwards, fearfully. Running into Jason who moved in front of her, positioning himself so he was between Celestia and Dakar. She fought the urge to cry. Torn between the desire to tell Dakar just what she thought of him and yet too frightened of what would happen if she did.

"[B]I'm sorry,[/B]" Jason stammered. "[B]Please, Celestia's still tired from being so sick.[/B]"

"[B]So long as it's here in the quarters we have provided for you two, I don't care what either one of you says. It's not like we expect members of a lesser race to be [I]civilized[/I].[/B]" Dakar said disdainfully as he took a few steps into the room, and the door closed behind him.

"[B]Make no mistake though, any disrespect outside of this area will be dealt with. You are in the Council Center after all and it is expected of all citizens as well as anyone else to behave.[/B]"

"[B]I understand sir.[/B]" Jason said.

"[B]Well I don't.[/B]" Celestia said sarcastically. "[B]We didn't ask to be here in your [I]precious [/I]Council Center.[/B]"

"[B]Celestia![/B]" Jason said under his breath, trying to get her to stop. But Celestia, even though she was frightened was still angry.

"[B]I won't be quiet! Just as we can't stop them from listening to us we can't stop them from doing what ever they want. Why should I be quiet? They have no right to make our decisions for us![/B]"

Celestia move around Jason so that she was in front of him. "[B]I know perfectly well that you intend to separate us. You talk of respect and yet you took our rings, the symbol of our status being tied. You took our world from us as well as forcing us to come here. So why should I respect any of you when you don't give a damn about us![/B]"

Dakar just raised an eyebrow at Celestia's outburst. "[B]Lesser races do not have rights. Being allowed to be a part of the Empire is a privilege. Also, I am not here to argue with you over what you think you are entitled to. If you are to get any respect, you must earn it.[/B]" Dakar reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch and tossed it to Celestia who caught it.

Puzzled she opened it to find their rings inside. [I]What the? Why is he giving these to us?[/I]

"[B]I came here to give you those now that they have passed security. If it were up to me you would not be getting them, just as I would not be keeping the two of you together.[/B]" Dakar said coldly.

"[B]Then why?[/B]" Celestia asked.

"[B]I do not question the High Council's orders, I follow them. If you wish to know why you will have to ask them.[/B]" Dakar turned to leave but turned back. "[B]One other thing, I will be starting you in the labs tomorrow. You will be allowed to use the computers under close supervision, but remember, any stupidity will be severely punished.[/B]" He waited until both Celestia and Jason nodded before leaving, shutting the door and locking it again.

Puzzled Celestia handed Jason his ring before putting her own on. The High Council was the one ordering that they be kept together? Just what was going on? She could have sworn that it was them who had ordered their separation when they had been on board the Crimson before the resistance rescued them. What had changed their minds? [/COLOR]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[color=darkslateblue]Kiva was already on board the [i]transcendence[/i] when Daego arrived. "Hey, Kiva," he said. "How was your break?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Enjoyable," Kiva said. "It was certain;y nice to have a little time off. How about you?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"I... well, I needed it. Some things were starting to get to me."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]It wasn't hard for Kiva to guess what had been troubling Daego. "Still upset by that mind-alteration research?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Daego nodded. "Yeah. Anyways, we're back on duty now, so let's get to work. I assume we have a new assignment."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Indeed. The orders were waiting when I got here. We're to proceed immediately to sector 7. It seems that the explosives used in the Resistance's recent attacks were of the highest grade. I'm sure you know what that means."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Organic material would be required. For the highest-grade explosives, only the natural stuff would work. Synthetics don't produce the same level of output. The organic material used in such weapons is from a plant that grows only on one world in sector 7. I assume that all records have been checked."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"That's correct," Kiva said. "Nothing was amiss. The organic material is, of course, shipped from sector 7 to sector 1 to be used in producion of the weapons. Records on both ends were checked, and there were no discrepencies. Weapons records were checked as well, and no such explosives are unaccounted for. Which means that whoever got the materials beat the security on at least one end. The security around the actual weapons is the tightest, and since none are missing, it's assumed that the Resistance got their hands on the organic material and constructed the weapons themselves.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Now, since there are no discrepencies in any of the shipment records, the organic material was probably taken in sector 7, before load sizes were finalized. Of course, harvesting records show no discrepencies, not even when compared to shipping records, so whoever's behind this most likely has contacts within one or more harvesting factories.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Our assignment is to determine how the Resistance obtained the organic material. We're to proceed to sector 7 and investigate. Our first targets will be the harvesting factories. It's most likely that that's where the organic material was taken, as doing it any later would've been more complicated. If we find nothing at any of the factories, we'll have to think of something else, but we can deal with that if the need arises. Anyways, let's get going."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"I'll set a course," Daego said. "Oh, I did get your message about having met with Erica. Did she get us the Silver One program?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Yes. I found it waiting along with our orders. I'll analyze it while we're en route."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"All right, then. Let's get going." Daego set a course to sector 7, and the [i]Transcendence[/i] was underway.[/color]

[Rachmaninoff]

Darren was feeling pretty pleased for a change, even when Jared had told him the other day about his being required to stay on the Creator he had not been upset. And it was, in a small way, gratifying to see the puzzlement in Jared's eyes when he had not gotten upset. But then in all this time it was rare for him to have the upper hand, usually it was Jared who had it. Though in the end Darren would have been happier to never seen Jared again.

A moment later, right on time the Creator along with the Conqueror dropped out of hyper space. And then a few minutes later as they passed by Reflection on their way to achieving orbit around their home world, he couldn't help but smile at the thought that Kerstin was there. Even when the message received chime sounded and he checked it to see that he was required to attend a meeting with the High Council tomorrow at 0600, it wasn't enough to upset him. It was pretty obvious that sooner or later he would be required to.

As soon as he was done with the meeting he would contact Kerstin and talk to Jared about arranging things for him to either visit her on Reflection or for her to visit him on the Creator. Darren turned from the view of the home world now that the ship was in orbit and looked back on the open space of his quarters. Even with the meeting tomorrow he had already prepared reports for the High Council so there was nothing at that moment that he needed to do.

He stood there for a while before finally fixing himself something to drink, he had only taken a sip when yet another chime sounded, the one indicating someone was at his door. Surprised he set the drink down on the counter in the kitchen area and walked back out into the main room before issuing the order for the door to open.

It was a toss up as to who was the most surprised, Darren or his sister Kerstin who was standing there with one of the day officers. When neither one spoke the day officer did.

"[B]Just be sure to escort her back to transport room three when you're done sir.[/B]" He said even as he gave Kerstin a gentle push. Then the door shut behind Kerstin once she was completely inside.

Darren was speechless, wondering who had contacted Kerstin and arranged for her to be brought on board, but only for a moment. Only Jared and Sandra had the authority to approve a civilian being transported to the Creator. Before he could decide to respond Kerstin beat him to it. With a shriek of joy she flew across the room and hugged him so tightly that it felt like a rib was going to break.

"[B]Whoa! Easy there![/B]" Darren laughed as he hugged her back. Then when she finally pulled back he was surprised to see tears in her eyes.

"[B]Hey! What's that for?[/B]" He said as he brushed the tears away.

"[B]You bum![/B]" Kerstin said even as she hugged him again before letting go. "[B]I've missed you![/B]" She mock glared at him before turning serious again. "[B]Besides for a while there, when you were kidnapped by the Resistance I thought I'd never see you again.[/B]"

Darren shifted a bit uncomfortably since he had been thinking the same thing, that he would never see her again. "[B]I'm sorry.[/B]"

"[B]What for? It's not like it was your fault dummy![/B]" Kerstin said even as she poked him. Then she hugged him again. "[B]I've really missed you.[/B]" She said again before finally pulling away yet again.

"[B]Now, you have to tell me everything,[/B]" she demanded. "[B]You promised me an explanation as to how you ended up here and accepting the position to be the shipping expert for the High Council, so start talking![/B]"

Darren just laughed at her mock serious expression before inviting her to take a seat on one of the sofas or chairs. God he had missed talking with her. Then once she had settled in he began, answering her questions as well as asking her ones about what she was up to. About the only thing he did not cover was some of the harassment he had endured from Jared. Sister or not, he did not want to discuss that with anyone.

[Aaryanna]

[color=#DAA520]Things were still coming along slowly in the main genetics lab in the Council Center. It was taking even longer than Crystal would have expected. But then the remaining material was pretty fragmented and distorted. It was as the earthlings would have called it, like searching for a needle in a haystack. It required ruling out what it couldn't be and then searching for more clues in order to do the same thing again. It was painstaking and tedious work. Though Crystal didn't mind to much, it was what she was good at after all.

But she couldn't quit thinking about the scans Jacobs had sent to her a while ago, the one's of Celestia when she had been sick. Even though technically Crystal didn't have the clearance to see Celestia's file, for the most part when it came to medical care, Crystal and a fair amount of the doctors in the Empire simply ignored protocol. And on some level, even the High Council simply turned a blind eye since even though Jacobs would share information with her, he wouldn't with others. It was only done if they thought there was a need.

In Celestia's case it had turned out to be unnecessary, though Crystal had recommended some slight changes to the treatment. But she would have recovered without any intervention at all. It would have taken longer than a few days though. But that wasn't what Crystal was thinking about it. What had surprised her was that once the High Council had them brought to sector one, they were still keeping the two of them together.

It was something that Crystal had recommended when the two of them were on the Crimson. She had observed their stress levels when they were kept apart for the first month during the interrogations and then when the two were allowed to be together. Based on that when the time came she had recommended that they be kept together, but the High Council had ignored that, allowing Jason to be registered as Jared's property and making arrangements to have Celestia brought to sector one. So what had changed their minds?

Crystal sighed as she shut down the equipment in the lab. Too distracted to really concentrate. [I]Maybe I'll just ask and find out. [/I]She thought. It wouldn't be the first time she poked her nose into Council affairs. After all it was she who had made the big push to stop the forcible separation of families in the lesser races, to improve their living arrangements as well as medical care and allowing them time off.[I] Maybe I'll just ask Erica directly. [/I] She thought, after all before she became ill, Erica had been one of the strongest voices on the Council in favor of the improvements Crystal wanted for the lesser races.

She got up and left to head for the transport location since unlike the Tempest, other than designated areas, no transport doors were allowed. Crystal pulled out her hand held computer and requested information on Erica's whereabouts from the network. A moment later it came back, indicating that she was on Reflection. That was no surprise. Crystal hesitated as she considered whether or not to request an audience, she wondered if she should even bother Erica. After all, she was quite sick. And even though medication still allowed her to function, she was still dying. And as a doctor Crystal knew just what the disease was doing to her. She knew that it was sheer willpower that kept Erica moving in spite of the pain she must be in.

With a sigh Crystal contacted the Tempest instead and then provided the codes to the security in that section of the Council Center to request that a door be opened for her. She stopped in front of the huge waterfall, waiting patiently. Then when the door opened, she stepped through. Thinking that she could wait until tomorrow to decide if she would bother Erica or not. [/color]

[Horendithas]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Indigo]Before Jared was recruited to work as Sandra's second in command, he had been specializing in military investigations. Specifically in interrogation techniques. Working in tandem with those who specialized in gathering the necessary evidence to prove someone was guilty. After what Commander Alan had done to him when he was a kid, Jared had become driven in his desire to find and deliver punishment to those who were guilty of acts that were considered treason. What Alan had done was not considered treason, but that did not matter to Jared. Anyone who would rape and torture a child was in Jared's eyes, [I]scum[/I].

And since he could not stop people in a position of power from doing to children what had been done to him, Jared instead would find other illegal activities that they were involved in as those who got pleasure from abusing children often had expensive habits, habits that required illegal activities to support them. Jared did not care that others were trying to get him dismissed or in trouble. He lived for each target, for gaining the information necessary to put an end to their excess, as well as for the enjoyment he got out of torturing them personally.

Before long he had developed a reputation of being horrible, cruel and vicious. A rumor that was true, for if one was guilty, Jared had made sure that when he was done, they were practically begging to be executed, if only for the interrogations to end. Truthfully Jared had expected to eventually be framed by someone and then either imprisoned or executed. There were too many powerful corporations as well as people within the different military forces and political structures that ran the Empire.

Jared had expected to end up dead instead of being recruited by Sandra and then eventually being the second in command for one of the fleets flagships. Just as Sandra was one of the youngest Commodore's ever, so was Jared one of the youngest to serve as the second in command of a flagship. And just like when Darren had been given the position of Shipping Expert, there were those who were furious when Jared had gotten his latest promotion. Though those who opposed him were smart enough to keep quiet about it.

But those who disliked Darren were not so smart. When their formal complaints to the High Council were dismissed many of them had started plotting against Darren, enough that a few had already been caught and dealt with. But the High Council was sure that there were more and Jared agreed. When they had arrived in sector one and he had attended the meeting the next day, his part was but a formality. One where he was given the authorization codes to move against the more powerful politicians should the need arise, as well as authorization to use some of the Elite forces responsible for security on the home world.

Jared wasted no time at all, he had read the information on those who were under suspicion as well as the preliminary reports done by those who were investigating things before it was handed over to him. It was Jared's belief that Blaine Uratak, a very wealthy and powerful politician from sector five was involved. When Darren had exposed Daedalus shipping, Blaine Uratak had nearly been ruined. And though he had managed to shift his fortune, at the expense of millions of employees who were ruined in the process, he had still lost a lot of money.

But like so many who were greedy Blaine had stayed in sector one, intent on keeping his position of power, to continue representing sections of sector five, even though the people in that area wanted him to step down after what had happened. It was a move that would be his undoing since Jared, with the help of the computer specialist on the Conqueror had already gathered enough evidence to round up a number of his associates.

As soon as he finished with their interrogations he would move in and arrest Blaine Uratak. The moment when Blaine realized that even his power would not protect him was a moment that Jared was looking forward to. With a smile, Jared continued sorting through the data the specialist had got him. Putting it in order to present to the High Council, proving without a doubt that not only was Blaine, Uratak guilty of plotting to assassinate Darren, but of so much more as well. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

"[B]I can't believe you choose such a silly name for your ship William,[/B]" Daniel said as he set his things down next his bedroom door in the suite they would be sharing while they were on Reflection. "[B]I mean of all names why did you have to pick [I]The Tryst[/I]?[/B]"

William just laughed as he took a moment to head into his room and then come back into the main room. "[B]It's suppose to be silly. After all I am for the moment playing the role of a fool.[/B]"

Daniel just snorted, "[B]A role that you play all to well, I swear it's as if you already know how the wealthy behave. Stuck up, irritating, pompous as well as being so sickening about finding true love that it's a wonder they let you even come here.[/B]"

William smiled mysteriously, "[B]Well it's not the first time I've assumed this type of role you know. Or rather one of pretending to be a member of the wealthy class. I assure you my crew is well acquainted with it. Just as you and I will be playing the fools, they will be playing the bored crew running around while their silly employer amuses himself.[/B]"

Daniel just sighed since the room, in his opinion was excessively fancy. With silk curtains and a set of expensive sofas and end tables in deep reds as well as carpet and a well stocked bar. Well, it was a good thing he didn't know how much the dual bedroom and main living area was costing them. Some how he got the feeling that it would irritate him, even though he understood the need. And for them to have a balcony that overlooked part of one of the bigger universities as well as the ocean was in his opinion a bit much. But William had disagreed, pointing out how the location was just right for someone to look for a perfect woman.

He opened up the double doors and stepped out, surprised at how nice the view really was, and the university, he hadn't realized what a great view they had. Daniel could easily see those who were coming and gong from the main entrance since their suite was in the main Hotel across from the university. [I]I guess if William really was looking for someone, this would work beautifully. All he'd have to do is sit here and watch the people. [/I]

William joined him. "[B]I see that you've discovered our view. It's not the first time I've stayed here. Though it was under a different persona. However, as expensive as this place is, being situated across from that university is ideal.[/B]"

"[B]Why is that?[/B]" Daniel asked as he continued to watch the flow of people.

"[B]It's simple really, families of high ranking politicians and officials get certain benefits when it comes to attending schools and such. As a result quite a few rich little brats are here attending school. But they aren't what interest me. What does is that as a result quite a few high ranking officials attend the social functions held here.[/B]"

Daniel sighed a bit before turning and heading back into the main room and sitting down on the sofa. "[B]So that's why you insisted that I learn all those irritating rules as well as how to dance. You intend to attend those functions.[/B]"

"[B]Correct, and I'll be dragging you along with me. It will take some time, but I assure you there will be contacts one can make.[/B]" William joined Daniel by sitting on the other sofa, facing him. "[B]Besides, I happen to know that Darren's sister is attending that school. I can guarantee that anything she attends will have the type of officials we are looking for.[/B]"

Daniel just raised an eyebrow at that and leaned back. "[B]Isn't that a bit foolish? I mean, considering what you told me about the issues Darren is having, I would have thought that the security would be too tight. And I don't know about you, but what if Jared is there? Change or not he just might realize who I am. To be frank William, I think you're being a bit reckless.[/B]"

"[B]I don't think so,[/B]" William disagreed. "[B]We won't be focusing on stuff that Kerstin attends, but on stuff that the school she attends hosts. There's a difference. Probably about ninety percent of what we do go to won't involve her or the possibility of seeing Jared or anyone else for that matter.[/B]"

"[B]I still think it's too risky.[/B]" Daniel asserted.

"[B]Of course it's risky, gathering information is always risky. But trust me, we'll learn more this way. It would take months if not years to pick up on what we will find out in the next couple of weeks.[/B]" William stood up. "[B]I suggest you start putting your things away since the first thing we will be doing is signing up for some classes.[/B]"

Puzzled Daniel got up as well, "[B]Classes? Why would we want to take classes?[/B]"

"[B]Because students are automatically admitted to any function the school is hosting.[/B]"

Daniel just shook his head, "[B]Alright, give me a little bit and I'll be ready.[/B]" With another sigh he picked up his stuff sitting by the door leading to his bedroom and then he went inside.

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[color=darkslateblue]Sector 7 was close to sector 1, so getting to sector 7 hadn't taken long, especially with the [i]Transcendence[/i]'s speed. Kiva and Daego had gotten to work almost immediately upon their arrival. Their first step was to personally check the records of all the harvesting factories on the planet where the organic material was taken from. They could do this from orbit; accessing the factories' records was easy. However, these records didn't provide any information. Nothing was amiss with any of them. Kiva checked to make sure that no alterations had been made, and found this to be the case.[/color]

[color=#483d8b]What Kiva was doing was beyond Daego, so he'd been going over shipping records, making sure that there were no discrepencies, which their weren't.One of the ship names was familiar, but he couldn't quite remember where he'd heard it. "Hey, Kiva," he said, "are you familiar with a ship named [i]Condor[/i]?"[/color]

[color=#483d8b]"The [i]Condor[/i] was here?" Kiva said. She took a look at the shipping records herself, and saw that Daego was right. "So the [i]Condor [/i]was indeed here. That might mean something."[/color]

[color=#483d8b]"Yeah. I recognize the name from somewhere, but I can't remember where."[/color]

[color=#483d8b]"The [i]Condor[/i] was under the command of one Jennifer Beckly. She was considered a particularly law-abiding merchant, but was actually engaged in various smuggling activities. One of her illegal suppliers was Ryan Stevens."[/color]

[color=#483d8b]Daego didn't need to hear any more. He knew who Ryan Stevens was, and that Kiva's investigation of him was what led to her discovery of the treason of former Elite Commander Christopher Hays. This, of course, had been Kiva's last assignment before she was made an Elite Speciallist.[/color]

[color=#483d8b]"Oh yeah," Daego said. "The [i]Condor[/i] was the one you uncovered in your investigation. Well, it looks like the vessel made regular stops here. You think that could be important?"[/color]

[color=#483d8b]"It could be. I don't think Beckly was a member of the resistance, but she could very well have done business with them. Okay, I haven't found anything with the factories, but that may not matter. Keep going over the shipping records; I'm going to take a closer look at the [i]Condor[/i]'s entries."[/color]


[color=#483d8b]By accessing surveilance records, Kiva was able to see what Beckly did while her ship was in port. Often, she would meet with a man records identified as Telo Klameras, a man who dealt with official millitary shipments such as materials used in weapons. Beckly had often taken on such shipments, so meetings between her and Telo weren't inherently suspicious. It wasn't unusual for merchants to deal with the same people multiple times, but normally crew members handled things after the first couple transactions, and none of Beckly's crew members ever met with Telo. Only Beckly herself did, and frequently enough that the man warrented further investigation. So Kiva got access to his personal records, stored by the sector government. His records didn't reveal much, but they did point Kiva in the right direction.[/color]

[color=#483d8b]Telo, it seemed, had a twin brother named Krose, a field worker for one of the harvesting factories. The two actually lived together, a fact which could very well be significant. Personal residences usually didn't have survielance systems, so Kiva couldn't verify this, but she suspected that Krose was obtaining the organic material from the field and passing it on to Telo.[/color]

[color=#483d8b]"Daego, I think I may have something," Kiva said. "I've got a suspicious pair here, a Telo Klameras and his twin brother, Krose. Telo's a millitary shipping coordinator who's met personally with Jennifer Beckly on several occasions, and Krose is a field worker at one of the harvesting factories. I think he's obtaining the organic material from the field and passing it on to Telo, who would pass it on to Beckly. I don't have proof, but I have enough for suspicion. Still, I doubt those two are who we want. They're probably looking for someone else, and we need to know who. My guess is, Telo wouldn't have had much contact with this person, so we'll start with Krose. Contact local authorities. I want full access to all records and surveilance data for Krose. And I mean full access. I want literally everything."[/color]

[color=#483d8b]"On it," Daego said. Kiva could have hacked into the records and obtained them that way, but there was no reason to when she had the authority as an Elite Specialist to get them sent to her. She was hoping that these records would give her something more to go on, something that would point her to whoever was actually running the operation Krose and Telo were participants in.[/color]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=#DAA520]Celestia was trying to approach things like Jason was, simply doing as they were told without question. But she couldn?t shake the anger and resentment that she felt. As well as the fear that in spite of learning that for now they would be kept together, they would end up separated. It didn?t help that even though they were being required to work in the labs, Dakar was still running them through interrogations in the morning before they were then moved to the lab for the rest of the day.

She didn?t like the cold, stuck up director they were required to work with either. Patricia Jethra was of the opinion that those of the lesser races weren?t much better than scum, and she made it quite clear that she considered both Celestia and Jason to be even worse. Lacing her comments with scorn and derision, quickly pointing out flaws at every opportunity. And today had been no exception. The first assignment they had been given was to duplicate what they had done for the resistance with the transport doors. To change the programming so they could move by opening above someone and moving down. Something that would be supremely useful for shipping as cargo could be transported far quicker.

It was one of the easiest modifications they had made and in no time they had re-written up the program. But testing it was another matter. To her surprise it didn?t work, something that Jethra was quick to jump on, going on in her obnoxious voice about how she couldn?t understand why the Council would bother with someone as stupid as her and Jason. Celestia tried to hold it in as she sat there with Jason at the computer terminal. Looking through the data to see what they had missed, ignoring the desire to slap the woman silly since the security standing by the door and keeping watch would stun her before she had taken a step. Or worse they would activate the disruptor restraints. But several hours later, after several more attempts to get it to work Jethra's constant rude comments just made things worse.

The longer Celestia was in that tiny lab with that arrogant woman, the angrier she got. And a moment later when checking the data from Jethra's end and realizing what had happened, she snapped. There was no mistaking the change in her calculations. Everything they did was looked over by Jethra first before it was tested. [I]That bitch changed our calculations![/I] Celestia couldn?t believe it. She knew their technology was different since the Versilans did things based on the crystals, but to change it like that? No wonder it hadn?t worked!

Angrily Celestia stood up after slamming her fists on the console in front of her, she turned to face Jethra. [I]Damn her! We're the one's who will be punished if this doesn't work![/I] Celestia ignored Jason's pleas to calm down.

?[B]The reason it doesn't work, you [I]stupid stuck up bitch[/I] is because [I]you[/I] altered the calculations![/B]? Celestia yelled, ignoring the stunned look on Jethra?s face as well as the wary ones on the security.

?[B]Now listen here, you backwards, ignorant little?[/B]? Jethra started to reply but Celestia cut her off.

?[B]Shut up![/B]? She screamed at her. ?[B]Just shut the hell up! I am sick and tired of hearing the same stupid little speech from you about how stupid you think we are.[/B]? She took a step towards the director, not noticing that the security was taking aim, preparing to stun her. But Jason stood up and grabbed her, forcing her away from Jethra.

?[B]Celestia,?[/B] he said urgently. ?[B]Let it go.[/B]?

?[B]No![/B]? Celestia cried. ?[B]I refuse to let it go. How are we supposed to get anything done if that stupid idiot keeps interfering with what Dakar expects us to do? I do not want to be tortured for her stupidity![/B]?

?[B]I?ve about had enough of you two,[/B]? Jethra said coldly, she turned to face the security that Dakar had assigned to the lab to watch Celestia and Jason. ?[B]Contact Dakar immediately, I can?t possibly work with these two fools.[/B]?

?[B]I?ve already contacted him, he?ll be here shortly.[/B]? One of them replied.

Jason took advantage of that moment to pull Celestia, who was still fuming back over to her chair and to get her to sit down, pulling up his own seat next to her. Attempting to calm her down while ignoring Jethra who was still standing with her arms crossed and tapping her foot angrily. It seemed like forever, but fifteen minutes later Dakar finally arrived. Jason couldn?t help but cringe, wondering just what would happen. Dakar had told both of them that disrespect on their part would not be overlooked. Jason didn?t want to find out what type of punishment they would receive for Celestia?s outburst.[I] If only they?d do the same to Jethra.[/I] He thought. [I]She?s been far ruder than we ever have. [/I]

From where he was sitting with Celestia, Jason could tell that Dakar was not amused. But he did surprise him. Telling Jethra to be quiet when she started to immediately launch into a tirade about him and Celestia. Jason watched as Dakar accessed the surveillance and watched their argument, making Jason wince when he heard the part with Celestia calling Jethra a bitch. When it was finished and Dakar looked up from his hand held computer, first looking to Jethra and then to Celestia and Jason, he couldn?t help but pull back a bit in fear. But other than to meet their gaze briefly, Dakar turned back to Jethra.

?[B]Is it true that you altered the calculations?[/B]? He asked her.

?[B]Of course,[/B]? Jethra said indignantly. ?[B]I was ordered to review everything before it was tested. Those calculations,[/B]? she shot Celestia a hate filled glance, ?[B]were sloppy and full of errors. I corrected them before the program was run.[/B]?

Celestia started to say something to protest but stopped when Dakar turned to her. ?[B]Is it true that you made mistakes?[/B]? He asked her.

Celestia took a deep breath before responding as calmly as she could. ?[B]No, my calculations are not faulty. Different perhaps but not faulty, if Jethra would quit tampering with them she would see that they do work.[/B]?

Dakar looked between the two of them for a moment and then spoke, ?[B]Very well, run the program with out the corrections Director Jethra.[/B]?

Jethra opened her mouth to protest and then changed her mind. A moment later after she initiated the transport, the enclosed transport system activated, appearing over the crate of supplies they had in the room just for the test. A split second later the door moved downwards and closed, even as the crate reappeared in the other corner of the room as the door opened along the floor, and moved upwards placing the crate on the floor before vanishing. Jethra just stood there, next to the equipment strangely quiet.

?[B]I think it?s time for Celestia and Jason to call it a day,[/B]? Dakar said to the security. ?[B]Take them back to their quarters.[/B]? Then as Celestia and Jason were leaving, Celestia overheard Dakar as the doors started to close. ?[B]You and I need to have a little talk about your attitude Director.[/B]? [/COLOR]

[Horendithas]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Indigo]Jared was in the observation room on the Creator with Sandra. She along with Darren would be attending a type of ball at the university on Reflection later that evening. As a result they had been going over the security that would be in place for the evening as well as the details in regards to Kerstin as surprisingly she had not listed an escort when asked. Though that made things simpler since Jared wouldn't have to check anyone out.

"[B]Well, now that we've gone over all of that, how is your investigation coming along?[/B]" Sandra asked as she shut down the terminal in the desk she was sitting at.

"[B]It's coming along nicely. Several of Blaine Uratak's associates were only to happy to tell me what I wanted to know.[/B]" Jared said with a wry grin. "[B]They couldn't talk fast enough. As a result I've already secured confessions from both of them in regards to how Blaine shifted his fortune to save his own neck. As well as some other interesting details.[/B]"

"[B]Oh? What would that be?[/B]"

Jared laughed, "[B]That fool was stupid enough to help Daedalus shipping with their profiteering, I now have the records showing that he deliberately lied about holding supplies for Daedalus in his own personal storehouses in sector five. The computer specialist on the Conqueror was able to find evidence that the records were tampered with. That when he claimed the storehouses were empty they were in fact full.[/B]"

Sandra leaned back and folded her arms before replying, a look of irritation on her face. "[B]That was most unwise of him. Even if he were not guilty of conspiring to kill Darren, that alone is enough to arrest him for high treason.[/B]" She shook her head, "[B]Were you able to confirm anything else?[/B]"

"[B]I'm currently working on tracking down the people he inserted into the Internal Security Forces. Blaine's associates did not know who they were, but they did filter the money for Blaine to pay them. I also have the records for those transactions as well. The specialist on the Conqueror is also tracing where that money went to. If it runs into a dead end I'll simply arrest Blaine for the profiteering since that's more than enough.

However, I'm also tracking down the channels he used to transfer his fortune since he bankrupted millions of his employees when he did so. Lying to them about the trust funds, claiming that they were lost when Daedalus shipping was exposed. But it looks like he had someone on the inside move the money and alter the records to match to make it look like it was Daedalus instead of him.

I can only imagine that he did it since he knew that once the money was frozen it would have been seized and distributed first to the employees who were innocent and then the rest used to pay back those who were gouged by the profiteering.[/B]"

Sandra just sighed, "[B]Some people just never learn do they? It never fails to amaze me at how many of the wealthy think they are above the law.[/B]"

Jared just laughed again, "[B]I know, it is supremely ironic how arrogant some of them become. Which is why I am waiting on the other information since I'd rather bring him up on all the charges instead of just the one. He used Daedalus to keep the money for himself, helped them with the profiteering and plotted to kill Darren. I suspect that when the time comes even the Elite military who will be arresting him would rather slit his throat.

And just to be sure I've already issued the order that if he attempts to leave sector one, Blaine is to be arrested immediately. I have no intention of letting him run and hide. Elite Commander Dakar even agreed to assign some of his men to keep an eye on Blaine at all times.[/B]"

Sandra stood up to leave, "[B]Good. Now getting back to the ball later this evening, are you going to be able to escort Kerstin like you planned?[/B]"

Jared stood up as well, "[B]I've already made the arrangements, all I need to do is contact her.[/B]"

"[B]I'll see you later then since I have some things to take care of before I can go.[/B]" Sandra nodded and then left the observation room.

A few minutes later Jared did as well, first he would need to contact Kerstin and then he too would need to take care of a few things before he could head out. Hopefully in a few days he would have the rest of the information on Blaine. If not, well it wouldn't matter. Either way Blaine would be taken care of.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Rachmaninoff]

Things had been going well, or so Darren had thought. Due to the security issue he was not required to transport to his office near the Council Center, something that didn't really bother him. It was pretty easy to simply talk via direct communication with those who were suppose to work with him and since he had already checked out those who would be working in the office, a simple interview was all it took for him to finish making his choices. Though he had Jared check them out as well. He wasn't completely happy with everyone, but it was kind of unavoidable. And if there was one thing he didn't have problems with, it was expecting others to do their jobs. Darren had worked with the remains of his fathers company when he took over. And even if the others were older and more experienced than he was, he had written up the protocols so he had no problem refusing suggestions to change it since some of the suggestions would make things more drawn out and lengthy, in addition to making it easier for others to cheat the system.

In a way he couldn't help but laugh, after all, most people in politics couldn't seem to grasp the fact that simple was easier. Always making rules and regulations far more complicated than they had to be. That was part of what he had been trying to avoid. And just as he didn't care that his father and his stupid friends hated him and the changes, neither did he care that others were angry that he wouldn't make things easier for the wealthy to cheat the population. Darren had made his mind up. If he was going to be stuck working as the Shipping Expert, he was going to do things his way. And since the High Council agreed with it, he refused to budge when pressed or outright badgered. No he would not allow the larger companies to bypass some of the checks, no he would not allow a ship to only have to check in with the sector they started in and the one they finished in. Everyone had to follow the same procedure, checking in at each sector.

It wouldn't have been so annoying if they hadn't refused to drop it, bringing it up again and again, trying in their patronizing voices to explain that larger companies deserved a break. Finally after a few days of being badgered he had forbidden any of the larger companies to speak to him directly other than a few times a week. It was clear to Darren that they were use to dealing with the previous shipping expert since they got nastier than hell when he refused the changes they wanted. If he had allowed it, they would have been dangerously close to making the same mistake that the three largest shipping companies had been busted for. Profiteering. But fortunately, when they tried to act like he was too stupid to understand the accounting behind their profit, he had been able to see that they were lying. He didn't have to understand accounting for this job, though due to fixing the mess his father had created he did. Still it was a simple matter to run things through the automated accounting program in the computer system to find out the truth. And the truth was, not one of them was hurting for profit or making money, even after what had happened and prices had been brought back down.

Darren sighed as he finished reading some of the requests. Even though he wouldn't talk to them directly as often, they still sent the same stupid requests all the time, changing a word or two hoping he was too stupid to notice. He shut down his terminal in his quarters and went into his bedroom to change. Tonight he was required to attend one of the silly stupid balls being held at the university Kerstin was attending. And though he would have rather skipped it, Sandra had made it clear that he was required to go. Sure she would be coming along as his escort, but still. With a sigh he finished changing into the more formal uniform, wincing as he stared at it in the mirror, cringing at the browns and gold. Kerstin thought it looked nice, but he still felt like an idiot wearing it.

"[B]I'd better get going.[/B]" He said out loud to himself. "[B]Even if I'd rather die than be seen wearing this damn thing.[/B]"

He walked back out into the main room, careful to avoid walking through the sofas and tables in the center of the main room since the stupid cape liked to catch on things. A moment later he was out the door and heading for Sandra's quarters. Knowing her she was already waiting since she had been born and raised in a family steeped in politics. It was a thought that was confirmed when she answered her door immediately, already dressed in a beautiful blue silk dress that sparkled with bits of silver. With a low front neckline and strapless sleeves, it flowed down her body, clinging in all the right places. And when she turned slightly Darren could see that the back of the dress was also quite low as it was open halfway down her back,

She was stunningly beautiful in the dress a fact that hadn't really occurred to Darren since he had never seen her in anything other than a military uniform. He politely extend his right arm, "[B]You look beautiful.[/B]" He said sincerely as she took his right arm with her left.

Sandra just flashed him an amused smile, "[B]Thank you Darren, at least you actually mean it.[/B]" She laughed at his confused expression. "[B]Forget I said that, it has nothing to do with you. So, shall we get going? I'm sure Jared is waiting for us as well as your sister on Reflection.[/B]"

"[B]Yes, I'm sure he is,[/B]" Darren said, feeling a bit uneasy since his encounter with Jared a short while ago had him convinced that Jared was up to something. He had favored him with one of those smug looks he got. Making Darren wonder just what Jared was up to.

"[B]Anyway, lets get this over with shall we?[/B]" Darren said politely.

Sandra just laughed and laughed at that statement. Darren waited patiently for her to finish. "[B]What's so funny?[/B]"

"[B]Darren,[/B]" she said as they continued down the corridor towards the transport room. "[B]If I had things my way, I'd never attend one of these silly functions either.[/B]" She smiled warmly. "[B]I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who dislikes them.[/B]"

"[B]I don't understand, if you don't like them, why do you go?[/B]"

"[B]Because whether or not I like them, they are required. Once you've been around for a while you'll see what I mean. If you were take away the silly functions that the politicians enjoy so much you'd have riots in no time. Besides, even if I dislike them, they are useful.

They are perfect for showing support for another group or person. Which is why I am your escort. Every politician there with half a brain is going to realize that by escorting you I am making it clear that the High Council supports your position. It's also useful for forming political alliances and discussing deals without the need to be official. But for someone like your sister, they can be one of the best methods for meeting potential clients.[/B]"

Sandra just chuckled some more before finally getting it under control. "[B]Anyway, as you already said, lets get it over with. Just try to look at least semi happy alright?[/B]"

Darren sighed, "[B]I'll try.[/B]"

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR=goldenrod]In the end Crystal ended up not contacting Erica. She really didn't need to know why Jason and Celestia were being kept together, other than to satisfy her own curiosity. Especially since she was willing to bet that it had to do with the push to improve things for the lesser races. She had already gotten them to provide better medical facilities throughout the Empire as well as the approval of recreation days for all members of the lesser races. But the push to stop the forcible separation of family units was still up in the air since many people felt like bothering to go to such lengths was a waste of time.

In Crystal's mind it just made Erica's illness even more sad since even though she was well over two hundred and fifty years old, were she not sick she would have probably served for at least another thirty years on the High Council, helping Crystal to finish pushing the changes through. But even Crystal didn't know the answer for her illness. About the only good thing about it was that it was rare for someone younger to be affected. Still...Crystal sighed, it was frustrating to have such excellent medical technology and face something that couldn't be cured.

Crystal put it out of mind as she finished up her work for the day. In that respect things were going well. She had narrowed it down enough to eliminate quite a few possibilities. For starters she was now positive that what ever it was, it was not artificial in nature nor a plant either. She still had to run some lengthy tests, but it was looking like it was genetic material from a person, but how that could be she just didn't know. Since everyone had been transported up to the moon before the explosives had been triggered. There shouldn't have been anyone left to get caught in the blast.

The chime of an incoming transmission sounded and Crystal paused to open up her hand held computer and answer it. To her surprise it was Stevens. "[B]What did you need Stevens?[/B]"

"[B]I'm sorry to bother you on such short notice, but are you free this evening?[/B]"

Puzzled Crystal indicated that she was. Wondering just what Stevens needed.

"[B]Good,[/B]" He said smiling warmly. "[B]You see I need an escort for the function being held on Reflection. I don't suppose I could convince you to do me the honor of being my date?[/B]" He finished with a conspiratorial wink.

Crystal was not amused. Her expression instantly changing to one of irritation. "[B]Stevens, you know damn well I hate that kind of nonsense. Why the hell are you asking me?[/B]"

Stevens laughed delightedly. "[B]Now Crystal, is that any way to talk to someone who secretly pines over you?[/B]" He laughed even more at Crystal's further look of outright irritation. "[B]Seriously though, to borrow a bit of your bluntness my dear, my original date got called away on duties and the first person I thought of was you.[/B]" He winked at her again.

"[B]You should start thinking of someone else,[/B]" Crystal started to say as she attempted to decline, but Stevens interrupted her.

"[B]Ah, but you see, you're the only person I know who's dying to know just why Jason and Celestia are still being kept together.[/B]" He smirked at her startled expression. "[B]I figured that if I was going to drag you to a social function that the least I could do was provide you with a bit of information that I know you are interested in.[/B]"

Crystal felt like someone had smacked her upside the head with a scanner. She hadn't even voiced that wish to know to anyone. How had Stevens figured it out? Even as she wondered, she knew he had won. She would go. Something that must have been conveyed in her expression.

"[B]I take it that I can expect to meet you on Reflection then?[/B]"

"[B]Very well,[/B]" Crystal said. "[B]Only if you explain to me just how you knew I wanted that information as well.[/B]"

"[B]It's a deal then.[/B]" Stevens replied. "[B]I'll see you shortly then. I'll have the details waiting for you on the Tempest. Till then.[/B]" Stevens bowed slightly and then ended the transmission.

Crystal just sat there for a moment, still confused as to how Stevens knew. Then she turned back to her work. Now that she had other arrangements, she needed to finish up so she could head back to the Tempest to get ready. It would be interesting since she hadn't worn a dress in decades. [I]I can't believe I let him talk me into that. [/I]She thought.[/COLOR]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]It had taken a little while, but Kiva had finally found something. Krose himself seemed clean, but Kiva was still convinced that he was involved. And she was correct. She couldn't find anyone Krose was meeting with, but then she checked his co-workers. She found anomalies it the records for one of them, a Sara Jalmor. Her records appeared fine, but when Kiva looked deeper, she found some clever alterations designed to disguise her place of residence. She didn't need to follow the alterations to know what was going on; other sources verified that where Sara lived was a mystery. So Kiva sent one of the [font=Tahoma]Transcendence[/font]'s drones down to follow her.[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color][color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]Sara took extensive measures to avoid being traced, but she couldn't fool something as advanced as the [font=Tahoma]Transcendence[/font]'s drone. The drone easily kept track of her. But when she reached a seemingly random location, she was gone. However, the drone was able to detect the briefly opened transportation door. And it had also managed to pick up the code Sara used to open the door.[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]"Okay, we've got her," Kiva said. "She's good at covering her tracks, but not good enough. We know where to go and how to get a transportation door. Now we just have to go down there."[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]Kiva and Daego, outfitted in ordinary Specialist battle armor, stood where Sara had. Using her handheld, Kiva sent the coded signal the drone had detected. The next thing she knew, she and Daego were inside a facility of some kind. [/color][/color][color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]The two of them didn't waste any time. It was likely that a warning buzzer of some kind sounded whenever a transportation door was used, so Sara would know that someone had found her. And Kiva wanted not only Sara, but any electronic records that she might have. This, of course, ment that Sara had to be taken care of before she could destroy any computer equipment.[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]Kiva and Daego split up. They didn't know anything about where they were, so they had to guess at where Sara would be. Splitting up would allow them to search more quickly. They split immediately after exiting the arrival chamber, Daego running down the corridor to left while Kiva went right.[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]It was Kiva who quite literally ran into Sara. Sara came around a corner and ran right smack into Kiva. Sara stumbled backwards, but Kiva remained steady, immediately pointing her gun at Sara. "You lose," she said.[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]"Damn it," Sara swore. "Fine, you got me. I don't know how the hell you found me, though."[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]"Simple. We had a drone on you today. It was close enough to pick up the code you used to signal for the transport door. Now, I recommend you don't try anything, because if you do, you'll find that things will get extremely unpleasant."[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]Kiva contacted Daego. "Daego, I've got her. I'll handle things here. You ffind and shut down whatever shielding this place has."[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]"Got it," Daego replied.[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]Kiva terminated communications. "Okay, now I've got a few questions for you, Sara," she said. "First, where exactly are we? We'll be able to pick this place up on sensors as soon as Daego takes down the shields, but I'd rather know now."[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]"I guess refusing would be pointless," Sara said. "Fine. I don't know the exact location, but it's an old, abandoned factory. When they built the current harvesting factories, the older ones like these became unnecessary. They've all been used for various purposes since then. Some aren't even standing anymore. This one's fine, though. I only run minimal power, so only basic shielding is necessary."[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]"Makes sense. Now, who, if anyone, do you work for?"[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]"I... oh, hell, you'll be able to get all this from the computers anyways. I don't work for anyone, really, but I'm not exactly independant either. I operate within a smuggling network. I don't know much besides that, though I've met a couple people involved with it. No point in holding back the names; you'll get those from the computers, too. There was a freighter captian, Jennifer Beckly, and someone she identified only as Chris. He was in an odd-looking cloak. Even his face was covered, so I have no idea what he looks like. There was someone else, too, a third person who never spoke. I never got a name for for the person; I couldn't even tell the gender, what with the heavy clothing he or she was hidden under I don't think even Chris or Jennifer knew who the person was, other than that he or she was the one they were selling to. The merchandise was, well, significant, so I assume the person just wanted to verify that I was running a smooth operation here."[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]Kiva was a bit surprised, as she knew who Chris had to be. [i]Christopher Hays was here? Well, actually, that might not be out of the question. Beckly was picking up the organic material from Sara; hays might well have wanted to meet this supplier in person.[/i] "So you didn't actually work for anybody," she said. "I assume, then, that you're not part of the Resistance. You did business with them, though, I already know that. I' massuming you've figured out what the organic material you supplied them was used for?"[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]Sara nodded. "They never told me, but when I heard about the attacks, it wasn't hard to figure out. I don't care, though. What people do with the stuff I get them isn't my business."[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]At that point, Daego contacted Kiva. "Shielding has been disabled," he said.[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]"Good. I'll open a transport door and send Sara up. I assume you know what to do with her."[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]"Yes, I do. All right, then. I'll see you back on the ship." He terminated communications.[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]Kiva signaled the [i]Transcendence[/i], and a transport door was opened. "Go through," she said to Sara. "You'll end up in a cell on my ship. Daego will come for you shortly, and I suggest you sooperate with him. No get through the door."[/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue][/color][/color]
[color=darkslateblue][color=darkslateblue]Sara didn't even try to resist. She just walked through the door, which closed behind her. Kiva wasn't ready to leave the facility quite yet. First, she was going to take a look at the computers. She'd upload all the data to the [i]Transcendence[/i] when she was done, but she wanted to take a look herself first. After all, there just might be something important.[/color][/color]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=goldenrod]Jason had thought that after what had happened in the computer lab the other day that things would have calmed down, that Dakar would have simply moved them to work with someone else, but he had been wrong. Not about being moved to work with someone more flexible but about things calming down. The very first thing Dakar had done when they had been brought to the interrogation room the following morning and secured them in the chairs was to proceed to dress both of them down for their behavior. Pointing out how someone who was truly [I]civilized[/I] would have instead simply told their superior about Jethra's attitude problems instead of flying off the handle like Celestia had.

Celestia had tried to protest but Dakar wouldn't hear it, ruthlessly reminding her of how her [I]poor[/I] attitude had lead to even more poor judgments. Reminding her that those of the lesser races had no rights and that she would do well to remember it. Pointing out how she was forgetting that the two of them were being allowed to stay together, that instead of being put in separate cells they were in comfortable quarters. In no time he had Celestia in tears and Jason trying to apologize, but it didn't matter. In the end Dakar had disciplined them both. Torturing both of them until he was satisfied that they had learned their lesson.

Then when he had finally finished, he had ordered that they be taken back to their quarters. With a few parting words to the effect that if there was a next time they would regret it. When they had finally been left at their quarters, Jason had just taken Celestia over to the sofa and sat down to hold her while she sobbed hopelessly. Not bothering to fight the tears that ran down his own face. Even though the disruptor's were every bit as painful as he had remembered, it had hurt more to see Celestia in pain.

Celestia had mumbled incoherently as she cried, attempting to apologize to Jason for what had happened until finally she exhausted herself. Falling asleep in his arms. Jason had just held her until she finally woke up later. Refusing to accept her apology, reminding her that if anything the High Council should be apologizing to them for what they had done to them as well as Earth.

[CENTER]-----------------------------------------------------------[/CENTER]

Erica had just finished preparing some orders. Ones that were heavily encrypted and meant for the few Resistance agents left under her command. Ones that even William did not know about. By now she was certain that Kiva's investigation in sector seven was well underway and she wanted to make sure that everything went as smoothly as possible. At least for the next stage that is since even with the information that she had given Kiva, it would not be enough to expose things as completely as she would have liked.

And even then, what she was doing had nothing to do with the investigation, they were activities that would be revealed as a result of it. Activities that had been going on for a very, very long time. Erica knew better than to be that sloppy, to deliberately start things for Kiva to find. No she just kept doing what she had always done since she started the Resistance so long ago. Gathering information and recruiting potential members into their ranks.

As Erica sent off the orders, she only hoped that what would be uncovered wouldn't shock Kiva or her crew too much. It was something that she had wanted to expose ever since she found out about it, but the opportunity had not presented itself. Then once the orders were sent she went back to what she normally did. Or rather as much as she could since Erica's involvement in Council affairs was practically non-existent.[/COLOR]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

Daniel had thought that William was cautious, but even he had no idea just how cautious he was. Not only had he surprised him by having them sign up for a few classes that did not have Kerstin in them, nearly every thing they had gone to so far she hadn't even attended. Still, just as William had said there was quite a bit to pick up. Daniel found it almost appalling at how stupid some of the wealthy and politically connected were. Between the illegal business deals, to other more disgusting illegal drug habits to slave trading. It was unbelievable.

And even then Daniel had felt stupid compared to William. Watching in amazement as he seemed to read people's minds, knowing just when to join conversations as well as how to position himself to overhear others talking in hushed tones without the others realizing that he was listening. It was no wonder that William was leading the Resistance, he was clearly good at a wide variety of things. It was a pity that what they had learned so far was pretty useless as far as the situation regarding Celestia and Jason went, but he was sure it would come in handy for other reasons.

Daniel finished getting ready for the function that they would be attending that actually would have Kerstin there. And since it had been announced, he already knew that Darren as well as a bunch of other important people would be there. Including Sandra and Stevens. If he had his way, Daniel would not be going, but William had insisted. Even going so far as applying temporary alterations to their appearances and using completely different student ID's

"[B]You about ready?[/B]" William called from the main room of their shared suite.

"[B]As ready as I'll ever be,[/B]" Daniel said as he finished buttoning up the formal jacket and joined him in the main room. "[B]I'm curious about one thing though. Why did you make three ID's? There's only two of us you know.[/B]"

"[B]Because the group we are impersonating when we provide our ID in order to gain admittance share the same room at the university and do everything together. I've gotten wind of some interesting rumors and the last thing I want is for our persona's to show up as being at the function. Should anything happen, a full investigation could spell trouble.[/B]"

Daniel finished tugging on the outfit he was wearing, making sure everything was in place. "[B]William, just what rumors are you talking about? You know I hate how you keep me out of the loop for just about everything.[/B]"

William just raised an eyebrow, "[B]Sorry Daniel, but I thought you would have realized what I meant. It has to do with Darren and those who wish him dead. It's no secret that Blaine Uratak despises him as well as a number of other's who lost quite a bit of influence and power when the three major shipping companies were exposed.

It's not official, but my understanding is that Jared is heading the investigation, it's rumored that Blaine has hired assassins to take out Darren. And since they are being cautious and keeping him on the Creator, it only makes sense that if possible they would try to get to him here.

It's why we are going as someone else. The security for this function is going to be much tighter than the others. And if something did happen, well since I arranged for the three to be indisposed, it will have them looking in the wrong direction. I've already got two of my crew impersonating both you and I. Making it look as if we are somewhere else for the evening. Besides, I have someone else coming along who will take the role of the third person.[/B]"

Daniel just sighed. Feeling rather stupid. Even if he had been good at commanding a battle ship, he had never really been good at covert operations. Well unless they entailed an actual battle between ships. But this? In the end he could only admire William's ability to blend in, doing his best to be the annoyed friend who had been dragged along to Reflection. Something that William assured him that he did well.

And later when they finally arrived and went through the security that just as William had said was much tighter, he couldn't help but admire how the other person who had come along blended in just as well as William did. Now, as Daniel stood near one of the elaborate buffets for the function along one of the walls, watching those who were already either dancing, chatting or wandering around in the huge massive ballroom, he did his best to try and avoid looking for faces that he knew. As well as avoiding the gaze of the security that was visibly present.

"[B]Stop moping,[/B]" William teased him. "[B]Go and find someone cute and ask them to dance. Remember, we aren't here as our other persona's so it will look out of place if you do nothing.[/B]"

Daniel shot him an irritated glance. "[B]You make it sound so easy.[/B]"

He turned his back on him and headed out into the main area where others were gathered in groups talking. Mumbling to himself and not paying attention to what was going on. Until he literally bumped into someone. Daniel started to apologize until she turned to see who had bumped into her and Daniel saw just who it was and who was with her. It didn't matter that he looked different, or that the chances of him being recognized were non-existent. He froze just the same. Doing his best to not panic and immediately run.[I] Hell! [/I]

[CENTER]--------------------------------[/CENTER]

[B]OCC:[/B] Looks like I ended up posting before you did indifference. In that case I leave the rest up to you. Or at the very least the next part.

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[color=darkslateblue]When Kiva stepped through the transport door onto the [i]Transcendence[/i], she immediately took her seat and accessed the data she'd just finished uploading from the abandoned factory Sara had been using. Daego was suprised; normally, not even Kiva got back to work so quickly, and she seemed focused on... something. "What is it?" he asked.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"I saw something when I was taking a look through the computers in that factory. A string of data. I recognized the data pattern despite the fact that the string was incomplete, so I hunted around and found all the missing pieces. I want to make sure they're all in the data, that there wasn't a hardware issue in the factory screwing up the data. Let's see... okay, the data string and all its pieces are present, and data grade is normal. All right, now's when things get interesting. Daego, we're returning to sector 1 immediately. Set a course."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"What's going on?" Daego asked as he set the course and the [i]Transcendence[/i] entered hyperspace.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Well," Kiva said, "this data string has a... distinctive pattern. I think I've managed to reconstruct it correctly, but we won't be able to get confirmation until we're back in sector 1. And if I'm right, things are going to get very interesting. See, this data string seems to be a code, and not just any code. The length and pattern indicate that it's the personal code of a member of the High Council."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Um... shit," Daego said. "You're sure?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Pretty sure, but accusing a High Council member of treason isn't something to do lightly. Before we make a report, we'll have to be certain that the data string is actually a High Councilor's personal code. We'll also have to determine just whose code it is. Then, I'll want to investigate that individual before making a formal acusation. Only if everything checks out will we report a treason at that level."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]If the code that Kiva had found was indeed a High Councilor's personal code, that meant that a High Councilor was, at the very least, involved in the black market. After all, the code was used in the headquarters of a black market dealer. Kiva remembered that Sara had mentioned a person whose identity and even gender had been concealed. It was possible that this person was the treasonous High Councilor. And that visit had been about the purchace of the organic material the Resistance had used for the explosives, so if that person was the High Councilor, than that would mean that a High Councilor was involved in the Resistance.[/color]

[Horendithas]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Indigo]In all honesty, Jared didn't like social functions, whether it was a ball or a concert didn't matter. He disliked most of the petty dealings that went on at such things since he preferred a certain amount of bluntness. Still like Sandra he understood just how useful they were and as an interrogator they could be perfect for seeing how people behaved. Since some simply could not resist the open environment and were often a bit careless. He knew perfectly well that one could get their hands on information that otherwise would be difficult to come across.

It was a pity he wasn't actively watching someone who was actually at this particular ball. It was interesting from the standpoint of watching the others though, since he had been correct in his assumption that Darren would rather die than attend a ball. But his sister Kerstin, she had been more than eager to go as well as to accept Jared's offer to escort her. Which considering the security was ideal. Making it easier for him to keep an eye on her. Even if Darren looked a bit panic stricken. Something that regretfully Jared couldn't really enjoy as his attention was needed elsewhere.

But so far he hadn't seen anything amiss and the security didn't either. It was for all intents the same boring deal of dancing, chatting and wandering around to talk with others as all balls often were. There hadn't even been any of the usual arguments since the presence of the security had people behaving. Though Jared was sure his presence was contributing to it as well. Which was why his attention was immediately drawn to an individual who was heading across the floor, his attention clearly elsewhere as it seemed that he was mumbling over something, preoccupied as he narrowly missed running into several groups of people.

Their body language was not one of menace, leaving Jared to believe that it was something else, but when the person abruptly switched directions and bumped directly into Kerstin he just raised an eyebrow. Especially when Kerstin turned to see who had run into her and the person looked up at her. Jared was not surprised that he seemed to recognize her, after all she was a student at the university but his quickly suppressed look of panic and terror upon seeing him was surprising. Jared knew that others were afraid of him, but such a strong reaction over simply seeing him was not something he ran into very often.

Jared watched as he stammered a bit before finally managing to say something that was actually coherent. Making him wonder just what he had heard about him to get such a strong reaction.

"[B]I'm terribly sorry...I...I wasn't paying attention.[/B]" The person finally said.

Kerstin just smiled. "[B]I wouldn't worry about it. Though usually it is a good idea to watch where you are walking you know.[/B]" she teased.

The person just nodded and then started to leave after apologizing yet again.

"[B]Wait a second,[/B]" Kerstin said, causing them to stop. "[B]Aren't you going to introduce yourself? After all, I get the impression that you know who I am.[/B]"

Jared couldn't help but notice how they glanced nervously at him before looking back to Kerstin to respond.

"[B]I'm sorry, you're right. I do know who you are but then I've seen some of your work.[/B]" He swallowed nervously before continuing. "[B]I'm Drake Etat, and though we don't share any classes I've seen you around.[/B]"

"[B]Well then Drake,[/B]" Kerstin said mock seriously. "[B]I'm going to have to demand that you share a dance with me and tell me about yourself as a proper apology for rudely bumping into me.[/B]" She winked at him before turning to Jared with a smile. "[B]Provided that you don't mind that is.[/B]"

Jared just smiled in return, "[B]Not at all.[/B]"

He made a mental note to check into Drake Etat's background though as he watched them head for the main floor. If only to see if there was some reason for Drake's strong reaction to him. Then he turned his attention back to what was going on as well as watching Kerstin since in a way it was amusing to watch just how forward Kerstin was in comparison to Darren. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=goldenrod]Erica had finally finished, the final touches of what she had prepared for Kiva to find was done. Originally it had been intended for William since the moment she had found out about her illness she had started working on it. And it would still be sent to him since it was likely that the High Council would attempt to suppress the knowledge, to make sure that no one ever found out. With a sigh she terminated the connection to her personal information vault, one that all members of the High Council had, a place where they could store information that no one else could get into. Not even another councilor.

Like everyone else Erica had used it, but until she got sick, she had never recorded anything that had to do with the resistance, choosing to keep that knowledge committed to memory. But when things had changed she had starting writing a time line from when she first started leading the Resistance. Including it since once someone died, the information was accessed by who ever had seniority among her own faction. She had never included it before since even though protocol demanded that only she access it, Erica was not so naive as to believe that the head of her faction would follow protocol. Though so far the security indicated that such a serious breach had never occurred.

But now that didn't matter, and since she had started it, so far no one had looked. But then she had never done anything to give others a reason to try and pry into her affairs. Erica had never gotten involved in some of the more questionable activities that a few councilors had. And even though the information had all the details and files associated with things that she had found out, Erica had been careful to leave out names or situations where it would be easy to determine who could have been involved. So it wasn't as complete as she would have liked, but it was more than enough.

[CENTER]-------------------------------------------[/CENTER]

Celestia was depressed, after what had happened the other day where Dakar had punished them, she had been feeling guilty. Even though she knew it was their fault for what they had done to her people and for keeping both her and Jason here against their will. Logically she knew they were wrong but emotionally, it hurt. She already missed both Daniel and Sara terribly. As well as Kim. Even with how hard things had been, when she had been with them at least she had felt hopeful. But now? It seemed beyond hopeless and part of her couldn't seem to shake how horrible it felt inside. Without Jason she honestly felt like she would be going crazy.

She was so caught up in how she felt that Celestia paid little attention to where she was being taken, not even realizing that it was a different lab this time or that there was a different person there. She just took the seat indicated, waiting dully for her instructions since they had completed the one for the transport doors. Celestia was not expecting someone who was more cheerful, who extended his hand to shake hers with a smile. Leaving her and Jason feeling dumbfounded until he explained further after pulling up a chair and sitting across from them.

"[B]I guess I should introduce myself right? I did look up your Earth customs, but I don't remember if I'm suppose to say who I am before shaking your hand or not.[/B]" He smiled apologetically, "[B]Anyway, my name is Nat, Nat Scorer. I'm the assistant director of this part of the Council Center and I'll be working with the two of you from now on. But before we start, do either of you have any questions for me?[/B]"

Celestia just shook her head, too confused by his manner to think of anything to ask. Jason shook his head as well. Still confused by Nat's more friendly behavior.

"[B]Alright, how about I start with how I do things?[/B]" He waited for a nod from them and then continued. "[B]Now I heard all about what happened with the director and I want you to know that I do not work like that. If you have a problem with something I am doing, tell me. I've already checked into how your technology is based and even if some of it is completely illogical it does work. So obviously you're going to need to work with me on this since I can't always tell by looking at your calculations or programs. But then your race didn't use Crystals correct?[/B]"

"[B]Correct.[/B]" Celestia replied.

"[B]Well then, now that we've settled that how about you answer some of my questions about the modifications you made that enabled the transport door to move? Once we've covered that we'll start on the next assignment.[/B]"

"[B]Okay,[/B]" Celestia said hesitantly.

He smiled at both of them again. "[B]Oh and one other thing, I'm sorry that you were disciplined for what happened, but I assure you the rest of us were pleased to see Jethra finally get dressed down for being such an arrogant ass.[/B]" [/COLOR]

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR=goldenrod]Crystal was starting to regret that she had agreed to go with Stevens to the ball. For one thing he seemed to enjoy the envious looks directed towards him as well as the admiring glances directed towards her. Crystal knew she was pretty, but it still irritated her that people would go by looks instead of personality or other traits that were in her opinion far more important. As a result she rarely went out or saw anyone. Since being considered in that light annoyed her to no end. And being required to wear something that only accentuated that response...heaven help the next fool who tried to peek down her dress during a dance. It wasn't quite as revealing as Sandra's dress but it wasn't far off. At least Stevens had not done so, but then she wondered if it was because he knew she'd clobber him if he did. Since the only real difference was her dress was white with gold trim. It was just as easy to see down it when dancing as Sandra's was. Making Crystal wonder about the idiot who designed them.

She tried to stifle a sigh from her vantage point of being near the open doors leading to an outside balcony overlooking the ocean, but Stevens who was standing with her and watching the proceedings caught it just the same.

"[B]Bored already are you?[/B]" He teased her.

Crystal refused to look at him, knowing perfectly well that he was teasing. "[B]Stevens,[/B]" She said in her most patronizing tone, "[B]I was bored the moment I put this dress on.[/B]"

Stevens just chuckled. "[B]In that case,[/B]" He offered his right arm to her. "[B]How about we head outside and get a little fresh air? After all I did promise to enlighten you in regards to both Jason and Celestia.[/B]"

She looked at him to see if he was serious and then took his arm when it seemed that he was, following his lead as he headed out onto the enormous balcony and then over to the side where no one else was around. Then he let go and faced the view before talking.

"[B]It's really quite simple Crystal, I'm sure you remember how much the Council fought your suggestions to provide better medical facilities and recreation days for the lesser races right?[/B]" He continued without bothering to wait for her to reply, his gaze still out on the ocean instead of on her.

"[B]Your argument if I remember correctly was that the poor living conditions as well as the continual stress was detrimental to their health. Something that was also affecting the Empire since so much is done by them. A fact that once the changes were made became evident as not only did the efficiency levels improve but the rate of serious behavioral problems decreased as well.[/B]"

Stevens paused but Crystal simply waited patiently, turning her own gaze to the ocean since even with the dim lighting outside it was rather pretty.

"[B]Ever since those changes were made you've been pushing to put an end to the separation of family units among the lesser races, pointing out that like the poor health issues, poor mental health is equally as detrimental. It's been harder to convince others of this since they consider them to be inferior and incapable of such mental issues. You and I know better, but still that perception exists.[/B]"

Crystal couldn't help herself, "[B]Stevens,[/B]" She said slightly irritated. "[B]You were for separating families on Earth as a means to get them to tell you were the Resistance was hiding. So since when did you know better?[/B]"

Stevens turned to face her a wry grin on his face, "[B]That was merely a means to an end Crystal. Not a true indication of what I really think. The lesser races may lack our technology or our ability to live longer, but that doesn't mean that if left alone they would never develop to the same level we are at right now.

When Erica became ill and no longer had the time or energy to assist with the proposal I took it up myself since I happen to agree with you on this. I think it's part of why the birth rates were so low, resulting in a serious labor shortage. We may have solved that by taking over Earth, but if we are foolish, we'll end up back in the same situation as last time, even with the research to extend their lifespan to match ours.[/B]"

"[B]I see,[/B]" Crystal replied, even though on some level she did not. As long as she had known Stevens he had never voiced any interest in what happened in regards to the care of the lesser races. But then he had always been good and hiding what he truly thought or what he was actually up to.

"[B]That still doesn't explain about Jason and Celestia though. I may have recommended that they be kept together, but they aren't family.[/B] "

"[B]True, and initially the order to keep them together was only suppose to be for the trip to the Council Center, once they arrived and were interrogated then a final decision was going to be made. But when they arrived and Dakar reported what little belongings they had I did some checking and found that those two by Earth customs consider themselves married, or as our people would say, their status tied to one another.[/B]"

Crystal just raised an eyebrow since that was news to her. "[B]I had no idea.[/B]"

"[B]Neither did I since nothing in the intelligence reports indicated it. Still I decided that even if the decision isn't final about not separating families, well at least not yet, there was no reason to separate those two, since they do work together rather well. Jared's not to happy about it, but unlike other fools, he's smart enough to understand the necessity of such a decision.[/B]"

"[B]That still doesn't completely explain things.[/B]" Crystal said.

"[B]It does when you consider that the proposal to stop separating families is going to become official in the next couple of years. There are still a few things to be ironed out, but for all intents and purposes, it's going to happen. We're just preparing for the inevitable fall out of those who will object to such a change.[/B]" Stevens smiled as he offered her his arm again, "[B]Now since I satisfied your curiosity, how about we return to the ball?[/B]"[/COLOR]

[Rachmaninoff]

If there was one thing Darren had learned in the past hour, it was that social functions were every bit as boring as he had thought they would be. As well as being irritating since on some level he and Sandra were the primary focus of attention. She was far better at it that he was, smiling politely, answering questions, giving Darren advice when he didn't know how to respond. If he hadn't known better, he would have thought she was enjoying herself. But there were moments when they were alone and she'd interject some scathing observation that would make him laugh. And then the next group would approach to make some stupid little speech about congratulating him and the stupidity would start all over again.

Kerstin on the other hand, from what Darren could see, was enjoying herself. She had always been like that, forward, social and very outgoing. Though Darren was less than thrilled that it was Jared who escorted her. Even if security wise it made sense. Kerstin on the other hand didn't mind at all. And when they had first arrived and Darren had pulled her aside briefly to ask her just what the hell she was doing, she had poked him in the side and teased him. Bluntly saying that she was old enough to do as she pleased. It would have hurt if she hadn't winked at him to indicate that she was merely teasing him. But still. She didn't understand.

Still in the end Darren was fairly certain Jared would do nothing to her, but it didn't mean he had to like how things were being done. Darren pulled his attention back to the last group that was moving on, stifling a exasperated sigh. But Sandra did not miss it.

"[B]I know you're ready to leave Darren, but we need to stay a little longer. It wouldn't look good if you left too soon.[/B]"

"[B]I know, but hell! I'm getting tired of hearing the same stupid little speech. I mean can't they at least try to be original?[/B]"

"[B]Well you are a bit of a mystery you know.[/B]" Sandra said. "[B]For all intents and purposes you're an unknown. Most of them don't know what to say since you have no previous dealings in politics. Nothing to give them an indication of what to expect. As a result they are playing it safe, keeping the talk to a minimum.[/B]"

Darren just sighed, bored out of his mind. Kerstin, who at the moment was dancing with someone at least was having fun. But he was required to stay near the head of the ball room. And though no one was talking to him or Sandra at the moment, he could already see a few groups making their way to their position. That was how it had been all evening.

"[B]Well, well, well,[/B]" Sandra said sounding less than amused. "[B]And here I would have thought he would have had more sense.[/B]"

"[B]What? Who?[/B]"

Sandra indicated a group that had just passed through the security and entered the ball room. "[B]Blaine Uratak, one of the leading politicians and businessmen for sector five. He was heavily involved in the incident surrounding Daedalus shipping. He's one of the strongest voices against you being made the shipping expert.[/B]"

Darren watched as the tall man with dark brown hair Sandra had pointed out looked around and then headed towards where Kerstin and another man were dancing. Followed by a group of about six others who were with him. Darren took a step forward and halted when Sandra put her hand on his left arm.

"[B]Don't, let Jared handle it.[/B]"

"[B]But.[/B]"

"[B]Trust me Darren, it's better if you avoid him. Blaine is good at causing incidents, making others look guilty. I don't know what that fool is thinking but Jared will take care of it.[/B]"

"[B]But there are seven of them.[/B]" Darren protested.

Sandra just laughed. "[B]Even if there was no security, Jared could deal with all of them, trust me.[/B]"

Darren did his best to ignore the group heading towards Kerstin, turning his attention to the group that had approached him and Sandra. Groaning inwardly as the same stupid little speech was presented. And the inevitably small talk followed.

He tuned it out, even if it was rude he just didn't care. Darren was more concerned by the fact that instead of confronting him Blaine had immediately headed for his sister. It was the one thing that worried him the most, that others would target her as a means to get to him.

The group that had approached finally wandered off and without thinking Darren started to head towards where Kerstin had been. But again Sandra reached out and stopped him.

"[B]I'm quite serious Darren, you need to leave this up to Jared.[/B]"

"[B]I know! I know![/B]" He snarled and immediately regretted his harsh tone. "[B]Sorry.[/B]"[I] I shouldn't take it out on her.[/I]

"[B]Don't be,[/B]" Sandra said surprising him. "[B]In its own way, its rather sweet how much you care for her.[/B]"

Darren didn't know what to say to that, [I]she thinks it's sweet? [/I] But then another group approached them, Darren turned his attention to what they were saying.

[Aaryanna_Mom]

[I]William's going to clobber me. [/I]Daniel thought as Kerstin practically dragged him out to the floor to dance. If there was one thing that William had told him, it was to not attract attention. And like a complete idiot he had done just that. His original intention had been to go outside on one of the many balconies overlooking the ocean, to get a breath of fresh air since just being in the same room as Jared, no matter how large it was, had him wanting to either run or kill him on the spot. [I]How can William be so damn calm![/I] He thought with real frustration. His expression giving Kerstin the wrong idea.

"[B]Oh come now,[/B]" She teased him when he had said next to nothing the entire dance. "[B]I'm not angry with you, honest.[/B]"

"[B]I'm sorry,[/B]" Daniel said. "[B]That's not it at all.[/B]"

Kerstin just laughed and stopped dancing. "[B]Oh I can guess, to be honest you're not very good at dancing, so lets just go out to the balcony instead?[/B]"

Daniel was a bit speechless at how she smoothly switched to taking his right arm in hers and heading towards the balcony. [I]She's nothing like Darren[/I], he thought. Though the one time he had met Darren was when he was keeping him a prisoner. Still everything he had read indicated that Darren was very much a loner. And even he had been able to see that Darren looked far from happy at being here.

Both of them were too busy navigating among all the people to realize that others were following them. Or that when they entered the balcony some of them stayed behind, keeping others from entering.

"[B]Alright, this better?[/B]" Kerstin asked, waiting for Daniel to nod. "[B]Now since you know about me Drake, how about telling me about yourself? What brings you to Reflection?[/B]"

Daniel started to reply and then stopped at the sound of someone approaching. A tall man with dark brown hair along with four other guys had also entered the balcony. "[B]Kerstin Anderson?[/B]" The one with the dark hair asked.

Puzzled Kerstin turned to face the person behind her. "[B]Yes?[/B]"

"[B]I'd like to have a word with you, if you don't mind.[/B]" He glanced over at Daniel, "[B]Alone if you please.[/B]"

Kerstin just narrowed her eyes at two of the men with him as they moved over to where Daniel was, rudely starting to usher him out of the area. "[B]And just who are you?[/B]"

"[B]My apologies, I would have thought that you would know me. I am Blaine Uratak.[/B]"

Daniel had been allowing the two men to usher him out of the area, that is until Blaine told her who he was.[I] Hell! He's the one who wants Darren dead! [/I] Part of him was torn and he hesitated, causing one of the men to tighten his grip and lean forward to whisper.

"[B]Don't make this harder than it has to be.[/B]" He said menacingly even as he started to drag Daniel towards the doors leading back to the ball room.

Still Daniel hesitated, he couldn't leave her alone, with Blaine of all people. [I]Where the hell is Jared! I can't get involved in this! [/I]

"[B]I don't give a damn who you are,[/B]" Kerstin said. "[B]What I do care about is your appalling lack of manners. I have nothing to talk to you about.[/B]" She moved to join Daniel only to halt when the other two moved to block her. "[B]Get out of my way![/B]"

"[B]Now please Miss Anderson, don't be like that. After I took the trouble to come all this way to meet you. All I want is a minute or two of your time and I'll be on my way.[/B]"

The men dragging him had Daniel almost to the door when he finally made up his mind. Cursing under his breath as his military training took over and he broke their grip on him with ease, swiftly delivering strong undercuts that sent both of them sprawling, knocked senseless.

Daniel assumed his most formal and disapproving stance, one that he had often used when dressing down someone who had failed to follow orders, falling back into his role as a Commander.

"[B]That will be quite enough gentlemen,[/B]" he said coldly, ignoring Kerstin's surprised look. "[B]Kerstin has clearly said that she has no interest in talking with you.[/b]" Blaine started to say something but Daniel cut him off. "[b]Even if you are one of the representatives of sector five Blaine that does not give you the power or authority to harass civilians. Do I make myself clear?[/B]"

"[B]Who are you to tell me what I can or cannot do?[/B]" Blaine said incredulously. His anger over been dressed down by a mere civilian apparent.

"[B]You really are a fool Blaine,[/B]" Another voice said from behind them. "[B]It doesn't matter who he is, Drake is correct. Your position does not give you the right to harass Kerstin.[/B]"

The person stepped forward, their face coming into the light. It was Jared. [I]Finally! [/I]Daniel thought with relief. Though it was short lived as he remembered the two men he had clobbered. [I]Hell! If Blaine brings up charges I could be arrested! If that happens they'll find out who I am. I should have left when I could.[/I]

[Horendithas]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Indigo]The fact that Blaine Uratak had been brazen enough to not only show up at the ball but to immediately corner Kerstin and her current dance partner told Jared one thing. Blaine was still under the mistaken assumption that his position would protect him. That he still held favor with the High Council. Blaine knew of the investigation, of that Jared was sure, but obviously he must have thought he was beyond Jared's reach to have come here.

Blaine was known for creating incidents, for staging things to intimidate others or to outright threaten them. Jared knew that Blaine as well as others who wanted Darren to change things were frustrated. Darren had been refusing to budge, to lighten up on the protocols, refusing to give the wealthy an edge. And their protests to the High Council had fallen on deaf ears. Even those few on the Council who would benefit had backed down, realizing that public disapproval was too high.

Jared motioned to the security closest to his location and moved to where the two were standing guard just outside the doors to the balcony. Their uncertainty clear in their eyes as they watched him approach. Jared stopped an arms length away.

"[B]You can either move,[/B]" he said firmly, "[B]Or be arrested on the spot.[/B]"

The two looked at Jared and then at the security that had joined him and finally moved out of the way. Without hesitation Jared stepped through the doors, just in time to see Drake break free of two men who were dragging him towards the door and expertly sending them flying.

But even more surprising was how firmly he addressed Blaine, nothing like a civilian would. [I]Interesting. [/I]Jared thought as he spoke up and followed through on what Drake had just said. Noting how the other two men with Blaine immediately backed off.

"[B]Who said anything about harassing?[/B]" Blaine countered. "[B]I came here to offer a commission to Miss Anderson. Nothing more.[/B]"

"[B]Liar,[/B]" Kerstin spoke, surprising everyone. "[B]Those two were forcing Drake to leave and you,[/B]" she said accusingly, "[B]didn't bother to wait and see if I even wanted to talk to you. And when I tried to leave the other two stopped me so don't play stupid with me. Offering me a commission does not require such high handed tricks and rude behavior.[/B]"

Jared smiled a bit at Kerstin's outburst. "[B]Unless I'm mistaken it sounds like Kerstin is not interested in working for you. In which case you should leave Blaine.[/B]"

Blaine shot both Kerstin and Drake a hate filled glance. "[B]I'm a bit disappointed, in both of you.[/B]" He turned back to Jared. "[B]Especially you. Remember playing with fire will result in one getting burned.[/B]"

"[B]I agree Blaine, which is why you should leave. If you wish I can and will play my hand, right here and now. Care to try me?[/B]" Jared smirked a bit, almost hoping he would. It would be supremely ironic to arrest him here and now. But Blaine was too clever for that.

With a glance at his two men who were helping the others who were coming around he shook his head. "[B]I'll have to pass since it seems that a couple of my employees need my assistance.[/B]" He turned back to Kerstin and bowed slightly. "[B]Perhaps another time.[/B]"

"[B]I don't think so.[/B]" Kerstin said firmly. "[B]I have no interest in a commission from you.[/B]"

"[B]We'll see.[/B]" Blaine said before leaving altogether.

Jared turned to Drake who had been strangely quiet the whole time, but before he could say a word Kerstin rushed over to him. "[B]Are you all right?[/B]" She asked him. "[B]They didn't hurt you did they?[/B]"

"[B]Uh...No I'm fine. How about you?[/B]"

"[B]I'm all right.[/B]" She said with a smile, "[B]But you! That was amazing![/B]"

"[B]Yes,[/B]" Jared chimed in. "[B]That was rather[I] interesting[/I]...Drake.[/B]"

Drake laughed nervously, "[B]It was nothing, I'm not sure what came over me.[/B]" He backed away a bit. "[B]I'm really sorry Kerstin, but I need to go.[/B]"

Jared just watched as Drake took off. Almost as if he was expecting something bad to happen. He thought about stopping him and changed his mind. After all, he was probably worried that Blaine would try to have him arrested for assaulting his goons. Never mind the fact that those goons were harassing Kerstin and him.[I] I definitely need to check into his background.[/I] Jared thought before turning his attention back to Kerstin. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[GuyYouMetOnline]

[color=darkslateblue]Since sector 1 was rather close to sector 7, getting there didn't take very long. Kiva didn't waste any time after arriving, either. As soon as she could, Kiva connected to the main planet's network. She made her way to the High Council database, which only High Councilors could access. Accessing it required the input of a HIgh Councilor's personal code, which only the Councilors knew. Hacking it was said to be impossible, as the security systems were the best the Empire had. Kiva knew that no system was impossible to hack into, but she didn't need to try.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"It's simple," Kiva said to Daego. "We've got what we think is a High Councilor's personal code, right? We can test it by trying to use it to access the Council database. If it works, we'll know that we have a High Councilor's code. In addition, we'll be able to see whose code it is just by looking at who we're logged in as."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Kiva entered the code, double-checked it to make sure she entered it correctly, then hit 'access'. The code was accepted, and they were in. And the welcome screen displayed the name of the individual they were logged in as.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[i][color=#483d8b]"Now, this part is extremely important," Erica said."In the process of purchasing the organic material, I personally visited the individual it was bought from. Needless to say, I made sure to conceal my appearance. Anyways, while I was there, I accessed the supplier's computer system using my personal code. I wanted to see the records for the purchase, and it just so happens that since I entered my code, it can be found in the system. I did a standard delete afterwards, as well as an aditional sweep, but there should still be remnants in the system that someone with your skills can find. You'll recognize the pattern of the code, guess what it is, and then determine who it belongs to. Once you've identified it as mine, follow procedure.[/color][/i]
[i][color=#483d8b][/color][/i]
[i][color=#483d8b]"Now, if you can't piece together the complete code, you'll have to add the missing parts yourself. Of course, you'll need to know my code, so here it is." She recited her code to Kiva, then had Kiva repeat it to insure that she had it memorized.[/color][/i]
[i][color=#483d8b][/color][/i]
[i][color=#483d8b]"Good," Erica said. "Use that to add any missing pieces if you need to."[/color][/i]
[i][color=#483d8b][/color][/i]
[i][color=#483d8b]Kiva nodded. "Understood."[/color][/i]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Erica Kendrik," Daego said. "Damn. It had to be her, didn't it? She can't take interrogation in her condition, so we won't learn anything from her."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Yeah," Kiva said. "She might have some useful information in her personal computer system, though. I can access that before we even go in, though if I want to do an upload, I'll need to be physically at her system. Still, let's go take a look at what's in there. After all, we need more information before we have enough to arrest someone at her level."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Kiva made her way into Erica's personal computer system in her estate on Reflection. It's security was as good as the Council database's, but Kiva just used Erica's code to get in. And once she was in, it didn't take long for her to find what she needed. Within the system was a timeline of Erica's involvement in the Resistance. It contained plenty of information to justify aresting her, but that wasn't all that Kiva found.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"You know, Daego, I've been wondering why Erica's code was still in that abandoned factory's computers," Kiva said. "She could've easily done a more thurough deletion of it. I think she wants to be exposed."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"What?" Daego said. "Why the hell would she want that?"[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"Because in accordance with standard procedure, we are to release the incriminating evidence to the public. That means this timeline here, which hapens to contain some, um, startling revelations. Take a look.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"My god," Daego said as he read the text Kiva indicated. Text that detailed a discovery Erica had made, a discovery of something that most Councilors didn't even know. It regarded certain modifications made as part of the standard genetics package given to everyone. These modifications were made to everyone except High Councilors and their immediate families, and they concerned banned research.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Mind-alteration research had been banned over a thousand years ago. At that time, methods for minor alterations had been developed and implemented. The implemented changes were known about by only a few High Councilors, and even when the research was banned, they weren't removed. For over a thousand years, this modification had been supressing a specific personality trait: caring about other races. The reason very few people objected to the conquering of lesser races was because such objections were suppressed by an illegat genetic modification. And since it was added to the standard package, not even the doctors implementing the change would know that they were doing it.[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"I know Erica wants this exposed," Daego said, "and she's right. Kiva, we can't keep this secret. This has to be made public."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]"I agree," Kiva said. "Fortunately, this information will be released with the rest of the timeline. The High Council will try to suppress it, of course, but I think I can render their efforts somewhat ineffective. I just need a little time. Daego, I need you to go through troop records. Use Erica's code to get full access. I need soldiers currently stationed within this sector whose loyalty can be counted on. Get them sent here, then give them scematics for Erica's estate and go over a basic operational plan. Don't tell them anything about who we're after or why, though. I don't want them knowing that until it's time to begin the attack. While you're working on that, I'll get a little program ready that should help counter any efforts by the High Council to suppress the information we'll release. I should be done by the time you are."[/color]
[color=#483d8b][/color]
[color=#483d8b]Daego nodded. "Understood."[/color]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=goldenrod]Celestia wished that she and Jason had been placed with Nat from the beginning. He was a far cry from working with Jethra. If it wasn't for the situation of being a prisoner she would have enjoyed working with him. In many ways he reminded her of Nathan, Daniel's father. Kind, patient and easy to get along with. About the only difference was that he was much younger.

Still in the end, in spite of all that she still didn't understand how so many Versilans had no trouble at all with enslaving other races. Even here, regardless of being with Jason, regardless of being in quarters instead of a cell. They were still being forced to work as well as enduring being interrogated. Since Dakar was not finished getting every detail that he could about their time spent with the Resistance. Celestia only hoped that what little she knew would be useless.

Celestia sighed as she often did, curling up on the sofa in their quarters, staring off into space. They weren't allowed access to anything in their room, not even basic news updates.[I] I wonder what Daniel and Sara are up to? [/I]

"[B]What's on your mind?[/B]" Jason said as he sat down next to Celestia.

Without a word she sat up and then leaned into him getting comfortable as he placed his right arm across her shoulders. She placed her head on his shoulder and then after another sigh she spoke.

"[B]I was wondering how Daniel and Sara are. I'm sure that by now they've left Earth.[/B]" Celestia turned her head just enough to look up at Jason. "[B]Don't you worry that we'll never see them again?[/B]"

Jason looked away uncomfortably. "[B]I worry more about them being caught than whether or not I'll see them again. I don't want what happened to Kim to happen to Daniel as well.[/B]"

Celestia could help it, she just cried silently, tears running down her face. "[B]I know.[/B]" She said brokenly, "[B]It's just that the thought of being stuck here for the rest of my life and never seeing them or knowing what happens to them hurts. Just as knowing that since we were modified by Crystal when we were first caught we'll be stuck here for over two hundred years.[/B]"

Jason had no answer for that. Gently he brushed her tears away and kissed her on the forehead before pulling her close and holding her tightly. "[B]A lot can happen in two hundred years.[/B]" He finally said. "[B]And I'm sure that Daniel, William and Sara would never give up on us so lets not give up on them okay?[/B]"

Celestia took a deep breath and sighed again. "[B]I know. It still hurts though.[/B]"

Again Jason had no answer, but then he had the same fear as she did as well as the one of them being separated. He did not trust the High Council at all. Even if they were responsible for keeping them together, they were also the ones responsible for taking over Earth as well as forcing them to come here. In the end they would do what ever they wanted regardless of what it did to him or anyone else. Jason did the only thing he could. He continued to hold Celestia tightly.

[CENTER]-------------------------------------[/CENTER]
Things were going just as she had planned. Erica had little time left though it would be enough. She suppressed a wave of coughing, determined to finish one last little detail. It wasn't that hard, the orders had already been issued. They were only waiting on the go ahead from her. She logged into her personal network and sent the command out. Then once she was done she logged back out. Bending over as she failed to suppress the coughing this time. Covering her mouth with her hands. Erica was not surprised to see blood when she finally finished and pulled her hands away to look at them.

"[B]My lady![/B]" A voice said from behind her. Erica turned to see her assistant who had entered her bedroom.

"[B]It's nothing.[/B]" She said even as she got up and went to clean up in the bathroom, ignoring her assistant who fussed over her.

"[B]You need to rest and stop pushing yourself.[/B]" He said sternly.

Erica laughed. "[B]I'll be [I]resting[/I] soon enough.[/B]" She pushed past him and back into the main room, heading for the balcony. "[B]However, since I am done for today, if you'd fix me something soothing for my throat I'd like it if you brought it out to me on the balcony.[/B]"

"[B]At once,[/B]" he said with a bow before leaving.

Erica went out and gazed at the view for a bit before situating herself in one of the lounging chairs. Smiling a bit to herself. She had gotten more done than she had expected. There was always more, but William would see to that. Of that she had no doubt.[/COLOR]

[Horendithas]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Indigo]Jared had not forgotten, regardless of the stir created by Blaine Uratak at the ball a few days ago he still followed up on his intent to check out Drake Etat. But what he found did not fit with what had happened. He was for all intents and purposes a nobody. A spoiled rich little kid attending university with two of his spoiled rich little friends. But what was off the most was that his picture, though similar did not match the person he had met. Checking further into things as well as checking the security footage of the ball revealed just what was going on.

Someone had arranged for the real Drake and his two friends to be out of commission for the ball by virtue of drugging them so they could take his place. And the footage clearly showed the other two who were with him cleverly gathering information. But still that didn't fit either. If they were simply gathering information to sell to the black market, what the person who had impersonated Drake had done was sheer foolishness. It was possible that bumping into Kerstin was deliberate but standing up to Blaine? That made no sense whatsoever.

The whole thing did explain his reaction to Jared though. Who ever he was, he knew that he was impersonating someone, and the last thing he would have wanted was to attract attention. Jared made some final notes and closed the file he had been creating. Gathering information to sell as well as for blackmail was common practice. And in the end not worth investigating further since there was security on Reflection that already took care of that kind of stuff. Though he made a note to forward his findings to them later.

What did concern him was the rumor that Blaine had yet another contract out, but so far other than rumors Jared had not been able to find out just what he was up to. Though having failed to intimidate Kerstin he was certain it was related to her somehow. Immediately after the ball Jared increased the security, much to the dismay of Kerstin who didn't like having someone with her at all times. But until Blaine was arrested, Jared wasn't willing to take any chances. It was a pity he had been unable to convince her to stay on the Creator for a while, but she had objected to that arrangement. And in the end since he could increase security he didn't press the issue.

Jared smiled at the memory, it had been supremely funny to watch her get all worked up and dress him down in the process. It hadn't been easy to keep a straight face since she had been quite serious. Still in the end it had made enforcing more security easier.

Jared pulled the files on Blaine back up and started going through the new reports that the computer specialist had gotten for him. He was almost ready, only a few more things were being checked into and then he would move to arrest him. Unless something else happened since those who were watching him from the Elite Military had orders to nab him should he try to run or disappear.

He would have loved to find out what the new contract was first, but in the end it didn't matter. Jared knew that if he were to wait for everything Blaine had done to be confirmed, he could spend years if not decades tracking down all the mischief Blaine had gotten into since he became a representative.

Jared focused on what he had gotten, after all, once he was done with Blaine there were still others who needed to be dealt with. He already had people gathering information on those he would investigate next.

[CENTER]***[/CENTER] [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[B]OCC: [/B]Just to be clear, this happened a day or two before Kiva and Daego returned to sector one. In other words, the ball and such happened while they were traveling from sector seven back to sector one. This timing is important for the next set of events.

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR=goldenrod]It had been a couple of days since the ball, but Crystal couldn't get what Stevens had said out of her mind. She was still finding it hard to believe that he was actually for changing things so families of the lesser races weren't separated. Especially after he had been so ruthless at Earth. But if there was one thing she had learned, it was that Stevens didn't lie about such things. If he said it was going to happen, it would. Crystal was pleased to know about it since after Erica had fallen ill she had assumed that the proposal would die. Without her help Crystal was certain that many of the changes she requested would have been a lot harder to bring about.

But now, she had a bigger dilemma, Crystal had finally isolated and identified the genetic material that had been found. And for once in her life she didn't know what to do. It was her duty to report what she found, but at the same time she felt it was information that was better left unknown. All of her findings were in her hand held computer and that was with her. Once she had finished she had taken the rest of the day off, following through on her short leave, visiting Reflection. Taking advantage of Stevens offer to use one of his guest rooms since he was rarely at his estate if ever.

[I]Why?[/I] She thought. [I]Why did it have to be that person? What reason could they have had to even be there? [/I] It just didn't make sense. And as she wandered through the part of Reflection that was meant for tourists, casually checking things out as she visited the various shops, she couldn't find an answer. [I]Hell![/I] Crystal thought. [I]I should just go and ask them directly. [/I]Even though it would be a breach of protocol. It certainly wouldn't be the first time she had ignored procedure. And since they weren't dead due to the explosion she could ask them.
[I]
It just has to be a mistake. [/I]She thought miserably. Only to counter her own thoughts. [I]Yeah, right, and someone just happened to place hair or some of their clothing on the explosives.[/I] She thought sarcastically. Crystal knew better. The only way the genetic material could have gotten there was if the person had actually handled the explosives directly. Or had they? After all someone could have tampered with the stuff that was brought to sector one in an attempt to discredit them. But for what purpose she couldn't fathom.

Crystal was not involved in politics so she didn't know if they had any enemies willing to go to such lengths to pin the blame on them. Though she was sure they did. With yet another sigh she left the shops and got onto one of the ground transports heading for the beach. Maybe a walk along the shore would help her make a decision.[/COLOR]