#bolen

Ash fidgeted as she put the knights helmet on while the elevator slowly descended, to her left Cipher nine stood silently Ash had dealt with enough two bit sith who thought they were hot shit to know how to take down an idiot with a lightsaber. These knights were no different and she had a feeling they weren’t exactly the best of the bunch.

Nine spoke up “well I can see why you made such a worthy adversary you certainly made quick work of those knights” Ash assumed Nine was trying to gain some advantage over her she didn’t know how but he was always trying to do something

Ash nodded “well I’m pretty used to beating idiots with sabers, I thought you’d have learned that by now” Ash tried her best to not give Nine any ammo

Nine tutted “well I’m afraid the empire didn’t exactly supply me with the cream of the crop” he had that right 

Ash responded “deemed too important for you I imagine” Ash doubted it insulted him a lot but any small slight was good

Nine dismissed the comment “I must say Shen I’m surprised someone of your status is being so altruistic” Ash frowned that was exactly the sort of thing she would do what was he talking about

Ash thought about challenging him but quickly realised it was another game “clearly you don’t know a lot about me then” the elevator came to a halt and Ash strode out

The corridor was filled with tech of all kinds with a few skytroopers dotted around Ash admitted she was surprised with their reliance on tech but it’d certainly work in their favour, they should try to avoid going too close to the skytroopers anyway for fear of being spotted. Nine didn’t let the earlier comment slide however “oh but I do know you Shen” Ash did her best to ignore his insistence on using her core name she should deal with him later

By deal she meant kick his arse but again later for now she just brushed it off “sure you do, let’s make our way to the mainframe you can do this weird manipulation once we’ve done our job, the element of surprise will only get us so far we should be careful” Ash swore she heard a chuckle as she stomped forward towards the mainframe.

Cipher nodded “I’m inclined to agree this all seems a little too perfect” finally something they could agree on

They did their best to avoid skytroopers and quickly came to the mainframe room, there was a skytrooper standing next to the console Ash shook her head wow they really did make them do everything. Ash rolled an emp grenade across the ground across to the trooper, it let out a blue pulse that covered the whole room, the droids slowly slumped as she turned to nine “get to the console and start your program I’ll talk to the administrators that thing may have taken out droids and cameras but it can’t stop a discrepancy in the system” Nine nodded and made his way over to the mainframe.

Ash walked over to the comm unit as it began to blare “come in we detected some kind of power surge, report” Ash had to come up with some form of lie 

She was fairly used to lying to administrators at this point “hello yes there was some kind of what was it called…?” she asked to no one “ah yes some power leached into a skytrooper and knocked out the droids and I’m not quite sure what else do we still have visual?” if she had said cameras that would’ve been suspicious 

The voice crackled back “negative we’ll send a couple knights down there to assist you” Ash held her tongue she couldn’t say no that was even more suspicious but it’d severely limit their time

Ash conceded “alright we’ll be waiting” looks like they’d have to hurry she made her way over to Nine who had connected his datapad to the mainframe “we’re going to need to hustle they’re sending knights down” Cipher seemed to take it in his stride continuing to hack

Ash set up her rifle just in case as Nine spoke up “I’ll do my best but the time constraints are not ideal” Ash nodded well if things were ideal something would be wrong “It is curious how you care about these people though commander Shen given your status” Ash frowned what was that supposed to mean

She turned to him “excuse me?” he was trying to get something out of her, he always was but still maybe she could get some information out of him

Nine chuckled “I’m just saying given what you are your journey has been unique to watch you differentiate from the norm” Ash groaned this was because of the information she’d let slip, did she even want to know what he was talking about he was certainly being pretentious enough about it

Ash shook her head “If you’re going to undermine me by talking about where I come from I can guarantee I don’t care about my family or ‘where I come from’” Nine seemed unfazed by that as the power began to dim

Cipher continued “oh it’s not your family that interests me Ash’shen’tor it’s your designation after all ‘tor’ roughly translates to...” he trailed off as the power went fully out around them, darkness engulfed them before their eyes and helmets adjusted to the darkness “ah there we go power is out now to work on an escape route” Ash felt an anger build up inside her, he knew what he was doing lording that information over her.

Ash grabbed hold of the datapad “finish the thought Nine” her words were laced with venom she would not let him hold that power over her.

For the first time Cipher Nine seemed genuinely surprised “well well well Ash certainly a rather selfish move” she ignored him tightening her grip on the datapad even if he was right this was selfish

She sneered at him “so you do know my name Nine, finish… the… thought” she knew this wasn’t the smart move they were in danger but she would never have an advantage over him like this again.

Cipher chuckled “of course I know your name Ash but it’s so easy to twist you into giving me information, you may have won this but believe me I have what I need I’m not playing to beat you. Still I’d rather not perish because you wish to know that ‘tor’ means disgraced so there you go” Ash’s grip released and he snatched back his datapad “now let’s get out of here” Ash tried to clear her head. Disgraced certainly made sense after all those were the type of people to abandon a baby but still what did that mean? And why had he been so pleased with the knowledge? Nine turned back to her “alright there we are route...” before he could finish he was cut off by a loud booming shriek which echoed through the chamber.

The power suddenly shot back to life turning the lights back on temporarily blinding the both of them, when their vision returned Ash could see rows and rows of skytroopers lining up at the entrance to the room “crap” she cursed as she stepped back next to Nine

Cipher stammered “I-I-I don’t understand I checked for and disabled every backup I could find” Ash didn’t doubt that but had never heard him so unnerved this was very bad

A screen flickered to life as a pale brown haired female smiled deviously at them “well well well I wondered if there were more insects scurrying around” she looked around “and trying to disable the power mainframe, very clever it’s such a shame that we have such a full proof failsafe” her lips curled into and evil grin

Ash quickly shouted into her comm “Gacen, Kavaraa they know we’re here!” but the comm unit was dead” the woman cackled at them

She smiled “oh I’m sorry but we’ve blocked out your comms but don’t you worry I can tell them myself” Ash’s eyes widened this was really really bad “ok troopers I think that enough gratuitous gloating capture them but don’t kill them make sure to bring them to me, I want that honour” the screen flickered off as the skytroopers raised their blasters

Bolen turned the datapad off as a smile crept over his face, well well maybe Commander Ash had more to her than it seemed. He didn’t know if he should lord this over her it could be quite beneficial to the chiss to gain such information but still not until after the mission, Commander Ash was definitely still an asset to the upcoming mission. 

They would have to strike quickly while the iron was hot otherwise the eternal empire could gain the advantage, Bolen had been a part of many wars both in the shadows and the open but he knew such concepts were arbitrary when compared to the goals of the more intelligent

Still he always seemed to be wrapped up in combat, such was the way of his position within the empire. It had given him much acclaim but he still longed for what he was truly after, this fickle empire had never understood that but Nox... Nox had seen things differently. She wasn’t exactly a paragon of rational thought but her goals were just even if her methods tended to be rather unsavoury, every other sith he had met had pushed him around but Nox had respected his opinion and allowed him to rise above his station. This had rather left him obligated to help however which was of great annoyance to him as it held a great risk for a tactical advantage. Still it seemed like the best idea, they were strongly lacking information though and that could turn the tide of this war before it even began.

Bolen took a few more minutes to contemplate the best scenario and the worst, he must be prepared for both of course. Soon however he left his chambers, he had written a letter unless he didn’t come back a long time ago and made a few edits for the current mission before leaving. He may not understand why but these people would miss him when he was gone so offer them that little comfort. He made his way to the cockpit where Ensign Temple sat plotting the route to where they would meet Commander Ash.

She turned to him with a smile “hey Cipher we’re all ready to go are you prepared for the mission” Bolen nodded he felt a blush come over him as Temple smiled at him 

he answered “yes everything is prepared this mission should last a couple of days and I will be back shortly” Temple nodded pausing for a second

she raised her eyebrow a him “can I say goodbye properly first” she stood up putting her hands on his shoulders

Bolen held his head blushing “uh yes it’s fine at the moment we don’t need to be so formal” Temple nodded leaning in for a peck on the cheek

Temple smiled at him “you and your silly rules” Bolen conceded his insistence to keep personal and professional work seperate may be a little over the line but he just worked better that way

he chuckled awkwardly “yes well I’m not the only one you know that” Temple gave a guilty nod, they were both a little obsessed with protocol so harbouring a relationship had been difficult.

Still it was better than Kaliyo and her long string of men that got on their secret agent ship, Bolen had told her to stop so many times but she was uncontrollable Bolen guessed he should have expected that from an anarchist.

Bolen squeezed her arm “I will miss you, but I should come back after all the data seems probable” Temple nodded touching her forehead to his

she sighed “I know Bo I just worry about you” Bolen was still so unfamiliar with this idea of missing people but he had to admit he didn’t mind the attachment

Bolen held her hand “I’ll make sure to be 80% more careful, just for you” Temple smiled rapping him into a hug, his arms stretched awkwardly out behind her he had never quite been a huger but Temple insisted on it.

He left the cockpit and was met by the anarchist leaning against the wall “go blow something up in my name ok” she said with a smile, Kaliyo was still a little bitter from the whole getting arrested thing but she was starting to forgive him.

Bolen gave her a nod and continued to back to his quarters but before he could the droid SCORPIO stood in his way “where are you going?” she said coldly, Bolen wasn’t someone who scared easily but he had to admit SCORPIO scared him. 

She was however very advantageous so it became a give and take, Bolen quickly responded “I am on my way to the new discovered planet of Zakuul” SCORPIO looked at him intently

she almost seemed to smile as she held out her hand “My databanks are vaguely familiar with the planet this may help you corrupt some of their systems” she held out a pristine datacard which Bolen swiftly took.

He wasn’t so sure if he should use it but for now he’d just keep it as a last resort “thanks... what does it do?” SCORPIO looked him in the eye

“I’m not exactly sure it should disable their systems but I would need a clearer understanding of their tech to involve myself in a more direct way” Bolen nodded not quite understanding but hoping SCORPIO would be on their side this time

Ash led Bolen onto the Chiss ship where he could see the rest of the team was waiting, he smiled being on one of these ships felt like home.

Ash walked over to the holoterminal “alright we’re all here so lets go through the plan, we will pose as a chiss supply ship to get past the Zakulian defences” Bolen looked at the other two, a jedi master and a two bit smuggler certainly not his ideal crew but it’d do. 

the togruta spoke “now I will mask mine and Gacen’s brainwaves to avoid detection by any force users that could be looking for us” Bolen had always enjoyed that natural advantage over the force, it’d always seemed such a annoying concept.

the zabrak dressed in a ridiculous outfit spoke next “I will pilot the ship and use my slick charm to get onto Zakuul and land the ship, don’t worry I’ve played this gambit hundreds of times” Bolen had to say he doubted the success rate

Bolen cocked his head “and what is the success rate on this ‘gambit’” the zabrak held his chin thinking for a few seconds

he smiled “about 50/50 but it'll be fine” Bolen sighed that did not fill him with confidence

Ash interrupted before tensions rose “once there Kavaraa will head to Arcanns trophy room while me and Cipher nine disable the power grid” Bolen nodded that seemed like the right call

the zabrak frowned but didn’t speak up, Ash continued “if all goes to plan Nox should be freed before the alarms go off and then we may have to fight our way out” Bolen didn’t like that idea he was usually surrounded by sith and this time it was one jedi, morality was not tactically helpful.

But the plan was agreeable as they had to be fast about it “very well this seems ideal given the time constraints I’ll make myself at home Commander Shen” Bolen saw Ash get visibly angry at him as he left the main room.

He smiled it was very easy to get inside the head of these people, after this was all over he would have some valuable leverage over all of them.

Soon he made his way to the cockpit where the smuggler sat feet up on the console “I trust you won’t be doing that during the mission” he span around to face Bolen with a rather cocky expression

he chuckled “maybe I will maybe I won’t who knows I kinda like it that way bit of chaos ya know” Bolen raised his eyebrow at the zabrak

he folded his arms “you know people can see through this facade? I mean I can tell you’re pretending” the zabrak frowned at him his expression turning serious

Gacen put his feet on the ground “I’m not pretending for others dude, do you know people can see you’re a massive tool” Bolen narrowed his eyes at the smuggler maybe there was a little more to this.

Bolen sat down in the co-pilots seat “why are you here you don’t seem like you’re short of money?” the zabrak frowned at him again

but a smile quickly returned “I owe Ash a favour and here I am repaying it” Bolen shook his head he knew that wasn’t accurate

Bolen raised his eyebrow “no no from my records you have said that you’re even on all favours unless I’m mistaken” the zabraks anger shone through now “which I’m not” Bolen kept an extensive record of his enemies

he sat up “how do you know that?” Bolen couldn’t help but let out a chuckle

he smiled “It’s my job to know things Gacen Zandar” the zabrak had begun to look uncomfortable now

he tried his best to deflect “well why are you here I could ask you the same?” Bolen smiled that was easy

“upon many occasions Darth Nox has provided support and stability for the empire as a tactician and as a friend it seemed obvious I had to help” Bolen watched as he reacted to the comment wincing at the mention of Nox. Bolen smiled continuing to press “ah I see this is to do with her?” the zabrak looked beyond uncomfortable now he should dial it back to avoid tensions during the mission. “don’t worry Gacen, it’s my job to keep secrets I won’t tell” the zabrak still hadn’t said a word just sitting there looking trapped.

Gacen frowned at him looking up after a long silence “you thrive on this don’t you?” Bolen frowned at him maybe a little “you love holding power over people?” Bolen had to admit it was helpful to have information. the zabrak continued “well it’s a shame you’re not the only one who knows about secret channels?” Bolen’s eyes went wide what? how could the smuggler?

Bolen shook his head “you don’t know what you’re talking about!” Gacen’s smile and cocky attitude returned now

he chuckled “oh I do the underworld can tell you a great many things, things you’d probably want to keep from the empire and also probably from Nox” Bolen was furious if the bounty hunter had anything to do with this he would be furious

Bolen stood up fists clenched “you tell anyone and I will personally see th-” Gacen interrupted him putting a finger to Bolen’s lips