Marlicos, his aide de camp, and some NCO officers who were the captian's security contingent stood outside the Agro Inc HQ building. Hilter had decided it was best to meet Gutt outside with his security forces, because according to the the Imperial's original message, this was nothing more than a liason for improving secuirty on Garqi.

Marlicos had suggested Hilter meet Gutt alone, to show he was unafraid and had nothing to hide. Hilter had considerd that course of action, but felt it would have made him seem to defiant, and too strong. Rather, he stood in the middle of the large, lean mercenaries, to put forward a more cautious, weak apperance. If his assessment of Gutt was right, the Imperial would be less inclined to be violent if he felt he had the upper hand.

Plus, if Gutt decided to fire off in the tradional Imperial way, and storm the Headquarters, at least Hilter would have some personal security.

Hilter had felt a little uneasy as the Imperial forces began landing, rows of stormtroopers and their accompanying vehicles and weapons. He had looked at Marlicos for any sign of distress and found none. Though Hilter had kept a rock solid face, the merc had looked at Hilter and told him.

"It look's mighty impressive, I know, but thats part of the Imperial mystique. There's a reason they've conquered half the galaxy- and it's not neccessarily beacuse they're the best soldiers. Granted they have some pretty good ones, but part of their sucess stems from the fact that they are "the Empire"- the name alone is usually good for about 5 extra armies in a conflict."

Hilter had not been comforted by that statment, but Marlicos had continued.

"My men however, are not intimidated by the "mighty" Empire. They respected them, sure, they have our highest respect. But we are not afraid of them."

And he added with a smile.

"We get paid a lot more than they do."

Hilter had to ilicit a smile at the comment, as he knew how much revenue the merc's ate up. At the moment he would have glady set out double if it got him double the security. The Imperial force looked quite formidable, and no doubt was, but Marlicos continued to assure Hilter that as long as only three legions of Imperial's landed on the planet, then he could put up a fight if necessary.

Of course, hopefully it wouldn't come to that.

A small contingent of Imperials began moving toward the main access to the building. Hilter's stony face showed no emotion, masking a lingering uneasiness and mild annoyance with having to meet with the Imperials at all.

He swiveled his head and looked at his small entourage, seven NCO's plus Marlicos and his aide, Major Cyle.

"Let's go make them feel welcome."

And the small contingent moved forward to meet with the Imperials.

Captain Gutt


Ortho Gutt walked up to the receiving party noting that Afdol Hilter remained in the center of the protective ring his security projected. His memory twitched.


Almost like a ring of mother birds flocking around a weakened chick.

His sweating began to subside and he moved up to the front security officer, his eyes not flinching. It was a question of standing and status that would or would not set the pace of Captain Gutt's nervousness.

In his mind, security was nobody. Strong, yes. Trained...well any competent officer made sure of that but in a position to treat with an Imperial Captain. No.

When Gutt's eyes narrowed in the unspoken: Move out of my way or I'll have you shot!, the man stepped aside so both leaders could meet.


"Mr. Hilter. A few months ago it was broadcasted over holonet frequencies that your company was struck by the notorious pirates of an organization then known as the Galactic Liberation Front. Footage was taken of your devestation."

He took a deep breath of the warm Garqi air and continued. "The Empire has tasked me to investigate leads provided by our various intelligence gathering agencies.... which has lead us to here.

There are questions involving your company that we simply must have answered," his mood darkened, "and depending on those answers and the evidence gathered appropriate action will be taken."


"Action," Captain Sansa added from off to the side of Captain Gutt drawing his eyes away from the security personnel and to the conversation at hand, "that could prove either advantageous or dangerous to you and your company."


Gutt cleared his throat. "I would be pleased to discuss this further in a more comfortable environment.."




Captain Sansa


As he followed Captain Gutt's lead his eyes were not on the CEO of one of the Rim's prime agricultural companies but, rather, on the security personnel that ringed him.

Each male person wore a dark bluish uniform with a jagged yellow scyth which, to the Captain, seemed quite antiquated and wondered if there was some sort of meaning behind it.

Still, it was not their clothing that captured his interest. It was their eyes. Their faces, of course, remained immobile as all frontline security should be.

But with most that he'd seen, there was a sort of wariness or even fear at being confronted with even small demonstrations of Imperial power as in this instance.

But the man's eyes showed none of that and Sansa inwardly smiled. The aura of Imperial power.... the mystique (if you will) was not present.

And what that told Sansa was that this was a man experienced. Not the lackey that Captain Gutt dismissed so casually.

And looking as fit as these security people do, he knew they were not the typically small, corporate, underpaid, famished, living from paycheck to paycheck security officers that the media likes to project in holo-fantasies.

Captain Gutt was finishing up his speech, "...and depending on those answers and the evidence gathered appropriate action will be taken."

Captain Sansa inwardly grimaced and voiced a placating remark, "Action that could prove either advantageous or dangerous to you and your company."

Always leave hope. You back someone, even an innocent 'someone' into a corner and their action will appear guilty no matter what.


He filed his questions in his mind, hoping to catch the security leader of Agro Incorporated alone once they had been settled and their investigation proceeding. He was curious about what sort of answers the man might give.

"I would be pleased to discuss this further in a more comfortable environment.."

Hilter Afdol nodded at the suggestion. The rotund Imperial had been rather blunt- and seemed to have a preconceived opinion of the status of Agro Inc's guilt. Of course, such a move could be the standard protocl taught to Imperial's when negotaiting: Get straight to the point, and brandish your authority. Hilter quickly came to the conclusion that Gutt was fairly convinced that Agro was guilty of every crime imaginable, and was only a split second from ordering the shining black headquarters of his company reduced to shards of transpairsteel.

Still, all hope was not lost. The other Imperial Captain (at least Hilter infered he was a captain by his dress attire and similiar rank insgina to Gutt's) had mentioned that the "action" Gutt had refrenced too could be Action that could prove either advantageous or dangerous to you and your company." . If nothing else, that Captain seemed to hold a neutral opinion of Agro, and perhaps took his duty as an investigator seriously. Despite his inner feelings and personal convictions, Hilter could respect a man, even an Imperial, who was honorable in the use of his power. Although Hilter conspired against the Empire daily, he did have the power of mind to realize that not ever member of that organization was evil and/or corrupt. A majority perhaps, but not every last soul.

It was just his luck that one of those men happened to be assigned to this mission.

"Of course Captain (Hilter made sure to use that honorific rather than his usual 'Mister'). If you'll follow me, I've already arranged for use of one of our executive conference rooms."

The room Hilter had chosen was one of the guadiest, yet lavish and opulent areas of the headquarters. Rarley used, it's primary purpose was for treating dignitaries and others whom Hilter wanted to pamper to a good time, and was equipped with its own adjoining kitchen (complete with gourmet culinary droids) and spa/massage center. The room itself could seat a party of about 50, and had ample room for both serious bussiness negotiations, as well as dining.

Hilter started to turn then had a thought.

"If you'd perfer, I can send for transportation, or we can walk."

The room and its accompaning ammenities took of a good deal of space, and because it was often unused, the designers of the headquarters build had put it somewhat out of the way of the everyday operations. It was located in one of the smaller wings that jutted out from the main building- which due to the size of the build was a brisk five minute walk from where the two groups were standing. Hilter had a feeling Gutt wasn't about to start working of his excess poundage, and was likley to avoid walking, especially with Garqi's sun beating down on him. Hilter would have to call from the small transportation speeders used by employee's to ferry around to nearby complexes to move both his and Gutt's entourage.

Captain Gutt


The CEO Hilter had agreed to the change of venue much to Ortho’s secret delight. He hated the oppressive Garqi sun and desired the creature comforts that Agro Incorporated had to offer. He wondered what “other” creature comforts Mr. Hilter might suggest or offer to mollify the Imperial Captain. And, truth be told, after expending the effort of his grandiose entrance, he expected a certain amount of mollification.

He was not wrong as the CEO went on to suggest a ground vehicle to travel around the large HQ complex. A suggestion Ortho agreed to readily. They moved forward and both sets of security contingents flanked their leaders eyeing each other warily.

The CEO began talking about a banquet of sorts that was being prepared for the evening meal. First, however, they would need to have a discussion regarding the investigation.

Still, the excellent suggestion of a banquet made Ortho’s gargantuan stomach rumble slightly and his lips were licked in anticipation.

He wondered if any lady friends would be invited for said banquet.




Captain Sansa

The fluid movements of Agro’s security personnel matched that of the Imperial honorguard and he instantly knew that these “men” were a cut above the typical corporate security. Sansa pursed his lips in thought as he followed the rotund Captain Gutt his eyes looking out for security emplacements along their route.

The building looked fairly well protected as a building this size should be, but Sansa continued to wonder about Agro’s security. The men looked polished, experienced, and so therefore it begged to suggest that they were well paid.

Having such a security, then, how could terrorist wreck acres of agricultural fields? He would want to see Agro’s security reports on that little bit of information when he had opportunity to inquire.

Captain Gutt was handling matters as best as could be expected knowing the large man’s record. The initiative of action that Captain Gutt was holding was not because he automatically felt Agro was guilty (though they might think so). Grand Marshall Kaine was very specific regarding the collection of evidence. No, Captain Gutt’s abrasiveness and initiative of action sprang from his own insecurities at having to deal with these rich corporate types. Men and women who’s physical features (whether natural or purchased) only increased Ortho’s agitation.

He had given the correct information keeping in line with the Imperial Policy regarding GLF. Of course the Imperial Military knew that the GLF had not been destroyed but such assurances were for the public and, once public, it was the Military's job to keep the facade up.

If something was spoken long enough, sometimes events moved to make the fiction a reality.

In any event, the only people who would know and have absolute proof of the GLF's continued life would be those associated with GLF. Therefore, the reactions of people were watched closely, especially when the GLF was spoken of as "defunct".

It was a very slick propaganda move and as Kaine had been known to mention from time to time: Truth was Subjective.




Ironside - Cmdr. ISD Necleas


The man huffed at the implied joke of Captain Yatta's check in. "Captain Ironside, reporting in and I must say these Corporate Security types are dressed rather well."

Ironside was a man in his fifties who tried to keep fit though found his head less more hair every year. Being left in command of the Frontline Fleet was something he would not have minded much if it were not for Captain Gutt and his hunting partner Captain Yatta. He still did not know what to make of Captain Sansa, having recently been given command of the Necleas.

"Please present your report in data form, Captain." he ground out to Captain Yatta's amusement.

"Stodgy today are we? Data burst encryption enabled and sent. We will be spreading to the other three locations indicated until ready to receive the research teams." The Captain paused. "The Research Teams ARE ready are they not?"

How did this worthless man become a Captain?

"Being readied as we speak."

"Good man, Yatta out."

Ironside had no desire to remain in this Emperor-foresaken assignment any longer than he had too. He silently demanded the evidence gathering go smoothly.

And with that, he began to make his rounds confirming target locks, fleet status and opened a channel to the Constrainer Pickets providing the makeshift blockade.

The green agricultural planet spun lazily outside the viewports and he wondered how such a place could even 'think' to harbor terrorists.

<O:p</O:p

After the groups piled into the transport speeders, it was only a matter of minutes before they reached the far wing of the Agro Inc Headquarters. Disembarking, it was only a short hop to the air conditioned comfort of the building.

They entered into a small lobby, much less grand than the main lobby that sat at the enterance to the primary diamond. This back enterance was used far less often, and was smaller and less opulent than its counterpart. A pair of the dark blue uniformed gaurds were inside the door, but they moved quickly to allow the Imperials and Hilter to pass.

At the far end of the room was a desk, at which sat a human female attendent. Hilter didn't know her personally, which was surprising, as she was rather striking. She had looked up with some alarm apparent in her eyes at the armored stormtroopers, but had visibly relaxed to see Hilter and the Agro guards among them. Hilter led the group toward the desk, but turned right before reaching it, down a wide hallway that led to the interior of the wing. The conference room that he was leading the Imperials too was several floors above the ground level, and Hilter almost led the group toward a staircase, but remembering the look of relief on Captian Gutt's face when he suggested riding in speeders, he manuvered them toward the turbolifts.

In a few minutes, Hilter hoped, he could start persuading the Imperials that there was nothing amiss on Garqi.

Captain Sansa


Sansa saw the speeder transports being brought in and tapped a wrist communicator to allow the companies know where they end up. The mechanized division would be flanking outside the building's perimeter.

He wondered what Hilter had in mind for their meeting.

The fact that they went around to a rear entrance rather than simply used an electronic transport to move thru the building drew a curious thought from him.



Captain Gutt

He felt like royalty. But a royalty due him. Hilter knew how to pamper and he smirked as he basked in the attention given him. They entered a separate wing into a lobby that seemed less opulent than the main entrance and Gutt was a bit disappointed.

But the disappointment was soon dissipated as he noted the secretary at the far end of the lobby area. She looked alarmed and rightly so. She probably had never seen an Imperial Line Captain, and a powerfully gifted hunter such as himself up close.

He winked and it seemed that she visibly relaxed.

She must want me.

She must be tired of the decadence around her.

And he glanced at the lobby noting there was no one but their party.

Must not have alot of traffic.

He licked his lips and he glanced at the stone faced Hilter. The lack of emotion drew Gutt's ire and he knew he would have the Secretary tonight.

He looked ahead and noted they were going towards a staircase and anger began to shape in the pit of Gutt's stomach. Anger and trepidation.


Oh, he definitely would have her.


And then they turned to the lifts.




Captain Sansa


Sansa noted the woman and also noted that Gutt noticed her. He sighed. If she was placed purposefully, Hilter was a sharp customer. If not, then Hilter would be in for a surprise.

Predators have active... appetites.


And Gutt fancied himself a predator.


He tapped his wrist device again and his gaze shifted about to see if anyone caught his discreet movement.

Hilter led the group to the turbolifts, punched the call button and turned around. Immediatly he saw a look on Captain Marlicos' face that meant he had something to tell Hilter, and made eye contact to reocognize that fact. When Marlicos didn't immediatly speak, Hilter broke off his contact, realizing that the security officer obviously didn't want to tell him in front of the Imperials.

Hilter turned his attention to Gutt, who had poorly disgusied look of relief on his face. Hilter wasn't quite sure why, but wasn't about to ask. His eyes shifted toward another of the captain's, the one who seemed to be impartial, and studed him breifly. He, much like Hilter, hid his emotions well, but the Agro CEO thought he saw a twinge of disgust on the mans face- though that might have been his normal expression.

There was a short tone, soft and musical, and a turbolift behind Hilter opened.

It was half full, with what appeared to be a group of executives heading to a meeting in an axuillary conference hall. Hilter wondered what to do.

If he had Gutt and the other captain enter the turbolift, it was likley to be crowded and cramped- and only a few security personale would be able to fit, from either side. Hilter didn't want to make Gutt or anyone else more uncomfortable than neccessary.

He could have the executives get off- but he didn't like the idea of dissing his own employees to keep Gutt happy.

However, he couldn't let the turbolift pass, and keep the who party waiting for another one- that would be a total sign of disrespect.

This was going to take some finageling.

He looked at the party and said,

"Onward."

He stepped sideways and began ushering his secuirty personale and the leadstormtroopers forward into the lift. He watched the other Imperial captain stepped in, followed by the bulky form of Captain Marlicos. Seeing an oppurtunity, Hilter stepped in front of the stormtrooper who was about to board.

"It's a bit crowded eh? We'll wait for the next one."

And before anyone could argue, the doors shut, leaving Hilter, a pair of stormtroopers and Hilter alone outside. Hilter hoped by staying himself he could avoid insulting Gutt, who was already letting a scowl form on his face.

"I'm sorry for the inconveince Captain Gutt, I'm sure another lift will be up..."

But Hilter trailed off as he saw Gutt turn toward a clicking sound coming from the hall behind him.

The gorgeous secretary, breifcase in hand was walking toward the turbolifts. She had her head down, and didn't seem to notice Hilter and the other standing there. From the look of what she was carrying, she was getting taking a set of reports up to the same meeting the executives on the turbolift were going to attend.

Hilter found himself watching her as she walked, but quickly realized that Gutt had turned as well. The secretary was somewhat tall, with long, sculped legs, shown off by a bluish mini-skirt. Her button up blouse was the dark blue color of Agro security's uniforms, and was fully buttoned, pressing against her body and accenuating her ample natural curves. She had brown hair, which was falling at a reasonable length behind her head- Hilter couldn't distinguish her eye color because her head was down. Beuatiful indeed.

The secretary moved unaware of those watching her, until she was only feet from the others.

Then, as if on cue, the secretary looked up and saw Hilter and Gutt hust as another turbolift opened its doors. Hilter stepped inside, and held the door for the stormtroopers, Gutt, and he assumed, the secretary...

Captain Gutt

Ortho Gutt maneuvered his massive bulk toward the lifts and relief set in. As the man called Hilter toggled the lift call, his thoughts went back to the secretary.

The lift doors opened to reveal a half empty lift and Ortho scowled. Clearly Hilter was unable to purchase a personal lift for himself, Gutt thought sourly.

Rich people! Don’t know how to spend their credits!

And what was more was the damned fools that worked for Hilter didn’t bother to get out of the lift thus relieving their boss of the uncomfortable situation.

Gutt would have had them shot.

The CEO's security contingent entered with Captain Sansa and his Stormtrooper escorts but Hilter stepped in front of Gutt's men and spoke, "It's a bit crowded eh? We'll wait for the next one."

The Executives in the back simply stared in shock.

Were they the the cream of Agro's crop? he thought after the doors closed and he turned to eye the mighty CEO of Agro Incorporated.

Either the man can't order his men around or he feels the Empire is nothing special. The thought disturbed the large man.

In any event, the CEO of Agro Incorporated found himself alone with Gutt and two Stormtroopers.

I could shoot him now and deal with his subordinate....

He was about to give that line of thought serious consideration when he heard a clicking sound coming from down the hall and he turned to see the blonde secretary (holding a briefcase) walking up to them.

The secretary was somewhat tall, with long, sculped legs, shown off by a bluish mini-skirt. Her button up blouse was the dark blue color of Agro security's uniforms, and was fully buttoned, pressing against her body and accenuating her ample natural curves. She had brown hair, which was falling at a reasonable length behind her head.

Ortho licked his lips unconsciously.

The sound of the lift droned to a stop and he heard the doors of another lift open. Hilter stepped in and was holding the door open.

"TK-24539. Assist Mr. Hilter with keeping the doors open." he spoke, finding his voice firm. The prey had come into view and Gutt had decided tempt reflex.

"Ma'am, I am Captain Gutt of the Star Destroyer Predator." he nodded stepping in front of her, his bulk causing her to look up startled.


"A Captain? An Imperial Line Captain? How I have wished for one to come! Please, take me! Take me away from here!" the woman licked her lips. "I am so hot for you...." she said her voice sultry.


At least, that is what she said in Ortho's mind.

In reality, all she did was give out a startled yelp at finding a rather large man in her path.

"The Empire is investigating Agro Incorporated and I would like to ask you some questions away from corporate coaches.." he stated flatly.

"TK-84224. Follow. Ma'am... If you would step over here so I might ask you some questions.." he said, trying to sound polite but sounding abrupt. They both moved away a bit from the open door of the lift and Ortho sized himself up next to her.



*



Captain Sansa


He noted with some concealed amusement the predictament the CEO of Agro Incorporated found himself in.

Then he saw Hilter give up his security by having them board the lift as well as allowing Sansa and his escort enter. He sensed a rather large security man, the last and probably their leader entered behind him.

And that was it.

A brief thought of Divide and Conquer flashed in his mind but could not figure out if it was in reference to his actions or theirs.

He eyed the Executives and found in their eyes (since he was facing them) that they held a certain respect for the big security man behind him. He filed that away.

"TK-Alpha. Your communicator." he ordered and soon found himself calling Ironside aboard the Necleas.

"Ironside here."

A thought occured to Sansa as the lift began to slow.

"Stand-by Necleas" Sansa said, handing the comm back to the stormtrooper.

He turned to face the security man. "So, how long have you worked for Agro Incorporated?" he began genuine curious.

Hilter Afdol

Standing in front of the lift doors, Hilter watched as one of the stormtrooper moved forward, but responded to Gutts order took up a position opposite Hilter, so that they both were preventing the turbolift's doors from closing. Gutt stepped in front of the secretary- and the other stormtrooper stepped over behind the Imperial captain.

"The Empire is investigating Agro Incorporated and I would like to ask you some questions away from corporate coaches.."

"TK-84224. Follow. Ma'am... If you would step over here so I might ask you some questions.."

Gutt sounded a bit different from his earlier, deliberate, formal self. Hilter tried to see the woman's reaction, but she was blocked by both the other stormtrooper and Gutt. As Gutt manuvered his largess away from the open door, Hilter caught a glimpse of the secretary looking mildly confused, but the glinting plasteel of the stormtrooper prevented him from watching her further. Soon they were out of Hilter's line of sight, though probably not very far away, because of the angle at which he had to stand to keep the lift open.

What in the world is Gutt asking her questions for?

Maybe he just wanted a perspective from a normal employee? The thought was a possibility, but why would Gutt hold up the lift and the more important conference to talk to one lowly secretary? And as he leaned back against the turbolift door, Hilter pondered that question.



Captain Marlicos

"So, how long have you worked for Agro Incorporated?"

Marlicos's head visibly turned toward the Imperial Captain as if he was looking for the man who had spoken. In reality, the security leader had been secretly watching Sansa ever since he saw him tap his wrist twice in rapid sucession. The huge corellian had inatly sensed that although the fat Imperial was the group's leader, this other one was league's above him competance. Marlicos had orginally thought the wrist tapping might have been a hand signal, perhaps to the stormtroopers who were acting as escorts. However upon further discrete observation he had realized it was some sort of electronic device- though exactly what had eluded him.

Still, it reinforced his earlier thoughts.

He had tried to alert Hilter about this captain, right as they stopped at the turbolift, but had unable to convey anything without attracting suspicion. He had gotten his employer's attention, which was something. Marlicos had found his stay on Garqi to be rather relaxing as well as lucrative. The situation kept his men on high alert because of the threat of terrorists, but had put them in little actual harm. The combination allowed for serious training and exercise which could keep his mercs in top condition.

Besides, he thought Hilter was an alright employer, someone who didn't treat Marlicos like a diety- but also had enough sense to take his opinions and implement the security changes Marlicos had requested.

"Actually, we've only been employeed for a few months. After the big incident here, the company was looking for professional security and planetary defense; and we're what they got."

Marlicos noted that a few of the executives smiled at his words. A good number of Agro people had been genuinely terrified by the terrorist attack, and saw the security force, and Marlicos especially, as some sort of messiah. While he was happy that his presencse was apprectaied, Marlicos thought they might be a little over the top in their adoration.

The question answered, Marlicos looked at Sansa, and waited for a response.

Captain Gutt


Ortho, the woman and the stormtrooper escort moved down the hall though still partly visible from the lift if one stepped out.

One of his fingers went under the woman’s chin to draw her face up to look him in the eyes.

Emperor this woman is beautiful!

His eyes narrowed slightly concentrating on his prey.

“First, I would like to know your name and second, what exactly do you do for Security?” The woman showed some surprise but Gutt merely pointed to her uniform, flicking the collar with a finger explaining, “Your uniform matches those of your Chief Executive Officer’s security. Is this a security wing of your headquarters?”

Then he lowered his voice, “Rest assured you have nothing to fear with regards to reprisals from your company.”




Captain Sansa


"Actually, we've only been employed for a few months. After the big incident here, the company was looking for professional security and planetary defense; and we're what they got."

Sansa noted that the man’s eyes flickered over his shoulder, probably to the executives but what he saw was lost to the Imperial. Then the man’s eyes focused back and centered on Sansa.

“So what company were you purchased from? From your words, you were hired as a…” Sansa groped for the right word, “..team. I do not mean to say that you were taken from the security detail of another company but typically, for hiring purposes, security personnel are handled by company handlers who usually negotiate and go thru all the red tape leaving you to do your jobs.”

Sansa could hear the pride when the man spoke of being a professional. There was also an undercurrent of … resentment?

The man’s face was unreadable but one could learn something from the sense stress in a voice…especially if one looked for it.

Which was why Sansa kept his face a mask and his voice tone carefully modulated.

Where do you come from? Was the thought running around Sansa’s mind.