- Old religious teaching





The sounds of the waves crashing against the shore seemed to envelope and surround his senses, almost as if they were crashing against the very inside of his head itself.

The colours were wild and vivid, the fiery heat of the glorious sunrays basked against his skin and somehow, swirled around his very being.
The huge expanse of sapphire blue sky , seemed to meld with the great vast ocean in front of him, for so far and for so long that a person could not differentiate from when one stopped, and the other began.

He could see it, he could see it all….

… but his eyes were not open.

The steady rushing sounds of the waves, seemed to draw his attention, for they began to sound different, he frowned in concentration….yes…they were, whispering…

Imperceptable at first, barely a murmur, but as he listened the voices began to sound familiar…

There were two...

One was a voice he hadn’t heard in a very long time, a voice which until now, had only lived on through his memories, carrying with it the raw burden of a haunted past…and yet, a fleeting moment of true happiness…

Perhaps his only…

The other..well... the other was also one he had not heard in a long time...it too carried with it a sadness...no...

Guilt...

His brow furrowed as he strained to make out the words….

They were both saying the same thing...

First one....

…Open your eyes, Seth…

Then the other...

…open your eyes…


Vinda’s eyes opened slowly, and he was in his chamber, alone. He could feel the force ebb through ,and away from him. Blinking a few times he sat up in his bed and rubbed his face with his hands.

The vision was completely gone.

Sighing deeply, the Vinda-Corp figurehead took a moment to gather himself, and clear his head…

…a dream?….

Swinging himself around so his legs dangled over his bed, Vinda reached for his bedside locker, and his cigarra pouch, and after great deliberation selected one and carefully sliced the end off.
Putting the Cigarra to his lips, and lighting it , Vinda reflected on what he had just experienced.
Despite used to getting messages, and visions through the force, there was always something about it all that unnerved him, the loss of control maybe. The thought that they could happen at any time, and there was nothing he could do about it, for although there are those who can manipulate it, the force has its own will.

He took a long slow drag…

…but what did it want with him?…

…and those voices?…

…Natalya?…and the other?...


He shook his head, instantly dismissing it as a possibility, it was absurd!…

…right?…

Frowning, the Corporate mogul gracefully slipped onto his feet, and into his nice warm, comfy slippers, he smiled appreciatively…

…whoever said money couldn’t buy you happiness had obviously never worn these! (he scoffed inwardly),before shuffling off to the bathroom, after all, even big Corporate moguls, like Vinda, needed to pee.




Bonadan

Mid-morning – Mr Vinda’s private office




“What the!?…”

A considerably annoyed Vinda slapped the side of his computer monitor hard out of sheer frustration, and just as he was contemplating how long it would take for it to reach the ground if thrown out of the window, the comms rang..

As he reached over to answer it, he threw the monitor an angry glare over his shoulder, and murmured under his breath in its general direction …

“…saved by the bell…” (he growled)

Taking a second to compose himself , he answered it…

“go ahead…”

The familiar voice of his secretary responded..

”…Mr Vega is here to see you Mr Vinda…”

Vinda’s demeanour seemed to brighten immediately…

“..ah, good, send him in…”

As the woman’s voice signed off, he took the opportunity to reboot his computer terminal .

Drumming his fingers impatiently upon his grand desk, he sighed, as the tall figure of Achinta joined him by his side…

“…you’d think after all this time and money , we’d make these things start up quicker…”

He turned and grinned up towards Achinta, who, as he was standing, dwarfed the Vinda-Corp figurehead…

“…how was your visit?, good I hope?…”

The Android , smiled , and bowed slightly as he responded…

“…yes….it was.”

Vinda, slightly disappointed at the rather succinct reply from his bodyguard, tried another attempt at conversation..

“…how was everyone?…how is the reconstruction going?…did you speak with Ambassador Arien?…”

The mention of the Caprician Ambassador seemed to strike a chord with the HRD, and he elaborated a bit more..

“…I didn’t have enough time to speak with ..everyone, but I did see firsthand the reconstruction, and its in its final stages, Ambassador Arien is pleased with the progress, the Capricians have been very appreciative of the financial aid we have given…”

This report sat well with the old man. Smiling, he grunted in agreement…

“..I’m glad , I admire their tenacity, as a people, the Capricians have been through a lot. Their assistance during the Aargau crisis was invaluable they are very much a part of our future…How about the research and development inititative?...has the funding been enough?...”

Achinta nodded, as he replied...

“...yes...V-Tech and Caprician scientists have come up with some fascinating breakthroughs, the collaboration is working well....so well in fact we should see some practical applications from it within a year...”

Vinda glanced up to his bodyguard impressed, as the words sank in...

“...that soon?...” (he queried)

Achinta pointed to the data-pad, he had placed on the table before the Corporate man...

“...its all in the report..”

“...Excellent!...I hadn’t expected to hear of results that early...”

The Vinda-Corp CEO seemed to reflect upon this thought for a moment, before turning back to his computer terminal…

“In the name of Vader!…”

He slapped the monitor once more, the terminal hadn’t progressed at all, in fact it appeared to be ‘hanging’ as none of the keys seemed to respond…

Clearly incensed at this, Vinda rolled his eyes…

“…Ah! , sometimes!, I bloody hate computers!…” (He announced, exasperated…)

Sighing loudly he paused abruptly , as if suddenly remembering something, and he turned around to face Achinta somewhat sheepishly…

“no offence”

The Android didn’t bat an eyelid..

“none taken…”

(Vinda continued…)

“..I’m sorry but I’ve just spent the past thirty minutes preparing a speech for the meeting on Ession , and the bloody thing’s deleted it!…”

“…I’ll get one of the Techs to take a look at it…does this mean we will have to reschedule our visit?…”

Considering this for a moment , Vinda began to shake his head slowly…

“…no…I think I can remember most of it, its just…”

He glanced up at the bodyguard with a slight grin across his face…

“..my memory is not what it once was…I’m an old man now, heh..”

The HRD simply nodded in agreement…and this caused Vinda’s face to sour slightly, and he responded with a kind of mock indignation…

“…you’re not supposed to agree with me damn it!…what do I pay you for!…”

The HRD’s reply was swift…

“…you don’t…” (he said dryly)

Vinda paused , caught off guard by his bodyguard’s response…

“…oh…”

Vinda looked back up at the HRD , and as the two regarded each other for a brief second, he caught the traces of a smile beginning to form across the android’s lips, and he promptly burst out laughing…

“…I forgot about that…” (he managed to stammer through his hoarse belly laugh…)

Quickly and quite unexpectedly, Vinda’s laugh, began to break into a coughing fit. Placing his hands flat onto the desk to support himself, he struggled to contain the deep coarse sounding coughs…

With a hint of concern spread across his face , Achinta leant forward to support him. In response Vinda raised a hand to show he was alright, and after managing to gain a few deep breaths, he spoke…

“..its ok, I’m fine…..I’m fine…” (he gasped)

Not convinced, Achinta replied promptly…

“…I’ll send for a medic…”

Shaking his head, Vinda waved his hand in protest…

“..no, no, there’s no need, I just have a sore throat that’s all…”

Standing up , Vinda straightened his tunic, and cleared his throat…

“…well?…are we going to go to this meeting, or not?…”

Smiling slightly, Achinta nodded…

“…the shuttles prepped and ready…but, we could always reschedule if you are not feeling up to it…”

Vinda frowned…

“…rubbish, I feel perfectly fine, I’m not going to let some stupid cough delay this , its much too important…”

Moving aside to let the businessman walk past Achinta watched him collect his things, before shaking his head a little…

“ as you wish…”

Capricia




Twilight was coming as the sun drifted serenely into the horizon into blissful oblivion. The orange and purple hues casting myriads of colors before the final slivers of sunlight followed gave strange glowing appearance to the woman staring out at them from her balcony view.


With Antioch is ruins with massive industrial reconstruction projects attempting to salvage bitter defeat and turn it into certain victory forced the Capricians to make Natabb City, Herridian's hometown, the provisional Capital.

Scipio always liked the architecture and view of the land here. She was in one of the few towers to survive the bombardment, the city being overrun during the Yuuzhan Vong conquest.

However, the invaders could not solidify their control as they moved their soldiers to the gathering defenses of the Highlands.

Scipio shuddered at what was in store for the Reclamation Teams that moved toward the tragic defense. Right now the teams stood at the base of the Highlands combing Thessonia for any survivors or salvagable materials.



Her eyes strayed from the falling light to the stars that were suddenly becoming visible and she thought of Achinta, who left a week ago to return to Bonadan and Mr. Vinda. The man's loyalty to Vinda and others was one of the qualities that endeared Vega to her.

She could hear the whispers about her from the junior ranks, especially the young ladies.


He's a robot..

He's an android..

Yes, she knew the whispers.


"Oh, they'll all agree he's handsome enough... " she spoke out loud softly. Craven lechers, all of them!

The lights began to twinkle as they faded from sight and she sighed, massaging her still sore arms. "But nothing more than a glorified tool of masturbation.."




"If I've come at an inconvenient time..." a voice said, trailing off behind her and she jumped, startled by the sudden appearance of another.

She turned to see the bowing, rather formally dressed Hespante.. Simulacrum.., she thought trying to remember what she could about the strange companion of Tyscio Korban.

Not knowing what to say she blurted out, "Aren't you supposed to be enroute to Naboo?"

The former Royal Retainer smiled, "Somehow I think there is another looking after him right now.." he quipped and Scipio's thoughts turned to the rather intense Jedi Master she had briefly met.

Suddenly at a loss, her mind groped for another response when the other picked up on it and continued, "If I have interrupted a need for you to privately release some sexual tensions, I beg forgiveness for my intrusion. I can always come back.."


Scipio cursed under her breath and thought her red face was bright enough to serve as a galactic beacon for air/traffic controllers everywhere to the local convention of witless remarks uttered by sentient beings.... her's being #1.

She put a hand to her mouth not knowing how to respond when she finally gave up, all thoughts crashing together but forming no rope to safe ground.. No, she was crashing and burning..

She started laughing at the situation and the Simulacrum's amusement rose, as if he was quite aware of her discomfort and had taken great joy in tweaking her with what he'd heard uttered.

It was a laugh shared and he moved closer taking in the bluish panoramic landscape all around.

"Quite a view.." he started.

"It helps me to sort out troubling thoughts..."


"You were thinking of your 'mechanical man'.." he mentioned, noting the temperature of her ears rose quite a bit.

He held up his hand, forestalling any half thought remarks that she might voice in her embarrassement.

"I do not mean to embarrass. Your relationship is not the first nor will it be the last. Achinta Vega is surprisingly advanced for this primal era. It's a shame those like him are rare."


Scipio thought for a moment, before turning her head upward, staring at the Simulacrum as he stared out at the view next to her.

Coming to some inner decision, she ventured further.. "You don't think it's.... um.. somewhat immoral?"


Now, Hespante took his gaze from the horizon and looked down at the blonde..young.. Caprician leader.

"I suppose it depends on your view of morality." he started. "Are you using him as a tool for self gratification?"

And as her eyes registered anger, Hespante's voice again took on an amused tone, "No.. I suppose not."

"MY feelings aren't the issue!" she snapped, her inner worries suddenly bubbling over.

Clannus on a stick, Scip! Why don't you just show him the mole on your inner thigh while you're at it!

But, to her horror, she'd found a listening ear and the words just kept coming out.

"What about him!?? He is what he is. That cannot change! Does he.. CAN he have feelings? Or will his "programming" suddenly dictate his actions? He does things and says things that are pleasing.. that are nice to hear. They make me feel .. good." She grinned slightly at the thoughts her words brought up and Hespante thought she had some lecherous genes in her. "Heck, he'd make any woman happy."


"But that is not enough is it?" Hespante asked.

Her eyes grew sad. "No." she sighed and looked out at the lights of the city coming on far below, the movement of people making them seem like ants. "What good is it if I can't do the same for him? How can I make him happy? CAN you make a person happy that is unable to 'be' happy?"


"Is that what you believe?" the Simulacrum started. "Is that what you truly believe?"


They both stood there on the balcony watching transport ships lifting off and moving toward Caprician orbit.


Scipio gestured to the sky, "It's just.. strange to think of an android as having feelings."

"Why?" Hespante asked, his voice perplexed. "Even though your technology in this era barely moves beyond that of the 'wheel' and 'pulley'..."


"We do have hyperdrive.." Scipio interrupted.

"Rudimentary at best.." Hespante shot back. "Anyway, as I was saying, your droids of this era do have personalities. Your astromechs are tempermental and your protocol droids worry too much, but that raises the question: Can there be personality without feelings?"


"So you are saying that Achinta does have feelings?"


"All intelligent beings do. Just because we cannot recognize them in a being that is different than ourselves does not mean they do not have any. They are just.. different."

"So you are saying he can move beyond his programming?"

"You are getting caught up in semantics. Your man will have his quirks and his little habits that do not and will not change no matter what you want. But everyone has them. Do you think that men would not like to tell a woman to move 'beyond her biological programming' and wish away her PMS?"


Scipio laughed.


"Somethings cannot be altered and it would not be fair to expect another to 'move beyond' them."

He saw that his words hit home with the young woman. "However," he started, "there will be some things that can and will change."


"Like what?" Scipio felt a sting of despair still within her. "Granted we are all bound by biological.. or mechanical," she added at Hespante's stern gaze, "strictures, but it seems that other's view him more as property and not as a man!"

"And that angers you?"

"Very much..", she said rather forcefully.

Hespante observed, "No woman likes to have her man slighted or impugned."

"But that seems to be the thinking of the galaxy! And he goes along with it! He is every bit an equal as Mr. Vinda or.. or.."

Hespante began to chuckle and Scipio turned angrily at him. He held up a palm gently, "You know, you remind me of a woman who thinks her man's boss should give him a raise and wonders why his boss doesn't see the value in him that she does."


The fire went out of Scipio's eyes. "So I guess this is a normal feeling then..."


"Only the characters are different." he confirmed.


Scipio sighed. "I just wish I was with him... I wish I knew what he was thinking, what he was feeling..."

Her eyes watered slightly. "I don't know... I know what I want to think... but, life has a way of throwing what we want to the winds.."

Hespante gave a sober smile and nodded. "That is true."

And the woman slumped against the railing, lost in her own miserable thoughts until Hespante spoke again. "However, what is interesting is..."

And a holographic projection of some sort of datapad appeared in his hand. It solidified and he began to read..

"...your man, during the course of his three week stay here, logged upwards of over 400 adjustments and checkups with various centers. I did a cross reference, out of simple curiousity to form a baseline for any medical/mechanical emergency that might come up during his visits (of course), and I noted that his normal routine of going for checkups.." he stopped and looked at her, "Actually, do you know how many times he needs adjustments or goes in for them?"


She shook her head, clearly perplexed.

"Vinda Corp records show he normally goes five times a year."


"Five times?" she mouthed, contemplating. "But why..?"


And Hespante smiled cryptically. "Love makes men of ALL makes and models do strange things." Hespante's eyes twinkled in mirth, "Obviously, the boy's taking better care of himself."

He put a finger on his chin and his eyes seemed to roam until they narrowed, landing on her. "I wonder why?"


Scipio laughed out loud. "Korban was right! You are a sly old fox!"

Then her eyes became conspiratorial. "What sort of 'adjustments'?"

And now Hespante laughed, clearly liking the girl. "Oh no.. Those records are privileged and classified. You'll have to find that out on your own."


Hespante saw that the small woman was smiling to herself as she contemplated this new information. Will the poor boy's positronic pathways handle the moodiness of a Scipio Arien?, Hespante wondered.


Still, they had fared far better than other families on Capricia. There were still bodies being recovered from the Reclamation teams.


So they are building a Commonwealth.. He wondered how that would work given the Vinda Corp was run by one man...Not unlike the 'Empire' that seems to be villified in the media..

Hespante's thoughts began to drift as he stood there, his gaze meeting the tiny sparkle in the night sky that was Kendra.


How much power rested with that one man? What would happen if he died?

What would happen if he could be manipulated?

Half the Commonwealth would be in jeopardy.


Clearly he would need to learn more about the function of their government. Especially since Tyscio Korban seems content to live his life in this era with his Jedi wench.

Hespante laughed inside at his own jealousy. He'd been with the boy all his life and now he's found another companion.

What to do? Take Achinta's route and settle with an organic woman?


He shook his head, his eyes moving to Scipio who was lost in her own thoughts.

No. Women were too complex and troublesome a creature for diddling.


He silently wished the HRD luck.

Ession

Grand Hall - City Plaza





"...Who?..."

"...What?..."

"..speak up I can't hear you!..."

"..ah, I'm sorry he's busy at the moment, Can I take message?..."

"...high priority you say?...er...ok..well.."

"...yes, yes...I understand that, but I'm afraid he's in a middle of a speech right now...."

"yes!, Ession grand hall....the delegates are about to vote in a referendum for membership..."

"...I see...well he's almost finished now..."

"yes, I can, fire away..."

"right..."

"...sorry, say that again..."

"...Micheal... Rash - anagok...how do you spell that?..."

"..right...gotcha..."

"...I see..."

"..yes, I'll pass it on as soon as he's finished..."

"...not long...couple of minutes I'd say..."

"...no don't worry, i'll see he gets it..."

"yes...I understand..."

"..who shall I say called?..."

"...I see...ok..."

"..what?.."

"...Zanzabar?..."

Zara, frowned as the stranger signed off the comms. Achinta, who up until this moment had been watching the proceedings raised an eyebrow towards Vinda's secretary. His interest being aroused by one simple word.

Zara, who by now could read the HRD's face almost as much as he could read hers , glanced up at Vinda's right hand and spoke...

"...that was the Bank of Bonadan, Roonadan subsidary, a Mr Melvins..."

The Android turned himself to face Zara completely , focusing all his attention to her...

"...what did he want?...is there a problem?"

She shook her head unconvincingly...

"...er..no, at least I don't think so, but Mr Melvin's did say it was important...and he did use the encrypted channel"

Zara handed Achinta her datapad, and watched as he cast his analytical scrutiny upon it, it was a datastream, with a personal message for Vinda.

There was no doubt, it could only be from one person.


...Ahnk.


...obviously the reports of his death... had been greatly exaggerated (Achinta reasoned)

"is everything alright Mr Vega?..." Ventured Zara, after observing the HRD's sudden moment of quiet reflection...

"yes...thank you Zara , I shall see to it personally..." The bodyguard replied, without looking in her direction, obviously deep in thought.

"...ok, then I shall check the bar....the bloody pilot's gone AWOL again..." She stated matter of factly, referring to Vinda's personal Shuttle pilot, Jaxx.

Achinta nodded, and watched as she took her leave.

Turning his attention back to the proceedings within the Hall , Achinta tucked the datapad away and peered down from the V.I.P gallery.
As his eyes settled on his employer, Achinta's mind went into overdrive...he had never really understood the relationship between the two men, he knew Ahnk was a Sith, and for almost entirely this reason alone, he hadn't, didn't trust him.
Vinda was not someone who trusted religious fanatics either, so their bond was something of a mystery to the bodyguard.
Despite all of this, he had never questioned Vinda's judgement , nor was he about to, but this development worried him.

The android narrowed his eyes as his mind raced with questions, Vinda's opening speech was almost finished now.


...Trade and commerce!
That has always been our goal here at Vinda-Corp, but it is also the goal of The Corporate Commonwealth itself. Despite our many different races, and our different cultures, THAT! is our common goal. Each race, each culture brings its own diversity to the fold, its own unique blend of riches and knowledge...


Why had he faked his own death?


It is this that enriches us all, and with each new Commonwealth member the Commonwealth becomes richer.
Our lives become better!, better employment opportunities, new advancements in technology!, in short a better standard of living, not just for those who can afford it, but for everyone who is a part of it.


Did he fake his own death?


This is what the people of Ession can and will expect from us, and this is what the peoples of Ession will get.


Why wait for so long?...


In front of you is a portfolio, in it you will find our proposals for membership into the Corporate Commonwealth, including our views and ideas on a range of economic and social factors, purely for Ession. Government structure and policy will be forged together along with the Ession people, since only together can we make this a profitable partnership.


Achinta continued to watch the old man speak, and a slight trace of concern spread across his face, for above all the others , there was one question that bothered him the most...


Representatives, this is why your people voted for you, and now its your turn, vote wisely, Vote for membership into the Commonwealth of worlds, and decide on a better tomorrow, today.



...What does he want?

Bonadan

Bonadan South-East two Spaceport – Bay twelve





“C’mon people!, hussle!…I want to get moving!…”

Richter’s voice boomed above the general noise of the Spaceport hanger, his usual frown scrutinizing the proceedings with its usual intensity. The port staff rushed to and fro in response as they prepared the shuttle for take-off. Richter glanced down at his chrono , time was getting on, he wanted to miss the sky-traffic.

“…c’mon people, how long does it take to get this thing in the air!?…I don’t want to get caught in rush hour!…”

Sighing a little, Richter was about to accost one of the staff when a voice from behind him changed his mind.

“…depends on whom they are preparing it for…”

Frowning further he turned to face the source, and found himself facing the familiar smiling figure of Kaneda Soom, leaning forward on his cane with both hands.

“…do you always sneak up on people like that?…its unnerving…” Complained Richter, already irritated, he wasn’t in the mood for games, but then he never usually was.

“…I guess its become second nature…”

“…well don’t in future, its annoying..” Richter grunted in response.

The Section agent laughed at his remark and changed the subject…

“…I’m fine thank you very much…thanks for asking”

Richter merely raised a single eyebrow at the Operative’s sarcasm…

“…what are you doing back?, shouldn’t you be infiltrating some secret organisation somewhere?…”

“..been there done that..” Kaneda quipped…

Richter nodded …

“..yes I heard all about that…Mr V sung your praises…had enough of Ettian hospitality I take it?..”

Kaneda grinned…

“…you could say that…”

Richter let slip the glimmer of a smile at the operative’s comment, not to mention at what he had heard about the whole fiasco…

“…actually , I’m here to accompany you…”

As Kaneda spoke, Richter who had already turned his gaze away from the agent to the shuttle , promptly returned it back as the agents words sunk in…

“..accompany me?…why?…does section think there’s likely to be a problem?…”

Kaneda walked closer to Richter and smiled a little to disarm the tension suddenly present in Richter’s voice..

“..no, there is no direct threat…well, none that we know of, but that’s precisely why I’m coming along…as a precaution…we are carrying some very sensitive cargo, I’m sure there are many who would like to get their hands on it…as such, we shall also be having an armed escort..”

Richter nodded as he listened…

“…I see…yes, you’re right..” Replied the businessman, he’d been so focused concentrating on the logistics of it all , he hadn’t really considered that aspect…

A shout from one of the Space-port’s staff indicating that the shuttle was ready grabbed both men’s attention, and they made their way over to it…

“…an escort too?…who?..”

“…Vice-Admiral Omar. He jumped at the chance of going back to Capricia, he has a few friends there apparently…” ( Kaneda reported matter of factly…)

As the two clambered up the gantry into the interior of the Lambda shuttle, Kaneda questioned the Businessman…

“..you’ve been there yes?…what with Mr Vega spending most of his time there these days, and Vinda’s endless stories , it seems to be the popular choice for most of VC… …whats it like?” He asked out of curiousity.

Activating the controls to retract the gantry and close the shuttle’s door, Richter’s response was abrupt and to the point, if a little odd…

“…Green. too much bloody grass for my liking…you’re not missing much…”

“…oh…” Kaneda murmured in disappointment , obviously not expecting quite the anti-climatic response he received, and he seemed to ponder on this for a moment as Richter strapped himself into one of the chairs opposite him.

“…not enough smog , traffic , and duracrete for you eh?…” He asked eventually, with a sly grin…

“…something like that…” Came Richter’s rather nonchalant response…

With a loud hum the shuttle’s engines began to fire up, causing the inside of the ship to vibrate a little…

“…hang on a minute, if there’s no direct threat, not to mention the fact you’ve only just got back from assignment, surely Section could have assigned someone else?…is that why you’ve come along?…to see Capricia?…” Richter asked , a little confused…

Kaneda grinned as the shuttle began to slowly lift off, and he raised his voice slightly to compensate for the noise of the shuttles engines…

“…yeah, I volunteered. I’ve got some ‘R and R’ time due, thought I’d hitch a lift and stay a while, y’know have a look around…plus! I thought I’d keep you company, and give you the benefit of my dazzling personality along the way!…” Kaneda announced, with his tongue planted firmly within his cheek…

“…oh I see!…” Replied Richter overdramatically, rolling his eyes slightly.

“…Lucky me!..” He followed up dryly, causing Kaneda to laugh out loud.


Soon enough, the shuttle blasted its way through the skyways of Bonadan’s busy atmosphere , and boarded its awaiting Escort . A large Mon-Cal battle-cruiser, and along with it, four Imperator-Class Star Destroyers, and a cluster of smaller capital ships.

As the ships moved into formation, and the signal for readiness came forward, the small fleet of ships picked up speed , and seemed to stretch for a split-second as they made the jump to Hyperspace.

Destination: Capricia.





OOC:

Assets being moved to Capricia:

7 ASCA Systems.
5 Opticon Missile Defence systems.

Ession

Embassadorial Hotel – The next morning



“…is this some kind of joke?..”

Vinda’s eyes gazed upon Achinta , to say the businessman looked surprised, was an understatement…

Still dressed in his robe, Vinda sat down upon the chair , as if to cusion the shock…

“…Ahnk?…alive?…”

Suddenly the old man became oblivious to everything as a hundred different thoughts and questions manifested themselves within his mind.

…What?..why?…

Why hadn’t he sensed him?

Had Ahnk hidden or disguised himself?

..and if so, again, why?

He cast his mind back to when Ahnk had mysteriously turned up on his doorstep...litearally, and a deep frown embedded itself upon his forehead creating ridges of pure confusion…

It was all a very long time ago now.

Vinda glanced back up to the HRD , who was standing over him patiently…

“I don’t understand…” He managed to utter , still trying to grasp it all…

Achinta handed Vinda a data-pad , and Vinda took it cautiously.His voice still calm and steady, as it always was,

"...He left this message for you..."

As Vinda read the data-pad's contents, he sat in a kind of unsettled silence…

“…are you alright sir?…” Achinta ventured, concerned…

“…shall I cancel the meeting…” He continued…

Placing the data-pad carefully upon the table in front of him, Vinda shook his head slowly…

“…no…no, I can’t… I can’t possibly cancel, these next three days are going to be critical for the talks... no we continue as normal..”

“are you sure?..” Achinta asked again…

“…yes…yes…” Vinda replied , his voice distant…

More thoughts flashed through Vinda’s mind…

…had the force been trying to warn him of this?…

…why hadn’t I listened?…


The Bodyguard’s voice cut through once again , bringing Vinda back to reality…

“…I hope you didn’t mind me waiting until now to tell you…its just I knew it would come as a shock”

Vinda looked upwards towards the Droid and smiled faintly, and he nodded slowly…

“…no …”

Vinda’s eyes settled upon the bodyguard standing beside him, still concerned for his welfare…

Still…

This thought stuck out in his mind, Achinta had always been by his side, always vigilant, and although he never showed it much, it was this steady loyalty which never failed to reassure him.

His thoughts went back to Ahnk…

“…did he leave any kind of address or …well anything?…”

Achinta simply shook his head in response…

Sighing heavily Vinda narrowed his eyes, and grunted in recognition…

“..then we proceed as we have planned….I shall be meeting with the Governors today…”

Rising stiffly, Vinda leant forward to lean upon the table for a moment, he felt tired…


I’m getting too old for this….


“...any more surprises that I should be aware of?...”Vinda asked the HRD, with an underlying trace of sarcasm in his voice...

Achinta’s reply was instant...

“..not that I am aware of ...”

"Good.." Replied Vinda, distant.

Capricia

Ambassadorial Center




Seated quietly , engrossed in front of a computer terminal, one of many inside the embassy , Kaneda suddenly felt he was not alone, and looked up to see Richter standing in the doorway. He smiled and bowed slightly in greeting to the businessman indicating it was fine for him to enter the chamber.

“… Mr Bayern…” He started in greeting…

“you almost caught me off guard there for a moment…..these Caprician doors open too quietly…” The section agent remarked with a faint smile…

Richter tilted his head to one side slightly , curious as to what the Vinda-Corp agent was up to.

“…did I come at a bad time?…” He asked cautiously…

Kaneda shook his head, dismissing his concern instantly…

“not at all, I was merely reading up on our new friends, Capricia’s social structure is quite unique, the Clans, their history…its…”

The Operative paused for a moment as if to find a suitable word…

“…interesting…”

“Damned confusing more like...” Came Richter’s rather unsubtle response…

“…I don’t understand how they all have the same names, I’ve met so many Scipio’s and Tyscio’s , I don’t know how to tell them apart…”

Kaneda’s expression of concentration was unbroken, almost as if pretending not to hear the businessman’s comments..

“…yes…this Tyscio Korban, is most interesting too…” He murmured aloud, with his eyes still fixed to the monitor …

Richter continued unabated..

“…though its not all bad, I mean , its got its advantages. If you can’t remember their name, it doesn’t matter, just use one of the clan names and you know you’ve got a reasonable chance of getting at least one of their names right…”

Raising an eyebrow slightly, Kaneda couldn’t help but smile at Richter’s words…

Grinning broadly Richter laughed…

“…seriously though, this planets growing on me, The Capricians sure know how to throw a party…” Richter quipped, referring to the series of ambassadorial get-togethers he had attended lately…

“..which reminds me” Richter stated… “…where the hell have you been hiding?…

“I haven’t seen you since we arrived…its been three days!…” Exclaimed Richter in surprise, “ …I know you’re used to being undercover but this is ridiculous…everyone I've spoken to haven't seen you....and I sincerely hope you've not been stuck in the libraries the entire time...you’re on holiday remember?”
Almost as soon as he finished his sentence, his eyes fell upon the small collection of datapads sitting on a neat pile beside the section agent.
Walking beside the desk he began to scan through some of their contents, reading aloud their titles as he did so…

“…Commonwealth Law and Politics, Clan Heritage, Clannus Prime…” Richter’s eyes seemed to glaze over, as his voice trailed off in complete disinterest …

“…I thought as much...felt like some light reading huh?…”

“…something like that…” Came Kaneda’s bemused response…

Richter glanced down at the operative , then back towards the pile of datapads , and his brow began to furrow slightly as he picked up and scanned another… it was a personnel file…a Caprician…

“…you sly sonuva @#%$…you’re not here just to see Capricia are you?…. just what is it Section has you doing over here?..”

Kaneda smiled…

“…perceptive ….” The operative replied ominously, and eased back into the deep chair, Slowly his eyes looked the businessman over. Rising from the desk, he gestured for Richter to follow him onto the balcony outside, away from any listening devices which may have been present.
As Richter looked at him questioningly, he took a moment to get himself comfortable, as if carefully selecting his following words…

“…Section’s mandate has always been to protect Vinda-Corp’s assets , property and people…”

“..yes..” Followed Richter impatiently, only marginally succeeding in feigning to be interested…

“…well…as Vinda-Corp’s assets , and its influence has grown, and evolved , Section has realised its mandate has needed to evolve alongside, to stay relevant…” Kaneda’s eyes slowly met Richter’s , as if gauging the man before him…

Suddenly it dawned upon Richter, and along with it so did the expression of realisation across his face…

“…you’re on a bloody recruitment drive!…” Richter announced, as if shouting out an answer for a quiz show…

Kaneda’s smile gave Richter all the signs he needed to know he was correct, even before the agent spoke…

“…Section’s mandate now not only extends to Vinda-Corp , but for the entire Commonwealth as a whole, and as the Commonwealth’s reach expands, so, naturally , must Section’s….”

Richter, smiled a little and shook his head slowly…

“..I see…but…that’s not it , is it?…there’s something else…” Richter voiced his thoughts aloud…

“…you seem very interested in Caprician politics, overly, some might say…don’t think I haven’t noticed your interest in the clan leaders…and don’t think I’m the only one whose observed it either…I know you’ve spent all the time in the libraries here”

Kaneda,remained quiet for a moment before responding…

“...as I said before, I have been learning more about our new friends, accessing the situation, the Caprician’s themselves , as a people. They have suffered a tumultuous time, and from what we know, its not the first time…”

Richter frowned..

“…what do you mean?..” He asked picking up on the subtle undercurrent that seemed to be apparent in Kaneda’s voice.

“…well… we know, that…in the past they have had a civil war, which damn near destroyed their society, and from what I can interperet, almost their entire race…”

Richter stared at Kaneda in disbelief…

“…you’re not saying what I think you’re saying…” Richter started…

“…I am not saying anything, as I said before all section is doing is accessing, I am merely reporting what I see. Section is eager to learn more about them, and their past, and perhaps find out why …certain things occurred, and how they were resolved…”

Richter’s eyes scrutinized the man before him suspiciously…

“…for what purpose…” His tone was wary…

Kaneda met Richter’s glare…

“…to make sure it doesn’t happen again…”

Richter’s jaw almost hit the floor…

“…unbelievable!…” He blurted out incredulously…

“..after everything both of them , and us, as a race of people have been through, not just on our own , but together!…after all of that, you people still don’t trust them!…” All Richter could do was laugh loudly out of disbelief…

Kaneda frowned slightly…

“…its not that we don’t trust them, its just we believe in being cautious…like it or not Richter, its part of my job, someones got to do it, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable it makes others feel, like it or not these questions must be answered…”

Richter’s reply was instant…

“…and if they aren’t?…” Before Kaneda could respond Richter continued..

“…and what about Vinda?…has Section told him about this?….did he sanction this?…”

Kaneda’s silence spoke volumes…

“…yeah, that’s what I thought…” Richter exclaimed …

An awkward silence fell upon the two men as both seemed to contemplate on what had just been said, until eventually Richter spoke, cautiously…

“…you aren’t the only one are you? (he ventured)

“…they’re others aren’t there, how many?…”

Kaneda simply remained quiet…

“…how many?..” Richter insisted

“…actual agents?…about three.…give or take…” Kaneda replied…

“…they are only here to learn, to observe, nothing more…” The operative continued quickly…

Richter shook his head slowly once more in a kind of dulled amazement…

“…its important Richter!, if this thing, is going to work we need to know everything we can about our new partners….which includes those parts they may not necessarily want us to….” Kaneda started to explain, and his words were immediately jumped upon by Richter.

“…if we want this ‘thing’ to work we need more than this…” Richter’s hands waved about in huge circular movements as if to physically reinforce his increasingly heated words…

“…suspicion, and spying…by the Emporer’s black bones Soom! , they are our partners!…whatever happened to trust?”

Richter’s words were once again met with silence from the Section operative, he clearly hadn’t expected this reaction from Richter. In fact Richter’s words, and sentiment had surprised the Vinda-Corp agent entirely.

“…well lets hope our ‘partners’ don’t find out about this, because if they are feeling anything like I do right at this moment, this ‘thing’, (Richter used the agents words against him on purpose) this Commonwealth , will be over pretty damn quickly…” With a final incredulous sigh, Richter turned away and straightened his tunic…

“…you know what Soom, you’re in the wrong line of business, you should have been an archeaologist …since all you do is dig up old things that should be forgotten!…” Richter snapped, his temper getting the better of him…

“…those who forget the past , are destined to repeat it…we ignore the past at our peril Richter…” Kaneda countered calmly. Richter stiffened at the Operative’s reply, and seemed to take a moment to simmer down, before throwing the Vinda-Corp agent an icy glare…

“…I see…well I guess that makes everything alright then doesn’t it?…” Came Richter’s rather sarcastic retort.
Sighing heavily the businessman’s eyes seemed to study Kaneda deeper than usual, as if seeing him in a new light, and without ceremony he elected to end the conversation, probably sensing he was about to lose his temper.

“…if you want me I’ll be at the Ambassador’s reception…

….good evening…Mr Soom…”

For that brief second Richter’s voice seemed to hold an imperceptible subtle tone of contempt as he pronounced the operative’s name, and he walked off of the balcony, and out of the chamber, leaving Kaneda to reflect on what had just been said.

Using both hands to clasp his cane behind his back, Kaneda turned to face the Caprician landscape.
The sun was beginning to set now, casting deep reds and yellows across the sky. Its orange hue seemed to make everything glow in a golden aura, casting deep angular shadows across the surface. In doing so, it picked up on Capricia’s battle-scars, a blast crater here , an old trench there.
Subtle but haunting reminders and glimpses into Capricia’s bloody past. Just barely visible underneath the new growth of grass and undergrowth that had sprung up…

As his eyes settled upon this alien, but beautiful landscape, and picked out these silent ghosts of the past Kaneda’s mind raced inwardly, and for a brief moment he stepped outside of himself…

…in the name of Vader Soom!…

…The mans right!…


…when did you become so cynical?….



Exhaling deeply , the Section agent whispered under his breath, in defence…



“…its what I do…”


…and inexplicably for the Vinda-Corp agent , he suddenly felt , very alone.

Rampa

Commercial District



Picking his way through the throng of everyday people going about their business, Zandell couldn't help but feel more than a little claustrophobic. He'd gotten so used to being in space, that it was now strange for him to be amongst so many people. With the noise of the bustling traffic, pedestrians, and street sellers, he could barely hear himself think.

...where do all these people come from?...

He thought to himself sourly, as an unseen perpertrator elbowed him in the ribs...

...of all the damn places in the galaxy...

Glancing up at the huge neon signs hanging precariously above the crowds , his eyes squinted to read them.

...aha!...

A sly smile started to form across his lips as he found what he was looking for...

'The Rabid Rancor'

Zandell's smile wilted a little as he took in the sight of the rather rundown looking bar, and after throwing a furtive glance in all directions to ensure it was indeed the correct place he was after, he entered.






The bar was thick with Cigarra and Tabac smoke, the insidious scent caused his eyes to water in reaction. It hung low like a blue mist, surrounding and obscuring its numerous patrons, enshrouded in the dank corners.

Stepping through it all, Zandell kept his eyes firmly on one table in particular, where a single patron waited.
Walking up to the table , Zandell's eyes squinted down at the stranger seated opposite, and spoke...

"..you Deed?..."

The figure didn't move or respond, and Zandell was starting to feel nervous, he couldn't see the shadowy figure's face, whoever it was seemed to be wearing some kind of helmet...

Zandell's nerves got the better of him...

"...ok fine...if you're not interested then I can find someone else who.."

"...you're Zandell?..." Interrupted the stranger, his voice rasping and mechanical as it came from the blank looking helmet. Although it was impossible to tell just from looking , Zandell got the distinct impression the stranger was sizing him up.

"...yes... still interested?..." The alien ventured...

"...that depends..." Came the ominous response from the helmet...

"..depends on what?...precisely?..." Asked Zandell, starting to lose his patience...

"...on whether you have, what you say you have..." Continued the stranger, who gestured for the alien to sit down on the chair opposite...

Gingerly taking a seat, Zandell, frowned, before reaching into his inside pocket of his coat, revealing an esconced data-pad. As he went to hand it over he paused and spoke, his voice suspicious...

"...wheres the money?..."

The stranger reached under the table and placed a small pouch upon the table...

"...I want to see it first..." He rasped...

Narrowing his eyes , Zandell obliged and slid the data-pad across the table, glancing warily over his shoulder as he watched the figure scan through its contents.

The figure leaned forward slightly, his body langauge making him seem more interested...

"...its good..." He confirmed quietly, and slid the pouch across the table over to the Alien before him. Zandell grabbed it greedily, and opened its contents upon the table, a fat wad of credit-chits...

As Zandell deliriously started to count them up, the stranger arose from the table....

"...have you told anyone or showed anyone else this Zandell?..."

Zandell shook his head, and replied, not averting his gaze from the Credits he was counting...

"...nope! not a soul!..." He replied, (perhaps a bit too quickly).

"Good." Came the muffled response from the stranger.

Zandell didn't hear the man , his eyes were still focused on the money in front of him, so focused, in fact, he didn't notice the stranger silently pull out a blaster...until , of course, it was too late.

Zandell's face dropped...

"...no wait!...I..."

The noise of the blaster bolt caused those close by to suddenly and instinctively reach for their own weapons, until they realised it was nothing to do with them, going nonchalantly instead back to their own business...

Apart from the barman...

"...what the hell!...you can't do that in here!..."

After picking up the items beside the still smoking corpse of the alien, the stranger threw a wad of credit chits towards the Bar-keep...


"...sorry about the mess..."

Then walked out of the bar.

Natabb City - Capricia



Herridian watched as the simulacrum walked through the archival vault. It was a wonder that the invaders did not have the time to locate this facility which was dedicated to preserving the older records of the planet.

The Commonwealth government issued that the contents of all archival vaults be copied and divided between Capricia, Elrood (the Commonwealth's newest public educational facility) as well as Brin.

Natabb City had been Homeworld's City of the Arts before the attack and Herridian watched with much regret that quite a bit of the older architecture no longer remained.

He turned to Hespante. "I find it interesting that the term, Clannus Prime, was used to designate the leader of your Commonwealth Union of Worlds so long ago."

Hespante gazed out at the antiquated information storage systems. "From what I can gather, the term came back into common Caprician use about a millenia ago."

"And that is the strange part too. The symbol of your commonwealth was the banner of the first Clannus Prime as well."

"It is a very odd coincidence." Hespante agreed slowly, lost in thought. "No one picks up terms and simply uses them for no reason."

He turned to Herridian. "So how did the person who became your first 'Clannus Prime' come to use the term? Why did he? What does it mean?"

"First among Clans is one translation." Herridian commented.

"But Clan usually designates familial ties. The former Clans of now have no such ties. Your "clans" identify function rather than family."

Herridian nodded. "Functions that were carried out by members of all Royal or Minor Houses."

"So your planet changed government styles a thousand years ago, everyone claiming fealty to this Clannus Prime."

"Yes. Though the clans were individual houses at the time, about 500 years ago, they became synonymous with various government functions incorporating everyone on Capricia."

"And the line of Clannus Prime successors?"

"Now that is the interesting part. That remained familial so when the line died out, so did the title."

Hespante thought a moment, "So... what sort of government did Capricia have before the rise of the Clannus Prime?"

Now, Herridian looked embarrassed. "Well, that is a period in history that we normally do not talk about. However, records seem to indicate that there was only one ruling entity before. Any records prior to the ruling entity seem to have been either destroyed or purged."

"And this entity is what certain houses, termed clans, rose up against."

"Yes."

"And this entity?"

"It was only known by one name." Herridian laughed nervously as Hespante began scanning the data records. "You will not find any information on it in any archival vault."

Hespante turned frowning. "Where will I find it?"

Herridian paused.

Hespante's curiousity was engaged now. "What was this entity that controlled Capricia?"


"It was a power called the Noble House."


Hespante turned to face the portly Caprician. "The Noble House?"


Herridian could see the Simulacrum pause a moment trying to access information centuries..eons back.. for any reference to Noble House. Unfortunately (he knew) what the simulacrum would find would be nothing relevant. Even Royal familiy Houses on Capricia were called Noble Houses...


The portly Caprician moved over to a dusty consol looking as if to check it's power output.


"Where is the information on this Noble House stored?" Hespante asked and Herridian closed his eyes. There was no way out of not answering this question.

"Brin... Brindheir." he said.

And Hespante stopped, recognition hitting the Simulacrum as instantly as Herridian's hand went down on a dust covered crystal dial.

The room was bathed suddenly in a bright white glow.



*


Outside the archive Hespante walked with Herridian. "A very comprehensive library of information you have there. Most impressive. The Commonwealth was right in ensuring that the data survives."

Herridian laughed nervously. "Without history, what are we?"

"Empty.." Hespante answered, frowning as he looked at the position of the sun as they exited the area.

Capricia


"What happened?" Tyscio Korban asked sleepily as he rubbed his eyes glancing at the form of the Simulacrum.

He and the Jedi Master Leia Organa Solo had arrived on Naboo and Tyscio needed to begin on the much needed repairs and upkeep his neglect to his residence near the edge of the forest on Naboo had caused.

"A time delay of under a quarter of an hour is what I have experienced."

"Time delay?" Tyscio paused, "But how can-"

"It can't." Hespante said flatly. "I am missing almost 13 minutes."

That opened Tyscio's eyes. "Who?"

"Last memory is in one of the Archive Vaults with Herridian Wye."

"The leader of the scientists? That's odd.."

"My boy, the technology required to cause a time delay within my matrix has long since gone the way of all our advanced technology."

"Or so we thought." Tyscio quipped back thinking wildly. "I don't even know what device might.."

"Military technology is the best surmise I can make."

"Something where Generals would not want the Retainers of the Old Commonwealth to peer."

"And something that has survived these years in the incompetent hands of these technololgical newbies."

"Newbies?"

"Apparently Mr. Wye thought his erasure of my mind would go unnoticed."

"Hence his unfamiliarity with the equipment he's used. That at least is encouraging. Do you need me to come back?"

Hespante waved him off. "No. There is a mystery here and I mean to uncover it."

"Quietly, Hespante. Quietly."

"As silent as the dead.."

"Keep me in the loop. Tyscio out."


The simulacrum ended his private transmission and deactivated the transmission blockers.


So.. What is being hidden here?

Capricia

Outskirts of Natabb city - Nostromo Gardens


Kaneda leant forward onto his walking cane deep in thought, it was now early morning and the sun was beginning to rise. He had been told the view from the gardens at this time of day were nothing short of breathtaking.

He had not been misinformed.

The gardens themselves had been built as a memorial , over the exact site of where The Nostromo, (Vinda-Corp's Command ship during the Caprician Crisis), a nine hundred meter long Victory class Star Destroyer had crashed, and had self-destructed. Bringing down one of the Yuuzhan Vong's major Command ships. At a terrible price.

The gardens themselves were huge, and expansive, just as the devastation before them was. They were a silent, but fitting testament to all those killed during the action.

Vinda-Corp, and Caprician alike.

The entire site had been renovated and created by Vinda-Corp, they had paid for the memorial , and continue to pay for its upkeep. It was even rumored Vinda himself payed for it, personally.
Kaneda pondered this for a moment ...

...another rumor?...

The Section Operative had heard many since he had arrived on Capricia, he had found Vinda to have quite the reputation. He'd even heard the man ate babies...

The hint of a smile could be traced across his face for a split-second as he remembered hearing that rumor for the first time.

...all adds to the mystery, I suppose...

Bringing himself out of his thoughts the agent took in the view, the gardens although very beautiful indeed, were nowhere near mature yet.They seemed to eminate a quiet, reflective, calming , almost peaceful aura. A stark contrast to the carnage, and chaos this corner of Capricia had seen.

The gardens were considered a sacred place for all Vinda-Corp citizens. Nearly all who visited it seemed to hold a certain quiet reverence as they talked about it.
Nostromo gardens had become the focal point for all those who had been involved in protecting the planet from the Vong. Also a place of pilgrimage for all those relatives who had lost someone during the conflict.

The Operative closed his eyes for a moment, and listened, hearing only the various chatterings and twittering of the birds ensconced all around.
Surrounded by such serenity, it was almost impossible to picture what it must have been like, but Kaneda tried to nonetheless.

Looking up, his eyes fell upon the actual memorial itself, a large white marble stone-like circular dome with pillars that ran up to the ceiling. Each pillar had the names of those who had lost their lives during the crisis inscribed into the stone. From afar it looked like a simple pattern, but up close, the names could be seen clearly.

There were twenty pillars.

Inside, underneath the dome itself, was a wide plinth in the centre , waist high. Fixed to it, was one of only a few fragments left from the Vinda-Corp command ship itself, a large , twisted chunk of the hull plating.

From a glance, it appeared to be nothing more than a piece of scrap metal, but on closer inspection, despite the blackened scorch marks, and its pitted, scarred surface. One could just make out two letters 'N', and 'O'.
It was the section where Nostromo's name and designation would have been written clearly across the hull.

It had been found embedded in the ground almost two kilometres away from the blast site, during the cleanup.
Somehow just those two simple letters seemed to speak volumes, and its symbolism touched a nerve for all concerned.

As a result, it became the centre-piece for the entire site. It seemed to stand guard over the gardens, and Kaneda himself, and it felt oddly reassuring.

Kaneda's mood was reflective, perhaps this kind of place had caused it. His footsteps echoed slightly upon the flawless white stone floor as he walked around the interior , catching sight of various names inscribed upon the pillars.

A shrill comms alert punctured the peace. It was a section secure encrypted channel.

Slightly irritated at the interruption, the Operative did not let it show as he answered...

"..this is 239, go ahead..."

"...Commander this is Vice-Admiral Omar, I'm checking to see if everything is alright..."

Visibly confused by this statement, Kaneda replied, semi-bemused...

"...of course Vice-Admiral, why wouldn't it be?..."

"..ah I see, good, good..."

There was a distinct hesitation before the next reply came, causing only to perplex the agent more...

"what is it Vice-Admiral?..."

"..well, its probably nothing, but...well we were scanning the area , and our scanners picked up on a strange energy signature, whatever it was, it was over quick...but it was powerful..."

The slight frown across Kaneda's head seemed to deepen, as his curiousity got the better of him...

"..what kind of energy signature?..."

(There was yet another pause from the Commander)

"...thats just it sir, we don't know. Whatever it is , its not something we've encountered before. We think its some form of radiation, but it doesn't seem to conform to any standard energy signatures..at least, not any we know..."

Omar emphasised his last sentence ominously, causing the Operative to become concerned...

"...I see... you think it is dangerous?...are you still picking it up?.."

Omar's response was confident and quick.

"No. Whatever it was, it was over quick, as for being dangerous,we don't know, but I felt it important to check..."

" I see, thank you Vice-Admiral....ah, just one more thing....why were you scanning the surface?..."

Kaneda's tone was suspicious...

"...keeping the crew on their toes Commander, training and manouvres...One thing I've learned in my time is you can never be too prepared....."

Kaneda nodded in silent agreement.

"...very good...was there anything else?.."

"...Actually yes, although the burst was over quickly, we were able to pin-point where it originated..."

The co'ordinates were transmitted to Kaneda's small portable data-pad. Beeping once it indicated its download had been successful, and as the Section Operative viewed the data, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in surprise.

(Omar continued)

"...should I alert the Caprician Government Commander?..."

Kaneda's instinctive curiousity raged...

"...not for now, I am sure they picked it up too..."

"...Yes..."

(there was an imperceptible hint of understanding held within the Vice-Admiral's voice...)

"...we thought that too..."


As Omar signed off the comms, Kaneda was left to ponder on this strange development. Was this a fluke?, some strange scientific research perhaps?

Kaneda narrowed his eyes a little, as he recognised the co'ordinates as being the Caprician Archives.


...Odd...