Ask Silent Orchid: A Sith's Gambit

[Zorya]

Etti IV, a planet bustling with opportunity and intrigue, was a den of technology and power. Beneath the obsidian hood of introspection, Sith Champion Zorya, her countenance as inscrutable as a holochess board, pondered the crux of her mission: acquisition of TC-SC Infiltration Droids. These automated marauders would be invaluable additions to her burgeoning power base. Unseen, Thel Xeros, her trusted accomplice, loomed in her thoughts; their combined strategy had previously seized the lucrative spice trade of Troiken.

A cloak of deceit shrouded Zorya's intentions as she forged an appointment with Cybot Galactica. As a private military contractor, her identity would remain submerged in an ocean of anonymity. She understood well the trepidation with which corporate entities often viewed Sith. Yet, the obscure dance of power was one she had rehearsed time and again, every note perfect, every step measured.

In the shadow of the corporate offices, Zorya stood like a sculpture of elegance. Swathed in an ensemble mirroring the austerity of the monastic orders of Nadiem, her attire was composed of vibrant flora woven into the fabric, cinched at the waist with a vivid vermilion girdle. Fluttering around her was her ebullient Ximpi sidekick, O'bog, his gossamer wings alight with the colors of the evening sun, wearing a miniature bow tie that added a touch of formality to his mischievous demeanor.

"Blimey, ain't I a sight to behold?" O'bog chirped in his inimitable brogue, hovering like a drunken bumblebee, "Ne'er seen meself this fancy 'fore, eh Zorya?"

Silence was Zorya's response, her unyielding gaze affixed to the horizon. She exhaled softly, the cool air mingling with the aroma of the alien flora around them. Her senses were alert, her body taut with anticipation. The slightest hint of a smile played upon her lips.

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

Having worked with Zorya before, Thel accepted her offer to join her on Etti IV. He was aware that the planet was home to Cybot Galactica, notable for being the manufacturer of the 3PO protocol droids. Not that the Sith were there to obtain such droids. The objective was to acquire infiltration droids. Sophisticated machines that could prove very useful to the Sith Order. He knew that Zorya had secured the meeting with Cybot under false pretences. They would be posing as military contractors. He didn’t have further details. This was Zorya’s endeavour, so he would follow her lead.

Thel walked through the busy metropolis, heading towards the meeting point. He had opted to dress as he usually did. Robes were commonly worn throughout the galaxy, and never drew much attention. It was a nice evening. The sun had yet to go down. If he wasn’t on a mission, he would have been tempted to stop at a restaurant or café.

Finally reaching the building, making sure that he was punctual, he spotted Zorya in the distance. Her small companion O’bog was with her. As he approached, he got a better look at what she was wearing. Very smart. A vibrant floral design adorned her robes. Even O’bog was wearing a small bow tie. Zorya was looking out to the horizon, so she hadn’t spotted him approach. No doubt she had sensed his presence. “Zorya. O’bog. It’s nice to see you both again.” He gave a slight bow of his head to them both.

@Aberforth

 

[Zorya]

As Thel neared, a subtle change in the Force tipped Zorya off to his presence. The sensation was as familiar as the cool evening air of Etti IV that played gently on her exposed skin, an atmosphere rich with the scent of exotic blossoms and electrified by the hum of unseen tech. Her senses, sharp as a Sith's blade, tingled with anticipation of the endeavor that lay ahead. Zorya, however, didn't break her silent vigil, letting Thel make his approach, the evening sun casting long shadows behind him.

Perched atop Zorya's shoulder, O'bog buzzed with a roguish energy, his wings flickering in the dying light. He sized up Thel with a gleam in his eye that danced with mischief. "Well, if it ain't ol' Thel," O'bog jeered in his thick brogue, "Took ye long enough to stroll yer merry way 'ere. Zorya, me lass, was startin' to think ye've tripped on them flowing robes o' yers."

Though she remained wordless, a slight tilt of her head indicated Zorya's acknowledgment of Thel's arrival. Her senses drank in the bustling cityscape around them. The constant hum of city life, the scent of street food blending with the sterile smell of high tech, the array of neon lights flickering as Etti IV's twilight set in.

O'bog fluttered off Zorya's shoulder, circling the pair before landing back with an exaggerated sigh. "Well then, ye ready to charm the bolts off those droid-lovin' swindlers, Thel?" he jested, fixing his bow tie with a flourish. "Cause if not, me lady's floral number 'ere and me dashing bow tie have got it covered."

With the final piece of their puzzle in place, Zorya moved towards the Cybot Galactica building, its towering architecture dominating the twilight horizon. Her footsteps echoed through the buzz of the city, a staccato counterpoint to the ceaseless hum of the metropolis.

Slipping through the sliding doors, the building swallowed them in its metallic belly, trading the cacophony of the city for the sterilized hush of corporate prestige. The place hummed with the vibrato of technology and thrummed with the muted hustle of many sentients at work.

"Evenin' miss, can I help ye?" came the soft query of the front desk droid.

"Aye, ye rattling bucket, listen up," interjected O'bog, darting in front of Zorya and puffing up his small frame, "We've an appointment under the name 'Stella Winduna'. Point us to where we can rest our weary bones while waitin', will ye?"

While O'bog bandied words with the desk droid, Zorya allowed herself a moment of indulgence. She soaked in the surroundings: the antiseptic smell of freshly cleaned durasteel, the cool touch of the ambient temperature regulated to perfection, the symphony of quiet murmurs and distant holo-transmissions, and the myriad taste of anticipation in the air. It was a sensory mosaic of order and control – fitting, for a place from which they would extract the seeds of chaos.

Without missing a beat, the droid motioned them towards an elegant waiting area. The room was bathed in the soft glow of ambient lighting, enhancing the luxurious seating arranged around a low table with holographic periodicals shimmering above it. As Zorya gracefully claimed a seat, O'bog settled himself on Zorya's shoulder, preening under the fancy lights. "Now this," he mused in his inimitable accent, "is the kind of waitin' I could get used to, Zorya."

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

Thel was now accustomed to the fact that Zorya didn’t speak. O’bog was the one to address him.

“No, fortunately my journey here was without incident. No trips or slips,” Thel replied jokingly. He did wonder what less patient Sith than himself would think of Zorya’s silence. Some of his fellow Sith could be somewhat ill-tempered, to put it nicely.

“I think I’ll leave the charm offensive to you, O’bog.”

It was only a short walk to Cybot Galactica’s headquarters; a clean and sleek modern building. Thel stood behind Zorya as O’bog spoke to the droid behind the front desk. They were then pointed towards a wating area. Thel took a seat next to Zorya and rested his arms on the arms of the chair. He leaned over towards O’bog. “So, what happens if they expect Zorya or me to do any talking?” Perhaps Zorya did speak sometimes. Or maybe they were going to be completely reliant on O’bog’s powers of persuasion. Thel didn’t know enough about Zorya’s scheme to take the lead in any negotiations.

@Aberforth

 

[Zorya]

Thel’s words brought a rapturous chortle from O’bog, his diminutive form shaking with glee. "Ah, Thel, ye've naught to worry about. Haven't ye heard? The galaxy hangs on O'bog's every eloquent utterance!" His grin stretched wider, the spark of mischief in his eyes igniting into a blaze.

Yet, beneath her placid exterior, Zorya felt a pang of unease. She well knew the fickle whims of O’bog's jocular demeanor. Though useful, his lack of restraint could also prove volatile in a delicate negotiation. A quick glance shared with O'bog carried an unspoken message of her concern, her eyes reflecting a glint of caution.

“Now, Thel, me boy,” O'bog chimed, swinging from Zorya’s shoulder to face the Sith, “Here’s the plan. Ye'll play the charmin’ businessman, yeah?” His words carried the lightness of jest, but a shrewd intelligence lurked beneath, serving as a critical counterbalance to Zorya's silence.

Just then, a tall, bronze protocol droid glided into the room, announcing with a flourish, “The Chief Sales Officer will see you now.” It was as if the entire room inhaled in anticipation of the ensuing encounter.

“About bloody time!” O'bog crowed, fluttering in the direction of the droid. Zorya rose, her exquisite outfit catching the soft light in a shimmering cascade of color. The sight of O'bog's unrestrained behavior tightened the knot of concern in her heart. She shared a quick, pointed glance with Thel, hoping the gravity of his role had been sufficiently impressed upon him.

The group ascended in a transparent elevator, giving them a panoramic view of the bustling cityscape beneath. Once the doors swished open, they stepped into a spacious office. Its luxurious design, a marriage of opulence and futurism, was dominated by a vast transparisteel window showcasing the cityscape beyond, a living tapestry of twinkling lights and moving traffic. Holo-displays cast their cyan glow across the room, while cutting-edge devices of unknown purpose sat silent, waiting for their call to action.

A man rose from behind an expansive desk, the Chief Sales Officer. He was a tall, broad-shouldered figure, with a well-groomed beard and a predatory grin that belied a ruthless corporate gladiator. Striding forward, he extended a hand to Thel, bypassing Zorya and O'bog with only the barest acknowledgement.

“Delighted to meet you,” he greeted with a business-like tone, his demeanor barely concealing his surprise at the unconventional group standing before him.

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

Thel raised an eyebrow in response to O’bog’s laughter. “Right, well that is good to know.” Whilst he had already seen that O’bog could be persuasive in the right circumstances, a corporate setting didn’t seem like such the place.

The small creature flew in front of him and proceeded to inform him that he would have to be the one to act “charming”. Whilst he had guessed that he might have to do something like that, and he was more than willing to improvise, he would have appreciated more advanced notice of his specific role.

“About bloody time!” Thel resisted the urge to sigh. “Very tactful, O’bog,” he whispered to the small creature. He glanced over at Zorya. It seemed like the onus was on him to take a more important role.

Exiting the elevator, they entered an office with a rather nice view of the cityscape. Certainly, a nicer setting than other planets that he had visited recently. A large bearded man approached them. He was smartly dressed, with a well-trimmed beard. He opted to pretty much ignore both Zorya and O’bog, which was rather rude in Thel’s opinion, and went straight over to Thel.

Thel took the man’s hand in a tight grip as he shook it. “A pleasure to meet you,” he replied politely, as he released the man’s hand. “My name is Arjen Orcini. This is my colleague, Stella Winduna and her companion.” He wasn’t sure what else to describe O’bog as.

“Well it's good to meet you Mister Orcini. It’s also good to meet you, Miss Winduna. My name is Gustave Lytton. Please sit down, both of you. We have much to discuss.”

@Aberforth

 

[Zorya]

Despite the dismissive treatment, O'bog bobbed in the air with aplomb, his confident grin unabated. “Ah, a fine pleasure indeed, Mister Lytton!” he chimed, swooping down to perform a miniature bow mid-flight.

Zorya, assuming the pseudonym 'Stella Winduna,' took her seat with an air of tranquillity. Still, a nervous flutter, like a moth against a light, echoed in the pit of her stomach.

Inside, a thousand thoughts flickered through her mind, each one scrutinized and analyzed with the precision of a droid. Thel, under the moniker Arjen Orcini, would need to play his part convincingly while maintaining the delicate balance of O’bog’s unpredictable behaviour.

O'bog fluttered onto the edge of the table, peering down at Lytton with feigned interest. "Quite the shiny abode ye have here, Lytton. Shows the worth of yer droid-bits and baubles, no doubt."

Beneath the brash exterior, O'bog conveyed Zorya's message with keen precision. A pointed jab to elevate the value of their interests, wrapped in a mischievous quip. Though her mouth remained still, the delicate ballet of negotiation was underway, played out through O'bog's effervescent banter.

"Though, me lady Winduna here, she ain't one for the flashy lights and shimmering surfaces. She's a practical sort, Lytton. Values substance over sparkle, if ye catch my meaning." O'bog continued, his tone shifting towards a slightly more serious note, probing Lytton's response and adjusting the path of their conversation accordingly.

"Ah, we appreciate straightforward clientele," Lytton responded, casting a placid glance at Zorya before returning his attention to the Ximpi on the table.

O'bog, interpreting the quiet nod as an invitation, fluttered onto Lytton's gleaming desktop, leaving faint footprints on its polished surface. Unfazed by the CEO's sardonic gaze, the little creature clambered up onto a priceless Nabooan statuette that resided next to an ornate holoprojector. "What's this then? Looks like a wee angel! Yer fond of trinkets, ain't ya?"

Before anyone could protest, O'bog had wrapped his tiny hands around the statuette's fragile wings, rocking it back and forth as if to make it take flight. The horror on Lytton's face was palpable. A spark of surprise flickered through Zorya's mind, her heart lurching at the potential diplomatic catastrophe.

"No! Don't–!" Lytton started, but it was too late. With a clumsy wobble, O'bog had sent the statuette plummeting off the edge of the desk, shattering into a thousand iridescent pieces on the hard marble floor.

An icy silence filled the room as the echoes of the fall faded. Lytton stared at the wreckage, an incredulous look creeping onto his face. "That was... a centuries-old artefact from Naboo... not a trinket." His voice dripped with the bitterness of a bruised ego, the cordial facade now threadbare.

O'bog gulped, finally seeming to grasp the gravity of his gaffe. "Beggin' yer pardon, sir. Didn't mean no harm," he mumbled sheepishly, perching back onto Zorya's shoulder. The levity was gone from his voice, replaced with a contrite lilt.

Zorya, maintaining her stony silence, could feel the tension threading through the air. She cast a brief look towards Thel, her thoughts echoing in the small nod she offered. It was time for his diplomatic finesse to mend this fractious situation.

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

Lytton’s initial interaction with O’bog helped to assuage Thel’s concerns that the creature would immediately make some sort of a blunder. Unfortunately, things quickly changed…

O’bog seemed rather taken with an interesting looking figurine on the table. The creature rather clumsily began to rock the figurine back and forth. Before Thel had a chance to intervene, the figurine tumbled off the table and smashed against the floor. Thel looked down at the now broken object. Oh dear.

Thel had some experience with antiques. Enough to know that the object was valuable. However, he didn’t realise that the object was as old as Lytton confirmed it to be. He was a calm individual, but he couldn’t help but feel some annoyance at his fellow Sith’s small companion.

He looked across at Zorya. Lytton’s stunned silence at least presented an opportunity to briefly think things over.

“I offer my most sincere apologies. I can assure you that my colleague’s companion will be punished for his clumsiness,” Thel explained, shooting a look at O’bog. He didn’t actually intend on doing anything to the creature, but it might cheer Lytton up slightly to think that he would. “I can guarantee that Miss Winduna and I would source an object of equivalent value, if you so desired. I happen to have an interest in antiques,” he said, maintaining a polite tone of voice. “Perhaps we could also look at paying a bit extra for the droids we are looking to obtain from you.” Thel hoped that Lytton might calm down, and that things could then get back on track.

@Aberforth

 

[Zorya]

A mewling note of repentance entered O'bog's voice, "Reckon I'd best stay outside, lest me clumsy hands cause more disaster." His rueful gaze bounced from Thel to Zorya, and finally to Lytton.

"Well, I daresay that's a fine idea, my little friend," Lytton said. The executive’s prompt agreement, flavoured by a barely veiled sigh of relief, did not escape Zorya’s notice. As Lytton ushered O'bog out, she could hear the return to trade in his voice. "Shall we resume, Mister Orcini?" Lytton inquired, the undercurrent of impatience weaving through his formal tone. "Let's discuss your requirements. How many units are you considering?"

She didn’t allow herself to be swayed by Lytton’s obvious desire to rapidly conclude the meeting. Instead, she offered a mental nudge to O'bog, complimenting his unwitting performance. His regretful retreat had been an admirable piece of theatre. Now, the true play would begin.

As Thel and Lytton delved back into the minutiae of droid sales, Zorya began to weave her unseen threads of the Force. Her fingers moved in subtle, deliberate patterns - a choreography of silent signals that reflected the elaborate kuji-in. Each hand sign was a key to unlock a different aspect of her Force abilities; every subtle flick of her finger, a method to bend the all-encompassing energy field to her will.

Rin, Pyo, To, Sha, Kai... Her hands mirrored the rhythm of the universe, falling into a hypnotic pattern of gestures. Invoking the symbols for power, alignment, harmony, healing, and manifestation, Zorya’s steady heartbeat echoed within her. The world around her seemed to dim, the harsh luminescence of the office softening, giving way to a glow only she could perceive.

"Now, given the number of droids you're interested in, I must ask, what sort of payment terms are we looking at?" Lytton’s voice droned on, oblivious to the unseen machinations at play.

As Zorya worked her mystic craft, O'bog, now cloaked in the Force, made his foray into the company's secrets, unseen, unheard, but under the careful watch of the Sith who silently manipulated reality. This was their gambit, their true goal on Etti IV, and everything was falling into place.

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

Thel’s words seemed to snap Lytton out of his dazed state. However, it was O’bog’s apparent contrition and offer to step outside that got things back on course. He watched as Lytton quickly ushered O’bog out of the room.

“Yes, I think we should.” He noticed that Lytton seemed keen to bring the meeting to a swift conclusion. He could delay things though. Presumably, whatever scheme Zorya had would need more time to play out.

“Well, the TC-SCs are rather specialised units. We were looking at placing an order for 112 units initially. Then a further 784 units, if we are satisfied with their performance.” Lytton paused, seemingly thinking things over, before asking about payment terms.

Thel could sense that something was amiss. He couldn’t quite work out exactly what it was though.

“Payment won’t be an issue. We can pay a lamp sum upfront for the initial batch of 112 units, upon signing a contract.”

@Aberforth

 

[Zorya]

The fleeting sense of triumph that skittered across Zorya's mind was tempered by the pulsating hum of her connection with O'bog, her pixie companion rendered spectral by her ancient arts. She sat in seeming tranquillity, the flicker of concentration in her eyes the only visible sign of her divided attention. Her hands lay idle on her lap, the incandescent aura of her Force cloak visible only to her.

"Mr. Orcini," Lytton’s voice cut through the silent chorus of her focus, "Your terms seem more than fair. In fact, I am prepared to bring out one of our models, if you and Ms. Winduna would like a closer inspection. A first-hand glimpse of our superior design should instill confidence in our partnership."

Her perception of the scene before her wavered, before sharpening once more. Simultaneously, the ethereal silhouette of O'bog danced on the edge of her senses. Beyond the sumptuous office, through the maze of corridors bathed in sterile lights, O'bog was creeping into the CEO's sanctum, the man himself engrossed in his solitary work, unaware of the invisible intruder.

Zorya's lips curled slightly upwards at the corners, her satisfaction masked as anticipation for the droid presentation. Beneath the tranquil surface of her silent facade, Zorya's thoughts churned in concert with the oscillating hum of the Force. Her scheme was unraveling just as she had meticulously orchestrated it.

The Force weaved around her fingers once more, a silent symphony of movements, the ethereal threads she spun around O'bog tightened, and the spectral veil of invisibility held firm.

@DMCK

//Rolled an 18/20.

 

[Thel Xeros]

“By all means, bring one of the droids out for a demonstration,” Thel replied, smiling slightly. He hadn’t actually seen such a droid before. He was interested to see the holographic disguise function up close. “Just give me a moment. I do have things prepared.”

Lytton pressed a button on the table. “Jenkins, bring in the droid we have prepared for the demonstration.” Thel glanced over at Zorya. He had no way of knowing for sure whether things were going according to plan. He just had to assume that they were.

There was a short wait for the droid to be brought in. He sat quietly, contemplating what would happen if things went wrong. It wouldn’t be easy for him to bluff his way out of things, if the plan went awry. “The droid will be coming in now.” He turned to the elevator, just as it slid open. A slender blonde man walked in with a large droid. The droid towered over the man. “Very good Jenkins. So, this is a TC-SC infiltration unit. It comes equipped with a vocabulator and a holographic disguise matrix. Those are standard issue for this design.” The droid’s red eyes surveyed the room.

“I would like to see the disguise matrix and vocabulator in action.”

“Of course, we have something prepared. Jenkins, if you would show them.”

Jenkins stepped closer to the machine. “Unit THX 1138, you will follow my orders. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Assume disguise 0.1.” The familiar blue glow of a hologram gathered around the droid and very quickly it changed appearance to look like Jenkins.

“I have now assumed disguise 0.1,” the droid said, mimicking Jenkins’ voice perfectly.

“Very impressive. How long does it take to copy someone’s appearance?” He could keep the conversation going, but he did wonder how Zorya’s plan was progressing.

@Aberforth

 

[Zorya]

In the sumptuous room drenched in silken opulence, Zorya's stillness was deceptive, her hushed demeanour was a spectral masquerade as her focus unfurled across two contrasting realms, two acts of the grand play she had scripted. The drama in Lytton's chamber bore a startling contrast to the abrupt tragedy O'bog was enacting within the CEO's sanctum, the magnitude of which sent ripples of gleeful satisfaction cascading through Zorya's psyche.

"Most certainly, Mr. Orcini," Lytton elucidated, oblivious to the mounting tension cloaked beneath her silent facade. "The process requires approximately five minutes for a comprehensive scan of the intended model, post which, the disguise matrix takes over. An intricate system of holographic rays generates an impressively accurate facsimile."

His words trickled into the tranquillity of her mind, the back and forth between Thel and Lytton a mere murmur against the pulsating triumph that emanated from the other half of her attention. A surge of predatory gratification bubbled up within her as O'bog swiftly and mercilessly carried out his intended act. With a silent gasp, the CEO fell to the ground, his eyes wide with shock and terror.

"Now," Lytton continued, unfazed by the lingering dread in the air. "Mr. Orcini, would you care to be our model? It'll provide a brilliant display of our droid's capabilities."

Lytton was already activating the droid, the mechanical being's red eyes flashing as a scanning beam projected towards Thel. Lytton's prompt action effectively squashed any chance of refusal, the moment of surprise reflected in Thel's eyes was quickly replaced with resignation, and the room was bathed in a crimson glow.

Zorya's attention was divided, the ostentatious demonstration contrasting with the lethal silence of the CEO's office, where O'bog sat perched on the lifeless man. The silhouettes of her victory danced in the throbbing corners of her consciousness.

@DMCK

//Rolled a 14/20 for the assassination.

 

[Thel Xeros]

“Fairly quick. Very good.” When Lytton offered to test the holographic function on Thel, he was reluctant. The decision was taken out of his hands before he could refuse. He kept quiet, not wanting to disrupt Zorya’s machinations.

Within a few minutes, the process was complete. The blue holographic glow shone around the room, before the droid assumed Thel’s form.

It was strange looking at himself. A mirror was one thing, but this was entirely different.

“The voice would require a sample of you talking.”

“Yes,” Thel replied, managing to conceal his slight annoyance. He didn’t like there being a droid which could replicate his appearance. Who knows what could be done with it.

“It is very accurate,” he remarked, remaining seated. “I would like its record of my appearance wiped. I would also like this droid included in the initial batch of 112 droids. If that is ok?”

“That should be fine Mister Orcini.” The holographic copy disappeared, and the droid returned back to its default state.

“Appearance record: Orcini. Record deleted.”

@Aberforth

 

[Zorya]

Every word that fell from Thel's mouth was akin to the discordant clanging of alarm bells reverberating through Zorya's keen psyche. His request for the erasure of his appearance record was an unforeseen twist, derailing the meticulously laid plan. The serene, indifferent mask Zorya had adorned slipped momentarily, replaced by a ripple of exasperation and disbelief, as her internal tumult mirrored the unexpected aberration in the grand scheme.

Her triumphant crescendo had prematurely fallen flat, leaving a sour taste that coated her throat. But Zorya was not a woman who languished in disappointment. The tempest was brief, replaced swiftly by the steel of resolve. Her skin prickled with the icy cool touch of the Force as she stretched her consciousness toward Lytton and Jenkins, coiling around their minds like ethereal tendrils, and whispered the honeyed command: sleep. Under her formidable influence, both men slumped, ensnared in a sudden deep slumber.

O'bog, the mischievous sprite, hurried back into the room, the taste of fresh triumph still lingering on his features. His beady eyes glared at Thel, an accusation and reproach piercing the air, his voice breaking the stunned silence, "Ye bumbling fool, ye nearly went and cocked everything up!"

As though beckoned by an invisible maestro, the droid hummed to life at Zorya's silent command. "Assume disguise 0.1," O'bog ordered with a devilish grin, and the droid obliged, wrapping itself in Jenkins' persona.

As the semblance of order returned, O'bog and the disguised droid prepared to vacate the room, Zorya's vigilant presence a grim sentinel against the backdrop of unconscious bodies. With a final icy glance at Thel, O'bog spat, "Come along, ye glorified janitor! You've been demoted to clean up duty." His words echoed in the cavernous room, a chilly reminder of the perilous precipice they balanced on, poised between victory and the abyss of failure.

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

Thel was content that the record of his appearance had been deleted. However, before the meeting could continue, Thel felt a sudden tremor in the force. Suddenly, both Jenkins and Lytton fell unconscious. Thel looked over at Zorya. He wasn’t sure why she had done it. If he had been informed of exactly what her plan was, he wouldn’t be so perplexed as to why she had just put the two men to sleep.

Thel sensed the familiar presence of O’bog, before he entered the room. Turning around, Thel raised an eyebrow at the angry face looking back at him. He remained stony faced after being insulted by the creature. He was a calm person and wouldn’t be so easily angered. However, he couldn’t help but feel some mild annoyance towards his fellow Sith. He maintained his calm demeanour, to help ensure things were seen through properly.

The droid assumed Jenkins’ form, after being ordered to do so by O’bog. Zorya’s diminutive companion then took another opportunity to take a swipe at Thel. He remained steadfast. Even so, he couldn’t resist saying something back. He might not be ruled by his ego, but it was amusing that something smaller than an Ewok spoke to him the way it did. Zorya was certainly very capable, but they were both Champions; she didn’t outrank him. “I will do as you instruct O’bog. But if we work together again, you make sure you properly inform me of your plans. Not the haphazard method you employed this time,” he said calmly, but with a hint of underlying menace. “Now, precisely what do you want done with these two,” he asked, gesturing towards Jenkins and Lytton.

@Aberforth

 

[Zorya]

O'bog, the irascible imp, cackled maliciously as he jabbed a tiny finger at the dignified figure of Thel. "Be still, me heart! Ye want a detailed plan, do ye? Well, I'll be sure to spell it out in wee words next time so it won't be flyin' over yer tall head," he retorted, his sarcasm as palpable as the tension that had settled in the room.

A wicked grin split O'bog's face, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "But enough of that. Ye see, our clean up isn't back here." He motioned towards the door and, with a last look at the slumbering Lytton and Jenkins, led Thel out of the room. Zorya, the silent sentinel, remained behind, her essence wound around the men's minds, ensuring they remained in their dreamless stupor.

The duo, flanked by the faux Jenkins, navigated the corridors unimpeded. Their strange procession was unquestioned, the droid's new identity warding off prying eyes. The journey was swift, and they soon arrived at the CEO's office, the cold reality of their task lying in wait.

Zorya's silent presence echoed in O'bog's words as he gestured at the lifeless body sprawled on the office floor. "There's yer clean up, Thel, but we've got a wee bit to do first." He turned to the droid, Unit THX 1138, his command clear, "Register new disguise 1.6.4."

A soft hum filled the room as the droid got to work, scanning the room and the deceased CEO, a red light flickering as it gathered the necessary information. The silence was almost a living entity in the room, broken only by the soft whirrs of the droid. After a painstaking five minutes, the holographic glow coalesced around the droid, molding itself to the shape of the fallen executive. The transformation was complete - the CEO was seemingly resurrected. A palpable sigh of relief could be felt as the final piece fell into place, albeit a tad late.

@DMCK

//Rolled a 15/20.

 

[Thel Xeros]

“Any words at all would be an improvement,” Thel quipped. He decided it was best to not get caught up in petty squabbling, so he didn’t make any further comment. Following O’bog’s lead, the creature guided him to the CEO’s office. Entering the room, he was greeted by the sight of a corpse left on the floor.

“Duly noted,” he replied to O'bog, looking at the lifeless man lying in front of him. He wondered where O’bog would want the body to be disposed of. He waited patiently as the droid took its time to scan the CEO’s body and then assume his form. Zorya’s plan was now clear.

“Right then. So, what do you want done with this one O'bog,” he asked, gesturing down at the CEO’s body. “Hiding a body in a place like this has its challenges.”

@Aberforth

 

[Zorya]

A smirk crept onto O'bog's face, a glint of devilish mirth in his eyes at Thel's query. "Aye, stashing a stiff ain't a walk in the park, but with a smidgen of ingenuity and a dash of the Force, even the grandest of puzzles can be solved, eh?"

With a swift sweep of his hand, O'bog set things into motion. Amid the cold sterility of the office, they busied themselves in a dance macabre. Thel, under O'bog's perfunctory directions, rolled up his sleeves, the stark reality of the task unfazed by his calm demeanor. Together, they navigated the office, erasing signs of the untimely departure - righting toppled trinkets, and smoothing rumpled carpets. The corpse was delicately levitated, a barely visible shimmer in the Force indicating Thel's careful manipulation. O'bog directed the body to be stowed in a hidden maintenance hatch, a temporary resting place until a more permanent solution could be found: over the next few days, more employees would be replaced by the handy infiltration droids and they would coordinate to permanently dispose of the body.

The office, once a crime scene, now regained its air of corporate mundanity. A sense of grim satisfaction descended upon Thel and O'bog as they made their way back to Lytton's office, their footsteps echoing hollowly through the now silent corridors. The visage of the droid, an uncanny replica of the departed CEO, followed dutifully.

Meanwhile, Zorya's hold over the slumbering men was gently released. The sleeping spell was lifted, the unbidden dreams dissolving into the ether. Jenkins and Lytton awoke, their confusion palpable as they scanned their surroundings. An artful manipulation of their memories replaced their last recollections with a plausible explanation - a spontaneous nap, induced by a sudden wave of exhaustion. Any trace of the unusual events was neatly tucked away, safe from prying eyes.

O'bog took the reins, concluding the meeting with an impish grin. "Well, 'twas a pleasure, gents! We'll be on our way now." The trio exited the offices, a subtle aura of triumph rippling around them. The day's events had twisted and turned, but ultimately, their mission was a success. And as the trio disappeared into the neon glow of the night, the offices stood silent once more, oblivious to the covert coup that had just transpired within its walls.

//End thread.