[D4LA] Looking Like Trouble (Moraal wing)

[Lucinia Malveaux]

Traffic was dreadful. Even if you had your own driver, which Lucinia did, there was no escaping the congestion. The urge to use her powers to fling obstructing vehicles out of the way was only stopped because she knew that she would exhaust her reserves long before she reached her destination.

Well, now she was there. Eyes narrowed, Lucinia glanced around. It was rather more barracks-like than she had expected. Another person might have felt overdressed, with her minimal but artfully done makeup, and her very fine black dress, modest but flattering. Her blonde hair, too, was neatly secured in a bun, no stray hairs escaping as her head swiveled this way and that. But Lucinia did not, and the lightsaber attached to the sash on her hip gave plenty of clue why.

It was the helmet that clued her in, sitting on the desk as it was. Boldly, Lucinia approached. "Lieutenant Rook, I presume." She said, her tone cool but not cold, and unmistakably Empire aristocracy.

[Lt. Tyber Rook]

He had been going over some files on the current project, as well as a few personal items. So focused on his work, that he didn't catch the Sith that had walked into the office.

Stopping, he turned to face the woman. His eyes fell upon the lightsaber, and stood. Offering a customary bow.

"Yes. How can I be of service, my Lord." His tone was neutral, certainly no indication of wanting to be sycophantic. Polite, and respectful of those with power. His Concordian accent a stark contrast to her High Imperial.

[Lucinia Malveaux]

"Hmmm." Lucinia's lips pressed together. If it was some sort of comment, it wasn't exactly clear what it was about.

She sat precisely on a chair, spine straight, posture perfect. "Lieutenant. My name is Lucinia Malveax." She gave him a slow nod. "Your name came up in a conversation about people who were good at finding things. Or perhaps at finding other people."

One eyebrow went up. "Would I be correct in supposing that you are involved in the search for this Eagle fellow?"

[Lt. Tyber Rook]

"I am tasked with ensuring security and order. There are many aspects to my duties. Any threats to that, I take interest in stopping. And the Eagle is often on the forefront." He nodded, falling into his parade rest posture.

"I don't believe in saying what I can or can't do, my Lord. I let my actions speak for themselves."

[Lucinia Malveaux]

"I see." One of Lucinia's eyebrows went up. "Very well said, Lieutenant. And is proper, in our society." A smile touched her red lips, but only just.

There was a short pause. "As it happens, I've come across a piece of information regarding the Eagle. Would you be able to utilize it?"

[Lt. Tyber Rook]

"I would add it to the data we have collected here. Any new information can help us in drawing the net, and bringing this terrorist to justice, and exposing their words as the seditious infection that they are." There was a certain anger to his words, a frustration that there were those who gave the terrorist credence.

[Lucinia Malveaux]

"Hmmm." Lucinia's lips quirked. "I wonder if I might be of any assistance to your investigation besides this piece of information I have. My connection with the Force allows me to... find things. So long as I have some idea what they are. It has been quite helpful to me in my work. I find myself wondering if I might turn it to use in the service of the Empire."

She casually glanced at Tyber through her lashes, studying his reaction to the suggestion.

[Lt. Tyber Rook]

"That would be beneficial. So far, though, I have no solid leads on who the Eagle is." He indicated to his notes on his workstation.

"I've tracked down someone potentially tied to them, but the fallout of abducting a noble for questioning on nothing morr than a hunch and circumstantial evidence." He shook his head.

"Whoever the Eagle is, they are well connected."

[Lucinia Malveaux]

"Oh really?" Both eyebrows went up. "I can't help but wonder if this noble has any allies, and if they might be detached from them. As I'm sure you understand, the protection of someone in power in our society goes only as far as the rest of us in power agree to it." Lucinia smiled coldly. "And, in the right circumstances, we are all willing to look the other way."

She tilted her head, regarding him curiously. "Well-connected. How very fraught." The smile Lucinia gave him was almost sympathetic. Almost. "One wonders if we're dealing not with a populist uprising of some sort, but rather some sort of high level plot. I hope you're prepared, Lieutenant. Who is protecting you?"

[Lt. Tyber Rook]

"I'm someone who understands the importance of always being prepared for any situation. I protect myself. Though I am sure I can count on the Colonel to keep an eye out for me." There was a confidence there, a certain edge that was common to Mandalorians.

"A conspiracy is something I have considered. Whatever it is, I'll get to the bottom of it, for the security of the Empire."

[Lucinia Malveaux]

"Hmmm..." Once more it was difficult to tell what the soft noise meant. Lucinia tilted her head, regarding Tyber curiously. "You are an interesting man, Lieutenant. Still, I might recommend that you consider Sith patronage. It is hard to be truly safe without it." Or with it, but, well, at least it would lead to career advancement.

She pursed her lips. "As it happens, I have only a snippet of information. That being, an associate of The Eagle is known as 'The Serpent', or perhaps 'The Dragon'." Her nose wrinkled, obvious distaste at the rather gauche names. "It occurs to me to wonder whether this individual might have some broader identity besides an associate of The Eagle. Perhaps they could be found, and lead you to The Eagle?"

[Lt. Tyber Rook]

"In the interests of Military Intelligence, it is best to be neutral in regards to patronage, my Lord. I serve the Empire." He nodded. He was amused that he was getting the inverse advice from this Lord that the Colonel gave him.

He didn't let that show though.

"All of the Eagle's associates seem to have similar codenames." His hand came to his chin, beginning to pace as he thought.

[Lucinia Malveaux]

"I see." Lucinia's green eyes narrowed, even as her smile grew wider. "But what is the Empire, exactly? And what does it mean to be loyal to it?"

She half-shrugged, one shoulder rising and falling. "But I shan't tell you how to conduct your business. Something to think about, though, perhaps."

As Tyber paced, Lucinia watched him, her red lips curling up just a little. She knew well the look of someone at hard work on some mental problem. "Do they? It sounds as though you've determined others." Her lips pursed, her expression turning thoughtful. "With animals, one wonders if they are named for characteristics. Perhaps the Eagle is the one with foresight? Serpent could be someone with a gifted tongue, or a low profile. Dragon could be a mighty warrior." She grimaced delicately; there were many possibilities, unfortunately.

[Lt. Tyber Rook]

"The Empire is the only thing standing between order and chaos. To be loyal to it, is to be loyal to an ordered universe. The best and most talented rise, the weak serve." It was said with the conviction of a true believer.

He pursed his lips as he listened to her commentary. "Perhaps. Or not related at all except to the proclivities of whoever the Eagle is. The worst part, these are all separate cells. Isolated, without contact to each other." He sounded off in disgust.

"Makes them like symptons of a disease. Until we get the true infection, they will continue to spread."

[Lucinia Malveaux]

One of Lucinia's eyebrows went up. "I see." For a few moments, her lips pursed as though she was about to speak, but she apparently thought better of it.

Gently, Lucinia shook her head, her blonde hair swaying. "It is quite the puzzle you have, Lieutenant. I don't envy you your task." She smiled, just a little. "Perhaps I will attempt to see this target with the Force. Anything to serve the Empire, after all." Her lips quirked.

"Oh, there was one other thing." Lucinia added. "The information suggested that this 'Serpent, or 'Dragon', or whatever sort of animal they are is a Mandalorian. Perhaps that might help to narrow your search?"

[Lt. Tyber Rook]

"Mandalorian?" There wasn't shock in his voice. But it meant there could be cultural clues to the nature of their work. His brow furrowed, as if still thinking on the problem.

"It may help. Every little bit does." Looking to Lucina, he nodded. "Once we start pulling the strings, we may find the source."

He paused again, assessing the woman. "The noble. His name is Malam Gil. He lives in Varas Point. Maybe you would have better luck than I did."

[Lucinia Malveaux]

"Malam Gil. Hmmm." Lucinia's lips pursed. "He is not known to me. I do my best not to gratuitously involve myself in politics." She sided. "Unfortunately, it is all too unavoidable in our system."

She smiled, just a little, her green eyes narrowing. "But let me make some inquiries. I may not be much involved in politics, but I know those who are. I can see if they know anything, or even better, can lend assistance." Her lips thinned. "Or remove his."

[Lt. Tyber Rook]

"Any assistance would be helpful, but I wouldn't want to impose on anyone's social standing." He nodded. "If I uncover anything on this... Dragon... I'll get you the information; as well." He replied, his tone level.

"Might be some trouble to track down if we have to."

[Lucinia Malveaux]

Lucinia waved a casual hand. "Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about that. Some Sith are all to eager to exercise power, if only to remind people that they can."

She gave another slow nod. "Please do. I would be happy to assist the intelligence community." A hint of a smile. "Shall I leave you my contact information, then?"

[Lt. Tyber Rook]

The Mandalorian grabbed his commlink, before handing it over to the Sith. "I'm certain I could find it, but given freely is usually easier." He smirked.a bit, and, before returning to his serious demeanor.