Commission (Zasabi Ray)

[Ben Kenobi]

***Mid Rim Territories***
***Mytaranor Sector***
***Kashyyyk - P-9***

***Meru-Meru Joint Command Center***

Just another day, just another credit. Or so some would say. Not today though. Hurried boots over a wooden deck floor rushed back and forth. This section of the JCC was always a rush of activity. If it was not the back and forth of cadets and the like then it was the movement of physical data or information too important for digital transfer. This section of the JCC was the Alliance Intelligence Wing and business even in times of peace were busy times indeed.

Knowledge in a place like this was a valued thing and its safe keeping was paramount to the survival of the Galactic Alliance. Everything in this wing was dedicated to the protection of the Alliance. From things as small as keeping passwords on rotation to the keeping the Alliance Spy Network well supplied. Everything in this room had purpose and the fulfillment of that purpose was freedom.

Up above the canopy of wroshyr trees cruised a old Eta-2 Actis-class Light Interceptor. S-foils were unfolded for better maneuvering through the cloud cover during the descent from orbit. A bit of turbulence bucked the tiny starfighter and the droid in the socket squawked back harshly. At the pilot's yolk sat Ben Kenobi and he simply smiled at the droid's lack of restraint in chiding him for not having taken the longer route around the cloud formation which ultimately would have been a smoother ride.

"Flight Control, I'm transmitting my clearance now. Requesting a clear pad near the Alpha Wing, please."

His astromech was on it, already having addressed Flight Control and obtained access. But the verbal response from Control was pleasant and welcoming anyways. Coordinates popped up after a moment and it took Ben's Eta-2 into an easy flight pattern, thankfully though it was directly towards the Intelligence Wing of the Compound and they would not have to walk far once they made it planetside. "Have you also transmitted clearance for our guest?" Ben asked the quick little droid, the response was just as quick in return, a confirmation that Zasabi Ray had also been given the green light to land at the same pad.

***

Folding up the s-foils, the Eta-2 settled down comfortably. A team of four deck hands in dirty coveralls with Alliance insignia converged on Ben's and Zasabi's craft. Fuel lines in hand as well as tool carts should either craft need attention. Ben's Eta-2 began spooling down and before he had even opened the canopy his astromech had exited the droid socket and was barking a list of maintenance protocols at the incoming staff. Ben ignored the droid once more, it was doing its job, albeit a little too enthusiastically. However, Ben was no mechanic and appreciated having his bird up to date and properly functioning.

Rolling over the side he gingerly hit the ground and sprang back to his full height where he adjusted his robes and attempted to rend the wrinkles from his cloak. More appropriate looking now he turned to receive Zasabi while an officer approached with a datapad.

"Master Jedi," the officer announced. His body language spoke of a gentleman used to dealing with Jedi, which were not to be mistaken as common. This note did not surprise Ben; Meru-Meru was home to the largest Enclave of Jedi this side of the Galaxy. Even then, however, it was not a well populated branch of the JCC. The Alliance was just too vast a place to have Jedi enforcing peace and justice to have them a commonality at all.

Ben bowed slightly in greeting, the officer continued. "Your arrival is scheduled. Welcome to Meru-Meru."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. I will not be too long I do not suspect." He turned and waved to Zasabi. "However, our friend here will hopefully be around for a long while."

[Zasabi Ray]

Hovering over the emerald orb of Kashyyyk, Zasabi contemplated how little the planet had appeared to change. He had last visited the planet almost a decade ago, upon leaving his wookie friend Maverick to his retirement. Although his face had gained some weariness and his eyes had grown less jovial, the planet reflected in them remained the same.

Who could have guessed that nestled between the wroshyr trees was not just a rebel encampment but perhaps the most important alliance base in the sector?

"Can't believe they got the wookies to agree to that," Zasabi muttered aloud. He leaned back in the cockpit of his vessel, a strangely organic interior despite the more standardized components necessary to pilot it. It bore a greenish tinge to it, smooth in texture like stone yet somehow ineffably alive in a way that defied definition. A rainbow of colors rippled through the hull of the ship in response to his statement.

"No, I guess I don't know them that well. My involvement with the wookies was limited, but they always struck me as stubborn. I guess the GA has some pretty good diplomats."

His console lit up as a signal was received from the surface. Flipping a few switches to patch the data through, he placed his hands on the pilots yoke and closed his eyes. Where his body ended, the ship's consciousness began. Suddenly he could feel the empty void of space surrounding him, the warmth of his core keeping him intact. Instead of eyes, he viewed the world with sensor systems and cameras. Instead of limbs, he felt the strength of his engines and the many small jets that gave his ship incredible maneuverability despite lacking shields.

"Alright, my friend. Lets accept their invitation."

Suddenly, motion! The vessel zoomed through the stars, faster than any other ship of it's size. The strangely ovoid exterior began to glow cherry red as they cut through the atmosphere, it's graceful wings catching the skies as they entered the planet proper. From below it may have resembled a small squat bird save for it's excessive speed and agility. Swinging through cloud after cloud, it followed an irregular path toward it's designated landing pad.

Zasabi couldn't help but smile. He could feel the sheer exuberance of the vessel, a gift from Sekot to him long ago. They shared a bond that mirrored that of the planet to him, one that reminded him always of his path in the galaxy. Today, that path had led him to the Alliance.

Settling into the pad with a speed that did not match the lightness of it's landing, his Sekotan vessel exhaled a brief cloud of exhaust as it rested from it's brief exertion. It's complexion returned to the gentle green tint and a panel on it's side opened to extend a durasteel ramp at odds with the organic exterior.

Striding down the ramp in his standard dark trench coat, Zasabi touched down on the pad just in time to see the Jedi ahead of him turn and wave. He returned the greeting with a small smile that bordered on smirk. He had met the Jedi Master before once, briefly. He seemed like someone the Shadow could learn from, even if they would not likely agree on much.

"Strange bedfellows, Master Jedi," he announced as he approached. "Jedi, Wookies, Rebels... and an old Shadow. We might be starting a circus act at this rate."

[Ben Kenobi]

"It would not be the first time." The old Master commented almost too quickly. He caught himself before carrying on further, he was in danger of ranting about the old days and the lot they kept back then. Nowadays things put on the facade of being more formal. The reality was it was only skin deep. On the inside hardly anything had changed at all. Maybe borders had. But everything else sang of the same song Zasabi and Ben had been hearing for decades.

For a moment the old Jedi just stopped and turned to face Zasabi Ray's ship. It had been a very long time since he had seen one and even then it was just in passing. To be honest he had forgotten the alien elegance of the ship. Just for that moment he let his mind wander and so he admired the craftsmanship, soon drifting off and looking away. Where his thoughts were taking him he was not even sure of. But the moment passed along soon enough.

Returning to the moment, Ben took in a deep breath of that fresh Kashyyyk air. The Officer on Watch bid them well on their duties and the two, Zasabi and Ben, began their trek to the Intelligence Wing of the Compound, their pace was not too brisk, it seemed Ben had nowhere to go and all day to get there. While far from the truth, a bit of a slow down in a being's day was a welcome one.

Not knowing the subject on Zasabi's mind, coincidence or perhaps something else led Ben to explain the relationship between the Alliance and the Wookies. Actually it was the general relationship of the Alliance and all of the worlds under its lofty banner.

"The Alliance just leases the land the base sits on. Kashyyyk reserves all self-governing rights and privileges, even maintains its own standing security force or military should they choose. The Alliance's role is to maintain the safety and security of the worlds and sectors that cannot really afford their own assets with which they can contend with bodies such as the Empire or more recently," he only paused a moment but it was a strong pause, the Sith had resumed their sinister ploys and savagery, it had been a trying time indeed, "the Sith."

There was too much to go into about the Sith really. That was another monologue for another time. One that, Ben suspected, would be something Ray would become very versed upon once he took up his new contractual occupation. Even he would know more than Ben did soon enough. That was fine. Ben did not need to know everything the Alliance knew.

"Many worlds do not want to respond or cannot respond to worlds far away. Kashyyyk to Bespin or even Naboo itself. But to support the freedom the Alliance represents all member worlds pay taxes to keep the Alliance in space and at work."

Their trip took them across the landing pads of the compound with all the ins and outs one could imagine would be on an Alliance base. A full squadron of Incom T-65 XJ X-wings and their crews were in the middle of the large tarmac undergoing pre-flight checks for a prolonged patrol of the system. There was even a flight of four BTL-S8 K-wings on station undergoing minor maintenance. They were clearly on call as their crews were about their ships and in full gear though only in a ready state as opposed to the tension of the X-wing pilots.

"Some worlds do not agree and may be within the Alliance's borders still. They are not forced membership. But those are details for the political folks to work out, not you or I."

Finally they arrived within the walls of the compound where they caught a tram that took them the rest of the short distance. It was nice that the Alliance kept with the wookie aesthetic of the base, everything looked largely natural save for what needed to be durasteel and ferrocrete such as hangars and armories. Even large trees dominated sections of the base, the Alliance loathe to remove them as they were respectable of Kashyyyk's appreciation of the mighty tree.

"Other duties are obviously hyperland security and trade regulation as well as disaster relief. The obvious big efforts that worlds tend to need a hand with. The majority though are responsibilities member worlds keep to themselves. The wookies for example have only called on the Alliance once in recent memory after a large wild fire hit. Everything else they have taken care of themselves."

They made it to the proper wing and made entry. There were no security guards present to the naked eye but it was likely that the Intelligence Wing was the most secure of all this base. In reality the physical show of sentient or droid guards was a bluff anyways. The real security came from what one did not see. Ben arrived at the large double doors of the compound and he did not even need to say anything or address himself before the doors opened. The two of them were likely scanned on the way over.

Entry to the compound was simple. On the right of the rectangular room they came to an open window overlaid by expanded metal and an opening for the transfer of physical data. To the rear of the room was a single door leading to a turbolift.

"Master Jedi. Zasabi Ray, sir." A voice called from the window. "You're recommendations and report was received." The turbolift doors split open. "Please proceed."

With Zasabi in tow they both climbed into the turbolift, the doors closed and the shuttle sank into the earth...

When they opened the scene was just as busy as outside but with that sterile feel. White flooring, crisp uniforms and everyone about their business with no one showing any signs of letting off, save for the break room. They were approached by an attendant who escorted them finally after all this time to the Officer of the Deputy Director of Alliance Intelligence.

Once they had arrived it was clear that the being's title was bigger than Deelto himself. The attendant departed leaving the trio in the office. In front of Ben and Zasabi fluttered up out of his chair the Director of Internal Affairs and the Deputy Director of Alliance Intelligence himself. Director Deelto, an aging Toydarian. Ben greeted the winged creature respectfully. "Thank you for fitting us into your schedule Director. I am happy to finally bring to you, Zasabi Ray. With my full recommendation behind him."

"Master Kenobi," the Toydarian heaved whilst flying over his seat and desk to confront Zasabi directly with the best form of a humanoid handshake that Deelto could muster. Zasabi being Theelin, would know the human custom well enough. "You are Zasabi Ray then, your reputation proceeds you, yes. Deelto, Deputy Director." Parting from Ray he turned to Kenobi. "Thank you, Master Jedi. If there is anything else then?"

Ben smiled and shook his head. "Not at all. I'll let you Intell Spooks get to it." He turned to Zasabi and extended his hand, "I'll look in on Zorua, keep you updated. But she is safe now. You have my word." Ben bowed respectfully to both Zasabi and Deelto.

If there was nothing further, the Master would make his departure to leave Deelto and Zasabi to sort the rest out...

[Zasabi Ray]

Zasabi returned the Jedi's handshake firmly with a small quirked smile. The personal touch Kenobi had added suggested the man was perceptive and noted more than he had accounted for- a dangerous foe but an even more advantageous ally.



"I appreciate your attention with her. Safety is a rare enough thing in this galaxy."



He turned away from Kenobi as the Jedi left, taking a seat before the Toydarian's desk. He made sure to keep his posture relaxed, but respectful. Without having gathered his measure of the man, he didn't want to risk creating a bad impression for no reason. Instead, he relaxed his tight control over his Force presence, allowing the soft glimmer of imperceptible chimes that accompanied his presence to expand out and touch his surroundings.



"Pleasure to meet you, Deputy Director. I'm glad to meet you face to face."

[Ben Kenobi]

Deelto wasted no time in moving from formal to informal. A clear show that the Alliance Intelligence Officer simply did not have much time with which he could dally about. Flitting around to his own desk seat he took it and flipped open a file, glanced over it for only a moment, and then flipped it to its prior closed position. “I will not lie to you Mr. Zasabi, we’ve done our homework on you the moment Master Kenobi said he was bringing you in for this interview. The Alliance itself would likely frown on some of the more questionable situations you’ve been in. But AI, Alliance Intelligence, we’re about results, yes.”

He motioned simply to the file on his desk, “I’m not going to stick you behind a desk or in a stuffy uniform unless you decide that’s the best position to execute the mission in. Your file doesn’t support the rigid structure of Naval or Army life and I’m only interested in putting assets where they are best utilized.”

Leaning back the Toydarian took up from his desk drawer a collated set of documents on a slate best suited for signature writing. Pausing for a moment he looked one last time to Ray, up and down, watching for any sign of deception. The winged being found nothing duplicitous, and that Deelto had been judging people coming in and out of his office for years now, he was comfortable with Ray. “If Master Kenobi vouched for you, I see no reason why you should be doubted. But we are AI, it is our job to question and get accurate results. ”

Passing forward the documents the Deelto explained them. “I have a two or four year contract here. At which time you’ll have the option to re-up or terminate service. This four year option I like, yes, more pay. We are offering you an immediate commission within Alliance Intelligence as a Military Intelligence Officer at the rank of Captain during a ninety day probationary period where we’ll vet you and keep an eye on you to determine your suitability to the job. At the end of the period you’ll be eligible for promotion to Major and a more permanent assignment.”

Deelto inhaled a raspy breath and eyed Ray again, “There is no leave time available until after the probationary period. Then you’ll receive paid leave time.”

“Before you sign,” Deelto interrupted, “your assignments will involve dangerous situations. You will likely come into contact with subjects belonging to the Imperial Inquisitoris,” another pause, “and Sith Warriors.”

“And as AI, you may not have the full support of the Naval arm of the Alliance. You may have to often depend on smaller specialized units of operation. Although we often find ourselves in league with operatives in the Jedi Coalition of the Antarian Rangers. But even they are not so guaranteed, particularly because AI’s interests do not always align with the Coalition. We need to be clear on that, Mr. Ray. A Jedi may have brought you here, but we are Alliance first, and if that means putting ourselves at odds with the Coalition; it is a risk we must accept.”

“Alliance Intelligence is in place here to ensure the Alliance keeps an edge on all fronts. The enemies of freedom are many and will stop at nothing to destroy the Alliance. AI will use any and all means necessary to effect that freedom. Which is another reason we need people with your expertise. We acknowledge that some things out there are dangerous to handle. So where we need to be safer, Force Adepts like yourself may be needed to interact directly and advise us. Yet the mission remains the same; enduring freedom.”

[Zasabi Ray]

Zasabi let out a small smile as the Toydarian began his briefing. The Director didn't mince words, and that meant that Zasabi shouldn't either.

He waited until he was handed the enlistment documents, looking them over with a practiced eye. Although he had primarily been a CEO primarily in name, he had learned more than enough about this sort of legal documentation to be able to scan through it quickly and thoroughly.

"Director Deelto, let me be as direct as you have been. I have no concerns about such dangers- indeed, I often find myself confronting such things even without the direct necessity of an Alliance cause to provoke it. The money is of no interest to me either, as I'm sure you're aware. My interest in joining with the Alliance Intelligence Service is entirely ideological. I am of the belief that freedom is the highest cause one can champion, and while I am not as swayed by the anarchist revolutionaries of rebels past, I believe that at the least sapients should be able to decide their fates for themselves. The hierarchical beliefs of the Jedi do not hold any sway with me.

"I say this to make clear that I have come to you in hopes of proving my worth as an asset so that in turn I might see more worlds liberated from the oppressive forces of the galaxy. I am not satisfied with what I alone can accomplish even with my considerable strength, and your aims share enough in common with mine that it make sense to combine them."

He flipped to a page midway though the documents and struck a line through the slate in red, marking a change in contract.

"As such, I suggest we make an amendment to the standard terms regarding the use of personal belongings. My fleet, though small, is quite potent and the droid security forces I employ are equally so. I have no qualms about offering their skill to the Alliance under the terms present in the Privateer codes of the Rebel Alliance, officially or... otherwise."

Withdrawing a slate of his own, he thumbed it on and slid it across the table to the Director. His gaze remained steady as he waited for the Toydarian to peruse the contents. Within, he would find a full accounting of Zasabi's personal military forces. Between the small battle group composed of his Titan frigate, ensemble of fighter craft and his land units, he had roughly an outpost's worth of military hardware. As an independent security concern, it was especially useful for discreet action as it operated entirely outside of Alliance chains of logistics and command. There were organizational principles for this sort of shadowy forces in the original Rebel Alliance, and while much had changed since those days Zasabi suspected that there was enough of that old blood present that his request would be upheld.

"I, of course, would retain the option to not volunteer their use for operations that would misuse such resources in a way detrimental to our goals or my forces, but given your interest in putting assets where they are best utilized, I suspect those instances would be very unlikely."