Obroa-Skai Imperial Garrison

[Crystal Starr Light]

The prefabricated garrison base was the Empire's standard base deployed on planets to keep the peace and serve as a home for its troops.

[Crystal Starr Light]

Crystal Starr Light strode down the hallways of the Main Office Building Esk-332, a pair of Imperial Army soldiers following behind her. As she walked down, sliding past young officers and enlisted personnel, she removed a datapad from her utility belt and quickly scanned the screen, looking for the numbers. She paused, glancing from one side to the other, continuing on until she spotted the door she was looking for.

"Here," she said, gesturing to the door. The soldier on her right moved to the door and slid his hand across the scanner. A panel slid open and a retinal scanner moved forward. The soldier then leaned toward the scanner and a laser flashed against his eye.

"Cleared," a computer generated voice said, its voice sterile.

The door then slid open to reveal a small conference room, with a single table, two chairs, and a sole occupant. That sole occupant was a human, brown hair, brown eyes, rugged features, somewhat stocky and muscular who was nearly reclining in his chair across from the door.

"Poikel U'raki," she said, moving into the room, the two troopers following diligently behind her. The figure at the table straightened slightly. "A pleasure to see you here again. What news do you have?"

The door slid shut behind Crystal as she pulled out the chair and sat upon the edge. She leaned slightly onto the table, her arms propped in front of her. "Or are you going to demand..."

"Payment upfront?" Poikel finished, leaning forward himself, a sly smile on his face and a greedy twinkle in his eye. "What do you think?"

Crystal removed a credit chit from her right breast pocket and slid it on the table, her hand covering it. Poikel's rough hand reached out and touched the edge of the chit. She never removed her gaze from Poikel's hungry brown eyes. "Half now. Like always. No bargaining."

Poikel grimace slightly. "Fine, whatever."

Crystal slowly let go of the chit, and Poikel used a pointer finger to slid it to him, examining it carefully. "I would keep my eyes on any light freighters claiming to carry in tibanna gas."

Crystal raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Why is that?"

Poikel glanced out of the corner of his eye to her. "Let's just say that these smuggler types want to arm up the rebels here and give you guys a little...push. Out of the system."

"Out of the system? The rebels don't have that strength," Crystal protested, sitting up straighter.

Poikel waggled a finger. "Just because that's what the rebels want, that doesn't mean that's what they get. Now, can I have the rest, or am I gonna have to...wrestle you for it?" He glanced up and down Crystal in a way she hated but was somehow not unaccustomed to.

Crystal dug a hand back into her pocket and pulled out another chit. She again slid it on the table, but when Poikel's hand reached out, she grabbed his hand and locked eyes with him. "Why do you do this? Why sell out the rebels?"

Poikel stared back, unashamed. "Because I want the money." He tried to wriggle his hand free.

Crystal held his hand tighter. "That's not the whole reason. I don't pay you that well."

Poikel grinned, trying to draw his hand in. "Because I like it when you play rough."

Crystal smiled in return, her grip firm and forcing his hand to stay. "Oh, you haven't seen me play rough, Poikel."

"You could make this an exception," he said, leaning forward, his eyes eager.

A part of Crystal wanted nothing more than to punch his lights out. Another part wanted to roll her eyes. And another part--a part she tried to tell herself really didn't exist--was enticed. "In your dreams, flyboy," she said, letting go of his hands and ignoring the slight dampness on her palm. She drew her hands back and folded them in front of her. "Well, if that's all, I see no need to keep you here longer than you have to be."

Poikel sighed and quickly stored the chit away in his jacket. He rose from the table. "A pleasure, General."

Crystal rose from her seat. The two soldiers maintained positions at her right and left. "I'd show you the door, but I'm sure you know the way out by now."

Poikel smirked at her as he passed and walked out of the room. Crystal watched him recede then quickly left the room herself. As she strode back down the hallway, she thumbed her comm. "Sergeant?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am?" the voice replied on the other end, slightly muffled by the sounds of heavy machinery.

"I've got an update I'd like to share with you and your boys. Meet me in conference room 612."