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Liv stopped near the Cantina, having just finished dealing with Watcher X at the spaceport. She wanted a break from things before heading back to the ship . She had gotten an encrypted message from Leo saying to meet him there, but she didn’t want Kaliyo there. She wasn’t sure what the Rattataki would do if she recognized Leo, or if she knew anything of his history. She turned to Kaliyo.
“Kaliyo, would you mind checking on the ship? Make sure it’s ready to go? I’ve got something to finish up, and it’s better if I do it alone. I’ll meet you there after.” she asked.
“Trying to get rid of me, Agent?” Kaliyo asked in her usual tone.
“Of course not. I simply want to do some things on my own.” Liv replied. Kaliyo looked her up and down, not bothering to hide her suspicion.
“Don’t have all the fun without me. I might get jealous.” Liv wasn’t surprised that Kaliyo was suspicious of what she was doing; put in simple terms, Liv was an Imperial Spy.
“I’ll try not to,” Liv stated, her tone slightly sarcastic. “We can always do something together later, if you want.” she suggested. Kaliyo shrugged, turning away with a wave of her hand.
“Whatever. I don’t care what you do. Just don’t make it long.” she said.
“I shouldn’t be. Maybe an hour at most, depending on if they’re here yet or not.” she replied. Kaliyo waved it off, and walked away in the direction of one of the two taxi spots the Promenade had. Liv watched her walk away for a minute; then, once she was a fair distance away, Liv turned back to the Cantina; she walked in and glanced around, surveying the area for anything and anyone that might be suspicious before looking for her brother.
She smiled when she saw him. She hadn’t seen him in person in years . He was facing away from her when she spotted him. She walked up to him.
“I thought you were dead?!” she said in a half-faking tone. She knew he wasn’t. She was one of the only people who did. Leo turned when he heard her voice.
“Hey stranger!” he replied happily, his accent seemingly back to his ‘normal’ Imperial one. He figured it might help if anyone saw them if he didn’t sound so obviously Republic. “As for not being dead, well, that’s a story for another time,” he stated, even though he knew that Liv knew the general story. He didn’t want to chance that anyone listening would catch onto that. Liv hugged her brother. Leo didn’t stop her and hugged her back.
“It’s good to see you, Leo.” She said before stepping back.
“It’s really good to see you. I’ve missed you, kid.” Leo stated, smiling weakly. Liv caught it and smiled back.
“I’ve missed you too,” she stated. “How have you been?” she asked.
“Why don’t we talk over a game of Dejarik?” he asks.
“Sure,” she replied, and followed him down the stairs to the lower area of the Cantina. They sat down at one of the Dejarik tables.
“So, what else have you been up to lately?” she asked, referencing what she already knew from their holo call.
“Being dragged halfway ’round the galaxy by a… uh, friend.” Leo suddenly looked nervous, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “How about you? How’s it on the other side of the war?”
“Well, you know, the usual. Under-the-table deals. General mayhem. Sith killing each other for power. Not much is new. Still dealing with the . . . people, that caused the travel restrictions.” She stated. She didn’t want anyone to accidentally overhear her say ‘terrorists,’ in case it set someone off. But Leo knew what she meant. “How’s your crew? You mentioned a kid you’d picked up over the holo, Corso, I think you said?”
“Yeah. He’s good. Maybe a little too green for all of this war shit, but he’s been solid so far.” Leo gave her a small smile, getting more comfortable in his chair. “How about your team? You said you picked someone up on Hutta? The only people on Hutta are… well, Hutts and criminals.” He said knowingly. He had been to Hutta before and usually managed to avoid getting into too much trouble with whichever Hutt’s palace he stayed in.
“You’re not wrong.” Liv agreed. “Though I don’t think Kaliyo would take too kindly to potentially being called a Hutt,” Liv added playfully. “Criminal? Definitely. Hutt? Not so much.” she said. She returned Leo’s smile, then turned on the game. “She’s a Rattataki who was working for the Hutt I talked to. Decided she wanted to leave Hutta, so she helped me.” Liv explained, making the first move. “Still don’t completely trust her yet, obviously. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t fully trust me either, and I don’t blame her. She knows what I am. Just not who. ” she stated. She paused for a moment. “But she’s been good so far,” she said, sitting back in her chair, waiting for Leo to make a move.
Leo chuckled, making a move on the board without really paying attention. “As long as you have someone watching your back, I won’t have to worry about you so much.” He paused, staring at the dejarik board in thought. “I do, ya know. Worry about you.” he said quietly.
“I know,” she stated, watching him think about his move. “You always have. I’d probably think something was wrong if you didn’t.” She stated. “Even when you don’t admit it.” she added. Leo sighed. She was right. He seldom admitted such things out loud, let alone to himself. But Liv was someone he would always care about, no matter what happened.
“He’s not giving you any trouble, is he? Since I left?” he asked. Figured he might as well check in on him while she was here.
“Who, Father?” she asked quietly. She lightly shook her head. “No. No more than usual, anyway,” she stated. “I don’t really talk to him unless I have to.” Leo smiled for a moment. He may not have to deal with the bastard anymore, but he knew Liv did, at least on occasion. He nodded lightly, staring at the dejarik board absently, not knowing what else to say. He was lost in his thoughts for a minute or two, the silence stretching uncomfortably between them.
“There’s something you’re not telling me.” She stated in a knowing tone, after watching him stare at the board for a minute and not do anything. She made a move on the board.
“What makes you say that?” He asked, studying the board, and what she had done, so he could try to beat her. This time. They’d had a running tally when they were younger about how often they had beaten one another.
“Well, for one, it’s my job.” She stated, watching him study the board. She thought she saw him smile at her job comment. “And two, I know you better than just about anyone in the galaxy, so I know your tells.” she states.
“I’ve just… dealt with a lot since Begeren, Liv. I don’t mean to shut you out.” Leo stated, making his move.
“I know,” she replied. She paused, watching his move. She figured his not telling her had something to do with someone or something he didn’t want her to know about for whatever reason. “Staying out of trouble?” she asked, in a half-questioning, half-sarcastic tone, as she already had a pretty good idea of the answer, but wanted to continue the conversation.
Leo snorted before he realized what he’d done. “Oh, uh, yeah, of course. You know me. Never gettin’ in trouble and stuff.” he stated, trying to sound as convincing as possible.
“Really?” she asked, her tone reflecting that she knew it wasn’t true. “We both know that’s a lie,” she said. “Especially with the names you gave me. Even a cursory search is enough to tell me you’re in a lot of trouble.” she stated, making her move and taking one of his creatures out.
“Ok, you caught me. Could never get anything over on you.” He grinned at her. “You were always smart.” he stated. Liv smiled at the comment.
“Thanks, Leo.” She replied. “I can think of a few who would disagree with you, probably out of spite more than anything, so that means a lot.” she said, smiling lightly.
“It’s been hard, gettin’ on my feet in the Republic. If it wasn’t for Dash-“Leo cut himself off, realizing he already said too much.
“Dash?” she asked. She had been watching the board, and looked up at Leo when he cut itself off mid-sentence. “You mentioned him on the holo,” she stated. “Said he’s been helping you, but you didn’t say much else.” she said. She paused. With how quickly he cut himself off, she could tell there was something about ‘Dash’ that Leo was keeping secret for a reason. “Anything I should know?” she asked, “Or do I need to look him up too?” she teased. Leo’s eyes widened, and with a quick shake of his head, he cut that thought off immediately.
“Liv, please don’t. I… I already bring him enough trouble as it is, with what I do. I don’t need to bring the Empire down on him too. He’s… too important to me.” Liv smiled and laughed lightly at how flustered Leo became talking about this Dash person. He was clearly someone important to him, even without him saying it. The fact that he did, told her that whoever he was, Leo cared about him greatly.
“Don’t worry. I won’t if you don’t want me to. That would put you in danger too.” She stated. She paused, momentarily looking at the game board. “That said . . . Important, how?” she asked curiously. “This is me asking, nothing else.”
Leo ran a hand down his face, sighing. “He’s my best friend, Liv. My only friend besides you. And I… I think I…” He wanted to cry because it shouldn’t be like this. He shouldn’t feel these things, but Dash was so good, and he wanted something he didn’t deserve.
“Might like him more than just a friend?” She asked. She’d seen him with a similar expression on him before when he was telling her about some of the boys he’d met at cadets. It had just been the two of them in his room on Ziost. He’d let how he felt about one of the boys slip, but thankfully no one else had heard him, otherwise she was sure Father would have talked to him about it. If he was talking this way about Dash, she knew he was important to him, and that it would take him forever to admit it, especially to himself.
“More than that, Liv. He’s important to me.” He met Liv’s gaze, the same blue that he had. This was the hardest thing he’d ever had to admit, but this was his sister. If anyone would understand, it was her. “This isn’t like the guys from the Imperial military. He’s more.”
“Does he know how you feel about him?” Liv asked. She knew that would take him just as long to admit. “Or do you know if he shares your feelings?”
“I don’t know. I’m afraid of ruining our friendship. If I lost Dash…” He trailed off, the thought too painful to voice. She saw the expression on his face saying what he was afraid to.
“You still might lose him, even if you don’t tell him. Then you’ll be mad at yourself for not telling him sooner,” she stated. She knew he would be if that happened. But she also knew where some of that fear stemmed from. “It’s not like he can show up and stop or yell at you.” She added. She paused for a moment as she thought about what else she could say. “Remember what I said about not being hard on your friends?” she asked him. “How long have you known Dash?”
Leo let out the breath he’d been holding. “Since… Begeren happened five years ago. He’s the one who broke me out. I wouldn’t be here without him. He could’ve given up on me when we got to Coruscant, but he didn’t.” he explained. He stared at the game board, lost in his own thoughts, thinking about how many times Dash could have just left him, but he never did. Liv paused for a moment. So that was how Leo had gotten off-world in the aftermath of the riot. She smiled.
“Seems I should be thanking him,” Liv replied. “And you’re right; he could have left you when you arrived on Coruscant, or even turned you over to the authorities, but he didn’t. Most other people probably would have, if they’d even gotten you off-world in the first place.” She paused for a moment, momentarily thinking what might have happened if Leo hadn’t made it off Bergeren, considering his being there was a punishment from their Father for embarrassing him . “The fact that he didn’t tells me that, for whatever reason, he cares about you. I don’t know all the details about what happened on Bergeren, I just know what the file says, and what you told me in your letters. . . . And I don’t know Dash. But, I have to assume that something happened between the two of you there that bonded you; otherwise, what was his reasoning for saving you?” she finished. She knew how her comment sounded, but she also knew that she was right, and that Leo would understand what she actually meant.
Leo sighed, running a hand through his hair. Then he smiled, glancing up at his sister. “You’re right. You always are, Liv. I’ll… talk to him about it. Next port.”
“You’d better,” she stated. “Or I’ll find a way to kick your ass about it.” She paused and looked back at the board. “Now, whose turn is it?” she asked as she studied the board.
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Back on the Phantom, after Liv deals with Zhorrid’s request.
Once Keeper turned off the holo, Liv walked back to where they had put Yanol and made sure he was secured. He was still unconscious, but Liv gave him a sedative, so he wouldn’t wake up while they were in flight, then try to take over and crash her ship, or something stupid like that. Kaliyo came up behind her and stopped in the doorway.
“How was the cantina?” she asked. Liv finished what she was doing before turning towards her.
“Fine, why?” she asked. But before Kaliyo could answer, the telltale beeping that she was getting a call on her main holo terminal sounded. Liv paused her conversation with Kaliyo, walked to the terminal and pressed the button that answered the call. Watcher Two appeared.
“Hello, Cipher. I’m sorry for calling; I know you’re busy, but there’s a high-profile call for you.” She stated in a neutral tone.
“High profile?” Liv repeated. “What kind of high profile? Who is it?” she asked. High profile meant that it was someone with a high military rank, Sith, or some part of the aristocracy. Or some combination of the three. It wasn’t Zhorrid; she could just have her droid override Intelligence again and talk to her directly. She wouldn’t go to the trouble of routing it through Intelligence HQ.
“Vorza Ashold, Cipher.” Keeper stated, appearing beside Watcher Two. Liv visibly hesitated. Talking to her Father was not something she had planned on, especially after whom she had just met on Nar Shaddaa.
“Did he say what he wanted?” She asked the two people in front of her. She hoped that how she felt about her Father was too obvious.
“Just that he wanted to speak with you on a private channel.” Watcher Two replied. Liv paused for a moment, thinking about what he might want to talk to her about. She knew for sure that he hadn’t asked to speak to her because of her rank. He wouldn’t have known it, and if it was about that, he’d have contacted her earlier. So he had asked for her by name. And Keeper was the only one in Intelligence that she knew of, who knew of her relation to Vorza. She guessed that Watcher Two knew now as well, but she would deal with that later if she needed to.
“You are allowed to refuse him because of your current case,” Keeper commented, catching Liv’s hesitation.
“It’s fine. Put him through.” She stated. “Though can I ask that it not be recorded?” She asked. Watcher two pressed some keys, before replying. Liv looked at Kaliyo and met her eyes. She silently asked her to go somewhere else for the time being, hoping she wouldn’t be in the room when the holo changed to her Father. He had a typical Imperial mentality when it came to aliens, not as strict as some, mind you, but enough that Liv didn’t want her new associate nearby when she talked to him. Kaliyo walked away.
“I can turn off any devices on your end, Cipher; you’ll have to turn them back on manually. But because the call is routed through HQ, the main recorder here can’t be switched off. Though after, I can make sure no one else can access the footage.” She replied.
“Thank you, Watcher Two. Do that, then put him through. I’ll make sure to turn anything back on before I leave the spaceport.” Liv stated, then readied herself to speak to her Father. Moments later, Vorza appeared on her holoterminal.
“Hello, Olivia. It’s been a while.” He stated in a neutral tone.
“Hello, Vorza.” She stated in the same tone. She used his name on purpose. She didn’t need everyone listening to the call knowing he was her Father, but they might figure it out anyway. She knew he would understand that much. “What do you want?” She asked.
“That hardly resembles a proper greeting, Olivia,” Vorza stated. She scoffed and shook her head, lightly fuming. Of course, he was going to be like that. She sighed, audibly.
“I’m sorry. Let me try again.” She stated, her tone and expression showing her disdain.
“Hello, General Ashold. It’s so good to see you again; I’m sorry I haven’t kept in touch. I’ve been a bit busy lately.” she stated, her tone a touch sarcastic along with conveying how she actually felt about what she was saying. “Happy?” she asked, her tone gaining a touch of snark.
“I could say something, but I don’t want to argue with you right now, so I guess it will suffice.” He stated. “Now, Liv –”
“You don’t get to call me that,” she stated, cutting him off.
“I can call you whatever I like,” he stated sharply. Liv glared at him. “And that is what I’ve heard some people will call you when they don’t know what you do.” He stated.
“Yes.” She agreed. “My friends or people I trust,” she explained. “You don’t have that,” she stated, coldly. “Respect, yes. Obviously,” she said. “But trust? You lost that years ago and haven’t earned it back yet,” she explained. “For you, my full name or my rank.” she clarified. “Now, What, do you, want?” she asked sharply. Vorza just stood there for a moment, silent. Few people willingly spoke to him in that way, ever.
“Very well, Olivia,” he began, “When was the last time you saw your brother?” he asked. Liv paused for a moment, confused. That was why he was calling? Really?
“I haven’t seen Xander since his Academy graduation,” she stated. “I’ve talked to him a couple of times since, but that’s it.” she added. She was still unsure why he was asking. She had a sneaking suspicion that it wasn’t Lysander he was asking about, but she knew her fear of that was hidden behind her current tone and demeanour due to talking to her Father.
“That is good to know, but not who I was talking about.” He stated. Liv looked confused for a moment. As far as anyone knew about the family, Xander was the only living brother she had. His comment confirmed her suspicion.
“Leo?” she asked, visibly taken aback. They had been told that he had died on Bergeron, but Liv knew he was alive. She wondered if someone had seen them together in the Cantina.
“Yes, Leonth,” Vorza confirmed. “When did you last see him?” he asked, bringing Liv out of her apparent surprise.
“I haven’t seen him since before you sent him to Begeren!” Liv snapped, a hint of sadness entering her voice. She knew how to convincingly lie to her Father; she’d done it for years before Leo had left. She just hoped it convinced Watcher Two and Keeper as well, whom she knew was watching the call from HQ. “And we both know how that ended. There’s no possible way I’ve seen him lately; he’s dead!” She added.
“Are you sure about that?” He asked. Liv looked surprised.
“Of course, I’m sure. That’s what we were told after the riot. And before you say anything about keeping secrets, I doubt they would lie about something like that to you .” She replied. She knew Leo had gotten out, and now knew how from her conversation with him in the Cantina, but she wasn’t sure what Vorza had all been told later on, behind closed doors, so to speak.
Vorza paused for a moment. He knew that Olivia had been close with her older brother, but he also trusted that, no matter how she felt about him, she would remain loyal to the Empire if she ever learned the truth that Leonth had survived and joined the Republic.
“I’ve been recently told that there are a handful of rumours flying around that he may have survived.” He stated. Liv looked shocked.
“But that’s impossible.” She replied, “And even if he did, what’s it got to do with me?” she asked, still wondering who had seen Leo and when.
“I know you two were close when you were younger. I figure that if he did survive, he might have tried to contact you.” Vorza stated. He knew the report that his son may have been spotted on Nar Shaddaa could simply be a case of mistaken identity, and it was someone who looked very much like his son, but he had to check every angle.
“Well, he hasn’t.” Liv lied. “And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bring him up in future.” she added. She was now more certain that someone had seen Leo on his own, and hadn’t seen the two of them together in the Cantina, as she had a fairly good idea what would be happening if anyone had seen them together. She wouldn’t be talking to Vorza on her ship. She would likely have been arrested by now. She watched someone else she didn’t recognize show up on the holo, whisper something to her Father, then leave the holo just as quickly. She guessed it was a lower officer, wherever he was.
“Very well, Cipher.” He stated. He knew his daughter was doing well in Intelligence, but he hadn’t yet learned her rank. Now he had. “I assume that if you do see or hear from him, you’ll turn him in to the proper authorities.” He asked, though, by his tone, it was more of a statement than a question or request.
“Of course,” she stated. “Now, General, if you don’t mind, I do have work to do.” She said, the sadness mostly gone, but the bite was still in her tone. She really wanted this conversation to end, so she could get back to generally ignoring her family.
“Of course, Cipher. Until next time.” He stated, then ended the call. Liv sighed. Watcher Two appeared again moments later.
“Are you alright, Cipher?” she asked. “I’ve read the file about the prisoner riot that happened on Bergeren several years ago. I’m sorry,” she said. Liv could tell she actually meant it.
“Thank you, Watcher Two. And it’s fine. I’ll turn the others back on in a minute.” she stated, then sighed and looked at the floor.
“Of course. I’ll see you back at Headquarters. Watcher Two out.” Watcher Two replied, then turned off the holo. Liv backed up to the wall and slid to the floor. Even with all her training, her Father still set her on edge every time she spoke to him. For him to contact her and ask if she had heard from Leo, told her that something had happened where someone had seen Leo and reported it to Imperial Command. She wasn’t sure when or where, just that someone had seen him and at least partially recognized him. Her protocol droid wanted in and looked down at her.
“Are you alright, Master?” He asked, his tone concerned. She wasn’t sure if he meant it, or if reading emotions was part of his programming.
“I’m fine, 2V. You can go back to what you were doing.” She stated, her voice calm. Much calmer than how she actually felt. The droid walked away.
A few silent minutes passed. Liv remained sitting on the floor; her head dropped down so she was looking at the floor. Her arms were resting on her knees.
“You’ve been naughty, Agent.” Kaliyo stood in the doorway to the communications room, leaning against the frame, a smile curling her lips. “Someone’s been keeping secrets,” she stated. Liv looked up at her friend from the floor.
“That is my job, Kaliyo. You’ll have to be a little more specific,” Liv replied lightly.
Kaliyo rolled her eyes. “Cute. But I saw you in the Cantina with who I’m now assuming is your brother. You lied to your daddy and the ones with your leash. I didn’t think you were capable of that.” she stated, sounding vaguely impressed. Liv laughed lightly. She was used to people underestimating her. She now knew that Kaliyo had seen them in the Cantina, but Liv didn’t think she had been the one to report sighting Leo to the authorities. Though she could be wrong. But if she did, Liv had to wonder, why hadn’t Kaliyo reported her too?
“Why not?” Liv commented, about Kaliyo’s last comment, looking up at her. “And is it that obvious with the General?” she asked. Kaliyo smiled, but it wasn’t a happy one.
“I’ve seen a lot in the last few months with your “Empire.” No one can get away with back-talking a General unless they’re family. Or you’re sleeping with them. I’m gonna guess it’s not the second.” she stated.
“That would be just a bit weird,” Liv replied. “Though it wouldn’t surprise me if something like that has happened before,” she added, before getting up. “Why is it surprising that I lied to him?” she asked. She knew that they weren’t being recorded because she still had to turn them back on. She decided to do that after they finished talking.
“Something about you just screams “daddy’s little princess” to me with all the “yes, sir” and “as you say, sir” that comes out of your mouth. Not many people surprise me anymore, Agent. You’ve got my attention,” she replied. Liv laughed.
“Princess?!” she replied, with another light laugh. “No. That would be my sister.” she stated. “As for me addressing people . . . that’s just training and practice,” she said. “I tend to find most people will give you more information, postpone killing you a little longer, or both, if you at least seem generally ‘polite and obedient’ about it. Often semi-polite will work. Or depending on how you phrase things.” she explained. “Pretty much the only thing those boring etiquette classes I had to sit through have been good for.” she added offhandedly.
Kaliyo snorted, but her gaze wasn’t as sharp. “I would say maybe you could teach me a thing or two, but I wouldn’t be caught dead being nice to anyone. But you’re clever. I think you and I might get along.”
“I know you wouldn’t.” She stated. “And considering we’re working together, getting along is generally a good idea.” She added. She proceeded to turn things back on, then headed to the bridge to set the ship to head to Dromund Kaas.