Interlude: The Callback
14 Feb 2022Aurora Bael
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TELEPRESENCE V 4.1.01 COMMUNICATIONS LINK
INCOMING CALL: Harkness, Robert
Initializing com-link
Com-Link Established
Encrypting...
KEY RECOGNISED! ANSWER? [Y]
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>> Well hey there, Bob! Fancy hearing from you!
:: Hi yourself! You've been making one hell of a racket recently, haven't you?
>> ...I'm sorry, what?
:: Oh don't be modest. The amount of ship combat you've been doing recently is pretty extraordinary. For someone with no background in it, anyway.
>> Now I know you're taking the piss.
:: In four days' worth of work you're over 120 bounties and a handful of combat bonds. That leaves an impression on people... At least on some people I know, anyway.
>> Pfff! Oh yeah, who do you know?
:: Someone in the Alliance Defense Force. I can't really say who, but someone.
>> HA. Alright, say I believed that...
:: I'm not going to lie, the fact that you managed to ingratiate yourself to the Feds and the Alliance at the same time might be either the smartest or the dumbest thing you ever done. I'm not trying to be funny, that's some well timed shit. You heard about Zack Hudson's plan to cancel the election? It's coming at the same time he's making serious gains in support and influence across the bubble. It's got Mahon and the Alliance brass a little worried.
>> ... Go on.
:: So... let's say that someone wanted to furnish you a combat ship, fully outfitted, in exchange for some... off the record assistance.
>> I'd say why me.
:: You're clean as a whistle, a fresh face on the battlefield, and you already have friends in the Federal Navy. Also, you came very highly recommended.
>> Did you seriously put Foxtrot's name on the line to get me a job?
:: Not just any job...
>> What, you want me to be a double agent? Hahaha!
:: ...
>> ...Oh shit.
:: They can't pay you... not now, anyway. But they do need someone on the inside Hudson's operation. Preferably, someone who can cultivate influence.
>> ...I mean, I'm going to have to look like I'm working against them for a while. They know that, right?
:: I would not bring this to you if it was amateur shit. You said you wanted to do some work again? Here it is.
>> Damn... since when are you playing on this level, Bob?
:: The whole time, Rory. Literally the whole time we've worked together. The hell is with you?
>> That was all just petty larceny and a couple minor hits, what --
:: We've been breaking into Federation intelligence for years, how do you not know this?
>> ...Sorry, it's a long story. Yes, I'm interested. What's the ship?
:: A Lakon Chieftan.
>> PFF! That's an Alliance heavy fighter, innit? Seriously? Are they daft?
:: Look, Lakon can and does sell this bird to anyone. You haven't enlisted in the Navy yet, anyway. Not as though you can roll up in a FAS, is it?
>> An Imperial slave flying an Alliance fighter in the Federal Navy... It does have a certain ring to it.
:: So that's a yes?
>> It was already a yes.
:: Awesome. You can pick it up at Alcor any time this week. Oh, and Rory?
>> Yeah?
:: ...Take that Alliance decal off of your ships, would ya? The better show you make of defecting, the more likely this is to work.
>> Right... okay. I'll talk to you soon, ok?
:: No you won't.
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TELEPRESENCE V 4.1.01 COMMUNICATIONS LINK
Com-link terminated.
Would you like to make another call?
Call: quit
Thank you, goodbye!
PROGRAM TERMINATED
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