Gavin Nere's Story

Gavin Nere (Agent of Imperial Security)

Agent Nere had been on Mandalore for some time. He was given an order to spy on the delegations between the Alliance and the Mandalorians. The Empire had to make sure the Mandalorians will not be involved in the upcoming conflict. Or if they were, it would be on their side. Fortunately the Alliance offers to the Mandalorians were disagreeable, their stubbornness and pride has ensured less danger to the Empire. The superiors on Korriban will be pleased to learn this. Then the Empire may even begin to persuade the Mandalorians to join their cause instead, but that is an order for a different time. In the meantime Nere is to watch the Alliance's actions on Mandalore and then report back to base when they leave the planetside.

Nere was in a discreet cloak, as he moved about Keldabe Spaceport. He documentation of one of the Federation's Diplomat's (Temi) movements lead him here. All the while a few Prowler droids were dispatched to spy on any other Federation targets. One of these very droids found Gavin in an alleyway. It reported to him an assassination attempt inside a bar where the Federation Diplomat was resting. Curious about the disturbance, Nere headed for the bar. Once there he noticed a squad of KSPs scouring the area. Apparently someone they want has escaped. Nere assumed it was the assassin until when he managed to see the scraps of a droid. "Hm, riddled with blaster fire, this must be the culprit, but if these patrolmen are searching for another, then this droid must have an accomplice." Yet Gavin hadn't the slightest inkling about whom they are searching for would be another droid.

Raxus stood on an overlook watching the entrance to the bar. He had been for some time, but something interesting appeared at the entrance. A man who stood out slightly, just enough for the droid to take particular notice of him while it was predicting and studying the other organics who moved about. He wore a cloak, but not one that shouted that he was special in any way. He just looked like your everyday anti-socialite, but it actions marked a much different mentality.

The man took careful note of the scene, and from the way he seemed to be thinking, Raxus hypothesized that the man had some sort of investigative background. Definately not police, by the way he carried himself. Raxus thought that he might have been a spy, but that was interrupted by the sound of "There's the droid! Shut it down!"

Raxus turned to see three KPS Agents turning the corner. Their first, and last, shot grazed the upgrade armor that Raxus had almost as soon as his blaster shot the only three shots it needed. However, this time Raxus wasn't leaving. Instead, he turned around to the railing once more, and leaned on it with his two under-arms, watching how the cloaked man would react.

((Please ignore this post))

Gavin heard shouting in the distance, something about shutting down a droid. Turning around, the Agent sought to discern where those shouts originated from. As soon as he was surveying the area, blaster fire was heard. Nere ascertained the shots fired where from above. As the cloaked individual stared up, he noticed an overlook. While someone could be up there, he couldn't tell if there actually was a person. Gavin moved about the crowd to get a better look from below. When he maneuvered to the side of the crowd he noticed someone, or rather something leaning on the railing. It looked to be a droid of some sort. He was not sure of what make it was, certainly wasn't your garden variety droid. No from what he could see, it was of custom make. It had to be. "This must be the accomplice." Nere thought.

This droid must be observed, perhaps even confronted. Yet, Gavin would not do so himself. He moved away from the crowd and as he moved to the side of the building. While he searched for all the entrances and exits, Nere called in his Prowler Droid. Ordering to keep an bird's eye view over the entire building, particularly the movements of the droid. He didn't want it moving anywhere he didn't know about. Before the Droid changed it's orders it had send him some information on the diplomat's movements. Apparently the target is with two unknowns as they are sneaking away from the area. So at least Nere knows these droids have not yet killed the diplomat. Although the mystery of the two unknowns has him concerned, so does this droid. If it means to kill the diplomat he must ascertain why. After all the Federation and it's people are of concern to him. If they are to be killed then it's on the Empire's orders.

Nere was not the only person seeking the droid. The KPSs near the bar at the time heard the shots. They too are seeking to enter the building. In the meantime Gavin stood aside as they entered the building. He can't be physically involved in these matters, that is not what an Imperial Agent does. They work from the shadows, and from these shadows Nere watches the events unfold.

This time, one of the KPS agents thought they could sneak up on Raxus, but his sensors alerted him of their presence while they were still climbing up the stairs. As the first one peeped over the ledge, a strong wave rippled across the force like a tsunami as the agent floated in the air, gripping at his neck. Raxus stood facing the agent, his arm raised, with the fluid in the tubes along it glowing brightly.

When the man registered as dead, Raxus let the body drop to the floor. Raxus then charged the two other agents, who were standing still with horror, cutting them cleanly with his vibroblade. He was growing rather tired of them, but got the sense that the man was not one to be confronted in daylight.

Raxus let off a signal, a signal that only droids, specifically ones with older, clone wars level communications systems would understand. The message was "You have spiked my curiosity as much as I have yours. Find the red crate cracked slightly open."

With that, Raxus leaped from the ledge, slamming down into the crowd before the man, then running off to Storage Dock 194. Once he got there, he quickly hid in the same red crate he came in, slightly cracking the top open. He then shut down, leaving only his short range scanners on to take note of the surroundings, and of any KPS agents.

Agent Nere was confused by what the Droid was relaying to him. Apparently this custom droid was able to lift a man off the ground and kill him. Just what is this droid? He has never heard of a droid have abilities like that of a force user. Before much more could be learned, the droid appeared and then ran off. Whatever it was, the droid was something that couldn't be ignored. Though what has Nere curious is to who made it and why? Before long the Prowler then relayed to him a message given by the strange droid. It told him to find a red create cracked slightly open. Acknowledging this, Nere knows crates are found near storage spaces and determining from the direction the droid ran off too, it was towards the docks. Gavin sent the Prowler on ahead in pursuit, he would arrive later.

Some moments later, Nere found himself at the storage docks. He began to search for the red crate. To help aid him in the search was the Prowler ordered to find red crates that has traces of the droid's energy signature. The Prowler scanned the items with that distinct maker, before long the droid relayed to him a possible location, Dock 194. Gavin made his way to the dock and searched for the red crate. It wouldn't be too long that Nere discovered it, but he made sure to not stand to close. He placed himself near a wall in case the droid opened fire. If he were to use it's strange functions then the Agent would be in serious trouble. He would have to rely on the Prowler to use it's offensive capabilities to distract the droid. In the meantime Nere spoke, "I am at the crate you specified." "If you are interested in meeting me, then be so kind as to reveal yourself." "I'm not much for games I'm afraid." The Agent spoke in a calm, dry, British voice. He then waited to see what might happen.

The activation sequence had activated the moment that Nere entered the room, but it was not the fastest thing in the world. At the end of his last sentence, a blue light shot through the cracks between the crate and its lid. Not moments later, the loud sound of motors running self-diagnostics shot through the silence. Finally, the lid of the crate shot off, and shortly behind it, the droid popped out.

As Raxus shot quick glances around the room, it had its rifle in its under-arms and its vibroblade in its upper-arms. After Raxus's Defensive Activation Protocols were over, it looked over at Nere.

"You are of greater bravery that most this unit has observed." The definite droid voice spoke, without any signs of emotion. If the Prowler was receiving, it might have read the excess of the different rays and beams that Raxus was using to analyse this anomaly.

The Agent noticed the blue light, but made no movements or expressions that would suggest he was surprised in the slightest. Even as the droid popped out and surveyed the area, Gavin made no hints that he was worried or afraid of the heavily armed droid. One could equate this as stupidity, but Nere was a calculating fellow. Like any good agent in the field, it is sometimes necessary to make calculated risks. This happened to be one of them. He looked at the droid as it commented on his bravery. He wasn't sure if they droid was complimenting him or just stating an observation. With his history with droids, he assumed the later. Not wishing to seem rude, he replied. "Well one in my field, we must be especially brave if we are to achieve success." Nere calmly spoke.

He was receiving some new Intel from the airborne Prowler. It was relaying to him about the excess flow of rays and beams coming from the droid. The Prowler states that the droid is analyzing him. Nere thought to himself, "Hm, there's something off about this droid, even if one didn't see that display of power earlier, could still tell something is strange." Nere decided to engage the droid in conversation. "So tell me, I am not accustomed to your build," Gavin paused, "What is your make and model?" Gavin asked. Usually droids are required to answer requests made of them. Or at least answer rudimentary questions such as his.

"This unit was made on the scavenged frame of a Sentinel Droid Mark V. Upgrades from the stock model include heavily enhanced CPUs, custom operating system designed for full independent thought and operation, secondary arms system, improved driver suites, improved communications, navigation, and short range detection hardware and drivers, a multi-layered shell of several alloys designed to take both blaster and lightsaber blows in medium degrees, a dual-layer low power personal shield, power improvements, and a basic, prototype midi-chlorian control suite. This unit is designated by its creators as RPEG-5 1, but has chosen to allow others to vocally refer to it as Raxus." Said Raxus, reacting to the question by accessing a series of audio files it had created as sort of an FAQ.

Now Raxus was beginning to be more and more curious about this specific organic. He constantly referred to his 'field,' something Raxus believed that must be military in some way. The bravery did not calculate as something the common masses, or criminal masses, tend to have. His Prowler droid, which was logged from several terminal searches before as outdated, which was able to receive both newer and older transmitter signals showed that he did not seem the type to live without full knowledge of his environment.

Curious to ask a question in return, Raxus asked "What is this organic's name and field of work?" Raxus truly wanted to know, a small side effect of making a machine intelligent was that they liked to gather even the most useless of data for some odd reason.

The Agent listened and learned what the droid told him. He made careful notice of the droid's defensive and offensive capabilities. They were impressive to be sure but many of these attachments are necessary to build a sufficient assassin out of a droid. Although an upgrade he had not heard before caught his attention. "A prototype midichlorian control suite?" "Just who built this droid?" "I am aware no such attachments exist in other droids, hm." "Judging from the amount of upgrades, someone took some time and care into customizing this unit." "Just who are it's creators?" Before Nere can inquire anything further the droid asked a question of him. He was hesitant in answer anything sensitive to a droid, especially not knowing who controls it. For all he knew it was transmitting this very conversation to an outside party. Yet, his Prowler would pick up on any transmissions in the immediate area. Something that the droid has not alerted him to.

The droid is commanded to be obedient to him and alert him to status updates. So, this...Raxus, isn't communicating with anyone else besides him...yet that doesn't mean he couldn't record this encounter and relay it personally later. Still, he didn't want to be rude to the droid, after all since it thinks on it's own, it might not be so kind as to give anymore information if Nere won't himself. The agent looked at the droid and spoke, "I am Gavin Nere, as for my field of work, well I watch things, document things, you could say I am a reporter." One could translate it as Intelligence Officer, but no outside party would react to it without more elaboration, after all he did describe the acts of a news reporter which isn't too far off from a spy, just the two servants report to different masters.

Raxus could tell that Nere was trying to hide his exact field of work, but the rest about him matched a wide range of similar fields. War or gang reporter would be less sensitive, while still a little paranoid, and would account for the bravery that Nere had shown. Raxus simply marked his as 'Information Gatherer' inside the directory of information assigned to Nere. For now, it would have to suffice.

Raxus also took note of Nere. He seemed to stay in a mix of a curious and thoughtful states. This spiked Raxus's interest even more, specifically into what was going through Nere's head. So, the droid formulated a new question, and finished creating a inquisitive vocal settings file. Using said file through its vocalizer, Raxus asked "What do you prefer as a standardized quick reference to your name?" With only a second, or so, delay, Raxus continued with "Do you have anymore questions for this unit?"

The Agent wasn't sure what the droid was doing. That is the problem with droids, they have no humanoid countenance, no faces to tell what they were thinking. No positive way to understand their emotions but then again Droids aren't built to feel emotions. Emotions are liability even he knows this, and has been trained to suppress his emotions. They are not allowed to cloud his judgement, which could be the difference between life and death in the field. Although Nere could sure guess at what the Droid was doing. He assumed the Droid was recording the information Gavin spoke. This is common of Droids to gather what ever info they can. Luckily he gave the Droid answer that wouldn't raise unwanted suspicion, but then again he could be dissatisfied with Gavin's answer. If that's so then it might pursue more aggressive options to learn what it wants.

While this could be a viable option, the Droid doesn't act like your average Assassin Droid. It's been rather cordial with the Agent, and while it is armed, it may be for only defensive measures. Yes, and with the Droid now asking another question of Gavin he could tell it has some interest in him. It even mentioned this before. Maybe this unit was designed to be a spy? Before the Agent becomes to carried away he decided to answer, "Nere, people at my work tend to call me by my last name." Which is true, though sometimes the title Agent is thrown in front, but the name remains the same. "As for more questions, well do you mind telling me this unit's primary programming?" Nere would like to know what this unit was designed for. It could be a number of things, assassination, military, espionage, even protection. Without a definite answer however, Nere can only guess at what it does.

"Adaptation is this unit's primary programming. This unit is equipped with a true AI, capable of adaptation and evolution within the bounds of the variable not found chip. After having undergone transportation from this unit's fabrication world, this unit underwent an almost complete memory wipe. Several functions have appeared out of the droid equivalent of entertainment, such as extreme data gathering and attempts to create several systems to aid in the more effective droid to organic communication and understanding, from the droid's side. This unit has only one directive, to ensure the destruction of variable not found make droids that enter a disabled state." Raxus spoke, his vocalizer struggling to produce pronunciations that emulated a calm and collected human emotion. If Nere were to watch Raxus's hands, both sets, they moved about as he talked, similar to how humans talk with their hands.

"This unit has noted that the observation droid that you use is far from standard in the normal reporting field. This unit is curious as to why have you chosen that particular model of droid?" Raxus asked, again running the curious vocalizer settings hoping to gather data on how to improve it from basic ranged vital scans.

Nere listened as the droid answered his question. This Droid continues to be a deepening mystery. Who would create such a sophisticated Droid and then have it's memory wiped? He assumed the Droid is under direction to not reveal it's mission, and therefor fabricated an excuse to elude suspicions. Although advanced droids as these are not the best keeper's of secrets. Yet, this Raxus is different, it's intelligent but then again acts like said Droids. It finds information gathering to be entertaining as well as making conversation with living sentient beings like himself. It reminds him of how Protocol Droids act on occasion. It's directive is a bit of an odd one as well.

As Nere watched the droid move it's arms about, simulating Human behavior, he noticed upon it's chest a symbol. It was small but he could see it stick out some what in it's upper right hand corner. It could lead to some answers that the droid won't be able to release itself. Nere would keep the image fresh in his memory for further investigation. Then the droid asked him about the Prowler Droid. Nere looked towards the droid who has been keeping a record on this conversation. Gavin then spoke, "Well, I prefer the smaller build of this droid compared to more advanced probe droids." "It's flight and small shape is actually preferable for more covert positioning." "Not to mention they are dependable." "My own father has used these models himself, and in his spirit I decided to use them as well." Nere explained. Which is actually true, but it's other functions is what makes it definitive for his uses. Nere then looked towards Raxus, while it says it's memory had been wiped of it's creators he could at least ask one more thing of it.

"Hm, so then Raxus, if you would provide me the pleasure of answering yet another question of mine," Nere paused, "Why have you come to Mandalore?" "I find it rather strange to find a droid of your caliber lingering around a crime scene, where an assassination attempt was made." "Not to mention your altercation with the Keldabe Port Security." "I am sure the Mandalorians would not attack you without some reasoning." "Judging from your answers, your behavior...it just doesn't correlate with these incriminating instances." "It's all very curious and confusing, might I add." Nere spoke. He wondered what the Droid might have to say. After all it's as much interested in him as he it. So hopefully it has enough incentive to continue their conversation. Otherwise, it looks like their interaction is coming to a close.

"This unit's altercation with the local security is caused by its main directive. The attempt was made by another droid of similar origins to this unit, which was then disabled. Upon being disabled, the other droid sent out a broadcast that activated this unit. This unit then followed the main directive, at which point the local security forces where... bothered by this units knowledge of the fact that another droid had been involved with the situation. They then attempted to force this unit to shut down, but this unit saw no reason to shut down, nor did they have the command level to auto-authorize such a command. That is how the conflict started. This unit lingered due to how it would aid the escape of organics that this unit found to be interesting.

How this unit arrived on this planet, this unit is unaware. All this unit remembers is waking to the distress call of the other droid and killing several organics before this unit had a better understanding of friend-foe, and updated the IFF drivers accordingly." Raxus replied, its human emulation getting subtly, but noticeably to the trained eye, better.

"This unit has noted your abnormal observation levels, and wishes for further models to aid in the understanding of organics. As such, this unit asks for the approximate amount of training and experience you have had that would help develop such abnormal levels of observation." Raxus followed up with quickly. It was truly enjoying the experience of asking and receiving information, as well as having many of its 'free' sub-processes devoted to building several models and predictions of Nere's life. It was also making several tables and the like to document the data given from the scans it had made earlier, including that of the Nere's brain.

Nere patiently listened as the droid answered his questions. His assumptions where correct, the Droid enjoys the conversation to the point it will dutifully answer his questions, so long as he continues to sate it's appetites for information. Yet, while Nere is beginning to believe the Droid's honesty, his fabricator's mysterious status leads him to have feelings of uncertainty. Then again in his line of work, he must deal with uncertainties all the time. From what he could gather, the Droid was created to protect it's fabricator's secrets. In order to do so, this Droid is programmed to eliminate any threats that could raise suspicion of this manufacturer's existence. This reminds him of the ISB's policy towards what they called leaks. Other agents that worked for the Bureau but where a liability because they contained sensitive information that threatened their operations. And since they would release these secrets to the enemy they had to be eliminated.

The Internal Affairs division of the ISB dealt primarily with defectors and double agents. People that threatened the very existence of the Empire. It would seem this Droid Manufacture is not unlike them. Possessing their own I.A. agents to deal with their leaks. And just like those same agents that killed themselves when failure was imminent, this unit's memory was wiped clean to ensure anonymity, in case this agent fails. Whoever Raxus's creators are, they certainly have their bases covered. Which leads to a more important question. Just who are they hiding from? Is it the Federation? Are they just like Nere and his family? Having to hide all those years from the New Republic and Imperial Hunters? Or is it someone else they fear? Perhaps the Remnant? Which leads to the most important question of all, Are they friend or foe?

Their operations must be extensive, otherwise how would they know to send an assassin to Mandalore when Federation diplomats were on the planet? Not to mention sending an agent to cover up this failure if one should occur. This could mean they have access to production plants, but where? Most production facilities are under the Federation's control. And it certainly isn't any the Remnant has. Not to mention how they came to be in possession of such facilities. Did they manage to buy one? Or at least buy their secrecy? Whatever the case may be, the implications of the attempt and Raxus alone is sufficient enough cause to investigate their place in consideration to the Empire. He must report to his superiors and let them know about a possible underground faction. So at least I.S. can evaluate their danger to the Empire. Nere was so transfixed in thought when the droid's request nearly slipped from his attention. He wanted what?

Apparently Raxus has been studying him as much he. It wanted to learn from him. His skills of observation has impressed it, and because of it's need to learn, it was eager. Nere had no thoughts of entertaining an apprentice so to say. Normally he would refuse, but Raxus's creators has him concerned. Perhaps he could use this Droid. This Droid does receive distress signals from other Droids created by the same people. While Raxus's memory wipe indicates the other droids may be no different, they stand a better chance of providing him with the necessary information. After all if they didn't, then why is Raxus here? So if Nere were to capitalize on this, he could use him to find other droids before other people can, and then extract their secrets. Then maybe one of these Droids could lead them to these secret manufacturers. Nere look to Raxus, a plan formed in his mind. If this was to succeed he would have to pretend to teach this Droid somethings. Well if that is the price to pay, then so be it for no price is too high for the Empire.

"Hm, your request has me surprised droid, or I mean Raxus." "It is not common for reporters like me to teach people the tools of our trade." "There are schools and teachers for that." Nere spoke trying to remain opposed to the idea. After all he has to keep up his appearances, he can't seem eager himself to accept the Droid, lest it be curious as to why he was so receiving. "But that is with, well what you call "Organics" and Droids are a different matter." "You see there are protocols, something I do not wish to break." "But I suppose taking on another droid to aid me in my work wouldn't be breaking protocols." "After all I commonly use droids in my field of work." Nere spoke. He wasn't sure if the Droid has picked up on the human tendency to say words but have different meanings beyond the surface of what was spoken. But if it did, then it would understand Nere had said yes.

"This unit knows the limits of how the schools teach. This unit has connected with several public terminals, only to be interrupted by local security forces. The data this unit has gained seems to state that few reporters have reached your level of awareness without having several life-threatening experiences. This unit is curious to continue its observation of you..." Raxus trailed off as something seemed to catch its attention that not even the Prowler would notice.

"This unit's main directive has been called upon." Raxus stated as it began to leave the hanger. It might not have looked like it, but Raxus was trying to be easier to follow than normal, hoping that a curious Nere might follow to continue their conversation once it fulfilled the main directive.

When Raxus reached the other two droids, one had left only a crater and the other laid about the floor, missing its head and left leg. The two droids, or one droid and a crater, were inside a small business building. They had managed to rampage for several minutes before they were disabled by what appeared to be mandalorian explosives. The crater was a perfect half sphere, about a yard to the bottom.

Raxus looked around for a moment, obviously thinking of the good luck to get here before the mandalorians sent reinforcements. Raxus then grabbed something off one of the desks in the building, a 2 yard long metal rod. Then with a level of care that no organic could give, Raxus popped open the chest of the droid.

This one didn't explode when Raxus careful opened it, mindful of the same safety features on itself. It walked over to the droid, pulling out several components to reach the glowing reactor that powered the whole unit. Much like Raxus, their was more to this droid than seemed necessary. Or maybe it was just designed to operate without any centralized command. Raxus then pushed a series of button inside the droid, each making a subtle beep, before backing up. "This unit recommends keeping distance." Was all Raxus said before the droid's reactor instantaneously disintegrated everything within a yard radius.

Nere noticed the sudden change in Raxus. It mentioned it was off to fulfill it's directive. At this point Nere was ready to leave, hoping to have the Droid following in tow. He would then make his report and see if he could steer Raxus into discover his kindred Droids. Yet, it seems that second step has now been initiated. Quickly Gavin did follow Raxus as the Droid discovered it's mission objective. The Prowler naturally followed it's master as it remained to hover above, seizing more information. The Droid moved quickly but much more easier to follow than previously. The Agent managed to keep up with it as it came to a stop. Before Raxus he could see the indent of a crater and the remains of another Droid.

Nere watched from behind Raxus a small ways away. He wasn't so friendly enough with this Droid that he would keep close proximity of it. After all Nere has his doubts. The Prowler watched as it took carefully note of how Raxus operated during his procedure. It was then Raxus recommended keeping distance. The Prowler confirmed this as Nere quickly moved in the opposite direction. It was then the reactor exploded, leaving an impressive amount of destruction despite a small circumference. Still he closer and Nere would have died. This made the Agent ever more pensive. So that's how he "covers" up. Nere thought. With such sound annihilation it would make finding any secrets impossible. These manufacturers are smart indeed. This made Nere reevaluate his plan. While Raxus is still useful in finding them, he must also not be allowed to complete his programming. Otherwise he will not have enough time to examine and investigate the droids before Raxus detonates the reactor.

Yet this is dangerous. The last time someone kept the droid from completing it's directive, the droid killed KPS agents. Nere assumed he would be no different, despite how interesting he is.

"Halt, KSP!" Shouted the first of a group of five KSP agents. Raxus turned in such a way that someone who knew that he was mimicking human patterns would see a level of aggression and irritation. "Droid, shut down!" Shouted the second of the group at Raxus, who only responded with "Unidentified user, command rejected." Obviously mocking a computer.

Raxus, at this point in time, knew that a conflict was one of two options. The other was run. It was certain that running would end only in more following it, but would rather not have to show its combat ability. As such, Raxus stood their, waiting for one of the agents to attempt to shut it down manually. When they simply stood there, guns ready for the droid to attack, Raxus came up with an idea.

"Combat calculations error 45B-32Q detected. Manual operations mode activated." Raxus stated, as it changed to a perfectly straight stance. From the ranks of the group, with there guns ready, came two agents, one heading for Nere, the other Raxus.

When he had reached Raxus, the agent looked around for a maintenance panel that could be opened. He found what looked like one on Raxus's chest. When he popped it slightly open, the door for it, about two inches of hull thick, shot open, smashing the agent in the face.

The compartment that the agent had opened was empty, excepting a small chip in the back that had the words "IFF Backup" on it, and several clips that looked like they were meant to hold lightsaber hilts. As soon as the agent was getting back up, Raxus vocalized, without and filters or programs or special settings, "Threat detected. Unauthorized entry. Combat protocols activated."

Raxus looked down at the KSP agent only long enough for his blaster to go off, the agent instantly dropping dead. Then came the second shot, from another of the agents. This shot hit the now slightly open door to the compartment, closing it and prompting Raxus to look in the agent's direction.