The Knave's Crusade

Metamorphosis: 5

A man with Koran descent greeted Agent Bankole as everyone entered the humid chambers. His black eyes narrowed on the storm troopers and whipped his head back to Bankole. Kulan shifted next to Tels in discomfort until the man introduced himself.

"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Warden Ini Mivdu." the man announced to the storm troopers, a slight Haruun Kal accent laced his words, "Please follow me."

Bankole nodded her head, allowing her squad to listen to the warden. Vass took the lead after Bankole with Tels at the end. Kulan's eyes scanned the empty hall that they traveled down, bright lights lined the ceiling. Frank strolled along at Tels' side, she reached down to pat his head.

The Warden pointed them in the right direction. "Continue down this hall and at the end there's a conference room. There you will find information pertaining to the incidents."

Tels' eyes softened when she looked down a jutting off corridor, a twi'lek female and child were dragged away in cuffs. Kulan tapped Tels' shoulder to bring her back to the entourage. Raeth came up from behind and guided the two down the hall.

"Warden Mivdu, why are there children here?" Tels asked before the Warden vanished around a corner.

The Warden coldly replied, "Unfortunately, those children partook in the rebel activities and will be tried as adults. That is such a waste of talent and potential."

Tels opened her mouth and quickly closed it. It was better that she remained quiet on the topic until after the mission.

Bankole's eyes narrowed on the three when they finally made it to the spacious room. Alta tilted her head to the Agent before she could snarl at them. Bankole whipped her head to the 3PO gold metallic droid that waited by the table.

"Greetings, I am S-3PO at your service." welcomed the well polished droid, "Please have a seat."

Everyone gathered around the oval table with Frank at Tels' side. Tels' attention moved to the scowling Agent whose eyes bore into the droid while it spoke. Her mind was brought back to the droid once Kulan kicked her shin.

Krekor inquired when the droid stopped, "When are the rebels planning to attack this jail?"

"Our informant told us in the next few days, even hours," replied the droid.

Bankole cocked her head. "Who is this informant?"

"They are called the Tempest. We don't know much about them," the droid answered.

The Warden walked in. "Did S-3PO give you the needed information?"

"Yes," returned Bankole.

"Why are Kulan and I here?" interrupted Tels.

"You and your pupil are here to give advice about the ships that the rebels use," revealed Vass.

"Indeed, but you are also here because of your military experience," blandly explained Bankole.

"I was only a pilot during the War," divulged Tels, her hands beginning to shake as she gripped her pant leg, sweat beading her forehead.

Bankole turned to S-3PO. "How many rebels are expected to come?"

I am safe now. I am safe now. Tels repeated to herself.

"At least five, maybe more." informed the droid, "There is one captain and the rest are subordinates."

"They're organized?!" shouted the Agent, her eyes shot icy daggers, "You didn't tell that, Warden! My troopers are skilled, but we're not properly prepared because I was told that they were random pods."

"Agent Bankole, I wasn't honest because I didn't think you would come," admitted Ivi.

Raeth chimed in, "We're stuck here. Aren't we, ma'am?"

"As for now we are ordered to stay stationed here till this matter is resolved," Bankole shot back and stormed out of the room. The stormtroopers rose with her and followed on her heels. Tels sat there stunned and stumbled after them with Kulan. The two rounded the corner to find Bankole giving the troopers the order to settle down.

"We'll be staying on the Guardian," determined Bankole, "I don't want you to do anything without my permission. Understood?"

"Yes ma'am," echoed down the metal halls.

Tels gave Kulan a nod to leave with the squad, leaving her and Frank behind. Cautiously, Tels approached Agent Bankole with a gentle smile.

Tels asked the Agent, "How are you doing?"

"I've had better days," huffed Bankole as she turned to exit.

Tels reassured Bankole, "I am a hundred percent sure that you'll handle this mess properly."

Bankole looked over her shoulder. "I always do."

Tels beckoned over Frank who tried to follow the Agent and she leaned on his head. Kulan poked around the corner and called out for Tels and Frank. A grin plastered Kulan's face when Tels caught up to him. As they walked away, Tels glanced faraway to check on Bankole to find an empty hall.