Cipher Nine: The Untold Stories

Chapter 18: A Chance Meeting

It was early in the morning of the following day.  I was abruptly awakened by the panicked conversation between two SIS operatives. 

"A Senate inquiry? Today? Why do they need to know about SIS activities?" started one operative.

"I'm not too sure myself, all I know is that the Director said that a few Senators want to check on the current state of these operatives to possibly broker prisoner exchanges," replied another operative. 

"As if the Empire would actually do it," replied the first operative. 

"Well, they did that when Chancellor Saresh traded General Rakton," replied the second operative. 

"But four Intelligence operatives? I doubt they'll even consider them," replied the first operative. 

"Well regardless, the Director wants this place and them in good shape," replied the second. 

The Operatives soon vacate the immediate area.  I lean back against the durasteel wall. 

"A Senate inquiry?" I thought to myself. "This may be our chance. A couple of old geezers will be easy to subdue and trade for freedom."

I look to my left and look across the way to Sanju's cell; he had just got up to stretch his legs.  I gradually stand up and move over to the cell's force field; we make eye contact. 

I resort to hand signals to convey the upcoming situation, asking Sanju if he has visuals on my father and Zai'ev, to which he replies that he does and Zai'ev was watching our conversation. 

Sanju looks to the right of my cell and begins signaling other phrases, with the phrases of "escape," "soon," and "chance." 

Sanju looks over to me, signaling that we'd need to  make our move this evening.   I nod; Sanju nods in response and repeats the action toward Zai'ev's cell. 

"Don't mess with Intelligence," I thought to myself as I made my way back to my bed to rest before our escape. 

***

"Alright, wake up you Imperial scum!" roared an operative guard. "We have lovely guests coming to evaluate your appearance, so get washed up and show 'em your beautiful smiles eh?"

"Hey you, princess," taunted the guard as he approached my cell. "Get up and make pretty for our guests why don't you?"

"Republic dog," I retorted. I sat up, leaning against the wall, letting my hair cover my face. 

"You're lucky these Senators are coming, or I wou-" started the guard. 

"That's enough private," I heard Lux say tiredly as he strolled into the cell block. 

"I just needed them awake, not in a sour mood," continued Lux. "Go clean out the disposal flaps."

"But I-" started the guard.

"Go," ordered Lux with a stern face. The guard saluted before heading out. 

"What our friend was trying to say was," started Lux. "We have some Senators who would like to give you a chance to head home. If you'd like to do that, make yourselves presentable at least."

Lux strides over to my cell, standing just short of the force field. 

"My, my, don't you look awful," said Lux. He smiles.

"How're your wounds?" he asked.  I peer over at him. 

"I've been dealt worse," I replied.  

"Thank you for informing me," replied Lux. He looks over as more SIS operatives come into the prison block.

"I want more security on the Cipher agents," started Lux. "Don't give them an edge in anyway."