Bankor

One nice thing about his new cape is that it went with anything. Wearing it, with his uniform jacket, and his thermal cloak, he approached Captain Hurn's office.

The polite thing to do would be to knock. And so he did, reaching out and tapping solidly with his knuckles.

From inside he heard her say, "Come in."

Niall stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. "Good morning, Captain." He greeted her with a nod.

Seated at her desk looking at the data chit on the desk was Captain Hurn. Her office was well appointed with medals and memorabilia from her many tours. Holo-images of her and friends and colleagues adorned the walls. She rose to her feet and said, “It isn’t a real war unless we have miserable weather, eh Organa?”

She offered her hand.

It was hard to believe that a decorated woman like this was involved in wrongdoing. Perhaps she wasn't. Zane just had a theory, after all.

Niall extended his own hand to shake hers. "I suppose so." He agreed. "At least when I was on Tattoine it was always sunny."

His gaze went to the memorabilia on the walls. "Looks like you've seen the weather just about everywhere."

“The Republic is everywhere and I go where they go, you know how it is,” she said warmly.

She took her seat and said, “So how is the investigation going? Hear you brought in some civilian for assistance?”

"Slowly." Niall sighed. "So much of this sort of work is checking information and waiting for other people's reports."

He nodded. "I did. If you're worried, I give you my assurances that he can be trusted. He's proved as much in the past."

“Any way I can assist? Or is your play to lean on Jax? If he is dirty maybe we should just raid his ship and lock him and his partner up,” she replied.

“We go back, but my loyalty is to the Republic, first.”

"Hmmm..." Niall said. "I think that would be premature."

He gave her a nod. "But I would appreciate your assistance. You go back? I'd be interested to know as much as you can tell me about him. Especially any impressions you have."

“Good pilot, so-so officer, he got out when he finally made enough trouble and I think he works better in his line of work. Basic smuggler and courier; figured he could do some good out here and the Republic always has need for good ships. Not totally sold on his partner, did some digging, and after an incident a few weeks ago it all comes together. She might be one of those Sith agents we have been hearing rumors about,” she responded candidly.

“Got the lightsaber and knows how to use it, and the Jedi don’t claim her.”

"Yes, I met her." Niall frowned. "And I heard about the ability with the Force." The frown became a grimace. "I've asked the Jedi to look into that. More their jurisdiction than mine, so to speak."

"What's your impression of Jax as a person? Have you spoken to him much since planetfall?" Niall asked.

“A few times, send him some work that a freighter can handle. Been busy so have not talked to him lately. His track record in the private sector is spotty, so jobs are not always easy to come by,” she said.

“But he seems to trust you, so maybe you know him even better than I do.”

"Hmm." Niall said. "I've only spoken to him twice. Perhaps I made a good impression." He said blandly.

He nodded to her. "I gather he left me something?"

She slid over the data chit saying, “Yeah, seemed rather insistent it get to you… terrified even from what Private Shan told me. Good kid, terrible uniform.”

"Hmmm." Niall took the chit. "How curious. Have you had a chance to review it?"

He glanced up at the mention of the uniform. Niall frowned. "Terrible uniform? I'm not sure I follow. Is it non-standard?"

“My guess, some kid is trying to play soldier. Or he just skated through Basic,” she replied.

“I reviewed the data, I am Security Chief, sort of my job. Not much to go on, sounds like a threat, could be anything though. Maybe they bet on the wrong Huttball game.”

"Hmmm. Perhaps I should have a word with his CO." Niall said. "He sounds like the sort that someone need to be keeping an eye on. Better than having to write a letter to his family later."

"I'll review it myself, then." He gave his fellow captain a nod. "Any other thoughts?"

“He wasn’t assigned to anyone, probably oversight so I am looking out for the kid. Keeping him busy and away from the front line,” she responded thoughtfully.

“Yeah there is one thing they mention a boss, which… could mean there is someone in charge, not sure who. But if this is tied to the missing supplies, then I am not sure what Jax is mixed up in and more importantly we can’t trust anything he says. I forwarded my report to Commander Malcom.”

"Good." Niall nodded. "Ummm... maybe I'll see about talking to him myself. Or have my XO do it."

Niall's lips quirked. "Believe me, I'm not going to be rushing to any conclusions. This sort of work does require a lot of verification, doesn't it?"

"It really does, best of luck to you," she responded.

"Thank you." Niall said. "And thank you for keeping me informed."

He paused before leaving. "Captain, I may need to communicate with the Valiant Star, but obviously I can't be going there myself. In case I do have that need, is there an officer you'd recommend as trustworthy?"

“That seems an odd question; you letting the paranoia get to you? If you think we can’t trust our own, then maybe you are getting a little too spooked Organa,” she responded with a questioning tone.

Niall's lips quirked. "If this person is going to be my eyes and ears I don't just want a good officer, I want the best."

She was thoughtful and then said, “I mean if it is that urgent just reach out to the ship captain, she would know better who is her best than I do.”

“I just deal with whoever is on duty.”

"Very good." Niall said.

He gave her a nod. "Until next time then, Captain."