dendarii | [PSL] VKS/RvB AU

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[PSL] VKS/RvB AU

[ Miles is really, really starting to hate Jackson's Whole. First the original mess with Taura. Then Mark - his brother, whom he is incredibly glad to have, but dear god what a disaster that had been from start to finish - and now this.

He should have known better to get anywhere close to this damn planet, but the mission had been too damn important to pass up. Simon had gotten wind of a cloning operation that supposedly involved implanting the new bodies with AI similar to his own memory chip. Super soldiers, perhaps, or just one more level of exceeding human limitations. A brilliant mind to go along with an immortal body.

The Baron responsible hadn't been anywhere near his previous encounters with Ryoval or Fell, so Miles had thought he might have enough space to wriggle in. Get a little advice from Mark, grease a few palms ... Too bad Fell had already informed most of his competitors of Miles' wiles in advance. The Baron had been prepared. Miles hadn't been prepared enough.

He'd evaded capture ... by ducking directly into the clone creché itself. Which was, of course, the most well-guarded and difficult to escape section of the entire facility, and they were in peak condition. So now he's here, cursing himself and this whole goddamned system. He's crouched behind some of the training equipment; with any luck, he can observe these modified clones before any of them find him in turn.

But since when has Miles ever been lucky? ]

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[ How the hell had anyone gotten in here? When the alert had come through, she immediately rolled her eyes. Someone had dropped the ball and she wouldn't be surprised if they were on the wrong end of a needler by now. Security breaches, particularly ones that ended with uninvited guests, were bad for business. The creation of super soldiers had been a long-standing goal among more than one House in the Whole and her House giving up their edge in the market would be the most idiotic mistake it could make.

Her House. As if she had chosen it. She was created here, her implantation to her new body successful. One of the first fully functioning prototypes that could be paraded to future investors when there weren't aptitude tests or training she had to take part in. The whole damn thing felt like a waste of her time and abilities, even more so when she ended up back in the clone creché during the compound's lockdown.

Even without the description of their invader, the man would have stuck out. She knew everyone in the compound, had a database she could tap into if she needed to be sure, and none looked so... peculiar as the man shown to her over the security feed. Why the hell was he here?

Whatever his reason, they needed to find him to end this lockdown. She's set off to patrol in a small hope that the man has found his way here though why he'd want to be in the high-security part of the facility, she has no idea. If he was looking for a clone of his own, there were far easier ways to obtain one and besides, the last dossier she had on Naismith said he already had one.

Her steps don't falter as she moves through each room, greeting those she passes with small nods as she brushes past. Seeking out the intruder isn't her job, but how often does she get to see an outsider that isn't a client or involved in a business dealing? It'd be interesting for at least a few moments before the man had to be hauled away.

It's by chance that she notices something... off by the training equipment. One step, the right angle, and she swore she caught a glimpse of something moving back there. A small smirk graces her lips as she steps closer, ready to lean casually over the piece of equipment to avoid drawing attention to herself. If anyone asked what she was doing maintenance was an easy enough answer to throw back.

She taps a finger on the edge of the equipment as if considering it before calmly asking, ] Lose something back there?

[ Shit. Miles whirls at that, a quick curse escaping him before he manages to snap his lips shut. One of the clones? Must be, if she's in here. And that face ... His own intelligence had been somewhat sparse, but this woman had come up frequently. The first proof of concept, the impetus that had driven ImpSec to send the Dendarii out in the first place. She is proof that this Baron's work is viable. And dangerous.

He straightens as much as he can. As if he'd totally meant to be here the whole time. ]

Just - you know, looking around. I'm afraid I've gotten lost.

[ It's not entirely a lie. Technically. ]

[ So that's the route he wants to go. Does he really think she's that stupid? She stares at him for a long moment and weighs her options. She could turn him in now or see how good at bullshitting he was. Overpowering him would be easy if he tried to make a run for it and she could use a break from talking to the others around here.

She folds her elbows on the surface of Miles' hiding spot as she leans over to get a better look. ]

You got lost and ended up in the creché? What'd they hire you to do?

[ This is going over rather poorly, isn't it. He still tries to keep it up a bit longer. ]

Excuse you, I'm not being hired here. I wanted to see the potential merchandise for myself.

[ Somehow she manages not to laugh at the blatant lie. ]

Oh really. Someone let you wander back here by yourself to check out the highly expensive merchandise? Don't let the clones hear you talking about them like that, [ she says dryly. ]

[ He winces slightly at his own phrasing. He kind of hated saying that. ]

Of course not. That's why they're hunting me down.

[ She taps the metal thoughtfully. ]

Now that you mention it, they did put out an announcement about an intruder. [ She waits a beat then, ] What use does Naismith have for more clones?

[ Without even blinking, Miles rolls into the next lie. ]

Not the clones. You're quite right on that front. I'm after the enhancements.

[ He taps at his skull. ]

[ Her brows raise. ]

And your method of getting them is to storm the place?

I - well --

[ He can't even claim to be a poor mercenary, because ... well, dammit, pride. He opens his mouth to search for the next lie. And decides to tell the truth instead. ]

All right, all right. You've got me. I'm here to investigate how dangerous this whole thing is. Certain parties are interested.

[ At least their operation was exuding the right reputation. ]

You're going to have to be more specific than certain parties. [ Because if a rival House had hired the man to come in here, they needed to know and she didn't have fast penta on her. ] Unless you want me to sound the alarms... We could use company.

[ He has no doubt that she'll do just that. Stall, dammit. ]

I'm a mercenary. We don't like to ask questions.

I know what you are. So they're worried we're dangerous and sent the admiral of a mercenary outfit to investigate. One with a reputation for meddling around here. Am I understanding that right?

[ Which meant he likely had others in his assault team, uncaught and scattered. The man wouldn't be stupid enough to attack a House of the Whole alone. Would he? ]

[ You have no idea. ]

A reputation I'd hoped to avoid. Last I heard, there were only two houses potentially pissed off at me.

Two pissed and a whole bunch of others that don't want you around. You're bad for business. [ An understatement if she's ever said one from what she's heard of him. ]

Were your orders to recon or did they give you something to do?

[ Simon had wanted a sample, if possible. Not of a person themselves - he's more interested in stealing a chip. But ... Once again, he decides something like the truth will serve him best. ]

Information. A closer look at your enhancements. [ His gaze settles on her thoughtfully. ] A rescue, if I can manage it.

[ That has her attention. Admiral Naismith had always sounded like more myth than man and seeing him in person didn't lend well to his reputation, but...

There's a glint in her eyes as she asks, ] What makes you think anyone needs rescuing?

[ No weakling in distress, this one. Miles glances up at the sound of a distant corner of the creché being searched. ]

Yes, a rescue. I'm direly in need of one about now.

[ Her glance toward the distance noise is slower, more deliberate. Throwing him to the wolves would be easy. ]

What's in it for me?

[ And then he'd be in for it. Sold to the highest bidder - which, at the very best, would be Barrayar. He swallows and looks up at her rather piercingly. ]

Why haven't you turned me in already?

[ Right to the point. She could appreciate that in negotiations. ]

I want a ride out of here. The farther away, the better.

[ Well. That might just work then. He smiles a bit as he considers options to do just that. Barrayar would be very far away, but ... Maybe there's an alternate solution. ]

I can do far away. And better yet, fast-moving.

[ She considers him carefully. She could get him out of here, that would be easy enough even with her limited access to the compound's systems. It's the part after that concerns her. ]

How do I know I'll have safe passage once we're out of here?

[ Miles raises an eyebrow at her. ]

Because it'd be a damned waste of your talents to go back on my word in this case. I want you to join the Dendarii.

[ She lets out a light snort. ]

You've known me for all of five minutes and you want to recruit me? You don't even know my name.

[ Miles just keeps right on grinning. ]

If you can get me out of here, then you're capable enough for me to be interested. And your name - well, that one's up to you.

What's my guarantee? I can't take you on your word.

[ Naismith wasn't Jacksonian. She knew the strength of the Deal around here, a strange honor among thieves, but to a stranger known for meddling in the Whole... ]

[ His word is legally binding, but of course he can't say that. Besides, it would be Naismith's word in this situation... ]

I am. I will be entirely in your power until we get back to my ship.

[ He unclips a small stunner from his belt and holds it out to her. ]

[ Well it's a start. She doesn't hesitate as she takes the stunner and stashes it somewhere on her person. ]

I'm not letting you out of my power when we get there. Not until I know for sure they won't gun me down as soon as you're safely aboard.

All right, all right. But I advise caution in looking like you have a hostage once you get there. They've been a bit twitchy lately.

That sounds like your problem. If they get twitchy, I can't promise I won't do the same.

[ But she's motioning for him to step out of hiding as she scans for their best escape route. ]

You could have made less noise storming the place. All the damn patrol routes have changed.

I'm just advising.

[ He's counting on convincing her before then, though. Hopefully.

At that comment though, he winces a bit. ]

I know, I know. I wasn't quite expecting your Baron to try shooting me on sight. Apparently I have a reputation.

You damn well know what they're doing here. Business you mess with don't end up profitable afterwards.

[ Fell had been an exception and even he had been tired of Naismith's involvement. She knew the investment numbers in this operation, she'd shoot on sight too if her money was at risk.

But all she has is herself. Another investment, a fact that'd keep her safe for a time should this backfire. ]

Are they waiting for you?

Well. I am a bit of a hurricane.

[ He says with a shrug. What can he do about it really? ]

Indeed they are. All we have to do is reach the Ariel and we're safe.

[ Hurricane? She glances over him before shaking her head. How was what she wanted to know. Maybe she'd figure it out en route. ]

Can you climb? Because we're going to have to go through the ducts. You won't pass for a clone or a guard here even if I found a uniform that'd fit.

[ Miles flinches faintly at that. Ducts ... why is it always ducts. ]

Very good at it. Unfortunately.

You make it a habit to get caught dirtside with no help? Really makes a girl rethink joining an operation, [ she says dryly as she climbs on top of the training equipment. She grabs a tool out of her pocket to start working off the covering for the duct. ]

Follow me and don't ask questions if you want to make it out alive.

[ He obediently drifts along behind her. ]

Only on special occasions like this one. And I'm not alone any more, am I?

Jury's still out on me. How do you know I'm not going to turn you in?

Because I think I'm the most interesting thing to have happened to you all month.

You think highly of yourself. [ She places the vent covering in Miles former hiding spot before motioning for him to go in first. ]

Lucky for you, you're right.

[ Miles carefully slips inside, then turns back towards her. ]

Not highly of myself. I imagine you're deadly bored here. Nothing interesting save the bit of parading around for investors.

[ So he does recognize her. Part of his plan all along? She watches him a moment before climbing in. ]

It hasn't been a bad gig while I wait for a better offer to come along.

[ Miles continue to shimmy along the vent, then. ]

Then it behooves me to make this a better offer, eh?

I'm listening. You already have an idea of what my going price is.

[ It's a flexible one, but she's not going to sell herself short. ]

[ Ah. Money. He wishes he had Mark here for this part ... ]

We'll meet it, of course. Starting now, with a bonus for combat.

[ Wait, what? ]

You're giving me a bonus? For combat? [ she asks flatly. ]

[ Miles blinks back a her. It sounds like good incredulity ... he hopes. ]

Of course. That's standard for all Dendarii members. Don't they do the same for you?

Depends on the assignment. You hardly know me and you're already offering to throw money my way. What's the catch?

[ She decides to conveniently leave out the part where all her work has been training missions thus far. ]

The catch is that I need to live if you want to get paid. Quite simple, really.

What, they won't pay a hefty sum for the return of your corpse? [ Her tone is dry and sarcastic. Perhaps not the best joke to make right now, but if she can't get him out of here then his best chance at survival is gone. ]

Don't worry, you haven't pissed me off enough. So long as you deliver when we get out of here, you'll live.

[ Miles shudders a bit at that. ]

Glad to know we're on the same terms, then.

[ He pauses - they're at a T-junction, so he looks back at her. ]

Which way from here?

Left. It's the longer route, but it's less guarded.

[ And maybe she's cheating by being tapped into the security network. No one suspects her of treason yet, they have no reason to. Hell if she was lucky they'd make it to the landing zone before anyone had any idea. ]

Do you have the coords of where we're meeting your crew?

I do prefer less guarded.

[ He starts down that direction then, being careful to pause whenever he comes to a grille looking down over the room they're in. Sure is a lot of activity... ]

West side. As long as we get outside the building, I can signal from there.

[ [ A lot of activity she wants to move past. None-too-gently she places a hand on him and tries to push him forward. ] ]

I can get us outside, but if they're coming here, they better be ready to come in hot. The Baron'll notice a shuttle fast.

[ Hey. He glares a bit at the pushing and continues inching along. ]

Hot I can do. Ever hear of Dagoola IV?

The place where you pissed off an entire Empire?

[ The bounty of Naismith's head had been news at the time, enough for her to find it in a search when they realized who was intruding. ]

That's the place. If we can get out of there, I can get you out of here.

It's a good thing you're leading the way then. You did bring a map, right?

I did. Originally.

How outdated was it?

Terribly so, I'm sorry to say. I imagine you have a much better one.

Considering I pulled this one a few moments ago, yeah. I'd say so. [ As accurate as one can get. She pauses for a second as she scans over her mental map. ]

We're going to have to drop down the next vent. Think you can do it quietly?

I am a master of stealth. Tiny feet with minimal pitter patter.

[ He says, eying the next vent nervously. ]

[ To her credit, she manages not to laugh at that though she is watching him closely for his grand moment of stealth. ]

Do I need to give you a push?

Ha. Shut up and give me a moment.

[ In his defense, he manages to be relatively sneaky as he drops down. ]

I gave you plenty.

[ But she does wait and allow him to drop down without her "help." There's a brief moment where she contemplates closing the vent and leaving him down there to be found before she drops down to join him. ]

What weapons are you packing?

[ He drifts to one side of the hall to press himself against a wall. ]

Stunner and needler. A knife.

[ Not his seal dagger, but still decent. ]

Arm yourself with one in case we run into trouble. Doesn't matter which. [ Though part of her wants to see him launch himself at someone with a knife in hand.

She has the next part of the map pulled up and her own plasma arc out at the ready as she steps in front of him. ]

I'll lead this time, but if you pull anything with your toys...

Stunner then.

[ As for that, well. He waves a hand. ]

It would completely defeat the purpose.

You act as if you've already earned my trust. You might get it if this company of yours doesn't knife me in the back.

[ Because she's still not convinced that isn't in the plan. She motions for him to follow. With her calculations in mind, sneaking by this way gives them the lowest chance of detection. ]

Again, that is the last thing I want.

[ He ghosts his way down the hallway, looking for interlopers... ]

Sure thing, short stuff. [ The truth or not, she's holding out on believing.

The thought leaves her mind as soon as her sensors detect movement up ahead. A patrol? If so they were off route and schedule. She glances over at Miles, sure his disturbance is the source, and presses herself against the wall, edging towards where the hall turns. ]

We've got company.

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[PSL] VKS/RvB AU

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