N'erak leaned back in the desk chair, sighing softly as he allowed his body to relax. His last mission had been rather... stressing. He and his Master had been forced to go undercover, and as usual he had ended up taking on the part of the female. Although he understood that having two different gender representations made it easier to gather information, N'erak didn't understand why his Master hadn't just picked a female Padawan. He may have been able to pass himself off as feminine, but he certainly did not have the gossip skills down, plus, the high heels were a killer on his back.
\\Padawan, shouldn't you be concentrating on your project and not whining about your osteopathic problems?\\ Master Neo chastised, a twinge of humor present in his mental voice.
\\Yes Master\\ N'erak sighed back, quickly reinforcing his shielding lest he inadvertently let anything else slip through to his Master. He had been granted permission to undertake the "project" with the other Padawans, but N'erak doubted that Master Neo actually understood what said project entailed. If he did, there's no way he would have let me do it!
Resting his head on the cushioning of the black leather chair, N'erak allowed his mind to drift as he waited for his signal to begin assisting his friends. It hadn't been a problem getting into the small information systems room just beside the Council Chambers, and he had not experienced difficulty hacking into the system. With things going so well, he expected nothing but smooth sailing for the rest of the day. Well, for the rest of the day until Obi-Wan showed up of course. And then, chances were high that the other Padawan would be out for revenge.
Obi-Wan tended to enjoy parties almost as much as N'erak enjoyed "dressing" for his missions; which is to say, not very much. Though N'erak was quite social, Obi-Wan tended to avoid being the center of attention as much as possible. He seemed to prefer to help others, rather than be esteemed by them, which made him an almost direct contrast to Master Jinn's last Padawan. Maybe that's why Qui-Gon decided to take Obi-Wan... N'erak realized, immediately dismissing the idea as he considered Obi-Wan's other recommending traits. That boy is sure to be a Jedi Master; and a stellar example at that the young human snorted, comparing Obi-Wan's clean record to his own... less than stellar... one.
N'erak also had much to recommend himself as a Padawan, but his tendency toward mischief had led to a rather thick disciplinary file. Though it was more often than not a situation where other's had been involved, N'erak invariably ended up being the one that got caught. But that is NOT happening this time! He vowed, as he sat up straighter in the chair and rechecked the terminals just to make certain his hacking had not been detected. He knew that he still would have much work to do as Obi-Wan's other friends called on him for assistance, but as long as his initial hacking was not discovered, he would not have any difficulties entering the other systems as needed.
\\You wouldn't happen to be doing anything I should know about, would you?\\ the voice of Master Neo entered through N'erak's consciousness, immediately pulling his attention away from the monitors.
\\Of course not, Master\\ N'erak answered with feigned innocence. It should be about time for Master's little... surprise... The Padawan hoped fervently, as he tried to keep his Master from finding out what he was up to. He could tell that his Master was in their quarters, and he hoped that the shipment would arrive before his Master Neo decided to leave the shared apartment.
\\Isn't that the same thing you told me when you and your friends were "assisting" the Council Members with the Council Chamber's door?\\
\\Master! That was a long time ago, and besides, no one was hurt... that badly\\ N'erak answered, as he glanced down to the chrono he kept on his wrist. Anytime now... anytime...
\\I seem to recall it being only a few months ago, Padawan. And I believe that the Knight who got slammed in the doors might have something to say about your insistence that no one was injured\\ Master DeCat scoffed. \\Padawan, how much longer will you be assisting your friends with their project? We need to prepare for the mission to Harmona\\
\\It shouldn't be too much longer...\\ N'erak answered, noticing immediately when his Master's attention seemed to be drawn away from him. Yes! He must be getting the shipment now!
Several moments passed in silence over the bond, before Master Neo again resumed his conversation with his Padawan. \\N'erak, you wouldn't happen to know anything about a shipment regarding Harmona being sent to us, would you?\\
\\Umm...I don't think so, Master\\ the Padawan answered, knowing that a lie would be easily detectable, but that a... somewhat... truth would pass unnoticed. It was another trick his Master had taught him for their many undercover missions. He knew exactly what was in the box, as he had ordered the "supplies" and helped to create the mission specifications, with a little help from the laxly guarded Quarter Master files.
\\It appears to contain some sort of clothing... and ... shoes \\
Suppressing the urge to giggle at the stumped expression he knew must be on his Master's face at the dress and heels he had found in the box, N'erak merely made no comment, containing his mirth before it could travel over the training bond. The Padawan knew his Master had finally read the note that came with the clothing when a spike of shock followed quickly by embarrassment crossed the link.
\\Master? Is something wrong?\\ The Padawan used his best "innocent and unknowing" tone of mental voice, enhancing it with a slight pulse of confusion and worry.
\\Padawan, I need to spend some time in the archives... researching some of the Harmona customs. It appears that some sort of mistake has been made at the Quarter Master's. This will probably take most of the day, so be sure to stay out of trouble\\ Master Neo explained, his mental tones speaking to his distraction.
\\Of course Master\\ N'erak just managed to answer before Master DeCat blocked off the training bond with extra strong shielding. Chuckling softly, N'erak settled back into the chair and awaited his friend's requests. This time, Master, you get to be the one in the high heels!
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This post by the procrastination Princess Master_Neos_Padawan
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