The Grand Admiral and the Droid

[Taylor Millard]

The Unknown Regions- The Imperial Star Destroyer Superior halfway between Nirauan (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Nirauan) and The Redoubt (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/The_Redoubt)

The war was quiet.

It had been several months since the Imperials last battle with the Vagaari, a hard fought encounter both sides were still trying to recover from. A fleet of Vagaari and their organic-like allies had sent an entire cadre of vessels towards the Redoubt cluster in an attempt to make the only escape route for the Chiss unavailable. It was an ingenious move, forcing the Chiss to send reinforcements to their all ready heavily guarded base while leaving the Imperials and several other ships on guard at the Chiss colony of Crustai (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Crustai).

A fleet of Vagaari ships had attacked afterwards, their ships outnumbering the Imperials two-to-one. The struggle was fierce, both sides gaining advantages and losing others at the exact same time. The Imperials and Chiss honored their forefathers and houses, as they fought, killed, and died all for one cause. In the end, the Vagaari were forced to retreat after their lead capital ship was destroyed by multiple runs by TIE Bombers, Advanced, and several Chiss Heavy Fighters. But the Imperials suffered heavy casualties: three Imperial Star Destroyers had to be left behind for repairs and six squadrons never made it back. It left only a few behind to make the standard trip between the Chiss Ascendancy and Thrawn's base on Nirauan. A chance to catch up with galactic news, restock supplies, and say hello to old friends.

Millard had missed Thrawn by three days, his mentor leaving him a brief message on the Battle of Crustai and also making several 'suggestions' on improving his fleet's performance. Thrawn agreed Millard hadn't wasted lives in the battle, but believed it could have been fought better. Millard read his mentor's notes and gave a tight smile. Thrawn was correct in his assessment and the Grand Admiral vowed to do better next time.

It was on the way back to Chiss space, the Imperials ran into a test of a different kind.

"Sir!" The lead helmsman stated. "Contact!"

"On holo-viewer." Millard's second-in-command Captain Tomar ordered. The Imperials stared at the ship as it appeared, taking a moment to study every curve, every angle of it. "I've never seen anything like it." Tomar commented after a brief silence.

Millard nodded. He hadn't either. His cold blue eyes stared at it a bit longer, as if appraising a piece of artwork.

"A Vagaari trap?" Tomar hypothesized.

"Not organic enough." Millard answered plainly. "The Vagaari are much like their allies in their ship design. This doesn't fit their normal mode of operation. The silver coloring doesn't match other encounters and the engines are by far not organic." He stroked his temple with a gloved finger. "No...this is something else. Are there any life signs?"

"No sir. It's completely clean of organic life."

Millard pondered a moment as they stared at the ship floating in space before them. Something in the back of his mind told him this ship was important somehow. "Move the fleet far enough away from the vessel to avoid any sort of explosion which might damage it. And tell them to keep their shields to maximum. Have a team investigate it and report back to me.

"If there's anything of value aboard, we'll tractor beam it aboard for further study. Understood?"

Tomar nodded, then pressed a button on his command console. "Yes sir. Team Four report to Hangar Bay Two for reconnaissance mission. Be prepared for anything."

[MMU]

Soooo looooooong. He'd been alone for soooo loooooooong.

Why hadn't any of his masters come back? Or even the ones that'd stayed with him - why didn't they wake up? They just slept and slept and slept! And in time, the ship they were aboard had begun to go insane. Only slightly though! Nothing like those nutty Van-Dervelds, by the Bloodline! No way. Not a chance. That sort of thinking was forbidden, as was even speaking the name Van-Derveld.

... oops. Shouldn't have said that name. Sorry. Won't happen again. Promise.

But, many many long years had passed, and the ship in space, while becoming slowly unhinged in its' own special way, refused to move. If he moved, his masters wouldn't be able to find him. So he stayed where he was. Like some planet in space that didn't really move all that much. He stayed in a cloud of space debris, just in case though. Wouldn't do to have anyone find him that wasn't a master.

His circuits had been mostly dormant, shutting off all of his outer functions except for long range sensors and a few inner necessities to keep him running. He needed some way of staying busy while he waited after all.

But then, something happened. Something came along, and he felt his scanners rake over its' electrical shape. It was big.

His dormancy flashed to life then, at the feeling of something somewhat near. That thing pinged at him, in only the way that another starship could, and in less than a milisecond his systems blinked back to life. He would've pinged back, but it wouldn't be proper. He needed to make sure that his systems were in pristine working order.

He came alive as if touched by some magic stick, his engines rumbling as they shook off the centuries old space cobwebs of unuse, and slimline lights flashed on to accentuate his already majestic curves. He wasn't a large ship, but he was sizeable enough to be a significant presence.

He went through his self-diagnostics like some over-zealous worker, knowing that his masters had come back for him. They would not be displeased, as he would make sure that everything was as they left it.

Aside of course, from the spectacular messes he'd managed to make all throughout his insides over the course of many many... many long years.

[Taylor Millard]

"This place is a mess." Alpha Two commented as the squad of stormtroopers silently entered the unknown ship. "It's like a ghost ship that went through a hurricane of some kind."

"Quiet." His squad leader ordered, his helmet computer starting to analyze the interior. Food, mixed with wires, were strewn across the ship's hallway, as if some child had tried to hurridly clean a room only to make it look even more messy. The stormtrooper took another cautious step forward, his blaster rifle raised in case any Vagaari decided to crash their party. "Alphas Three, Four, and Five. Take Forrest and see if you can find a computer port. The Grand Admiral wants all information on this ship. If you encounter any problems, just call." The three stormtroopers nodded, then disappeared down an auxiliary hallway, the shorter tech following them. "Alpha Two. Alpha Six. We're off to the cockpit. Let's see if anyone is piloting this ghost ship."


* * *
The Superior

Millard sat in his office watching the stormtrooper's internal holocameras as they walked down the corridors of the mysterious ship. The Superior's computers were currently doing their own analysis on the ship, attempting to decipher if anyone in the Empire or the Old Republic had ever encountered this short of design. The Grand Admiral was certain the older files would have nothing. He had lived and served in the Galactic Navy in both the Republic and the Empire. It's almost a shame the bureaucracy prevented us from ever encountering or designing this sort of vessel. He thought, raising a small glass of brandy to his lips. Whoever designed this ship...did a wonderous job. The curves up front and the design of the back engines. So artistic...

"Admiral." Tomar's voice came over the comm.

Millard took a moment to admire the ship again before answering. "Yes, Captain?"

"We've done a complete external scan of the exterior of the ship. It doesn't match any specific designs, but there are certain elements which match ancient records, but nothing concrete." There was a pause. "Almost like this is a ship composes of rumors, but no truth to it."

Millard pondered his protege's last words. A ship composed of rumors... He tapped his glass. "Tomar, search as far back into the Old Republic's records as possible. I'm curious to see what type of ship this actually is."

"Understood sir. Also, we believe we found a name plate, although that's incomplete as well. RA-C-L --NG. Not much to work on, I know. But I have the computer chewing on it as well."

Millard gave a minute nod. "Excellent work Captain. Keep me informed of your progress." He turned back to the holoprojector and almost shot out of his seat. What in the world...?

[MMU]

Something bounded through the ship's hallways and corridors, using walls and anything else to propel it forward, to the left, to the right, up, and down. It had four legs that sent it onward at a dizzying pace. Ever close to its' guests.

It skidded to a halt at one of the corridor intersections, lifting its' head and tilting a single focusing eye skyward as if testing the air. It accessed the ship's internal sensors and searched for its' guests. They weren't hard to find in the least, and soon enough the mechanical 'dog' was off again. It moved with surprising silence, the sounds of tiny servos and the slight metal taks of its' 'paws' as they hit the deck were the only noise that it made.

And then!

It rounded a corner, scrabbling across the deckplates in a frantic turn that put it in the direct path of those who'd come aboard.

And, as if remembering what it was, and the regal status it had, the four-legged mechanical beast stood up just a little straighter, shifting its' stance to afford the visitors with an unmistakable view. It pranced around in a tight circle, head held up high.

And then it stopped, stood for a moment, and began to trot forward.

[Taylor Millard]

What is that?!?" Alpha Six gasped, as the mechanical beast came into view. He started to raise his blaster to fire, but was quickly silenced by his squad leader.

"Hold your fire Alpha Six! Base, are you getting this?" Alpha One had his own blaster ready, but his finger wasn't on the trigger.

Millard watched the events with interest. The ship was indeed becoming more interesting and strange at the same time. The computer archives were still attempting to decipher what kind of ship was currently floating before them. It hadn't yet and the Grand Admiral believed if violence was started, it would only keep them from learning the ship's origin. "Hold your fire, Alpha One." He stated, his gloved hand steepled. "And do not fire unless warranted."

"Which means." Alpha One finished. "Unless the dog bites into one of us, do not fire. Understood, sir." The stormtrooper started studying the mechanical beast as it came even closer to them.

Everyone on board the mystery ship held their breath as the beast got closer.

[MMU]

His Masters sure did look different, that was for sure. Why did they hide their faces? What was wrong? Did they all have an accident?

The mechanical dog continued on his way, looking amazingly proud of himself - if droids could do that at least. He held his head high, and his little jog became a high-stepping gait. He would not shame his Masters in the least. He would make them so proud of him!

His metal 'paws' still takked along the decking, the staccato beat almost the only sound to be heard in the entire ship.

Such pride! Such regal bearing! If he was all that'd come from his Masters' legacies, then at least he would make them proud of that accomplishment. After all, he wasn't just a droid; he was the ship! He had many bodies, but had more often than not chose to use his four-legged avatar to carouse through himself. It was just easier that way. The Masters had called him some long and illustrious name, but for simplicity's sake - and also because it was awful tiring to always say 'Sa'ana Eo'ssa'ma I'nehde'k A'khu', - he called himself SEIA.

Of course he supposed that in Basic it meant something entirely different, but there was no Basic spoke around here! None at all! No, only the Divine Tongue.

And so, trotting up the rest of the way to his visitors, the droid came to a flourishing stop. His head passed from one visitor to the next, and in the next moment he'd parked himself on his haunches.

His voice - by the Bloodline he could finally have some to talk to now! - sounded old and tinny, though with each word he spoke it shifted to a much deeper metallic basso.

A'makhed'ek eh'omi. Kheh'khe'nu an'eh'o hgo'no'ss eh'ta raj'da'nek.

[Taylor Millard]

"Tomar?" Millard keyed his comm.

"Already running a computer check on it, sir. It's nothing I've ever heard."

"Nor have I. Run it through the archives, see if it picks up anything." The Grand Admiral raised a glass of tea up to his lips. He didn't think they were making new contact with a new civilization, something within his mind told him otherwise. But this was still fascinating. In all honesty it was part of the job he missed: the discovery and exploration. Millard enjoyed battle, the tactics and ship movements were so...artistic at times, but he enjoyed discovery even more. It was one of several reasons why Thrawn had asked him to accompany him into the Unknown Regions. Millard, like Thrawn, shared a vast desire for knowledge. And while Thrawn was from the region, Millard was not. "Alpha One, make verbal contact. See if it knows Basic."

"Yes, sir." The stormtrooper wasn't completely sure what Millard had planned but hadn't been given a reason to doubt him. Alpha One activated his exterior microphone. "Greetings. I am Alpha One from the Imperial Star Destroyer Superior. Who am I speaking to?"

[MMU]

So. Basic. How disappointing! He had rehearsed his greeting so thoroughly for when the masters returned, too!

The mechanical quadruped rocked back only slightly as its' neural chips parsed through an acceptable enough answer. What would possibly come close to expressing the elegance of what it had just uttered in the Divine Tongue?

Nothing! That's what!

But... wait! Perhaps this was a test! Yes! They were wanting to hear the accent!

Straightening its' posture, the droid gave a synthetic hrumph.

Basic it iz den. Fery vell.

"I all dats hyu see. All around hyu iz me. Dis body iz SEIA... MMU. I haff vaited. And vaited. And vaited.

Vat tooks hyu so long to come back?

[Taylor Millard]

On the Superior Millard leaned forward a bit in his chair. The droid thinks we're his former masters. Interesting. He was about to give Alpha One instructions to play along, when his bridge comm crackled.

It was Tomar. "Sir. Four new contacts, bearing mark 1627. It's the Vagaari.

"How far out are they?"

"Far enough for us to get our hyperspace course plotted and leave. We don't have the firepower to defeat them this time."

Millard almost cursed at the lost chance to learn more about this 'MMU', but his mind churned and he allowed himself the faintest of smiles. "Do we have time to tractor beam our contact aboard?" He knew they did but still wanted Tomar's opinion of the situation.

"We do, sir. I would at least have a perimeter guard around in case the ship tries to do anything...funny."

"I was thinking the exact same thing. Prepare the landing bay for guests but make sure we can put the ship in an area where there's not a computer jack. And begin plotting the course back to the Redoubt. Alpha One." The Grand Admiral pressed another button. "Prepare to move out but first turn on your exterior microphone please."

"Awaiting your signal, sir."

"Hello MMU. My name is Grand Admiral Taylor Millard. If you look at your sensors, you'll notice four large contacts heading this way. These are very dangerous beings who would like nothing more than to prevent either of us from leaving this area alive. If you'd be willing, I would like to bring your ship on board so we can discuss more. Would you be willing to do that?"

[MMU]

The droid sat listening, ever curious yet with a small amount of growing doubt. Were these really the Masters? Surely they were!

Accessing his external sensors, the ship took in the news that yes, there seemed to be more craft out there. They were different though. He'd seen many such ships pass through from the safety of sensor shadows and nebula masks; these were ships that indeed fire upon him. He could tell. A moment passed before he answered the voice.

I vant no part of dose ships... dey iz not fit for to be seen. I vill hide vit' you.

Having said his piece, the droid rose to his feet. No word of farewell was given as he turned on his heels and trotted back the way he'd originally come. He left his guests to be.

The ships engines rumbled to life then, and the age-old craft slowly started forward toward the Star Destroyer.

And from the emptiness surrounding those who'd come aboard, MMU's voice could be heard.

By de Bloodlines I hopes hyu ship knows de proper greetink.

There were more words, spoken softly yet at a rapid pace - a faintly disgruntled tone was barely discernable - but it seemed that Basic had been foregone in favor of the same unkown language that the droid had originally greeted them.

[Taylor Millard]

It was fairly obvious to the stormtroopers on board they were not going to be able to leave the ship until it docked with the Superior. So they set about doing some more minor exploration, discovering what they believed was the bridge and what appeared to be the galley (although it appeared to have been almost smothered in some sort of food they didn't completely recognize). Not finding any seats, the stormtroopers returned to the bridge where they sat down, but touched nothing.

In the Superior's hangar bay, crews worked quickly to clear the deck. They had been informed a ship the size of a Corellian Corvette would be docking, but were not told what type of ship it was. They scrambled to remove bits of equipment and the assorted transport, while also making sure all computer bays were de-activated near where whatever ship it was would dock. An odd request, but Grand Admiral Millard had made strange ones before. And since he'd never failed them, they accepted the request with only the occasional shake of the head. When the ship appeared in the bay, their eyes widened in amazement. They'd never seen a ship like it before. The workers began whispering their surprise, but quickly went back to work as the alert for hyperspace rang throughout the ship.

"Ship is aboard and docked in Hangar Bay Two, Admiral." Tomar reported as Millard exited his office.

"Very well Captain. How soon until hyperspace?"

"Any minute now." The navigator answered for Tomar. "Course plotted. Variables set. Entering hyperspace...now!" The bridge lurched slightly as the stars on the viewscreen turned into lines. They were away.

Millard nodded to Tomar and the two exited the bridge.


* * *

The two Imperials stood at attention as they waited for the stormtroopers to exit the mysterious ship. Both were pleased how easy it had been to get the ship aboard and that the deception (which Millard loathed more than almost anything else) was over. They would have to explain who they were and neither were certain how that would go over with their droid guest. It was quite obvious the droid was older than anything they had seen before, which afforded them an even bigger chance to discover more about the culture it came from. The fact it was from a civilization they knew nothing about, made both Tomar and Millard yearn to know more.

As the ramp lowered, and the stormtroopers exited, Millard raised his chin and clasped his gloved hands behind his back. It was now up to MMU to make the next move.

[MMU]

The droid had spent his time alone, sequestered in the sarcophagus chamber that held the last Master who'd stayed with him after the others had left. He often spent time in this place, talking aloud to nothing but himself.

Sitting beside the richly designed coffin, the droid looked every bit the forlorn pet, and if it had ears they would most undoubtedly be drooping. He spoke of the new visitors, and how they wore masks and didn't talk in the Divine Tongue. It was a quandary, as the Masters would never have greeted him in Basic. He asked the dead many questions, and even prayed for advice from the long deceased.

His solitude was only broken when he felt his larger self settle into the larger ship's hangar bay. Traditional farewells were given to the sarcophagus; soothing words of continued peaceful rest and content. The time had come to venture forth and see just who had found him. He was sure now that it was not one of the Masters; who it was however, was of great interest despite that.

This Taylor Millard was obviously their leader, or at the very least the commander of the giant ship. Perhaps he knew what happened to those who'd disappeared?

He felt as one of his smaller boarding ramps opened up to allow the visitors to debark. How convenient.

Trotting his way through now-richly lit corridors and around corners, he made his way to the very same ramp. It was a short affair, and he stopped at the top to survey those below him. Standing tall, he let his single mechanical eye take everything in. It was impressive to him, to see such a large expanse that made up only a small art of a much larger ship. The Masters had never built anything this large that he knew of.

As well, there was none of the artistry that could be readily seen upon his own larger self. These people seemed far more utilitarian and plain. It was not something to frown upon, but it was unusual all the same.

He moved then, his slender legs bringing him downwards in a smooth, energetic gait. And when he set foot on the metal decking of the hangar, he slowed his pace to a halting walk, head turning in every direction to afford a view of his surroundings.

[Taylor Millard]

Even though he'd seen the images from Alpha-One's helmet of MMU, Millard was still amazed by the sight before his eyes. Absolutely fascinating and beautiful. He slid his eyes over to Tomar, knowing his second-in-command felt the same thing. Absolutely beautiful.

Millard's accent was a mix of Coruscanti and Balmorran. "Hello MMU. I am Grand Admiral Taylor Millard. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

[MMU]

Metal 'paws' takked upon the deck in a slow beat, as it seemed that the droid had momentarily ignored the greeting in favor of what he was seeing. That there was no SEIA to greet him only cemented the fact that these were not the Masters.

Finally slowling to a halt, he looked up to the one who'd spoken - Taylor Millard. The iris of his single eye focussed as he studied the man before him.

It iz alvays a pleasure to meet me.

[Taylor Millard]

"Is it, now?" Millard's voice was curious. Truly the droid (if that's indeed what it was) was beyond fascinating. "Your design is something I've never seen before. Is that why it's supposed to be a 'pleasure' to meet you. Or are there other reasons?"

[MMU]

Cocking his head to the side, MMU gave a mechanical hrmph.

An irrelevant question. It iz a pleasure simply because it iz.

At that, the droid reared upwards, internal gyros working to balance him carefully as he stood tall on his two back legs. Now he could afford a level gaze at Taylor Millard's face. He took a single step back to place him at an angle to the two men, and a forearm came up to gesture at his larger self.

I vas built to do more dan simply impress. If dat was all de Masters vished of me I vould not haff been used to escape de dead vorld.

[Taylor Millard]

A part of Millard was surprised to see MMU rear up on its two hindlegs without any problems at all. Whoever had designed this droid, surely did a magnificent job. The Grand Admiral wanted to know more about it and now, in the supposed safety of hyperspace, he hoped he would be able to.

But now was the time to reveal Millard wasn't a part of the Masters. Although he was fairly certain this MMU all ready knew that. "I admit, I'm not familiar with your 'Masters'. May I ask who they are?"

[MMU]

Once more turning partially to face the two, MMU brought his two 'paws' together, steepling the many toes he possessed. Two of them clicked against each other in a steady beat as his artificial iris worked to visually dissect Taylor Millard.

De Masters.

His head bent low in reverence almost, as if - despite their absence - his creators could still hear him.

De Lupines of de Greater Houses of de Losstarot bloods.

[Taylor Millard]

A brown eyebrow cocked. "Unfortunately, I've never heard of the House of the Losstarot or the lupines." It was a true statement. Because Millard's father, the venerable (or horrid, depending on who was telling the story) Jedi Master Kieron Millard, never bothered telling bedtime stories about lupines, Millard didn't know they existed. Tomar had heard the stories but, up until now, had forgotten he had even heard them and had never believed them either. But he wouldn't tell Millard until later. Plus, the Superior's computers had yet to recognize the ship's design or the language MMU had used, so the mystery would remain in place until much, much later.

What no one else knew was the fact the head of Imperial Intelligence, R.S. Esalis, did know of their existence and had evidence (http://75.126.43.122/forum/showpost.php?p=168667&postcount=8) supporting her beliefs and that a bounty hunter (now Rebel operative) had his own encounter (http://sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16676) with one. But he wasn't the type of person to tell that tale.

The Imperial's gloved hands came to his sides. "How long have you been operational?"

[MMU]

His head snapped up at that, and the droid shifted backwards a fraction of an inch. his toes ceased their clicking, and his whole posture took on an air of surprise. They had not heard of the Masters? How could that be?

He moved forward then, stepping carefully around the two and circling them; studying them. He let his eye travel from their boots up to their heads. They stood stiffly. But it was the second one that had made the droid move. He'd seen that ever so subtle dilation in the man's eyes; it was a sign of recognition.

He knew something.

As he rounded to the front once more, the droid settled a paw on the man's shoulder, the grip firm. MMU's face came in close. Taylor Millard's question would wait.

Hyu. Hyu know of us.

[Taylor Millard]

Another cocked eyebrow. "Tomar?"

Despite Tomar being only 15 years younger than Millard, he still figured out a way to have some sort of boyish embarrassment come on his face. "It's nothing sir. When I was a boy, my father used to tell us bedtime stories about the lupine. I hadn't remembered them until a few seconds ago."

"I think." Millard put it. "It might be best if we go somewhere else to discuss this. This hangar bay isn't always the best place to talk about things and I think it best we sit down to discuss even more. Would you be willing to accompany us to my office?"

[MMU]

Satisfied for the moment, MMU released his hold on Tomar and stepped back so that he could casually drop to all fours once more.

I vill.

Bedtime stories? The Masters were spoken of in bedtime stories? They had done many great things to be sure, but bedtime stories?

[Taylor Millard]

The trek through the Star Destroyer was rather benign, even if all three could 'feel' the odd looks given to them behind the white helmeted troopers or the black helmeted commandos. Two Imperials with some kind of large dog droid? The crew had never seen such a thing and their surprise was apparent, as they gave Millard, Tomar, and MMU a wide berth at times.

Millard led them down a hallway and into the lift leading to the bridge. Four silent minutes later, the trio exited the lift, took a left, and entered...into an art museum. The Grand Admiral had been a collector of art for almost ten years, gathering items from time to time and placing them in his office. If an ancient piece did not exist, Millard had a very detailed holographic copy which almost appeared to be real. It was one of a few reasons why Thrawn trained him, the two shared hobbies.

Millard took a seat behind his desk and motioned the others to sit as well. "Tell me about these bedtime stories Tomar."

Another sheepish look. "Like I said, Admiral, it was something my father told me as a boy. My father said they were protectors, even if plenty of other stories had them as horrors and terrors. To be honest, sir, I never thought of them as any more than just stories. I never saw one skulking around in the night or met one in the day.

"I wish I could say more."

[MMU]

The droid gave a tilt of his head, and a mechanical sounding laugh sounded.

Ah yes, saints and demons. Dey are common enough stories.

Choosing to sit at an acceptable distance from Taylor Millard's desk, MMU let his single eye roam about the office interior for a short bit before turning his attention once more to the two men.

De Masters vere a bit of both in deir own vay.

His eye went to Tomar then.

Your fadder, he told you many stories, yes? I'm sure he did. If de Lupines vere anyting, dey vere not bedtime stories. Dey vere real.

Wait a moment! What was he saying, were?! The Masters could not have fallen so completely.

[Taylor Millard]

"I find it interesting, as I'm sure you do MMU, why they aren't talked about now." Millard had steepled his fingers together while observing the droid. It was absolutely fascinating, how regal and confused it looked. As if its masters (these lupines) had given it a personality and actual life. Many droids in the Empire hardly ever had personalities due to the Empire's belief personalities kept droids from doing their job. But there was something about this, which needed to have further observation. Not in a sterile lab, but just observation.

"Tell me more about these lupines, MMU. Outside of being guardians, what did they do? Where did they live? Why are they referred to as 'saints and demons'?"

[MMU]

With a shake of his head that traveled the rest of the way down his body, the droid rose to all fours, and began to pace about Taylor Millard's office. His gait was light, and his eye took in everything around. He seemed almost giddy in the way that his mechanical body moved. Like a child... or rather, like an old man that had so many secrets and stories to tell; great deeds to brag about and fables to bestow upon the masses.

Is so many stories to tell, Taylor Millard. So many.

His path took him behind the Grand Admiral, and MMU moved like a whip to stand beside the man, his head turned upwards.

Perhaps I should tell you of de peoples dey conquered, or de Great Houses, or maybe even how dey came to be in de first place?

Moving away, the droid satisfied himself with returning to his inspections.

But, perhaps not. It vas de stories dat people told of dem dat painted dem in de light of saints and demons. As I said, dey vere in deir own vay like dat, but vat vas put to de books vas exxaggerated. Dey vere like any odder peoples. Dey lived and died like all.

MMU stopped then, and looked back to the two men.

What is of concern now dough, is not vat dey once vere, but vere dey are now.

[Taylor Millard]

The droid's reaction was interesting, as if it were searching for a lost relative of some kind and unsure where to look. If Lupine did still exist, and were in this sector, it was possible they could be a strong ally for the Empire and Chiss in their battle against the Vagaari and their own hidden alliance. "I wish I could tell you where they were MMU. But, alas, I have yet to lay my eyes on one."

"Archives could have something on it." Tomar considered thoughtfully.

"It's possible, but your own search turned up nothing correct?" Millard decided to test the droid's intelligence once again. "Tell me. Was there another name they may have gone under? Could they be related to the Cathar in some way?"

[MMU]

In his best approximation of a laugh, MMU let out a warbled cackle while shaking his head. Such human characteristics were a strange sight to see being emulated by a droid, but the Masters had always said he was the best at mimicking their mannerisms. He took great pride in that.

Cathar?!

The very notion amused him to no end.

By the Bloodline no! To think!

Another chuckle, and he moved to stand beside Tomar.

The Lupines are nothing like any other creature in our great galaxy. They are proud, strong, and perfect in every way...

At that however, the droid paused in thought before continuing on.

Well, the Losstarot were, but the Loveloxx... the Loveloxx. Those unfortunate creatures were the first yes, but they were imperfect creations.

And they never could quite stomach that fact.

[Taylor Millard]

It was now Millard reached into his desk and removed a small recording device. He held it up so MMU could see it was off and hadn't been on since they arrived. Millard wasn't the kind of Imperial who taped everything in his office, in fact, he was quite the opposite. But attention to detail was something Thrawn had taught him years ago and Millard did his best to follow that edict. And this discussion was one he wanted to remember for a long time.

"If it is alright with you, MMU. I would like to record our conversation. To get more information on the Losstarot and the Loveloxx." He motioned towards the paintings in the study. "Much like the paintings and sculptures you see here. Your words about the lupine would help me learn more about them.

"Are you willing to agree to this?"

[MMU]

The droid needed no other bidding. To have his words so close to the immortalized texts of the Masters! He gave a strange, cocked look to Taylor Millard.

But of course, Taylor Millard. Record this meeting, and remember it.

Still beside Tomar, MMU gave a satisfied whirring before resting himself on his haunches. He sat, ever vigilante like some obedient hound awaiting its' master's next order - yet these two men were not the Masters, and the droid satisfied himself with allowing his own sensors to continue sweeping the interior of the office. They took in every detail and filed each away.

And, in much the same way, he activated the sensor array of his larger self, and the ship that now sat in the star destroyer's hangar began its' own passive sweep of the Imperial cruiser, intent on discovering just who it was who'd found him.