A new day, and a fresh start, hopefully. Look at the positives: no Black Ops team with intel on our group, the Safehouse is actually safe (for now, at least), and I am quite sure everyone has more secure encryption on their messages.

Last afternoon was spent planning our counter-attack; gathering supplies and narrowly avoiding an armed conflict with a group of slummers. I was pleasantly surprised when everyone followed my lead and approached the situation semi-non-violently. Brown Fox definitely helped in that regard - I need to remember to thank him for seeing the world beyond the binary. At the same time, I was a bit nervous that he might actually attack Sprend - these are baby steps in learning to trust one another, I suppose.

I was very impressed with Sprend's snipe - it's not easy to shoot a gun in the hands of a quivering spice addict. Violence is an acceptable alternative when it is directed properly, and I am sure that this back alley thug did not acquire his weapon legally.

I commed Via and let her know of our plan - Damaria was going to “send me a message” about meeting our apparent relative at the spaceport via our private holonet, and Via was to ambush any Black Ops teams that might arrive at the address mentioned. In hindsight, I am going to have to apologize to her - it was a miserable rainy evening, and she did not sound happy when I called her off after our “job” was done. I have some explaining to do.

Purchase: Force Sensitive Exile Specialization - the Baron begins concentrating on avoiding attention with the Force, how to survive on the run

Not that I know precisely what happened. It sounded like Brown Fox had some fun driving the van around the front, and the explosives were very effective. Damaria and Sprend both seemed to be frozen in shock or fear as the entire corner of the building gave way, with flames and smoke billowing in the air.

Tor and I looked at each other, and he called out some inspiring words. I followed his lead - I do not even recall what I said, but the Force was guiding me enough that it seemed effective, and snapped our comrades into action.

Once inside, there was surprisingly little shooting - when we entered Sprend led the party forward with Seth and the two of them easily overpowered the few guards - or mere employees?

It turns out that I should have gone with my instincts and attempted to talk my way in the front door - that may have avoided a fair amount of bloodshed this evening.

When we finally made it into the main office, we interrupted a meeting of sorts. Asking questions helped immensely, and I quickly found out that Sabik was actually a new gang leader in town trying to set up shop on Balmorra - I believe Brown Fox had mentioned something about that when he had returned from his shopping spree.

Now I do not approve of most criminals, but he was certainly not Imperial. I care most about the future of Balmorra, my home, and the citizens I represent. It helps nothing to win this war if we ruin the planet, so “the enemy of my enemy” is not necessarily an ally. But neither is he my immediate enemy.

In any case, after this revelation, Seth revealed his true colours; he attempted the tried and true method of taking the girl hostage. He had barely jammed his pistol to Damaria's throat before I firmly pointed to the corner and told him he “needed” to take a seat and explain himself. I felt his will crumble as I unleashed the Force. This is becoming very useful. And noticeable, unfortunately.

The Baron's Force Influence becomes stronger as he uses it; purchased “Strength” upgrade (2 strain/ spent)

It turns out he was indeed the leader of the Black Ops group - or rather, he was the rogue agent, with no real group on Balmorra. [Not sure what he exactly said before he died - need confirmation of that before providing details; he mentioned the Firebird society, or just the name of someone in that group?? What did he say just before D shot him in the head, helpless in the corner?]

I was in shock, and snapped my mouth shut before I let loose a tirade on Damaria. My main reason for never fully trusting Seth was the coup de grace on the unconscious mercenary back at the Reactor Core. With Damaria's insistence on using stun settings I was completely taken aback.

After profuse apologies to Sabik, and a promise to help recoup the costs of the burning corner of his warehouse and funeral expenses of his men, we left quietly. He seemed to be reasonable, and I think he agreed that most of the blame is to be laid at the Empire's feet, and Seth has paid for that with his life.

I asked Tor to drive us back in the van - I told Brown Fox that while I appreciated his creative driving, I was done with people dying for today. I delivered that line with a grin, hoping he would understand I was trying to lighten the mood. But the ride was extremely quiet. Everyone was likely thinking about the disaster this night was.

My thoughts: “I wonder if I will find myself with a blaster bolt through my head if I say the wrong thing in front of her? Trust is a fragile thing; true character is revealed in conflict, in the heat of the moment when instincts kick in.” I rather hope Damaria was sensing my thoughts - I made no attempt to suppress hide them because of my extreme disappointment. I did glance back at her several times, but the shadows and flickering lights from the city streets masked her face.

I asked Tor to drop me off first - I really needed time to process the evening - and as I stepped off the van, I turned to the team and said, “I am sorry.” I looked squarely at Damaria as I closed the door, leaving my comments open to various interpretations, and turned my back and walked inside my quiet, too quiet estate.

---

In the morning light, my thoughts have cleared. On the light side, I suppose Damaria has gotten past her fear of death, or at least her reaction to death. On the dark side, her Imperial training clearly runs deep. But people can change - at least, that is the hope I cling to.