"Hurry up, the Hutts aren't known for their patience", the blond individual called to one of his fellow smugglers. Oddly enough the words sounded familiar though. Not just the words themselves but the voice having uttered them as well. "The thing's too damn heavy so put a sock in it", one of the others replied - annoyance obvious in his strained tone of voice.

The voice sounded wrong though. The whole thing actually felt wrong. Within minutes local security would discover them all. A firefight would break out and the man that spoke would end up losing his life as a result. The surviving smugglers would manage to secure the cargo and take it back to the Hutts - a feat that would earn them favor with the larger beings... as well as further lucrative offers in the immediate future as well.

Future? the blond fellow finally asked himself as he stopped and waited for the security forces to arrive. Blaster fire ensued but the results were no longer clear as the whole picture became fuzzy next. Screams, whimpers and groans could be made out nearby as well as a familiar voice that kept on asking about a Vast Empire, about secrets and about a certain Grey entity.

A masked person materialized within the Onderonian's thoughts. He walked around and gestured calmly though no words could be made out coming from him. The way the lines and circles on his mask twirled and twisted also appeared unreal. "What does Grey know?" the same voice from earlier asked but Seth Qorbin could not answer that question. He was too busy being sucked in by Captain Grey's mask. Apparently tiny black holes resided within its fabric and were able to come together and absorb all matter surrounding them.

"...your mission? What does Grey know about us?" the pestering voice kept mouthing off in the background. It was so annoying... Shut up! the man thought to himself but found that merely thinking it was not enough to turn off the distraction. Foggy instances of a white room popped in his mind every now and then. A hovering black spider loomed over a dark Humanoid, both of them apparently interested in his own person for some odd reason.

"...getting us nowhere. Increase serum levels!" someone barked and Seth felt the faintest discomfort as if some bug had just taken a tiny bite out of his arm. "What was your mission?" the faceless entity asked once more and Seth felt himself smile as a fuzzy light enveloped him. "I'm off on another mission", a female voice echoed in his mind and as the echoes bounced back inwardly a new image formed itself in the darkness there.

The image was that of a medium sized room, holding only basic pieces of furniture within - a bed, a closet with mirrored doors, a nightstand and a small table with a chair in a corner. "I'm off on another mission", the female presence beside Seth managed to speak in a clear and collected manner despite her shallow breathing and sweaty looks. "How long?" a similarly looking Qorbin found the strength to ask in a similarly collected voice. "One month... give or take."

"We're losing him", the same male voice from earlier interrupted and moments afterward a wave of heat overwhelmed his insides. The change in sensations was enough to force Seth into opening his eyes wide, for the first time ever being able to clearly discern his true surroundings as well as the face of the male Remnant interrogator that kept messing with his head. Piece by piece the puzzle representing the larger picture began making sense.

After their successful hijacking of a Remnant customs corvette, he and everyone else accompanying him were captured by the teams sent in by the larger escort frigate Juno. This time around there were no more ambushes on their part. No fighting back either. Resigning to their fate, everyone instead chose to surrender peacefully, hoping there'd come an opportunity to escape sometime not too far away in the future...

"That's enough of this one for today", the enemy interrogator muttered to a couple of Stormtrooper guards by the exit. "Take him back and bring in a new one instead..."

Four hours earlier

"Seems we'll be getting some fresh meat", a Human convict muttered all of a sudden. Like everyone else in the prison colony, the former pirate had also noticed the supply shuttle coming in. Like everyone else he too approached the sole Remnant building - or rather mini fortress - found on the surface of the Tar Tah Roos moon.

Once a week the same shuttle would swoop in, drop supplies and then take off again. The small Remnant contingent found on the moon's surface would afterward open the gates and deliver the supplies to the prisoners. There was but one simple rule all convicts needed to follow - never, under any circumstances, cause any sort of trouble to the guards.

Some of the older cons still remembered the last time a riot was attempted. A single Remnant guard lost its life in the process and two others were injured in the attempt. On the other hand a little over thirty convicts were shot down then and there, with almost as many injured in the process. Lacking proper medical care not all of the latter survived either. To make matters worse the Remnant took back the supplies that were intended for the prisoners, leading to infighting and more deaths in the following days.

Now the reason that most of the convicts came together when supplies were brought in was because the Remnant guards weren't responsible with their distribution. No, the armored Stormtroopers merely hauled the large crates out in the open and afterward left them there for the prisoners to distribute amongst themselves.

In a peaceful world this would've been handled in an organized and methodical manner, ensuring that everyone got an equal share of whatever the Remnant provided them with. On Tar Tah Roos however things worked differently.

For starters the Remnant never provided them with enough to properly accommodate for everyone's needs. Then, what little was provided by the captors ended up seized by the strongest cons and only afterward handed out to the others based on gang affiliation, favors owned, seniority and general usefulness around the camp. The weakest members had no choice but to either toughen up, die or otherwise rely on the stronger prisoners around. The latter option almost never came without strings attached however...

Every so often however supplies weren't the only things the Remnant brought in. New prisoners were also on occasion left behind with the weekly shipment of supplies. Whenever that happened the local guards seemed to take a few minutes longer to unload and move the cargo from the shuttle to the outside of the Imperial base.

That also seemed to be the case now - as the con from earlier noticed for himself. As soon as the large gates opened and the first Remnant Stormtroopers rushed out, blaster rifles raised and ready to fire, a few unarmored Humans could be seen sprawled on top of the crates which were moved with the help of a few hoversleds.

New prisoners always had it rough on Tar Tah Roos. The first few days were especially hard on them as they began to understand and adapt to their new found reality. Hunger, frequent beatings and the occasional rape here and there ensured they would quickly realize that in this new world they were at the very bottom, their lives hardly worth anything anymore.

There were of course exceptions too, when certain cons proved themselves stronger than most of the rabble already inhabiting the moon's surface. Whenever that happened the largest gangs on Tar Tah Roos often sent in representatives to try and recruit the promising newb. It was power that ensured this whole system worked and it was also power that everyone on the moon sought to gain but more importantly maintain... at any costs.

"There's some women amongst them", another Human con noticed and a twisted smile formed on his face. The man was part of the Kings gang - a group of cons that had already resigned themselves to spending the rest of their lives on that rock. And if they were going to live and die there, then why not make the most of it in the process? The Kings were amongst the prisoners that enjoyed the most benefits and small comforts that the moon had to offer.

They were as hated and despised as they were envied and admired for they held the largest dwellings, enjoyed the best food and also held the most slaves - whether the latter were used for work or pleasure.

"They're all Human", a female prisoner whispered to a larger con standing by her side. Both herself and the man next to her were part of the Fenrir gang, the largest one on Tar Tah Roos. The initial group was made up of captured pirates, so fierce and savage that the Remnant believed regular prisons were not enough to deal with them.

The group was both formed as well as only allowed membership to Humans. It was thus the largest of the three main gangs on the moon's surface. They were also the prime suspects whenever aliens turned out missing or on the contrary when their mangled remains ended up discovered - either by accident or meant as a message. It was rumored that part of the Fenrir initiation involved either beating up an alien or maybe even killing him/her...

Once the Remnant guards finished unloading the supplies they slowly retreated back to the safety of the large structure behind them. As soon as the large doors closed behind them, the largest and meanest looking cons approached the crates. Everyone else however kept their distance, knowing it was a bad idea to draw attention to themselves and draw the wrath of the stronger inmates.

Most of the handful of cons that approached the supplies seemed to be interested in the crates left behind - the ones that contained mostly food and a little bit of medicine along other miscellaneous items. One of them however seemed more interested in the female arrivals, touching, poking and groping whatever he could get his hands on.

"I claim this one as my own", he finally declared after picking up a blonde woman and showing her off to the audience so that all may notice her features and know that from now on she belonged to him.

"That would be a mistake", a female voice calmly spoke out. The words were not shouted yet their very uttering was enough to silence everyone else. All eyes turned to face the silver haired Arkanian specimen that arrived only a few weeks earlier herself. Back then she also managed to draw attention to herself, being one of very few convicts that were not only conscious when they were brought in but actually managed to walk on their own two feet as opposed to being carried like the crates that accompanied her.

"Vermin!" the large convict shouted and dropped the woman he was holding, instead moving his hand to draw the large blade strapped to his left thigh. "You would deny a King that which is his by right?" the man cried out and took a few steps towards the pale alien.

"No, no, no... Of course not!" the Arkanian woman replied calmly, even managing to smile as she spoke. "Was merely trying to warn you that taking that particular specimen for the purposes I suspect you had in mind would likely lead to your slow and painful demise at her very hands."

"You know that one?" a large blue alien standing a few feet back finally asked. "We're... former colleagues", the Arkanian answered after turning to face the larger alien. "She may prove useful to you Kayrax", the white eyed specimen continued. "In fact, they may all prove useful to you assuming they're what I think they are..."

The larger alien stared down at the Arkanian for a few moments before stepping forward, towards the King member that still had his blade drawn. "I too would lay claim to all the new arrivals", the alien shouted loud enough for all to hear. Instantly the crowd began whispering. Some were debating the reasons for which the large alien would make such a claim. Others were wondering whether a fight would ensue and if so whether it would end with just one death or whether a new gang war would start as a result. Others yet were merely trying to make the most of the situation, setting up impromptu gambling rings.

Not many were willing to play however. It was not because they did not trust the organizers, or even because they were too poor to gamble anything of worth. Rather it was because the large alien that stepped up was the oldest and strongest convict on all of Tar Tah Roos. According to rumors he had been a prisoner there for dozens if not hundreds of years. Some even believed him to be the last of the indigenous species that may have at some point inhabited the moon. Quite a few of the weaker cons even considered him immortal - a feat that preposterous as it may have sounded wasn't wholly impossible either given the dozens of scars found on the individual's body.

Much of the alien's presence was shrouded in mystery. The only thing the other cons knew about him was that he was simply called Kayrax, that he had been around for longer than anyone else that still lived yet remembered and that he led the strongest gang on Tar Tah Roos - the Exalted.

Unlike the other criminal groups on the moon's surface, the Exalted did not restrict membership to any one species or gender. They also did not seem to share any particular goal... Membership was granted purely through Kayrax's approval and once a con was part of the Exalted, he was free to do more or less whatever he pleased so long as it did not mess up with the fragile balance of power. At least this is the belief shared by everyone else...

"You... lay claim?" the King member stuttered and took a few steps back. On one hand he knew that backing down now would serve as a large image blow to himself and to a lesser extent the gang he was representing as well. On the other hand he also did not feel particularly confident in his odds against the strongest being around.

"You... you may have 'em!" the Human male almost spat out as he sheathed his blade and took a few more steps back. The man figured he'd just kill some lesser con later that day and in so doing wash away some of the shame inflicted on him now. Besides, he still had some female slaves that he could further exploit whilst new ones would be brought in.

On his part, Kayrax merely stood tall and proud and watched the other individual cower before him. He turned towards his own gang and ordered some of his men to carry the unconscious Humans away. Next he approached the Arkanian woman and pulled her to the side. The two of them kept on talking whilst the other supplies were distributed amongst the cons.

Day 42
The Remnant supply shuttle that I was expecting carried along not only the meds I requested of Kayrax but an unexpected visitor as well. Several new prisoners were brought along, the Grey princess finding herself amongst them. I both considered as well as dismissed the possibility that she may have purposefully infiltrated this place. There is nothing to be found here. Nothing to be gained. Just... nothing.

One of the brutes tried to take her as his own, a decision he would've no doubt regretted as soon as the Grey princess awakened. I was able to persuade Kayrax into stepping in and snatching the whole group however. If the Grey princess is amongst them then it stands to reason that everyone else is also part of VENI after all. If so they may each hold skills we'll need to leave this place.

Day 43
It would appear my earlier assumption regarding the whole group's affiliation with VENI was mistaken. Only the Grey princess and another are part of the agency, whereas everyone else is merely a mercenary that was unlucky enough to get caught up in their dealings. The captured spies seem to hold the latter in high enough regard though, so there's yet a chance they'll prove themselves useful.

Kayrax seems pleased with everyone. He and the Grey princess have spent a few hours today discussing various aspects of our plans. I'll need to pay attention though. Whilst it would be in my best interest for the two of them to figure out a way off this rock, it would be problematic should my benefactor become warped and twisted by Grey's promises and other... colder versions of certain truths.

Day 44
We've began making our move. Three Human representatives were sent to secretly meet with Fenrir's leaders. The Grey princess insisted she be amongst them and to my surprise Kayrax accepted. Whilst having someone like her represent us would be a good thing, I find myself worrying that Kayrax has perhaps become tainted by her presence here.

The other Exalted aren't sitting around idly either however. There are some who yet patrol the camp so as not to draw suspicion to our actions. Everyone else however is busy procuring all the last minute materials we'll be needing to make our plan successful. On my own end, I should have the gas finished within two... three days at the most.

Day 45
The Grey princess has returned bearing good news. Turns out that Fenrir will join us when the time comes. This is good as we'll need all the distractions and cannon fodder we can get our hands on. Kayrax assures me that the minorities would also fall in line once they realize he's leading the charge against our wardens.

There are only a few days left till the shuttle returns and we must make sure everything is in order by that time. There are so many things that could go wrong and likewise so many things that need to align just perfectly in order for us to achieve the desired result...

Day 46
I have finally finished preparing the gas we'll need for our cover and distractions. Thanks to a few last minute enhancements I was able to produce an extra half a bottle. Along with the other three that should provide enough cover for a good three to four minutes. If we don't take the lead by then then odds are we'll lose the moment and incur sufficient casualties that will make a new attempt impossible for at least a few more years. That... would be most unfortunate.

Tonight we'll need to overcome another difficult part of our plan. Kayrax has known for a while now that the Kings are enjoying certain privileges from the guards. In exchange they're more than willing to allow their benefactors to enjoy themselves every now and then with what little they have to offer - namely the beaten and broken slaves they keep around for sexual exploitation.

If past weeks occurrences are to be believed then tonight a guard will sneak out of the base and enter the Kings' headquarters. The guard will wear ragged clothing to blend in, but somewhere on his person he'll also have the key cylinder allowing him access back into the base. It is that cylinder - or rather the information stored on it - that we'll require to eventually storm the base when the time will be right.

Two of the new arrivals volunteered themselves for this mission - the blond VENI agent and the mercenary they call RedTape. Again I was mildly surprised to see Kayrax accept and approve this.

Day 47
Success! Last night's operation went smoothly. The guard came as was expected and whilst he was having his fun, the agent and the merc managed to get a hold of the very item they sought. They unscrewed it and using some thin paste they managed to duplicate the delicate circuits and electronic parts found within.

According to both Buyol and another mercenary, this will be enough to allow them to create an useful replica - one they'll later be able to use and gain access at least past the Remnant's base main gates.

Now that we have secured a means into the base we need only deal with the Empire's eyes and ears within the camp. The Kings have also outlived their usefulness and I know for a fact Kayrax will be more than happy to put an end to their reign... once and for all. Plus the slaves he'll end up liberating in this manner will further help swell our own ranks.

Day 48
Much blood has spilled between midnight and dawn. Kayrax himself led the charge against the Kings using only a handful of his most trusted men, as well as the new arrivals which have conveniently enough once more volunteered themselves for the job. We lost a warrior and two more were wounded in the process but on the plus side the Kings are now naught but a distant memory.

Not only that but we have also managed to secure two Remnant informants within our midst - the third alas tried putting up a fight and was accidentally killed. No matter, the surviving ones will surely tell us all we need to know regarding the Remnant, how they were supposed to make contact with and where. I may even enjoy myself whilst extracting that information from them. After all the work I've done lately, I certainly deserve it!

Day 49
The male specimen demonstrated a remarkable unwillingness to collaborate even despite the enhanced interrogation techniques I was using on him. The female specimen was on the other hand almost disappointingly easy to break. I but started cutting off her eyelid so that she may see everything else I planned to do with her when she began crying and spilling her guts like a canary. I actually considered cutting off her tongue so that I could afterward get her to shut back up again.

I was unfortunately interrupted by Kayrax whom after learning what he wanted to know, granted both traitors an undeserved quick death. A shame really...

Then again today is finally the day when all will go down. The day when the shuttle will come once more. The day when we will hopefully leave with it...

Well done - you pass tier 3 of the Special Warfare Certification. As to your question, it probably does qualify you for the skill.. I think, given the length requirements of both the cert and skill alike - and your obvious desire to surpass them - I could, as a one-time-only addition, pass you for Political Subterfuge.