STS. LOG-021. (Patreon)

LOG-021.BX commando unit 007 advanced across the jagged stone, servos adjusting in precise increments to compensate for the uneven terrain. Its photoreceptors swept in constant arcs, observing, mapping every contour against the partial topography it had received mid flight.[PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: ESTABLISH CONTACT WITH ROGUE REPUBLIC FORCES.][SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: PRESERVE FUNCTIONALITY OF SELF.][TERTIARY OBJECTIVE: AVOID UNNECESSARY LETHALITY.]The order of priorities was, perhaps, part of the problem.At precisely ninety two meters from the monastery perimeter, the droid's scanners picked out movement. Three biosigns. Two were moving in relatively predictable patrol sweeps, though the last one was momentarily lagging behind, slowed by either terrain or inattentiveness.The droid recalculated, going over its mission objectives once more.[PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: ESTABLISH CONTACT WITH ROGUE REPUBLIC FORCES.][SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: PRESERVE FUNCTIONALITY OF SELF.][TERTIARY OBJECTIVE: AVOID UNNECESSARY LETHALITY.]Though it was not a tactical droid, even its lesser brain could see that the numbers were rather clear. Isolating a single target would not only increase its chances of survival and assist in avoiding a lethal combat incident, but would also most likely raise the odds of a successful diplomatic interaction by 38%.A most clever strategy, 007 decided.Logical planning completed, it slid into a narrow crease of stone, scaling it hand over hand in silence until the cliff spat it out above the target's projected path.The clone below (armoured in a seemingly modified Phase II kit, distinct violet and grey striping across the chest plate and helmet taking up some amount of attention) was focused on something ahead, turning his head just enough that the commando could drop behind him without immediate detection.The landing was gentle. The grip that followed was decidedly not, as servo driven fingers locked around the clone's forearm and bicep, twisting his blaster rifle free in a single motion while the droid's other hand produced a vibroblade, angled for deterrence only.As anticipated, the organic jerked hard, reflex twisting his body before the BX used its weight to pin him against the rock face."Cease struggling, I would like to open diplomatic negotiations with you."Struggling continued, and so the droid smacked the top of the now yelling clone's helmet with a clenched fist, drawing a pained grunt from him."Reiterating previous statement. I would like to open diplomatic negotiations with you. Do not engage in violence."Conveniently, the second iteration seemed to draw a pause from the clone trooper, his breath sharp from the sudden struggle."You-what? Did you just jump me to-""Yes.""You're insane you damned clanker!"Its head tilted slightly, even as it angled itself behind its impromptu hostage, the sound of the other nearby clones calling out in response to the yelling suggesting an imminent assault."This is irrelevant to the objective. You will now accompany me as a representative of your organisation. We will proceed to a location suitable for non-lethal discourse."The clone stared at it through his helmet for a short moment, disbelief quickly edging into open anger."That is not how diplomacy works you malfunctioning piece of scrap!"BX commando unit 007 pondered that statement for all of point three seconds, before opening a line to command, the closest thing it could feel to apprehension suffusing its systems.—"Depending on the results of our planetside operation, the fleet will either maintain blockade formation or reorient for an ambush. You will prepare for sudden developments appropriately, and will alert all nearby vessels as needed."[CONFIRMED.]Orders to Silent Guardian given, I turned my true body's head towards Huntsman, ready to request a status report on whether any of the fleet's countless sensors had picked up something unusual (besides potential hyperspace demons, which there thankfully were currently none of), only for my puppet body to grab my attention, the small internal comm link in it going off.Focusing on the still novel feeling of my second frame, I took in the sound of the LAAT humming around me and accepted the incoming call, correctly assuming it to be the droid I'd dispatched to open contact with the clone underground."Spyder here. What is your status?""Sir, I have obtained a hostage.""...What?"There was a pause over the link, then the BX's voice came through again, just as flat as before. "I have isolated one clone soldier with irregular markings and armour patterning. He is physically restrained and presently unarmed. I am initiating diplomacy."In the background, I could hear armoured boots scuffing against stone, the muffled grunt of someone straining against servos that weren't giving way, and the sharp bark of another clone voice further off-"Samson! Samson, report!"The commando droid's next words were almost drowned out by the scuffle."He is resisting and vocalising threats. Additional clones are approaching from the west and south."I turned the Magnaguard's photoreceptors off for exactly half a second, simulating a cathartically slow blink."...You are to request an audience with his superior officer, immediately. Convey that to them before they attempt anything rash.""Roger roger."The sound of movement shifted (the BX must have adjusted its stance), my diplomat turned hostage taker likely hauling its captive into clearer view of the approaching voices. When it spoke again, it was relatively louder, its voice projected across the rocky slope around it."I am a representative of an off world fleet commander in service to the Confederacy of Independent Systems. I request an immediate meeting with the commanding officer of your force. Any hostile action against me or this prisoner will jeopardise these talks."One of the nearer clones snarled something indistinct, blaster still not firing, though the tension in the air through the comm was obvious. Then the hostage himself (Samson, apparently) spoke, voice low enough that it was clearly meant for the BX, but loud enough for me to catch through its mic."Who the kriff are you working for?"I vaguely imagined the commando droid tilting its head a little."You are currently speaking to him."That earned me silence for a breath, then a cautious, almost suspicious grunt. "...And you think grabbing one of us at knifepoint is a good way to start a conversation?"I resisted the urge to have the Magnaguard facepalm."Commando unit, you are to apologise to the clone, disarm, and release him while reiterating that we seek to engage in a peaceful dialogue. Request that we are granted permission to land a shuttle within their camp, and emphasise that our intentions are peaceful, despite the misunderstanding that has occurred.""...Roger roger.""What was that? What are you doing?"First impressions…hah.Hahaha.Damn it.