Agent Hierax, On Assignment

[Y'roth Helghast]

Agent Hierax stepped out of the airlock and into the sterilized air of the reception area in the port of Doldur. A person in an Imperial uniform stood by nearby with a flashing screen in their hand with "Hierax" on it. Wren tried to play out a meek demeanor as she approached the man, and caught his attention.

"Um... Excuse me, I'm Agent Hierax..."

The man's eyebrows lifted behind the tinted visor he wore over his eyes in surprise, producing the response Wren had been looking for. She wanted to catch them off guard, keep them thinking less of her than they should be. If anything, the Inquisitoriate was reknown for controlling information, even if that meant conveying a weak image to lure out the predators.

"Well... Agent Hierax... Follow me, your shuttle is waiting to take you to the Directorate. Your cargo is being retrieved and will be brought to the shuttle as well."

By cargo, Wren knew it would mean one bag. Shuttles traveling throughout the Empire were so crowded these days, maximizing profit, that even one bag had to be checked. But she still had Oberon with her, the small Tooke, which was still sleeping, as it was nocturnal. Fortunately, the space travel hadn't disturbed her pet as she was afraid it might. The special food she'd given it prior to the flight had helped. It was something recommended by vetrinarians to facilitate an easier flight for the Tooke and for the owner. Wren wouldn't disagree there; it had lessened her stress there.

They reached the shuttle and Wren slid inside the door opened for her. Her one bag was already waiting inside the shuttle for her, in the opposite seat of her. Her escort slid into the passenger seat in the cockpit, beside another man who was piloting. Without any conversation, they took off as soon as all the doors were closed, and the shuttle slid through what traffic Doldur had towards the Directorate.

Once inside the Directorate, Wren approached the front desk and notified the droid behind the desk. The protocol droid, so ever polite, responded with pleasant surprise to Wren's arrival, stating it hoped her flight had gone well, and that she was enjoying the sights of Doldur. Wren kept up her meek demeanor, the cameras were watching, no matter how much she desired to roll her eyes. The droid was obviously unaware to the score marks of some recent battle that had occured in Doldur. The sights of Doldur left something to be desired.

"Um... Could you just notify Moff Tarkin that an Agent Wren Hierax is here?"

"But of course! Please take this hallway and follow the carpet to reach Moff Tarkin's wing of the building. Her receptionist will meet you there."

Wren smiled and gave a small bow of the head before following the droid's instructions. The demure smile didn't fade however, meeting the receptionist could be enjoyable. As that position would soon be filled by Hierax shortly thereafter.

[Miranda Tarkin]

Upon the arrival of Agent Hierax, the receptionist smiled brightly at the young woman from behind her desk. "Good afternoon, Agent."

Selia was her name and for as long as Miranda Tarkin had been stationed here, she hadn't changed her hair style in the least. It was always fastened in the same tight bun that made her look studious, but her bright green eyes held a warmth that impressed most visitors that needed to see the Moff.

There was one visitor that hadn't impressed. That was Hierax's superior, Officer Helghast. Selia was unnerved by his stoic, and almost mechanical presence. She was so happy to be rid of him after the Winfield fiasco. However, this Inquisitor that was leaning slightly over her desk was far more personable and that comforted Selia greatly. It was unfortunate that she was beaming up at the same person that would be taking over her job soon.

"Madame Tarkin is expecting you." She pushed out her chair and motioned towards the entrance to Miranda's office. "If you'd please ..."

Selia keyed in her personal code to open the durasteel doors and led Hierax inside. The room was expansive and the black floors below them were so reflective that they were practically mirrors. Both women heard Miranda's voice, but she was hidden behind the tall backed chair that faced them.

"Yes. I want those shipments in by tomorrow. The repairs are coming along but not fast enough. The more men and supplies we receive, the faster the city can be rebuilt. Good. I appreciate that. Excellent. I shall see you in three days."

Selia waited patiently in front of the Moff's desk until the conversation ended. The little chime that ended the transmission was her cue that it was safe to speak. "Madame Tarkin? Agent Wren Hierax is here as you requested."

The chair swiveled around slowly and Miranda regarded her secretary momentarily before waving her off in dismissal. "Leave us."

The first thing that was noticed was the three inch scar across the Moff's right brow. She had suffered it during the rebellion. It was still fresh, but it no longer needed medical attention. Her hair lay across her shoulders, choosing to be less formal in that aspect of protocol, but nothing was out of place in regards to her uniform. Not a button or a pin was even slightly off center. She had fought hard for this uniform, and there were still rumblings of displeasure that a woman had become Moff. As much as their displeasure were rumors, her people cheered the victory over the Rebels and the rest of Imperial Space had nothing but kind and motivating words to speak on her behalf. To speak against Miranda is to speak against all of the citizens of the Empire, and that number was in the billions ...

"Agent Hierax." Miranda offered a welcoming smile and studied the Agent carefully. This was a woman of the Inquisitoriate. Someone highly trained to protect the ideals of the Empire at all costs. Any cost. Even at the expense of her own life. "Your trip here was uneventful I presume?"