Enduring Legacy

[Miranda Tarkin]

Aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer Wilhuff

Are you sure that your old friends will go along with this? Pawn to Rook 5. Sorsha's holographic stance had not changed at all throughout the game. She still sat with her arms crossed, barely paying attention to the game of Battle Chess being played in Moff Tarkin's office.

"You worry too much," she replied and punched in Sorsha's move. The Imperial Scout had blasted away her Wookie. "You know how loyal they are to the Empire, as they are to me. As the last living descendant of Grand Moff Tarkin, they would do anything for me."

I just wish the secrecy were unnecessary, said Sorsha with a pout.

"As do I." Tarkin punched in her next move just as the comm went off.

Madame Governor. We are about to exit hyperspace around Vjun in ten minutes. Your shuttle is already prepared for your departure.

"Excellent. I'll be making my way to the docking bay shortly."

Yes, Ma'am. Captain Gaerniel out.

Sorsha finally withdrew her arms to blow her lover a kiss. Good luck, Mira. Make sure to say hello to Sanya.

She flickered out of existence before Miranda could respond. Her mouth stayed agape for a moment before frowning, but there was nothing she could do to quell Sorsha's jealously until they were wed. Miranda was happy enough knowing that her lover realized that securing the throne took precedence first.

With a small sigh, she rose from her chair and slipped on her uniform jacket and made her way to where her shuttle was berthed, guarded by her two Inquisitors. Not one soul on her flagship realizing that they were the most highly skilled men that served the Empire: the Crimson Guard.

[Sanya Tagge]

Since their involvement in the founding of the Galactic Republic, thousands upon thousands of years ago, the House of Tagge had been considered the pinnacle of Imperial fealty. During the Separatist Crisis and Clone Wars, they had stood firmly in support of the Republic and following the Declaration of a New Order, had thrown themselves fully behind Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. The men and women of the family had served the Empire in many capacities, from political and financial aides to high-ranking members of the military. The youngest, and last surviving, generation of the family was no less devoted.

Gallus – son to Major General Ulric Tagge – was a businessman at heart, though his dedication to the continued success of Palpatine's New Order was no less committed for it. Through the company he co-owned with his adopted sister Sanya, he provided discounted ships, speeders, and many other necessities which kept the Imperial war machine running smoothly. While Sanya was CEO to the ubiquitous TaggeCo, her true interests lay elsewhere. Under the employ of the Coalition for Progress, she had championed the development of the previously troublesome Auril Sector, turning the unruly Repea into a haven of Imperial ideals and morality. At the age of twenty-four she had achieved but, yet there were still a great many goals to which she aspired...

Château Malreaux, Vjun

“What is that?”

Gallus Tagge glanced down at the tunic he wore. It was midnight blue, lavishly pattern with a grey and silver design. It gave him the distinguished air of man of the arts. “You said I should wear something smart, expensive... isn't this fitting?”

“Fitting?” Sanya frowned, arms folding over her chest. She looked down her nose at her brother and shook her head. “You look like a Valorum, Gallus. Is that what you were aiming for, to offend our dear guest? You know how bitterly Miranda's family fought with House Valorum.”

At these words, Gallus visibly sagged but before he could reply, Sanya snapped at him, gesturing him away irritably. “Go and change into something else, quickly. Wear the Eriadu sherwani I bought you.”

As her brother departed, Sanya turned once more to her mirrored reflection, smiling at what she saw. She wore a pale silk sari and her platinum blonde hair fell freely over her shoulders. The outfit was also drawn from the fashions of Eriadu, the homeworld of the Tarkin family, as was their meal for this evening, though there was not much could be done to transform the house itself into a more cheerful place.

The dreary crimson and cream walls, the colour of dried blood and curdled milk, told of the Château's age and although the dust had been cleared from the many curios and trinkets that gave the house such an uncanny character, there was no escaping the reality of the place. Vjun was simply not a joyous world, but Sanya knew that with the arrival of her darling friend Miranda, that would soon change.

[Miranda Tarkin]

The Imperial Shuttle Cygnus' double wings folded upwards as it started to descend on top of the landing pad. A squadron of Stormtroopers stood erect and facing one another on either side, allowing 3 meters of space for the honor guests to walk through. Sanya appeared anxious but all the while excited in seeing Miranda. Gallus was taking the last few moments to pull the collar loose from his throat nervously.

The coolants hissed while the engines powered down and the landing ramp began to lower. The helmets of two Stormtroopers peeked over the edge, but when the ramp pushed over fully, a diminutive shadowy figure came into view. Heavy plastoid armored boots thudded against the ramp to lead out Moff Tarkin, who was accompanied by two members of the Inquisitors at her rear.

The honor guard presented arms as the entourage halted half a meter away from the Tagges. The Moff's eyes lit up in seeing her old friends and passed between her guards to greet them.

"Sanya. Gallus. It has been far too long since we've had the chance to enjoy one another's company." Her eyes took in Sanya and how lovely she looked. The sari she wore complemented her figured and accentuated her natural skin color. Gallus looked uncomfortable but did his best to hide it under a smile. If Miranda had to guess, Sanya had bullied him into doing something he did not want to do.

Things have changed little, Miranda surmised to herself with a pleasant smile.

[Sanya Tagge]

It seemed as if the landing ramp took an eternity to lower. Sanya's eyes were locked on the space where Miranda would soon appear and as she caught her first glimpse of the Moff an electric thrill danced up her spine, her lower lip caught between her teeth. Gallus took in a breath and found himself holding it, the ceremony of the suspense getting to him too.

At last, she emerged, flanked by guards. Sanya's face lit up with delight, smiling almost shyly as Miranda approached. In the end, it was Gallus who spoke first. He sketched a bow, his movements regal in spite of his previous anxiety.

“Moff Tarkin, you honour the House of Tagge with your presence.”

His words brought Sanya out of her moment internal joy. She took a step forward and placed a feather-soft kiss on both of Miranda's cheeks.

“I'm so glad you came.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda returned the kisses and stepped back, keeping both of Sanya's hands in her own. "We have so much to catch up on. And Gallus ..."

Her eyes grew close to chide, "... your formality is gracious but is unnecessary. Our families have been close for decades and shall remain so regardless of station. I think we can afford to be informal with one another."

That statement would hold great weight in the near future. If only the Tagge's had any inkling of what fruit had been born with Tarkin's arrival.

[Sanya Tagge]

A short distance from the landing pad lay Château Malreaux itself. Though it might not have looked it, it was the safest place on Vjun, even more so than Bast Castle. Viscount Malreaux had fitted it with numerous traps and secret passageways, and upon seizing the estate Sanya had opted to leave these precautions in place, rather than hiring an extensive security staff. Few people came to Vjun, anyway, and those who might seek to attack from the air would find their attempts thwarted by rather sophisticated shield generators.

“It's quite something isn't it,” Sanya said, smiling as they strode over the threshold. The interior was no less peculiar, archaic in design with a distinctly gothic style - yet monitored always by hidden cameras and the like. Even in the antechamber, flaking portraits decorated the walls, whilst marble busts gazed out placidly from their pedestals, their eyes seeming to follow the trio.

“They say Count Dooku took up residence here, during the Clone Wars,” Gallus remarked, his arms folded behind his back as he walked ahead.

[Miranda Tarkin]

"As I've heard as well. There was quite the battle between him and Yoda supposedly," she began, falling in line with Gallus. "But the Count's trap had not worked."

A lot of Miranda's education was focused, unsurprisingly, on the roots of the Empire, and much of that had dealt with the Clone Wars.

Miranda could honestly not recall the last time that she had last been inside Château Malreaux, but nothing had changed. The same old walls stood strong filled with history, remaining silent in all of the unspoken memories created inside.

[Sanya Tagge]

Sanya watched Miranda moved a little ahead, walking alongside her brother. He had only a faint grasp of the history of the Château. The house was hers; she had chosen it for her new home upon ascending to the position of Sector Monitor. Gallus had visited only a handful of times, yet here he was motioning to paintings and statues as if he'd known the place all his life. Sanya frowned a little and quickened her step.

“Enough ancient history, for now. I want to hear all about what you've been up to Miranda. It's been a long time since we last spoke.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

"I'm pleased to say that most of, if not all, of the Rebel Insurgents have been routed from Doldur. And the capital city is completely restored after their cowardly attack after my promotion," she replied with pride, minus the arrogance. Miranda had nothing to prove to the Tagges.

"Most of my time has been spent hunting down the rest of the Rebels in my sector to repay them for trying to make me look like a fool." Her eyes narrowed while she frowned deeply, the three inch scar accentuated by the folded skin.

It was during the first wave of the surprise attack that she had been injured. A weak panel in the ceiling of her office gave way when the first missile hit. Luckily, she had not been knocked unconscious when it hit and only suffered a minor injury. But even the littlest of wounds served as a reminder of how important the mission was to bring order to the Empire. She lost 5000 soldiers during the insurrection, which left the families of those soldiers fatherless. A reality Miranda was too familiar with.

[Sanya Tagge]

She had not noticed the scar earlier and now felt all the more foolish for it. Reports of the attack on Doldur had reached Vjun, of course; an insurgence of that magnitude put the Sector Monitors on high-alert for any repeat performances. Auril had, fortunately, gone untouched. Regardless, Sanya seethed at the thought of it. A similarly ham-fisted gesture by the Rebellion had left her without a family, and had it not been for the generosity and benevolence of the Empire she would have been orphaned and alone.

“More fool them, thinking they could contend with you,” Gallus said, an air of haughty confidence in his voice. He smiled his handsome smile and motioned ahead, to a parlour room. It had once been the private library of the Viscount Malreaux. It had an austere elegance about it, and in spite of the age of much of the furniture had been well-preserved.

Gallus sat himself in a large armchair, though Sanya remained standing. She walked to the fire-place, with its high mantelpiece, and lingered there.

“Would you like something to drink while we talk?” Gallus asked.

[Miranda Tarkin]

The two Stormtroopers took position outside the parlor as Miranda and the Inquisitors walked inside. Her two men took defensive spots close to either Tagge so they could be easily surveillance and allow them the freedom to protect the Moff in case something unforeseen occurred.

"That sounds lovely, Gallus. It has been a long journey and it would be nice to wet my palate before dinner."

As Gallus rose to prepare some drinks, Miranda sat down on the couch and settled in to relax. She took a moment's glance at Sanya. She didn't sense anything overly wrong, but her old friend was lost in thought for the moment. "Traveling from Coruscant, back to Doldur and now to here does make one crave real decadence."

[Sanya Tagge]

“We are a little out of the way here, aren't we?” Gallus looked up from pouring the drinks to give Sanya a poignant glance. “I've never understood why you chose this, of all places, to make your base of operations. Nespis-eight has perfectly good facilities to offer.”

Sanya pursed her lips in a bitter smile as she accepted her glass of wine, but Gallus did not seem to notice, continuing to speak as he offered the Moff her glass too. “It's a wonder you can monitor anything at all from here. Don't get me wrong, the history and such-” he gestured vaguely to the room, “...it's fascinating, beautiful even, but it isn't the high-tech fortress I'd imagined a woman of your position would need. Wouldn't you agree, Miranda?”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda accepted her glass with a chuckle. "Just because Sanya prefers history instead of high-tech luxury does not make this castle less relevant to your sister's position. In fact it strengthens it. To live here only shows strength seeing as Vjun is quite unforgiving."

The Moff was practically beaming over the rim of her glass towards her old friend. "Much like Sanya."

[Sanya Tagge]

Sanya swelled visibly with pride, her chest rising and her head tilting back, displaying a regal profile as she raised her glass in a toast to Miranda. Her eyes caught Gallus's and she smiled, pleased with her small victory. She was not an idiot and would not be labelled as one.

“Gallus is just jealous, aren't you, brother?” Then, as an aside to Miranda, her voice like sing-song laughter. “He has a bachelor pad on Tepasi, you know. An absolutely gaudy thing, full of chrome and all the gadgets he needs to pretend he's a government secret agent.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda chuckled in good humor at the sibling rivalry. Her thoughts strayed briefly to a thought that often came when she saw brothers and sisters together; What would it have been like growing up with one of her own?

"Bachelor pad is it?" Miranda took another sip of her wine as an image of Gallus appeared; dressed in an Imptel Officer wooing the ladies. She fought hard to not laugh. "I take it then, Gallus, that you are not wanting to settle down any time soon?"

The question was not all innocent. Miranda's tone held more then just curiosity.

[Sanya Tagge]

“I wouldn't say that... I've always dreamed of raising a family... and I'm the last of a great line now. It's my duty to pass on the torch, as it were.”

Gallus smiled. He had an amorous little twinkle in his eye that Sanya didn't approve of. Her moment of good humour felt as if it was slipping away all too soon after it had arrived. Bitter jealousy bubbled up inside of her, that it was her brother who Miranda seemed most interested in speaking to. It was a childish thing to feel but she felt it nonetheless, and no amount of wine would douse that fire of envy. She was a creature of cold logic in most things, but when it came to affairs of the heart...

It was all true, of course. Sanya was adopted, she had been orphaned by the galactic war at a very early age. Though she carried the name of the Tagge family, their noble blood did not course through her veins.

[Miranda Tarkin]

"And a worthy dream it is. The Tagge line deserves to thrive and it is a great burden that you carry to ensure that the legacy lives on through your bloodline. One that I know all too well myself." Miranda sighed and set down her glass, her attention now upon her old friend.

Sanya looked as if she had been punched in the gut. Gallus had struck a nerve and her bitterness was palpable. "I know mother is quite proud of me, and I realize that my father and grandfather would have never dreamed that such a thing would be possible - A woman as Moff. But I am a Tarkin first. Tarkins change the face of the galaxy, one way, or another."

Her excitement could hardly be contained. Miranda was always a picture perfect of calm no matter how tumultuous her emotions were underneath. However this time, the spark of joy dancing in her eyes was not hidden.

"And it's about to change again." Miranda had spoken with Valten about her plans, and had agreed in allowing the Tagges in on what is occurring. "But you must swear that what we speak of is not to leave these walls." Her tone was crisp and devoid of humor. She trusted them implicitly but any talk of the throne required secrecy until the right time. Miranda would consider it a great loss if Gallus and Sanya went against their word ...

[Sanya Tagge]

It felt as if they were about to be introduced to something deeply clandestine. Sanya approached the couches, perching herself on the arm of the chair that Gallus was seated in. Her eyes had not left Miranda for a moment.

“You needn't ask such things,” Gallus said. He was right. Their loyalty was unspoken, but it was iron-clad. They would not have betrayed Miranda's confidence for all the credits in the galaxy.

[Miranda Tarkin]

"I know, but it must be asked given the importance if this information," she said and took a deep breath. "Only a handful of people know what is about to occur in the very near future."

Sanya was, literally, at the edge of her seat. Gallus was looking at her intently but Miranda could tell he was just as curious as his sister.

"The throne has been vacant for too long. Far too long. Palpatines tragic death left a void that could not be easily filled. Executor Sevon was a likely prospect but his methods have provoked uncertainty." Miranda left out the information of his part in the assassinations. The Tagges didn't need to know everything. Just enough. "Finally a suitable replacement has been decided upon."

[Sanya Tagge]

“A replacement?”

Gallus frowned, but Sanya didn't need it spelling out in black and white. Miranda had said that the Tarkin's were going to change the galaxy – but Sanya would never have guessed that this was what she meant. The wine glass almost fallen out of her grasp. Flustered, she sat it down and folded her hands in her lap, to try and stop them trembling.

“Wait, you?”

For Gallus, the credit had finally dropped. He was wide-eyed, like a jakrab in a speeders head-lights.

“Miranda, this is... amazing! This is monumental!”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Sanya had always been so intuitive and clever. Miranda didn't even have to say it and already she knew that Moff Tarkin would soon become Empress Tarkin.

She laughed, "Yes it is. I have many supporters in the Empire. It was how I became Moff. Now with Chancellor Anar and the Inquisitors on my side, my claim to the throne will have merit."

She frowned at that statement. "By my blood and own ability in keeping the Rebellion in line should be enough, as is the love of the citizens of the Empire. But you know how politics go, especially with my gender."

Miranda practically snarled out the word as if were a vile pox on her vocabulary.

[Sanya Tagge]

“Oh, you'll make a fantastic Empress!”

Sanya was on her feet and within moments had sunk down into the cushion beside Miranda, throwing her arms around her friends shoulders. A wave of emotions was welling up inside of her. The Empire had been rudderless for so long. To finally have someone like Miranda Tarkin heading up the entire government, the possibility for change and improvement would be endless. She could already hear the laughter and cheering, the parades that would be thrown in the new Empress's honour!

Gallus was shaking his head in disbelief, yet grinning all the while.

“I'm so happy for you, Miranda. I- I feel all the more humbled, now. To think we're sharing a bottle of wine with the Empress!”

He lifted his glass, looking down at it with the still-same grin on his face. He hoped it was the finest vintage that the house had to offer! Sanya broke away from the embrace, but her hands still rested on Miranda's forearms.

“When are you going public?”

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Not for a bit longer. Anar wants to gain a few more supporters with the Governors before going public. However, we really do have enough support, but the more the better." It was only the vocal minority that were going to be a problem. There were those venomously against her current position and that would only be magnified a thousand fold when her claim to the throne went public.

"I have supporters in the Assassins Guild as well. In case they get wind of things coming my way, I'll get to hear it first." Not many knew of Sorsha's affliation with the Guild. She allowed Valten that knowledge only because he probably already knew it.

[Sanya Tagge]

Gods, anyone who opposed Miranda would fall at the way-side like so much chaff. If she had the support of the Inquisitors, there was nothing she couldn't do. Her ascension to the throne was inevitable, Sanya was sure of it.

“The Assassin's Guild?” Gallus's grin had faded a little. He sat forward, a look of almost childish wonder on his face.

“I had no idea that the Empire had ties to... that kind of thing.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

"The Empire itself?" She chuckled. "No of course not. I just have allies inside there that can be my eyes and ears just in case someone thinks they can be so bold as to try and kill me."

It was so perfect having loyal people in key places. Now it was time to do the same in putting her friends, the Tagges, in just the right places.

"Now as to the real reason why I came here." She laughed and squeezed Sanya's forearm. "As if the news already spoken weren't enough! I need both of your help for various reasons, but mainly I want your help in securing the throne after the official ceremony."

Miranda was striking in her matter of fact statement, but underneath she was actually nervous. Would Gallus be all right as trophy husband? His statement from before caused her concern. He wanted a family and to continue on his bloodline. What she was going to offer didn't afford for that.

[Sanya Tagge]

“Oh,” Gallus breathed and sat back in his chair, his fingertips flexing and testing the fabric on the arms. He looked distracted for a moment, then his eyes refocused and returned to Miranda. “Well, of course we will do anything within our power to help. That goes without saying.”

Sanya's hands remained folded in her lap, as she tried to contain what was threatening to became a nervous twitch, her fingertips longing to lace and unlace. Miranda had a job for them! She had come to them specifically, with some purpose that would aid her rise to the position of Empress.

She was almost breathless with excitement. “Yes, anything, Miranda.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

She looked upon both Gallus and Sanya warmly. "Thank you both."

Miranda looked to Gallus first. His reaction was somewhat a puzzlement, as if he weren't quite sure as to what was going on completely. But his answer was heartfelt. "I am going to be asking a lot from you, specifically, but I feel this is the only way that would allow me the freedom to do what I need to do and give you a place of position, wealth and title as compensation."

Leaning forward on her knees, Miranda brought her hands out to emphasize what she was asking of him. Sanya probably already had figured out what she was asking of her brother, but Gallus was still hanging on every word. "What I am saying is, I would like for our noble houses to join in union."

She let a moment tick away and spoke plainly. "Through marriage."

[Sanya Tagge]

It felt as if someone had just torn the ground out from beneath her. One hand went to her lips, stifling any sigh or cry that might escape. Her eyes flitted between Miranda and Gallus. She could scarcely believe what she was seeing, what she was hearing.

Gallus looked equally awestruck. “Stars at night!”

He rubbed a palm against his forehead, an almost disbelieving laughter taking hold of him. Gallus didn't know what to do with himself, how to react. Her words had caught him completely off guard and although the full ramifications of her request had not settled in yet, he could not imagine denying her – his oldest friend - what she wanted.

“Consort to the Empress? I don't know what to say, Miranda. This is- I mean- I would be honoured to stand by your side!”

Sanya's hand fell to her chest now, as she took a gasping breath. All of a sudden, she felt rather faint.

[Miranda Tarkin]

He was quick to answer, and Miranda wasn't sure if that was a good sign or not. "Gallus, I thank you deeply for honoring my request, but I want you to make sure you understand what our marriage would mean. I ..."

Her sentence was interrupted by Sanya's gasp. When Miranda turned to get a good look at her, she was white as a ghost and wavering in her seat. "Sanya?"

She wrapped an arm around her friend's shoulders in concern. "Are you all right?"

The news struck a cord or a nerve, Miranda wasn't sure which it was, but it was obviously that Sanya was overcome with emotion at the proposal.

[Sanya Tagge]

“Just... a little light-headed.”

Sanya waved a dismissive hand, as if she was shooing something away, and squeezed her eyes shut. Her world was spinning. The personal control that she valued so much was threatening to slip away from her grasp. Gallus scarcely noticed the momentary tremble in her lip, which was soon caught between her teeth.

“I'm just... so happy for Gallus,” she managed, opening her eyes to look at Miranda. Drawing upon some inner strength, she smiled ruefully. “For both of you.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda felt a tinge of guilt. The news of their marriage didn't have the affect on Sanya that she had surmised. She had thought she would have been happy for them, but it was clear that something was troubling her. Perhaps Miranda had miscalculated and should have told Sanya about her new position first.

Yet when their eyes met, the Moff new that something else was bothering Sanya. Her friend was a good actress, but Miranda could sense otherwise. She needed to salvage this now. "I realize that the three of us were practically raised together as siblings when my Grandfather died, and I want you to know that you are not forgotten. How could I ask Gallus to come with me to Coruscant without you?"

Her face brightened. "I want you there too. With your duties as Sector Monitor, I know that COMPNOR would love to have you on staff for their publicity campaigns and doctrine reviews. And considering how much a stir my ascension will be, I wouldn't want any one else at my side to ensure that my campaign is handled appropriately."

[Sanya Tagge]

Ordinarily, a promotion of this kind would have delighted Sanya. In her days as a Vice Prex for the education division of COMPNOR, she had met on numerous occasions with representatives from the ministry of propaganda and always found them to be absolutely fascinating. They were the guardians of truth and morality, who shaped the Empire with the precise skill of master craftsmen. Yet, in this case, her happiness had been overshadowed.

“Truly, we have been blessed!” Gallus had come to his sisters side now, his arm around her. “I can't begin to thank you for all this.”

“Yes,” Sanya was trying not to look at either of them, but she knew eventually it would be necessary. She took her brothers hand first and then Miranda's, squeezing them both. “What formidable allies we shall make.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Gallus was oblivious to his sister's feelings. He was so overcome with pride and happiness at their new positions and the endless possibilities that would await them. He was so innocent at times that it made his presence refreshing. Unfortunately, that trait was making him inadvertently unawares to Sanya's pain.

It was true that her friend was delighted with the new position. Miranda knew that this was exactly what Sanya had strived for since entering politics. It was her dream job. But that was overshadowed by the gloom surrounding her. Sanya's grasp was half-hearted and her statement was devoid of any true emotion. It was as if Miranda's news had crushed her resolved, which was an asinine statement! Sanya was forged from sturdy stock, her emotions molded from durasteel. This was so unlike her.

"Yes," Miranda said in quiet agreement, "Yes we will."

[Sanya Tagge]

With a tight smile, Sanya brought Gallus and Miranda's hands together and gave them a gentle pat. It was best, she thought, to get used to seeing them like this, as soon as possible. She needed to steel herself against her emotions. Distractedly, she glanced up at the ornate clock on the mantelpiece.

“Now... if you'll both excuse me, I think I better go check on dinner.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

The side of Miranda's lip twitch ever so subtly as she looked down at Gallus' hand embracing hers. Obviously a lot of explaining needed to be done still, but Sanya's sour mood had put a halt to that.

"Gallus," she said quickly and placed his hand between hers, "I need to be clear on our arrangement. To be frank, I trust you and not some old slimy politician that wants nothing more then the prestige that would come in marrying me. I get enough of that now and it will be far worse when I become Empress officially."

[Gallus Tagge]

“Of course,” Gallus nodded quickly, his eyes only trailing after Sanya for a moment. He had no idea what had upset her, but he wasn't about to let her changeable temperament sour the evening.

“It is important that you should have a husband who you can trust, who you can count on to be everything you need...”

[Miranda Tarkin]

She smiled at his understanding, "Exactly. We will be husband and wife in name only. I hope that is all right with you?"

This was the more delicate part of the conversation. "I know you said you wanted a family and I understand how important that is to you. It just won't be directly through me. It would be too ... odd."

Miranda chuckled. "You're like a brother to me!"

[Gallus Tagge]

He laughed along with her. Nothing romantic could ever come between them, he knew that, but many marriages were built upon stronger foundations than passion. It was compassionate and supportive love that kept the strongest and longest lasting partnerships together. They had stood by one another, as friends, for over a dedicate now. Gallus was certain that he could continue to do the same for many years to come.

“There will come a time for family,” he said, smiling, “...but let's not worry about that now.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Right." She returned his smile, glad that there was a true understanding now. But her relief was short lived as her thoughts strayed to Sanya.

"You must have noticed it." Eyes drifted towards the doors that she had disappeared behind. "Something had upset her."

[Gallus Tagge]

With one final squeeze, he released Miranda's hands and brought his fingertips to his chin, stroking the stubble there. “Ever since she heard you were coming, she's been in a strange state...”

He stared into the mid-distance for a moment, thinking, and then – aware of the silence – looked back to his friend, the future Empress, his future wife. “She's sensitive, Miranda. More sensitive than she lets on.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Apparently... she mused to herself. "What exactly do you mean by acting strange? This is news to me."

Miranda always viewed Sanya as an equal when it came to controlling her emotions. To hear otherwise shattered that image.

[Gallus Tagge]

“I don't know. Perhaps she was just a little flustered about seeing you again, after our time apart.”

Gallus gave a shrug. Who was he to say what his sister felt? She did not confide in him - would not confide in anyone, not anymore. Ever since she had arrived on Vjun, she had locked away all her hopes and fears from Gallus. Their relationship was still as affectionate as ever, but he felt she was growing somewhat distant, preoccupied with affairs that she did not care to share with him.

“She is a Tagge. She'll be fine.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda wasn't so sure about ignoring Sanya's mood. But he did have a point. They were Tagges. Always able to face whatever came their way with an upright face and cold exterior if required.

She remembered how distraught and angered she was when her father had died at Endor. The rock like exterior remained in place until she was alone, in the shower, allowing the water to wash away the tears of grief and sorrow.

"You're right. That's probably it."

[Gallus Tagge]

“I'll have a word with her later on, don't worry.”

As if on cue, Sanya reappeared in the doorway. She smiled primly, first to her brother and then to Miranda. It looked as if the time away from their presence had returned some of the buoyancy to her mood. Either that, or it had given her time to rebuild the walls that had fallen apart.

“Dinner won't be long now,” she said. “Shall we move through to the dining room?”

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Of course," Miranda replied dolefully, regardless of how much Sanya appeared to have recovered from whatever it was that had bothered her. But as they walked together into the dining room, her mood brightened considerably.

"Sanya..." Miranda smiled in gratitude towards her friend. "You didn't have to go to such great lenghts!"

She had transformed the dining room into the very pinnacle of Eriadu home design. The matching table cloth and napkins were hand woven from the finest silk, probably Anderian design by the feel of it. And she could have sworn that the crystal was a close cousin to the set that her mother had home on Coruscant.

[Sanya Tagge]

Sanya smiled, pleased with the reaction her choices had elicited. Truth be told, even if had not been for Miranda's family ties to the Eriadu, their style of décor was so beautiful that Sanya would have adopted it regardless. They worked in rich silks and dark woods, working tiny beads and gems into their careful craftsmanship. A spicy aroma could be tasted in the air, a sign that their food would soon arrive.

“I gave the ship a recipe for one of the dishes we used to enjoy when we were younger... a little slice of home.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda rocked back and forth on her feet, taking a sip of wine as she attempted to recall the spices that were tingling her nose.

"Ah!" she licked her lips and closed her eyes, savoring the garam and tumeric aromas that had been identified. "I haven't had capsicum in ... Well .. " Miranda smiled shyly, "I really don't remember when. I haven't been back to Eriadu in quite some time."

Pains of guilt came. She really should return home. It had been far too long since she had the opportunity to pay homage to her Grandfather. With a snap of a finger, Miranda's face lit up with her ingenious thought. It would probably cause the Inquisitors nothing but grief, but it would help to increase stabilization after smoothing things out at home on Coruscant. "Remember not too long after Endor, I went out for a public tour (http://www.sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14709) of some of the Sectors to improve moral?"

[Sanya Tagge]

Gallus smiled, nodding. “Oh, yes. That was a great success, wasn't it?”

Sanya, meanwhile, was smoothing out the place mats where each of them would be sitting. She glanced up and matched her brothers smile, though hers was coloured with a hint of curiosity.

“Are you planning another circuit? In honour of your coronation?”

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Precisely! I shouldn't hide on Imperial Center because of my new station. I should rule as a continuing public figure once everything that needs my immediate attention has been taken care of. The citizens of the Empire need me, and the Rebels will not lure me into hiding."

Miranda leaned against the side of the table before Sanya could straighten out the last plate mat. "Unfortunately Palpatine was not too visible in his last days outside of the Core. I want to change that."

[Park Kraken]

Vjun Communication Control Center

Incoming Message, Re: Holonet.

Recipient; Imperial in charge.

Sender; Vice-Admiral Park Kraken.

Message: Request holo-conference with commanding Imperial official of planet Vjun

Awaiting reply...

[Sanya Tagge]

“As your minister for public relations,” Sanya replied, with a wry little smile and wink. “I'd certainly advice that you maintain a strong public appearance. It's so much easier for people to rally behind a name when they have an approachable face to put to it. Not that I need to tell you that, of course. You're practically a master of such things.”

As they spoke, members of the house staff came into the room carrying trays full of exotic Eriadu food. It looked as if the cook had done an excellent job – or at least, Sanya hoped he had. She didn't want to have to fire the man. Whilst the many dishes were being laid out, another attendant came close to Sanya, looking somewhat anxious.

“Madame Tagge, we are being hailed by one Vice-Admiral Park Kraken. The Vice-Admiral is requesting a video conference with the commanding officer on Vjun.”

“Conference?” She frowned and motioned sharply towards the table in irritation. “Does this look like the time for a conference? Tell him that the commanding officer is otherwise engaged, dining with Miranda Tarkin.”

[Gallus Tagge]

Not failing to notice the look of mild peril on the servants face, Gallus held up a hand.

“Why don't the two of you settle down to dinner, and I'll deal with this?”

He smiled, as pleasantly as he could muster. Gallus knew how important the dinner was to Sanya and the last thing he wanted, after seeing her mood sour earlier, was for her to be upset.

[Sanya Tagge]

“You'll deal with it?”

Sanya laughed, sharp and sparkling, like glass shattering.

“I appreciate your enthusiasm, Gallus, but you are not an Imperial officer.”

You are a trophy husband, she thought, spitefully. At least she had one up on him in that regard.

“No, the house staff will manage quite sufficiently. You have to eat too.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Sanya ..." Miranda saw Gallus' eyes sag in defeat. She didn't want the rest of the evening ruined because they were interrupted, but ignoring a high ranking Imperial Officer would continue to make things worse. "The Vice-Admiral has come a long way to arrive here at Vjun. If this was his intended destination, he either requires assistance of some kind, or is the bearer of some news."

She smiled and pulled out the chair at the head of the table for Sanya. "Why don't both of you sit down and begin dinner, and I'll handle this. The good Vice-Admiral would not be expecting me to answer, and perhaps I can handle this quicker."

[Sanya Tagge]

Temper, Sanya... she inhaled, and the breath suffused calm through her. She lifted her eyes and smiled, almost apologetically. If their visitor was the bearer of yet more bad news, she wasn't sure if she'd be able to keep herself so firmly in check.

“As you wish.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda breathed a sigh of relief and pecked Sanya on the cheek. "Good. I'll keep you both informed through the staff."

She smiled at the two of them and motioned for the household staff to escort her. He led her to the lift in silent obedience and took the Moff down to the ground floor. There Miranda was led into the main communication station and to one of the free chairs that had a monitor.

"Vice-Admiral Kraken is holding on line four, Sir." He lowered his head in respect and backed away as Miranda slid into the chair.

Cuing up the transmission, Kraken's face immediately appeared on screen. "This is Moff Tarkin receiving your communication on behave of Sector Monitor Tagge. I apologize that she, herself, is not here to receive you Vice-Admiral. She's indisposed right now and I did not want to keep you waiting. How can I or Vjun be of assistance?"

[Park Kraken]

He was beginning to tap his fingers on the armchair in an act of inpatience, but at last the visage of someone flickered and came through the transmission. When the full features of the person's face appeared, he was startled, for having once been a paper pusher in Imperial Palace on Coruscant, he at once recognized the face, even before Moff Tarkin announced who she was.

Park recovered quickly though by clearing his throat.

"Moff Tarkin, this is an unexpected pleasure. I have news to report of a pirate raid. A band of thieves attempted to hijack one of our commerical freighters in the Inner Rim earlier today. Through the use of innovate tactics and weaponry, they managed to elude us for a while, but we recently caught up to them and either destroyed or captured their vessels and personnel. The weaponry and tactics they used however lead me to believe they were Rebellion trained, which is why I've summoned an anaylsis team from Kuat to dissect the sole vessel captured. However, they will not arrive for a standard day, and I really need to get back to the shipping lanes in case of more pirates being out there," Kraken paused for a moment to let this sink in before continuing.

"Therefore, I would like to request the use of a landing dock on Vjun for the captured corvette, manned by a small prize crew, and a shuttle to ferry them back to our ship, until the Kuat analysis team can arrive on planet and take over control of the enemy vessel. Would you be able to accomodate us on this matter?" asked Kraken with a little bit of respect creeping into his voice.

Normally he wouldn't hesitate to add a little bit of sarcasm into his voice when dealing with a grubby power hungry moff, but this one was different from the others...

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda allowed a small impressed smile come to her lips. Being a stern supporter of increasing their military aid to hunt down the Rebels, the Vice-Admiral's news uplifted her spirits greatly. Her intuition had served her well again and was right in taking the communication. Sanya might have caused a blunder on her part in making Kraken wait.

"I commend you for capturing the corvette and protecting our citizens. I also appreciate your urgency in returning. I see no reason why Ms. Tagge cannot accommodate you. One moment please. I will inform her of the situation since this cannot wait."

She put Kraken on hold and hit the house comm. "Sanya? Gallus? We unfortunately have a matter of Imperial Security that landed in our laps. We need to house a possible enemy vessel until a security team from Kuat comes in one standard day. Shall I take care of the arrangements personally or would you like to assist?"

Even though Miranda outranked her friends, it would be quite rude to not include the Mistress of the house with such matters.

[Gallus Tagge]

A little startled by the sudden sounding of Miranda's voice, from apparently nowhere, Gallus looked up. The comm unit by the dining room door was flashing. He got to his feet and moved within speaking distance. Sanya nodded to him.

“All of Vjun is at your disposal, Miranda. Do as you see fit.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda wasn't sure how to take the fact that Sanya said nothing. Hopefully she wouldn't be pouting too much. "Soon as I have things settled, I'll return to dinner. Promise. Tarkin out."

She ended the communication and resume her discussion with Kraken. "Vice-Admiral? You may proceed to docking bay ..." The Moff brought up a display of which bays were not in use at this time. "... four. I will meet your crew there personally to make sure the arrangements are all in order. Will you be accompanying them?"

[Park Kraken]

The unexpected invintation came by suprise, and for a moment, Park didn't know what to do. The offer of aid had been accepted, but the personal invintation he did not expect from the Moff.

He found himself torn between the need to stay with his ship and direct the defenses of the shipping lanes, and the want to finally be able to meet face to face this very special person that he was starting to grow fond of even. In the end though, duty called first to him, and he decided he would decline the invintation.

'Besides, I wouldn't want to intrude on them more than I already have. It's interesting enough to find a popular Moff on a backwater planet like Vjun. Sacking the spoils of Lord Vader's Bast castle perhaps? Something to inquire the next time I see my old work buddies on Imperial Center.'

"I appreciate the invintation, although I'm afraid I must decline. Duty demands my attention on other matters for the time being. The crew will be headed by brevet captain Jouser. They should arrive within four hours standard time. Thank you again for the assistance, Moff Tarkin," Park started to salute, but for some inexplicable reason that he wouldn't later understand, he decided that a bow would be more appropriate, and did so, before signing off.

Two hours later, with the twenty five men of the prize crew aboard the corvette, re-named the Conquest for the time being, the Decimator leapt into hyperspace, bound for the Inner-Rim regions, leaving the corvette to make the short micro-jump to nearby Vjun.

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Hmm," Miranda tapped at the arm of her chair and sized up the Vice-Admiral and their conversation. He was one of her supporters by his actions and that would not be forgotten.

She snapped her fingers and the Tagges aide leaned over quickly. "Yes, Ma'am?"

"Get your staff to the docking bay and have it ready to receive the two ships and the troops. Make sure that they have the proper accommodations and supplies they need to make their stay here comfortable."

"As you wish, sir." He bowed deeply and scurried off to comply with the orders as Miranda returned to the lift and dinner.

* * *
She opened the doors and smiled, utterly famished by this point. "Everything's arranged and we can finally settle down to eat."

Miranda sat down between Sanya and Gallus and unfolded the napkin onto her lap. "They won't be here for four hours. Gives us plenty of time for dinner."

[Sanya Tagge]

An enemy vessel on Vjun. It was not quite the crisis Sanya had expected, but it was vexing nonetheless. At least, she thought, they had been given the small mercy of not having to entertain some naval officer; in Sanya's experience, they spent far too much time thinking and, regrettably, talking about their most prized possessions – their ships.

“You're back just in time.”

The table was laden with food now, light wisps of steam rising into the air. There were bowls of brightly coloured dipping sauces, crisp breads and much more besides. Sanya folded her hands neatly on the table in front of her.

“Miranda, as our guest... would you do us the honour of blessing the meal?”

[Miranda Tarkin]

She smiled brightly. "I would love to."

Lowering her head, Miranda laced her fingers together and began the blessing. "Thank you lord for which we are about to receive. Our daily sustenance and life that which has been given unto us. And please bless my gracious hosts Gallus and Sanya, in preparing this meal tonight. Aum."

[Sanya Tagge]

With her eyes closed and hands folded, Sanya smiled along with Miranda's words. The blessing was, fittingly, one of the old Eriadu prayers, offering reverence to some ancient god.

“Aum,” she echoed, smiling demurely across the table as she took knife and fork to hand.

[Gallus Tagge]

Gallus picked something covered in bread-crumbs from a platter and, after a moments deliberation, dipped it into a dark, sweet sauce. He took a bite and then nodded approvingly.

“The Vice-Admiral won't be joining us, then?” he asked, eyes touching on Sanya for a moment. “Pity. I'd like to have heard how the naval campaigns are going. You know, I always wonder what life might have been like if I'd enrolled at the Academy as father had wanted...”

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Unfortunately not, Gallus. The Vice-Admiral had much to attend too. He did send his apologies about not being able to join us." Miranda said as she dug into her soup and looked up at her friend with much sympathy. "Do you regret your decision?"

[Gallus Tagge]

“Regret?” Gallus looked a little taken aback, though it was clear he wasn't offended by the suggestion.

“No, I don't like to regret anything. I made my choices and I stand by them.”

Again, his eyes shifted to his sister. He had expected some biting remark, but she was quite busy nibbling on a morsel of meat.

“After all, there is more to the Tagge family than just military excellence.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Of course! I meant nothing by it. As proud as I am of the military, the three of us have certainly proven our worth to the Empire as loyal citizens, concerned politicians, and so much more in the near future. Forgetting her soup momentarily, Miranda lifted her glass in a toast. "And that is a most welcoming thought."

She took a generous taste of wine. The sweet berry taste splashed against her tongue and Miranda was four again, running through the vineyards on Eriadu and stealing her Uncle Laban's arnberries.

[Gallus Tagge]

More than happy to match Miranda's toast, Gallus grinned.

“If only our ancestors could see us now, eh? I doubt there's been a dinner party with this much clout behind it in years.”

There was a great deal of truth to his words. After all, though only three guests sat at the table, each was – or was soon to be – in a position of substantial power. Gallus was the head of a pan-galactic corporation, with ties to most every aspect of business and whose profit could only increase as a result of its owners impending marriage; Sanya would soon become the artisan who shaped the galaxies perception and understanding of the Empire, with Miranda resplendent at its head. Together, the three of them were of monumental importance.

[Sanya Tagge]

“I hope you aren't letting all of this get to your head, brother,” Sanya chided, with a fairly good natured smile – yet she did not speak entirely in jest.

When Gallus spoke of ancestors, she wondered what her forebears would think of her now. Had they been a powerful lineage, or would they see their daughters rise as something previously unthinkable for one of their stock? There was so much to learn still, yet it seemed as if any study into her heritage would have to be put on hold in planning for her relocation to Coruscant. Absent-mindedly, she wondered how long it would take to transport the contents of the Chateau to whatever residence the Minister of Propaganda was afforded...

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Oh come now, Sanya," chided Miranda playfully, "Let your brother enjoy this moment, as should you. We are going to shape this galaxy into a lasting legacy of peace and order that generations from now, they will be revering us!"

The Empress-Elect's smile turned humbled. Gallus with his sweet naivete and Sanya with her grounded perceptions made for the perfect private counsel, one that Miranda could trust implicitly and finished her toast. "To our new era. To our Empire."