Keep Your Friends Close...

[Sanya Tagge]

It had been just over two weeks since the glorious ascension of Miranda Tarkin to the seat of Galactic Empress. To those whom she counted amongst her close friends and allies, it was a wonderful time, full of triumph and a seemingly endless optimism for the future to come.

On top of everything, a matter of days ago Sanya Tagge had managed to secure the capture of two high-priority members of the Rebel Alliance. At that very moment, Dasquian Belargic was being processed by the Imperial Citadel. The deft hands of the Inquisitor's were plucking from his mind secrets and truths which would undoubtedly contribute towards the final destruction of the Rebellion.

All things considered, a celebration was in order. At the request of the Miranda Tarkin herself, a dinner had been organized to bring together those whom the Empress considered closest to her heart. The guest list numbered only three, but between them their political and economical influence was vast and galaxy compassing. Hardly surprising, then, that the speeder the Tagge siblings arrived in looked as if it had cost a million credits.

As they ascended the many floors of the Imperial Palace, towards the suite in which their meal was scheduled to take place, Sanya Tagge briefly appraised her appearance as it was reflected in the transparisteel walls. More scrutinizing was the look she gave her brother, a look of mild irritation crossing his features as she smoothed out a wrinkle in the breast of his pale gray suit.

“You look like.. a croupier,” she sighed, edging his tie back and forth until it was perfectly centered.

[Gallus Tagge]

Rolling his neck – and his eyes – Gallus glanced upwards, away from the disapproving glare in his sister's eyes. “Yes, mother.”

Sanya huffed and her hands fell away from his throat, bare arms folding across her chest. She was a self-taught master of the cold shoulder. Gallus sighed, having no desire to spend the evening on the receiving end of such a chilly attitude.

“Would you relax? Remember why we're here: we've earned the right to let our hair down for a little while.”

There was no reply, of course, but within a matter of moments the elevator doors were hissing open, and the pair stepped out to be greeted by two guardsmen. Wordless approval was given to their passing and they strode on towards the double-doors which concealed the palace's uppermost suite.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha stood before the mirror, Mira's words playing clear in her mind as she waited for the Tagges to arrive. There was nothing to fear. She promised to be the shining jewel of good behavior. Nothing would sully this occasion, not even Sanya. Adjusting her black dress with a smile, she stepped out into the main room as a servant announced their arrival ::

[Gallus Tagge]

The attendant offering the introductions gave a sweeping bow as he spoke.

“His Imperial Highness Baron Gallus Tagge...”

Gallus effected a bow of his own, though not quite so deep. The string of titles he was accumulating as Miranda's husband to be hadn't quite gone to his head yet, with much of the formality rolling over him like water off a duck's back.

“Her Worship Minister Sanya Tagge...”

There was no curtsy, only a slight incline of the head first to the servant and then to Sorsha Kasajian herself. Her rouged lips remained pressed together in a small smile, as Gallus strode confidently forwards, with open arms.

“Sorsha.. it's been too long. You look fantastic.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha returned Sanya's smile, polite enough to acknowledge her as she embraced Gallus ::

"Far too long."

[Gallus Tagge]

“Next time, we mustn't stay apart for quite so long,” Gallus replied, as he withdrew from the embrace, glancing around the suite. All was still and quiet, though he thought he heard the faint strains of music from somewhere within. “I hope we aren't late?”

[Sanya Tagge]

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Sanya joined her brother at his side, stepping away for only a moment to greet Sorsha with a soft kiss on each cheek, her lips barely touching skin. </pre>

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"No. If only Mira were here tonight."

:: She sighed wistfully, but there was laughter hidden deep inside as she continued ::

"You look beautiful, Sanya."

[Gallus Tagge]

The broad smile Gallus wore softened at the edges, a hint of confusion in his eyes. “Miranda won't be joining us?”

For a pair who were to be wed, Gallus Tagge and Miranda Tarkin saw surprisingly little of one another. According to Sanya and her Ministry of Truth, they kept one another's company on a regular basis – but the truth of it was that neither had the time. TaggeCo would not run itself; only in the last week Gallus had been called away to Bonadan to resolve a strike within the Mining Company and then to Corulag, to officially open the latest research and development lab of Gowix Computers. Miranda, of course, had business of her own – the whole galaxy was her business now. Undoubtedly, there was a lot her various councils and departmental directors were still in the process of briefing her on.

[Sanya Tagge]

Sanya did not pout, for all she wanted to. “Pity.”

She laid a hand on Gallus's shoulder, as if to offer consolation. Though Gallus was the older of the two siblings, it was often Sanya who played the part of the elder. Whilst she had come to Ulric Tagge as a wailing infant, apt to tantrums and hysteria, Imperial education and doctrine had smoothed away the rough edges of her personality, turning rough carbon into a polished diamond. Gallus knew how to conduct himself, but when it came to appearances, Miranda's chosen Minister of Truth reigned supreme.

“But we shouldn't let that dampen our spirits. I'm sure Mira would want us to have a wonderful evening, regardless.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha nodded, leading them into the next room ::

[Gallus Tagge]

No expense had been spared in the decoration of the suite, yet there was nothing gaudy or decadent about it. Gallus noted, with satisfaction, the sleek efficiency of it all. It was classy and understated, yet the dark supple curves of the furniture and fittings were high quality. Glancing pointedly at Sanya, Gallus thought how it all made a nice change from the dreary, dusty Chateau Malreaux.

Two bottles of wine awaited them on a low, dark glass coffee table. Gallus picked one out of its chiller bucket and examined the label. “You know I was thinking about buying a couple of vineyards on Naboo,” he said, turning the bottle in his hands, noting the vintage.

“Some.. family-run place perhaps – and a lakeside villa with a pergola. Somewhere warm, with clean air.”

[Sanya Tagge]

Sanya remained standing, deferring to their hostess to direct where they would sit.

“Naboo?” she quirked an eyebrow at her brother. “Perhaps there is a little romance in you after all.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha smiled at that involuntarily, and she gazed into Gallus eyes a moment before seating them at the table. He was a handsome man, and a close friend. She seriously considered the thought of allowing him a night with Miranda if she wanted it. There would be a catch though ... :::

[Gallus Tagge]

Gallus looked up with a grin. “Romantic?” He slid the bottle back into its chiller and turned to face the two women with whom he would be spending the evening. There was a twinkling in his eyes. “Can you blame me? I'm going to be a married man soon. I've every reason to be sentimental.”

[Sanya Tagge]

“Of course you have.”

Sanya smiled, glancing between her brother and Sorsha, wondering if the latter understood the true nature of Gallus's marriage to the Empress. Kasajian was another of Miranda's close confidants – one of the closest in fact – but it was possible that their shared deception had been concealed from even her.

With the trio now seated, Sanya folded her hands neatly on the table in front of her. Her eyes met Sorsha's.

“So.. what culinary delights will be enjoying this evening?”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha noted the look behind Sanya's eyes, and it made her seethe inside. She smiled instead ::

"The finest dishes dishes the Manarai has to offer, and even a few you've never tasted before." ;)

:: The servants brought them a decadant sampling of food and drink ::

[Gallus Tagge]

Eyes roving over the feast on offer, Gallus picked out something - colorful and complicated looking - at random. Just one bite and he gave a satisfied groan.

“Ah, the perks of my position..” he said with a contented sigh.

[Sanya Tagge]

Watching her brother, Sanya couldn't help but smile a little. He hadn't the faintest idea what he was eating, but was nonetheless blissful in his ignorance. It looked as if he had just discovered the delight of a particularly rare cooked oyster and was slurping clean it's shell with relish. Sanya opted for one of the same, the taste of it strong and salty on her lips and tongue. Setting aside the empty shell for a servant to deal with, she watched Gallus for a moment longer before glancing up to her host.

“So, Sorsha.. how are you?”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha sampled one of the delicacies herself, dipping it in sesame ginger sauce before answering. The acquisition of the Manarai, and it's top chefs, after Xizor's demise was a gift that kept on giving. She would also render it's services for Miranda & Gallus' Wedding ::

"Quite well. Business has picked up for me." ;)

:: She smiled and sipped her Rodian Sake. It was well known within the Imperial Families that House Kasajian were members of the Assassin's Guild. Palpatine himself often used the Guild to make certain individuals 'disappear' as he saw fit. It was never questioned by anyone ::

[Sanya Tagge]

There were some businesses that never wanted for clientèle, and one of them was undoubtedly assassination. To Sanya's mind, it was an ignoble profession and one she was glad to be set apart from. Having no desire to discuss the intracies of Sorsha's profession, Sanya steered the conversation in another direction.

“It seems we're all experiencing some.. increased productivity of late. The Ministry is more effective than ever, and TaggeCo profits have risen ten-percent in the last quarter.”

[Gallus Tagge]

Hastily swallowing a mouthful of something, Gallus nodded.

“Our subsidiary, Gowix Computers, has just acquired the rights to a whole new software algorithm which will revolutionize the way we process...” His voice trailed off at the sight of Sanya arching an eyebrow. Smiling, he waved a dismissive hand. “Needless to say, it's doing wonders for the old bank balance.

Everything just seems to be going.. so well. I feel like I'm on top of the world.”

A glance to the left, to the panoramic view which overlooked the city, and Gallus grinned.

“Literally and metaphorically.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha raised her glass in a toast, but unable to think of anything eloquent enough for the moment, she burst into laughter ::

:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol

:: The look on Sanya's face was glorious ::

"To us!!!" :D

[Sanya Tagge]

Sanya matched the toast, though with somewhat less enthusiasm than the others. She sipped from her glass daintily, finding herself content to say nothing for the time being. Gallus was far closer to Sorsha than she had ever been and if left to their own devices they would keep each other entertained for the duration of the evening, Sanya was certain.

[Gallus Tagge]

And so they ate and drank, whiling away the evening as friends were wont to do. As they sampled the sumptuous meal their host had created for them, the trio retold stories of their childhood, laughing as if they were hearing them for the first time. An hour or more later, eyes damp at the edges with tears of laughter, Gallus drained the remainder of another glass of wine as he sank back into the dark leather of the couch upon which Sorsha also sat, her feet curled beneath her.

“I'll never forget the look on your face,” he said, breathless and grinning, as he gestured his empty glass – somewhat carelessly – over his shoulder. Sanya was perched on the arm of the couch behind him, with a photo album laid open in her lap, thumbing through page after page. Frowning, he turned to look awkwardly over his shoulder at her and pouted.

“Leave me to die of thirst,” he muttered theatrically, though the pout soon turned into a expression of quizzical interest as he shifted his posture to see what Sanya was looking at. There were a handful of pictures on the page, but one in particular caught Gallus's interest. It was Sorsha, years ago, in the arms of a rather roguish looking young gentleman.

“Ohh Sorsha.. Sorsha, Sorsha.” He grinned. “Look at you here. Look at you and.. what as his name? T- t... taaar. Tar? Something like that.”

Sanya had finally obliged his desire for more wine and even as she poured more into the glass he was pulling it away, to take another sip. She barely lifted her eyes from the album all the while, only glancing up to see that she was safely replacing the wine bottle on the glass panel table in front of them.

“Young love, eh.. whatever happened there? Bet he'd be kicking himself if he could see you now, eh?” he added, with an amorous glance in his hosts direction.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Tarn Ardsul."

:: Her sneer was twisted somewhere between amusement and embarrassment. Her heart had belonged to Miranda so completley that just the sight of the photograph seemed vulgar ::

"It was little more than a dalliance."

:: Sorsha's eyes met Gallus gaze, and she stared deeply into his face. She felt a twinge of desire, and entertained thoughts of what it would be like to indulge in lovemaking with after the Wedding. It would be Mira's first experience with a man. One she couldn't deny. She was trapped between arousal and jealousy at having to share Miranda with the one man she loved well enough to consider as her best friend ::

"I must confess I am jealous. Mira is marrying the most beautiful man in all the Empire."

[Sanya Tagge]

“Oh, don't.” The urge to roll her eyes was irresistible. Sanya hadn't drunk nearly as much as Gallus, but it was enough to loosen her tongue. When her brother shot her a grin, she scowled and shoved his shoulder. He looked practically stunned, fighting back an even bigger grin and laughter as he feigned surprise.

“And you. Gods, you really are just an overgrown child, aren't you?”

[Gallus Tagge]

“Don't be jealous, Sanya...”

Gallus shook a finger at her and she looked practically disgusted with the idea.

“I need some fresh air,” she snapped and was suddenly on her feet, striding towards the glass partition which opened out onto the suite's balcony. Gallus watched her go though made no attempt to stop her, then rolled his eyes back to Sorsha.

“I don't know what her problem is.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"She's a brat." Sorsha replied with a grin.

A silence passed between them as they sat together.

[Gallus Tagge]

“You know... and don't you tell her this or she'll...”

Gesturing vaguely with his glass, Gallus frowned and sat in silence for a moment.

“Well, anyway, she'd do something unpleasant. But the point I was trying to make was... she used to idolize you. Always admired you,” he added, nodding. “I suppose that's why you butt heads now.. you're too alike, when it comes down to it.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha was genuinely surprised by that assessment, and gazed in Sanya's direction as she replied ::

"I never imagined, the way she always tried to undermine me in school."

:: She looked a little hurt ::

[Gallus Tagge]

“Of course she did.. of course. I mean, she was raised by the Sub-Adults, wasn't she?”

A hiccup caught the breath in Gallus' throat for a moment. He narrowed his eyes and, with a frown, set aside his glass.

“They eat, sleep and breathe competition – and she.. I guess she had a lot to prove, you know, since she isn't.. like us. Really.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha set her glass down. The sake was beginning to impair her thinking ::

"What exactly do you mean?"

[Gallus Tagge]

Another frown, this time deeper as Gallus felt a pang of guilt for broaching the subject. Though the glass partition between them would stop any sound from reaching Sanya, when he spoke again it was in a lower tone.

“I mean, that she wasn't.. born into nobility.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Ah." she noted, pausing to collect her thought.

"Neither was I. Palpatine awarded my Father a Barony after I was born."

[Gallus Tagge]

At that, Gallus sank back into his chair and inhaled a deep, sobering breath.

“We don't know where she came from, Sorsha... and now she has generations and generations of House Tagge to live up to. Father and uncle Cassio were way up high in the military; uncle Silas was a revolutionary scientist; uncle Orman.. well I don't need to say anything there. You see what I mean? She's a Tagge through and through to me, but she wasn't always... she had a lot to proove, epsecially to herself.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha looked towards the balcony with a hint of compassion in her eye. She wasn't quite sure what to say to that, but her emotion was clearly on her face. She felt a little guilty for treating Sanya the way she did. In many ways, they were alike ::

[Gallus Tagge]

There was a long moment of silence. Gallus pushed one hand back through his hair, now a tousled mane, all ruffled like the unbuttoned collar of his shirt.

“Frell, listen to me... like a rambling drunk.”

Smiling ruefully to himself, he threw one arm around Sorsha's shoulders to draw her closer.

“Thank you for being so good to us.”

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"You're Welcome."

:: Sorsha allowed herself to lean against Gallus, resting her head against his shoulder ::