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Max Cyn

May 29th, 2010, 10:41:14 AM

Staring in the mirror she took a deep breath to try and settle her nerves.

"You will do fine."

She spoke to the woman in the mirror and again took a deep breath. It was Max's actual full first day as the empress’ new secretary. For the past two weeks a temp had been doing most of the work while training Max. There was a lot to cover in terms of certain etiquette that had to be followed. Being the empress’ secretary was not an easy job and the temp was overly happy to get back to her real job of military file clerk.

Again once more for reassurance. "You will do fine."

She straightened out the jacket to her navy blue pant suit and made sure her blond locks that where put up in the back were in proper order. Looking to the bed that was neatly made she looked at the data pad laying on the edge. Then her eyes moved to the door to the adjoining room. Then she looked to her silver watch it read ten minutes to zero seven hundred.

She winked at herself in the mirror and smiled. "Show time!"

Her smile shifted to a more serious but still upbeat expression as she snatched the pad off the bed. She put it in the crook of her arm and proceeded to the adjoining door. She knocked softly twice and someone could be seen moving in front of the door. A few moments later the door came open with a one of the crimson guard standing in front of it.

The guard said nothing and slowly moved to the side of the door. As he moved empress Tarkin could be seen seated at the dining table in her suite. Maximilienne Annabella Cyn pushed her nerves to the back of her mind as she stepped foot into the empress' suite and greeted Empress Tarkin.

"Good morning Empress Tarkin." She bowed her head slightly in respect and waited for response before continuing.

Miranda Tarkin

May 29th, 2010, 11:10:13 AM

Replacing Amanda Sinclair was impossible. There was none that could replace the former secretary that was ever present at the Empress' side. She could only hope for a halfway competent planner with a sense of aristocracy that could be exuded. She had almost lured one of the Russard's staff away, after being thoroughly impressed with how they handled the party, but they would not part with any of them and offered a recommendation.

Interviewing anyone to fill this position was difficult. Instead of having one of her staff fill the opening, Miranda insisted on conducting them herself. Many failed to impress her, some were too timid, others were boldly arrogant, then of course there were those that just wanted to be in spotlight - indifferent to the Empire's needs. The woman standing before her was the right amount of timid, bold and patriotic. Something in the back of her mind stirred when the first met, before Cyn even said one word. Knowing what she knew now, Miranda realized it was the Force guiding her into selecting a proper fit.

Over a month of having a temp overseeing her work load, it would be nice to have some consistency back in her life. Gallus was often away and seeing her mother was a luxury now. The other constant had been Sorsha, her wife in secret, but with her outright defiance and paranoia, she was written off months ago - their vows annulled in secret as they had been spoken. Her only other drive at this point besides securing the Empire from internal and external threats, namely the Jedi and Independents cropping up - was finding her sister. That desire was fueling her will and thus far, her Inquisitors had turned up nothing.

It was frustrating, but her thoughts drifted to the present. She was no longer alone and the Crimson Guards were far from 'company'. Manners still were had.

A curt raise of her head and Miranda Tarkin took note of Cyn's arrival. She hummed in approval of her new secretary's arrival and motioned to a free chair with the datapad in her hand. Approving eyes lingered on the woman's form - hair was perfectly up, the suit had not a wrinkle, and her voice was not delightfully cheery - just professional.

"Have a seat. Have you eaten yet?" She was in the midst washing down eggs and toast with fresh namana juice when the blonde entered. Currently her Highness was not properly dress as of yet. The black military jacket hung loosely over her chest, still to be buttoned on the right side. As diligently as Cyn was trying to impress Tarkin, the Empress did not have to reciprocate. This was an informal meeting, not requiring specific matters of etiquette from the Empress as of yet.

Miranda studied the woman closely, wondering how this relationship would work. For years, Amanda Sinclair, rest her soul, had been confidant, adviser, subordinate, and most importantly, friend over the years of service together. Her death by the rogue Sith Vega Van-Derveld had crippled Miranda more severely then he realized. To him, she was just a co-worker. Some underling that the great Moff Tarkin cared little for. How so very wrong he was. Or anyone with that thought.

Max Cyn

May 29th, 2010, 12:01:27 PM

Max took a seat across from the empress putting her data pad off to the side of the table. She had eaten about an hour earlier not expecting on getting invited to eat with empress herself. Then again the empress could just be, being polite and not really mean an invitation by it.

"Thank you, but I have already eaten empress." Max gave a polite smile as she slide the pad in front of her. She looked over it for just a moment rearranging a few things on screen.

Max gave the screen a confused look for a moment then shook her head. "I think we can skip that part. You have been here more than enough times, but I can run you through the social etiquette tutorial empress?"

She asked in a serious professional tone even though in the back of her mind she wanted it to be dripping with sarcasm. Kuat was the primary manufacture of the Imperial fleet to think the head of the empire wouldn’t have the social etiquette down was ludicrous. However Max also had to factor in that the social etiquette was on the itinerary for every world they would travel to. The empress could not be expected to remember them all.<o></o>

"Or I can move on if you wish?"<o></o>

Miranda Tarkin

May 30th, 2010, 06:25:21 AM

Cleaning off a morsel that had embedded it between teeth, Max caught a glimpse of humor in the Empress' eyes. Miranda was quite competent in Kuati customs, even prior to having its politics dumped into her lap. To explain the Moff of Kuat, Yeart Quenn - pompous arrogant prick didn't do the man justice. He had the nerve to believe in his head that Miranda would actually marry him so he could rule the Empire by proxy. How he actually learned of her impending coronation still eluded the Empress to this day, but thankfully one of the Matriarchs of the Kuati Council had met with her prior to her meeting with Quenn.

It was quite satisfying to see the look of disappointment when she turned him down politely. He was quietly enraged but kept a modicum of calm - for political respect only. Having to treat the woman across the desk was just sickened him. How fitting the punishment to have to have one as his superior now.

Max had been briefed (http://sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18156) about their past - but just the highlights.

"Please do," she said, returning to finishing up the last bits of her meal.

Max Cyn

May 30th, 2010, 12:17:51 PM

Miranda Tarkin

May 31st, 2010, 03:25:40 PM

With much interest, Miranda padded the screen to scroll through the information, allowing her eyes to scan the upgrade summaries and new technology that were included in the latest designs. There was quite a list of structures, computer upgrades, hyperdrive technology, and in the case of the TIE - more shielding. It would be a long presentation regardless. Ten families wanting to be heard before the Empress with at least six different vessels coming out. As excited as Miranda was to be informed of her newest ships, she just hoped the Matriarchs had created a presentation that would keep her interested for the two hours that Cyn allotted. So far, her new secretary was performing well. She didn't even fault her for the inevitability that was Moff Quenn.

"Well," she powered down the datapad and with a bright smile, held it out for Cyn to retrieve, "Good thing he's not."

Miranda had no qualms in hiding her relief. Not that she couldn't put the Moff in his place, but to waste such energy on Quenn was tiring.

"I quietly sent out a feeler to see where the good Moff was located. Conveniently, he's away in the Ulion System. There were rumors of a Rebellion outpost out there that may be targeting the drives." Not wanting to cause a stir with her interest in his whereabouts, her Crimson Guard retrieved the information easily enough by slicing into Quenn Telbun's planner.

"But I would be delighted to see the Matriarch after the presentation. After that you and I have lunch, no?"

Max Cyn

Jun 1st, 2010, 10:29:35 AM

Max reached out to retrieve the datapad as the Empress' continued to explain the whereabouts of the Moff. Max didn't question how Miranda came across such information of a certain Moff's whereabouts without ever passing by her desk. Then again there where allot of possibilities that could answer how the empress' knew and she did not.

"I don't know about convenient but it is one less possible problem to have to worry about." A stern look crossed her face for a moment. "Hopefully these rebels are just rumor." Or at least where not planning an attack this day, she wanted nothing to ruin her first full day.

Max had no formal opinion of the moff she just had a briefing on the man and from there had an informal opinion of him. The moff to say least sound very pompous and arrogant. Not to mention childish when he didn't get his way. Given her informal opinion of the man she kept it to herself. Even if subconsciously if he was what the empress described him as she wanted to kick him in the pills.

"Yes then lunch. Is there any particular restaurant you would enjoy revisiting or shall I choose? I'm sure any place would open its doors for you empress." She wanted to add and if they wouldn't a she was sure the empress guard could persuade them.

Miranda Tarkin

Jun 1st, 2010, 03:41:00 PM

She shook her head, unfazed by the news of the Rebellion and Cyn's concerns. "Personal differences aside, I do have the utmost faith in the Moff's ability to deal with the Rebellion. The last thing he needs is having them cause discord in his system. He wouldn't allow such a slight against his name to occur."

The Moff was arrogant, power hungry, and a lech, but he was loyal to the Empire.

Finished with breakfast, she tossed her napkin on top of the plate and instantly, a servant came to pick up the soiled dishes. The Empress traveled with her own cook and servants to ensure that poisoning wasn't an immediate threat. Leaning back casually in her chair, Miranda entwined fingers together as her arms relaxed, "As for lunch, it's your official day working alongside me. You may choose the restaurant."

Max Cyn

Jun 3rd, 2010, 06:43:04 PM

"Yes empress." She spoke without hesitation realizing she over stepped her bounds in speaking of the Moff. "My apologies." Max bowed her head slightly to show her respect for the empress' words.

"I will try to hold my tongue on such matters."

She remained silent for a moment as sort of a punishment on herself. In her head she was reciting a poem her father would make her sit in a corner and recite twelve times as punishment for whatever crime she had committed against him. After a moment she raised her head to face the empress once more.

"Well I heard the Veille de Paradis has an excellent sea food from Naboo. That it is the only place besides places on Naboo that serve it in the galaxy."

Miranda Tarkin

Jun 3rd, 2010, 08:05:30 PM

She had heard Cyn's recommendation but Nabooian seafood did not catch the Empress' attention. Fingers drummed several times against the table in silence, almost ticking away the seconds in which her secretary mentally berated herself for slighting Miranda.

One last rat-tap-tap against the cloth table before Miranda's hand turned over while an explanation commenced. "You were not hired to be my silent servant. As my personal secretary, I value an opinion. Your opinion. You came highly recommended for various qualities, like graduating top in your class with highest honors in your majors of political science and sociology. Which is wonderful on paper but there is more to life then just school.

What intrigued me the most are the sacrifices you made in order to achieve your goals. Selling practically everything you owned in order to even go to school? This tenacity, with your family far from accommodating, served you well as a member COMPNOR. Working within the Ministry of Propaganda, rising through the ranks, which allowed you to be noticed."

She sat back in her chair, a leg against her knee as hands opened wide in approval. " ... and now here we are."

Brown eyes narrowed seriously. "We are women of action and influence. I would never degrade you into some subservient lackey."

Amanda was much the same. True she was Miranda's secretary, but the young woman had an uncanny intellect that made her as much adviser as she was her daily organizer. Max, she hoped, would become the same.

Max Cyn

Jun 4th, 2010, 07:15:24 AM

Max was in shock by her exploits being put out in front of her like that. Maximilienne Annabella Cyn who sacrificed everything she had on a dream of what she could be one day. Max who was put down in higher education by those with names that meant something. Told by the other Tarkin's and Kuat's of the worlds that she was nothing because she didn't have the wealth.

Even when those people where putting her down she kept her head held high. Not once did she ever invoke her grandfather’s name to try and make her way, she did it on her own merits. Her and her brother where the bastardized grand children of Constantine Tobian originally from lorrd. Her Uncle Galen Tobian was killed on Alderaan when the planet was destroyed. He was married to one Jianna Antilles sister to Bail Antilles.

Despite the fact the blood running through her veins meant something. That by name she was related to a family that at one time had some influence in the galaxy as a whole Max had carved her own path without help. Here the Empress' a Tarkin of the galaxy was giving her the encouragement and credit, she had no words to express her gratitude or how she felt at that moment.

"Thank you empress. I appreciate your words it means a lot to me." Max Looked over to a clock in the corner and smiled. "We all have made some sort of sacrifice to be where we are. Now me and you are going to sacrifice some of this conversation for the elevator and limo speeder waiting for us."

Miranda Tarkin

Jun 4th, 2010, 07:48:31 AM

Miranda was pleased with Cyn's reaction and unspoken feelings on the matter. This encouragement should push the woman to what she wanted, and what Cyn was deserved. It was only up to the blonde to prove to the Empress that she continued to be deserving.

They had much in common in regards to how their political careers had begun. The difference in their upbringing wouldn't have normally been so drastic, but Miranda was blessed to have a nurturing family. As ruthless as her grandfather was, he doted on his only grandchild and was proud to see her thrive through adversity. That tenacity continued after his death, giving her the drive to attain new status and positioning in order to actively destroy her sworn enemies.

But she had other wars to sit through - two hours with the Kuati nobles with one of her Grand Admirals and Cyn would be a test. Having representatives there with all houses present, she was prepared for snide remarks woven between polite formal explanations of inferiority with a smile on their faces. It was just like being at home with her Moffs.

Finally moving to stand, Miranda clasped her uniform jacket in place and made certain that not a wrinkle was seen. "Then we best make haste."

Max Cyn

Jun 4th, 2010, 08:31:46 AM

Max picked up her datapad and stood up moving next to Miranda as the empress started to move towards the door. Max looked over the empress with a smile and a nod. She making sure the empress look presentable it would be bad if for her if a one of the Kuati families found one wrinkle in the empress' uniform. Not that Miranda didn't keep herself in good order but in the world of politics it was always good to have a second opinion and a spare set of eyes.

"Yes there is such a thing as fashionably late but I don't think any of the families will accept it as an excuse."

As they approached the door one the guards opened it for the empress'. Two more guards out in the hall took the lead as Max let the empress's pass through the door first. As Max passed through the two guards that had been present in the room took up the rear. Max turned her sights to the empress opening up a little bit she cracked a little joke.

"I think the elevator is going to crowded maybe we should let them have it and we take the stairs. We could make them take the stair but I try not argue with ones that are armed. "

Miranda Tarkin

Jun 4th, 2010, 10:55:42 AM

She positively laughed at the suggestion. "They would be failing in their duty if not at my side in 'public' places." The hotel they stayed in was for high profiled clients, but even most of the well to do were just an ordinary citizen.

A wry glance was thrown towards Cyn as they entered the lift, followed by only two guards. The other two would take a separate lift because it was indeed a bit cramped for space due to the bulky armor the Crimson Guards wore. As she straightened the buttons on her sleeves, she leaned over and whispered in Max's ear, "Sometimes, I don't argue with them either."

It was a joke, of course. The Guards did answer to her and her alone, but there were instances where their candid advisement was welcomed and followed through.

Max Cyn

Jun 4th, 2010, 11:44:36 AM

Miranda Tarkin

Jun 7th, 2010, 07:57:37 PM

Straightening her collar one last time, Miranda stepped out of the lift and smirked, "You know better. There is no such thing."

It was a joke around the Ministry of Propaganda about casual days that big business often implemented to increase productivity of their workforce. A happy worker was a productive one. After several wasted taxpayer credits, it was found to have zero impact. Even after the report had been confirmed several times, some business kept the 'event'. It made little sense to COMPNOR. Professionalism and respect for the work created pride in the worker. Allowing them to become lax, even in dress, planted seeds of discord.

Two guards led the way towards the hover-car, but they were not the same ones that had been left behind. These were the ones that had guarded the lift that led up to the penthouse.

The morning entourage across the hotel foyer was of great interest to staff and guests present, but all were respectfully silence except those in charge. The hotel manager made certain to bow deeply as the Empress walked by and muttered, "Your Majesty", which was accompanied by two bellhops. The media was outside, hoping to have a word with the leader of the Galactic Empire on numerous topics. The return of the Jedi, the Independents, the Rebellion, her choice for the next Moff of Doldur ...

She looked to Max with expectations. "You know what to do."

Max Cyn

Jun 11th, 2010, 04:38:29 AM

Miranda Tarkin

Jun 27th, 2010, 06:36:29 AM

Miranda had heard most of the speech as she had walked past the assembled press, boxed in by the four guards surrounding her. They were taller then her by almost a foot and in which the angle that they walked beside her, it was difficult to take a picture, let alone an easy shot that would end the Empress' life.

The driver opened the limo's door and Miranda casually stepped inside as did one of the guards. After Cyn's wrap up, she was soon joined by her secretary in the back of the limo. The door was slammed shut and in the matter of seconds they were off in traffic, heading towards Kuat Yard Drives System Engineering Building where the meeting was to be held.

With a wry smile, the Empress looked up towards the woman sitting next to her and offered a congratulatory smile. "Now I wonder how you will do with the flock of reporters once we reach the Yards."

Miranda could be quite cruel in subtle ways, but she had to test Cyn - repeatedly until she could be trusted implicitly. She wanted, no, yearned for that bond that she had with Amanda again. Perhaps she was setting herself up for disaster thinking as such, but there had been too many complications in her personal life. She wanted another point of stability and trust. And if Max Cyn could not become that, she would be dismissed.

Max Cyn

Jun 30th, 2010, 07:02:45 PM

"They would all desire a personal interview with you. If you give them that they would all ask the same question why doesn't anything get done."

Max's reply was a nice way of saying that people in the press where not the sharpest tools in the shed. They all wanted their five minutes with empress' and would do just about anything to get it.

"They are easy enough to deal with because of that fact. Don't show fear, don't look them directly in the eyes, and make sure they realize you are in charge not them."

It was exactly how one would tame or avoid a wild animal on New Kessel. You treat them like a wild animal and you generally got good results.

"Like any wild pack you treat them with the right level of respect."

Max was looking out the window at the passing cityscape through her window. She finally turned her sights to the empress' with a smile. She did enjoy her job even the less desirable parts like dealing with the press box.

"To quote a guest speaker at college. The press is like a peculiar uncle you keep in the attic, just one of those unfortunate things."

Miranda Tarkin

Jul 6th, 2010, 08:15:19 AM

She laughed. Both of them were cut from the same cloth when it came to education and political molding. Cyn was practically quoting precepts handed down by memorable instructors at COMPNOR.

"And here I thought I'd escaped the preachings of Alisa Vanqo," Miranda said with a predatory grin. Vanqo was a frightful woman ... at first. Short platinum blonde hair that was cut severely to hug just the edges of her face did much to accentuate her striking blue eyes that held little remorse if you said something utterly stupid. She believe ignorance was deplorable and that anything could be manipulated into a plausible explanation so that blame could be displaced. It was the art of propaganda after all.

Max Cyn

Jul 16th, 2010, 10:20:15 AM