Nightfall

[Sebarek Veros]

Virgillia 7, Koradin Sector.

Sebarek knew his records spoke for themselves, a lengthy testament to his value, and all the hard work he had put during his years of service to the Empire. The Agent had been working for Imperial Intelligence for two decades. His early career had mostly involved undercover operations, and dangerous search and rescue. When his adopted daughter had came into the picture in the most tragic and unexpected way, he had spent several years doing more administrative tasks for the Bureau, which provided opportunities to get to supervise others, be a few agents' handlers, whether on a regular or specific basis. And his latest position on Phindar had him help with operation coordination and logistics, in between serving as instructor for new recruits.

All in all, his situation was a good one; but since his daughter had become a teenager, he had yearned for new challenges, more responsibilities. It was how he had been raised, how he had been trained and pushed hard. That was why he had chosen to join the Bureau in the first place.

When word had come to him via discreet but formal channels, that the Intelligence branch in the Koradin Sector were interested in meeting with him, he had been surprised. He hadn't hesitated, and had made prompt travel arrangements. He had worked in the sector a couple of times many years ago; and knew about the Moff's reputation.

He made his way to the Bureau's headquarters, north of the capital city, almost tucked in the ancient but still high hills that provided a natural border to this side of the metropolis. As he got out of the vehicle, he took the sights in. It was interested how the Bureau had so many secret facilities, but for practicalities retained certain overt locations. It was a give and take that made sense, especially given the vast array of work agents could perform.

After going through security in the lobby, a woman in her fifties approached him, impeccably dressed in her uniform, which provided a subtle contrast to Sebarek's suit (https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/idris-elba-picture-id533513078?s=612x612).

"Agent Veros, I am Assistant Director Vlanasky. Please follow me."

The Lorrdian offered a respectful nod and did as told, his mind already taking in the pattern of the hallways and various faces encountered, as well as surveillance cameras locations. Old habits died hard.

[Tatiana Renkl]

The recent passing away of Director Rikson was regrettable. The man had been a staple of Imperial Intelligence in the Koradin Sector for decades, training many under him, pushing all to excellency, the true standard of the Empire. His loss had left a significant void that needed to be filled as soon as possible. The expected successor, Assistant Director Luran, had proved a frustrating disappointment, when she had accepted a transfer to another sector. While the Moff understood that the Empire as a whole came before all else, she knew that stealing this asset from her sector had been a personal machination. It was no vulgar paranoia on her part. Luran's new supervisor had said as much the last time they had spoken. What this arrogant fool hadn't expected was that two could play such a game. And it seemed that a potential asset on Phindar had been relatively neglected given his records. Tatiana was set on changing that, and make it her gain.

She had let the appropriate committee do their preliminary research, and they had shortlisted three candidates to contact. The Moff had stepped in to bring in Veros. Tatiana had arrived to the Bureau's headquarters, but had chosen to simply observe from outside of the meeting room. It was tempting to just be part of the discussion; but she respected the Intelligence search committee, and wanted to let them do their job. She might be fairly involved as a political leader; but she also wanted to keep pushing her people to give their everything and inspire or scare one another to higher standards at all times.

She knew all four people in the room, awaiting Assistant Director Vlanasky to bring Agent Veros in, which happened within the next minutes. Tatiana's eyes darted to the Lorrdian from the moment he stepped inside, observing him with acute attention.

[Sebarek Veros]

Assistant Director Vlanasky took Sebarek to a room where four other Bureau employees awaited. Based on body language and attire, he believed three of them were at least of same rank as Vlanasky, but that the youngest man was likely a promising agent, currently groomed by one of the others present. He nodded in silent greeting upon stepping inside and took a seat when told to. He had faced multiple committees for many reasons in his career; but he had to admit he was very intrigued as to what exactly this meeting would be about. Sure, he believed it had to do with a potential assignment for him; but even with some digging of his own, he didn't have much to go from, minus the fact that Assistant Director Luran had recently been assigned to oversee the Phindar system; and he had traced her file back to the Koradin Sector. This didn't necessarily mean much, for agents came and went. While some stayed put in a given orbit, many traveled across the span of their careers, even in terms of home base. Of course, he had heard of the passing of the Sector's Bureau Director, a shame for what he had heard, albeit a natural death, which wasn't so common in their ranks.

One of the two men present, the rest of the panel consisting in women, looked at him. "Agent Veros, I am Director Kevern. This committee has been reviewing various candidates for a position in the Koradin Sector. You credentials are mostly impressive; but your path remains quite unorthodox."

The Lorrdian felt baited, and simply raised a brow, waiting for Kevern to elaborate. No need to jump unless specifically said to do as such.

"Several of your collaborators and superiors expressed concerns over your capabilities to be a field agent and undertake high risk missions in the last years, since you adopted a daughter."

Here came the classic argument he had heard many times.

"What is your take on that, Director?"

The panel remained mostly stoic, but hints of surprise at his question to the Director wasn't lost on Sebarek.

"We are the ones asking the questions here, Agent."

Sebarek's expression remained impassible as he subtly leaned forward.

"And I want to make sure you have correctly read my file before I answer them, Director."

[Tatiana Renkl]

Right there, Tatiana got confirmation of why she had put her foot down for Veros being the first candidate the panel brought in. He was a man who had lived for almost ten years with the daily reminder of his greatest failure as an imperial. She had read the files in details, and had looked into his daughter's records. The child had already proven to be strong, stubborn, and questioning instead of accepting spoon fed doctrine. While it could make for explosive individuals, she knew that respect for the imperial ideals could make the best personnel, regardless of specific field. And she believed that Veros was one of them.

Some imperials believed that families could get in the way of true realization; but the Moff believed otherwise, despite her own family issues over the years. Removing bad seeds was important; but having both personal and political reasons to fight could turn a good element into a most accomplished one.

Veros's work history was self-explanatory; but she couldn't help thinking his ambitions that were once quite overt hadn't died despite raising his daughter and arranging his life around her, while never giving up on his duty even when occupying stations that might seem of lesser relevance to others.

His ballsy move as the Director tried to put him in a box from the get-go was the kind of quality she was looking for.

[Sebarek Veros]

Director Kevern exchanged a pointed look with Assistant Director Vlanasky; before returning his attention to Sebarek, who was quietly waiting. Observing the dynamics between the different players in front of him was fascinating as always. The older man seemed visibly dissatisfied with him, meaning he had enough leeway he didn't care to make his opinion known as such. At least the man believed as such, and based on what Sebarek had found out about the Sector, he could believe it was the case and not disillusions. It was good to know the power players, as well as what pawns were subservient, and which ones were rebellious or malleable.

"Agent Veros, your file is clear on the fact that you have willingly removed yourself from most field work while your daughter was young."

Sebarek nodded, having no correction to provide yet.

"You were mostly an efficient field agent, quick to think and highly adaptable. Fatherhood put a halt to it. You immersed yourself in mostly administrative work, and local issues wherever you lived."

Sebarek stared at the Director, waiting for the rest, which he bet was coming.

"The few selected field operations you participated in were successful though; and you helped coordinate many from the branches you worked at. And most of your pupils who made it to full fledge agents have solid evaluations. Yet you rejected many, who were discarded and rarely given second chances."

The Lorrdian allowed himself a very brief grin, as he looked at all gathered higher ups. It was always tempting to pull a smart-ass card; but he knew how to wait for the right time to allow himself such little pleasures.

"What are your questions, Director?"

[Tatiana Renkl]

Veros possessed a predatory side. It wasn't obvious, and his general demeanor marked him rather as a serious agent; but without necessarily the devouring edge of one who knew how and when to end their prey. Tatiana saw that in him. She was keen to recognize danger lurking beneath quiet waters. It was interesting to watch the proceedings. She had rarely seen Director Kevern be caught by surprise; especially by someone who wasn't higher than him in the food chain. It was fascinating really. She could appreciate that the Agent seemed willing to stand by whatever was on his file, when he knew it was correct, even what some people might considered as pure failures. People trying to hide their mishaps were often doomed for them to come back to bite them in the ass.

Of course, manipulation mastery was a skill imperials should possess; but many lacked the talent and passion, and especially the patience, to do such things. Some considered them mere games; when it was a true way of being, the most complex dejarik of the galaxy.

She was so far comforted in her opinion about Veros; but he was now to face the panel's questions, and this would shed brand new light upon her candidate.

[Sebarek Veros]

Sebarek watched the different panelist exchange a few glances and review some of the files set before them. He had a few ideas of the questions that may come his way; but at this point, he was already going through the process; so all he could do was do his best, as always. And his best always had to get as close to perfection as possible, even when perfection happened to be elusive and versatile. So, he waited with impeccable posture, as if he had all the time in the world. In a way, he did, for he wasn't on the decision-making side in this situation.

"How much does your daughter get in the way of your work, Agent?"

No preliminary question. That was a good sign; because it really was what bothered the Director it seemed. He doubted the man had children of his own; and if he did, they were likely mere pawns to carry on a name, left to his spouse's or a nanny's authority.

"Unless I am on a life-threatening assignment; I would give her priority in case of an emergency happened to her. Other than that, there is no reason she interferes with my work, sir."

Lying would have been foolish. If something happened to Yoko, she was his priority, unless he literally couldn't drop what he was working on. He wasn't stupid; he knew that certain cases required sacrifice. And he knew that his family would be there for Yoko, should he be bound by duty.

"This isn't very professional of an imperial agent."

Sebarek knew that the Director wanted him to show his claws. It had been the case since the moment he had walked into the room.

"It is interesting that you would point that out, given the amount of higher ups who juggle illicit lovers, bastard children, shady dealings, very much at the cost of the time they should put towards the Empire. You appear to have read my file correctly, so you know that I have put in more work than some people with more pompous titles than I do."

He saw a smirk appear on another woman's face. The Director seemed quite irate, although he regained his composure very quickly.

"This isn't the point, Agent Veros."

"It is exactly the point, sir."

[Tatiana Renkl]

Maybe to some people, Veros sounded unreliable; but a man who made clear that his family mattered was one that would likely be resilient, ready to sacrifice, and loyal. Without his decision to adopt the little Yoko, she would have become a ward of the Empire. Few personnel would make such a drastic choice; and he had honored it as much as she could tell from his records. While all their loyalty was to the Empire above else, they would be passable excuses of valuable individuals if they had no respect for their family, when said family deserved it. Tatiana herself had a complicated relationship with her own lineage, and her hands had some of their blood on it; but it had been very difficult decisions.

The way Veros was standing up to Kevern was quite pleasing, especially as she knew that Kevern had expected that the new position would into his lap instead of her call for a candidate hunt. While he was an efficient element of the Bureau, she didn't want him with more power than he currently held. He lacked the envergure for such a crucial role. She had no intention to leave the sector's security in fallible hands. The Koradin Sector was her responsibility and she took that damn seriously.

[Sebarek Veros]

It was Vlanasky who spoke next, actually surprising Sebarek, though he didn't show it.

"Your experience in leading agents, as well as organizing large scale operations would be at the core of the position we are considering you for. We understand you have experience with bureaucracy, logistics, and instruction. The latter would be of little significance in this position, for it would be others' jobs.

I am personally curious about how your experience training new recruits has influenced your own work."

The direct demand wasn't verbalized but Sebarek heard it.

"If they start mediocre, there is no hope for the Bureau, or even the Empire at large. Beginners' mistakes are one thing, lack of talent and of motivation are hindrances to the work we do. I have little interest in wasting time and resources when we have new agents dedicating themselves to Intelligence Services."

He paused, observing the room for a moment. The two mirrors weren't lost on him; and he was certain at least one person, if not more, had been watching the proceedings, whether political or military representatives, or maybe someone from a larger scale Intelligence branch. Regardless, he returned his attention to Vlanasky.

"The way we train them also molds them about how they will be players in the hierarchy at large. We need them to obey; but we need them to be ready to think for themselves as well. We don't want simple drones, we have droids for that. We need individuals who are resilient, sharp, and ready to take risks when normal people wouldn't."

[Tatiana Renkl]

Tatiana caught his glance across the room; and if he was as good as his file and performance let her guess, he expected people on the other side of some of the mirrors. It was fairly obvious given the situation and the setting of the meeting room anyway. She would be disappointed if him being doubly watched hadn't crossed his mind. Koradin may be one among numerous imperial sectors; a fragment of a much larger entity; but she took it seriously. Her territory was to be handled with a steel hand, whether it was in a velvet glove, wielding a blaster, or both at once.

His answer to Vlanasky pleased her. Being willing to play with fire was what made most successful and dangerous imperials. The fine line between fervent loyalty and blind obedience could be a blur at times; but composing with such volatile and difficult decisions was their lot as higher ranks. Veros's recognition of having to take risks for the betterment of the Empire was another good point to his candidacy.

The Moff was tempted to directly participate to this meeting; but she knew when to pull strings, when to barge in, and when to observe others do their jobs.

[Sebarek Veros]

Director Kevern narrowed his eyes at Veros. The Lorrdian wondered what was up, as he had the impression the other man had suddenly come up with some grand plan that might shift the direction of the meeting. Sebarek knew that look; and he waited, knowing that subtle or overt theatrics in body language was part of the intimidation game. After all, they had all climbed up the ranks of the Bureau high enough that they knew the rules, and also how to bend and break them when appropriate. He had learned under some brilliant and vicious superiors over the years; been used as canon fodder by operation leaders who didn't hesitate to get the blood of their subordinates on their hands, while perfectly crafty at claiming they had nothing to do with such losses. The current panel didn't scare him more than much he had seen in his life.

"How do you approach cooperation with other branches? Are you willing to compromise?"

Ah, the good old slippery slope of inbred wards either within an agency, or as in this question within the Empire at large. That was a classic; but Sebarek knew it could be the downfall of the careless and arrogant.

"It entirely depends on the situation as a man of your status knows."

He watched for the smallest hint of uneasiness and annoyance in Kevern; and was rewarded as his brief paused lingered just too many seconds.

"The Empire can't afford to have a single branch run the show in all and every occasion. Cooperation between branches, between various leadership is key to ensure our victory over our enemies. I am willing to accept external input when the situation requires it. If a situation warrants Intelligence to take charge, I have no time to waste with power games."

[Tatiana Renkl]

Tatiana had rocked the ship when a situation required it, more times than her records would let it appear, even the sealed ones. She needed people who could adjust quickly and efficiently to any situation. Veros was what she was looking for. She had trusted her instinct when pushing for him being the first interviewed. Frankly, she knew he was the best option for multiple reasons. The fact she could snag a fantastic element from Phindar's branch, after they had screwed her other was a very pleasant added bonus, she had to admit.

She watched Director Kevern lean towards Vlanasky who whispered something to him, before exchanging looks with the rest of the panel. She knew that Kevern wasn't keen on having anyone except himself fill the position. She had already made it extremely clear to him he wouldn't get it; and that if he wanted to retain any sway in the affairs of the Bureau for the Sector; he'd better not get in others' way, including hers. He was ambitious and because of that, he would hopefully not be a complete idiot. And if he were a complete idiot, she knew that she wouldn't even have to pull strings for him to get discarded. He had his share of enemies, from his own sloppy schemes, and if he didn't course correct appropriately, she suspected he would suffer a regrettable death in the near future.

The rest of the panel were reliable elements of the Koradin Bureau's branch; and they would hopefully make him see reason.

[Sebarek Veros]

Sebarek knew his value, regardless of his unorthodox journey as it had been pointed out to him today as well as in the past. He knew what his contributions were; and whatever exact position this panel was looking for, he believed they would be fools not to take him, after having gone all the way to head hunt him in the first place. If he got in, as he hoped, Kevern was going to be a pain in his ass. He wouldn't be the first nor the last. Sebarek would learned quick enough how to maneuver him, although just this meeting had already provided him with useful information. The rest of the panel was a little more bland at this point, although he had watched how Vlanasky hadn't hesitated to cut in and take the stand she had earned by being chosen to sit on the panel.

He had only been on Phindar for a few months; but he had already learned the landscape of the Bureau's branch where he worked. He hadn't all the finest details sorted out yet; but it had been enough for him to fit in. Should he move to the Koradin Sector; it would be back to square one, on a local scale. He would take the chance if offered.

He waited, half expecting to be asked to step outside, in a very subaltern way which always annoyed him; but he knew when to play by the rules. Ironically enough, he could remain seated at the large table. The whispers and looks were always interesting to observe. At the same time, the Lorrdian had loved to watch people since he was a child, years before he eventually joined Imperial Intelligence.

Kevern struggled to suppress annoyance as he looked at Sebarek. "You fit the profile to direct the Bureau's operations in the Koradin Sector, Agent."

Sebarek was about to say something when he heard the door behind him open.

[Tatiana Renkl]

Vlanasky had let her know that the decision was a positive one regarding Veros's appointment as Director for the Bureau in the Koradin Sector. This was as she had hoped; and she was glad that Kevern had seen reason without her having to step in. She would have done it; but keeping agencies operate as they should was important. She had left her observation room,; and soon stepped inside the one where the panel and Veros were meeting. They all stared at us and stood up, including Veros who she realized she caught a little off-guard. She had a reputation about being a very involved Moff; but it seemed that he hadn't given that much credit about rumors for now. It wasn't a bad thing in itself.

"Congratulations are in order, Assistant Director Veros."

Clad in all black, she looked at him, before offering a handshake, for they would be on close enough standing to warrant for such a token of respect.

"I look forward to having you in the Koradin Sector."

She already knew based on her discussion with the panel, that whoever took the helm, would be on site no later than two weeks from now, accounting for travel time, and formalities. Encrypted channels would let him familiarize himself with Koradin in the meantime.

With a last look towards the panelist, she took her leave. While it had been important for her to keep an eye on those proceedings, she had other matters requiring her attention.

[Sebarek Veros]

So, rumors were true. Moff Renkl was the kind of leader to get involved more than a few others. He had interacted with his deal of political, military, and even corporate higher ups over the years; but he was nevertheless glad to see a Moff that kept a personal eye on thing. He couldn't know that she was the one behind the Bureau pursuing him for the position; but he nevertheless appreciated getting to meet her already. He knew that some involved Moffs as such could turn into potential pests when they didn't leave proper boundaries to other agencies. For what he knew about Renkl, she wasn't one of those, at least it hadn't been his conclusions reading through available files on the former Navy pilot.

He accepted the handshake, returning it firmly. "Thank you, Moff Renkl."

He noted how she hadn't introduced herself, expecting him to recognize her, which he did. He knew it wasn't so much a social call, as to mark her territory to him, and confirm it to the panel.

"Likewise, Ma'am," he replied to her words, before watching her leave.

He took his seat back; feeling very satisfied about the upcoming challenge. This was unexpected; but if there was one thing he had learned in his life, it was that seizing the unexpected was crucial.