Connect This Space Between

[Tatiana Renkl]

Times were changing.

New opportunities and duties had occurred.

Standing on the command bridge of the Durendal, her command ship, Moff Renkl was looking through the massive viewport. Her posture confident as ever, and clad in her uniform, the tall brunette was on her way to her first offcial visit to Cloud City since she had been assigned to oversee not only her native sector of Koradin; but the Greater Javin one too. She had already been canvasing some of the latter in the past weeks; but an actual visit to Cloud City, which was a complex but fruitful hub of diverse activity, was only happening now.

She had been surprised when word had come to her that Empress Tarkin was to visit Cloud City as well, and meet her. Moff Renkl had made sure that she would be there to welcome the imperial leader and personally escort her from the drop point into regular space all the way to Cloud City with her flagship. It seemed appropriate and Renkl believed in offering proper respect.

She saw movement from the corner of her eye and watched as Ensign Renzo approached. She gestured for him to speak.

"Ma'am, the Empress's convoy will arrive within five minutes."

She gave her the faintest nod; and spared a look at Admiral Zierask who commanded the Durendal when she didn't take over. "Be ready."

The young woman prompted walked away to relay orders.

Tatiana didn't know yet whether either the Empress or herself would change ship, leaving the decision up to her leader. though either option would be available.

[Miranda Tarkin]

The Durendal immediately picked up the shuttle exiting hyperspace exactly on time. It was Lambda-class and its transponder relayed data that the communication officer began to confirm.

"Ma'am. Lamba shuttle Imperia designation code verified as that of the Empress' personal signal." He tapped in a few commands to relay that information directly to the Moff. "Shuttle is requesting permission to come aboard."

He looked to Moff Renkl, awaiting her response, even if he already knew what it would be. He had calculated a flight trajectory to send out and a message for the docking bay to prepare for the arrival of the Empress.

[Tatiana Renkl]

"Permission granted, Captain," Tatiana replied without missing a beat. She appreciated that her personnel followed protocol even when her answer was a given. Following orders was a quality she valued in people working with her. She wanted them to be resilient and react in the face of danger and immediate threat; and some of them in particular roles were required to think things through to design particular courses of action, but respect for established rules was a solid basis from which to operate.

"Admiral, the bridge is yours," the Moff stated before departing the command bridge, towards the lift that would take her to the docking bay.

Platoons of stormtroopers lined up the path to the shuttle, while Tatiana arrived with her personal guards. They stood at the edge of the pathway, while the Moff covered the way leading to the bottom of the boarding ramp that soon descended.

She gave respectable space for her leader to make her entrance. She had read about the Empress's career and rise to power, knowing so well she had been the first female Moff, which had impressed Renkl back in the day.

With impeccable grace, Tatiana took a knee right as the royal guards showed, the standard prelude to Empress Miranda Tarkin I coming into sight.

[Miranda Tarkin]

Along with the Royal Guards, Imperial Knights lined up with them - alternating as they disembarked. Knights and Guards stoically stood at attention once they reached their position, chosen weapon clenched at the ready against their sides. Once her honor guard was in place, footfalls were heard as Miranda made her way down the boarding ramp. Slowly her form appeared, starting from pristine polished black boots to her brown hair worn long and straightened that fanned over her shoulders as the shadow of the shuttle peeled away.

Miranda had chosen her tailored uniform for the visit - jet black and sleek to complement her figure. It was custom made with the Imperial Insignia on her left shoulder, her House Family Crest on the right, which was a fire wheel hugged by an inverted omega symbol with a sword buried in the center, and lastly her code cylinders secured in place. The left side of her jacket was noticeably bare but she did not require a rank bar to symbolize her station in the Empire.

Her gaze scanned the troopers standing at attention to honor her visit before blue eyes honed in on her escort for the trip.

"Rise Moff Renkl." She stopped before the kneeling woman, glad that more women had chosen the path Miranda had done years back when she was Moff of Doldur.

When she had the Moff's gaze, she offered a polite smile. "And let me be the first to welcome you to your new territory."

[Tatiana Renkl]

Tatiana kept her gaze to the ground until she saw the Empress's black boots come closer. Upon the command to stand up, the Moff did as told, eyes finally taking in the Empress. She noticed the customized uniform, and the different insignia and crests adorning Tarkin's outfit. Practical and stylish definitely spoke to the Duchess and former Navy Captain. Getting to meet another woman who had climbed up the ranks, and who had reached the highest position in the Galactic Empire was a great honor.

She returned the polite smile and bowed her head. "Thank you, Your Highness. I look forward to continuing serving the Empire in this new position."

She hoped to get to speak at further lengths, but keeping it to the point for now seemed appropriate. Soon enough, they headed towards the exit of the docking bay.

"Quarters have been prepared for you, Your Highness. We are but a short light jump away from Bespin and will reach Cloud City in four hours."

She was hoping to get an opportunity to speak with the Empress privately; and was equally honored at the possibility that the Empress might eventually join her on the bridge closer to arrival, but she aimed to be a welcoming hostess as well. Such a thing had been drilled into her since childhood by her mother. The Renkl hospitality had always been a reason for pride in the family.

[Miranda Tarkin]

She dismissed the quarters with a brief raise of her hand. "Thank you for your hospitality, but I'll accompany you back to the bridge."

The Empress was eager to see Bespin when they approach, and to reunite with the Baroness that oversaw operations - her dear sister-in-law and friend, Sanya Tagge. She was also excited to be back aboard a Star Destroyer. Miranda's had been converted into her flagship and the Wilhuff remained protecting Imperial Center as a testament to her grandfather's legacy.

Her attention broke away from Renkl and gave a non-verbal cue for two Imperial Knights to break formation and move ahead to the lifts, entering first. Miranda entered next, then Renkl and lastly the two Imperial Knights. One of the knights started the lift to the bridge. The rest of the Empress' guards would meet them there in separate lifts or go through guard protocols depending on their tasks.

"I value your commitment to Imperial educational interests, Moff Renkl. It aligns with my vision. A vision that I first found a passion for since I was in the Sub-Adult Groups." She kept her focus ahead at the closed grey doors between her guards.

Her view was overall benevolent, since it included poorer citizens. The price, enrolling in military academies and serving. The offer allowed great opportunity that wasn't there before and stoked the fires of loyalty where unrest had been.

[Tatiana Renkl]

Tatiana nodded to the Empress upon her decision to go back to the bridge with her. She had thought it might be the case; but nonetheless she had wanted to make sure that Tarkin's needs could be met. She fell in stride with the Empress as they headed, along with her escort, towards the lift that would take them to their destination. Tatiana understood the gravity of being in the imperial leader's presence; but the increased security, including the imperial knights didn't perturb her at all. She knew how to appreciate personal guards, as well as protocols, thanks to her education.

"Thank you, Your Highness," she replied to the Empress's praise of her commitment to Imperial education. "The Sub-Adult Groups provided for many of the Empire's finest. Promoting strong values and ensuring that merit can pay off for those who weren't born in the higher strata of society."

She also believed that military experience was beneficial to many, even those who eventually chose other paths.

"While war can be an efficient teacher; using times of truce to prepare the new generations provides particular opportunities."

As they reached the bridge, Tatiana exited in appropriate order in the Empress's presence and her royal guard. As they reconvened with the rest of the guards, the Moff got on the bridge, and the silence that manifested everyone's reaction to the Empress's apparition was brief but potent with the deserved respect to the leader.

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Precisely. The Empire needs a solid foundation with its people to secure its future. Peace is a luxury and only fools sit idly and do nothing to prepare for the inevitability of military actions. There are forces within the galaxy always hungry for power. We need to be the ones that claim it ..."

The lifts opened as Miranda finished her thoughts.

"... and to defend ourselves from lesser beings that believe they're superior to us."

Her smile exuded with pride and arrogance of that statement.

The bridge crew were surprised that Tatiana had returned with the Empress and all rose to attention. Guards flanked Miranda and Tatiana as her knights casually walked among officers and technicians, gleaning emotions and assessing aptitude for their assigned roles.

Miranda walked with Tatiana across the command walkway, the bridge crew watching solemnly and dutifully, many never believing that they would have a chance to see the Empress in person.

One thought Miranda was a lot shorter than he imagined but definitely would be keeping that to himself. No way in any lifetime would he dare to express that opinion aloud on the same ship as the Empress herself and with the formidable Imperial Knights so close!

"Always an impressive view from here." Miranda clasped her hands behind her back before the expansive view of the Bespin system through the viewports. The gaseous planet was currently displaying an electrical storm in the lower hemisphere. Flashes of light peppered through the yellow and orange swirling clouds.

[Tatiana Renkl]

Tatiana found herself in strong agreement with the Empress. She knew some belligerent elements believed that war was the one true teacher; and that peace or cold war or however one wanted to call the current galactic climate, was unbecoming to the true strength of the Empire. The Moff found them naive and their lack of vista disturbed her. It was one of the reasons why she supported educational endeavors with such vigor.

She smiled to Tarkin's words. "Sitting idly goes against imperial values," she observed.

After all, the progress the Empire made in any regard, politics, trade, scientific and technological research, military training would pay off both in times of peace and all the more in times of conflict. It was how they would prevail down the line. And if the enemy ever thought that the Empire was simply standing by without true power in hand, that would be their mistake. And Tatiana would be there to see them meet their demise.

As she stood with the Empress on the command bridge, she observed from the corner of her eye as the imperial knights canvased the various imperials serving there. She had faith in her crew, and didn't bat an eye as they were probed.

Looking at the Bespin system unraveling before them, she smiled, proud of her new accomplishments.

"The sector has been growing in corporate power; and I plan to participate to such growth with new partnerships within and across sectors, as well as putting in place new financial incentives, and streamline resource acquisitions."

She had done significant research and already discussed with several imperial officers who had worked in the Greater Javin Sector; but it was also why she personally wanted to come to Cloud City as soon as she was, so she would obtain more primary contacts.

[Miranda Tarkin]

Tatiana's outline was vague, but it did pique the Empress' curiosity. "Care to elaborate, Moff Renkl?"

She had the undivided attention of Empress Tarkin and Miranda was giving her the floor. It was not an opportunity to squander.

[Tatiana Renkl]

When the Empress gave her the floor, the Moff took the opportunity. She was well aware that it was a privilege, and she wasn't the kind of person to pass on valuable opportunities.

"Thanks to Baroness Administrator Tagge, Cloud City has been flourishing in the last years. While this remains a hub of legal and shady endeavors, it has grown as a trade hub. I want to build upon what my predecessor had begun to do with Tibannapolis. It can become a secondary hub, potentially more corporate than trade and entertainment, which would remain the focus of Cloud City."

There was no reason to switch gears when something worked well.

"The Greater Javin Sector has multiple solid resources, especially mineral, whether for energy or construction. While some businesses have already orbited Cloud City, a partial centralization to Tibannapolis would make it easier, both within the system, and by extension for trades across the Empire."

She looked at Bespin taking more space through the viewport, indicating that the final micro jump into hyperspace was likely imminent.

"By consulting the Baroness Administrator, and meeting with relevant individuals on Cloud City during this first visit, I hope to set foundations to carry this plan forward. I will also visit other complexes and facilities across the sector in the upcoming weeks. While Cloud City and Tibannopolis are front and center, it is important to confirm our presence across the system, and also support those who have been participating into making it a more attractive and lucrative region."

[Miranda Tarkin]

The praise for Sanya warranted. Her dearest friend had refocused her efforts at Cloud City to re-establish her name since losing a valuable prisoner. Renkl's plan to expand on that was bold to say the least. Bespin was already a gem of prosperity for the Empire. If more legitimate businesses could be persuaded to establish themselves on Tibannapolis. Bespin would have two highly sought out cities depending on needs. It would take a lot of face time and Renkl remaining in system, like she admitted, but if was a solid vision that could blossom.

"I'd like to be present for the initial discussions." It was spoken with practice politeness, but it was no request. "With both Tagge and the other admins."

[Tatiana Renkl]

Tatiana knew she was at a crossroad in terms of planning. As much as she had done her research and already established contact and course of preliminary actions for the weeks and months to come, she knew that her direct networking with Cloud City administrators, business folks, as well as across the Greater Javin Sector, would influence how her goals would come to life. It was a challenge she felt confident about though. Renkls didn't balk at the sight of a difficult task.

When the Empress expressed interest about being present for the initial discussion, she nodded.

"Of course, Your Highness."

While it seemed like a natural courteous answer to give to the leader of the Galactic Empire, the Moff meant it anyway. She actually appreciated that Tarkin was invested enough to partake in these early talks.

Admiral Zierask walked up to them, and waited until Tatiana looked at him. "Ma'am, we're ready for the jump."

It wasn't long before the Moff ordered the crew to proceed to this micro jump, that took them much closer to Cloud City within a matter of minutes.

Once back in normal space, the sight of their destination took most of the sight through the viewport.

"If Your Highness has particular desiderata for the Sector, I remain at Your disposal to implement them, of course."

Tatiana wasn't waiting for any sort of check list; but given the Empress had personally traveled her, it only seemed courteous to put this on the table. She knew the Empress didn't need her invitation to do as such if she wished to; but the Moff was nevertheless intent on showing her willingness. After all, they all climbed up the ranks due to both personal hard work and intelligence, as well as knowing when suggestions and orders served the greater good.

[Miranda Tarkin]

"And I appreciate that, Moff Renkl. I'm sure there will be more discussion of that after the first negotiations, hm?" She respected Renkle's polite inclusion. Miranda had full jurisdiction to do whatever she wanted but formal courtesy went a long way in her eyes.

"For now, let's properly greet our hostess. Let Baroness Tagge know to prepare for our arrival."

She was equally anxious to see her dear Sanya and begin this new chapter in the prosperity of Bespin.

[Tatiana Renkl]

"I highly value a leader who gets involved, Your Highness," Tatiana replied with a smile and utmost sincerity. She understood well enough that the higher one climbed up the ranks, the less time they had for certain matters; but ensuring that they remained in direct contact with certain aspects of their jurisdiction and subalterns was important in her view.

"There will be," she said about more discussion after the first meetings.

Tatiana nodded to the Empress's wish to contact Baroness Tagge. She looked at Communication Officer Alara, who had been waiting for the order to announce their arrival. She contacted Cloud City's officials at once.

Lieutenant Higor waited to speak to the Moff, which she allowed him to.

"Empress Tarkin's shuttle remains ready, ma'am; and yours is being prepared in the adjacent docking bay."

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Tell the crew to cease preparations of Moff Renkl's shuttle. She will be accompanying me in mine, Lieutenant."

Miranda was not frugal by any stretch of the imagination, but it was a waste of resources to have two shuttles prepped that were going to the same location. Sanya could arrange transport for Renkl to return here when the Moff's work was done.

[Tatiana Renkl]

The Lieutenant was taken aback; and spared the quickest glance at the Moff, whose composure remained impassible, before bowing, assuring the Empress it would be done as told, and walking away at once to relay the royal decision.

Tatiana gave a respectful nod to the Empress herself. "Thank you, Your Highness," she simply said, seeing little use to rely on extensive rambling.

She conferred with the communication officer one last time, and returned temporary command to Admiral Zierask for she was departing soon.

"Let us return to your shuttle, Your Highness," she offered, for it was time for them to get ready to fly to Cloud City and meet with the Baroness who was now well aware of their imminent arrival.Th

The Moff was very appreciative of the opportunity to speak with the Empress, and of the imminent beginning or negotiations and projects for the future of the Greater Javin Sector with appropriate actors.

[Sanya Tagge]

The Baroness Administrator of Bespin did not greet each visitor to Cloud City personally, but Miranda Tarkin was no ordinary visitor.

It was not often that the Empress deigned to visit Cloud City, but when she did, Sanya Tagge was always prepared. The shift from the normality of life in the Administrator’s Palace to readiness for such an important guest was one that Sanya had ensured was as smooth and efficient as possible. Appointments were rescheduled, extra security details were summoned.

From her office, Sanya tracked the progress of the Empress’s shuttle, waiting until the last possible moment to make her way to the Palace’s private landing pad. Two columns of immaculately dressed Stormtroopers had fallen into step behind the Baroness and on arrival at the landing pay, they fanned out into a defensive formation, scanning their surroundings for any threat. There would be none, of course. There could be none. The Baroness would not allow it.

As the shuttle touched the ground, Sanya watched the spot where she knew the boarding ramp would lower too, feeling a familiar shiver of anticipation.

[Miranda Tarkin]

The Empress' entrance was just as grand as when she joined Tatiana aboard The Durendal - her majesty's honor guard of Imperial Guards and Knights filed out two by two in perfect unison once the ramp touched down. With her personal guards in place, Miranda made her way down without the curious glances towards the Stormtroopers that the Baroness had summoned to greet her. She knew her old friend would provide proper tribute for her Empress. Blue eyes were fixed on Sanya with private delight in truly seeing her, memory failing the last time they shared physical space. Holoimages from the 'net never did Sanya's beauty justice.

Renkl followed in step behind Miranda until the Empress halted within arm length to Bespin's administrator, a smile tugging at her lips. "Baroness Tagge ... it's good to see you again."

There was always more she wanted to say and do but there was a time and place for that.

She took a step to the side and shifted to extend a hand towards Renkl. "May I present Moff Tatiana Renkl, newly minted governor of Greater Javan."

[Tatiana Renkl]

The short shuttle trip to Cloud City was mostly spent in comfortable silence and a few exchanged words. Tatiana was honored to get to speak with the Empress, but she was also confident in using this time to its fullest, which meant that useless babbling wasn't on her mind.

The Moff actually used some of the time to review a couple of messages she received from the Koradin sector that were urgent while they landed and the Empress's guard deployed first. She fell in stride somewhat behind the Imperial leader with ease and genuine respect.

She observed the reunion between Baroness and Empress, taking in the view of Tagge in the flesh for the first time.

Once their Empress introduced her, Tatiana stepped forward and smiled to the blonde, nodding in greetings.

"A pleasure to meet you, Baroness. I look forward to working with you."

[Sanya Tagge]

“Your majesty.”

The sight of her Miranda Tarkin, up close, did unsettling things to Sanya. Her pulse quickened and a reckless part of her cried out for the chance to claim the Empress’s lips with a covetous kiss - but... no. They had spent too long apart, but there was little time for her to savour this moment of reunion, not in the way that she wanted to. Instead, the Baroness of Bespin was the picture of composure and Imperial hospitality.

“Governor Renkl.”

With some reluctance, Sanya pulled her attention away from the Empress to the woman at her side. She took in the clean, crisp lines of the Moff’s uniform, her smile, the slight lift of her chin. An unconscious reflex compelled Sanya to push her shoulders back, just a touch, as the curved bow of her lips mirrored the Governor’s.

“I had a somewhat challenging working relationship with your predecessor, but I’m certain that the two of us can accomplish great things together.”

Turning a fraction, she gestured towards the walkway that would lead them into the Administrator’s Palace.

“Please, come inside and we can discuss what brings you both to Cloud City today.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Thank you, Baroness."

Miranda stepped forward to walk alongside Sanya and invited Tatiana to join her on the opposite side. She appreciated the simple pleasantries of being near the baroness under the guise of protocol.

Her honor guard's stoicism broke as they began to follow alongside the trio of women in a protective formation.

"Renkl's given me a brief synopsis of her plans. They're bold."

She spared a shrewd glance towards Sanya.

"I know you appreciate boldness. As long as it's profitable for Cloud City. And this has the potential to do so with a collaborative, long term investment."

[Tatiana Renkl]

Tatiana silently observed the interaction between the Empress and the Baroness, waiting for her time to be acknowledge with ease. She was grateful for the opportunity, and seized any moment to discuss business when available. Yet she was keenly used to polite pleasantries and socializing instants that eventually built up greater connections, which would all serve the Empire.

She nodded to the greetings and the remark about the previous Moff of the Greater Javin.

"So I understood," she replied crisply.

That wasn't a complaint about the Baroness at all. For what she had gathered her predecessor had had ideas; but his approaches and planning skills appeared lacking to the Moff. She had wondered whether he had ever got his hands dirty enough to understand the complexities and the extensive potential of a sector just as the one in which Cloud City dominated.

As she fell in step with the two other women, she bowed her head to the Empress's praise of her plans, before returning her attention to the Baroness.

"This is why I wanted my first official visit to Cloud City to provide time to speak with you, Baroness. Your significant experience administrating the City is relevant to the fine tuning of my plans, so we can move forward in the most efficient manner. As Her Majesty said, I have a rather long-term vista for both Cloud City and Tibannapolis, and then the sector at large."

There was no sugar-coating or ego-fluffing coming from Renkl. She called it as she saw it, and did want to do great work; but she understood that Cloud City included certain organizations that were not all the most legal around but that were tolerated for certain purposes. Beginning with the actual administrator remained the smartest plan though.

[Sanya Tagge]

“How fascinating,” Sanya said, smiling first at the Empress and then Tatiana. “I can’t wait to hear more.”

The walk to the Administrator's Palace was short and within moments a soundless turbolift carried the party to the higher levels of the tower, to an office with a panoramic vista of the sky. The walls were sparsely decorated, with only a few ornamental pieces that marked the space as Sanya’s: framed documents from her previous appointments; images of the Tagge family, including her father, during various graduation or passing out ceremonies, and one picture of Sanya and Miranda, along with other young Imperials, in their Sub-Adult Group uniforms. The furnishings were likewise minimal: a large, clutter-free desk; a selection of soft-furnishings in muted tones.

The guards needed no instruction, silent and discreet as they took their positions at the edges of the room. The Baroness Administrator came to a halt in front of her desk, turning to face the other two women.

“In the interest of efficiency, shall we get right to the point? What are your plans for my city, governor?”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda's eyes passed across Sanya's office to see if anything had changed since she was last here and noticed little had - just a few decorative pieces. She clasped hands behind her back after Sanya addressed them and would silently observe the conversation for now. Yes she approved of what Tatiana had planned and already gave an endorsement of sorts arriving with the new governor, but it was Sanya's call.

Administrator and Governor had to come to a mutually agreed upon decision on what they felt was a proper vision for Cloud City and she was confident the two of them would mediate a conclusion that was profitable for both parties. Miranda's interest was now a simple facilitator and hear how Cloud City's future would unfold and would chime in when necessary.

[Tatiana Renkl]

Tatiana took in the sights of the short walk to the Administrator's office, as well as the decoration of Tagge's sanctum. It fell in line with what she had read about the woman, as well as her insight from their brief interaction so far. The woman was efficiency incarnate, or so she appeared; but her results supported such a conclusion.

"We shall, Baroness," Tatiana replied without missing a beat.

Wasting time was not something she favored, and she appreciated others who partook in such efficient ways.

"You have consolidated Cloud City as a hub of trade and entertainment, blending the legal and the less legal for better profit for the Empire. I plan to carry on what my predecessor had hoped for, which is the rise of Tibannapolis as true twin city to your domain. It would be a remarkable business and industrial hub, that could help centralize dealings and supplies runs across the Greater Javin Sector. While Cloud City and Tibannapolis operate as decision centers, I am planning to support financial incentives for more industries to make the best of the many natural resources the sector as a whole possesses."

The way she spoke made it clear that she had studied it and crafted a plan based on a lot of thinking, for it was no simple rehearsed speech.

"Neutral organizations have been eying the sector, mostly thanks to your work in Cloud City, for several years, and these new plans would allow to have them establish themselves more permanently on imperial ground, where they have opportunities lacking elsewhere."

[Sanya Tagge]

“The… less legal?” Sanya’s chin lifted, a slight wrinkle forming between her eyebrows. “I am keen that Cloud City and the wider sector should prosper, but not at the expense of our adherence to the Imperial Charter, Governor Renkl. All businesses operating within the city must do so within the bounds of Imperial law.”

The Baroness sat down, perched on the edge of her desk, with one leg crossed over the other.

“I assume, based on your proposal, that you already have enterprises in mind who might benefit from your… incentives?”

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda quirked a brow at the governor's bold statement with regards to illegal dealings, insinuating that Sanya had a hand in overseeing it. Back aboard the ship, Tatiana had commented that Cloud City's illegal dealings had made the community here prosper, but to phrase it so plainly was either brilliance or arrogance. Tatiana would need to explain herself because Imperial interests were always legal on the surface. Attempting to cement a new relationship by suggesting otherwise this early was premature.

Eyes on Sanya, she nodded with agreement and waited patiently beside the desk to hear Tatiana's response

[Tatiana Renkl]

Tatiana didn't flinch at the Baroness's response, for it was much expected. Under other circumstances, and especially with different audiences, she would have chosen a different wording; but the current meeting made her bold statement possible. She remained a paragon of pristine politeness.

"Without your overseeing, Cloud City would risk being overrun by the underworld. As much as the Empire's best interest is always our agenda, relying on hired aid can make or break a situation."

There was no shroud of mystery over how Tatiana's family and the imperial loyalists had hired mercenaries and bounty hunters to squash the civil war that had happened on Virgillia 7 years ago, when the Moff was much younger. That was how she had learned that thinking outside the box could be a life-changer.

"We have no reason to be lenient towards any threat; but it would be a shame not to use all resources available on Cloud City. If we tolerated nothing unusual but useful, Cloud City wouldn't be so attractive, nor remain a beacon of imperial power, especially thanks to the Tagges."

She wasn't flattering the Baroness; but was saying it as she saw it. And really, what she saw in terms of success for the City was Sanya Tagge's hard work more than what the previous Moff had directly done.

"This is why it is time to expand to Tibannapolis and consolidate the development of the Greater Javin Sector."

She produced a datacard from her breast pocket and slid it on the Baroness's desk.

"You will find a list of companies I have in mind. Some already have local business agreements and practices; but others rarely operate around. Also attached are details regarding why they will see potential in building greater ties with this sector, and consider Tibannapolis a solid base of operations for some of their trade."

[Sanya Tagge]

Taking the data card to hand, Sanya appraised the list with a cursory glance.

“My brother ought to look at this,” she said, looking for a moment to the Empress. “TaggeCo may wish to acquire some of these businesses.”

Eyes shifting back to Tatiana, the Baroness offered a tight smile.

“Providing our mining operations are not disrupted, I see no reason why Tibannapolis should not thrive as Cloud City does.”

[Miranda Tarkin]

A smile crossed her lips at the mention of Gallus. He may want to cut out the middle man and purchase businesses as Sanya suggested to make the expansion easier. It would give him a new little project and if both Miranda and Sanya approached him on a united front, he usually just agreed to whatever they asked to make them happy.

"Have you ran the numbers on potential disruptions and how to work around them when developing the area?"

[Tatiana Renkl]

Tatiana nodded to Tagge's observation about her brother. She had expected it a likely possibility.

"This could streamline the process; and some of these businesses are flourishing but could be regrouped in a more efficient way."

She turned her attention to the Empress again, when another question was asked. She appreciated that the imperial ruler also pushed for more details, once again proving her interest in the well-being on the Empire, even when it wasn't a direct or consistent involvement that normally was handled at other levels of the imperial hierarchy.

"Yes. Projections were made on a three, five, and ten years schedules."

She looked back at the Baroness.

"These numbers will of course be fine-tuned; but the numbers were ran by two different teams before compilation."

She trusted that Tagge would want to check things for herself and provide valuable input; but having a basis from which to work had seemed like the smartest way to go.

[Sanya Tagge]

Sanya had no doubt that the Governor’s numbers had been thoroughly checked. The Empress herself would not have escorted Tatiana Renkl to Bespin if she was not a woman to be trusted. Still, in spite of that ringing endorsement, protocol dictated that Sanya would have the calculations checked later. It was no slight against Tatiana, merely a necessary precaution that all servants of the Empire took. Even the smallest oversight could lead to catastrophe, after all. Putting such grim thoughts of the past aside before they cast a cloud over her, Sanya set down the datapad on the desk beside her.

“How soon do you hope to begin all of this, Governor?”

[Miranda Tarkin]

"We chatted a little before our arrival and I would wager a few months to lay the ground work," Miranda offered. "Renkl has quite the tour here and in Tibannapolis to pull interest."

It was going to be a long, daunting, task speaking on behalf of her vision but if the moff could get enough on board, others would follow. Things could be expedited once Gallus was brought on and started acquiring businesses. Perhaps even the ones that may not entirely be convinced that this future would be beneficial for them. They could force agreement.

[Tatiana Renkl]

Tatiana nodded to both the Empress and the Baroness Administrator when the Imperial leader said it would likely be a matter of several months.

"Indeed Your Highness," she confirmed before returning her attention to the blonde.

"I have several diplomatic visits throughout the sector planned for the upcoming months, which will provide time to ensure that all primary actors for this new project are on board."

She took the expansion of her duties very seriously in the Greater Javin Sector; but she was not going to neglect Koradin either.

"Some of my close collaborators have already been in contact with their counterparts in this sector as to make the transition as smoothly as possible, given the amount of worthy Imperial already looking over the Greater Javin."