As We Learn We Will Know

There was something equally overwhelming and inspiring about Imperial Center. Elarys liked open spaces, trees, and being able to get away from metropolis. Yet, she had always enjoyed the new challenges the imperial capital brought upon her young career. She had been brought to her current employer for only a short time; and she wished she had been involved for a longer time, for the new curriculum the Gelinera School had introduced a year prior was outstanding, and might be a game changer for young children, especially neuro-divergent ones, whose minds could nevertheless contribute so much.

Elarys had joined the school as an event assistant for the large conference and fundraising event during which the School's team would present the curriculum in a comprehensive manner to the rest of the Empire, so other educational bodies would be able to integrate the new findings and methods. It was a delicate event for it blended normal conference organization with charity galas. The School was financially healthy; but they also hoped to bring in new credits, both public and private, to fund satellite schools across Imperial Center, and if possible bring smaller schools from the Core under their name.

The young woman had been spending sleepless nights working on how to streamline the process and make it accessible to both educational professionals as well as imperial families considering enrolling their children into the school, whether through early scholarship or through personal money. Juggling multiple audiences could be tricky; and the school's marketing team didn't have as much event management experience as she had hoped for. She knew her place; but she also recognized how to make specific content available more efficiently to other people, especially when interacting directly and wanting to foster an atmosphere of trust and support.

Due to that, and how much she believed in the new curriculum based on the reports and her own research into it, she had been working more than her pay and position required; but she wanted to help making this a success.

That was how she found herself holed up behind the tech room the morning of the opening of the three day event, reviewing all the materials that would be presented on screen once again, all loaded with too much caf and protein bars. The smaller selection of VIP allowed to get a tour of the new facilities and meeting with the School higher ups would arrive in two hours, and she had been selected to be the one herding them so to speak, until the School's Head would arrive.

Groaning, the exhausted brunette checked her chrono, and knew it was time to zoom to her small apartment clean up and get dressed.

***

I got this; I got this...

Elarys normally managed her nerves well; but the combination of exhaustion and too much caffeine made her jittery.

Smoothing her black dress one last time, she walked into the lobby, where the first VIP guests would arrive soon. She gave a quick glance at the security personnel present, then quietly folded her hands before her, and politely smiled.

She was as ready as could be.

Child of House Vandron, married into House Tarkin, mother of identical twins where one was groomed to carry out the family's great legacy to become Empress of the Galactic Empire, Lise Tarkin was a woman who elevated her family. It was what she was groomed for - to bring honor and power to her Houses - and above all, be loyal to the Empire.

A parents love defied that when both she and Andron, the son of Grand Moff Tarkin, secured safe passage of their daughter off Imperial Center and to the arms of a Jedi in hiding. That decision went against everything they were taught, but they couldn't risk sheltering two Force Sensitive children from scrutiny. That decision came back decades later when her children met for the first time on Doldur, Navaria, the Jedi Knight, protected her sister the Moff, even when they valued opposing ideals. It made her proud as much as it devastated her. One daughter was delighted to be reunited with her mother, but they couldn't risk contacting one another ever again, and the child she raised all but ostracized her, tolerated her presence due to keeping up appearances for the holonews. It was for the good of the family. That kept Lise surviving, as was the news that Miranda and Gallus were expecting. The Tarkin lineage would live on, securing the throne and would be announced at the children's gala that would be held later in the month.

Yet there was another part of Lise's life that allowed her to thrive through the duress, and that was through charity. Philanthropy was synonymous with Lise well before she was a Tarkin and today she was one of a few honored guests to tour the Gelinera School. The goal was to expand educational opportunities and that was one passion that she and her daughter shared - furthering those opportunities to Imperial children that may not have the means. The progress that Gelinera had done in a year was impressive but it needed financial backing to break ground for several satellite schools around the world. Diversity had never been the Empire's strength, but Miranda's rise to Empress had assisted with accepting children with varying backgrounds needed opportunities. In turn, that would cement loyalty. But with all new things, convincing those with power that their money will create advantage was the difficult part.

Thus she was here to listen and speak on the behalf of the school before formally signing over a hefty amount of credits to drive the point that Gelinera was the future. Lise was certain that would sway a few of the potential backers if not by merit alone.

She was also the first to arrive, flanked by two Imperial Guards. Being immediate family to the Empress was a privilege that came with this nuisance. Thankfully they fanned out away from her to make themselves part of the wall decor while she checked in.

"So happy to have you here Madam Tarkin!" The girl behind the desk was perky and highly caffeinated.

Lise was polite and graceful as ever as she pinned the visitor cylinder to her dress bust. "It is a pleasure to be here."

Her attention with the assistant was short because the escort for the group was already waiting. Smiling pleasantly and excusing herself, Lise approached the young woman. "Ms. Amarank. It's a pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance."

They had exchanged a few correspondences in preparation for today, Lise assisting in convincing a few of her colleagues to attend. Elarys was bright, determined, and focused and the school was fortunate to have her heading this function.

Elarys hated when her nerves threatened to take over. She wasn't jittery by nature; but the lack of sleep and the indecent amounts of caf consumed made for a dangerous combination. She had given her everything; but she was passionate and hard working by nature; and she was aware that this was possibly the launching of her career. She cared for the event with every fiber of her being; but she was also ambitious and was comfortable admitting it, at least to herself.

Surprisingly, it was the apparition of Lady Lise Tarkin that brought her inner chatter to a halt. She recognized her at once, based on holos she had seen. The Empress's mother was their guest and donor of honor. She felt pride in being among the few aware of the utterly generous donation and speech Lady Tarkin would provide.

She had appreciated Lady Tarkin's support for the project, as well as their brief correspondence regarding certain details of the event. She had been impressed by how Lady Tarkin hadn't worked solely through assistants, like many aristocrats or powerful figures did.

She respectfully bowed to the Empress's mother, for it was a safer bet than curtsying with her sometimes clumsiness.

"Lady Tarkin, it is wonderful to see you."

Maybe some would attempt to butter her up, but Elarys's appreciation was genuine.

"I appreciate your early arrival. Would you like to review the conference room now or closer to the event opening?"

She knew how certain speakers had different preferences; and since Lady Tarkin was their first one, besides guest of honor, she was happy to adjust.

Lise offered a hand as Amarank greeted her. Her straight to business attitude was refreshing instead of polite small talk that occurred in affluent circles.

"I would like to take a look at it now. Please..." The hand she took back gestured vaguely down the hall to where the conference rooms were located. " ... lead the way."

There was another reason for this and as they were far enough away from the main entrance, Lise made her intentions known. "I also thought it would be good to check in with you and see how you feeling."

She vividly remembered Miranda's late nights with countless presentation drafts and subsequent editing of holovids. Hours of work where her daughter poured her soul into the work when she was in the Sub-Adult group. That dedication served her well earning high marks and eyes on her. She wasn't just the daughter of Andron Tarkin or the granddaughter of Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin. She made a name for herself where leaders turned to in their time of need when the second Death Star fell to fire up the gears of disinformation and glorifying the Empire that rallied Imperial Population against the Rebellion. Honing in on the success that many of the great leaders of dissent had died.

And now her daughter was Empress.

All great women started somewhere and for now Elarys was to gain support for a major educational change.

"This is your first formal presentation. And it will be showed to some of the most influential citizens in the Empire. Has to be exciting as much as it's frightening."

Elarys was surprised that Lady Tarkin offered her hand, and part of her almost gave a simple handshake; but she knew better. She squeezed the aristocrat hand and offered a not too awkward curtsy, which might even ranked among the least catastrophic she had performed in her life. She smiled warmly to the Empress's mother.

"Of course, my Lady."

She nodded and didn't waste the other woman's time, perfectly at peace with the amount of security that such a prestigious guest mandated. She led the way through the vast maze of hallways of the large educational building. Truth be told, she found herself more at ease in Lady Tarkin's presence than with some other academic individuals she had had to work with, or other upper society names who just thought that such projects were just good to win them some political influence, rather than believing in the importance of good schools.

That was also why she was so impressed with the Empress herself, because of how she had climbed up the ranks through her own merit and not simply because of lineage. Elarys understood the importance of a good family; but individual skills and intelligence were of tremendous value in her mind.

She cursed herself for the slight color she felt rising to her cheeks as Lady Tarkin unexpectedly talked to her about the upcoming event. She could have downplayed it; but she saw no reason to lie.

"It very much is. Education has been my passion for several years; but this opportunity is beyond my expectations. I hope we can bring positive change to our system, so more imperials are able to learn and serve to the best of their capabilities."

While such a speech could have sounded rehearsed or hollow from others, Elarys spoke genuinely and with an inner fire that had sustained her during sleepless nights of hard work, besides litters of stimcaf.