Myriad Reckonings

Spoiler

That will certainly complicate things. I like it!

"The higher-ups sent him a notification yesterday evening. He should be expecting you by tomorrow morning; the hyperlanes to Eriadu are well-maintained, so you have between seven and eight hours before you need to board your shuttle." Partagaz shut off the display and looked at Killian. "Have you been to the Outer Rim before, Leftenant Arcturus?"

"Only on brief excursions, none of which were related to intelligence business." He did regret his lack of exposure. He had travelled with his father but it had been mostly to shadow him during stuffy political meetings, and those had mostly been in the more civilized portions of the galaxy.

"I'll give you two pieces of advice rather than one, then." Partagaz leaned forward, fixing his stony gray eyes on Killian. "Do not assume the locals have the same etiquette as people from the Core Worlds. Should you find yourself delayed for any reason, adapt and defer. Don't make a show of superiority, or your job will be harder. Second: treat Governor Tarkin with respect and caution. He's a powerful man with unfathomably influential connections. Offend him for any reason, and I will not be there to help you. The same goes for Lord Vader three times over. Their authority is at nosebleed altitude, do you understand?"

Spoiler

also debating naming the kitten Zeb. Our other cats are Zeke and Zack so it matches, and also it pays tribute to Garazeb

Killian nodded. "Understood Sir." The information was intimidating for sure. He would have to be cautious in how he interreacted with these individuals for certain. But he had confidence he could succeed if he was smart and didn't get ahead of himself. He had faith in his own mind. "I will do my utmost to ensure the greatest success possible of this assignment."

Spoiler

Namr it Zeb omg
He already looks like a cat

"I expect nothing less than excellence," Partagaz said with a nod. "See to it the assassin is secured immediately when you arrive, then be on your way as soon as you're able. You're not meant to be there more than a day."

Spoiler

I think I will.

"Yes Sir." Killian nodded. "I will return as soon as possible after I've gathered the needed information." He still stood with his shoulders straight and keen eyes watching the Major's movements.

"Very good." He dipped his head. "Travel safely." With a swipe of his hand, he pulled up another file and tapped a few commands in with his stylus.

Spoiler

Partagaz is so blunt it's hard to write a long post with him

Spoiler

he's still cool despite the bluntness

"Yes Sir." Killian nodded his head in return. He took a few steps backwards before turning to leave, the end of the conversation acting as a dismissal. After leaving he headed for a data station. He would do some more research before leaving for Eriadu.

The dinner had gone as expected. Vader, not being much of a talker to begin with and very clearly still thinking about what had happened in the hallway, sat in silence while Tarkin, Gideon, and Thalassa ate in front of him. Most of his energy was focused on trying to read Sirejj, but when either of the Tarkins asked him a question, he responded politely. Gideon was a bit shaky and said very little, in awe of Vader. All in all it could have gone worse, but they all departed relieved that it was over. Tarkin and Thalassa retired to separate bedrooms that night.

Tarkin awoke the next morning before the sun and spent a quiet couple hours drinking coffee on the balcony, but once the sun was a bit higher he went to rouse Sirejj. An ISB agent would be arriving in the next fifteen minutes, and he hadn't seen the Nightbrother yet.