Myriad Reckonings

Sirejj hadn't slept much at all.

He'd gone back to his room in the late hours after seeing that Tarkin and Thalassa made it to their rooms. He then lurked his way back to his room, very concerned that somewhere in the dark lurked Vader. He'd be caught up with nowhere to run and nobody to conveniently interrupt Vader before his mind was torn from him. Gods.

Each time he'd drifted off to sleep, he would see it again. A huge gloved hand of iron and leather reaching for his face while he was frozen, powerless to fight or flee. After that happening twice, he decided that resting wasn't worth the sickening feeling in his guts and resigned to meditation. He'd sat on his floor with his staff in his hands, thin wisps of green mist surrounding him. The voices of the ancestors, which would guide him from time to time, were distorted and lost. That frustrated him. Whether it was due to his imbalance in the force or Vader's presence physically tarnishing the force surrounding Eriadu, he was not sure.

It became morning eventually. Sirejj only noticed when the sunrise peeked through the blinds on the windows and he felt the thin rays of warmth on his shoulders. His mind, though calmed through the hours of meditation, was now exhausted. He'd found an anchor in the depths of Eriadu's force signature, like he had done on Dathomir. It was comforting, shielding him from the attacks of the Sith. Except now he must listen to the voices of Eriadu again, which weren't much calmer than the ones Vader carried with him.

He heard a knock on the door. At least his heart didn't leap out of his chest. He sighed and stood up, stiff from sitting on the floor for so many hours. His head hurt, and he was hungry. Dinner hadn't agreed with him last night.

He walked to the door. Before opening it he pressed both hands to his temples, attempting to clear the tension between his eyes. He altered his expression to hide any sign of discomfort and then opened the door with a wave of his hand.

"Good morning, Governor."

"Good morning," Tarkin replied briskly. "We have a shuttle arriving shortly carrying an ISB agent, and I'd like very much to be downstairs to greet them before they land." His brow furrowed. "You look as if you haven't slept at all. Get a stim or caf into you; a half-asleep bodyguard is no good to anyone, and it certainly won't make much of an impression on the agent." He had a feeling that the ISB wouldn't be sending anyone of too high a rank, but it paid to make an effort. Sirejj was trying, true, but he looked exhausted.

"I'll get something on the way." He stepped out of his room. Tarkin's brisk attitude was grating to one who hadn't had anything to drink yet. It was too early to be this chipper. Morning people.

"Is the Lady Tarkin awake yet?" Sirejj said as he turned to head towards the kitchen to grab something fast before this ISB agent arrived. He wondered if Lady Tarkin would be present. He imagined she would be. She didn't seem like they kind to miss out on important things. Though that meant Vader would probably be there too. Lovely.

"Without a doubt." Tarkin followed. "She'll be joining us, as will Lord Vader." He glanced at Sirejj. "I expect the agent to be gone within the day, taking the Phindian with them. You can't find out anything else from her, is that correct?"

"Not anything that Vader hasn't already seen. She's as good as dead now, I doubt your Imperial Security will be able to find anything either." He stretched his neck as he walked, trying to get the kinks out of his back.

"We shall see." There was a distant roar of engines, and Tarkin looked up. "Damn. They're early; no time for you to eat. Perk yourself up and follow me." He hurried away. Whatever happened to arriving on time? People were either early or late these days, and never fashionably so. When he was a young man, he'd always shown up on time within the first thirty seconds of the minute. His internal clock was flawless.

Sirejj sighed and followed him quickly. He'd survive. He'd been through worse. But the events of the last week had been taxing. He did his best to shake off the tired feeling. He hated that Tarkin noticed it. Once they stepped outside it would be better. This house was smothering.

-

A T-4 shuttle entered the atmosphere. It only carried six people in total. One pilot, four troopers, and one agent of the Imperial Security Bureau.

Killian sat belted into a seat as the shuttle experienced some turbulence as it neared the surface of Eriadu. There was no talk amongst him or the troopers, the journey had been mostly silent except for a few brief discussions with the pilot about some navigational strategies...he had not been a talkative one.

He tapped his fingers on his knees. He was interested in meeting the Governor Tarkin and Lord Vader. He hoped this would go over smoothly. He was curious to see what all they had discovered. The ship's engines changed frequencies and he heard the landing gear release. The two horizontal wings began to creak as they folded up into the landing position.

Killian stood, reaching for the bar above his head to stabilize him. The troopers followed suit. He shouldn't be there for more than a few hours providing he could find time to talk with everyone he intended to question.

Spoiler

this story of literally setting up Killian to hunt Tzara even though he doesn't know it is gonna be wild. Especially if Killian ends up catching him and being forced to turn him in to the ISB? dramatic confrontation scene where Killian corners Tzara but can't quite bring himself to shoot him? where's our TV show???

Spoiler

We've created the best espionage dramatist star wars has ever seen. Season 2 of Andor when though??

Tarkin made it down to the landing bay in time for the gangplank to lower. Vader was there already, outwardly stoic as always, and Thalassa was hurrying out from a side door.

Dressed in his Imperial uniform, Tarkin cut an imposing figure that was nearly as effective as Vader. With his rake-thin figure, skeletal face, and his graying hair brushed back from his forehead, he looked for all the world like a living corpse. Only the sharp blue eyes betrayed life. The cuts from the fight with the Phindian had mostly healed, but his face still had a slightly yellowed quality thanks to the remaining bruises. This only lended itself to his cadaverous appearance.

Spoiler

S2 of andor will have to work hard to beat the drama of this RP bro. Just saying. The ISB agent rising in ranks thanks to his Uncle (or close to that relation) and then having to turn on him, the wayfaring Nightbrother learning the forbidden magicks to hunt a long lost ghost, and of all things, Tarkin turning on the empire?

and oof Tarkin will look like more of a corpse after we break his cold stone heart on Atoa

Sirejj stood behind Tarkin. Vader stood not far away, having beaten them there. Sirejj didn't even look his direction and maintained a cold and indifferent appearance. He focused on the situation at hand, watching the ship dock on the landing platform. He stood with his feet apart and shoulders back, his hands clasped behind him. His brow was furrowed. He certainly appeared to be in a rather ill mood, but it was better than looking scared out of his wits.

The ship landed, the landing gear locking in place and engines slowly powering down. The door opened and plank lowered, revealing the occupants. A young man seemed to be the one in charge, and he descended the gangplank with two troopers behind him.

Sirejj wrinkled his nose. He was hardly more than a boy. The Empire seemed to be employing anyone these days.


Killian exited the ship, spying Vader and Tarkin almost immediately. Those were the two he was the most interested in speaking to. But then he noticed another, a...Zabrak? His facial markings were consistent with those of the extinct Nightbrothers. His horns, his broad shoulders, strong but battle scarred arms, and his bright green eyes which followed his every movement...he was an intriguing, if not intimidating sight. Not to mention the impressive and unusual weapon he carried. These outer rim inhabitants were full of surprises.

Killian approached those waiting for him on the landing platform, his uniform immaculate and his appearance no less than uptight and professional. Lord Vader was larger than life. His appearance was frightening, but Killian showed no fear. Despite his lack of experience, he was bold. It took a level of dauntlessness to excel in his competitive field.

"Greetings Governor Tarkin. Lord Vader." Killian approached, stood at proper military attention, and saluted his superior officers according to protocol. "I am Lieutenant Killian Arcturus of the Imperial Security Bureau. I regret that we must meet under the unfortunate circumstances."

Spoiler

I'm so glad they're family friends, I just about had a heart attack

"Welcome to Eriadu, Lieutenant Arcturus." Tarkin's eyes flicked over Killian, dismissing his appearance as that of an inexperienced rookie. He'd expected someone of low rank, but this was borderline disrespectful. Letting his vague disdain show, he turned toward the house without bothering to give the boy a chance to stans at ease. "I'm sure we'll have you out of here with your prisoner in no time. Come along, lad." The ISB was getting sloppy if this was the sort of person they were letting in these days. He was barely out of his pull-ups and positively reeked of a nepotism hire. Disgraceful.

Thalassa watched her husband go with a quirked eyebrow and a half-smirk.

Spoiler

I would've too

also poor Killian. he missed the hazing in the academy by hanging out with the geek squad. it starts now.

"It seems your empire is so desperate for hires they're promoting academy cadets." Sirejj whispered to Tarkin as he passed, unable to contain the joke. Seeing Tarkin so disgusted was quite funny, and seeing the confused look on the young agent's face was priceless. Cocky little imperials were the most entertaining kinds to kick around. He was fully awake now, quite curious to see how long this young fellow would last before Tarkin ate him alive.

Killian wasn't quite sure what to say. He remembered Partagaz's words and reigned in his urge to ask any questions at the time. He knew better. He gave a short glance to his two troopers and motioned for them to follow. He could sense Tarkin's disdain, but didn't let it ruffle his feathers just yet. He was used to being looked down on due to his clear advantage of education and wealth, but his mind would soon speak for itself. Or at least he hoped.

"Yes Sir." He stepped to follow Tarkin, conscious of the Nightbrother staring at the back of his head. He elected to ignore that. Who the stars was he? He'd heard no word of another individual being here. He would have to find out more about him.

Spoiler

Fun fact, Tarkin started brawls at the academy and ended up forming a gang


Aww i hurt thejttle dude's feelings

"Hush," Tarkin retorted softly. "Hold your tongue." He led them inside, and Thalassa joined him at the front. Vader took up the rear, practically breathing down Killian's neck. Tarkin suppressed a smile; so his friend shared his displeasure.

"You've been fully updated in the situation, I presume," he said over his shoulder to the lieutenant. His gait was quick; Thalassa kept up with him, but they were both moving faster than strictly necessary. Tarkin enjoyed watching subordinates scurry to match his long strides.

Spoiler

he would do that kind of thing wouldn't he.

Imagine young Tarkin and Sirejj at academy age. they'd beat the hell out of each other for literally no reason other than they would just irritate each other for fun each chance they got. Tarkin probably started it but Sirejj is too much of a jackass to know when to quit pushing him. Definitely getting sent to detention.

Sirejj's unwillingness to lay down and die is very Zabrak of him. He doesn't know when to quit.

listen I kinda feel sorry for poor killian he's doing his best ok he, unlike everyone else, doesn't really deserve his trauma

Sirejj was so amused by the situation he was almost able to ignore the fact Vader was stalking along behind them. At least Vader was momentarily occupied by a weaker prey. He chucked to himself, but said nothing more.

"Yes Governor." He lengthened his stride as much as possible, but Tarkin was quick. "I am here to collect the prisoner and any information you've gotten from them." He kept his words to the point, adjusting to Tarkin's actions. Flowery words would clearly do him no good. Less was more, he perceived.