Ready As I’ll Ever Be

[Zamid Sarlo]

Inside an interrogation room with the sliver colored walls sat a fifty five-year old Duros in a brown spacer outfit. Where most wouldn’t find anything unusual about the subject by appearances alone saved for one detail. He had been caught as a stowaway aboard a mid freighter docking here on Serenno. Though according to the security report the subject did not resist arrest and willingly identify himself, even requesting to speak with someone in the Empire.

Now present day, Zamid Sarlo sat quietly with no handcuffs, writing on a notepad. It had been more than a week since he publicly resigned his former post as senator on the Holonet. Such action happened due to the murder of his daughter and other Durosians by pirates. He sighed, it still felt raw and highly doubted the sense of loss will never go away for him. Briefly, glancing up at the dark window Sarlo couldn’t help but note the irony of this situation before continuing to write.

It wasn’t too long ago that I would sooner die then do any of this. I fought and hated the Exiles or Sith whatever they call themselves these days it’s so weird. Yet that Evandrus opened my eyes to the possibility.

The memory of wasting away on crapfest settlement wasn’t something Sarlo was proud of. But he did ended up meeting someone who raised some strong points, brining about his upcoming course of action. Sighing, Zamid paused in writing his new notes and sat back. When will someone finally get here? To be fair I doubt a former junior senator from the Republic would mean much out here in the Rim.

 

[Spencer Ward]

The ex-Jedi Shadowmaster Spencer Ward When asked to do an interrogation on an apprehended stowaway on a freighter on Serenno. He was asked to do an interrogation on behalf the local authorities. Couldn't they just do that themselves? He wondered. Couldn't the ISA do that too? Oh well, it looks like this person requested to personally speak with someone with the Empire and the audience has been granted. It all makes sense that when this person happens to be the former Senator of Duro, Zamid Sarlo, that made things make more sense. Apparently the Senator resigned and ended up here for reasons. He's detained and in the interrogation room right now. He would be making his way through the halls, with a bottle of water right hand and a datapad in his left, he would be reading about Mister Sarlo on it. He had an announcement he was resigning, but after the shocking happenings in the Senate chamber before hand, he laughed about that and stopped caring and focused on more practical things.

The Sith Master would be wearing a nice navy-blue pinstripped suit, white dress shirt, and a nice necktie. His hair is nearly combed and he would be having thick black glasses on his head. He would enter the interrogation room, he would then takes his eyes off his datapad and look upon the Duros. That's the former senator indeed. After pausing, he would then start slowly circling around the table Sarlo is at. Lets get started. "Well, well, well. Former Junior Senator Zamid Sarlo of Duro. This quite the nice surprise, innit?" He said with his native Alderaanian accent. He would stop in front behind his seat looking at the Duros in the eyes. He would set the datapad do on the table, with it's recording function on. And he would also set down the bottle of water on the table, and slide it slowly towards the Duro. "I'm Spencer Ward, Sith Master" he would smile as he hands his hands on the his chair's top still looking at the Duro "So, care to explain why you were stowing away here to Serenno? And why you requested to speak with someone from the Empire?" Spencer sternly asked. This isn't the Sith Master's first time doing something like this. He's a former Shadowmaster. He has done interrogations before. And torture. And executions.

@Minuteman75

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

When, the interrogator entered, Sarlo watched the stranger’s approach in cautious silence. A young man, quite confident judging by his looks. The question is who he is? An intelligence officer of some sort? Keeping those questions to himself the Duros with arms crossed over the chest as his host commented on whom he was.

When the human sat down and slided a water bottle over to him, Sarlo with a nod of thanks grabbed it without hesitation. Upon Spencer’s reveal of being Sith, the blue alien paused. He wasn’t expecting to be interrogated by one of the infamous wielders of the dark side. Many years before the last war Zamid as a navel captain would’ve had the former exiles killed on sight but times has changed. Then the expected questions were asked and Sarlo took a moment to sip the water. Done, he locked eyes with Spencer.

“Well Sith Master Ward, I do offer my apologies for breaking Serenno’s entry laws but circumstances were partially the cause. Following my public resignation I abandoned Republic space and eventually lost my shuttle. I choose to sneak aboard that freighter when finding out its destination. Anyway as for my request to speak with a member of the Imperial government it’s simple really believe it or not.”

Drinking some more water Sarlo confessed.“I wish to join the Sith Empire.”

 

[Spencer Ward]

Ugh, being called 'Master Ward'. Really needs a different name, but he won't let that bother him as he is focused on the senator's words. And then the guy explained is reason for even being on the planet, for asking to speak to an imperial official. He wishes to join the Empire? Spencer's eyes widened with the curiosity. The Republic has fallen so hard that even their Senator's are jumping ship. From one traitor to another, Spencer can sympathize with him. The Jedi Order isn't worth being a part of. And apparently Mister Sarlo decided the Republic isn't worth fighting for in the senate chambers, or even elsewhere if he's in Sith territory either. This interrogation secession is going splendid. As long as the guy keeps talking, then nothing bad will happen to him.

Even if his reasoning for joining the Sith Empire might be obvious, this still needs to be stated for the record. Spencer would still be standing, now clasping his hands in front of him as he has a bit of a thin smile showing. "Well, that's to interesting to hear." Spencer's expression would change to a stern one as he would be casually pacing around the table while then explaining to the former Senator. "So, what makes you want to join the Sith Empire? I have a pretty good feeling as to why, but do tell anyway. I've read your profile Mr. Sarlo. I know about your history, I know about your stances in senate. So, why risk taking this leap after your resignation? Hmmm?" He would cross his arms while standing, facing the Duros with a suspicious expression on his face. It's one thing to lose all confidence in the Republic, but joining the Sith is another.

@Minuteman75

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

Asked on his moviation for his defection, Sarlo lowered his red eyes. He had a feeling this question would come up. If their roles were reversed, the former senator would ask a similar one. All the same, to explain his reason why for this defection was reopening a fresh wound that hadn’t even healed yet. Spencer would watch as his guest let go of the water bottle and squeezed both hands into fists on the table.

Grimacing as if in physical torment, Zamid answered.“As you know sir I proudly gave much of my life in service to the Republic. First it was on the battlefield, then in the courtroom, and briefly in the senate. I never claimed to be a perfect man but wanted to be a good one carrying out his duty to family, homeland, and state.”

He stopped, briefly collecting himself for the next part of the confession. His tone though still mostly normal now contained a hint of bitterness to Specner’s ears.“Honestly I thought at the time however imperfect the senate was I could try to make a difference within its system for my daughter and her generation to have a better existence than one we all inherited.”

Suddenly Sarlo slammed both fists on the table, shaking the bottle and datapad, grief drowning his soul once more.

“What a fool I was! While wasting my time with useless committees, Lairle was living without her father only to be murdered along with fifty-two of my own people by brigands. Whom were encouraged by the same regime that refuses to rearm itself for defense despite repeated incidents of provocation.”

Finally looking up at Spencer with a face consumed by contempt, he hissed.“Ask yourself sir, how can anyone remain loyal to a so-called government that allows your own loved ones suffer and die for a false peace?”

Calming down Sarlo sighed with shame.“I’ll admit, defecting to the Empire wasn’t my original intent at all. I was actually going to drink myself to death on Bandomeer when a someone or two people I believe from your side found me. They opened my eyes to this course of action. Yes the Sith are made of former exiles but you’re all committed now to a new purpose than just destruction for destruction’s sake.

I want to help build this new order in the galaxy. One that can be stronger than the Republic is and will be.”

 

[Spencer Ward]

This was just music to Spencer's ears, about how the Republic is better and even how the once proud supporter of the Republic basically admitted that the Imperial system is better by even going to these lengths to show up and ask for a part of the Empire. Even as a Jedi, Spencer thought the Republic was lead by corrupt/useless politicians and they were unreliable, and that Spencer suggested during the last conclave to do more productive things than to focus on the Republic. And considering the result of the NAP, he was right, but the Jedi have still done nothing and they still continue to try and build ties with them. It's okay though, Spencer is on the winning team with Cregan.

"I see. Quite the change of heart. A very understandable one though" would give that to the Duros. Spencer would nod his head in approval of what the Duros said. He can feel through the Force that the Duro seems rather sure of himself in what he is saying. Spencer would then sit down in the empty seat across from the Duros, with his legs crossed and his elbows on the table with his hands be clasped. The recorder on the datapad is still recording what is going o. But, he has to be sure. "So tell me Mister Sarlo, how do you intend on serving the new Empire?" he asked. A valid question. The Empire doesn't have a senate, and military work is beyond him. Some sort of statesman would be fit for him, but does the Duros know what he want to do. Spence would have a stern expression as well, watching the Duros' body language and his facial expressions.

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

The Duros sat back, staring across at Spencer in the eye. Before coming to Serenno, Zamid had plenty of time to consider what role he could take with the Sith Empire. The former republic loyalist couldn’t expect anything like the senate that was for certain. Beside the title of Senator meant nothing to him but contempt anyway.

I doubt they will allow me into the military, being an unknown element to them. Perceiving that, Sarlo carefully answered back.“Diplomacy would be my first choice. Have some experience in that field during my short time as a senator and more so as an attorney beforehand. Beside that I can provide some insight as an advisor on the Republic and its people.”

Falling silent again Sarlo took a new sip of water. There was some hesitation within his soul but it quickly the memory of Larile, squashed it entirely. Squeezing fists before releasing them, Sarlo with renewed determination in the eyes then said.

“My choice has already been made.”

 

[Spencer Ward]

Spencer would listen as the Duros answer his question. A diplomat huh. With the Empire's direction that could be useful and the Empire could use experienced ones. After the Duros spoke, he would contemplate for a good hot second, and then speak again. "Alright then. Well." Spencer would then stand up. It looks like he is about done with this. The guy seems to be genuine about his newfound beliefs regarding the Empire, but even as a Sith Master, he has no authority to sign this guy up for a position in the Empire like what Sarlo is suggesting. That job is actually for the relevant powers that be, Spencer's just here for an interrogation.

Spencer would then grab the datapad and then start standing up. "I believe that about does it, for now. So I'll hand this off to whom-ever-it-concerns and then they will go from there." he would have an blank expression as he said a matter-of-factly as he pushed a button on the datapad to end the recording. "Oh yeah" just one more thing. "If all goes well and everything, if for some reason you ever try committing treason against the Empire..." Spencer would the retrieve his lightsaber from his pants pocket and then set on the table in full view of the former Senator with his hand still holding down on it. The implication is quite clear. Spencer never raised his voice as he warned the man. "But I don't think it will come to that" Spencer would smile and then wink at the former Senator while patting. "Good luck Mister Sarlo" he would nod his head towards him, take his lightsaber and datapad, and exit through the door, shutting it behind. Along the way, he would pass the datapad off to one of the officer's in the station to do with as they see fit. In regards to Sarlo, with his showings in the senate, during the NAP hearing in particular and his first-hand insight in the Republic that he spoke of, that may get someone's attention.

But with that, Spencer's job is done.

@Minuteman75

/exit