Ask Coruscant An Important Meeting

[Wilhelm Tarkin]

As he had promised to his Master months ago, Wilhelm had been successful in being the only student of his class to finish the semester with the highest GPA. He has spent days studying constantly, without time to do barely anything else except occasional Sith training. The rewards that he would receive for all this effort would compensate for the tiredness that he felt.

Indeed, they did. As it was tradition for the best students of the Academy, the Acolyte was invited to meet with the Chancellor in his office. It was the greatest opportunity that the boy had to start seeking influence inside the Republic. If he could impress the man, he would have a brighter future inside the military in front of him. It would greatly facilitate whatever plans his Master had.

When Wilhelm arrived at the Republic Executive Building, Wilhelm was welcomed by the Senate Guard and they escorted the boy toward the Chancellor’s office. He used his opportunity to study the place. The Acolyte had read many things about this place, even when he still lived in Eriadu. The Tarkin family had many stories about this building during the time of the Old Galactic Republic, some of them even worked here as Senators.

Once they arrived in front of the Chancellor’s office, one of the guards entered the room to tell the politician that the boy had arrived. While he was confident most of the time, Wilhelm was a bit apprehensive for this meeting. If anything went wrong during it, his Master’s plans could be destroyed.

While he waited to be allowed to enter, Wilhelm reflected about the Chancellor, Alexander Xerxes. He had been recently elected, being the Senator of Hynestia before it. His first actions were to ban the Jedi from the Republic and make peace with the Sith Empire, both actions that the media considered very controversial. Due to that, the boy was very curious to meet this man.

@Braden

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

The pace of the past few weeks would have normally meant he would cancel such a showy meeting such as this. Alexander had way too much on his plate to meet a student of the Republic Fleet Academy, no matter if he was top of his class. But this was not just your average student, no this was Wilhelm Tarkin, a boy with a famous name and apparently at least a touch of the genius of his famous relative. It also did help that Wilhelm was also the Sith Apprentice of Alexander though Wilhelm himself did not know that the Supreme Chancellor was the masked man who taught him to throw lightning.

A buzz from the comm terminal on his desk signalled that Wilhelm was here. Alexander was tired of being cooped up in his office so decided to make this meeting a moving one. Walking out from behind his desk he headed towards the door. Opening it he was met by the familiar sight of Wilhelm, though this time dressed in the attire of the academy not the black of secret Sith.

“Supreme Chancellor?” His aide who was standing near the door announced. “I could do with a stroll, Wilhelm shall we take a walk?” Without waiting for a reply he headed past the academy student and towards the doors leading to the rest of the building. Panic quickly surrounded him as the aides and guards tried to get everything in order for Alexander to make an unplanned walk around the building. “So Wilhelm, how is the academy?”

@LouJoVi

 

[Wilhelm Tarkin]

For the Acolyte’s surprise, who opened the door of the office was the Chancellor himself. While he had seen the man several times in the news, being face to face with him was a totally different experience. During his campaign, Xerxes always gave Wilhelm the impression that he was an energetic and strong man. Being in front of him only increased it.

“Good morning, Chancellor!” Wilhelm said, while giving a polite smile to the man. “It’s a honor to be able to meet you.” it wasn’t only a honor, but also an opportunity. The Acolyte was already thinking about what he could do during this meeting. Among the things that he wanted to do was to win the Chancellor’s sympathy. It would be useful for him and for the fulfillment of his Master’s plan.

Then, the Chancellor asked to walk with him, and for the second time today, Wilhelm was surprised. He had thought that the meeting was going to happen at his office, under the close watch of the guards. The idea of the two walking around made it more interesting, perhaps they could talk about more interesting things without having the guards too close around them.

“Of course, sir.” he said, before following the Chancellor. Behind them, several guards and aides entered in panic with the man’ s decision. None of them was prepared for it. “It’s going well. Some people are still reluctant with my presence due to my origins, but they are fewer since I joined the Academy. I think that I’m giving them a good impression.” after having the highest GPA of the semester, many professors became impressed with him. “I hope that your work is also going well.”

@Braden

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

As they began to walk, security ran all over, a pair went ahead of him, blocking off any who could approach the Supreme Chancellor. Another pair defended the rear, little did either know that both Alexander and Wilhelm did not need the assistance of private security for their safety. “Ahh yes, I heard you came from the Empire. If you don’t mind me asking, why did you leave the Empire to come to our Republic?” He asked as they rounded a corner into a corridor leading to the Chancellor’s private gardens.

Once Wilhelm gave him his answer Alexander would continue. “Well If your scores are anything to go by then I am sure you will win even more over in good time. Although I do hope you're not a spy!” He finished with a cheeky smile.

@LouJoVi

 

[Wilhelm Tarkin]

While they walked, Wilhelm noticed that several guards were following them. He wondered if sometimes the Chancellor felt annoyed with so many eyes constantly watching him. Although, he probably didn’t mind it. After Emil Ro was assassinated, the Acolyte wasn’t surprised if the Chancellor slept with a group of bodyguards watching him. He could end up being the next dead Chancellor.

The question about the reasons why he joined the Republic didn’t surprise him. The Acolyte already expected that Xerxes would ask him something like that and he had an answer for it. “I couldn’t see what the Empire did, how they oppressed and killed the people. These were exactly the same things that my family was accused of doing.” he said, sounding so sincere that anyone that couldn’t read the depths of his mind would believe that it was true.

“Then, I found a way to escape from the Empire through one of the neutral planets. From there I could reach the Republic.” he had planned this story with his Master before he signed up in the Naval Academy. Each detail of it was carefully crafted by them to avoid any possible distrust. “My only regret was that I wasn’t able to convince my parents to join me.”

When they arrived at the gardens, Wilhelm noticed that several guards were already positioned around the place. Some were watching them, while others were looking outside of the place, seeking for possible treats for the Chancellor. This open place could be perfect if someone wanted to kill him. It was something that the Acolyte would tell his Master later.

The Acolyte laughed after hearing Xerxes’ joke. If the man knew how right he was. “I’m not, but I think that everyone at the Academy is certain that I’m!” after his laugh died down, Wilhelm would continue talking about the Chancellor’s rule. “Unlike many others, I agree with your decision of peace with the Empire. It wasn’t because I was part of it, but because the Republic needs to recover after losing so many important members to the ISC and Emil’s death left it in a poor state.”

@Braden

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

He seemed a sensible young man and his reasons for leaving the Empire and joining the Republic seemed justifiable. More than a few people had skipped across the border, it just so happened this one had an excellent name and skill. Otherwise he doubted many people would take notice of Wilhelm in the wider Republic. “Parents often cannot see the best paths for their children.” He replied, his own had seen a course for him that would only leave him as a servant to his older brother. Now look at him.

The gardens opened up before the pair, a small slice of nature in the middle of the metropolis of Coruscant. He had taken the idea from Senator Vaisra, whose own private gardens were a sight to behold. “I am happy to hear that at least some of our younger generations can see the practicality in our peace. Too many are swayed by the passions of youth into believing that dying for ‘Freedom and Justice’ is the correct way to live their lives. The problem is that most of them don’t want to die, so when they get to the front line they crumble under the weight of it all. Leaving us defenceless.”

The walked past a small stream that wound its way through the gardens. “But tell me what do the rest of the Academy think of the peace?”

@LouJoVi

 

[Wilhelm Tarkin]

”Perhaps you are right, sir.” since he had left Eriadu, the Acolyte was starting to see how much of what he did was because his parents were influencing him. His decision to become an Acolyte and even seeking a Master, all of that were their suggestions to save the name of the Tarkin Family.

Of course, there were also his ambitions, but he put the good of his family in front of them. Being away from his parents, Wilhelm could have freedom to decide the path that he wanted to follow now. He should thank his Master for that. If he wasn’t for him, the Acolyte would have continued under their influence.

“Many brag about their capabilities, but few are clever or have the courage to act in the right moment. In my opinion Chancellor, you showed great courage by making peace with the Sith. You went against the reproval of some for the good of the Republic.” Wilhelm said, wanting to show to Xerxes how he supported his decisions.

“Few are the ones that are feeling relieved with it. Most of the students think that you are a coward for wanting peace. Even some professors share such thoughts.” what he was saying wasn’t a lie. The Academy was really divided after the Chancellor decided for peace. “They don’t see that the Republic needs to recover from the last administration.”

“However, nearly everyone believes that you made the right decision to banish the Jedi. Few were the ones that still support them.” in this point, there was unanimity among his colleagues and the staff of the Academy. “They also hope that you will banish the Sith from entering Republic space.” he said, watching for the Chancellor’s reaction. It was information that his Master would like to know.

@Braden

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

Alexander looked over and smiled at the young man as Wilhelm voiced his support of the peace. “I shouldn’t be surprised that an Academy built on the premise of being at war would be at least a little disappointed or upset when war was averted. I just hope their fervour to defend the Republic lasts until we are once again assaulted by a foreighn power.” It was only a matter of time until the Galaxy once again burst into flames, the Alliance Sith war would only state the bloodlust for the galaxy for so long. Especially if the former falls.

“Ah, about that. An amendment to the initial Executive Order has been passed through the Senate that also bans all members of the Sith Order from our borders as well. It should be hitting the press later today.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Wilhelm Tarkin]

”I believe that they will.” Wilhelm smiled at the Chancellor. He knew that many of the students of the Academy are ambitious like him. They wanted to rise to powerful positions and the war was a perfect opportunity for that to happen. If the Acolyte didn’t know that he was part of his Master’s plans, he would also have tried to use the conflict to rise in importance in the military.

The Acolyte turned to look at Xerxes when the politician mentioned the amendment that had been approved. He wasn’t surprised that the Republic decided to ban the Sith too. After doing it with the Jedi, it was only a matter of time until it happened with the Darksiders. He wondered how his Master would react to that.

“This good. Both the Jedi and Sith are a threat to the peace and stability of the Republic.” the boy acted supportive of the man’s decision. He could give the impression that he was against the Chancellor’s decision. He doubted that any Sith would care for this ban, they would continue operating in the shadows inside the Republic. Like how he was doing right now. Let Xerxes and the Senators fool themselves with being safe with this amendment, this would make things easier for him and his Master.

While they walked through the garden, Wilhelm would continue talking with the Chancellor. He wanted to have more information to give to his Master. “I heard that the Five Syndicates is becoming a problem for the Republic. Buying ships from Kuat will turn them into a real threat. Do you believe that it’ll end in a war?”

@Braden

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

“I agree their millenia long grudge match has only caused pain and suffering for the Galaxy. Hopefully if we can let them fight it out in the Outer Rim they can finally settle things once and for all.” He replied, stepping over another section of bridge crossing the stream. “Though I would add, not all who have access to The Force fall into these two camps. Much to the masses confusion, hopefully in time that can change. I do not wish for portions of our population to be persecuted because of something they were born with.”

He raised his eyebrows in surprise at the young man’s comments about the Syndicates. Alexander knew that he had put the Acolyte to the task of blaming the death of the previous Chancellor on the Syndicates; it was good to hear that Wilhelm was putting this together with the Kuat Scandal. “It seems that we have been able to remove one threat from The Republic to have another rear its ugly head. I hope it does not end in war, truly. But I will also not bow down to Criminals, if they do not return the Ships then I am prepared to go to war if the need must.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Wilhelm Tarkin]

”I agree. The Sith are a problem caused by the Jedi, they should be the ones dealing with, not the Republic.” he doubted that the Lightsiders would be capable of defeating the Empire without any outside help. Of course, he wasn’t going to say it to the Chancellor. The man would end up discovering it at some point. If he survived long enough, of course.

“Of course, not all Force sensitives are Jedi or Sith. I think that some live years without even knowing what they are capable of.” banishing all Force users was something dangerous for Xerxes to decree. This could turn the population against him. However, with how the two Orders were hated these days, the Acolyte wondered if such hate would spread toward all Force sensitives.

“Hopefully these criminals will give it back after noticing that they aren’t in a position to fight against us.” he said when the Chancellor mentioned that the Republic was already prepared for a possible conflict. After the reaction of Grace Zhan, the Acolyte doubted that they would give the ships back. At the same time, he also doubted that the politician wanted to solve it peacefully. The young Tarkin felt that there was something more behind the Chancellor than he showed.

After they walked over a bridge that crossed a stream of the garden, Wilhelm noticed that they were distant enough of the guards to allow him to make other types of questions. “Tell me Chancellor, what do you think of the Sector Rangers?” his work with Ranger Emblai made him think that this organization was lazy and incompetent. He wondered if the man had seen them this way too.

@Braden

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

“You ask a lot of questions for someone who has not even graduated from the Academy young Wilhelem.” With that statement Alexander stopped and turned to face the Cadet. “I would perhaps reconsider my question of your true intentions here.” He said. Alexander knew Wilhelm’s intentions about gaining this information, it was to report it back to him in his other guise. But he was being a bit too forward and if Alexander wasn’t the man on both ends of this conversation Wilhelm was perhaps pushing a little too far.

The security around the room spotted Alexander’s actions and facial expression and took on an edge that someone with Wilhelm’s training would notice. Let's see how the Acolyte gets himself out of this Alexander thought.

@LouJoVi

 

[Wilhelm Tarkin]

The Chancellor’s reaction to his question wasn’t enough to make Wilhelm lose his composure or his image of a curious cadet. Of course, it was bad that he made the politician mad, but it showed him two things. One: that Xerxes wasn’t so idiot to answer any questions that he made and he would need to be careful when asking him. Two: that he probably had plans for the Rangers. He wouldn’t have reacted this way if he didn’t have something planned in secret.

Unfortunately, the dramatic reaction of the Chancellor attracted the attention of his guards. Wilhelm wondered why politicians needed to be so dramatic. It wasn’t as if the Acolyte was pointing a lightsaber at him. He only made a question, one that wasn’t even about something that much confidential.

“Sorry if I crossed the boundaries of your good faith, Chancellor, but I did it out of concern. While I helped in the investigations about the assassination of Emil Ro, I talked with a Sector Ranger and she told me the problems that the organization is suffering.” he said to the Chancellor. Wilhelm sounded ashamed, without any doubt it would show that he regretted having asked this question.

“I only thought that it could be a good moment to intercede for them and to ask if you plan to help them.” of course, if the Chancellor indeed planned to do something to help the Rangers, the Acolyte would immediately tell his Master about it. Perhaps even it could be useful for the Champion’s plan.

@Braden

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

Alexander looked at Wilhelm with the calm face of a politician as the Acolyte tried to worm his way out of the small hole he had dug himself into. To his credit Wilhelm had a good tongue on him, twisting his actions to align with the truth of the Sector Rangers current situation. Around him a few of the security guards started to close the distance, but Alexander broke them off with a smile.

“I am happy to see you are concerned about every aspect of the Republic, not just the military young Tarkin.” Alexander patted the Cadet on the shoulder before guiding him further down the path. “The Sector Rangers are performing their duties admirably, if they have any internal concerns that doesn’t fall under the remit of The Republic I am afraid.

@LouJoVi

 

[Wilhelm Tarkin]

Wilhelm waited patiently for the Chancellor’s reaction to his answer. The politician couldn’t have noticed that he wasn’t being sincere with his words. Only a Force sensitive would have been able to see behind his facade. He didn’t show any visual signal of being uncertain and afraid of what he was saying. The politician and the guards wouldn’t be able to accuse him of lying.

The Acolyte smiled when Xerxes praised him. He felt relieved when the guards stopped approaching. “I’m only concerned with the future of the Republic. The Sector Rangers could be very helpful to it. Perhaps you and the Senators could approach the Rangers that operate in our territory. We could offer them a way to facilitate their work.”

He wondered how the Chancellor would react to this suggestion. Since he interacted with Bast, Wilhelm had developed the idea of subverting the Sector Rangers to the Republic. The boy had already mentioned this idea to his Master. Since the Champion seemed to have great influence in this government, he could also use the Rangers for his plan.

@Braden

 

[Alexander Xerxes]

It seemed that Wilhelm had not taken the hint that he was perhaps asking too many question, or being a little to brash for someone who was in the eyes of everyone else in the room just a Cadet at the military academy. Alexander gave the young man a look that showed his patience was perhaps starting to run thin with the Cadet. “I hope that concern continues far into the future, Tarkin.” He replied as they continued their walk, choosing not to comment further on policy with the undercover Acolyte.

“Have you any inclination on where you wish to be stationed once you graduate? In the fleet perhaps or planetside?”

@LouJoVi

 

[Wilhelm Tarkin]

Wilhelm noticed that the Chancellor still didn’t want to talk about the Sector Rangers. This increased the Padawan’s suspicions that the politician had plans regarding this group and didn’t want to reveal it to him. He had understood Xerxes’ hint and would not continue insisting on this conversation.

However, he would report this possibility to his Master. Perhaps the Champion could think that it could be useful to his plans. Meanwhile, the Acolyte would investigate the plans of the Chancellor regarding the Sector Rangers.

“Once I finish the Academy, I’ll seek a position in a ship.” Wilhelm said, answering the Chancellor’s question. “I always loved ships and perhaps a Tarkin in the navy could change the dark legacy left by my ancestors. I want to give a good example.” he smiled at the politician.

While he indeed liked ships, the boy only wanted to seek power and influence in the navy. Making a good example would be only a facade that he would maintain to achieve his desires and to help with his Master’s plans.

@Braden