Always More [Aliya]

[Tatiana Renkl]

Her mother had let Tatiana know that Aliya was to come to Bastion soon and that it would entail have her join imperial service in an official capacity. They had already talked about it at length, but the Empress still had to meet with her sister. As always when it came to her family, she made sure to take care of official matters herself, besides how important it was to her to be able to truly meet another sibling.

With a schedule busier than ever, she had arranged for Aliya to come to her office in early evening, as the rest of the week was mostly filled with other meetings and social events for different projects that would bring a lot to the Empire.

The pregnant leader rose to her feet as her assistant, Lady Morangias, escorted Aliya inside. She offered a handshake with a smile, to her sister. "I'm glad to see you, Aliya." She said in a warmer politeness than usual. Goran Nystrom who had recently stopped by her office as well, hadn't benefited from the same welcome, as the situation hadn't been the same, meaning the Empress had been her stern and professional self.

"Let's have a seat." She gestured towards the chairs and the couch surrounding a small table. Lady Morangias asked Aliya whether she wanted anything to drink, knowing the Empress would have tea.

[Aliya Tserta]

"Tea, thank you," she said to Tatiana's assistant, smiling at the offer. Aliya would prefer some caf, but it was early evening and she rather not be up too late tonight. She had a planned call in the morning with Lily and didn't want to sabotage that with the stimulating beverage!

She took a seat after Tatiana, sitting across from her at the table where the blonde folded her hands, waiting to be addressed. Linnea, her mother, had already said this was just formality and Tatiana would more than likely just get a feel for her, her time in the New Republic, and just welcome a new family member into the arms of the Empire.

Which means that Aliya was still not nervous at all. Being a double agent sort of gave you nerves of steel, considering that if you were ever made, you could very well be living your last day alive!

[Tatiana Renkl]

The way women in the family had nerves of steel was well known to Tatiana, but it didn't take anything away from how she inwardly appreciated how Aliya presented herself.

"Mother told me about your time serving as a double agent for us with the New Republic. I hope that you didn't burn any bridge as you join us. This type of profiles can be extremely useful, not just in times of war."

Though some agents were to be extremely versatile in their talents, she knew well how some had closer ties and expertise with given external groups, and taking such skills into account could prove extremely profitable.

[Aliya Tserta]

She waved off Tatiana's concern. "Not at all. There was very little damaging information that I learned about Republic on the edge of known space. I did forward that intel onto mother, but i personally couldn't make or break the war. With the New Republic presence on the Lunatica, it was best to be able to move around the station more freely despite it being neutral. And I had access to their databases regarding Wild Space and any exploration mission within the territory. I'm barely a blip on their radar."

She thanked Lady Morangias for her tea and continued. "I debriefed my department on my efforts on Corellia. Was given a vacation before being shipped back to Telos, but here I am your Majesty."

[Tatiana Renkl]

"Being a blip on their radar is more convenient than leaving a blazing trail behind you." Tatiana knew that the rare defection of "major" names in the New Republic had been solid assets for the Empire, but could prove to be a hassle in terms of readjustment.

"I am certain that Mother must already have ideas of where your skills will be put to good use, but I'd like to hear about your specialty first hand, so I'd know when to call out for you if the need arises."

[Aliya Tserta]

"Of course, your Majesty. First and foremost, I'm a scientist. Astrophysics and geology." Once her assistant left, Aliya spoke more candidly. "Two key areas of importance while searching for a new home. I just do research, crunch numbers, and find trails for us to follow. And due to the nature of my mission, quite good at keeping a low profile."

[Tatiana Renkl]

"Scientists play crucial roles. It is always good to have more people like you." She remarked how Aliya's behavior slightly changed once they were alone. "Your work will continue to be with Intelligence, as you did when working as a double agent, though I could see bridges with the other branches given your astrophysics specialty." She already had a few ideas of how Aliya could be helpful.

"Do you have any questions before we proceed any further?"

[Aliya Tserta]

"Makes perfect sense," she said in agreement. "The New Republic had smaller projects for me to pursue during my work on the Lunatica. I often reported to varying members of the diplomatic branch."

It was very inconsequential projects - showing dignitaries around the station and developments about Wild Space exploration that had nothing to do with what her family was pursuing. "I also worked with the Navy on new hyperspace lanes that could potentially intersect with existing points in existence."

When Tatiana asked about any other questions, she shook her head. "No, Ma'am. But I've an inkling on what I'll be doing around Bastion?"

[Tatiana Renkl]

What Aliya revealed of her work with the Republic comforted Tatiana in her ideas of how to best use the blonde's skills once she would be a formal imperial agent. Scientists were important in her eyes and she knew how to give room to them and resources for them to do solid job.

"Of course. Your astrophysics skills will be used in collaboration with the Navy, in a similar way you did with the Republic in that regard."

At this point, she reached out to take the paperwork she had prepared for Aliya and handed it to her. "This work may start as soon as the official forms are signed."

[Aliya Tserta]

"Great. I did enjoy that work, coupled with what I was doing for mother. I think it'll be a smoother transition that my duties are consistent." She appreciated the Empress doing this for her, presuming that there was some counsel with Linnea, but having Tatiana agree helped considerably.

Taking the stylus, she scribbled her signature.

[Tatiana Renkl]

"Using one's skillset the best and most useful way is a winning situation for everyone." Tatiana took the signed document once Aliya was done with it.

With a smile, she offered a handshake. "Welcome to imperial service. It is good to have you here."

[Aliya Tserta]

She could tell why her mother liked this one. The woman almost sounded like Linnea.

Taking the Empress' hand firmly, she smiled. "Thank you, your Majesty. I'm glad to be finally home."