[M] Star Wars: The Bureaucrats [Hannelorian & Kach]

[Hannelorian]

The real Agent Cross had surfaced, all of the fire and fury had rushed back in those brief moments of contradiction in Marienna's retelling of the story. "Truth is a funny thing, isn't it?" Marienna asked and did not anticipate any kind of response. "We want to tell the truth, no matter how hard the truth is. It is the only thing that will set you free." Marienna did not smile, she not slouch, she remained a figure of impossibility, one of perfect posture even from the confines of her bed. "But sometimes the truth is the one thing that will lead to your own imprisonment." Her cold, almost dead grey eyes looked at Agent Cross and in a moment she was prepared to give in.

"I don't remember. My head... it aches. Either one could be the truth, but I just can't say for certain which way it occurred." Marienna of course, was lying. Exactly as she had been from the very start of things, but perhaps now was the time to focus on the gift Corwin had given her, the gift of a head injury. "For that uncertainty, I will surrender myself to your custody." There was no way Marienna would get away with what she had done, and a part of her truly felt it would be the best for Corwin if she simply gave in, admitted she was fallible at the very least. Marienna nodded.

"I wanted to protect my colleague. I must admit my feelings are likely less than professional." If she couldn't give Agent Cross exactly what she was looking for, perhaps another sort of truth would help. "I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to Fischer. My intentions were to aide him, and all the while lie to the Gurlanin intruders. I recognize that I simply should have shot them as soon as I had the chance, and if necessary, died in the process."

Marienna did not look at Corwin while she said this, she remained focused on Agent Cross. "I have failed the Empire. Let's not drag this out."

[Kach]

Agent Cross watched impassively as Marienna spoke.

Corwin, resting his chin in his hands, now leaned forward in his seat, wondered how things had gone so wrong. He had expected the fallout from the incident to be bad, but from this view he wasn't sure how the pair of them would avoid being stood in front of a wall for treason. Maybe he should have saved Marienna the suffering and killed her in their office... No, he wouldn't have been able to bring himself to do it. Somehow in the past few days the composed, stoic woman had become something to him... And apparently he to her as well.
Corwin's reddish skin darkened slightly.

"I must say, I am disappointed," Agent Cross chided braking the gaze. The tension left the woman's body as she crossed a leg over her lap, her boots covered with dust from a busy day already.

"I was really hoping you were an informant for the enemy, a thread I could pull. The truth is often very... dissatisfying. I suppose the officer with enough warnings to raises suspicion is too obvious a suspect, but one could hope."
Gina Cross began writing on her data pad once more.
"Your intelligence is wasted in logistics. I would suggest transferring you to intelligence but I doubt you would pass induction security screening at this point. So bean counting will have to do." Agent Cross remarked, looking up from her report.
"My report will show your performance during the incident was weak, but sufficient for someone in your position as a third line personnel. Your clearances and codes will be suspended and you will be required to be under the direct supervision of one of my designates during the course of your duties, and monitored during off hours."
Cross held a look of pity, or maybe regret, as she eyed Marienna.
"There will not be a next time if you find yourself entangled with the locals a third time Lieutenant Beren." Her voice was cool but matter-of-fact. She let out a long exhale and stood from her seat, adjusting her uniform and finally turning to face Corwin.
"Lieutenant Fischer, a word." She gestured to the doorway.

Corwin cast a glance to Marienna, his forehead tight, lips pursed, before turning his gaze to the two troopers that stood cast in glistening marble. Agent Cross began moving toward the doorway, Cowin hesitated then followed, hat clutched in an un-gloved fist.
The pair of officers left, with Marienna under the eyeless watch of the troopers.

There was no clock in the medical bay. The only measure the time passing was the beating of her heart.


Agent Cross stuck her head back into the medical bay from the doorway and called to the troopers. "One of you back to your duties, the other stay here until Berens is released, then escort her to her quarters."
As quickly as she appeared, Agent Cross disappeared from the doorway, and one of the troopers turned to leave the medical Bay.

[Hannelorian]

A wave of relief washed over Marienna when Agent Cross had finally acknowledged that she believed, or at least believed enough in her accounting of events that she would not immediately be punished or even executed. The rest were all remarks that she didn't quite care for, or really listen to. Her talents were being wasted. That one was a laugh. Marienna had never considered intelligence, nor would she. The practices of that division, as she knew first hand, were often entirely barbaric and unwelcome. Lt. Beren would count beans all day with such pride and vigor if it meant she was spared that kind of work.

Though this was twice now where as a Logistician, she had come directly into harms way, two different planets, two different too-close encounters with death for her comfort. Perhaps even this was beginning to smell the way of the wrong. How did she really end up like this? She supposed it did not matter.

Before she had known anything, Agent Cross had taken Corwin on a path out of the room, and left instructions with the two guards, one of which was supposed to remain at her side until she was discharged. Marienna allowed herself to fall back into the bed, her icy gaze affixed firmly on the ceiling and the almost blinding lights that were up there. Her mind began to wander, her codes of course, would be suspended, but surely the Gurlanin's would have figured that out. So even though she had lied, it was a stop gap measure at best. There was always the chance the intelligence division would find out.

Not to mention she would closely be monitored during her off hours, that was the last thing she really wanted, but what did she do anyway? Ate, slept, showered, rinse and repeat. Whoever was tailing her or monitoring would be condemned to discover that Lt. Marienna Berens lead an extraordinarily normal and nigh on boring life. A life not worth envying or even wondering what. There was quite simple nothing remarkable. But that might frustrate them, and that thought brought Marienna just a little joy.

Without much of a delay, Marienna turned to her side and dragged her legs upward toward her midsection, her head rested on the pillow and heavy eyes had closed, she longed to drift off to sleep, to be haunted by what had happened, and what she had done. All of it feeling too real and far too painful to be something that would let her alone during her slumber, if she was lucky enough to be graced by sleep at all.

[Kach]

To Marienna it was a faint feeling at first; a curiosity. A thread from a loose seam that, when pulled, began to come loose so satisfyingly it seemed to drag her along; leading her away from the morose of her own thoughts.

A calm stillness that grew to a warmth. A field on a warm summer afternoon. A gentle breeze blowing through real grasses; the sound of the grass dancing in the moving air. The sounds of birds chittering in the distance. A feeling of 'rightness' being surrounded by life and knowing all was as it should be.

She was allowed to bask in the embrace of the living planet for a time.

Then a sensation of not being alone, being watched by someone, came to her awareness. A dark shape in shadows of the forest. The presence wasn't hostile, and had a vague familiarity, a matronly essence with an unsettling intensity, and sorrowful aura. Aloof, it seemed to keep its distance.

An eternity passed with this other, lurking on the periphery of her consciousness before it... reached out to her. Not words, or language as she new them, but ideas and feelings, emotions given context.

An impression of foolhardy gratitude, underlined with a mourning undercurrent flowed to her. "You are still alive. This is good."

The impression of a location followed, a dilapidated abandoned structure in the outskirts of the city. A rusty waste container outside. Something pulled at Marriena with a heart wrenching anguish, as if she had left something very dear to her their.

Suddenly separation, the other began fading like a stone disappearing into the murky depths. A delicate sense of departing hinted by uncertainty.

Marienna was once again alone, basking in the warmth of a sun unseen. It was emptier than before, some of the life had left the space, it felt very lonely.

[Hannelorian]

Sleep was never going to be a reprieve. Not after all that had happened, sleep was just another avenue for her trauma and haunted thoughts to plague her, to play out over and over again in her mind like some sort of twisted and deranged film. The kind you could still see even if your eyes had been closed. There was no escape, no refuge, just the bitter reality of what had transpired. But this wasn't exactly like any other dream. It had become almost pleasant at first, like she could see herself from outside of her body. There was Marienna, standing there in all of her despair.

A feeling of warmth enveloped her. Everything had faded into nothing and then into a field, like the kind she would bask in during the summer months on Naboo. In fact it was just like something pulled directly out of her memories. Something she had come to enjoy, to love and relish in. But that too was short lived.

The feeling of eyes upon her was distressing, uncomfortable. It made Marienna long to look over her shoulder, trying to identify the source of this feeling, but it was not there. There was nothing there, save for the feeling. It was familiar, but not easily identifiable. What was it? Who was it? There was a look on her own face that seemed agonized, tortured almost.

'You are still alive'

A voice in her head began. 'This is good.'

Those two simple lines were devastating, haunting. Was Marienna still alive? Or had she betrayed everything she held dear and thus forfeit her own existence and sense of independence? There was a sadness, a deep loss, a profound mourning that overwhelmed her. A mother that had lost her children, something of that nature that she could only feel but not express in words or... even visions.

And then there it was, a location, a place... and a sense of panic, a need to go there. A need to discover what it meant, it was like a piece of her was there. That longing desire was overwhelming, enormous, all consuming.

Nothing, a moment later there was absolutely nothing. A loneliness, and then finally the sense of waking, being brought back into consciousness and awareness.

[Kach]

Marienna had been out for a few hours; all the while the unstoppable machinations of the Galactic Empire ground on, oblivious to her absence.

- - - - - -
"Lieutenant Fischer."
Agent Gina Cross turned to face him, just outside the medical bay in the mid day sun. Traffic was light in this area, most of the wounded from the earlier attacks had been taken off world for more intensive treatment and the walking wounded were back on light duties.

Truthfully, she had called this on herself. Only a week ago she had been complaining about the drudgery of her posting on a backwater world, where little more than personnel complaints were of any note. Now it seemed like a terrorist cell had sprung up nearly overnight, or had it?
That was the most concerning part of this... incident. Either an effective resistance moved in very quickly, or she had missed the early signs of the cell becoming established.

The officer standing in front of her practically wore his heart on his sleeve. Crown Fischer grimaced, likely he was chummy with his coworker; surprising given their individual records. They couldn't have seemed more different. At any rate, the unseasoned officer would learn friendships were a luxury he could seldom afford in his line of work.

"Lieutenant Beren is under your authority, I want to make abundantly clear, her failings reflect poorly on you. I suggest you ensure she is supervised adequately in future."

Gina watched the man's face as it changed to a suppressed scowl. She found people often attributed unintended subtext to her corrections simply because she worked within the ISB; as if every comment was a threat or judgement. It was never worthwhile correcting.

Lieutenant Fischer did not offer an acknowledgement so Gina offered a crisp salute, "Good day Lieutenant," and turned on her heels and marched toward the command building. It was going to be another long day.

-- -- -- -- --

The sound of a nearby chair creaking, the clinking of plastoid armor, and the flexing sounds of a body suit as someone shifted in their seat beside her, were the first sounds Marienna could recognize in the silent medical bay as her consciousness returned.

A familiar grizzled female Sergeant sat facing the bed, comfortably reclined leaning back on the chair's hind legs, E-11 blaster across her lap and cold brown eyes set on Marienna. The long scar along the woman's right jawline gave her face a disturbing asymmetry from the front. She didn't offer any remark as her charge began to stir.
The sun was low enough outside the windows to cast golden columns of light across the floor. It had to be nearly the end of the day shift by now.

"Ah, you are up." A medical attendant called from the desk across the Medbay. The sickly thin man stood and walked over holding a small light. Sergeant Grag dropped her chair back to the floor keeping her eyes on Marienna and a hand resting on her blaster.

The medical attendant gestured for Marienna to sit up as he arrived at the bedside. "You are very lucky Lieutenant, there appears to be no significant damage. The human brain is very delicate. Just some final checks and I have the clearance to release you back to your duties. But please come in right away if you begin experiencing any dizziness or pressure in your cranium."


He waited for her to sit up then checked her eyes for any signs of a lingering injury with an uncomfortably bright light. Not seeing anything concerning, he stepped back from the bedside and gestured for Marienna to stand. "When your are ready, please stand and we will confirm your balance remains intact." The attendant held his arms ready incase she couldn't hold her balance.

[Hannelorian]

Marienna pushed herself up into an upright position and slowly swung her legs over the edge of the bed. From the corners of her cold and grey eyes she saw the medical attendant holding out his hands as though he expected her to be off balance. Marienna would have none of that, she was more defiant. Slowly she pushed herself to the floor and stood on her feet, stumbling for just the slightest of moments, if one blinked one might have missed it.

"I can assure you that I'm fine. I've suffered far worse than a mere bump on the head." Marienna was back and in fine form. Dismissive of help, slightly cold in terms of her demeanor and personality. She took a few steps forward until she was walking in normal fashion. "See? Nothing to worry about." She wanted to be out of here, a bigger part of her really wanted to be off of this planet, nothing good had come of it since their arrival.

"Now if that's all, I'd like my uniform please." The attendant nodded, daring not to say another word to the woman who in all honesty frightened him just a bit. Lt. Beren was exactly as her reputation suggested, not one for small talk, not one to endure meaningless pleasantries. Instead he merely opted to hand her a neatly folded pile of clothing, a fresh and clean uniform, with a pair of boots resting on top. Marienna took the package and marched off to change. The uniform which on so many occasions felt restrictive, felt far too emblematic of an insatiable Empire, was now familiar, a reminder of order, of a time before this mess had begun.

Lt. Beren did not wait to be dismissed, she simply walked out of the medical unit and looked at Corwin who was standing there, likely just after being dressed down by Agent Cross. "Lieutenant Fischer." Marienna called softly, her voice warming ever so slightly at the sight of him. She approached and then when he moved, the two would make their way back to their office. She would say nothing, not here where the walls had ears and eyes. Though Marienna was sure no place was really safe, everyone now carrying their suspicious about Marienna and her true intentions.

Instead she would offer rather vague messages. "Thank you for taking care of me." Here, offering thanks for him knocking her out, helping her lie about what had really happened. "I will... do better." She offered the slightest flash of a smile, and suppressed an odd urge to throw her arms around him and hold him closely to her. She was truly grateful, and truly in the midst of deeper feelings than she cared to admit.

[Kach]

The infantry Sargeant smirked, her scar pulling at the corner of her mouth nearly making it a snear. She stood and silently ambled after Marienna, scrutinizing the room and the medical technician, Blaster still in hand.

After Marienna emerged from changing, the Sergeant was leaning against the wall, keeping watch on the room. The Sargeant stood and followed a short distance behind.

Corwin wore a troubled look as he watched down the road, hands in his hips. The afternoon sun cast a long shadow down the road behind him. He didn't notice Marienna until she walked right up to him and began to speak.
His face brightened noticeably as it cracked a smile, though a few wrinkles around his eyes hinted at his troubled mind.
"Lieutenant Berens, good to see you up and around."

Corwin frowned at the remark. He did not feel that he had done much to help. His first 'command' was far from what he had hoped. He couldn't even keep his co-workers out of danger. They had nearly been killed twice now.

"I will do better as well. I am sorry for letting you down." Corwin seemed solemn for a moment before his warm neutrality returned as he glanced past her.
"Good to see you Sargeant Grag."
The scarred woman offered a slight salute but no words.

Corwin turned with Marienna, heading toward the barracks. A heaviness seemed to hang over him. The Sargeant trailed, just out of earshot as they made their way down the dusty streets.

"We have the rest of the day off... Our office is being... Cleaned." Corwin said softly, hinting at the implication.

[Hannelorian]

Marienna's new shadow was unpleasant at best, disagreeable at worst. The fact that Grag had been assigned to tail her, specifically didn't much bother Marienna. At least not yet. Though she did suppose there were a number of opportunities for her new "friends" to show up, either in a dream like state or reality. But until then, there was little sense in worrying. Though she did have to speak to Corwin, rather privately, so that became a fixture of the agenda.

"Of course it is." Marienna said in regards to their office. But there was no trace of sarcasm in her voice, only the genuine meaning of the words. It was not only being "cleaned" but rather scoured for bugs or other pieces of evidence that implicate Marienna in any number of things. The Empire, or at least Agent Cross on behalf of the Empire was convinced that Marienna was working with hostile forces. Such was the case.

As the two arrived at the barracks, Marienna stopped in front of her door. "Would you care to join me for a cup of tea?" Marienna invited Corwin inside rather warmly, he could always deny her, and save his own skin. Or perhaps he would take her up on the offer and make his way into her room so they could speak more freely. Or perhaps for Marienna to explain some of her true feelings.

[Kach]

Entering the officers' barracks, stopping just inside to watch as the pair walked the length of the corridor, Sargeant Grag took up a post by the main door with a line of sight to their dorms doors.

Corwin had turned toward his own door and the words made him freeze. Good heart began to race. Agent Cross's voice was still fresh in his mind. By all accounts he shouldn't enter this woman's quarters. Nagging thoughts pulled at him, he had not had a chance to get her sorry for himself. Would it even be safe to discuss? Her quarters had to be bugged.

Corwin turned to regard Marienna with a quizzical look.

Did she know they might be surveilling her even there? Surely she must. Corwin did and he has been a lowly beaurocrate on Coruscant. They always wanted to know what their workers were up too.

Corwin nodded, a grin spreading across his face though his forehead wrinkled in thought. "That sounds like just the thing. Let me get my kettle from my room."

Corwin knocked on Marienna's door a few moments later. He held a box containing a small electric kettle with some tea canisters, a slate, and a cup under one arm.
"Lieutenant Fischer reporting for tea party ma'am."