video/action

[captain_by_the_book]

video, December 3rd

[ The Cassian Andor showing on the network today is strikingly different from the disheveled rebel officer Genessia is used to. He's wearing a crisp white uniform with black pants and gloves which will be strikingly familiar to those who have run into Thrawn before. His beard is short and neatly trimmed, the blue and red rank pips on his chest polished to a high gleam. ]

This is Agent Andor of the Imperial Security Bureau. I have taken note of an incident which has displaced me from the Genessia I am familiar with. I assume that others have been affected by the same phenomenon. I urge you to remain calm and follow the instructions given to you by law enforcement.

As the town of Attleton is under Imperial protection, I will personally see to enforcing order within the borders of this town. Violence will of course be met with necessary force, but I would like to assure you that the Empire and I are not your enemy. This town has suffered under the chaos of rebel mismanagement for long enough; no longer will criminals and wanted terrorists be permitted to parade themselves as protectors.


action, first days of the event

[ After finding himself in a Genessia which wasn't familiar to him at all - and on top of that, finding himself in Attleton when he should have been in Nova City - Cassian Andor wastes no time to gather information about the familiar-yet-foreign place he finds himself in.

The find that he's in a place of authority here is a pleasant surprise, and one he is going to make full use of. The discovery of his counterpart's personal circumstances are less pleasant... even less pleasant than the framed Declaration of the Rebellion hanging in the Guardian's office, which he promptly throws into the trash bin.

You'll find him wandering about town, trying to relearn the world of Genessia and learn the town of Attleton, a place which he had dismissed as unimportant in his own Genessia.

Banned from the house by K-2SO, he will be staying in Bixby Place - sans pokemon or dog, on which Kay has staked a claim. ]


action, Wednesday, 6th, Hangar Queen

[ This evening finds Cassian in the Hangar Queen, getting spectacularly smashed. It had started out with a single drink and the good sense that he had to be frugal with what little money he had, but he could be charming when he tried, and he could be pretty, and a smile got you free drinks, which made it easier to smile and cajole more free drinks out of people...

A dangerous circle, which would be bound to take a turn for the ugly if anyone tried to get too familiar with him, or even worse, said something which offended the Imperial who was currently devoid of a brain-to-mouth filter. Or brain-to-fists filter, for that matter. But for now you could see him drinking and flirting, a throng of people around him which he regaled with tales from a galaxy far, far away.

There was no cure for misery and self-loathing as trusty as alcohol. ]

Comments

Video

[k2so]

[This is what happens when Kay leaves early to go buy groceries, his boyfriend decides to be funny. Note to self: Never ever leave Cassian Andor to his own devices.

Kay stares at the video with a confused expression that doesn't really show in his droid's face but is the equivalent of '???????']

Cassian are you drunk? Is this Halloween 2.0? Did I miss something?

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Cassian is in his rebel self's office by the time he finally decides he can't delay responding any longer. He looks even crisper and perfectly poised than before - too much so, for one who knows him well, not that he'd realize just how well Kay knows him.

His eyes are sharp as he takes in the KX. ]

So. You are the pet droid.

[k2so]

It's not that I don't appreciate the kinky bad guy roleplay idea but a) we are outside the bedroom and b) If you call me a pet one more time I'm backhanding you again.

[Kay is {} this close to losing his patience already. He really doesn't find all this funny at all and there's a sinking feeling in his core that something is really, really wrong.]

Come on, Cass...this isn't funny.

[captain_by_the_book]

[If you think Cassian would go to such lenghts for kinky role-playing... well you are probably right. But today he only looks disturbed and impatient. ]

If you become violent against me, I will shut you down with extreme prejudice. On another note, I have no desire to hear about the distasteful activities you shared with the rebel in the privacy of your bedroom.

[He eyes him, tries to imagine... He has read enough of his own communications to have a solid profile of their relationship. It still doesn't compute. ]

Unlike the rebels, I prefer to have bodily needs met by my own species.

[ Video | Private | Anonymous ]

[bright_imperius]

[ Takumi had quite literally fallen out of his chair when he saw the broadcast.

He'd seen some people acting strangely, however -

Mind racing, there was only one thing he could think to do.

Fortunately, he'd already obtained a device which would disguise his voice and had been playing around with it already.

A few minutes later, dressed in mask, robes, and the voice modulator activated inside - he switches on the video.

His voice is crisp, deeper, and still carries the same authority his real one would. ]

Imperial Security Agent Andor.

Report.

[Video]

[generalgrievous]

[Somehow, Grievous notices that Cassian has changed, that some things are odd - yet that it feels he's been here already - and has found himself also in some position of authority. He doesn't think anything is strange with himself, though. He's now reverted back to a timeline where he never lost his friends or his family and so never came down the path of becoming a cyborg. He won't even answer to the name of Grievous.]

It seems that you are taking stricter measures than usual.

Video;

[innocent_royal]

[A regally dressed young woman appears on the screen. Her eyes seem to reflect intrigue.]

"Imperial security bureau," huh? Well, you certainly are not one of my men. Tell me, Sir Andor, why Attleton of all places?

[captain_by_the_book]

[ That is a very good question, one he would like to ask his rebel counterpart, too. As far as building a power base, Attleton is the most useless possible choice. Well, can't expect rebels to make good decisions. ]

My counterpart of this world chose to start the spread of his harmful ideology in Attleton, for some reason. I thus consider it my duty to undo the damage he has done.

[ The fact that he happens to hold authority in Attleton is only so coincidental, of course. ]

I serve the Galactic Empire, and Emperor Palpatine. Who are you?

[captain_by_the_book]

[ With his Separatist past a stumbling block of his career every step of the way, this Cassian has known better than to be on friendly terms with the Grievous of his Genessia. But hostility against a Kaleesh he doesn't even recognize would be an unnecessary blunder. ]

My measures aren't stricter than usual, albeit most likely stricter than those of the criminal whose place I have taken. You could not expect someone who thrives on chaos to appreciate and enforce order.

[captain_by_the_book]

[ During his ISB career, Cassian has had a few run-ins with Inquisitors and there's something strikingly similar about the get-up of this man. He feels a chill run down his spine, ISB and Inquisitors aren't friends as such... but then again, scarcity makes you appreciate what you would scoff at in richer times.

Regardless of that, it's time to snap to full military posture at someone who either is, or at least presumes to be, in rank above him. ]

In the dimension I hail from I spent the last nine months living in Nova City, in charge of a security agency and recruiting for the Emperor. I have since ascertained that my local counterpart has vanished, and that his status is that of Guardian of Attleton. I intend to use his, now mine, position of authority to further the interests of the Emperor.

[ He arches a brow at the masked face. ] Can you say the same for yourself?

[generalgrievous]

I am not against order, in its place.

[captain_by_the_book]

The Empire brings order where before was chaos, and thus ensures a life in safety and prosperity for all its citizens.

[bright_imperius]

[ His tone, through the modulator, grows stern, commanding, with the edge of reprove in every words. ]

Watch your tone, Agent.

I am the Darth Imperius, Head of the Pyramid of Ancient Knowledge; keeper the mystical knowledge of the Sith, guardian of the secrets of our order. I am one of the twelve on the Dark Council who answer only to the Emperor Himself. You will show me respect.

[ Knowing that Cassian, either version, was from the far future - well, that hierarchy might not make much sense to him. But he wanted to give the Imperial version context for his commands, as it were.

Now, to continue to play the role, until he could get Cassian to be ... perhaps ... a little less zealous. Hopefully. ]

I have been here for some time, fulfilling my duties in gathering intelligence and data as directed.

Tell me. How had your counterpart maintained order, and how will you improve upon it?

[generalgrievous]

All the citizens of Attleton.

[His tone is a little pointed as if he thinks Cassian is about to intrude upon his own territory.]

[captain_by_the_book]

[ He inclines his head graciously, point taken. ]

All the citizens of Attleton, yes. [ For now. If the switch is permanent, he intends to spread his influence. ]

[generalgrievous]

Good. Then carry on in your city.

[He's still protecting Nova.]

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Cassian's expression doesn't give anything away, yet the paleness overtaking his face gives all the answers it may take. No, he doesn't have proper context for these titles, but he knows enough that he will be in great trouble for angering this man if he truly is who he claims to be.

It would be best to tread carefully here. Everybody of a certain rank has heard of Darth Vader giving demonstrations of his power if people voice their disbelief too loudly.

Cassian lowers his gaze respectfully. ] I serve the Emperor Palpatine and his vision of a galaxy at peace, I will of course show respect to everyone who serves the same goal.

[ He thinks about the question for a moment, for he hasn't been here long enough yet to gain much depth of knowledge - had been too caught up in the shock of realizing just what kind of person he had become in another life. ]

I know that my counterpart has installed other rebels in positions of authority, making Attleton a stronghold of the Rebel Alliance. I still need to ascertain the loyalties of all his subordinates. I need more time to study his decisions to determine which of his decisions served Attleton, and which only the rebels.

[captain_by_the_book]

I understand your defensiveness, and I'm no threat to you or your city. I merely wish to help. We are all stranded here, and I want to spend my time serving something greater than myself.

[generalgrievous]

Of course. Then we shall work together as before.

[captain_by_the_book]

I would gladly do so. I believe our cooperation can be fruitful to both Attleton and Nova City. Maybe, in time, I can even convince you that there's no need for distrust.

[bright_imperius]

[ His tone is silky, but dangerous and with that edge of threat, rather than the normal persuasive tone he'd use. ]

Peace is a lie, Agent. Whatever vision is going to be built here - we must be prepared for betrayal and treason, and act accordingly to prevent it.

[ Takumi allows a silence to settle, for a moment, like he's considering what the intelligence suggests. Rather than trying to figure out how to keep Cassian from arresting all of his coworkers. ]

A wise choice, Agent.

Despite the insurrection they sow, the Alliance government does ... attempt at some semblance of order, doesn't it?

But remember your own duty. Here, your priority should be order. Control. Preventing the inevitable betrayal.

And, with that considered ...

[ He stroked his chin, with gloves against mask. ]

I wonder, if it wouldn't be best to keep those rebels thinking their position is secure.

[ His tone grows ... devious. ]

They did trust your counterpart, didn't they?

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Casssian stiffens, his face darkening with a storm of emotions he is barely - badly - able to hold at bay.]

If you're going to tell me that I should have never given my true allegiances away and slipped into his role, I know. I know that it would have brought the best results, but my counterpart's... personal situation made that deception impossible.

[ Slipping into the role of someone he knows pretty much nothing about would have been challenging even under the best circumstances, but impossible when it's far too close and personal for him to keep a clear mind. Bitter as it may be, Cassian knows his limits. It still pains to admit to them. ]

[generalgrievous]

Complete trust is not a natural state. Not toward other species such as yours.

However, there can be enough to be reasonable in a working relationship.

[bright_imperius]

[ Takumi reminds himself to tread very, very carefully.

Based on what he's researched, this is all very likely temporary. And, he knows the captain won't forgive himself if he damaged his droid lover, once this all wore off.

Quietly, with a tinge of mockery: ]

Oh, I'm aware of the little situation your counterpart had with his ... droid.


[ But then, his voice is more brisk, demanding. ]

What's done is done. Consider my leniency with your limitations the gift of mercy that it is.

But you must contain the situation. Assure them, when their inevitable and pathetic alarm rises, that your first duty is to the Imperial citizens of Attleton.

Once the dust settles, we should see how deep their loyalty lies.

[ Then, sinister: ]

After all, they were traitors once. It won't take much to turn them to the right cause, and make them useful again.

[captain_by_the_book]

[ He grits his teeth, he doesn't want to turn them, doesn't want to have to make nice with these people, doesn't want them as his allies. He wants to fight them, wants to destroy them and prove his worth, his loyalty, prove to himself that he's better than the unspoken suspicions that have accompanied him for all his career.

And yet... ] Of course, sir. If you believe that would be the wisest course of action I will see what I can do. Recruitment is one of my fields of expertise.

[ It's not like he has to enjoy his job, he only has to do it well. ]

My interest is truly with the Imperial citizens of Attleton, it would not be a lie. It is simply a matter of the lengths I'm willing to go to for their own well-being.

[ He grits his teeth. The droid. Everything always comes back to the droid. ]

The situation with the droid will be contained. You don't need to concern yourself with it. It won't distract me from doing my duty.

[ He just doesn't know what to do about it. It doesn't help there's something very disquieting about the way the droid looks at him. ]