NationStates Jolt Archive

[Oh, dear god...please...hang on just a few more days, Grandfather...]

The semi-glazed eyes of the old man stayed focused on the girl's for perhaps, a minute or two more, and then they slid back in his head again once more.

"Papa!"
[Don't leave me alone with this...psycho!]

Vtriri's fingers clenched hard on the frail, skeletal hand, and for a split-second, she was afraid she was going to snap them. But she relaxed at the old man's eyes opened once more and focused on her.

The old man's breath rattled in his chest, and a cold chill siezed Vtriri. He was going, truly, really going. He was going to die, and there wasn't a thing to do about it. It would mean final, eternal peace for him, but never-ending hell for her, until she was deposed, or adbicated, or was assassinated....whichever came first.

Beside the bed, the royal scribe was taking down every word, every motion, every happening. The Most Holy Emperor Arthur Rubivan lay on his deathbed, and beside him, his granddaughter, the Serene and Most Holy Successor, Vtriri Rubivan, knelt. The scribe tried very hard not to observe too closely, as was safe in such circumstances, yet strove to record everything as accurately and impartially as possible. In the doorway, His Grace, the royal vizier lurked, watching with darkened eyes.

"Vtriri....so sorry....Can't linger any longer.."

"Papa! Just hang on a little while longer."

Vtriri knew that what she was asking was impossible. The man had one foot in the grave already. He was so sunken, so old. There was no way that his body could hold up any longer.

[Dammit, grandfather....just three weeks more. You couldn't hold out just three weeks more, until I was of age, and Phanear wouldn't be able to be co-regent!]

"Can't. Just be strong...."

Vtriri bowed her head, and allowed her tears to flow freely. Personal feelings aside, she now had to think of her country...the Emirate of Rubivania. The laws in Rubivania were fairly lax, but for the ruling family, they were iron-fisted. Tradition and religious teachings held strict, and the laws of succession were a mess. Vtriri's parents had died in a successful assassination attempt years ago, when Arthur Rubivan had sought to adbicate his throne to his son. Now she, Vtriri, was the next in line, and she felt as if she were living in a prison.

[And the irony being...that I am imprisoned by the very man who wants me dead..]

Vtriri raised her head, and shot a glare over her shoulder at Phanear, who regarded her without emotion. Once more, with a shudder, Vtriri turned her attention to her grandfather.

His breath slowed, the rattle in his chest growing more and more horrendous. His bony hand on hers grew tight for a second, but then began to relax. Relaxed in a way that it never could in life.

The old man was gone.

"All hail, Empress of Rubivania." came Phanear's voice from the doorway.

Her fingers were cramping up again.

Vtriri had stolen away in the dark of the late night, leaving her bodyguards standing unawares, and the servants none the wiser for her dissapearance.

In one hour, her kinsman, Jung Lu would appear at the edge of the treeline that surrounded Rubivania's imperial palace, and signal with the flashing of a single lamp that he was there. It was then that Vtriri would slip these letters to her personal aide, the only one she could trust, the woman Sakota, who had all but raised her. Sakota would leave for the night, and pass out of the ring of security that held the imperial palace hostage, and put the many letters into Jung Lu's hands.

Vtriri's cousin had been to see her once, right before Arthur Rubivan's funeral procession, and the two had had a whispered, hasty conference in the shadows of the family chapel.

'You're in a great deal of danger, V.'

'And you're not telling me anything that I don't already know, Lu.'

'So, what are you going to do about it?'


What indeed? The first viable plan that had come to mind was to simply root out the conspirators, and have them dead, all of them. But she had no proof of any conspiracy. She had no proof that Phanear had been behind the death of her parents, and perhaps even the death of her grandfather. And while she gathered this desperately-needed proof with which to crucify Phanear, she had a second plan in mind.
She was nearly of age, and a parade of would-be suitors for the new-made Empress of Rubivania would not only cause chaos in the palace, it would convolute any plans that Phanear had for her death.

So Vtriri had began sneaking out of her rooms at night, and hiding herself in a secret part of the palace. She had penned nearly a hundred letters by now, writing hurriedly by the light of a lone candle, and had packed those letters out of the palace by way of her lady's maid, and into the waiting hands of her cousin, who in turn, delivered them personally to the close aides of various dignitaries.

It was not the wisest plan, she knew. She had no way of knowing just how far reaching Phanear's influence might be, and how deeply he had reached into his pockets to bring people under his control, but she tried to remember which nations had been closest to Rubivania, and her grandfather, and her parents before their deaths.

All the letters were the same, only the names changed...

To ______ , most high ruler of ______,

I am writing to you in my darkest hour, and beg whole-heartedly of your help.

As I'm sure you are aware by now, Rubivania's great ruler has passed on to the next world, leaving only his granddaughter in line for succession. I tell you now, I am that granddaughter, and poorly prepared for my new duty at that! I wish nothing but the best for my people, I will work hard at my duty no matter how much breath is left in my body!
But a great danger faces me, and I fear that the same villain who slew my parents, will once again, by cover of intrigue, conspire to assassinate me as well!
And what then, will Rubivania be, not a political ally, not a military ally, but a threat, and enemy?!
I seek to ally myself with a great country, and I beg of your help in my plan to root out the conspiracy to commit murder on my person, and in return, I will promise to marry the next in line of succession, so that our two countries will be united, and allied by blood and marriage 'till the death of both great nations.
If you do not wish to become involved, then I harbour no ill will, but will understand your reluctance in what will most likely become civil war, or at the very least, court intrigues that might leave the entire royal family of Rubivan dead, or deposed.
But please, if you are decent, and noble, then help! I am a prisoner in my own palace, and I cannot eat or sleep, for fear that I will not survive it.

Humbly, sincerely,

Her Serene and Most Holy Empress
Vtriri Rubivan.

As the light flashed at the edge of the treeline, Vtriri cracked her knuckles to ease the muscles, and gathered up her things.
[May God be merciful, and bring me a saviour. Barring that, may he grant me the strategy to save my own life.]

"Governor Soldevi, are you reading this?"
"Perfectly, Lord Catera."
"Am I the only one who smells opportunity in this?"
"On which side?"
"Assassins carry a hefty pricetag, but they don't beat an escort of Zhalfirin Infantry for profit. Send an offer to the girl."
"Yes, sir."

The kevlar beneath Jung Lu's black clothing was beginning to itch..
But he ignored it just as he always had. Always would.

Vtriri had asked that he specify upon delivery, that he would be waiting for reply on a certain street, at a certain time, in a certain car. Mobile, so that he could choose the place at will as he delivered a letter to whoever's aide it was, and decrease the chance of being followed.

And now, he waited, sitting low in the passenger seat of the private car. The rain outside was making the interior of the car fairly humid, and he cracked the window for some air.

He would wait here twenty minutes, as specified to the aide upon delivery, and then depart to wait for the next reply.

"What time is it, Pennington?"

"12:17, sir."

Bloody hell, 18 minutes left..

"Name?"
"Xricc Catera."
"Proffession?"
"Mercenary."
"Armament?"
"SR4000."
"Purpose of coming to Rubivania?"
"Counter-assassin."
"How long will you be staying?"
"Three weeks tops."
The border guard looked over his papers. Should he let him pass?

To
Allow
Greater examination.

An aide appears at the Imperial throneroom of Emperor Gorrm. He bears a platter with a message on it. "My liege, an official communique has arrived addressed to your office."

"Hrrrmmmm...." Gorrm picks up the paper in his clawed hand, and reads the message. "Duplicity. Call together the officers of the Diplomatic Corps in the complex immediately."

The aide wheels on his toes, and exits the room. A short time later, the six top officers to be found in the Kargaahl Imperial Diplomatic Corps were assembled. Gorrm holds up the paper, and hands it to the first officer in line. "Read this, pass it to the next, and render your judgement."

The Diplomatic Officers each read the message in turn, passing it down the line. They converse amongst each other briefly. "My Emperor, we have had no relations with this kingdom, either in an official or unofficial capacity. Yet now they seek help. Normally we would advise arms-length treatment, but these seem extenuating circumstances. We recommend an offer of sanctuary, and protection until such time as this heir to the throne can rightfully be prepared to assume her rightful position. Not only this, but perhaps dispatching some Skeen Agents to Rubivania, to make certain stability is maintained, may be prudent."

"I concur with your decision. Send our offer of sanctuary and protection. Send the Skeen Agents in a 'quiet' manner, and make sure they are apprised of the situation. While this is occuring, i'm going to mobilize a squadron of Hhraam Gaarn. We'll see how this heir responds to us, and our features. This will be the decider. Now go, and be efficient about it."

The Diplomatic Officers bow low, and turn to go about their duties. The Emperor, meanwhile, composes a message in response.



Empress Vtriri Rubivan

We have received your communique, and find your circumstances appalling. In that spirit, we extend to you sanctuary in our lands, and protection from those that would wish you ill. While an alliance can not be formed at this time, as we have had no relations with your peoples previous to this, we will do what we can to make certain stability for your kingdom is maintained. Accept or refuse our offer at your discretion.

Emperor Gorrm
Empire of Sakkra
Kargaahl Imperial Complex
http://www.5amfunnies.com/sakkra/Character/gorrmB.JPG

"Time, Pennington."

"12:21, sir."

Resolute fingers tripped a cigarette to his lips, and he lit it, exhaling the smoke heavily.

The street he had picked was fairly well in one of the ghettos of the largest border city. It was not far from the border gate, but he had no way of knowing that an emissary was being delayed only two miles away.

"Pennington...."

"I know, sir."

The bodyguard's eyes met his employer's in the mirror, and the man touched the transponder on his shoulder, contacting the other guard, who waited at the next rendezvous spot.

'All clear here, sir. Nothing early.'

Jung Lu nodded, and went back to his cigarette.

Xricc had managed to get past the border security. He rode his motorcycle like Satan were after him, trying to get to the engagment area before 12:25. He needed more time. He rode through the ghetto, reading the street signs. He suddenly realised nobody was out except for a man by a car. That must be it.

"Sir..."
Pennington nodded towards the motorbike, speeding it's way through the rain.

"I see it, Pennington, thank you."

Suddenly, the reciever in Pennington's ear crackled, and the man cocked his head. Jung Lu heard the message in his own transponder.

"Sir. We've recieved a comminuque from the Emperor Gorrm of Sakkra."

"Very good. Hold onto it until we can deliver it to the Empress."
Jung Lu replied.

A deep breath in and out.

He ground out the cigarette beneath his heel, already craving another one..

And nodded to the emissary.

"Lieutenant Jung Lu, at your service."

Xricc dismounted his motorcycle and walked up to the man by the car. "Pardon me, sir, would you happen to know the current location of the princess?" His SR4000 is strapped to his back, and he has a kris up one sleeve.

"I'd imagine her to be safely ensconced within the palace, guarded as heavily as the treasury. I presume you're from the nation of Muktar?"

Heavily-browed eyes surveyed the man, taking in the SR4000 on his back, and the slight bulge of a weapon secreted within his sleeve. Jung Lu was at once glad for the magnum resting beneath his arm in the shoulder holster, and the slender blade secured in a sheath at his lower back.

While Jung Lu was facing the approaching emissary, several miles away, his second-in-command, Radha, was tenatively fingering the packet from Sakkra.

Why had the Empress written to Sakkra? Never in the history of Rubivania, or Sakkra, he'd wager, had the two countries had any contact. Radha pressed his fingers over the smooth paper of the envelope once more.

Without warning, the cellular phone in his pocket went off, and he went digging for it.

"Radha here."

"Radha...."

Unconciously, the man's shoulders straightened, and he stood up, his full height. The colour drained from his face, and he stammered nervously when he answered.

"Yes, Empress. I am at your service."

"Radha, don't be so formal. I know you and my cousin played together when you were little, and if I remember correctly, delighted in putting mud in my hair, and pushing me out of the old oak tree in the imperial garden."

"To my great shame, we did."

"Don't be ashamed...Oh! But I don't have time to talk about this now! I am on Sakota's cellphone, and I must be brief, lest Phanear notice me and decide to tap this line as well!"

"At your leisure, my Lady."

"Very well...have there been any replies yet? I've been writing for weeks..."

"Yes, two so far, I believe. One from Sakkra, and our cousin meeting with the second as we speak."

"Sakkra? Oh, well...a reply is a reply. No matter if it's a 'yes' or a 'go to hell', I am grateful for it!"

"Empress!"

"Hush. I am sending Sakota to you. I want you to put the message in her hands yourself, unless Jung Lu is there to do it for you. I trust no one else but you three."

"As you wish it."

"Thank you, Radha.."

The line went dead suddenly, followed by a click that told Radha that the Empress had hung up.

The time passed ever so slowly, until Sakota's black car rolled up alongside his own. For a moment, Radha was surprised, and wondered how the Empress had known where to send Sakota. But then he remembered that Jung Lu told the Empress everything.

Sakota, tall, and slim, stepped from the driver's seat, and began to cross the street to where Radha sat in the nondescript BMW. The beginnings of a smile crossed his face as he watched Sakota; he had always meant to ask for a date, but then...he was too much of a coward. In anticipation of handing the communique over, Radha cracked the window.

Pop! Pop!

Sakota's face jerked towards the left, and then a grimace came over her features. Dark roses of blood bloomed on her chest, and her legs gave out beneath her.
Radha barely had time to register this, when there was a squealing of tires. He was simultaneously trying to put his own car in gear, and draw his pistol, when the other car slammed into the left front side of his car. And instead of the other car letting off the gas, and perhaps reversing away, the driver seemed to gun the engine more, and began driving Radha's car up onto the sidewalk.
Radha's head banged up against the steering wheel, and he felt the skin of his eyebrow split. A warmth trickling down his cheek told him that he was bleeding, and the instant pain in his neck and head spoke of a possible concussion.
The black car had at last pinned the BMW against the wall of a building, and for a moment, all was silent beneath the pouring rain, save for the sound of the wiper blades flop-flopping on the now cracked glass.
The came the sound of Sakota shrieking, and then another terrible pop cutting the scream short.
Radha woozily sought to hide the communique, but his strength left him, just as the door of the BMW was wrenched open. The envelope was snatched from his hand, and the gun as well, while a second fist slammed into his cheek.

"You keep poor company, Radha. I thought you'd know better than this."

"Better than what?"
Radha was still struggling to stay awake.

"Better than to oppose Phanear."

This echoing in Radha's head, he slipped down into unconciousness.

The man who stood speaking to him brought the envelope up to look at it. The ink was beginning to run in the rain. Then, with a snort, he tucked the paper within his coat pocket.

"Bring him. He'll have much to talk about still."

Xricc nodded. "Normally my homeland is neutral in such affairs, but we consider it wise to befriend small nations, so that we may have strong allies once they develop. I have been sent to prevent any assassination attempts that may occur."

Xricc nodded. "Normally my homeland is neutral in such affairs, but we consider it wise to befriend small nations, so that we may have strong allies once they develop. I have been sent to prevent any assassination attempts that may occur."

Jung Lu nodded, and withdrew another cigarette from his pocket. Shielding it from the rain, he lit it and drew a deep puff.

"A wise stance."

Exhaling heavily, Jung Lu once more surveyed the man.

"You'll understand if I ask for your papers, credentials. The Empress is dear to me; I have to protect her, you understand."

A moment's pause.

"I must ask what plan you had in mind as well... I can arrange it easily enough to have an extra bodyguard added to her retinue. What is your specialty, things like that.."

Xricc pulled his papers out of his leather trencoat, revealing Dauthi design body armor underneath. "This should explain everything.
Name: Xricc Catera
Profession: Sniper
Mission: Counterassassination
It is suggested that you allow Xricc to do things his way. He does whatever it takes to avoid unneccesary damage, but will not let this comprimise his mission.
Xricc looked at his watch after handing the papers over. "12:24..."

Jung Lu was silent as he read the paper...
Silent as his eyes focused somewhere other than the paper, deep in thought.

The Empress had give him authority to decide for her on this behalf, given that she had already stated what was and was not acceptable.

Even the mention of the time when unnoticed for a moment.

And then he raised his own arm to glance at his watch, then passed the paper back to the man.
With an interested gleam in his eyes, noticed the body armour the man wore.

"Very well, then. I should let you know that the Empress requires that you take no action which will result in public outcry against the throne. Discretion is of the utmost importance. But you already know this. What terms does your nation head require of my soveriegn?"

"No terms as of yet. Just make sure that you steer clear of immoral activities, and try not to go to war with any of our allies. As for now, I believe something is going to happen in less than a minute."

An eyebrow raised, nearly off Jung Lu's face.

It was on the tip of his tongue to question the assassin about the remark of immoral activities, and then it registered.

"Less than a minute?"

Jung Lu jerked his head towards the car.

"Pennington! Check in with Radha.."

Xricc looked around casually, although he was truly looking around anciously due to the bodyguard's response.

Jung Lu watched as Pennington keyed the walkie-talkie at his shoulder twice, then three times...

And then as Pennington tilted his head towards the window.

"Sir, Radha isn't responding.."

Jung Lu turned his black eyes towards Xricc.

"That...isn't like Radha.."

Xricc mounted his motorcycle and pulled the SR4000 off from over his shoulder. "Should I be somewhere?"

"Radha was waiting at the next engagment point."

Jung Lu handed to Xricc a slip of paper with an address deeper with the ghetto printed on it.

"I'll circle around, and converge on it from a direction off of yours. You take the west-bound street, I'll take the east."

Xricc nods and tosses a headset to the bodyguard, then puts on a identical set. "Contact me if you find something." He then rides off on the west-bound.

Xricc nods and tosses a headset to the bodyguard, then puts on a identical set. "Contact me if you find something." He then rides off on the west-bound.

Jung nodded, and slipped the headset over his ear.

"Test..."

He spoke quietly into the microphone, then settled down into the backseat of the car. There was a nod of his head towards Pennington, who put the car in gear, and pulled smoothly away from the curb.

"Radha's car is a black BMW."

Jung reached, and gestured to a side street for Pennington to take.
"Not Queen City Road, it's too public. That back street there, National Avenue, take that. You'll be able to circle around to Glenstone Street."

Once more, Jung addressed Xricc.

"Radha was carrying a communique from the Emperor of Sakkra. If the worst has happened, it is absolutely imperitive that that communique is retrieved, if it is there at all..."

"Understood. I'll be on the lookout." Xricc was rapidly approaching the adress written when he noticed a red BMW that seemed freshly painted. "What was the liscense plate on Radha's car?"

"89FHX"

Jung turned his head to focus on a blue Corvette that slowed as his car drove by..
But dismissed it as nothing as the driver made for a left turn.

"Have you found something?"

"A freshly painted BMW. Checking the lisence..."
A loud crack came from a nearby alley, and Xricc was sent flying into the BMW. He slide off along the side, smearing off the red paint and revealing the black underneath. He got up, aimed his SR4000 into the alley, and waited for his attacker to come out.
"I'm under fire, here! BMW confirmed as being Radha's. Moving in on attacker."
He rolled on the pavement, and sparks flew up behind him where a bullet just barely missed him. He fired at the gunman, nailing him in the ankle. The amateur dropped to the ground in agony. Xricc got up, pulled out his kris, and held the zigzagged blade up to the assailent's forehead. "Where is Radha?"

"En route, Xricc."

Jung leaned forward, speaking to Pennington.

"If you've a mind to speed, now would be the time to do it."

"Certainly, Sir. There's a spare clip for the glock in the glove compartment."

Jung grinned, and reached to open the glove box. Precisely, he withdrew the glock from the compartment, checked the gun to make sure the chamber was loaded, and tucked the spare clip into his breast pocket.

"Put a call in on the Empress's secure line. Let her know that something's up, and we have help. Tell her that we'll be needing a way in the Imperial Palace."

"Certainly, Sir."
*****************


At the sight of the kris, the flash of the streetlight off of the blade, the gunman's eyes widened a bit, but then they narrowed with defiance. His breath came quickly as the pain began to ebb and flow in horrible waves.

"Kill me. I will tell you nothing."

The man's eyes darted to where his gun had fallen, only just outside of his reach.

"En route, Xricc."

Jung leaned forward, speaking to Pennington.

"If you've a mind to speed, now would be the time to do it."

"Certainly, Sir. There's a spare clip for the glock in the glove compartment."

Jung grinned, and reached to open the glove box. Precisely, he withdrew the glock from the compartment, checked the gun to make sure the chamber was loaded, and tucked the spare clip into his breast pocket.

"Put a call in on the Empress's secure line. Let her know that something's up, and we have help. Tell her that we'll be needing a way in the Imperial Palace."

"Certainly, Sir."
*****************


At the sight of the kris, the flash of the streetlight off of the blade, the gunman's eyes widened a bit, but then they narrowed with defiance. His breath came quickly as the pain began to ebb and flow in horrible waves.

"Kill me. I will tell you nothing."

The man's eyes darted to where his gun had fallen, only just outside of his reach.

Xricc began writting on the gunamn's forehead with the blade. "I won't kill you until I get answers. And I'll have you know I was trained by Visira City Torturists in the cruel art of interogation."

There came a cry from the man as the blood ran down his forehead. He managed to gasp out..

"Mitra preserve us! That heretic girl will never rule Rubivania!"

His feet kicked at the pavement.

Xricc pinned the man down and begin picking at the gunshot wound in the man's leg with his blade. "Tell me where Radha is if you want the pain to stop."

The man gritted and gnashed his teeth...struggled to hold his tongue.
Even bit his tongue so hard that he tasted blood.

But he couldn't....he was dead anyway.... Phanear would have him dead for failing to kill Jung Lu, and now...

Couldn't think...

"Phanear has him now! The infidel will die, and so will his infidel mistress! The vizier will rule all!"

"Xricc, report....what's going on?"

The sounds of screaming was coming in, loud and clear, whenever Jung Lu keyed the headset.

In the front seat, Pennington was talking in hurried, hushed tones with the Empress.

"Sir, the Empress says that she has cleared an hour, and can recieve you then."

"Great. Xricc...you still wanna meet Her Worship?"

Xricc nodded, then held the blade just short of the man's groin. "I figured that much. What I want is the location he is being held at, and how to get there. Think about the consequences of abstaining from answering before you respond."

Xricc nodded, then held the blade just short of the man's groin. "I figured that much. What I want is the location he is being held at, and how to get there. Think about the consequences of abstaining from answering before you respond."

The man's head jerked to the left, and headlights shone off his eyes.

But the press of the blade brought his attention fully back on the psycho who held it nearest his groin.

"I do not know! Mitra's Truth, I do not know!"

Xricc nodded solemly, then stood up. "I may be ruthless, but I'm not sick." He then turned to the oncoming car. He couldn't tell if it was Jung Lu or another hostile, so he readied his SR4000 with another shot. "Xricc here. Hostile has been neutralized, claims not to know Radha's location, only that he is being held by Phanear. Ever heard of him?"

Xricc nodded solemly, then stood up. "I may be ruthless, but I'm not sick." He then turned to the oncoming car. He couldn't tell if it was Jung Lu or another hostile, so he readied his SR4000 with another shot. "Xricc here. Hostile has been neutralized, claims not to know Radha's location, only that he is being held by Phanear. Ever heard of him?"

Jung Lu nodded, as he stepped from the car.

Bowed his head a bit to the counter-assassin, and then bent to inspect the face of the man laying in the alleyway.

"Should have known that it was you, Alex. I've heard you scream like that before when I broke your shoulder in fencing."

A sigh as he turned away from the dead man.

"Phanear is....was the royal vizier. Now he is set to become co-Regent with her worship until such time as Vtriri is fit to rule by herself. We suspect him to be behind the deaths of the dauphin and his wife, the Empress's parents, and the late Emperor Arthur Rubivan. The Empress has cleared her wing of the palace for the space of an hour, ensuring a bit of privacy for us all to talk."

Xricc nodded and pointed his rifle at Alex. "What do we do with him? He just heard what I would call too much."

"I'd be inclined to agree with you."

Jung's eyes went to Alex, who was still cowering on the ground.

"Treason carries the penalty of death."

Xricc slowly walked toward Alex, keeping the SR4000 leveled on him. The traitor squirmed further back into the alley, then Xricc pulled the trigger. The writting on Alex's forehead erupted in redness, and the blood drained into a drain not visible outside the alley. Xricc stepped out of the alley strapping the rifle back over his shoulder. "Now, shall we go see the princess then?"

Jung Lu stooped and rifled quickly through Alex's pockets, in the hopes that the communique from Sakkra would be there...
But to no avail.

So he moved, placing a cigarette between his lips as he went, and opened the car door.

Solicitously, he held it open for Xricc.

"I apologize. I know you would probably prefer to ride your motorbike, but we will have to go through a guardstation, and they will not allow it through."

Xricc looked at his motorcycle. The shot that had sent him flying of the bike had lodged it tightly into Radha's abandoned BMW. "It couldn't ride it even if they would let me in." With that, he got into the care. "So, who was that Alex guy anyway?"

"One of Phanear's lesser aides... Of course, when it comes to the royal vizier, 'aide' is synonymous with 'flunky', or 'thug'."

Jung seated himself in the seat next to Xricc, and slammed the door shut. He gestured to Pennington, and then continued.

"Many of the people who serve the princess, and the vizier grew up together. Went to the same military academy, all that. Alex was a mate of mine, until the dauphin and his wife were assassinated. Then, old Arthur Rubivan had to take the throne once more, since Vtriri was only 11 or 12 at that point."

Jung leaned towards the window, and guaged the distance from their current location to the palace. There was only about 12 miles between the ghetto, and the imperial grounds.

"And what about this Phanear? Sounds like one of the Underlords back in Catera City."

Jung focused on Xricc.

"Tell me about these Underlords."

"Well, in Catera City, there are the Nine Houses of Catera that share equal power. There are about a dozen lesser houses, and they are lead by the Underlords. They are constantly plotting against the Nine Houses and each other to try to gain power in the city. However, the only way the could cripple even the militaristically weakest House would require all of them working as one. So, naturally, they can't come anywhere near my House."

"It's a wise idea, balancing the powers of the houses against the lesser ones."
Jung said, admiring the juxtaposition.
"Unfortunately, our power structure wasn't built anything like that. Phanear is just a man who was born to one of the lesser familes, and exploited Arthur Rubivan's trusting nature to become the royal vizier. We've suspected Phanear's duplicity for years, but he's good at what he does, and we've not been able to collect any evidence against him."

Once more, Jung's gaze went out the window. The car had begun to slow as it turned onto a gravel road flanked by trees. Up ahead, spotlights lit up the sky, and the Imperial Palace loomed, beautifully lit up by the grounds' lights.

Pennington stopped the car at the guard station, and as a guard approached the window, Jung Lu withdrew a badge, and pressed it against the glass so that the guard on the outside can see.

Xricc smirked. "Don't be so sure. I recorded my interogation of Alex for future use. He was very convinced Phanear would seize power, from what I could tell."

He was almost ashamed that he didn't think of it himself. But then...he hadn't been there for the interrogation. Hadn't even been prepared that such a thing would happen tonight.

The guard squinted past the tinted glass at the badge, and then stepped back, waving to the other guard within the station to raise the gate. Various men with semi-automatic rifles eyed the car, but did nothing. Pennington drove towards the immense garage.

"I do not like to voice such things, but the princess is still very young, and her bodyguards are not much better off."

Jung Lu had the grace to look embarassed. He looked every bit of his twenty-one years, but not much more.

Xricc chuckled, scratching casually at has grayed sideburns. "Well, I guess that makes me the incarnation of irony, doesn't it?"

"How is that?"

Jung's eyebrow raised, and he took in the older man across from him.

"Oh, just an inside joke among the House Heads." Xricc looked out the window. The courtyard was fantastic for such a young nation. He then thought about the ruins of Mendeli from the revolution, and how the nation would have fallen apart had he and the other eith not pulled things back together. He also remembered how some would joke about the incompetence of the law enforcement, but soon found them to be highly efficient after recieving training from veterans from Zhalfir, Askar, and Dauth.

Jung would have asked Xricc to tell him the joke sometime, but it was fairly unlikely that the two men would grow that close.

He would not pretend to know what was going through Xricc's head, but would listen if the older man chose to share.

Jung became noticeably more tense as the car halted, and shut off. He made no move to open the door, but waited and let Pennington get out, and open the door for both men.

"Follow me."

The sound of his shoes echoed in the concrete of the parking garage, and he led the way into the antechambers of the palace. The three of them seemed to go through endless hallways, riding a stainless-steel elevator up to the top floor of the palace.
And at last, Jung led Xricc to a carved mahogany door. He knocked lightly, and then stepped inside.

The light within the suite of rooms was wan. There was the smell of tobacco from the sitting room.

Xricc sniffed the air, then turned to Jung. "Funny thing is, i never got either of your names."

"You didn't introduce yourselves? How terribly rude!"

There came the sound of a soft, honeyed voice from somewhere near the fireplace. Movement showed on one of the couches, and a slim form sat up.

"I apologize for my bodyguard. His name is Jung Lu, and the one behind you is Royalton Pennington. We always just call him Royal, or Pennington."

The smell of sulphur went up, and there was a slight flare as a match was lit. A petite face showed in the orange-ish light, and the candle wick caught flame. Then the girl stood, brushing black hair out of her face, and she moved across the room towards the three men. Jung Lu made as if to speak, but the girl cut him off.

"You naughty boys! You're all late! I got an hour to myself, and now I can only give you half that. What happened? Where's Sakota? Where's Radha?"

The girl caught up short, then turned pink, and then laughed softly.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I am Vtriri Rubivan. Her Serene and Most Holy Empress, and all that rot."

Xricc bowed deeply to the Empress, then stood straight. "Jung, do you want to tell her about Radha, or should I?"

Jung winced as he watched Vtriri's face contort in anxiety.

"I'm sorry, V.."

"Sorry about what? What happened to Radha and Sakota?"

Vtriri turned from her cousin to Xricc.

"What happened?"
Her voice quavered, and then took on an authoratative tone.

"Phanear got Radha. I don't know who Sakota is, my briefing didn't give me all the details." Xricc could tell that the Empress was close to Radha. Close like he was to former President Mendeli of Muktar. He would not let the possibility of the bloodshed of another revolution fall on his conscience. "Radha is probably still alive. I'll do what I can to help get him back."

OOC: I need to log off soon. One more post, then I'm done.

The princess went white.

"I would appreciate that very much. Radha's in possession of some sensitive information."

Vtriri looked towards Jung.

"I spoke to Radha earlier this evening. He said there was another reply, one from Sakkra. Sakota was on her way to collect the correspondance."


Jung bowed his head, and then shook it.

"I did not see Sakota anywhere. The man Xricc questioned didn't have the correspondance on him. We can only assume that Phanear has it."

Vtriri turned her head away from her cousin, and focused her eyes on Xricc.

"Well then, Xricc, is it?"
Vtriri's hands shook.
"What about this man that was questioned?"

OOC: That's fine. I've got to go soon too. :) it was fun playing with you. My email address is devastatrix@hotmail.com if you want to get ahold of me for anything.

"Alex. He was quite fervant in the belief that Phanear should be in charge. He also called you some things I'd rather not repeat, out of respect. The only information I was able to get was that Phanear did indeed have Radha in his clutches." Xricc turned toward Jung. "Do you have any means of contacting Sakota?"

Vtriri's eyes narrowed.

"I have already heard those things, repeated by my own servants when they think I'm not listening."

Her hand came up to her chin, and she turned to stare out the window...Seeming to be deep in thought, but still listening to the conversation.

Jung looked to Xricc.

"Sakota always kept a cell phone on her person at all times. Other than that, she's fairly inaccessible. This was why she was the logical first choice for being the princess's aide."

Xricc flipped out his own cell phone, then was chagrined to find Alex's previous shot had ruined it, as well as put a dent in his Dauthi Design Body Armor. "Have you tried to call her?"

OOC: My e-mail is busted.

"I have not, as yet."
Jung replied.
"My Lady?"

"I've been calling her nonstop since she failed to return with the communique."
Vtriri folded her arms over her breasts, and looked over her shoulder at the men.
"I think it would be safe to assume that she is with Radha."

Elsewhere in the palace....


"This sucks."

"It really does."

"When'd the Empress want us back?"

"Princess, tard. She hasn't been coronated yet."

"Whatever. Supreme and almighty ruler, she who holds our lives in her grasp."

"She really does.

"Yeah, so...what time?"

"Oh! Sorry. Uh..she said to give her an hour. I think we got.....20 minutes left."

CL looked up from his watch, and shoved his hands into his pockets once more. Beside him, Andelin leaned back against the polished marble table-top. The two chief bodyguards of the Empress-to-be had found themselves dismissed for an hour of privacy. Well, dismissed hadn't really been the correct term. More like...thrown out of the royal suite.

'I can't think, I can't even do my girly things with you two continuously hovering!'

'We're supposed to hover. Hence the term 'bodyguard.''

'I don't care! Get out! Both of you! I want one hour. Just one little hour of privacy!'

'But it's not safe!'

'I'm willing to take that risk, if you two'll just LEAVE ME ALONE!'

In the end, Andelin and CL had run like scared rabbits. For two men with such extensive training in the military arts, for two men with logical and intelligent minds, they had suprising little strategy for dealing with a petulant, adolescent royal.....well...girl.

So, the two had retreated to just down the hall, a few rooms away, where they could still watch the corridor to the Empress's suite.

Andelin was a devilishly charming man of scandinavian descent. He was a stark contrast, standing next to his companion, CL, who was burly, and short. Though CL hadn't been shorted on looks himself, the two were as different as night and day, and different sorts of women flocked to them both. The playboy attributes of both had been strongly considered when the head of security had been ordered to assign a new retinue of bodyguards for Vtriri Rubivan. After all, there had been an incident a few years back when a royal cousin had fallen for one of her bodyguards, and the two were found in flagrante delicto. But the empress was still young, and the pair were judged to be harmless.
Though the princess hadn't warmed up to them yet, it was only because she was at yet unaware that neither Andelin or dear CL had no intentions other than to do their duty and protect her. In a palace filled with duplicity, suspicion, and paranoia, the pair, much like a comedy duo, were spots of sunlight, and one of the few oases of honesty and integrity.

"So, uh...did ya talk to Royal yet?"

"No. He's kind of working right now."

"Oh."

Andelin dropped the conversation. CL seemed to want to not want to talk, but all Andelin was willing to do was change the topic.

"What's the CL stand for?"

CL shot Andelin a look.

"'Cause I've known you for a while, and you've never told me?"

"Is it any of your business?"

"C'mon. I'll guess. How's that?"

"Loser."

"Hmm. How about Chad Loren?"

"Chad Loren? What the fu.......that's totally random."

"Um. Charles Lynn?"

"Are you high?"

"Yeah, actually I just took a big hit before I came on duty."

"Tard."

"Charlie.....Charlie Lynch?"

"Shut up."

This time the look that CL shot Andelin was somewhat withering, although...just below the surface...Andelin could detect a slight hint of amusement.
The skit would have continued, but the flash of black movement in the hallway caught both their eyes. At once, the two were all business, pulling guns from their holsters, and moving off in a well-planned formation.

CL caught sight of the intruder, and instantly relaxed.

"Aw, it's just Jung and Royal."

"Who's that dude with them?"

"Don't know."

Jung and Royal were obviously off their game. It wasn't like CL and Andelin were being exactly furtive or anything. But neither noticed the pair skulking in an alcove down the hall. They watched as Jung knocked on the empress's door, and then opened it to let all three men in.

"Empress's got some explaining to do, eh?"
Andelin asked in a hushed whisper as he watched.

"I'd say so. What's going on, that she doesn't trust us."

"We'll find out here in a little while."