NationStates Jolt Archive

"Your city? I think Commander Raijin might have some small dispute with that"

"Well, I won't tell if you won't. Besides, Lord Raijin works hard enough as it is." He laughed lightly.

"And I'd quote a very old song,but..."

She stopped and considered for a split second...and good defense was a good offense 'lets see how easy he scares' and grinned wickedly.

"Well, girls just want to have fun...are you up for some?"

The laugh slowly came to a stop. "Ah. The charm offensive. Besides, you'd turn down the man who was with you all day for someone who randomly appears before you?" The ninja paused, contemplatively. "I will never understand women. In any case," he said, his tone losing its playful quality, "this city is not safe for one such as yourself to be wandering about. Even on this level. People may assume that you are other than that which you appear to be." Slasher straightened his posture. "Will you be forever imprisoned within that armor? And I don't mean that bio-thingy. How...unfortunate. Now, if Your Imperial Majesty will excuse this humble servant of Krioval, I have an appointment in Valak shortly, and I will likely already be late." The man bowed deeply to Michiko and then jumped, using telekinetic power to propel himself fluidly to the top of a nearby building. He continued bounding from one rooftop to another, heading toward the northwest and the distant mountains of Valak.

Michiko watched him go, all laughter fled from her

"And Sigrun has a special some one, he's my friend and I did a really stupid thing earlier...and no you don't scare at all...I just did another stupid thing."

Her voice was a whipser. She looked about for a teleportal kiosk and saw one close at hand. In seconds she was at the Hotel D' Or and not much longer she was at her suite. She noted that several of the items she had purchased earlier had already been delivered, but the sight of them brought her no pleasure. Once Perigrine and the Grendel returned they would be leaving she decided. 'I shouldn't have come'

Michiko watched him go, all laughter fled from her

"And Sigrun has a special some one, he's my friend and I did a really stupid thing earlier...and no you don't scare at all...I just did another stupid thing."

He caught the parting shot, and despite the training, went cold. Another failure. Perhaps it can still be salvaged. The ninja pushed a button on his armband. "Didn't work out as planned, not that I'm surprised. Why you sent me is beyond..."

"I sent you to watch out for her. Not to interfere. That you seem to take especial delight in pushing the boundaries should have taught you by now that sometimes the boundaries push back."

"Commander..."

"Get back there and fix it. I won't have that woman suffer because you couldn't control your impetuous matchmaking."

"And what of the initiation?"

"I'll handle that."

"But...tradition!"

"Slasher, you've been invaluable to Krioval. Don't screw it all up because of some arcane 'tradition'. The one who trained you has been dead ten years, and his art for nearly twenty. Adapt as the rest of us have or else surrender to your Fate. Either way, do not question me again."

"Yes, Lord Raijin." The ninja turned, heading back toward Torokara. Never a dull moment, he thought. Darting leftward, he spotted the Hotel D'Or. If the money weren't so good... He landed on the rooftop and began his descent. Briefly hacking into the hotel's guest registry, he found his quarry. Knocking lightly on the empress's door, he said, in a disguised voice, "Housekeeping."

'Housekeeping?' Michiko wondered as she stood and moved over to the house commo that tied directly with the front desk

"This is Ms. Jones. Could you tell me if housekeeping has been sent to my suite?"

While she waited for a reply she went to Perigrine's weapons case. She might be stuck on the throne, that didn't mean she didn't practise regularly. She chose one of the Nietzschean's force lances. She was not as familiar with the alien weapon, but it would most likely be mistaken for far less than it actually was.

The front desk advised her that no housekeeping has not been sent to her suite. Toeing off her shoes, she padded quietly to the door. In keeping with the quality of the establishment the door was thick and rather sound proof, but she listened carefully for a moment, trying to discern just how many were outside the door

Setting herself to respond to any one trying to force themselves past her, or grab her, and with the forcelance set for effector fire Michiko threw the door open with no warning

"Oh it's you!"

Setting herself to respond to any one trying to force themselves past her, or grab her, and with the forcelance set for effector fire Michiko threw the door open with no warning

"Oh it's you!"

The door flung open without warning. She called downstairs, didn't she. Should've intercepted. Too late. The ninja stood in the doorway, smile invisible behind his mask, and sword conspicuously absent. "Expecting me?"

Michiko found herself blushing

"No, I mean you said you had other appointments. Please, come in...and why is it I find myself trusting people who hide behind veils and masks?"

She stepped back to let him enter if he chose. And she suddenly realized why she did...He 'felt' like Perigrine, and she trusted Perigrine with her life

Sigrun sat at the bar, looking over at the officer sitting next to him. She seemed to have fallen asleep for a moment. He prodded her gently.

"I believe you were going to order drinks for the both of us?" he intoned with a grin.

Perigrine nodded at Jason's question

"Some will, they're of limited 'generation' ...others, I hope not. I should be able to find analogs of the minerals I need in this universe"

She finished slowly, aware that she had said far to much

"Do you find it difficult to work with new cultures? You must have a very low xenophobia rating"

Michiko found herself blushing

"No, I mean you said you had other appointments. Please, come in...and why is it I find myself trusting people who hide behind veils and masks?"

She stepped back to let him enter if he chose. And she suddenly realized why she did...He 'felt' like Perigrine, and she trusted Perigrine with her life

"My superior has covered me, though that will bring about its own problems. Fate is a strange Goddess." He entered the room, closing the door. "It is not my place to interfere with anything but your physical security. I was assigned to make sure you were protected. But it looks like I failed." His eyes surveyed the room, and lit up in surprise at some of the objects present. "I don't remember you entering that shop," he said. "As for the masks and veils, maybe I *was* onto something after all. How about an exchange. My mask and hood for your armor. And I'll even let you talk to my boss first, just so you don't think I'm some sort of rogue element."

Sigrun sat at the bar, looking over at the officer sitting next to him. She seemed to have fallen asleep for a moment. He prodded her gently.

"I believe you were going to order drinks for the both of us?" he intoned with a grin.

Miranda jumped up. "Huh? Oh, sorry, lost in thought." Truth was, she had been thinking of the odd verbal sparring match between the elf and the woman, and what had followed. She brightened, and said, "I don't know what your tastes are in alcohol, but one of the strongest drinks around is called the 'firecracker'. You up for it?"

"If Krioval wants to trade for the armor, I'll certainly have no problem with that...but I have a different trade with you in mind...First off, I'm Michiko, and you are?..."

She raised an eyebrow at him as she stepped over to the window and threw it wide. The smile of her face was enigmatic and perhaps disturbing

"Oh don't worry about loseing your mask, it gives you a certain air"

Mt. Valak - 19 June - 11:00 pm

Silently, but rather gracelessly, the figure made its way across the city of Valak by rooftop and finally arrived at the entrance to the mountain sanctuary to the north. Another figure was fidgeting nervously, and looking at his armband to see the time. The first man landed several meters away.

"You're late, ya know."

"Yeah, well, there's a change in plans." The Commander stepped out of the shadows.

"Raijin?! I thought someone else was coming to do this!"

"Yeah, well, Slasher screwed up something in Torokara, so I took his place. Don't thank all the Gods at once. Besides, it's not that huge of a deal what goes on, rather than it goes on at all."

"I guess. But it's kinda weird for it to be you, ya know."

"Yeah. I know. But would *Slasher* have been any less weird? I mean, what does a person talk about with that man? Koro, it would've been the most boring night of your entire adult life."

"I guess. What do I do for this 'initiation rite', anyway?"

"We start with the ritual orgy, of course, and then..." Raijin laughed as Koro's eyes bugged out. "We sit and talk, and wait for you to get some sort of vision or experience something. At least, that's what I did when Andruik came here for his. A few hours and we're all done - unless the Gods are particularly snarky, that is."

"All right. Let's go. Just remember, Raijin, this is all your fault." The younger man laughed despite himself.

"Of course, Your Excellency," Raijin deadpanned.

"Good Gods save me." The two walked into the entryway and sealed the door behind them. They proceeded into a series of corridors designed to confuse any intruders before making their way to a cavern with a waterfall and several pools. The water was warm to the touch, thanks to Mt. Valak's geothermal vents - the mountain had been an active volcano not too many years earlier.

"Now what?" Koro asked.

"How should I know?" came the retort. "We could pray, or meditate, or talk about the Torokara Slashers' home season record, or whatever."

"Can I ask you a personal question?"

"You're the High Priest now. Anything that you think will help, ya know."

Koro's face scrunched up both in concentration and ambivalence. "Why doesn't Darvek like me as much as I like him? Is there something wrong with me?"

It's going to be a long night, Raijin thought, as he considered possible answers.

"If Krioval wants to trade for the armor, I'll certainly have no problem with that...but I have a different trade with you in mind...First off, I'm Michiko, and you are?..."

She raised an eyebrow at him as she stepped over to the window and threw it wide. The smile of her face was enigmatic and perhaps disturbing

"Oh don't worry about loseing your mask, it gives you a certain air"

"I meant, I take something off, and you take something off. Though, if you want to do all the 'removal', that's fine too." The white-cloaked ninja looked at Michiko. "Slasher. Most people would have jumped at the chance to talk with him. You're strange. And that's saying a lot, coming from me." He tipped his head sideways, as if to gain a better vantage point. "I really don't understand your kind."

"Hello and welcome to Krioval. You have been expected. Is everybody aboard the craft all right?"

“Nothing appears to be broken, just a few bruises I‘ll be feeling tomorrow.” Constantine stood up slowly, audibly popping his back, Ah, much better. He looked around, “Er, sorry about the mess.” A large dog stood up, shaking debris from his back, barked once then started licking something under him. A pair of hands came up, pushing ineffectively at the dog. Gods, Rin! Constantine move quickly to where the dog was. “Panzer, move…“ Pushing the dog aside, he looked down at the prone figure.

Rin blinked up at him, dazed “Are we there yet?” He grinned and helped her up. “We’re here. And fashionably late I believe.” Rin was wobbly but seemed unhurt. “There was this strange wet thing trying to drown me.” Constantine helped her down from the ship. “That was Panzer dear.” Panzer chose that moment to dart across the beach chasing seagulls.

This was the last straw for the gulls and they pelted the dog with a few clam shells before settling in the water out of reach.

Constantine shook his head and turned back to the guard, “Could we trouble you for a lift?”

Michiko found herself laughing as she returned the force lance to Perigrine's case.

"Still refering to the female of the species?"

Her eyes twinkled in some private joke, as she made little turn around motions with her fingers

"I'm about to utter the the two deadliest words in the unverse....Trust Me"

Her tone may have been inordinately cheerful, but the look in her eyes was deadly serious

Constantine shook his head and turned back to the guard, “Could we trouble you for a lift?”

"Of course. Where would you like to go? And don't worry about your ship. We'll get it repaired...er...reconstructed as soon as possible."

Miranda jumped up. "Huh? Oh, sorry, lost in thought." Truth was, she had been thinking of the odd verbal sparring match between the elf and the woman, and what had followed. She brightened, and said, "I don't know what your tastes are in alcohol, but one of the strongest drinks around is called the 'firecracker'. You up for it?"

Sigrun nodded, "All right. Let's try this...'firecracker'." He nodded to the female barkeep, who came over, ever wearing her tight shirt across her ample bosom. Sigrun chuckled to himself again. The things some would do to get their tips. He ordered the drinks for both of them. He didn't know what it would look like, nor taste like, but in situations like these, he liked the msytery of it all.

"Of course. Where would you like to go? And don't worry about your ship. We'll get it repaired...er...reconstructed as soon as possible."

“Considering the time, a nice quiet hotel.“ Panzer sniffed around the guards legs then sat down, scratching a flea behind his ear. Constantine sighed, “Some place that allows pets.”

“Considering the time, a nice quiet hotel.“ Panzer sniffed around the guards legs then sat down, scratching a flea behind his ear. Constantine sighed, “Some place that allows pets.”

"Ah. Third level, then. We'll get you there momentarily." The hovercar speeds upward, and arrives in front of a modest, but nice, hotel conveniently secluded from the busy Central Square."

Sigrun nodded, "All right. Let's try this...'firecracker'." He nodded to the female barkeep, who came over, ever wearing her tight shirt across her ample bosom. Sigrun chuckled to himself again. The things some would do to get their tips. He ordered the drinks for both of them. He didn't know what it would look like, nor taste like, but in situations like these, he liked the msytery of it all.

The drink arrived, the same blue and clear liquid that countless other Kriovalians had consumed earlier that day. "Watch closely," Miranda said, procuring a swizzle stick. She dipped it into the drink, piercing the boundary between the two layers, stirred vigorously, and withdrew it, setting it on something non-combustible. Being a more upscale bar, this time, the drink turned a pale red, and the characteristic red flames darted around the rim for almost fifteen seconds before subsiding. Miranda then downed about half of the drink. "It's best if you drink a lot of it at once," she said. "Of course, I'm only good for one of these before I have to switch to something a bit lighter."

Michiko found herself laughing as she returned the force lance to Perigrine's case.

"Still refering to the female of the species?"

Her eyes twinkled in some private joke, as she made little turn around motions with her fingers

"I'm about to utter the the two deadliest words in the unverse....Trust Me"

Her tone may have been inordinately cheerful, but the look in her eyes was deadly serious

Slasher looked at Michiko for what felt like the millionth time that evening. "Trust you? Why not? Raijin does." He walked over to the bed and sat down. "Nice bed."

Michiko started to glare at Slasher as he chose to sit on her bed rather than turn around to give her some privacy. Then it transmuted to one of utter challenge

"I wouldn't know"

And with a lift of her head, Michiko began undressing as if he were not even there. Neatly folding her clothes on the dresser top, she walked over to within a few feet of the open window, still seemingly ignoring Slasher

She raised her arms over her head, one palm in front of the other. For a brief second a weirdling blue crystal shimmer flared about her like an aura, then she was CHANGING...and in seconds a snow white Gyrfalcon alit on the windowsil. Turning fierce black eyes on Slasher, a voice sounded bell like in his mind

*Well, if you are here to be my guardian, then come on, I want to fly! *

Jason heard her mention other universe but assumed she meant galaxy or somesuch. "I've never had a problem with other races or cultures and in the event that I am unable to handle a cultural, racial, or languistic problem there is always the diplo-corp." Jason replied "And xenophobia is nearly a none issue for my people as they interact with non-humans and non-bipeds on a somewhat regular basis, or at least many of them do."

*Well, if you are here to be my guardian, then come on, I want to fly! *

He shrugged. "If that's what you want," he said, neutrally. "One second." He reached under the bed and withdrew his 'missing' sword, returning it to its normal position on his back. "Ready? Where we going?"

Sigrun took Miranda's advice and swallowed the entire contents of the 'firecracker'. He paused for a moment, enjoying the taste.

Then he stood up in surprise as his throat and mouth felt like it were on fire. He exhaled greatly, trying to neutralize the burning sensation. Finally, he felt the 'fire' cease its torture on his throat. He sat back down, his eyes slightly teared from the experience.

"That...whooo!" he cried with a half laugh.

"Holy hells..." he muttered to himself...

Michiko flung her wings wide and with a poserful downward sweep she sent herself out into the clear sky. It felt so good to be free, pinions spread to catch every erg of lift, every bit of thermal updraft

*Well you certainly passed Inscrutible 101 with flying colors*

Michiko's mind voice was wry as she reveled in a freedom few others knew. Its been said that the finest fighter pilots can make their metal warbirds do things that would cost a quail it's lunch...Michiko could do things that would make the fighter pilot lose his lunch, and proceeded with blythe abandon to stretch her wings most thoroughly

*Well you certainly passed Inscrutible 101 with flying colors*

"Whatever."

Michiko's mind voice was wry as she reveled in a freedom few others knew. Its been said that the finest fighter pilots can make their metal warbirds do things that would cost a quail it's lunch...Michiko could do things that would make the fighter pilot lose his lunch, and proceeded with blythe abandon to stretch her wings most thoroughly

Slasher's telepathy and telekinesis were both pushed, but not quite to his upper limits, as he scanned and followed. After all, his job was to see that Michiko was protected, and he would ensure success on that count at least.

"Ah. Third level, then. We'll get you there momentarily." The hovercar speeds upward, and arrives in front of a modest, but nice, hotel conveniently secluded from the busy Central Square."


“Thank you.” Constantine shakes the guard’s hand, “We’ll try to leave in a more dignified and less dangerous manner.” They enter the hotel. Panzer sniffs around a couple plants in the front lobby, then bounds up to the front desk, startling the night clerk and slobbering over some brochures.

“Pardon me, neighbor,” Constantine smiles at the clerk, as Rin hauls Panzer off the desk. “Do you have any rooms free?”

<snip>

Hrm. She seems to be quite used to this place.

Well, of course she would bring us to a place she knows, no?

Point. Mind, the two seem to be rather used to each other.

A Senator and such a guy? Unlikely.

Not impossible, my dear Götz.

The human and the drone exchanged some other, minor points, nothing one would count as being even remotely relevant, but it suited them and their attitude. Politely exchanging the greeting (By way of a slight bow when they were introduced to Markus), Akina followed Christine (Who still had Götz on her shoulder), and eventually sat down.

"Well, lets see... Oh, and thanks for the menu." She smiled at Markus Rather handsome. To bad he's working here, rather than as an engineer., then read through the menu. "Hrm. Spicy... Spicy... Sounds spicier... I wonder what their spiciest menu is." She looked up, chuckling. "Seeing as it can hardly be spicey enough. At least for me. So... You have any particular recommendation? Otherwise, i guess this... Well, I would choose it by virtue of not knowing how to pronounce it, so it has to be interesting."

Meanwhile, Götz looked around, watching some of the other guests, mildly interested in the surroundings. Having a miniaturised nuclear reactor inside himself, he didn't really need to eat (Nor was he equipped for digestion), at least not as long as he wasn't upgraded to a self-repairing model... It didn't matter either way.

Just then, he spotted something interesting, a conversation between three men, one of them being a reasonably tall... Person he didn't really care about (Although the man in question struck him as being rather odd, despite (Or because) looking somewhat like a native), the other two looking somewhat freaky, and-

Hey, it's the creep Akina was worried about, before.

Götz hesitated, looking at Akina (Who had just ordered the drink with the highest alcohol percentage available while watching both, the game (Mildly interested) and the ocean (Somewhat more interested).

This might become amusing. Heh.

Kolte repeated the process by which Krodan lit the alcohol on fire with exact precision. He then downed the drink, the heat produced a most interesting flavor.

"Master, I would be honored if you would stay and train with me...if you do not participate in the fights with me, then at least you must watch..."

Kolte then became aware that someone, or something was looking at him. He delved into the Force to investigate this, and he turned his head to find a small, birdlike droid staring back. It was perched on the shoulder of a young lady, a dignitary by the looks of her. Then he saw her, the same women he saw on the beach...that reminded him so much of Julina...

Perigrine finished the last of her tea and slid her veil back across her face. Raising one hand she caught the eye of the waiter and asked for the check once he arrived table side. As he hurried off she commented, almost absently, to Jason.

"It's not so much people- culture shock seems to be the thing that hits the hardest. You stumble across something that is familiar, comfortable...untill you find out it doesn't mean anything near what it does in your home culture and all comfort vanishes. All the subliminal preconceptions that we have built up over a life time - and aren't aware we had - are suddenly set on their heads so to speak."

When the waiter brought the check back she paid, leaving a hefty tip.

"Thank you Jason for recommending this restraunt, the food is indeed delicious. I've enjoyed this conversation greatly...but am I keeping you from anything that you need to do?

The compliment was not a meaningless pleasantry, for she was enjoying their talk, however it was only polite to leave him a way out if he had grown bored, or indeed had other matters to attend to. Perigrine had talked more to him than she had talked to any one other than Michiko or ShaDo.

"She does look like Julina doesn't she," commented Xander with a hint of laughter in his voice as he perused the bar's menu. He had spotted the woman when he walked in, and he knew Kolte well enough to know that he was looking at her now.

"Hmm...twenty years ago I would have loved this bar, but now everything on the menu would give me a case of heartburn so bad that I would be laid up for a week. Server! I'll have the mildest item on the menu, whatever it may be, and I think that I'll have what my young friends here are drinking as well..."

As he ordered, he thought about the Julina look-alike, and knew that she would pose a problem...

"Well, lets see... Oh, and thanks for the menu." She smiled at Markus Rather handsome. To bad he's working here, rather than as an engineer., then read through the menu. "Hrm. Spicy... Spicy... Sounds spicier... I wonder what their spiciest menu is." She looked up, chuckling. "Seeing as it can hardly be spicey enough. At least for me. So... You have any particular recommendation? Otherwise, i guess this... Well, I would choose it by virtue of not knowing how to pronounce it, so it has to be interesting."

"Try the 'spicy fish with mango'. It's the local specialty. Just about everything else is made from imports these days." Christine laughed delicately. "That's the problem with gigantic cities, I guess. One can hardly be expected to farm in metal." The senator took in the surroundings, and then turned her attention to the other patrons. Krodan?! Realization struck like a sledgehammer. Good Gods - it's been nearly three years!

If Michiko could have sighed with exasperation at the moment she would have done so. Slasher was as about as personable as Perigrine at her uncommunicative worst. She got to fly too rarely to put up with that nonsense. Thought the thought did cross her mind - briefly- that getting a reaction out of him might be as dangerous as getting one out of the Nietzschean, she set it aside. While she might train hard and as often as she could, she had been mostly confined to throne warming rather than missions for too long. Besides she was absolutly bound and determined to get some reaction out of Slasher. Michiko could be very determined - to the point of what some might call 'get you killed stubborn'

She climbed high, moving through the scattered clouds and enjoying the change of temperature the condensation provided. Then Michiko was far above her guardian, and temporarily out of his view. A change of direction gave her even more advantage as she came out of the sun, her wings folded back in an attack dive. It wasn't as fast as the legendary perigrine falcon's records of over 200 miles per hour- she was to big a raptor for that, being larger than even a golden eagle- but it easily matched the afore said eagle's speed. Her tallons,fisted for extra safety, were tucked tight against her downy feathered underbelly and her onxy eyes gleamed with excitement

It was hard to repress the shriek of the Gyrfalcon as she stooped on Slasher, but she did. Terminal velocity reached, passed, and still her wings remained in dive position. The rush of the wind sleeked every feather back and chilled her to the bone, then she was before him

The wrench to her musles was a massive pain that slammed through her as she flared her wings, scooping air in to a near dead stall. All of her nearly six foot of wingspan, each feather from scull to pinon was spread to maximun strained to hold her against the lethal pull of gravity, then they sanpped down, once hard and the surly bonds were broken and she was aliting on his shoulder with dainty grace.

"I have had my preconceptions dumped on thier heads a few times, but dealing with culture shock is all part of the job. You would not be keeping me from anything as my time is clear until the tournaments start. I woundn't happening to be keeping you from anything, would I?" he asked

Back in Mt. Valak

"What makes you ask that?" The question was necessary to Raijin if only for the extra ten seconds it would take to formulate a response. "I thought things were all right between you two."

"They were, until I caught him sleeping around." The words were almost without emotion entirely. "It's been over a month now. And I swear, I see one more of those damn dolls..."

"Yeah." Raijin suppressed a weak giggle at mention of the dolls. "Tell me, Koro, what are your three greatest strengths?"

"What's that got to do with this?"

"We're sitting in a waterfall cavern in the middle of Mount Valak. It's got everything to do with why we're here." The paladin's tone was even and businesslike. "We can talk about 'other' things after."

"Oh fine. Well, I can fight, I can think, and I can admit when I've got no clue what's going on, like now."

"Good. You'll do fine." Now the tests begin. Raijin sighed inwardly. "If there's nothing else..." He stood and began walking toward the exit.

"Huh?! That's it?! No. Absolutely not! You'll sit here with me, Raijin Dekker, if it takes all night and day, and you will like it...Paladin!" Koro cupped his hands over his mouth in shock, and the Commander stopped dead in his tracks.

"As you wish, High Priest Koro." There was mirth in his eyes as he used the more formal address. "Now it can truly begin - now that you no longer fear your power. Koro Vartek, you will be in this office likely for the rest of your very long life. At least sixty years you will command the attention of Krioval's faithful. And somehow, our sitting here talking is supposed to lay the foundation of that reign. Yeah, it's a lot on you. But you were the only one to say 'yes'. It goes back to when I was called to become High Paladin. They all asked why I was selected, and I told them, 'Who else was going to do it?' So here we are. Now for the ritual."

"The ritual?"

"Oh Heavens. You haven't read *any* of the procedures?" Raijin lauged loudly this time. "You'd give the old priests heart attacks to hear that their leader is unaware of this. All I do is pour some water on you. There's the boring way and the fun way."

"The fun way?"

Raijin stuck his foot out, catching the younger man off-guard, and the pushed. Koro landed in the hot spring with a tremendous splash. No sooner had he landed than Raijin began intoning, "By the authority of the Great Gods, the Gods of Nature, and the Gods of the Fight, I, High Paladin Raijin Dekker, hereby proclaim Koro Vartek to be High Priest of all Krioval, Keeper of the Sacred Torch, and Supreme Commander of the Guild of Paladins. Go forth on this most blessed day with strength."

Koro shot the paladin a death glare, but it soon morphed into an enigmatic smile. "Great. Now I make some sort of announcement?"

"If you'd like." He's taking this better than I thought.

"Good." Koro flung, telekinetically, a blast of water into Raijin's face. "By my authority as High Priest of Krioval, I affirm the role of Raijin Dekker as High Paladin of Krioval, Defender of Truth and Righteousness, and Supreme *Wench* for tripping me into this hot spring."

"...Supreme Wench. Got it. That's going to be official, ya know. Right in the Book and everything."

"Funny. Now can I ask you a serious question?"

"If it's about Darvek, if he's cheating, you should leave." Raijin looked into the distance as he said it. "Some things never change, and people moreso."

The priest climbed out of the hot spring, dripping warm water on the smooth rocks below. "Yeah. I guess you're right. I just want to meet someone, get married, and have a few kids...ya know?"

"It's not all it's cracked up to be sometimes." If he was distant before, Raijin was now on another world entirely. "I mean, people expect too much from marriage sometimes, like all the other person's flaws just disappear at 'I do'. It's not realistic."

"But you and Kiv..."

"Koro, nothing's perfect. The 'perfect' marriage, the 'perfect' job, the 'perfect' way of life. Sometimes you take what you're given. Can we please talk about something else?"

<snip>

"Two can play at this game." The ninja waited for Michiko to alight, and then he began his descent. Already over the top of Torokara, he hurtled downward, oblivious to the roar of the air, which complained at the rate of displacement. He waited until he was about a meter from the sea's surface before snapping an energy shield into place, and he continued without hesitation to plunge into the depths of the Pacific. Down they went, for about a hundred meters, until Slasher found his favorite outcrop of rock. He maneuvered to it and sat cross-legged, meditating. He wouldn't take more than five or ten minutes, but the opportunity to simultaneously allow the empress to view the underwater environment and wonder exactly how long the ninja would sit uncommunicative were simply too irresistable to him.

Once again Perigrine found her hidden smile reaching her eyes, as she answered Jason's question

"Not untill six, which is several hours away. You wouldn't happen to know if there are any public, but private, beaches about would you? I haven't had a swim in an ocean in some time...and it'd be nice for once not to have something large and finney trying to make me into a mid day snack."

"I don't but we could always find out, couldn't we?" Jason replied with a grin.

Michiko nearly screeched as they hurled down towards the seas surface with no check in their descent, and her fearful talons tightened momentarily before relaxing. They left impressive holes in Slashers robes. 'Oh I'll have to replace those' flashed through her mind before she wasCHANGING, her arms about Slasher's neck as the white clad ninja went ever deeper. She landed with a small thump in his lap as he settled on a rock outcropping. The faintly shimmering field was perfectly transparent and Michiko looked about in wide eyed delight. Her voice was a soft whisper in his ear.

"Oh Slasher what a beautiful veiw."

"Oh Slasher what a beautiful veiw."

"Yeah." He returned to his silence, mind attempting to decipher Michiko's seemingly random moods, that could change at a moment's notice. After a few minutes of spinning his mental wheels, he asked, voice characteristically neutral, "Are all females so difficult to comprehend or are you unusual in that regard?"

Michiko blushed faintly at that, and looking him the eyes, appologised

"I haven't been particularly nice have I? My apologies. I shouldn't be taking my confusion about other things out on you. I know how hard the job is, I pulled my share of 'guarding the body' duty."

She paused and thought for some time

"I don't think I'm harder to understand than most, but I've also been told I don't think like most women. My childhood was rather...uncommon"

Slasher regarded the Tanaran coolly. "Fine. Accepted. Now, perhaps you'll answer my question from earlier. Why are you in Krioval?"

Sigrun's elven hearing heard the distinct cry of a raptor, a particular one he knew well enough of. It was the cry of a gyrfalcon, a beast he knew only one name to.

"Michiko." he whispered. He closed his eyes to channel away the unnecessary thoughts drenching the entire city, seeking one signature thought alone. Finally, he found her.

Are you all right? Say the word, and I'll be right there.

He closed the link, but kept it open for her response. He turned back to the barkeep,

"Another 'firecracker', if you will..." he said. The barkeep nodded.

"And what would you like this time around?" he asked Miranda.

"She does look like Julina doesn't she," commented Xander with a hint of laughter in his voice as he perused the bar's menu. He had spotted the woman when he walked in, and he knew Kolte well enough to know that he was looking at her now.

"Hmm...twenty years ago I would have loved this bar, but now everything on the menu would give me a case of heartburn so bad that I would be laid up for a week. Server! I'll have the mildest item on the menu, whatever it may be, and I think that I'll have what my young friends here are drinking as well..."

As he ordered, he thought about the Julina look-alike, and knew that she would pose a problem...
"Yes, Master...I...uh.." Kolte looked to change the subject. "Krodan, what do you plan on doing during the competitions, other than drinking, that is?"

"I felt trapped...and so alone, and not to sure if anyboy saw me as a woman any more."

She admitted with raw honesty

Are you all right? Say the word, and I'll be right there. Sigrun's thought tapped lightly at the edges of her mind. She struggled to form a reply, for her telepathic abilities only surfaced when she was CHANGED, I am fine, dear friend. In human form she was the barest of empaths, untrained and uncontrolled, but with just enough to allow the PALADIN armor to be used by her.

"I've become used to Tanara's habit of having informational kiosks at almost every corner."

Perigrine commented as she looked about the now much greater swirl of people filling the public spaces

"Some times I think their greatest problem is information overload...and I absolutely loathe crowds this dense. To much potential for trouble, and then too many 'get in the way' bystanders, that one CAN"T shoot..."

"For crowds it's best to use stun guns or scaled down nerve disrupters. But I agree crowds that are too crowded tend to cause problems." Jason said

Perigrine shuddered slightly as an old memory surfaced

"I was...incognito on the Oni homeworld once, and their slaves rioted...they tried stunners at first, but the mass of people was simply too great. They tore the guards apart, and got into the nursery..."

Perigrine, stopped, the memory making her sick to her stomach. Biting her lips she looked about and spotted an officer wearing the same uniform that the one who was with Michiko had been wearing

"There I bet that man would know where to find the information, if not know it himself"

"I apologise if I caused a bad memory to surface and yes he would most likely know." Jason went over to the man, "Excuse me could you tell me where I might find a public, but private beach?"

"I felt trapped...and so alone, and not to sure if anyboy saw me as a woman any more."

"That's because you take on too many forms, perhaps. How is one to know the true one?" His gaze was unrelenting.

<snip> I am fine, dear friend.

Actually, Slasher cut into the conversation, the Empress of Tanara is at the mercy of a ninja one hundred meters underwater. Though maybe it is I who is at her mercy. Time will tell. A ripple of psionic laughter made its way across the connection. Shall I have her home by midnight? He left them at that.

"So *why* is it again that you're down here with me while your friend sits in the capital with a captain in the Kriovalian guard? Just like Raijin, you are sometimes, making decisions I will never understand."

"Yes, Master...I...uh.." Kolte looked to change the subject. "Krodan, what do you plan on doing during the competitions, other than drinking, that is?"

"Well...uh...hadn't really thought that far ahead." He laughed. "I guess I'll watch 'em fight."

"I apologise if I caused a bad memory to surface and yes he would most likely know." Jason went over to the man, "Excuse me could you tell me where I might find a public, but private beach?"

The officer thought for a few seconds before responding, "Actually, sir, all beaches in Krioval are technically private. However, you can rent a reasonable area to yourself here," he pointed to a map, "or here for next to nothing, and you're guaranteed not to be bothered. Some of the cleanest ones in the region, too."

Jason turned to Perigrine, "Which one would you like to go to, my treat."

"One form too many?...I always know which is me..."

Michiko began doubtfully, then her spine straightened and her voice firmed

"NO! I am me, no matter what form I wear. OUtward form does not matter, it is the inner person that does."

Michiko broke off, listening aghast as Slasher broke into her reply to Sigrun

"Oh no now you've done it!"

She looked at him wide eyed, a small shiver racking her as the cold of the depths made her bare skin go taunt.

"Slasher, Sigrun is my friend, he has a special lady in his life and theirs isn't a relationship with room in it for any other....and earlier I let my loneliness and ...need push me into doing something I shouldn't have....and then I turned and ran."

"I'm not very brave I guess."

"And why I am here with you?...because for some reason I trust you, I feel comfortable with you"

Gently she wiggled slightly, making herself at home in his lap and tucked her head in under his chin.

"And why I am here with you?...because for some reason I trust you, I feel comfortable with you""

"That's it then? Trust and comfort. Huh." The ninja returned to his contemplations, utterly oblivious to Michiko's repositioning.

Michiko had the sudden urge to box his ears, but she repressed it firmly

"There are far worse things to base interest on...and I never could resist a mystery....and you are doing an excellent job of being obtuse, difficult, enigmatic, oblivious...and !!!"

Michiko's involuntary scream was impressive. Her muscles now chilled, paid her back in full for her stunt earlier, knotting relentlessly in a massive seisure.

*********************************************

"Which ever one is easiest to reach."

Perigrine hoped that the warmth in her voice would let Jason know that the memory had past and she in no way held him responisble for it.

Jason heads toward the beach with Perigrine. "So you like swimming, what's your favorite part?" he asked

"There are far worse things to base interest on...and I never could resist a mystery....and you are doing an excellent job of being obtuse, difficult, enigmatic, oblivious...and !!!"

Michiko's involuntary scream was impressive. Her muscles now chilled, paid her back in full for her stunt earlier, knotting relentlessly in a massive seisure.

Slasher's retort died before making it anywhere near his lips. As he watched Michiko seize up, he said, in his characteristic soft voice, "Oh, fuck." He considered his options before realizing that the two people who were most easily able to help right now were ensconced in a mountain retreat - and likely getting to know one another in ways that did not brook an appearance by the ninja. He pressed a number on his armband. "Monastery at Andretara." Moments later, the two dissolved into nothingness, and water rushed back to occupy the sea floor as they rematerialized in the Monastery. The Order was likely to ask plenty of embarrassing questions of the ninja, but it was better than being accused of assaulting the woman, or worse, revealing her identity.

A young monk-in-training saw Slasher and the empress appear. His eyes doubled in size as Slasher said, simply, "Heal her. And find her something suitable to wear." To another trainee, he said, "Take me to Lord Micah. Might as well get this over with. While he walked with the young woman, the ninja pressed a button to open a communications link. The message was simple. "Sigrun of Tarlachia, come to Andretara Monastery at once."

Sigrun heard the message filter through his thoughts, the voice familiar to him. And who in the seven hells are you? he wondered silently. Something was wrong, he suspected. He tried to establish a link with Michiko, Michiko, what's going on? I just got a request to meet at a monastary with some stranger. The voice is familiar however, he was with you, I believe.

There was no reply.

He looked over at Miranda, "Excuse me for my abrupt departure. There's something I have to tend to."

He dropped enough money on the bar to pay for the drinks, and then some. He apologized to Miranda once again. She turned to watch as he drew his sword from the hidden sheath on his backside. He executed a spiral before him, watching as the green and blue spiral expanded quickly. He spoke in an elvish tongue, "Andretara Monastery, Michiko."

He glanced back at Miranda who seemed a bit surprised at his actions, before disappearing through the portal. It closed promptly.

___________________________________

Sigrun appeared from the shadows of the monastary, into the very room where Michiko was held. He glanced about warily, taking note of who was there. He spied Slasher standing over the body of Michiko. He narrowed his eyes, bringing his sword in front.

"What have you done to her?" he demanded with a hint of anger in his voice.

The teleportal had taken Perigrine and Jason with in a mile of the beach, and the attached communications kiosk had allowed them to hire the stretch of sand and palm trees

"What do I like best?"

Perigrine thought a second as she ran lightly down the few steps to the damp packed sand that was the actual shore.

"The kiss of the waves, the power that can take you and pound you into nothing, or lift you up and toss you heaven wards"

She pulled off the kafiyah and veil, shaking her bright auburn hair free to tumble about her waist, as she finger combed out the loose french braid it had been in.

"What have you done to her?" he demanded with a hint of anger in his voice.

"Not half of what she wanted me to. Now put that away. This is hallowed ground. Honestly, would I have gone to the trouble of contacting you if I *had* done something...untoward?" The mask hid the ninja's facial expression, but it wouldn't take a high-level telepath to hear the disdain. "Stay with her. I need to speak to Lord Micah about this before it's all over the monastery." With that, Slasher walked out the door, though his voice carried into the room, "And for the Gods' sakes, get a healer for her or so help me, I'll wreak upon the person responsible for the delay sufficient pain to warrant another." His voice never broke its guarded neutrality, though, and soon it went silent.

Michiko was struggling not to scream again...this time from utter shame. She'd been too dazed from the first massive onslaught of cramps and shock to protest, to get Slasher to take her back to the hotel. And now Sigrun was here, and '...oh maybe I just ought to scream, but they wouldn't understand why and oh I am...far more out of shape than...'

Her thoughts were none too coherent...'not half of what I wanted...oh forgive me for finding you appealing...gods a monastary..maybe I can be come a nun, I live as celebate as one, and when I ...oh why do I even try, no one'...she lost track of thoughts as another round of cramps in her shoulders and ribs left tears running down her face, her breathing ragged

"My fault Sigrun, sheer bullheaded stupidity"

She managed to grind that out and felt proud of her ability to manage something coherent

"First and foremost, Michiko's health and status is my concern. I will deal with the situation as I will."

Sigrun kept his blade in his hand, not sheathing it until Slasher had left. He immediately went to Michiko's side, and gently pushed the hair from her face. He checked her pulse, noting it was still strong enough. He moved his hands across her body, carefully inspecting her for wounds. She had extremely taunt, coiled up muscles all over her body.

What have you been doing? he wondered as he picked her up gently. Spawning another portal nearby, he carried her through, disappearing from the monastary.

Several moments later, ShadowDancer, the ship they arrived in, recieved an unexpected visit as Sigrun carried Michiko through the departure portal and spoke aloud,

"ShadowDancer, Get the Regen Chamber ready. Michiko did something to herself earlier."

"Right away, Master Sigrun." replied ShadowDancer. "Shall I call Peregrine?"

Sigrun thought for a moment while he carried Michiko into the medical bay. "Yes. Do that. Call the other one too. The grendel."

He set Michiko down on a gurney and with some apprehension, removed her paladin armor. The regen tubes would need to have access to her body, and the armor would only impede their work. He pressed a button on the wall and watched as mechanical arms moved to pick up the empress and settle her inside the tank, where tubes were hooked up, and a light blue liquid rose rapidly, submerging the woman inside.

Sigrun turned away and spoke softly, "I'm sorry about the armor, Michiko. It had to be done."

He knew it would probably be a little while until Michiko would regenerate herself from her muscular seizure. He stood at the wall, carefully watching the vitals displaying across several screens.

Death by embarrassment is the rarest death in the universe, but Michiko found herself feverently wishing for such a passing. It would be easier than facing the fact that what she suspected was true. Resigned, she let the medtech cybersystem of the ShadowDancer do it's job. She knew that a session in the tank would be the best thing, but still she wanted to cry.

Her stupidity would be ruining whatever Perigrine and the Grendel were doing as well, for she was certain that she had heard Sigrun reguest that ShadowDancer contact them.

*******************************************

The smile that had lit Perigrine's face as she turned to Jason, died as her communicator warbled. Frowning she activated it

*" Perigrine, get up here, Sigrun just brought Michiko up, we're stuffing her in a regen tube now"*

Bodyguard guilt...when you're in the trade and the body gets hurt, it hits like a hammer, even if you weren't on duty. Perigrine was not conscious of scooping up her kafiyah and veil, or putting them back on with a smoothness born of years of practise. The eyes that looked out at Jason, were remote

"Forgive me Jason, but duty calls"

Then she was gone, running full out back to the teleportal

Elsewhere the Grendel growled and turned from the statue he had been admireing and stroke brisky from the museum

I wonder if I'll see her again. Jason thinks, I guess it all depends on the status of her protectee. Jason decides to go back to the central square(tournament registration square) and see what was happening there.

Sigrun looked to the side as Peregrine and the Grendel came into the medbay, immediately seeking out the empress. She was still in the tank. He kept his back to Michiko, and spoke to them.

"She'll be all right. I heard a cry of a Gyrfalcon earlier, and knew it was her. From what I've seen, she appears to have tried something in that state that she hasn't done in a while."

He kept his eyes on her vitals, more to keep his eyes safely away from that which he shouldn't be seeing.

The ninja opened a commlink to Central Command. "Raijin?"

"Slasher? He's not here - I think he's in Valak City tonight," came the response.

"General Andros. My apologies. I had wanted to tell Raijin that Michiko suffered a seizure and is in the care of her escort. I am on my way to see your uncle as we speak. I will let you know how that meeting turns out." He quickly severed the commlink. If he's still in Valak, that means...

------------------

Adele made her preparations for bed, finally exhausted from a day of 'celebrity' appearances in anticipation of the Festival. She normally loved the attention, but a vision, years old, kept gnawing at the back of her mind - she saw Raijin and his reflection in a pool somewhere. He'd been looking longingly at it, as if driven by some bizarre narcissism, and yet something wasn't quite right. At the time, she'd thought that it was a warning against egoism, but despite her son's tendency toward aggression and occasional mood swings, he'd never acted as if entitled to anything. Hell, Adele thought, he was entitled to be king and refused! She shook her head to dispel the unwelcome thoughts and climbed into her bed, next to Varik, who was already snoring lightly. Deal with these questions in the light of day.

------------------

The conversation between priest and paladin had gone on with few interruptions for almost two hours, during which Raijin had deflected some of Koro's pointed inquiries. He's upset that Darvek's not what he thought he'd be, the older man willed himself to think. Yet his subconscious mind was operating on a different assumption altogether. He needs *someone*, the 'voice' whispered in the recesses of his mind. And it's your job to deal with this.

As Raijin juggled the demands of his normally-unified mind, Koro struck at the relationship issue yet again, this time asking, "If you don't want to discuss it, at least tell me *why*, Raijin. I deserve that much at least, if only to avoid whatever it is that you can't tell me about."

"Fine. You want the truth?" The Commander sighed. "Nobody else in Krioval, not even my mother Adele, knows what I am about to say. It does not leave here except by my decision. Can you agree to that?"

Koro nodded silently, afraid to break the enchantment that had suddenly animated his counterpart. "Good," Raijin continued. "I already told you that marriage isn't always what it's supposed to be - flowers and moonbeams and all other such bullshit. You already know about Adele and Varik, but I'll recap anyway. My mother kicked my father out when I was 'modded." Koro flinched at the word - involuntary genetic modifications were routine, and while Raijin was 'protected' from the worst experiments, he was still witness to them, and it hurt vicariously years later. "She had him tarred, feathered, and suspended from Central Square by his underwear. It was a seminal moment in Kriovalian history." The paladin managed a dry laugh at the description. "They didn't reunite until just before Branok and the Council fell. We'll call that 'example one'. Now..."

"But that worked out!" Koro blurted. "I mean, didn't it?"

"Well enough, but she'll never trust him like she did before all that. She loves him, but she makes sure she's protected from anything he might ever do to her again."

"Huh."

"Moving along to 'example two', me and Kiv. Looks just fine, doesn't it? And it is, except for a few minor details." Raijin's voice, soft up to this point, suddenly increased in volume, "like the recriminations, the silence, and how *cold* he can really be." His voice returned to its earlier strength. "Bralos killed it for us, I sometimes think. Yeah, he forgave me for Branok's execution, but a month later he was on about Jonas's. We fought a bit, nothing big, mind you. Of course, we haven't even slept in the same bed for the better part of a year now." Raijin felt the dam about to burst, but pressed on, his eyes developing an ethereal glow. "For the love of the Gods, Koro, what in the seventy-five hells am I supposed to do? Keep acting like it's the same as it's always been? Alice and Alexei are starting to figure it all out now, ya know?!"

The priest had sat silently through the litany of Raijin's complaints, and more, had started to nod his head in sympathy. And then the vision struck, like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky. It seared his conscious mind and burrowed deeper still, awakening patterns of thought he had never truly understood before. Now, things were clear. "Be still, fighter." The younger man placed his hand on Raijin's forehead and channeled away the heat, envisioning the 'toxic thoughts' departing and dissipating. To his relief, the paladin's pulse slowed and his breathing became regular again.

"You're the first to understand." Dear Gods above, please don't let me screw this up... "You're also the first physical contact I've had in six months."

"That's far too long." Koro peeled off the outer layer of his saturated clothing. "On a completely unrelated note, I'm completely soaked."

"Tease. You're going to give me a heart attack."

"Well then," Koro quipped, "I might just have to give you the breath of Life."

"Don't start somethin' you're not gonna finish."

"Who said I'm not willing to finish?" There it was. Challenge issued and accepted. Now all that was left was to determine the victor in the coming battle. The priest walked over to the Commander and placed his hands gently yet firmly on the larger man's shoulders. "Say the words, Raijin."

"Which words would those be?" He couldn't help that his heartbeat was right back where it was, and adrenaline coursed through him. The High Paladin of Krioval now understood how it felt to be at sea during a hurricane - he was fast losing sense of which direction was 'up'.

"For once in your life, Raijin Dekker, tell someone what you want. Exactly. And I'd prefer that person be me, given the circumstances."

And so the battle raged, full force, between desire long suppressed and loyalty never breached. Just when the decisive moment arrived, Koro threw in one more question, softly, but insistently. "What of Kiv?"

Raijin closed his eyes, blocking the flood of raw emotion. "The sun can shine on the far north for six months and never thaw the ice. Life cannot exist like that. And so, like the sun, it's time for a southward journey. Now. You want to know what *I* want. Well..." He told the younger man, in detail, *exactly* what he wanted, how, and when, watching with satisfaction as Koro's eyes tripled in apparent size and was reduced to spluttering.

"Can't handle it?"

The priest scratched his head. "Never tried most of it." Looking deep into the other man's eyes, he said, "First time for everything, though." In that moment, Raijin's resistance dissolved, the unseen forces within him razing to the foundation the remnants of his routed conscience. In that exhilarating maelstrom, Raijin found himself with a most unaccustomed thought. He honestly didn't give a damn about anything other than what he was doing. And so they began.

------------------

Adele Kriov jumped out of bed screaming at three in the morning. "Oh dear Gods, not him, not like that, oh my Gods!!!" She continued much in the same vein despite Varik's best efforts to calm her, and after several minutes, he summoned a doctor to the Kriov Fortress. Attendants streamed into the Queen Mother's bedroom but were unable to do more than witness the spectacle. Eventually, even Alice and Alexei, her grandchildren, sleepily reached the ornate room in time to hear Adele hoarsely shriek, "Oh Raijin. If only I'd figured it out sooner!" before collapsing onto the mattress, her mind stilling itself from sheer exhaustion.

Perigrine let out the breath she didn't realize that she had been holding. ShadowDancer had been remarkably un communicative during the brief time of transit to the station

"Okay, Some one could have advised us that she had not been attacked, targeted by outside forces"

Her angry glance is not directed as Sigrun, but up at the ceiling, letting ShadowDancer know full well her displeasure.

The Grendel, once assured that the Empress was injured by her own actions, just nodded stoically. Short lifers could be so stupid at times

Slasher reached the heavy oak door that led into Micah's office. He knocked lightly, and wasn't surprised when the door opened almost instantly. Micah Andros was renowned for his excellent hearing. "Ah, the ninja. Come in."

"Lord Micah, there's been an incident."

"Several of them."

Gods. Someone more inscrutable than me? I forget sometimes. "The one I speak of..."

"...is already resolved. The empress is on her ship, with her attendants. She was rash, and it cost a few people their romantic interludes, but it's hardly...yes, Slasher, even you're capable of it, and given another hour, you'd have given in. Don't look at me like that, boy, I'm over twice your age and a hundred times your experience. She'll recover."

Slasher fumed silently, thankful that his outfit covered the blush rising throughout his body. "So that's not the critical incident?"

"No. Adele Kriov suffered a minor stroke shortly after three this morning. She too will recover fully, but it was linked to a vision she had years ago. She dreamed the fulfillment, which is uncommon for a precognitive. Do you have any idea the nature of this fulfillment?"

Yes. "I am unsure."

"Bullshit! Don't lie to me."

"Raijin and Koro."

"If you were there instead of gallivanting with that woman..."

Slasher leaped forward. "No. I will not take the blame for this. Michiko did what she did because she chose to. Raijin and Koro did...are doing? what they wish because they chose to. As for Lady Kriov, her power is legend among us even here, but it is unfocused by her choice. I am not the Dark Goddess Tara who sits and moves beings on an invisible game board, so I will not be judged as if I were Fate."

"But you do not deny your error in accosting that woman."

"Why is it an error, Micah Andros? Because some people made their own decisions instead of allowing a false peace to reign? Let me tell you something, 'wise one'. You may possess a hundredfold experience over mine, but I find the overlap nonexistent. You would have Raijin live without support, Kiv in isolation, Adele in constant worry, and Michiko withered and alone. You would will me to jump at ephemera on the off chance that I might be wrong. Quite easy to say behind these walls. Another thing entirely to say on the streets and spacelanes of Krioval." Slasher turned to leave.

"I have not dismissed you, ninja."

The white-robed man stopped and turned back on Micah. "You hold no power over me. You have seen all these events through your 'crystal ball', and all you can do is lament them. Do you even understand what it means to 'be strong' any more? Adapt or die, just like Branok Dova and his fanatics."

Micah struggled for words that wouldn't come, and Slasher spit, "I reclaim the name of my master, Valkai. I dare you to deny me that right after ten years." He slammed the door behind him and sought out Adele's hospital room. It would take a miracle to survive the next few days unscathed, but then, excitement required a bit of risk.

Sigrun looked at the vitals, noticing that they had finally gotten back to satisfactory levels. He called to ShadowDancer.

"You may release Michiko now. She is fully healed."

Akina was blissfully unaware of Kolte's presence so close nearby, and it was a good thing that she was, seeing as knowing about his presence would probably have resulted in her being creeped out in more or less embarrassing ways. Of course, Götz still liked to think about the ways in question, all of them being amusing (Though quite possibly slightly exaggerated due to his expectations and desire to witness something amusing, or more to the point, hilarious).

In the end, the very chance of a surprise effect seemed to be enough for him to consider Akina's lack of awareness regarding the actual situation a good thing.

Eventually, he started to listen in, kind of encouraged by the stare Kolte had given him, which resulted in Götz almost trying to encourage said Kolte to come over, as subtle as possible, seeing as he was in the presence of two ladies whom he didn't want to be aware of the unfolding scenario. At the very least, not right now. The sensitivity with which his audiosensors ('Ears' would have been the proper term, but being a drone, Götz was a lot into overcomplicated, overblown, technical terms, as pointless as they were) could run, as well as the hard- and software in his 'brain' that enabled him to differentiate between just about anything he heard, by direction, strength, origin etc. (Just like a normal ear or brain would, just way, way better) allowing him to fulfill his 'voyeuristic' desires to the fullest, if one ignored the distinct lack of sexual interaction, anyway.

But Götz was reasonably certain that such would happen, too, sooner or later. Who with whom was another question, an intriguing question he intended to find an answer to.

Hrm. Déjà vu for him. Julina. Awww, Akina will be devastated. If he tells her, anyway.

"Götz?"

"Huh? Oh, no, nothing... Just looking around, really."

"Just..." Akina sighed. "Don't go pickpocketing."

"Pft. Never."

"Yes, yes, sure..." She sighed again, remembering rather embarrassing 'events' of the past before turning towards Christine, again.

"Hrm. Well, the Mangofish, then. AND the unpronounceable thing. I guess my stomach fits both." And a few drinks. "Of course..." She paused, ordering the drink(s) as well as the food, then waited for Christine to do the same, before she continued. "Although I find that limited underground or indoor farming, when done with sufficient equipment, namely lightsources, achives surprisingly good results. Not as good as the real thing, but... Well, That is why we use so much spices. To get rid of the original taste."

They waited. By now, it was evening, the sun was setting, giving the whole scenery a certain, romantic touch, bathing the local in the darker, reddened light of this time of the day. Götz was having troubles not to start cackling, just waiting for one of the two creeps in their rather odd (And, from his point of view, considerably cheap and boring, indeed, he wondered how they could afford being here) clothing to come over and introduce themseves... In which case he was supposed to record some interesting things.

Xander laughed inwardly. It had always been very difficult to get Kolte to express emotion, and he had just visibly embarressed him. Xander one, Kolte zero, he thought rather amused.

To Krodan, he asked, "You're not in the competions? You aren't trained in combat, then, I presume? Or are you simply to honorable to use your skills in such an extravagant manner?"

OOC: if anything this would make a good book if refined a little.

Flashback

Perigrine, over the course of the hours that Michiko lay in suspend in the regen tank managed to obtain more information from Sigrun. She was more than just a personal protection agent, she was one of the Empress's Hands, and more to the point she was Michiko's freind.


"So let me summarize"

Perigrine's voice was a mixture of artic chill and utter amazement.

"She kissed you and in your revolted shock you let her run off without a security escort. After some period of time she wnt for a fly, presumably with this person in white, Slasher, and ended up on the bottom of the ocean, apparently without the benefit of scuba gear or submarine...she'd over worked her muscles to the point where she had massive cramps, you were summoned, so went to a monastary and hauled her back here....without her permission"

Her voice became meditative

"I don't know which one of us is going to kill you, but I'm certain one of us will....after I get through with killing her!..."

"ShadowDancer, make yourself useful, I know you are not as skilled as ShaDo, but you should be enough...I want to find out every thing known about this Slasher. He got close enought to Michiko to get her to trust him with 'state secrets'. I think she would have a heart attack if some piece of waste in the Upper or Lower started yammering about DORA."

She pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head.

"I'm just one lone Neitzschean," Her voice exasperated "I 'thankfully' don't have any of these wierd and unnatural abilites. I have not a touch of magic, and no psi...Perigrine's voice turned wistful for a second "can I nuke it from orbit, that way I'll be sure..."

Current

"You may release Michiko now. She is fully healed."

Sigrund comment broke of her tirade, and brought on a new train of thought

"Then you can take yourself else where Sigrun of Tarlachia. We wouldn't want you to be uncomfortablel or revolted any longer than strictly necessary. I don't know what it is with you humans" She raised a hand to forestall another long monolog about how he was NOT human. They'd had that discussion when they first met. She was too angry parse species with him at the moment "Among the Prides, males would be killing themselves on fools quests to earn her Helix. She'd be the youngest Matiarch in history, unite the Prides and make the Nietzschean Empire a reality. Here, the last person to give her a hug was her son."

Michiko's voice, as she sat up on the gurney where the medcomps robotic arms had laid her, was weary

"Please Perigrine, leave it be, and could you fetch me.." A drone entered with one of the Empresses robes in hand "Thank you ShadowDancer" Michiko shruged it on and wrapped it firmly about her and continued turning her attention to Tarlachia's ruler.

"Sigrun, thank you for coming, I'm sorry you were pulled from your vaction. I'll be all right, so please go back to having fun. I mean it, I'll be fine."

Michiko looked at her Nietzschean friend. "I apparently was stupid enough to need the tube for several hours. If you and the Grendel are signed up for the Tournament, you need to get your sleep. This is an order."

Indeed her expression brooked no questioning "Go down to that justafiably expensive hotel, take a nice long bath and crawl in to the very luxurious beds they provide and go to sleep. I won't need you or the Grendel, I'm staying up here"

She had not overheard Perigrine's orders to ShadowDancer, or she would have ordered her to stay aboard the ship

"Hrm. Well, the Mangofish, then. AND the unpronounceable thing. I guess my stomach fits both." And a few drinks. "Of course..." She paused, ordering the drink(s) as well as the food, then waited for Christine to do the same, before she continued. "Although I find that limited underground or indoor farming, when done with sufficient equipment, namely lightsources, achives surprisingly good results. Not as good as the real thing, but... Well, That is why we use so much spices. To get rid of the original taste."

Christine listened to Akina describe Angstian farming practices. "Actually, we use full spectrum bulbs to simulate daylight, which is surprisingly effective. Of course, most of our food is now grown offworld, and you'd be surprised at the difference in taste between a Terran and a Crysalian tomato." Suddenly the senator saw someone she recognized. "Krodan? Krodan Pasko. It *is* you. How are you doing these days?" Christine walked over to the big man, motioning for Akina to follow. "I'd like to introduce you. Krodan, this is Akina. Akina, Krodan. The Slashers in town this week too?" she said, winking at him.

To Krodan, he asked, "You're not in the competions? You aren't trained in combat, then, I presume? Or are you simply to honorable to use your skills in such an extravagant manner?"

"Well, I mean, everybody in Krioval gets self-defense training and stuff, but I'm not that good at it. Used to play soccer when I was younger, though."

"Krodan? Krodan Pasko. It *is* you. How are you doing these days?" Christine walked over to the big man, motioning for Akina to follow. "I'd like to introduce you. Krodan, this is Akina. Akina, Krodan. The Slashers in town this week too?" she said, winking at him.

"Christine. They give you a day off? Time off for good behavior? First time for everything, I guess." A deep belly laugh followed. "Akina? Welcome to Krioval! You follow soccer?"

Akina nodded. "Yes. Kinda like with us. Although our offworld farming is poor... Happens when you're only on devastatingly uninhabitable places. But then, the entirety of our offworld holdings is poor... Or mediocre, when they were a 'Success'. Although they do have some interesting developments... Apparently, Mars is now developing plants that consume Gamma Rays, rather than visible light... Experimentally, of course."

Götz flapped his wings. "Sick freaks. That's what a 0.39 g environment does to your brain..."

She sighed, more or less... Dragged on by Christine, or at the very least, by Christine's will, if not by physical force. Awww. The drinks should come every moment... She saw Götz, still on Christine's shoulder, smiling almost sweetly, or so she thought, for the moment not really noticing... Much, or anything at all.

"I... Yes.." She bowed, slightly, a little confused. "I'm... Honoured?" She hesitated. "And, no, not really... There are a couple sports back in DA, but I've never been too interested in them, and, well, common soc-"

This was the moment she spotted Kolte.

"THE CREEP! DON'T! DON'T TOUCH ME!" She backed, or rather, jumped away, bringing a few metres between herself and Kolte, almost crashing against a waiter who managed to evade her, at the cost of dropping the drinks he was carrying.

Götz had just started cackling.

ShadowDancer shrugged her metaphorical shoulders and began looking at Krioval's cyber set up. She had been getting bored anyway, the Final Solution's AI was so agressively military that getting a good game of five dimentional chess out of him was nearly impossible. She'd also promised herself not to eaves drop on her avatars own vacation.

She didn't take the absolutely devilsh joy in tiptoeing though others cyberselves that Sha'Do did, but she was well programmed in avoiding detection, and over coming all varities of ice. She learned at lightspeed, and had the benefit of 'alien' programming behind her.

By the time Perigrine as back at the hotel, she'd have a very thorough report waiting

Xander grabbed his lightsaber at the sound of the woman's screaming and had almost ignited it when he realized that she was refering to Kolte. She must think that we're both psychopaths, he thought with some wonder. Does she not know what Jedi (well, ex-Jedi) look like, if she's even heard of them at all? He returned his saber to his belt and said firmly,

"M'Lady, if my young apprentice here is bothering you, I assure you that it is not intentional. We are former Jedi, and we do not walk around trying to frighten the local patrons. We are keepers of the peace. If our garb is what offends you then we are sorry, but these robes are the traditional dress of the Jedi Order, and even though we are no longer Jedi, we still abide by the ancient codes."

Akina looked at Xander, seemingly... Lost. "Je-di? Can I eat it?"

Götz couldn't help it anymore, he burst out laughing, idly recording what he saw. It was worth it.

"Well... Whatever it is..." Akina continued, making sure to keep her distance while apologizing to the waiter (Doubled conversations had never been a favourite of her. It just added to her already high level of confusion). "Well, not offend... But it should be possible to wear clothing that is not looking like it was stolen from an especially poor beggar... I will admit that you're not smelling like one, though, so that is something." Come to think of it, he sounds almost like an alcoholic. Possibly not as bad a person as he looks like. Reminds me of my grandfather. "I wonder. 'Keepers of the Peace'? Last time I checked the news, you weren't looking especially successful, then..."

Kolte had a look of shock on his face. Creep? He'd been called many undesirable things in life but never, creep. What had he done to upset her so? Then it hit him, and he stood.

"I must apologize...you must have seen me earlier...by the beach. I didn't mean to stare, I guess I could have easily been mistaken for a person with ill intent. I must have scared you, and for that I am sorry. It's just...you remind of someone I...once knew..."

His voice trailed off even as he held out his hand in a gesture of friendship, and smiled.

"My young apprentice here seems to have forgotten his manners," replied Xander.

"Akina, this is Kolte Savren, former Jedi Knight, and my name is Xander Voltare, former Jedi Master. We are part of a thousands-year-old religion, and in more glorious days, the Jedi were guardians of the peace, sort of like local law-enforcement to put them in perspective. The Jedi are a fascinating group of people and if you wish I will tell you all about them, but at a later time. As for now, I think that we should all get together and have a round of drinks. From the sound of things, it's going to be an interesting evening." Xander laughed heartily, and extended his own hand...

"Where is Gelt?"

Asking Therassi any question in the midst of his practice was talking to a wall. A wall moving very quickly and beating the stuffing out of a practice dummy, but a wall nonetheless.

"You would have thought he'd have showed up to practice at least."

An arm went flying.

"I mean, the tournament is tomorrow, and we all need the practice..."

The other arm broke at the shoulder and fell forelornly to the ground.

"Are you listening to me?"

CRACK went the dummy's torso, splitting it almost in two.

"Hmph!"

OOC: 5000+ posts, and over a year younger! :p

"Master, you're hardly one to talk about manners, jumping up and brandishing your saber the way you did. You probably scared her more than she already was, and the rest of us too, except for the annoying little bird drone, there. He seems to be enjoying my humiliation."

Kolte gestured at Gotz with his free hand, still waiting to see if Akina was willing to forgive him.




400+ posts and p-p-p-proud of it... ;)

Xander was laughing openly now. This is just like the old days, he thought.

"I wasn't brandishing my saber, Kolte. I never even ignited it. Now, if any of my teachings had sunken into your notoriously thick skull, you would have drawn your blade as well young one. The woman was screaming bloody murder. What would you have done in my position," he shot back jovially.

Perigrine looked about the spacious suite that was empty save for herself, and found herself sighing. Moved by an impluse she didn't question she tapped a code into her bracer and connected with Kriovalian general communications, and left a message

*Jason, this is Perigrine. You had to rent that beach for a day, and there's still time left. If you are still interested in a swim, I'll be there shortly. Perigrine *

Michiko had said 'if she was entered' and that was loophole enough for Perigrine. She headed out of the room, heading for the nearest teleporter.

As Jason was people watching, his gizmet beeped. He picked it up, "So what is it?"
"It appears you have a message on the Kriovalian general com grid."
"Patch it througth."
After seeing the message, Jason headed down to the beach.

Perigrine porpoised over a breaking comber, launching herself up and over into the air to dive deep towards the sandy bottom. The water was just turning toward cold this late in the predawn morning, and the moon was moving toward setting. It's argent light limed her sleek body against the dark steel of the sea as she once again launched herself skyward, her hair snaking in drenched locks about her nude figure.

She had folded her robes over her myriad weapons, by even now she was not completely unarmed. A small crystal dagger hung between her breasts, its inset gems winking in the spill of moonlight

Jason arrives at the beach. Seeing Perigrine pile of clothes he calls out, "So how's the water?" as he began stripping down.

Xander was laughing openly now. This is just like the old days, he thought.

"I wasn't brandishing my saber, Kolte. I never even ignited it. Now, if any of my teachings had sunken into your notoriously thick skull, you would have drawn your blade as well young one. The woman was screaming bloody murder. What would you have done in my position," he shot back jovially.
"Master, surely you must understand. I was in shock for a moment, I did not expect such a reaction. Besides, I would hardly think one such as her self to be any danger to you or I. At any rate, we are probably boring everyone with this useless debate, I suggest we return to our seats and have another drink. I'm sure you'd appreciate that, Master."

Perigrine let the next wave carry her toward the beach, the darkness no hindrance at all to Nietzschean eyes,vertical puplis now fully opened to use every photon of light available. Knee deep she stood and waved back at Jason, her voice carrying easily over the crash of the surf without being raised.

"It is pleasant beyond mention...and I should have thought before contacting you...the tourney is but hours away, and I may have called you from sleep. If so my apologies."

Krioval's AI was like its leader. It was as obsequious and as obstructionist as it could possibly be, and it almost seemed to adjust its 'persona' to the exact opposite of the interrogating AI. Try to beguile it, and the AI would almost certainly resort to force. Try to force through it, and it would flash a few titillating subroutines to divert the other's attention. Some in the Kriovalian government even ran afoul of the AI sometimes, and referred to it as vRaijin. It also had a nasty habit of alerting its controller to anything that looked remotely interesting, which was just about everything, much to many people's disadvantage.

Welcome to Krioval! How may I direct your inquiry? The AI was already contacting the Commander. Slasher? Why not? The Commander's response came quickly.

"Is there anything relevant on the network on Slasher?"

No, Lord Raijin.

"Huh." Raijin disentangled himself from the unconscious Koro for a moment, a huge and satisfied grin on his face. Yet this was going to be a different type of satisfaction. He began dictating, softly so as to not wake the younger man.

Slasher is a ninja.
He wears nothing but white.
He flies througout the country
He sometimes goes to fight.

I know not why you seek him
Though upon some slight reflection
Something you should know
He's under my protection...and I his.

Love, Commander Raijin Dekker

P.S. - If you wanted to know, why not just ask? In fact, if you still want to know, meet me in the center of level five Torokara at noon. I've had a busy night.

Raijin giggled, and the AI did a cybernetic equivalent of the same. The Commander was the future of Krioval - honorable but almost appallingly utilitarian. "Screw their ideas of moral superiority," he said under his breath, though his tone was bemused. "Speaking of screwing..."

Koro regained his consciousness, and blinked his eyes several times. "What time?"

"About five-thirty. You ready to head back, or you want to go another round?" The paladin shot the younger man a lascivious look. "We might have to be fast, though."

The two Kriovalians departed Mt. Valak for civilization as the sun rose.

"I've gotten more than enought sleep to last me throught the tournament and beyond. Shall we go swiming then?" He asked

ShadowDancer smiled as the Kriovalian Ai evidenced an actual sense of humor. 'Oh I am going to love this!' she chimed as the various probes directed her to a recently entered into the system poem....'and Perigrine's going to throw something ressembling a fit.'

*Alas Lord Decker, that I can not do, bound by fetters immaterial, but very real none the less. I'll pass the suggestion on, but your mutual admiration society is very reassureing*

ShadowDancer left the message in return and asked the Kriovalian AI if he played five dimentional chess. She'd didn't think she'd tell Sha'Do about him though, they were too much birds of a feather, amoral and crazy too boot.

***************************************

Perigrine laughed and spun about, a few running steps and she was in a flat racing dive. She was a strong swimmer and headed away from shore confidently

"I think that's what we're doing"

she called over her shoulder

Jason dived into the water after Perigrine and swam after her. "So what was the emergency, if you don't mind me asking." He called up to her

Perigrine stopped swiming and trod water, waiting for Jason to catch up with her. When he did, she replied softly, not wanting to have her voice carry, as voices tended to do over open water

"She fine, it was nothing too serious..."

"That's good." Jason replied "So what do you want to do?" He asked as he began floating on his back.

ShadowDancer left the message in return and asked the Kriovalian AI if he played five dimentional chess.

Could you show me? the Kriovalian AI asked. I would be most appreciative. Anything to gain another potential weapon against 'smarter-than-thou' hackers.

Kriov Fortress - 20 June - 6:30 am

The two fighters arrived in the secured zone of the Fortress, having just heard the news that Adele had fallen ill. They raced up the main staircase, mentally cursing the ancient castle for not having a lift. Raijin was breathing heavily as he arrived at the top of the long stair, which amused Koro despite the gravity of the situation otherwise. "If only your detractors could see you now," he said, repressing a giggle.

"When you're almost forty, you try that kind of exertion and see how you feel after."

"The stairs? They weren't that bad...oh. Heh heh. That."

The Commander had already pushed forward to the entrance to the master bedroom. "You all right?" he asked by way of greeting. "And where'd everybody go?

"Just fine...physically," Adele responded drily. "Despite the news reports that say I had a stroke. The very idea!" she snorted. "I'm just past my sixty-second birthday. Besides, I've already seen my coming death, and it's a long ways off yet - unless the Gods decide to change their minds. Come in here. I told the others to get out. They'd drive me to an early grave. Your father was called to supervise the Science Exposition - thank the Gods." The Queen Mother of Krioval looked pointedly at the two men. "Couldn't you have at least got rid of the other one before getting a replacement?"

"They said you had a vision," Raijin said, ducking the issue entirely for the time being. "What was it?"

Adele got a far-off look in her eyes. "I should have told you earlier. I thought I knew what it meant." She proceeded to tell the two about the Commander and his 'reflection'. "Imagine my surprise when the 'reflection' turned out to be more tangible than I'd originally calculated. Was it worth it?"

"Gods yes," the Commander said without thinking. "I mean...yeah...ya know?"

The Kriov matriarch chuckled. "Just like you." She smiled slightly. "It's not as if you haven't been miserable for *how* long now?"

"A year."

"Try eleven years," came the response. "And before you even begin to tell me otherwise, remember what you said about Bralos last night."

"You *saw* all of that?!" Koro said, shocked.

"The Gods were merciful," Adele replied. "I only heard the conversation. I dread to think what would have happened to my mind otherwise."

"Bralos...I said that the problems started with Bralos. That's true. Two years ago, mother."

"Not Bralos two-thousand five. Bralos nineteen ninety-six. You intervened to save his life based on my vision. I should never have said a word then. He isn't the right one for you, Raijin. Wasn't then, and isn't now. Of course, I don't know that you are either, Your Excellency."

Koro blushed further after the use of the formal term. "Well, it'd take time, one way or another, right?"

A contented sigh escaped the lips of Adele. "If you're not, you're damn close. Twenty-four and a good brain in there. No wonder my Raijin likes you." Turning to the Commander, she added, "if you want to leave him, you have my blessing. And before you worry about public opinion, remember who's on your side here." The last bit was uttered with conviction sufficient to convince an agnostic that there was most certainly a God - Adele Kriov. "You will have to tell him, though, one way or another. Kiv Andros may be stubborn and intuitive as a hunk of rock, but he should know. And there are a few things that I think he should tell you, too," she said enigmatically.

Raijin sighed. "Koro, stick around?"

"Yeah. I had as much to do with this as you. Probably more, seeing how *tired* you got after..."

"Too much information!" Adele screamed.

--------------------

The Commander punched in the code on his commlink. "Kiv Andros."

The other end of the line was picked up. "Is it true?" came a gruff voice.

"Is what true?"

"Gods, Raijin, people are already talking about it. Your mother goes into hysterics over a vision and you and Koro are arm in arm this morning. So, did you?"

Raijin's voice soured considerably. "Did I *what*, Kiv?"

A growl accompanied the next response. "Did you *do it*?"

"Oh for the Gods' sakes. Yes, Kiv. I did. We did. Several times, in fact. May I ask where you are that I get to tell you this by commlink?"

"The Science Expo committee meeting."

"You asked me that in the middle of a committee meeting? Kiv, did you decide to put me on speaker for this too? Fucking bastard." Raijin terminated the link.

"Wow. Usually it's the one cheated on who gets upset," Koro said, reeling.

"Yeah, well, I couldn't care less. Of course, now the media's going to start in on this. I give 'em about ten minutes."

"Well," Adele said, "wait and see."

Torokara - 7:30 am

In a society where faster-than-light travel is possible, it is no wonder that news can actually be reported before official confirmation is made of the actual event. Such was the case in the Kriovalian capital where, on the eve of the Festival of Fighters, it was made known that the Pretenama Panel investigating charges of genocide in Crimmond, a panel on which Krioval sat, had failed utterly and completely to mitigate the slaughter. An elder statesman should have been sent, one story reported, not the inexperienced Koro Vartek. Another headline reported that Vartek had agreed to sabotage the talks in order to receive the nod for High Priest. This tied in nicely to the material now pre-empting everything else, though. The public always flocks to a scandal, it has been said, and this was truly the case in Torokara, where newspaper sales were triple the normal daily rate.

"Kiv Meets His Fate"
"Raijin's Revenge"
"Dimming of the Light"
"Religious Rite Gone Wrong"

The titles were provocative and varied. Some blamed Raijin. Others said it was Kiv's fault. Still other pointed their fingers at Koro. Conspiracy theories abounded. Slasher was involved, one paper claimed, in his attempt to downplay accusations of assaulting a woman in Andretara. No, it was Adele, another reporter claimed, who finally manipulated her naive only child into a relationship that increased her chokehold over Krioval. She had actually laughed at that one, while Raijin sat impassively and Koro was obviously shaken. Nobody had ever questioned the young man's honor or integrity before, and it was a sledgehammer to his worldview, namely that people were typically more interested in the truth than not. It was a worldview that, in shards, made Koro Vartek look all the more vulnerable. It broke the paladin's heart to see Koro like that. "Sorry."

"'Bout what?"

"They shouldn't say stuff about you. It wasn't your doing. I asked for it."

"Yeah, well, when you were a soldier, you got roughed up a bit, right?"

"'Course I did!"

"You think diplomacy's any different?"

Adele interjected. "Or politics? Maybe they're right. The 'megalomaniacal' mother's machinations to corrupt an entire nation. Like if I hadn't walked outside the other day and hinted that I wanted to be Queen half the nation wouldn't have thought it was an idea with merit. Anyway," she said, focusing on the two men still in her bedroom, "I have a few calls to make."

-------------------
Telekar - 7:45 am

The communications console lit up. "Who uses such a low-speed connection?" the editor said, grumbling. "Telekar Union," he spoke into the link.

"Is this the editor-in-chief?" a female voice inquired.

"Yeah. I'm a little busy right now," he replied gruffly.

"Actually, you're in deep shit," she said sweetly.

"Look lady, this isn't really the time for..."

"That's Lady Kriov to you. Trace the call if you don't believe me. Smartass."

"Uh...uh..."

"Imagine my shock when the morning paper teleports in only for me to read that my Raijin is being blamed for something that the idiots over there called reporters haven't bothered to verify. Now. You want to keep your paper, you'll pull it before I file a suit for libel. And I'll win. So I suggest you stop with this before I convert the headquarters of your rag into a toilet paper factory. At least if paper is going to be covered in crap it might as well be useful." She paused. "Are you listening?" Lifelong predators shrink from a tone such as the one Lady Kriov wielded, and she wielded it like Raijin wielded a sword - with a minimum of finesse and a maximum of force."

"Right away! Uh...thank you for calling?"

"Oh. Any time. And could you be a dear and tell the other papers in Krioval the same thing? I'll even consider an interview. An exclusive one."

That got his attention. Turning garbage into gold has eluded alchemists, but the editor of the Telekar Union realized that he was about to discover the secret of such transmutation. "Sure thing, Lady Kriov. Uh...you have a nice day!"

"Bye!" She placed the antique telephone receiver on the handle. "Boys, you may yet learn a few tricks from me."

"An interview?" Koro asked, now reduced to rocking back and forth.

"Sure!" Adele said, attempting to infuse the priest with optimism through brute force. "You tell them what happened honestly, one paper gets to run it, and it dies because you told the truth. It's just not as interesting if it actually happened and everybody admits it. Now, one more call to make." She again picked up the elegant receiver and dialed another number.

"KRNN, please hold," came a whiny voice from the operator.

"Are you kidding me?" Adele shrieked as music spewed forth from the other end. "The biggest news network in Krioval and they put people on hold? What's *wrong* with them?" The irony of the statement was not lost on the thirty-eight year old adulterer, the twenty-four year old homewrecker, and the woman once called 'Christslayer'.

Ten minutes later, "This is KRNN, thank you for holding. How can I direct your call?"

"This is Adele Kriov. For starters, you could direct it ten minutes earlier." There was no sound on the other end. "Trace should be done in ten seconds. Nine, eight, seven, six, five..."

"Lady Kriov, how can we help you?"

"You can do a trace in five seconds but you put people on hold for ten minutes?" A disappointed sigh punctuated her comments. "Never mind. I would like to know if you have a recording of the Commander and the Military Director from approximately half an hour ago."

"My Lady, I'm afraid that's confidential."

"I hear that Vastiva is quite nice in the middle of July." One was left with the impression that Adele was either making a threat or else thought that minus one hundred degree temperatures and blowing snow was a welcome respite from gorgeous sunshine and warmth. The audible gulp on the other end of the link indicated that the woman was of the first opinion.

"Yes, we have it."

"Does anybody else have it?"

"Not that we're aware of."

"Good. Destroy it."

"Destroy it?!"

"Vastiva. July. Polar bears."

The sound of plastic and metal being forcibly treated were heard in the bedroom. A sullen voice returned, "Will that be all?"

"Is there anybody who's gossiping either about this or how my influence is too great over Krioval's politics?"

The woman's voice dropped to a whisper. "A few."

Adele's tone became one of extremely artificial, and dangerous, cheer. "They deserve a 'special assignment' for their tireless dedication. I hear that there's to be a polar bear hunt in Vastiva next week. It is most important to me that this event be fully and completely covered, including the aftermath. A month should do."

The voice brightened slightly. "Is that it then?"

"After you're done sending them and making sure they won't be able to come back early, go to Paladin headquarters. I hope you like your new office." Adele terminated the connection before the stunned broadcaster could object. "That takes care of the 'adoring' public. That leaves Maria, Philip, and Alice Vartek, Alice and Alexei, and, of course, Kiv, to deal with. But first, I'm ordering you both to get some sleep." Thinking for a few moments, she added, "Separately."

"I... Have, yes." Akina answered, still keeping her distance, while Götz (Who was still laughing) arranged the compensation for the waiter. Akina would have loved to drown the bird who hadn't told her anything, alas, right now, this was possibly a bad idea, if only because it would have disrupted the normal proceedings in the local even more. And if Krioval has anything resembling environmental concerns, a corroding bird with highly radioactive isotopes in its chest would possibly be somethign they disapproved of. "Someone else?" She looked somewhat curious. "I hope you didn't kill her, as such would freak me out even more." I should do another DNA modification. Can't be, someone else looking similar to me?! How embarrassing!

She looked at the hands both of the Knight/ Beggar mixtures extended to her, and eventually (Her mind expanding just a little, just in case that something unexpected would happen) took them both, carefully and seemingly weak, unsure. "Well, if you say so..." She glanced at Götz, who was giving a nodding approval. "I might risk it... Since the two here-" She glanced at Christine and her friend, not sure if they were amused or embarrassed (Or both) by the whole scene. "Are apparently knowing each other, anyway." Although 'fascinating' might be the wrong term for their kind. 'Odd' is certainly true, though.

"Saber? Uh... Ok." Must hide it beneath their garments or something. "I have to say that I'm amazed. Such a festival, and coming with arms? Admittedly, in certain circles in DA it is common, too, but... Oh, DA being my home, in case you're wondering.."

And finally, she laughed, albeit weakly. "Well, at least some gentlemanish behaviour, trying to protect a helpless woman." She looked at Xander in what looked almost like approval. "Although I would suspect that mere fists should be enough, in such a comparatively peaceful environment. This isn't level one, is it?" Another giggle. She couldn't help but to think that Kolte lacked a little bit of... Socialisation, missinterpreting a lot of things. "Well... I guess if you're paying, I might join. Seeing as she-" She glanced at Christine. "Has already teamed up with your companion."

Xander gave a small shudder at the the words, 'I hope you didn't kill her...' He couldn't help it for he remembered clearly the image of her mangled body. Bad memories, bad indeed, he thought to himself. As Akina took his hand, he bowed deeply, showing the lady respect.

"Wonderful! Server, I'll have a round of drinks for...hmm, let's see, how many do we have? Myself, Kolte, Akina, Christine, Krodan...the bird doesn't drink does it? Ah what the hell I'm in a good mood, one for the bird as well. If he doesn't drink it someone else will, I'm sure of it. As for you my young apprentice, you will not escape this lecture. I drew my saber out of pure reflex, reflexes ingrained by my Jedi training. Akina was screaming in a manner that suggested that she was being attacked. I may have spent the last seven years staring into the bottom of every liquor bottle I came across, but I still remember my training. Can you say the same?"

Pergrine found another unaccustomed smile curving her lips, something that was becoming a regular thing while in his presence. 'He makes me smile' and that silent observation settled it

"I had been 'ordered' to take a warm bath and go to bed. Care to join me?"

She didn't look away from Jason as she waited for his answer. The sun was rising off to her right as she floated in the swells of the rising tide.

*******************************************************

"Oh poor Raijin! I didn't realise that they made such an issue out of monogamy..or were formal vows of such a part of Raijin's and Kiv's marriage announcement?"

Michiko sat peruseing the Krioval latest breaking news while she waited for the bread she'd made to finish rising. Cooking for herself was another thing she had far too little a chance to indulge in.

"And how does any one know what they claim happened actually happened? Do they have spy camera in where ever this initiation was held? Or has some one opened their big mouths and blabbed. None of my household would open their mouths like this. And to pull Slasher and I into this!"

"ShadowDancer, could you get me a back line to Raijin. I know he's probably swamped but I'd appreciate it if he could spare me a minute, and please let which ever of his household answers that this is an official call"

She had no idea that the AI had spent the last hour happily teaching Krioval 5 D chess.

"I'll get on winding my way through channels"

ShadowDancer replied and asked her chess partner if Raijin would be up to taking a call of support and concern from the Empress of Tanara

Akina's eyes were suddenly a little brighter, the expectation of the extra drink she would get from Götz seemingly helping her mood. Not to mention that she was very appreciative of the deep bow. Odd, sure, but in a pleasant way, and as such not only excused, but also enjoyed, or at the very least, liked.

Hummm. He could be a tough fellow, having stared down the glass... For that long.

Eventually, she sat down, still a little bit careful with regards to Kolte, still a little bit nervous... But it was worth the risk.

Possibly.

Jason remained floating as he heard her speak, as he listened he noticed the sun breaking the horizon and hitting the water in a glistening pattern. Seeing her beauty as well as the friendship and possibly more he felt for her made his answering quite easy. "I'd love to." He replied as he smiled at her.

ShadowDancer replied and asked her chess partner if Raijin would be up to taking a call of support and concern from the Empress of Tanara

The response was nearly instantaneous. Commander Raijin has invited the Lady Empress Michiko Sirocco Jones of Tanara to the Kriov Fortress at her convenience. Enclosed is an authorization for teleport to the Fortress, which is just outside Torokara. He will be awakened upon her Imperial Majesty's arrival. Thank you ever so much for the chess algorithms. Tormenting insolent mortals is capable of sustaining a being such as myself only to a certain degree. There was a nanosecond's pause. Is there anything else I can help with?

With a gentle chuckle ShadowDancer replied

*"Michiko won't want to wake him just for her. How about letting me know when he wakes up and I'll let her know she can go on down. He's not had it easy the last few days and she would just hate to add to his stress before he got enough sleep."

And her own nano second pause

"Want to exchange historical data files? I have some absolutely hysterical 'human hindsight is 20/20'. It was banned at the Academy on Tarn Vedra where I was sentienced."

*********************************************

Perigrine found that the current had nudged them close to shore and stood, finding herself but hip deep in the now chill waters. 'Now what do I do, the basic lessons never covered this' '...by the ancestors, he should never hide that body under clothes.' Her thoughts jumbled chaotically, as she slowly, suddenly shy, held out her hand to him.

Jason took her hand and gently drew her toward him.

Raijin woke from his fitful slumber in the middle of the afternoon. "Damn. I hope she didn't actually go to my office," he said, referring to Perigrine.

No, Commander, there are none in your office presently.

"Good."

Message for you from Michiko, Lord Raijin.

"Let's hear it."

From the ShadowDancer: *"Michiko won't want to wake him just for her. How about letting me know when he wakes up and I'll let her know she can go on down. He's not had it easy the last few days and she would just hate to add to his stress before he got enough sleep."

"Send message: I will be available to discuss anything you wish in half an hour, and at your convenience after that time."

Done.

"Thank you." The Commander of Krioval made his way out of the bed, noting that it was the same one in which he slept years earlier. "What time *is* it, anyway?"

Quarter until two in the afternoon, twentieth June two thousand seven.

"Thanks." He began to walk toward one of the Fortress's many elaborate bathrooms.

There is no need to thank me, Commander. It is my function to serve as you wish.

"Exactly why I do, then. You've done better than anyone could have predicted."

I am pleased that you find my programming to be sufficient.

"I'm happy you find *mine* to be sufficient."

The AI processed the last statement and realized it was meant in jest. An electronic equivalent of light laughter was heard. Raijin meanwhile stepped into the shower, selected a temperature, and cursed mildly when the stream of water started out cold. It was going to be an interesting few days.

Dawn

Perigrine found herself in Jason's arms without remembering the interveining movements. She also discovered that it was the most pleasant place to be, they fit well together. Her thoughts did yet another disappearing act, but eventually she managed to murmur as she fell into Jason's marvelous purple eyes.

"Hotel, bath, bed..."

She had meant to say more but...

Some things are worth the wait to learn from some one special

Much Later "Thank you"

*****************************************************

"Michiko, I've been informed that Commander Raijin will be happy to see you in half an hour"

ShadowDancer passed along the information. She was please that Nichiko was sensible, did not shriek about having less than half an hour to get ready for a formalish appearance, but simply set about attending to various 'details'

"Why did I make it formal" Michiko was heard to grumble under her breath.

Xander took a seat next to Akina, and saw that he had managed to calm her, but as to whether or not it was his assurance that Kolte and himself weren't serial rapists or his buying of a round of drinks, he wasn't sure. Deciding to strike up a conversation to try and keep her entertained so that she didn't start freaking out again, he said to her,

"I couldn't help but notice the sublime look of bewilderment on your face when you mentioned my saber. You've never seen a lightsaber before have you? It's really a remarkable weapon...here, take a look."

Xander took his saber out and held it up for Akina to see.

"Right now it might not look all that impressive, but thats because it's not ignited. It's basically a lasor sword, to put it in layman's terms. When it's ignited, power is unleashed from its internal power cell which travels through a positively charged continious energy lens at the center of the handle, arcs circumferentially back to a negatively charged high energy flux aperture, transfered back to the power cell by a superconductor, and focused into a tight beam of energy by a special crystal. The beam, or blade, is about a meter long, depending on the location of the crystal, and the handle is roughly a foot long. The blades don't even expend energy unless they cut through something, which is to say just about everything, save for the blade of another saber and couple of rare metals. The beam's color is determined by the nature of the crystal used. Lightsabers aren't used very often. Only a Force-Sensitive trained in its use can wield one without cutting their own appendiges off. All Jedi are Force-Sensitive, they have to be. They are taken from their families at birth, and raised as a Jedi Youngling until he is chosen by a Jedi Knight or Master to be a Padawan. When he's proven himself, he can take the trials, and if he passes, is given the rank of Knight. After that, the last step is Master, the most elite of the Jedi..."

Kiv had sat through the rest of the meeting in a dark and sullen mood. The conversation by commlink had been a disaster. What's more, Raijin hadn't sounded the slightest bit guilty, and the Director knew Raijin well enough to know that remorse would not be forthcoming. For all their differences in the past years, they appeared in total harmony on one issue: Raijin wanted out, and Kiv didn't want him back. After the meeting, which focused on such things as how one could logistically test run the latest Kiro-Van Ultra High-Speed Megacentrifuge without bringing down half of the Torokara power grid, Kiv had reverted from blinding rage to the sort that simmers while seeking a target. He paced in a nearby conference room while he determined the best language to use in his filing for divorce. If nothing else, Kiv could at least be the one to end this nightmare. He submitted the petition and waited for confirmation.

I apologize, Lord Kiv, but your case filing has been denied.

"How is that even possible?! It's legal, and I triplechecked it for error!"

I apologize, but a filing already exists in this case.

"What?"

Case filing KVF4259-3. Petition for dissolution of civil marriage. Submitted by Commander Raijin Dekker at one fifty-five in the afternoon, twentieth June two thousand seven. Request for single case filing on this matter accepted. Case filing TKR95243-9 on same case denied at one fifty-nine same day.

"You mean to tell me that he got his filing in four minutes before mine?"

That is correct, Director. Is there anything else I can help you with?

"No." The general slumped into a chair as the connection dissolved. "Hell. His artificial intelligence. His legal system. Gods, even his parents' house where he sent the case from. Why is he doing this to me? Why do I have to always come in second to him?"

"The day Julina went missing I was supposed to meet her in a park, but when I arrived, she wasn't there. It wasn't until several days later that her body turned up. It was...in bad shape. The records say she was mugged and killed, but I just don't know. The police never named a suspect, and I guess it was just never enough..." Kolte paused for a second to gather his thoughts. "At any rate, haven't forgotten any of my training, and I am no longer your apprentice. I was a Knight when I was dismissed, remember? I merely refer to you as 'Master' because it was your title."

Satisfied that he had gained at least a little of his honor, Kolte returned to his seat between Xander and Krodan. He turned toward Akina.

"I believe it is time for a change of subject. Now you know about Xander and I, and I would like to know about you. You mentioned that you are from a place called DA? That's a strange name. What is it like? What do you do there?"

OOC: About damn time Megas, you had me worried for a while.

IC: "I didn't mean to insult you old friend. You know I often call you young one or apprentice as a sign of affection. I've said it before, you were like a son to me. And the most gifted Jedi I had ever seen...apart from me that is. Some things just never change do they," replied Xander. Hmm, and some things do, he thought to himself. He used to joke around almost as most as I did. Julina's death affected him more than I thought it would...

"Your welcome." Jason replied as he lay with his arm around her basking in the afterglow.

The Vastivan had no sooner entered the museum then the head curator jumped up from his desk. He raced down the corridors, stopping only to instruct workers he encountered to begin taking holoimages of the art, where legal and where it wouldn't damage the works. They were then to replicate them in whatever resolution they could and cart them toward the gift shop on the off chance that the trade delegate would be interested in purchasing them. Even if the Vastivan wasn't, the curator thought, it was a remarkably efficient way to get that damn catalog finally updated.

Shu'aa na-Daanish Mash'al had left with another virtual entourage, half the library of the gift shop, "copies" of some 83% of the museums collection - and a good part of several other collections - contracts for copies of manuals and several guides the head curator had assured him were "absolutely necessary for understanding these artworks", a few tomes of "How to" including "Holography for Dummies" and "Zero-G Metallics for Dummies", and another "purple fizzy drink".

Rather proud of himself, he teleported back to his room - much to the angst of heaven knows how many shopkeepers. "There's always tomorrow. I hear this tournament allows for betting..."

Gelt caught his hapless opponent square, compressing diaphragm for a brief moment before the jab-and-uppercut combination caught him.

The man went down like a poleaxed steer, a short spurt of blood striking the sand.

Gelt ran his hand through his hair, noticing the knuckles hurt again. What a good thing for modern medicine. This has to be the third time I’ve broken them today. He danced back from the man, wary of a trick – but his opponent merely lay there, breathing and salivating down the side of his face.

The crowd went nuts.

His arms went above his head, a symbol of victory, a symbol of triumph…

And a huge shadow crawled over the crowds and blotted the sun…


He sat up, still in a semi-sweat. The room was not his – Lucinda still slept beside him, breathing lightly. She doesn’t know…

Quietly, he rose, stepped into the shower – “Hot, please” – and began to wash off the evening’s activities, and the evidence of his dream.

“Room for one more?” The door slid open, Lucinda slid out of a pretense of modesty.
He gave an excellent smile. “Certainly. Or you could invite a few friends.”
“Fresh.”
“Certainly. Picked this afternoon.”
She gave a light laugh. “Wash your back?”
“If you like.”
“I like all of it…”
His turn to laugh. "Alright, but be gentle with me, I have to be up in a few hours to make the tournament."
"It would seem to me you're up now."
"Oh. Care to do something about that?"
"I thought you'd never ask...."

"Hey, big boy..."

Therassi's hand stopped midway to his lips, though he did not look at the hand on his shoulder. "My first question would be, are you talking to me?"

The Kriovian who slid into the seat beside the leatherbound warrior was obviously - if not drunk, headed in that direction. "Do you see another cute muscleboy here?"

The mug was lowered to the bar. "My second question would be, would you like an opportunity to run first?"

"Uh, excuse me?"

"Apparently not." His hand struck, engulfing the other man's other hand as easily as an adult grasping a walnut.

He squeezed. "Let me explain in small words. Go" - and there was a sickening crunching and popping sound - "Away. Now."

Therassi released his grasp, pieces of shattered shot glass falling to the floor – along with a splattering of blood from the many lacerations inflicted.

The Kriovalian jumped back at least a full meter without thought, and picked out the glass shards. "Not from 'round here, apparently!"

The Kriovalian jumped back at least a full meter without thought, and picked out the glass shards. "Not from 'round here, apparently!"

"True." Therassi turned and looked at the Kriovalian. "Very much not. And very much not interested."

Perigrine kissed an irresistably kissable earlobe and nestled in closer, slipping into sleep between heartbeats. From her, the ultimate compliment.

"True." Therassi turned and looked at the Kriovalian. "Very much not. And very much not interested."

He shot him a glare. "Try telling a guy that next time." De looked back at her hand and muttered, "Damn. That's gonna take at least three hours to completely heal."

A woman, obviously Pacific Islander and thereby likely native Kriovalian, dashed off a quick note and handed it to the waitress, along with a kT5 note, quite a generous tip considering. It was delivered wordlessly to the Vastivan.

Hey there. No, I'm not interested or looking. So disabuse yourself of that notion right now. It's typically a bad idea to assault people at random, especially in Krioval. The military and police don't tend to look favorably on that...at least not here and now. Wait 'til the Festival for your bar brawls, 'K?

~ Melena

Michiko looked herself over one last time, satisfied that the elegant bronze spider silk suit was proper for an official - if last minute- visit from Tanara to Krioval. She patted a stray hair back into place in the thick double french braid she woven her mane into, and sprayed just a hint of her favorite cologne on to the back of her neck.

Picking up the electronic invitation, she tucked a giftwrapped case under one arm and sallied forth from ShadowDancer. The Kriovalian's reacted with pleaseing alacrity when presented with the authorization and she was met by one of Raijin's aides when she arrived at the Kriov Fortress.

Michiko admired the stateliness of the beautifully kept castle as she was led through the rooms and corridors filled with many fine antiques. The young aide explained that the Fortress was the stronghold of Keldar the Great, first king of a united Krioval in 1501 C.E. was certain that this was as much a home though as any sort of official building. There was a warmth and lived in feel that couldn't be counterfitted.

Her escort knocked on a wide door, it's pannels carved in a bas relief of an acient Kriovalian king standing enrobed in the slpendor of the sun. It swung open silently and she was ushered into a well appointed study. Rajin half sat on the corner of a massive teak desk, looking not quite as bad as she feared, but not as rested as many people would have liked

You ought to challenge those wretches to duels. A large number of cream pies to the face would make the 'noseys' back off, or is dueling not allowed in Kiroval?"

"You ought to challenge those wretches to duels. A large number of cream pies to the face would make the 'noseys' back off, or is dueling not allowed in Kiroval?"

"Ah, My Lady Empress Michiko Sirocco Jones, of Tanara. I had hoped to meet you under less stressful conditions. Krioval is yet a democracy." Raijin paused. "Of sorts, anyway. Shutting down newspapers and killing journalists, even if they were allowed self-defense, would not reflect favorably on my position. Besides, it was my screwup. I got the order wrong. Leave the first man, and then sleep with the second. Have you fully recovered from your injuries?"

"Please, Commander, if you keep using my titles, I shall then be forced to use yours...Shall we see who blinks first or can we just call one another Raijin and Michiko?"

Her grin was wry as she admited her own screw up.

"My stupidity is just fine, on one level...on another I'm not so sure....and I may have a proposition - oh! no NOT you!" She chortled as Raijin started to go wide eyed "May prove a distraction if engineered right."

Jason heard Perigrine's regular breathing, a sure sign that she was asleep and drifted off shortly after.

"Hrm." Akina looked mildly interested at the, well, shaft of the sword. She did understand the very basics of the technology behind it, without going any deeper into it, but the talk about the 'Force' confused her, a little. Not because the concept of out-of-established-physics forces was unknown to her. The likes of Drow, of Kalessini magic, of god knows what were something with which existence she was reasonably familiar with. But, like most Angstians (With he exception of the Angstian Drow and a recently eliminated cult of Tzeentch-worshippers she didn't know anything about), she had trouble understanding the concept. "I see..."

She touched the lightsaber's shaft, curiously, for the moment suppressing her... Dislike for fixed structures like that of the 'Organisation' this two men did apparently belonged to (It was quite common for her kind. The idea of Master/ Apprentice relationships and the likes simply horrified most Angstians, the presence of organisations featuring exactly the same kind of internal relationships in DA being an anachronism strongly disliked by the majority of the populace). "You wouldn't mind me... Trying it, would you?" She smiled, almost seductively. "It sounds intriguing, so..."

Eventually, she turned towards Kolte. "Well... DA. Short form of Der Angst, my, errr... Country, of sorts." She sighed. "Well, what's it like? This could take time... Basically, you have a few Humans, Drow and Neko, together with a significant amount of Posthumans. Well, less significant now, since about nine out of ten people died a while ago... Anyway." She hesitated, quickly enjoying one of the drinks who had finally arrived. "It's basically seven territories on Earth, one mainland and six larger, artificial islands spread around the globe, as well as more or less independent colonies on various planets... Mars, Neptune. Also at Jupiter, the Moon... Well, spread out a little.

"Otherwise, we're kinda comparable to Krioval, come to think of it. It's all urbanised, although a little more extreme than here, and the environment is, well, odd. Ever heard of the Psionic Magpie? (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Psionic_Magpie)?" She chuckled, just thinking of it. "Otherwise, well, radiation levels aren't too bad, same goes for poisonous chemicals and the likes. Well, being a posthuman society helps with survival. You know, DNA-recoding, implants and the likes. And there are of course some comparatively clean areas, too.

"As for me, well... Nothing, actually. Kinda unemployed. Despite the labour market being supposed to boom, with so many dying. But that's what civil wars do to you." She sighed. "I would be a chemical engineer if I was employed, though. So, no hero's life for me. All pretty boring, I guess."

Kolte listened intently to Akina. She seemed fascinated by Xander's saber. It was a technological marvel, after all. He found his hand resting on his own. His fingers touched to inticate patterns of the metal it was constructed of, he unclipped it from his belt and held it for Akina to see.

"As you can tell, each lightsaber is constructed to be unique, never are two produced that are even remotely similar. The color of the blade as well as its thickness varies depending on the crystals installed. Mine is a blue-silver hue, and Xander's is..." his voice trailed off, he couldn't remember the color of his own former master's blade. He longed for it to be ignited so he didn't look too much like an ignorant fool...but it was probably already too late for that.

"Please, Commander, if you keep using my titles, I shall then be forced to use yours...Shall we see who blinks first or can we just call one another Raijin and Michiko?"

Her grin was wry as she admited her own screw up.

"My stupidity is just fine, on one level...on another I'm not so sure....and I may have a proposition - oh! no NOT you!" She chortled as Raijin started to go wide eyed "May prove a distraction if engineered right."

"Yes. I know how much you hate your title to be used. Race told me." Raijin watched this time as Michiko's eyes widened. "Of course 'not me'. I hardly need another lover at this point, and I would assume that you lack certain features that my previous ones possess. So I can only assume that you mean Sla...Valkai the ninja. And honestly, Michiko, the only way that could distract would be if you screwed him on the street, in which case the papers would run the two of us as a double feature." He laughed deeply at the last. "I've survived worse than this, to be sure. Three asssassination attempts and two political attempts, as it turns out."

The Commander turned as another figure walked into the room. "Oh, Raijin. They told me you were here, but they didn't say you had a guest!"

"Of course they didn't. Even the guards are having their fun, it appears." Turning toward Michiko, he said, "Michiko, this is Lord Director and High Priest Koro Vartek, though he doesn't go in for all the titles." Lowering his voice to a whisper, he added, "He has the cutest reaction when I call him 'Your Excellency', though." Returning his gaze to Koro for a minute, he finished with, "Koro, this is Empress Michiko Sirocco Jones of Tanara. Don't use her formal titles or she may proposition you."

Koro suppressed a yawn. "Gods, you're bad." To Michiko, he said, "It's nice to finally meet you. Raijin's not being too insufferable, is he?"

"As for me, well... Nothing, actually. Kinda unemployed. Despite the labour market being supposed to boom, with so many dying. But that's what civil wars do to you." She sighed. "I would be a chemical engineer if I was employed, though. So, no hero's life for me. All pretty boring, I guess."

"Should think about gettin' a job out here, then," Krodan said. "I prob'ly don't look it, but when I'm not drinkin' and watchin' the Slashers play, I manage a plant for Varos - they make hovercars and spaceship parts. Might be able to call a friend over in the metallurgy department, see if they've got an opening."

Christine looked at the soccer fanatic. "You manage at Varos? Since when?"

"Been almost six years now."

"That long, huh?" The senator shook her head in disbelief. "Can you get me a deal on a 2008 Blaster?"

"As you can tell, each lightsaber is constructed to be unique, never are two produced that are even remotely similar. The color of the blade as well as its thickness varies depending on the crystals installed. Mine is a blue-silver hue, and Xander's is..." his voice trailed off, he couldn't remember the color of his own former master's blade. He longed for it to be ignited so he didn't look too much like an ignorant fool...but it was probably already too late for that.

"What's it look like when it's on?" Christine asked. "I've certainly never seen one of those, though we do have weapons that can trap and emit energy. Ours are modeled on different principles, though, I'm fairly sure."

"And it is a pleasure to meet you Koro, and no he'd not beeing too bad. I think that is reserved for Valkai" Her smiled brought out her dimples once again. She had caught the unexpected use of a different name, and managed a smooth flying change. Turning back to Raijin she answered his comments

"I'm not near as exhibitionistic as many Tanarans, so no, that is not what I had thought of. It makes my blood boil that those nosey newsies have brought up charges of assault. I'd like to know who leaked our presence at Andretara so I could ensure that they never spoke out of turn again"

She had the grace to look abashed. "I guess I'm not all that civilized."

Moving over to the case, she picked it up and offerd it to Raijin.

"This one's for you, I think it will like you quite well. I need to keep the other as a barganing chip."

"I'm not near as exhibitionistic as many Tanarans, so no, that is not what I had thought of. It makes my blood boil that those nosey newsies have brought up charges of assault. I'd like to know who leaked our presence at Andretara so I could ensure that they never spoke out of turn again"

"I was unaware of this, and I hadn't read of any of that. The only reason I know of the ninja's activities is that he left me a heavily-coded message for me this morning. Andretara wouldn't leak the information as far as I know, and the Slasher certainly wouldn't."

"I guess I'm not all that civilized."

"Not to worry. If you haven't killed with your bare hands, you're probably better civilized than me."

"This one's for you, I think it will like you quite well. I need to keep the other as a barganing chip."

"Whatever could this be?" Raijin asked, looking critically at the item. "And - bargaining chip? I hope my ninja isn't going to be put under too much stress as a result, though 'too much' is a relative term...ya know." His tone made it clear that Valkai could take quite a few more hits before being driven crazy, but that Michiko had come farther than all but the Commander in that department. Perhaps she will overtake me, and he'll be forever grateful of my restraint? Doubtful.

"It's a set of PALADIN armor...and I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention this little gift to Valkai yet. He offered to trade his mask for the armor, and I think I'm going to take him up on it. I'd rather him not know I'd gifted you a set of it." Her face and manner held utterly no warning for what she said next.

"I'd like to see his face when I ask him to marry me"

"Hrm." Akina looked mildly interested at the, well, shaft of the sword. She did understand the very basics of the technology behind it, without going any deeper into it, but the talk about the 'Force' confused her, a little. Not because the concept of out-of-established-physics forces was unknown to her. The likes of Drow, of Kalessini magic, of god knows what were something with which existence she was reasonably familiar with. But, like most Angstians (With he exception of the Angstian Drow and a recently eliminated cult of Tzeentch-worshippers she didn't know anything about), she had trouble understanding the concept. "I see..."

She touched the lightsaber's shaft, curiously, for the moment suppressing her... Dislike for fixed structures like that of the 'Organisation' this two men did apparently belonged to (It was quite common for her kind. The idea of Master/ Apprentice relationships and the likes simply horrified most Angstians, the presence of organisations featuring exactly the same kind of internal relationships in DA being an anachronism strongly disliked by the majority of the populace). "You wouldn't mind me... Trying it, would you?" She smiled, almost seductively. "It sounds intriguing, so..."

Eventually, she turned towards Kolte. "Well... DA. Short form of Der Angst, my, errr... Country, of sorts." She sighed. "Well, what's it like? This could take time... Basically, you have a few Humans, Drow and Neko, together with a significant amount of Posthumans. Well, less significant now, since about nine out of ten people died a while ago... Anyway." She hesitated, quickly enjoying one of the drinks who had finally arrived. "It's basically seven territories on Earth, one mainland and six larger, artificial islands spread around the globe, as well as more or less independent colonies on various planets... Mars, Neptune. Also at Jupiter, the Moon... Well, spread out a little.

"Otherwise, we're kinda comparable to Krioval, come to think of it. It's all urbanised, although a little more extreme than here, and the environment is, well, odd. Ever heard of the Psionic Magpie? (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Psionic_Magpie)?" She chuckled, just thinking of it. "Otherwise, well, radiation levels aren't too bad, same goes for poisonous chemicals and the likes. Well, being a posthuman society helps with survival. You know, DNA-recoding, implants and the likes. And there are of course some comparatively clean areas, too.

"As for me, well... Nothing, actually. Kinda unemployed. Despite the labour market being supposed to boom, with so many dying. But that's what civil wars do to you." She sighed. "I would be a chemical engineer if I was employed, though. So, no hero's life for me. All pretty boring, I guess."

Xander listened to Kolte's input, and realizing the he couldn't remember his saber color, completed his thought for him.

"Traditional Green, Kolte."

Xander had to fight hard not to call him young one again. He felt a very rare emotion arise within his chest, and decided to act on Akina's request, and her smile...

"As Kolte said, every lightsaber is unique. That's because the Jedi each build their own sabers. In fact, the building of a Jedi's first lightsaber is cause for celebration, for it marks the culmination of his or her journey toward becoming a Padawan. Now, if you want to see what it looks like ignited, we'll have to stand up so that we have some room to work with."

With this said, Xander stood and stepped back from the bar. Checking his surroundings for other patrons, he held his saber up vertically in front of his stomach and depressed the switch, releasing the green blade from its captivity. He closed his eyes for a second, relishing the quite hum of the blade. He promptly opened them again, and motioned for Akina to come to him...

Kolte stood as well, and watched Xander ignite his blade, then ignited his. The long silver-blue beam of energy leapt from its grey and black hued handle, then abruptly stopped when it reached a little more than a meter in length.

"Master, the last time we met, my saber was blue, but now it has taken on silver hue due to modifications I have made myself. It utilizes Protoculture as energy instead of a traditional battery pack. You're probably unfamiliar with that word as well. Protoculture is not unlike the Force, a sort of living energy derived from the Flower of Life. The Megan military has experimented with Protoculture for quite some time now, and many test subjects such as myself have incredible powers. Some have gained empathic abilities, others have augmented physical abilities. I was one of the few Force-sensitives that underwent the augmentation, and now, Master, I possess power like you have never seen. The ability to channel Protoculture using the Force, it is a great thing Master, you shall see in time..."

With that, Kolte began to back away from the table and twirl the saber, taking pleasure in the unique humming of the blade. He spun the hilt around in his fingers, careful not to even come close to anyone near him.

"It's a set of PALADIN armor...and I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention this little gift to Valkai yet. He offered to trade his mask for the armor, and I think I'm going to take him up on it. I'd rather him not know I'd gifted you a set of it." Her face and manner held utterly no warning for what she said next.

"I'd like to see his face when I ask him to marry me"

Raijin looked at the package again. "Suitable enough, I suppose. Armor to match the title. Of course, poor Koro will demand PRIEST armor now, but what can I do?" He chuckled. "Marry Slasher? Hmmm...his response should be...interesting, though I don't know that he'll want to leave Krioval. You've got your work cut out for you."

Across the room, Koro also was reacting to the empress's last statement by rolling around on the floor laughing hysterically. "Valkai the ninja, get married?!" Gales of laughter cut off his ability to continue for several seconds. "Heh. Heh-heh. I'll tell you what. He says yes, and I'll do the ceremony myself!" The younger man struggled to regain his composure.

"There he is, High Priest of all Krioval." Raijin sighed, but was unable to stop the smile spreading across his face. "See why I like him?"

Xander had indeed heard of Protoculture. He had been following Kolte far more closely than Kolte gave him credit for. If we come to blows, he will have the advantage. I pray that it will not come to that...Xander knew that Kolte was showing off now, and smiled widely. If he wants to play, then I'll show him why I was a Master. He assumed his offensive stance, saber held up almost like a baseball bat but more vertically and infront of him, body turned to his right. Closing his eyes, he began slowly spinning around, swinging the saber first low to the ground, then high above his head. He stopped moving when he was within striking distance of Kolte. Resuming the stance he had taken when he had ignited the blade, he shifted his grip so that he now held the saber upside-down and began whirling it rapidly around his stationary body, hoping that his former apprentice would remember this ancient Jedi test-of-strength...

Kolte began to whirl his blade around Xander's, never actually touching it, though not as fast as he wished he could.

"Master, you're slow in your old age."

Kolte began to speed up, testing to see if Xander could keep pace.

Christine watched as the Kolte and Xander began to adopt fighting positions. "Guys, not here." She looked nervously around to make sure that nobody else had taken abnormal interest in the situation. "They'll think you're fighting for real unless you take it to the 'proving grounds', on the tournament sight. It's a decent place for practice, and it keeps people from accidentally killing one another while testing out some new move."

"Now that I know that you remember this ancient ritual, I can speed up Young One," Xander replied with relish. He allowed the Force to guide his blade, rather than physically moving it himself. His green lightsaber was now but a blur, and he awaited his moment to strike out, hoping that Kolte would strike at the same moment and lock blades in the true test...

Kolte continued accelerating his lightsaber, easily matching pace with the older man. He smiled.

"Much better, Master."

Any second now they would lock blades, ususally the master would strike first to test the padawan's reaction, but here there was neither, and Kolte was unsure if he should let Xander make the first move, or act himself. Better to wait, he thought, and continued to whirl his blade.

Xander felt that Kolte was waiting for him to make intiate the struggle, and thought, He is wiser than his years. Many before him would have attacked much earlier. Let's see just how strong he his...The older man shifted his grip on the saber as he brought it around to his right, a feat that many would have thought impossible at the speed at which it was being whirled, and snapped it forward towards the younger man. Please be fast enough Kolte...

About time, Kolte thought. He matched the strike with his own blade, and a sharp, crackling sound was produced that resonated throughout the bar. He pressed his strength and shifted his weight against Xander, it was just like old times.

Thank the Force, Xander thought as Kolte easily matched his strike with one of his own. The two blades locked in sinister embrace and emanated a golden glow at the point of contact. Xander felt Kolte begin to shift his weight and began dragging the conjoined blades downward and toward himself so that he could gain more leverage. The green and blue blades threw his lined face into sharp contrast, and made his look of determination all the more serious...

Michiko tried to look stern, but Koros warm laughter was too much. She found herself giggling first, then laughing in a most un emperess like manner. It took several minutes to catch her breath

"Oh I was so afraid you'd be all offended, or officious." She closed her eyes for a moment and drew another deep breath, her voice going bleak.

"Yes, I know he'll most likely turn me down, but I have to take the chance. You see I fell in love with him as we sat there under the sea, and I refuse to set aside the possibility that there might be some feeling in return....but if there's not well, at least I'll know. "

She smiled to hide the sudden flash of sheer terror that swept through her

"And you wouldn't know where I could find him would you?"

Thank the Force, Xander thought as Kolte easily matched his strike with one of his own. The two blades locked in sinister embrace and emanated a golden glow at the point of contact. Xander felt Kolte begin to shift his weight and began dragging the conjoined blades downward and toward himself so that he could gain more leverage. The green and blue blades threw his lined face into sharp contrast, and made his look of determination all the more serious...

A computerized voice suddenly filled the entire area. Red Alert. Energy weapons activated in Torokara. Level three. Sector five. Subsector two. Lockdown initiated. Please do not leave this area until the investigation is complete. Any attempting to evade the lockdown will be arrested and charged accordingly. This is not a drill.

Krodan looked at the two duelists. "Well, you've got the attention of VALIYOS. Looks like we'll be here a while now." Christine facepalmed in response to the announcement and let out a barely audible growl.

"And you wouldn't know where I could find him would you?"

Raijin grinned. "I'd hate to betray two confidences in the same day, mind you, so I won't tell you *exactly* where he is. Of course, he's sometimes to be found in this room in the Andretara monastery. I can't say for sure he's there now, because it's not like I talked to him five minutes before you arrived and found him there. Of course."

Koro's laughter returned. "No. Of course not," he managed.

Raijin's attention turned away for a moment as the VALIYOS AI informed him of the lockdown in level 3. "My apologies, but it appears that our paths separate. I've just been told someone's been careless with their weaponry in public. Perhaps we could meet up again later? I'd like to show you the sixth level of this city."

Jason woke up, stretched and began scratching an itch on his head. He then looked around and began trying to figure out where he was, he then noticed Perigrine and laid back down while trying to figure out what had happened to get him here.

ooc: he is very much not a morning person, at least not with-out a major reason.

"If it doesn't turn into a major crisis, and you have the time, I'd love to see the sixth level with you and Koro"

'and hopefully Valkai' her heart added. As Raijin turned away to deal with the newest crisis Michiko looked at Koro who was still laughing infectiously

"Please your Excellency, do you have a 'in' at the monastery? Could I borrow one of those handy dandy armbands that seem to let one teleport almost any where?"

She looked at the young High Priest beseachingly.

"Are you trying to kill me by making it impossible to breathe?" Koro asked, struggling once again to contain his outburst of laughing. "The very thought of being an 'Excellency' - gyah!" He shivered almost involuntarily. "As for the monastery," he took Michiko's teleport pass, "being High Priest is absolutely useless for immediate access, but then..." He pressed a button. "VALIYOS, I need a teleport pass upgrade."

Of course, Director. What is the name, Director?

Koro read the name as it appeared on the plastic and metal contraption. "Michiko Sirocco Jones."

Authorization code needed.

Koro looked straight ahead. "Begin."

Psi-wave and DNA confirmed. Director Koro Vartek, Diplomacy and Trade. High Priest of Krioval. Age...

"Understood VALIYOS."

Yes, Director. Please indicate the desired level of access.

"Level three."

Accepted. The device shimmered briefly before changing color from green to blue.

Koro returned his attention to the empress. "Don't lose your pass now. It lets you pick any allowable destination as long as you start from a fixed teleport device. Most government officials are held to level three as well, and I don't want to risk your safety with a level four pass. Don't hesitate to call me if there's a problem, though if it's the ninja, I'm probably not the best one to deal with that." He gave her a knowing look and a wink. "See you later!"

Akina looked at Kolte as he spoke, nodding. "Well, comparable to our ships, I guess. Diversity makes it more intersting, anyway."

Still, as fascinating as this particular conversation was supposed to be, it was Krodan who raised more interest out of her. "Well, you're not talking like it, either." She grinned. "Although metallurgy isn't exactly my strength. It's more petrochemicals and the likes, plant construction. But if you're having a compatible position..." She hesitated, enjoying her second drink. "That would be perfect. And seeing as petrochemicals are used for more or less everything..."

She chuckled a little as Christine continued. Almost girlish, this curiosity. Cute. Cutecutecutecutecute. So cuuuuuuuute.

Götz just grinned, observing the whole scene. He wasn't present in Akina's (Protected) mind, but he could guess what she was thinking.

Go on, girl.

Meanwhile, Akina watched Xander drawing his saber, muttering a little, as her original thought had been to hold and ignite it herself, but... Well, later, perhaps.

And for some odd reason, the whole scene reminded her of something. The saber, erected in front of Xander's stomach, Xanders eyes, closed, almost as if in pleasure (Indeed, she expected him to moan more or less immediately)...

And then him motioning for her to come over...

"JUST LIKE MY EX-BOYFRIEND! You like it that way, too?!"

She didn't actually see Megas igniting his own saber, prelude to a kind of contest she vaguely remembered from a variety of threesomes she had had during her time at university. Of course, in this particular case, length was unlikely to be measured, but Akina was of the decided opinion that one's ability to use the tool was more important than the tool's size, anyway.

Besides, the tools in question were of fairly impressive size to begin with.

She turned towards Kolte before even touching the shaft of Xander's saber, raising her eyebrows. Modifications? Hrm, I recall this things they're selling back home... No, wait, this are swords, not... She smiled inwardly, giggling a little. Still a nice idea. Although I have to wonder why he wasn't satisfied with the original. Did it fail him, once? But he seems to like it. Must please him, to play with it. Well, all men are pleased when playing...

The game went on, the two men now seemingly more... Aggressive? Towards each other, playing with their tools without touching each other. Yet.

Oi. I think I should keep some cover. And get a ruler. Or a camera. Once their tools start rub- Touching each other, things could get interesting. Hrm. Götz?

Yes?

Make sure you save all of this.

Yes, yes. Quite into it, huh? Oh, and you really should get the applications yourself. It's only a few hundred thousand credits!

Yes, yes. Just record it. You know I'm broke.

She chuckled a little, listening to the (Apparently nervous) Christine. "Come on, I'm sure the other guests wont mind a good show." A grin showed on her face, watching the two men's contest. Definite testosterone overdrive.

"Now, come on, guys! No more foreplay, Start it! Teasing us is evil!" A third drink was sacrificed, and slowly but surely, Akina begun to feel... Warmer.

Xander striked, and Akina smiled. "That's better! That's the spirit! Show us!"

And then, the alert sounded. Krodan seemed to take it with ease, Christine seemed to be slightly annoyed. For her part, Akina enjoyed the whole thing. Finally something different.

"Well, since we're going to stay for a while, how about another round of drinks?" She looked at Xander. "I'm sure we deserve it."

OOC: The following has already been choreagraphed by me and Megas


IC: Xander listened as the alert sounded, and grinned in spite of himself when Akina began cheering. Looks like we're gonna have company. Why is it that when Kolte and I get together chaos always ensues...He forced the thought from his mind, concentrating on their test-of-strength. Drawing strength from the Force, he broke the lockup with a mighty heave and with agility that defied his age, spun on his right foot and stepped back with his left, putting some distance between himself and Kolte. In the same motion, he swung his saber around so that it pointed directly at his younger counterpart's sternum, a hair's bredth away from impaling him...

OOC: The following has already been choreagraphed by me and Megas


IC: Xander listened as the alert sounded, and grinned in spite of himself when Akina began cheering. Looks like we're gonna have company. Why is it that when Kolte and I get together chaos always ensues...He forced the thought from his mind, concentrating on their test-of-strength. Drawing strength from the Force, he broke the lockup with a mighty heave and with agility that defied his age, spun on his right foot and stepped back with his left, putting some distance between himself and Kolte. In the same motion, he swung his saber around so that it pointed directly at his younger counterpart's sternum, a hair's bredth away from impaling him...
Kolte was not surprised by this motion, and kept his balance. He predicted exactly where Xander would stop his lightsaber, directly in front of his chest. He smiled as he twirled the blade in his hand, and slanted it across the top of Xander's, slicing the fine hairs of the bottom of his beard, which then floated to the floor...

"You have done well, Kolte. I expected no less, though you could have spared my beard. No matter, I needed to trim it anyway..." Xander dared not breath too heavily, for fear of losing more than just his beard. He looked from Kolte's blade to his own, and said rather carefully, "I think that this contest has ended in a stalemate, my old Padawan. Let us return to our seats, and continue to drink merrily." Xander extinguished his blade, and apprehensively, backed away...

"Yes, I believe that is a good idea." Kolte extinguished his own blade. By now he was aware of the klaxons, but could not understand why they were being sounded. As he took his seat at the table, he looked to Christine. "What happened?"

Xander broke into a fit of uncontrolled laughter at Kolte's words. "Apparently, the locals don't take to our ways, Kolte. They seem to think we were attempting to maim and destroy one another. Now, more drinks!!"

As the alert had sounded, force fields snapped into place, effectively cutting off the area from the rest of Torokara. Then came the police, in great numbers. Finally, four heavily armed guards appeared in the restaurant. They wasted no time in identifying the pack near the bar.

"I'm officer Mateo Valero. Please present all weapons for inspection and have identification ready to confirm."

The senator and Krodan stood up and offered their ID. Mateo read the information aloud. "Barro, Senator Christine from Torokara. Verify."

Verified.

"Pasko, Krodan from Telekar. Verify."

Verified.

"The rest of you look like visitors," the officer said, with a weak smile. "Probably a miscommunication about where a weapon can even be drawn. VALIYOS is tough, especially with the Festival tomorrow and all. Can I see those?" he asked, referring to the lightsabers.

Xander thought briefly about refusing, and thought better of it. He had a feeling that Jedi Mind-Tricks would not work on these men, and he was in no position to fight, being outnumbered as he was.

"I am truly sorry, for I believe that I am the person responsible for raising the alarms. My name is Xander Voltare, and I am a former Jedi Master. I was having a bit of a reunion with my young friend Kolte Savren, also a former Jedi, when we got together with these fine ladies and gentleman, here. Akina here was interested in my saber and I decided to show her what it looked like ignited. Kolte ignited his, and we showed everybody an ancient Jedi test-of-strength, and so here we are."

He unclipped his saber from his belt, and held it up for the guards to see.

"I will allow you to inspect it only because I feel guilty about this whole fiasco. I am under the assumption that you are honorable men, and will not deprive an old man of his one prized possesion. It is as integral a part of me as my beating heart."

With these words spoken, Xander extends the lightsaber so that the emitter is facing himself, as a sign of good intentions...

"VALIYOS, scan this weapon."

Energy weapon, non-ranged, capable of damage, capable of causing death. Converts exotic energy source into tangible form which can then be reconverted upon impact, causing injury. Commonly called a lightsaber, and differs from most energy weapons in Krioval that have a combined physical matrix that conducts energy.

"Identification comfirmed?"

Xander, from Naxder Drol. Arrived eighteen June two thousand seven. Savren, Kolte, from Megas. Suzuki, Akina, from Der Angst. Both arrived fourteen June two thousand seven.

"Officers, I'm pretty sure that they weren't really trying to cause a problem," Christine offered. "I mean, they were just showing off how they worked."

Mateo looked at her. "Yeah, but VALIYOS has to do her job too." He laughed lightly. "Try to be a little more careful where you 'whip it out', all right, guys? Consider getting a permit or checking out the tournament grounds." Speaking toward his commlink, he said, "Valero, Karo Mateo. Request release barriers and reset alert on Torokara, level three, sector five, subsector two."

Request pending... A few seconds went by as the artificial intelligence surveyed the scene. Request accepted. Barriers deactivated. Alert canceled for Torokara, level three, sector five, subsector two. Please be more cautious with weapons to keep Krioval safe!

"Anything else I can do here before making my report at HQ?" Mateo asked, "Or have you already had enough of the law for a day?" he laughed.

"Actually officer, now that you mention it, just to avoid any further problems, where exactly can we use our weapons? I'm sure that Kolte will want a sparring partner to prepare for the competitions, and I am the only person on the planet that has access to a lightsaber other than himself I believe. That is, if you let me have mine back..."

"I could just hug you Koro" Michiko proceeded to do just that. "Wasn't too terrible was it? Just think of me as an annoying big sister" She grinned wickedly "I've been told that one gets used to the titles in time, as for me , I think I'm just a slow learner in that regard"

She slid the electronic pass into an inner pocket of the day suit and patted it. "I'll be very careful not to lose this. And I have to deal with Valkai, face him on my own, though if I can get him to say yes, I'd love for you to bless our union...Until later then Koro, light of the noon day sun"

Michiko turned gracefully on her heel and on silent feet headed briskly out the door, where she was met by the aide that had escorted her to the study. He took her back to the elegant but understated room she'd arrived in. There she stepped into the teleportal, presented her newly upgraded pass.

She specified her destination as the room at the Andretara Monastery, and hoped that teleporting in was allowed

"Actually officer, now that you mention it, just to avoid any further problems, where exactly can we use our weapons? I'm sure that Kolte will want a sparring partner to prepare for the competitions, and I am the only person on the planet that has access to a lightsaber other than himself I believe. That is, if you let me have mine back..."

"Oh, right. Sorry 'bout that." He handed the weapon back. "If you're in the tournament, you know the grounds near where you registered? That's open all hours for training, year-round, as it turns out, unless there's something going on. I think it'll close down around six tomorrow morning to secure it for the actual fights, though."

"I could just hug you Koro" Michiko proceeded to do just that. "Wasn't too terrible was it? Just think of me as an annoying big sister" She grinned wickedly "I've been told that one gets used to the titles in time, as for me , I think I'm just a slow learner in that regard"

She slid the electronic pass into an inner pocket of the day suit and patted it. "I'll be very careful not to lose this. And I have to deal with Valkai, face him on my own, though if I can get him to say yes, I'd love for you to bless our union...Until later then Koro, light of the noon day sun"

Michiko turned gracefully on her heel and on silent feet headed briskly out the door, where she was met by the aide that had escorted her to the study. He took her back to the elegant but understated room she'd arrived in. There she stepped into the teleportal, presented her newly upgraded pass.

Raijin laughed as she left. "Light of the noon day sun? Since when did you identify with Solokaro?"

Koro immediately shot back, "Last night. The light came forth at least four times, by my count."

--------------------
She specified her destination as the room at the Andretara Monastery, and hoped that teleporting in was allowed

Michiko arrived in the room several seconds later. A voice said simply, "I'd expected you earlier." He turned toward her, still in his robes, but without the hood or mask. Like the Commander and Director, his hair was black and close-cut, but unlike them, his face was a bit more angular, owing to his Japanese heritage. "You look like you've had quite a busy day. I'd ask you to come in, but it appears you're already here."

Xander took the lightsaber back and clipped it to his belt immediatly, treating it almost like a security blanket. He couldn't help but cast a quick glance at Akina to see if she had noticed his childish behavior, but she seemed absorbed in her drink. Drawing his cloak around himself and crossing his arms, he asked apolegetically,

"I hate to take up your time, but is there anywhere else we can go? Not many people will understand who we are, let alone why we are seemingly attacking each other with exotic lasor swords..."

"I hate to take up your time, but is there anywhere else we can go? Not many people will understand who we are, let alone why we are seemingly attacking each other with exotic lasor swords..."

"Of course there are more private locations, but one tends to have to pay a nominal fee for access to them." Mateo reached into a pocket and withdrew a slim piece of metal. "This is an interactive map of Torokara. Indicate what you're looking for, and it'll be able to help you better than me. When you're done with it, just give it to any officer, police or military." He stood in place, waiting to see if another question was forthcoming.

"Thank you, Officer. I am truly sorry that I have taken up so much of your time."

Xander took the mapreader and tucked it away in an inside pocket of his robes. He smiled appreciatively, and bowed respectively. Seems like I need to learn some subtlety, he thought. But I still lucked out with the mapreader...He bade the guards farewell, and returned to his seat. He thought about Akina'a comments during the test, and asked,

"So Akina, what did you think about our show of testosterone overdrive?"

Perigrine's eyes opened at the movements next to her. A large lazy cat's grin spread over her face, making her eyes almost glow. She took in the heavy eyelids and semi confused expression on Jason's face

"Not a 'when I first wake up' sort I see." briefly she considered tickling him but decided on a much better option. Some minutes later she murmured

"Now do you remember?"

*********************************************

"If I was going to be polite, I'd say then let me leave so you can invite me in...but I'm past being polite."

She shrugged out of the jacket of the suite, and her fingers began undoing the buttons of the complimenting blouse "I believe that I owe you something, since you offered to trade your mask for the armor." Her eyes never left him as she finished with the last button of the blouse. Then she shook her head. She was too inately honest and honourable.

"No I'm not going to play any sort of game. The reason I was not here earlier was that I had to give a set of the armor to Raijin...and to see if I had any courage left in me"

She began buttoning up the blouse "I have a set for you as well, but I don't believe you need to see me nude again, unless you desire to."

"Yes, as you've guessed I'm not generally a morning person." Jason said with a smile, "So what do you want to do now that we're both up?"

"Yes, the trade. How about we try something interesting?" His gaze was piercing and unwavering. "You tell me what it is you want, and I see if I can help you get it. Hmmm?"

Silently Michiko moved to within but a step or two of him. Her mouth was ash dry and swallowing was nearly inposssible.

"What I want...I want you, Valkai, to say yes when I ask you to marry me."

*******************************************

"I believe the old saying is 'Practise makes Perfect'."

Perigrines's openly admiring glance swept up and down the length of him, as one hand traced lazy circles around his navel

"I don't know if we could get much closer to perfect, but we could always attempt to acheive it"

The ninja took a sip of tea...

"What I want...I want you, Valkai, to say yes when I ask you to marry me."

...and was barely able to turn his head in time to avoid spraying it all over Michiko. He spluttered for several seconds. "Several things," he said, slowly regaining his composure. "First, Valkai. Obviously you've been talking to him. Second, I bet the other one was there with him, wasn't he? Third, and perhaps most importantly, where in creation did that question come from?!" His look of total shock mingled with the slightest hint of amusement added to the tension that the woman near him undoubtedly felt. "I mean, one doesn't typically propose marriage to anyone in your nation, I would presume."

"Yes, I believe you're got it right. I also believe practice makes perfect, so shall we continue practice?" Jason replied as he leaned in to kiss her.

Therassi walking onto the practice grounds was enough to stop everyone for a momentary hesitation.

With a flourish, he removed both sheathed blades and tossed them at a nearby bench, not even looking at the man who followed him in.

"I don't need those to hurt you."

Maybe the Kriovian was still drunk. Maybe he was interested in a mark on the bedpost. Or maybe he was insanely stupid.

Whichever it was, he attacked with the two blades he had brought - shiny, exotic, sharp, deadly.

It was a very quick fight.

Therassi looked at the two blades he now held. "Interesting. Might be worth something. To someone who could use them."

He dropped them next to the prone form, barely noticing the man was still breathing on his way to what he assumed was a referee's area.

"Do you have something more worthwhile as an opponent? I'm afraid my friend has been less of a challenge then he thought."

"Yes I saw Raijin, I told you I just had, and yes Koro was with him. I like both of them immensely, so don't refer to him as 'HIM" as if he were some disease. and as to where the last came from" She managed to swallow, and continue on "I fell in love with you Valkai when we sat on the sea floor"

In Krioval, it is often said that combat is five percent physical, ninety-five percent mental. This is quite literally true. Most Kriovalians are just the positive side of ineptitude without the benefit of either a ranged weapon or psionic talent. Thus, it was no surprise that Therassi had bulldozed through any and all opponents in the "training", and that most remaining were suddenly aware of other things that they might better be doing - like not relocating their internal organs. It was also not surprising that there were no Kriovalians opting in on the tournament for much of the same reason. Besides, Krioval's champions couldn't both watch, as Commander and Directors, and yet fight, and it was their day off, they reasoned.

"Do you have something more worthwhile as an opponent? I'm afraid my friend has been less of a challenge then he thought."

A few additional thrill-seekers did hang around for what was likely to be a thrashing at the hands of the Vastivan, but then, some men will do anything to impress the ladies, or one another, depending on their tastes. And so out strode the next soon-to-be victim.

"Yes I saw Raijin, I told you I just had, and yes Koro was with him. I like both of them immensely, so don't refer to him as 'HIM" as if he were some disease. and as to where the last came from" She managed to swallow, and continue on "I fell in love with you Valkai when we sat on the sea floor"

"I know Raijin well enough to call him almost anything I'd like." Valkai was going to savor these sentences, if only to recover from his initial shock. "I like and admire them greatly as well, though," a smile crept along his face, "perhaps not as much as they do one another." He laughed dryly. "But again, the critical issue remains. If I were to say yes, how would I satisy my vow to protect Krioval? Perhaps more importantly, how will I know if we're compatible...completely?" The smile widened into a full-on grin.

Michiko felt some of the tension leave her.

"I've become of the opinion that only time will tell if we are truly compatable personality wise... but there are various forms of compatability"

Michiko stepped up to Valkai, and slid her arms about him.

"Hmmmm, we're very compatable height wise" She nestled in against him "And we do seem to fit well together. Care to explore further?"

Sigrun walked across the rooftop of one of the city's tallest buildings. The air was a bit thin, but he adjusted simply enough as he sat down and face the direction of the sun that would rise soon enough on the horizon. There, he sat, and there he closed his eyes as he meditated and listened to the sounds of the city.

He could feel the pulsating energies flowing richly all around the city. Millions of life energies fluctuated below him, millions of non-living energies mingling as well. Together, they formed what was magic to some. To him, it was simply reality; a force that was possible to twist to one's desires. However, his people worked also to not only draw from what was there, but also from energies from different planes of existence.

As he meditated upon the signatures of all the energies, he briefly thought about the Jedi from far off homes. They were quite similar, but he wondered just how far their ability reached. He suspected their power wasn't as capable of using different existential energies like his kind. Nevertheless, should he find himself in battle against one, he would be wary, for such a battle had never been done before.

Silently, he sent a blessing upon the city, a blessing that would protect each person's good intentions and their health. And so, he sat in silence, all thought finally freeing from his mind and leaving him with absolute serenity.

"Hmmmm, we're very compatable height wise" She nestled in against him "And we do seem to fit well together. Care to explore further?"

He spoke in mock-seriousness. "I think it might be absolutely necessary." Softening in tone, he added, "I suppose we can address the other issues later. Over here," he pointed to an adjoining room, "might be a bit more comfortable."

In Krioval, it is often said that combat is five percent physical, ninety-five percent mental. This is quite literally true. Most Kriovalians are just the positive side of ineptitude without the benefit of either a ranged weapon or psionic talent. Thus, it was no surprise that Therassi had bulldozed through any and all opponents in the "training", and that most remaining were suddenly aware of other things that they might better be doing - like not relocating their internal organs. It was also not surprising that there were no Kriovalians opting in on the tournament for much of the same reason. Besides, Krioval's champions couldn't both watch, as Commander and Directors, and yet fight, and it was their day off, they reasoned.

A few additional thrill-seekers did hang around for what was likely to be a thrashing at the hands of the Vastivan, but then, some men will do anything to impress the ladies, or one another, depending on their tastes. And so out strode the next soon-to-be victim.

One-on-one was satisfactory for about the first hour.

Two-on-one went on for an hour beyond that.

By the third hour, Therassi had been "jumped" by seven others - armed - and had his feet shackled closely - which probably wasn't the best idea, as it gave him a signficant and metallic weight to play with.

He reclaimed his weapons - still undrawn - turned in the rest of his paperwork and stalked off to the showers, leaving behind quite a mess for medical to figure out.

And not a few... particularly gleeful oddsmakers.

Torokara - 21 June 2007 - 5:00 am

Already the horizon was beginning to brighten, as if the sun itself could barely wait for the day's festivities. While the atmosphere was palpably jubilant, it belied that Torokara was sealed tighter than a drumhead. Throughout the city, vendors were already scurrying about, preparing their shops for business (and the possible Vastivan trade delegate), or jockeying for a booth close to the tournament site. Mateo had been slightly off in his calculations, and the grounds had been closed shortly after three in the morning, though mostly due to lack of activity than necessity. The construction crews were silently grateful, however, for the extra time to prepare.

Across the small channel separating Torokara Island from a much smaller landmass, several notable Kriovalians slept contentedly. Adele dreamed in grand visions of prosperity and peace, in stark contrast to her ominous nightmare of two days earlier. Varik slept by her side, subconscious working overtime picturing the grandeur of the Scientific Exposition that would follow the day after the festival. His mind spun like the hypersonic centrifuge that he would be showcasing from Vartek Corporation.

Down the hall and to the left, two figures were in a rather amazing state of entanglement, considering they had started out on opposite sides of the bed and fallen asleep almost instantly. Yet what Fate draws together is nearly impossible to separate by mortal means, as Koro Vartek and Raijin Dekker would fast learn. Each dreamed a great deal of mirrors and nobility, and whether the light of the sun and the motion of the wind were compatible. For the first time in months, the paladin and priest both did not dream of regret or hesitation.

Circling around the city, Valkai, also called Slasher, had successfully eased the lonelieness of the Tanaran Empress, and, he noted, his own as well. Yet he lay awake pondering her proposal. Could one bound to a vow simply abandon it at will? Even if so, what would await him in Tanara - would he become as a caged bird, well-cared for, but no longer free?

Ascending rapidly, at the top of the city, level six, two men dealt with their problems in very different ways. Darvek had learned that Koro had broken the engagement early, though he'd planned to do so on his own, or so he told himself. He had also chosen to obliterate the past two years by picking up five different women, with whom he was very satisfied for hours, collapsing from exhaustion before even realizing he was to be in the tournament the next day. Kiv, on the other hand, slept, but his mind probed the very painful issue of the Commander. What had gone wrong?

Gradually, the horizon began to brighten, and the first rays of the midsummer sun peered over the tranquil ocean waters. Torokara was awakening this day, and all the past few days' activity were soon to be resolved.

Perigrine returned the kiss thoroughly, and all thoughts of coherent conversation fled. Jason definitely knew how to make the practise perfect, and she was a most willing student.

Akina sighed, once it was over. Xander's notion of 'More drinks' was definitely something she agreed with, and so she, well, waited for the guards to arrive, which they did soon enough. Now talk about being overgunned. They look almost like a light GCD.* Eventually, she let the others do the talking. After all, she was unarmed, at least when it came to weapons one could put down (Something she could hardly do with her mind, her skin or her muscles).

Of course, she still had to giggle at the 'Keep Krioval safe' part, thinking about her home and all that... Well, it was amusing.

Götz didn't say much, he was content with sitting on Christine's shoulder, observing the whole scene, recording it. Still, inwardly, he was laughing, barely managing to control himself so the others wouldn't notice. An interesting night indeed.

"So Akina, what did you think about our show of testosterone overdrive?"Akina sighed a little, but it was quite clear that this was more for show than serious worry. Indeed, she was quite amused by all this, which kind of was the point, anyway.

Emptying her fourth drink, she replied. "Well... Odd I would say." Pointless. She thought. "Looks a little fireworkish, so, a nice pastime I guess. Although personally, I'm more into more virtual scenarios. But for what it's worth, nice, even though I would consider it a waste of valuable energy."

* Ground Combat Drone

Akina sighed, once it was over. Xander's notion of 'More drinks' was definitely something she agreed with, and so she, well, waited for the guards to arrive, which they did soon enough. Now talk about being overgunned. They look almost like a light GCD.* Eventually, she let the others do the talking. After all, she was unarmed, at least when it came to weapons one could put down (Something she could hardly do with her mind, her skin or her muscles).

Of course, she still had to giggle at the 'Keep Krioval safe' part, thinking about her home and all that... Well, it was amusing.

Götz didn't say much, he was content with sitting on Christine's shoulder, observing the whole scene, recording it. Still, inwardly, he was laughing, barely managing to control himself so the others wouldn't notice. An interesting night indeed.

Akina sighed a little, but it was quite clear that this was more for show than serious worry. Indeed, she was quite amused by all this, which kind of was the point, anyway.

Emptying her fourth drink, she replied. "Well... Odd I would say." Pointless. She thought. "Looks a little fireworkish, so, a nice pastime I guess. Although personally, I'm more into more virtual scenarios. But for what it's worth, nice, even though I would consider it a waste of valuable energy."

* Ground Combat Drone

Xander smiled softly and replied, "I can't make you understand what it's like being a Jedi, no matter how hard I try, no matter what I show you. To truly understand you have to live as one, and that is something I have done for 50 years. Yet, even I don't understand all of it. But, I can tell you what an honor it was, to serve and protect the innocent...You don't understand the power we wield, nor the enormity of the responibility that comes with it. The Force is a living energy that binds all living things together in a perfect symbiotic relationship. The Jedi, as Force-Sensitives, have the natural ability to manipulate the Force to their whim...but sometimes, Jedi are corrupted by their need for power, and turn their backs on the Jedi Order and the Light Side of the Force. They turn to the Dark Side of the Force for this power, and once you start down that dark path you can never return...

Michiko lay comfortably in Valkai's arms, her eyes closed, but not asleep. Her voice, when she spoke at last was clear but soft whisper that stilled the fine hairs along his neck.

"You spoke earlier of your vow to protect Krioval. I don't know your vow, the words and phrases. However I have pledged, formally to protect Tanara, and I know the words of mine. A pledge is not necessarily a vow but it can be..But mine has an..'out' if you will, I am allowed to step down. I have nine heirs" Her chuckle was wry "No don't ask, unless you DO want an several hours long discourse on Tanaran politics, and the art of compromise."

She shifted slightly, not leaving his arms, but just enough to see his face clearly..and she had to admit, the rest of him as well, this enigmatic, self contained, dangerous, infuriating, intriguing man in whose arms she felt as delicate as the finest crystal and yet strong enough to take on the universe. She wanted ever so much to have a life time together to learn of and delight in all his facets, his wholeness.

"How ever I already know that only one is going to pass the people's review, and while she won't appreciate it any more than I did, she'll do an even better job than I've done. But I need six months to bring her up to speed, and get the people accustomed to the change. Will your vow permit you six months gone from Krioval? Then we will both come back."

She looked at him closely, unaware she was holding her breath

"Well... Odd I would say." Pointless. She thought. "Looks a little fireworkish, so, a nice pastime I guess. Although personally, I'm more into more virtual scenarios. But for what it's worth, nice, even though I would consider it a waste of valuable energy."

Christine started giggling. "I've never quite understood the fascination some men have with their weapons, especially the *pointy* ones."

"Well, ladies, I've never been good with weapons, and I hardly see you all lining up for a chance with me," Krodan laughed. "Go figure."

"That's because you drink and watch soccer all the time."

"Point."

"How ever I already know that only one is going to pass the people's review, and while she won't appreciate it any more than I did, she'll do an even better job than I've done. But I need six months to bring her up to speed, and get the people accustomed to the change. Will your vow permit you six months gone from Krioval? Then we will both come back."

"You plan to give up your entire empire to live here with me." A smile formed on Valkai's face. "I'll *really* never understand how a woman thinks...though perhaps more in depth study is required. My time in the Order is over. I will have to ask Lord Raijin whether I can be released for six months, though."

the rest of him as well, this enigmatic, self contained, dangerous, infuriating, intriguing man in whose arms she felt as delicate as the finest crystal and yet strong enough to take on the universe.

"Infuriating?" He realized too soon he'd slipped and inadvertently read her mind, not that it was challenging with her thoughts constantly bubbling to the surface. "That reminds me. Telepathy blocker. I'll die otherwise, constantly knowing what you want before you say it, and I'd hate that to be the model for our marriage."

The ninja concentrated briefly, sending a thought into the VALIYOS network. I need to be traveling abroad for several months, Lord Raijin. Is this possible? Another was sent, with a nearer destination in mind, and in more triumphant tone. I'm done with the Order. Send Raijin my replacement, and don't bother trying to get into this apartment for at least several hours.

A message for you, Commander.

Raijin woke with a start. "Huh?"

There is a message for you, from Valkai.

"What *time* is it VALIYOS?"

Six thirty in the morning.

As Raijin grumbled, he could have sworn he heard mechanical giggling. "Sometimes I think you're a little too real. Anyway, the message." It was replayed. "Get me a connection."

"So, do I get my time off or must I flee under cover of daylight?"

"Look, Slasher..."

"Technically, I do not hold that title any longer. I departed the Order."

"Right. Which delightful ninja will be replacing you then?"

"Jarolar."

"Fine. Enjoy your vacation. And your marriage."

"You know about that?"

"I'm Commander of Krioval. Of course I know about that."

"Well, I don't need to *spy* on people to know what they're doing. He's in the same room as you right now, isn't he?"

"What makes you say that?" Raijin was puzzled.

"You're half-whispering. So, did you sleep with him again?"

"Not in the way you think, not that it's any of your business."

"And my love life is?"

Raijin laughed. "Your business? I would certainly hope so."

"Nothing interesting at all last night then? Too bad."

"Yeah. We slept together in that we actually *slept*. To be exact, we fell into the same bed out of sheer exhaustion, and if it weren't for you, I'd still be in that bed, *sleeping*."

"Well," Valkai said, amused, "I don't want to keep you. Six months is really all right by you?"

"Six months, a year, however long you need. I mean, I'd like you to return and all, but don't rush."

"A glowing endorsement, as always." More dry laughter and the connection was cut.

The Commander sighed. Krioval was already beginning yet another massive transformation. He could feel it. The ninja was leaving, and a new one replacing him. Andruik was dead. So was Bishop Selekar. Koro was High Priest now. And the paladin's marriage...over in two days' time. Raijin wondered if some historian hundreds of years in the future would identify the past few days as the catalyst for the sweeping changes that were on their way. They'll probably mess up the dates, he decided.

He walked down the stairs, noting again the sheer number of steps. He poked around for a few minutes, trying to remember where the kitchen was. It had been years since he'd been in this part of the Fortress. Raijin could have simply asked one of the staff to get him something to drink, but that would also have required work, and probably a lot of pointless chatter. If I'm going to be up at the crack of dawn, I might as well enjoy the silence. He reached his destination, only to find that he'd been beaten to it - by his mother. Adele looked at the slightly disheveled fighter and remarked, "Busy night?"

"Yes, mother, a busy night of sleeping." He shot her a glare, which induced a giggle in the woman.

"Coffee?"

"You make your own coffee? Why not have one of the people you've got working 'round here do it?"

"Because, Raijin Dekker, I enjoy being away from them sometimes. You going to have some?"

"Yuck. I can't stand coffee."

"This is the good kind, though."

"It wouldn't matter if it was the best kind on the entire planet and had the added bonus of granting orgasms on command."

"If that existed, do you honestly think I would have put up with your father for all this time?"

"Doubtful," Raijin said, suppressing a chuckle. "Of course, if you had known, I'd wonder why you didn't share that secret with me fifteen years ago and spare me what guarantees to be an exciting, if not entirely pleasant, afternoon."

"Hmm. Well, the fridge is over there. Grab something and sit here for a few minutes. Watch the sunrise."

He did as he was told, ever the dutiful son. Off in the east, the rising sun finally broke the horizon. There were now only two and a half hours before the tournament would begin, though the rest of the activities promised to demonstrate why the twenty-first of June was the "longest day".

"You plan to give up your entire empire to live here with me."

"It's not 'my' empire, it's the Tanaran peoples empire, I'm just the one they conned into taking on all the problems they want to dump at someone elses feet. And they probably ask me to be ambasssador, if Raijin would like a formal alliance with Krioval. If not, I was senior partner of Omega II, and we could expand operations to Earth."

She could not help a gurgle of warm laughter when he read her mind

"Or you can teach me how to control ....ooh! ..it seems you don't want me to have any control.." Her voice was breathy at the last as together they discovered more delightfull ways to prove compatability.

Rin sat on a roof top watching the sun rise. The city below her had crackled with energy during the night making it difficult to sleep. But now the city held its breath. Something was going to happen and the city waited.

Perigrine watched Jason sleep and knew that she had chosen well. However she really had indulged herself far more than she should have, certain that ShadowDancer would have contacted her if there were any problems. Slipping out of the tangled bedsheets, Perigrine stepped over to where she had tossed her bracer. Tapping in the code she opened the channel to her ship

*"ShadowDancer could I speak to Michiko please."*

*"She's not here"* Came the AI's reply

Perigrine's voice went cold, and simply repeating in astonished tones "She's not here?" would not have helped one iota, though the impulse was there. *"When did she leave and did she bother to tell you where she was going"*

*"She left yeatereday after noon and""

Perigrine broke in before Shadow Dancer could finish, her voice not just cold but dangerous now *"She's been gone since then and you didn't bother to let me know?"*

*"She ordered me not to seeing as you were busy getting mated," Before Perigrine could make any retort about premature supposition of mateing, ShadowDancer continued hurriedly *"and besides she's with her new husband."*

Perigrine stood looking down at the bracer for several second, then absently keyed it off. The scream of frustration she let out probably woke the near half of Torokara

"I think I need to kill something, but by the bones I have no idea what."

Jason snapped upright at Perigrine scream and as he attempted to vault out of the bed he went tumbling. "What's happened?" He asked as soon as he'd recovered.

"Or you can teach me how to control ....ooh! ..it seems you don't want me to have any control.." Her voice was breathy at the last as together they discovered more delightfull ways to prove compatability.

A thought occurred to Valkai as the two went at it again. Is she going to want me to give her babies? He shuddered at the thought, which was quickly displaced by his enjoyment of the early morning activities.

OOC: sorry about the late post!

IC:

"Sorry about that..." Kolte apologized. He had relenquished his lightsaber when asked to but now returned it to his belt. "Master, I suggest we spar after the tournament. I am tired, and need to rest. You may stay at my apartment, if you have nowhere else, Master. To the rest of you, I bid you goodnight..." Kolte stood and began to walk away. Then he stopped and whirled back around. "Oh! Akina, you will be at the tournament, won't you?"

Perigrine helped Jason up, a distant look in her eyes.

"Are you hungry Jason? Lets go get some breakfast. We need to talk and my cooking skills are minimal."

She didn't bother to explain how those two were connected, but proceeded to get dressed. And not in her usual robes

"Alright." Jason replied as he got dressed then followed Perigrine out the door.

Xander had lapsed into a pensive silence. He had not meant to go off on a tangent about the Dark Side, and now thought about the years he had spent in the darkness of his own depression. The last time he'd had as good a time as he had been having tonight was before Julina's murder, before Kolte had abandoned the Order...He stirred as Kolte stood, and quickly hitched as real a smile on his face as he could.

"Yes Akina, you will be there right? It would be wonderful if we could get together again. Well wait a minute, Kolte, will I be allowed to be on the arena floor during the tournament? As your Mas...coach?"

He had been close to saying Master, but thought better of it. Kolte had already been affended once tonight by the remark, and the only reason he persisted in calling him so was because of sheer ingrained tradition. He thought about it, and said,

"I believe that I will stay at your apartment, Kolte, if it won't be too much of a burden. And please, we are no longer Jedi, so if you do not like calling me Master, call me Xander."

He stood and nodded to Kolte, and then turned to Akina, awaiting her answer...

The hotels dining room was mostly empty this early in the morning and an overly chipper hostess led them to a corner table, well away from the few other patrons. Once they were seated and orders placed, Perigrine began speaking careful that her voice did not carry beyond the two of them.Breaking off when the enormous breakfast they'd ordered arrived, then continueing on in a steady, iron hard voice

She found it easier than she thought possible to tell him every thing she'd shared with only one other person in this universe. She finished off with...

"When I was thirteen I went to the Matriarch and told her who I wanted for my mate when I was old enough. My grandfather came and took me away. He beat me until every bone in my body was broken at least once. I was in a regen tube for nearly six months and was told when I was removed that I had to have myself back in proper shape by the turn of the year or that person would be killed."

"After that I figured having any sort of relationship was not a good idea..but now I'm the only one of my kind in this universe, and none of the old applies anymore."

Jason sat there, absorbing and sorting the information, at times blinking as he recieved a bit of information that was disturbing/confusing. After she finished, he replied "What you did before doesn't affect how I feel about you, or what I think of you. What you did in the past doesn't affect what you do in the future and in the now. Like you said it's a whole new universe."

Perigrine felt lighter than air, and felt the prickle, at the corners of her eyes, something she had never felt before...tears. She blinked hard and ignored the unacustomed sensation. Slowly she pulled a small hard leather case, one she had had for many years, but never thought to open

"Jason, would you wear my Double Helix?"

Seeing the look on her face and guessing what it was, he replied "Yes, I will."

Torokara - 7:30 am

The announcement played throughout the city. Contestants in today's tournament should report for assignments. The format will be unarmed combat, followed by universal, followed by melee. The first fight will begin at nine. For all spectators, please arrive at the Central Square on level three no later than eight-thirty to be assured admittance. The tournament will also be broadcast live to a number of different locations; please check a map of the city to identify these venues. Announcements on this evening's portion of the festivities will be made following the conclusion of the contest.

------------------
"Damn."

"Looking for *this*?" Koro grinned, handing Raijin his combat staff. "Figured you might want it on hand today."

"You sure you're not a telepath?"

"That all depends. Were you going to go to the tournament completely naked?"

Raijin pretended to think for a few seconds. "No. That hadn't actually crossed my mind."

"Oh well. Not telepathic - or precognitive." Koro finished putting on his somewhat colorful outfit.

"You're wearing *that*?"

"Yeah. Look, mister Commander, now that I'm 'Your Excellency', I get to decide what's appropriate for religious figures."

"So you're going with that. Fine. I'm doing the same thing." The paladin laughed at Koro's indignance. "Don't worry, they'll be able to tell us apart. I'm the good lookin' one, ya know?"

"If by 'good looking', you mean 'evil', then I agree completely." Try as he might, the priest couldn't contain his impish grin.

"That too. Anyway..."

A shrill female voice pierced their conversation. "Boys! Get moving! I swear if I'm late I'll box both your ears!"

Dropping his voice to a near-whisper, Raijin said, mockingly, "Oh, no. Adele Kriov doesn't wield aaaaannnnnyyyy power over high-level officials. Wherever'd you get *that* idea?" Giggling, the two made their way down the stairs.

"Figures," Adele said, pretending contempt. "I go for a simple light blue dress, and the two of you go for what I can only guess are - Gods, I don't even have words for them. You're both going to be the death of me."

"Yeah, well, I could really use that inheritance," Raijin said, first ensuring that he was out of his mother's smacking range.

She turned to Varik, who was finally making his way out of the castle. "You see what I have to put up with?"

His eyes twinkled in the morning sunlight. "See no Raijin, hear no Adele, do no judgment. It's the only way I make it through most days, dearest." He kissed her full on the lips before proceeding down the steps to the hover vehicle waiting for them.

"Men. Kriovalian men at that. Gods help us all."

By the time Lucinda awoke, Gelt was already strapping on his boots.

"No time for some pre-tournament nookie?"
He gave a smile. "Not if I plan on making it on time. And it's not as though I won't be back."
"That sure of yourself, are you? Long lineage of warriors?"
That got a laugh. "I come from a long line of bootleggers and horse thieves. Just happen to be good at what I do."
"Oh?"
"You should know." He leaned in and kissed her. "I'll be back."

"I guess so, yes." Akina smiled ironically. "Well, actually, I'm fairly certain that I have some vague guess with regards to the power..." She kind of ignored the rest of Xander's rambling with regards to the 'Light' side and the 'Dark' side. It struck her not as so much as odd but as... Hilarious. It was something she didn't even want to understand. It was was pretty much the opposite of what she had been brought up with, lived with for twenty-five years, in a society where selfishness was a virtue, where backstabbing and plotting against each other was an integral part of everyday's live, where sheer, heartless rationality was the dominant (But, given the excessive diversity of DA, of course not the only) force. Pathetic. She thought. A little dim, perhaps. Honourable, sure, but so... So pointless. This isn't the middle ages, for gods sake! Like children playing a game, enjoying their fantasies about times long gone, of irrational goals and glory, of fairy tales in a world of drama. I should pity him. "In any case, I'm sure that you will stand between the darkness and the light. Grey as you are... I'm sure you will protect helpless humans like me."

She giggled, eventually agreeing with Christine. "Well, being men, I guess their physiology has something to do with it... Pointy sticks to pointy. And stabbing must be enjoyable, either way..." Her fifth drink followed immediately, together with her taking a step back, eventually ending up with her arms wrapped around Krodan. "Who knows... Who knows." She giggled some more, sipping a little from Krodan's drink, looking at him, almost pouty. "I hope you don't mind, do you?"

Placing herself of Krodan's lap without waiting for a reply, she looked at Megas (And Xander, for that matter). "Well... I thought it could be amusing. As part of the audience, of course. It's not like I have much experience with regards to, ah, participation. But... Sure, sure, I will be there. I guess."

Kolte smiled at Akina.

"That's good, maybe I will see you again after the tournament..."

He turned and walked off towards the door, promptly exiting the building into the grey of morning, assuming that Xander was following him.

Xander bade everybody good-bye, and followed Kolte out of the bar. He raised the hood of his cloak, and said to Kolte,

"She really doesn't understand the ways of the Jedi, does she? Well, maybe if she wasn't drunk stupid..."

"Yes, that does tend to hamper one's thought processes..." Kolte's voice trailed off once again. "Xander, what do you think of her? Akina, I mean."

As he posed this question Kolte suddenly heard the announcement to the populace ordering all tournament participants to the Central square.

"Guess we better go, then."

She giggled some more, sipping a little from Krodan's drink, looking at him, almost pouty. "I hope you don't mind, do you?"

Placing herself of Krodan's lap without waiting for a reply, she looked at Megas (And Xander, for that matter). "Well... I thought it could be amusing. As part of the audience, of course. It's not like I have much experience with regards to, ah, participation. But... Sure, sure, I will be there. I guess."

"Uh...go for it." Krodan deftly switched the alcoholic drink with a detoxifying liquid. Sure, it'd only take the edge off, but it was one of the best hangover blockers in Krioval. If Akina was going to sit all day in the tropical heat and relentless sun, she'd need it. All was well, he thought, until Akina landed in his lap. Then, depending on perspective, it had got either a lot worse or a lot better. Slow down, there. She's had a few - probably thinks I'm one of those fighters or something. "If you're going to see the fights, we should probably get going ourselves."

Perigrine had just finished sliding the Double Helix up Jason's left arm when the announcement that all fighters should report to the arena was made.

"Come on then, I'll do a warm up dance with you"

She grinned at his questioning look

"If you're not leaving a trail of dead bodies you're just dancing...I'm sure that they'll let your personal trainer in with you."

She keyed her bracer on as they left the hotel

"ShadowDancer let Michiko know that since she didn't bother to check in, I'm not going to bother to check out. If she's found a husand, consort, mate, or what have you, he can deal with keeping the 'Personage' protected. My " And she savored the next word thoroughly "mate and I are going to have a day of fun. Him, beating people up, and me, watching him do so."

*"Perigrine Omega, who has replaced you with one of those..what do they call them?...Pod People...I'm contacting Sha'Do at once, ...there is an inposter loose with..."

Perigrine cut the A.I. off, giving Jason a look that clearly said "Is your's this bad?" *"ShadowDancer you are making a very poor impression on Jason. We'll come up later so you two can meet."

ShadowDancer knew when to stop, and did so, but shot off a FLT commo to where her avatar was vacationing

Jason smiled at Perigrine's banter with the A.I. "I'm sure they will." Jason replied "I wonder how our A.I.'s would get along?" As he walked he did a few minor stretches, to help loosen up for the day's competitions.

Sigrun opened his eyes as he felt the warmth of the rising sun greet him. He stared directly into the sunlight, strangely unaffected by the glaring heat and light. It was early, and he could hear the announcements of the tournament from where he sat. Sound traveled well up higher in the atmosphere, and was easily picked up by him.

He remained where he was, closing his eyes once more to slip further into the serenity within his soul. In his mind, he replayed old battles in which he had participated in.

OOC: I will try to get online again ASAP, but I'm busy.

Xander pondered his former charge's question, and decided to be up front about his true feelings.

"Well having traveled the galaxy for most of my life, I've met some unique people, but never anyone who didn't know who the Jedi are. She seemed to think we were beggers caught up in our own imagination, and simply seemed to be playing along. Her culture sounds like the exact thing we once stood against, and that kind of difference goes a long way toward determining how she reacts to us..."

Kolte seemed to be developing an interest in Akina that Xander was sure would have adverse effects on him, and so strove to drive her out of his mind.

"Now, I think that you should put her out of your mind during the tournament. Many of these fighters will be quite difficult, and you will need to focus yourself and remember your training. You are a Force-Sensitive, a former Jedi, and my former Padawan. You have the skills to win Kolte, and I believe in you."

Michiko lay watching Valkai sleep, enjoying the quiet of the moment, and knowing she was seeing one of the rarers sights- Valkai peacefully asleep, and looking far younger than his years.

Careful not to disturb him she slid from the bed and headed for the shower. The satiated look on her face as she inspected it in the mirror nearly had her giggling and she executed a dance step or two as she ducked under the warm water.

She couldn't help humming softly as she toweled her thick mane of hair and brushed it until it shown, tumbling in gentle waves nearly to her waist. She'd tucked a silk paraeo in the pocket of her formal jacket - it always payed to be prepared. The heavy hand printed silk clung to her like a second skin as she tied it into a halter dress. The shimmering fall of deep blues and greens brought out the bronze highlights that showed her own oriental heritage clearly.

Still moving on cats feet she knelt on the edge of the bed, and stroked Valkai's cheek lightly , then dropped a butterfly kiss on his nose

"Time to wake up, Love, if we want seats to see the fighting."

"Time to wake up, Love, if we want seats to see the fighting."

"Actually, I already have two. Second row was the best that could be done. Can't get better seats than the Commander; how would that look in others' eyes? But you're quite right otherwise. We should go." The ninja bounded out of bed and into the shower, taking all of three minutes to clean and dress. "Ready?"

Michiko looked up from sliding on her gem and gold filigree bracer, having recieved the message that ShadowDancer passed on from Perigrine. She slipped into her shoes and stood, an impish grin lighting her face

"Yes dear, and you get to be my bodyguard. It looks like Perigrine has found herself a mate, and the Grendel can't be found. I hope we can grab breakfast along the way, or are there vendors at the arena?"

As Jason and Perigrine arrived at the stadium*, Jason went to one of the people working and asked "Where do the people in the tournament go?"

ooc: * assume it's a stadium

Gradually, the various conveyances brining Krioval's leadership to the proving grounds arrived. First was the car with Adele and Varik, which was opened to reveal the height of elegance and taste in the nation's aristocracy. Following came the Commander, his children, and Koro, whose entrance into the arena sparked fierce yet muted commentary. It was obvious that the controversy was not going to disappear on its own, and the scene of Raijin standing almost arm-in-arm with the High Priest right behind his kids made for one of the most tantalizing photographs since the paladin's ascension over Krioval. Yet nobody in their group seemed to notice - if anything, the two men appeared jovial and indifferent to the recriminations already flying through the media. "It's as if he doesn't care at all about the consequence of his misbehavior," one reporter would say later in an eye-grabbing headline the next morning. That reporter would later move onto such great features as farm subsidies in Akenar, the proliferation of salmon in the Valak River, and would cover the story of the first-ever polar bear to be transported from Vastiva to the Kriovalian Zoo - at all steps of the capture and relocation.

Vakia Pasko arrived shortly thereafter, and while she was often described as "matronly" by the press, the outfit she wore to the fight was sufficiently revealing, and emphasized cleavage enough to attract the attention of men half her age. Not that she minded for a single second. And I thought white was a color of purity, she giggled inwardly. Though maybe the bullwhip is a bit much, though they did say to bring a weapon.

General Leo Sokolev and his wife Anita followed, along with their son Yuri, back from assignment abroad, and Melena Kriov, who had decided to hitch a ride with them rather than use two vehicles to get to the fights. The unspoken question on everybody's mind was answered when Kiv Andros showed up, with Micah, the head of the Andretara monastery. Few, if any, noticed the arrival of Valkai and Michiko, not because they were incredibly disguised insomuch as they looked relatively ordinary against the panorama of flashy uniforms, decorations, and for that matter, personalities. The only attention they might have gained was for their request for a rather lavish breakfast - the ninja had told the attendants to spare absolutely no expense. The assembly of Kriovalians and their guests into their proper locations took about fifteen minutes. The time was five minutes until nine.

Michiko didn't mind in the least being over looked. She quite enjoyed it. However she did try to catch Koro's eye. She had a wink she needed to return to him, though her smile probably gave it away.

However one papparazzi did catch a picture of her sharing a bit of strawberry lip to lip with Valkai. He became one of her favorite photographers, much to Valkai's often mentioned disgust.

The three Vastivan's had arrived early, practiced as they were able, and now sat where they had been told, waiting for the main event.

Proving Grounds - 9:00 am

At exactly nine o'clock, the chatter and gossip were stilled by the sounding of a gong. The assemblage fell silent almost instantly. A hypermanic announcer seated at the edge of the fighting zone exploded into his opening commentary.

"Ladies and gentlemen from Krioval, around the world, and throughout the universe, welcome to the five hundredth Festival of Fighters! This is the first one since the death of King Sylvan the Builder, may he rest eternally with the Gods, and we're looking to make this an event to remember! The first festival, for those of you not quite old enough to remember," he paused for the spatterings of laughter, "was before Krioval was Krioval, when the three kingdoms ruled this land, Torokara was a series of grass huts, and when going to war and eating out were synonymous!" This got a chuckle even from the Commander and his retinue. "Oh! That's not true! Anyway, the Festival begins this morning with a contest of three styles of fighting. We'll start with the unarmed competition, end with the hand-to-hand weapons contest, and in between we have something extra special! We were hoping that Krioval might show off some of our talent this year, but apparently there's this thing about border security - some higher-up wanted to keep it. That and Darvek called in 'sick' - apparently he can't handle five women in one night like the younger days." This really got the crowd going. "I'd feel bad for Koro our new High Priest, but it seems he's moved on..." Another announcer, a slight woman with amazing reflexes, jumped from the table over to clap her hand around the first announcer's mouth.

"Sorry about the technical difficulties," she said, kicking the man to emphasize her displeasure at what would have been an unmitigated disaster. "We begin with the unarmed competition. The odds listed in your programs were published this morning at seven-thirty, and represent the true payouts. Sadly, further wagers will not be accepted at this time, but if you had a certain Gelt from Vastiva getting to the second round of this competition, you've already won! The other two matchups will be Therassi and Alesha, both of Vastiva, and Jason of Theao versus Kolte of Megas. Begin!"

The crowd erupted into applause, chanting, and random explosions of conversations, some of which centered on which fighters would be favored in the evening's festivities.

~Kaia arrived moments later to watch the events until her turn at melee. She wore her form fitting, grey leather fencing outfit, well padded yet supprisingly revealing and light. The layer of thin sapphire-gold scales that covered her body in various places, around the neck, her shoulders, the outside of her hands, etc. sparkled in the morning sunlight. Drac, with his travelers outfit on, appeared behind her moments later as they headed out of the archway and into the stadium to find a seat.~

Jason began going throught a stretching system to help limber himself up. Once the stretching was finished he began going over his gear for the next rounds, ensuring all of it was in perfect operating conditions as well as spotlessly clean. As he worked in asked Perigrine a question, "If you were participating what competition would you be in?"

Gelt put his feet up and lit a cheroot, much to the disdain of Therassi. “Hey, it’s not like I actually have to do anything for awhile.”
“You might consider stretching at the least.”
He grinned at his large companion. “You might consider groping.”
Alesha glared. “You do realize, I get to beat on you later with something sharp and heavy?”
“Of course.” A long draw. “I might as well get in my thoughts now.”

The two headed out onto the sands to the circle designated for them.

"I would have thought more would have shown up."
Therassi grunted.
"Or at least given us some early rounds."
Another grunt.
"Something to wet our whistle."
Therassi stopped outside the circle. "If you have a need to drink before this, or to take care of any other function, I will certainly wait for you."
Alesha shook her head, sizing up Therassi - again - then the crowds. "Well, let's hope we put on a good show for them."
"Indeed. Good Fortune to you, Daughter."
"And to you, Father. Though I'm still going to beat the crap out of you."
That got a laugh. "You are invited to most certainly try."
"I shall endeavor to do more then try."
"I am sure many will enjoy your efforts."

They gave headnod bows to each other and strode to the separate sides of the circle, careful not to tread inside.

Alesha retied the bandages on her left hand, checked the ties on her padding, spat, bit on her mouthpiece.

Therassi just waited.

Perigrine helped Jason where she could, making sure that he did not get chilled once he was warmed up, and making sure that plenty of carb and micro nutrient rich 'sports drink ' was available. She watched the other combatants as they readied themselves and formed her own opinion of how they would fight

As Jason relaxed will drinking one of the 'sports' drinks Perigrine had brought, after thanking her of course, he watched the first two competitors of the day prepare and banter as they headed for the ring.

The sounds of the tournament had increased in amplitude for a while now. Sigrun felt the sunlight beating down upon his warm face, basking him in a warm glow.He looked down into the city, and saw the stadium packed to the maximum capacity. He shifted his eyes to watch and listen as the announcements were made.

He would watch the battles below from his vantage point, and bide his time until his battle. He was ready, his weapon being only his sword. He would have his arcane abilities to supplement his combat as well. As high up as he was, no one would see him, unless they looked quite carefully and then only saw him as a shadow in the rising sun-filled backdrop.

"And here they come now, today's contestants for the unarmed competition! First up will be..."

Perigrine watched the fighters move, stretch, armor up and generally make themselves ready. She nodded to herself and offered low voiced opinions to Jason. She had trained for many years, in many different systems, both armed and unarmed - her comments were suscinct and insightful as she noted who seemed to have made too late an evening of it, who had favored one aspect to the detriment of another, who had more bluster than honest confidence, and other such observations

Xander bade Kolte farwell and good luck before making his way to his seat. He had taught his former pupil well, but he couldn't remember what lightsaber Form Kolte had used. He thought that perhaps it had been IV but by now he almost surely would have progressed to Form VII, which by Jedi consensus was the ultimate Form. However, it required great control over the users' emotions, and Xander had a bad feeling about Kolte's emotional stability at the moment. However, Kolte was prolific in over 50 styles of martial arts, so he wasn't too worried. But still...

Kolte sat alone in the room, which suited him just fine. He entered meditation, such that minutes would make up for hours of lost sleep. He had trained his body long ago to have an extremely high tolerance for alcohol, so his consumption the night before would not impair him in the least. He would sit there, in his state of extreme awareness, yet imposed unconsiousness, until his name was called for his fight. His opponent would be the one called Jason he had met a few days ago. At that time he had been alone, but when Kolte saw him earlier he had a female companion. Kolte began to think about the many companions he had had in his life, then quickly shoved the thought aside. He would need that thought, that emotion to drive him. His abilities reached their pinnacle only when he allowed his emotion to flow freely, to guide him. No, he would not use that now, he decided to save his strength for the universal match, only there would he be able to peak his abilities. Better to conserve until then...

Minutes later he returned to the physical world from his meditation, fully refreshed and pumped for the competition. He stood and began to stretch the extensive muscles of his body. It had been quite some time since he had sparred without tapping his Jedi powers. He began slow, deliberate movements with his arms and legs, resembling an Ancient-Earth Japanese style of martial arts. Soon he accelerated his movements to the speed at which he had maneuvered his lightsaber the previous night. The multitude of martial art forms he had studied rushed through his head and melded into one, one form of combat he called his own.

He noticed Jason, also in the same room was his companion he had seen earlier, and walked over to him.

"Well, Jason, our fight will be soon. May it be honorable, and...entertaining."

Even as Kolte said this he extended his hand to Jason.

Perigrine had watched the man, good but flashy, and expending his energies overly much, with out adequate cool down afterwards. 'Jason will take him' she decided as she surveyed him with curiosity, but no alarm. She was a tigeress loungeing next to her mate, an apex predator without much, if anything to fear. But then again fear tended to be something that Neitzscheans seldom dealt with

*******************************************

Michiko leaned forward and tapped Koro on the shoulder "I owe you Koro, just let me know how you want it paid" She whispered loudly "I have an island back on Midgard with a lovely hunting lodge that is totally private, just made for get aways, and no nosey newsies."

Jason took the man's hand, "May you fight with skill and honour." he replied as he went back to watching the present match.

Michiko leaned forward and tapped Koro on the shoulder "I owe you Koro, just let me know how you want it paid" She whispered loudly "I have an island back on Midgard with a lovely hunting lodge that is totally private, just made for get aways, and no nosey newsies."

"Point of butting into conversations that are tangentially relevant to me," Raijin said. "But are you trying to steal him away already? Not that I worry, of course, seeing that Koro's as interested in women as I am, but poor, poor Valkai, ya know?" His snickering ended the last sentence.

"You're so bad," Koro half-whispered, trying to sound ominous but failing utterly.

The Commander gave the priest a knowing look and said, by way of reply, "Bad? I'm the best you've ever had. May have to look into that lodge though. Of course, I'm not so sure I'm up for all the chasing, binding, and howling."

"Boys," the ninja interrupted. "I'm sure Michiko's in no *position* to want to hear about those sorts of things. Though that might be from lack of trying thus far."

"Oh, 'Kai, what makes you think I want to know about that?" Raijin realized the depths of his hypocrisy only a second too late. "I mean, Gods, can't one of us keep our sex life private?" he added quickly, with a degree of sarcasm. He'd also realized he'd called the ninja by a nickname over fifteen years old. Did my entire life change when I said 'I do'?

"I didn't know that you remembered that," Valkai said enigmatically. "Maybe some things don't completely die."

"Yeah?" Koro asked, hoping to be let in on the secret.

"Yeah. I'll tell you later." Raijin closed the door on that line of conversation softly yet decisively. As he noticed Koro's facial expression, the paladin hastily appended, "It's not what you're thinking right now, I assure you. There *are* men in Krioval I haven't slept with." Again, a chuckle at the end made light of the comment, though Raijin wondered where people got the idea that he was the gay version of Darvek. It's not as if seven partners my entire life is anywhere near what he's done. Gods, he's had more than that in an hour!

Michiko gave Valkai, Koro, and Raijin a most interested and merry look but had pity on the poor much maligned Commander, turning the conversation elsewhere. Turning to Lady Adel, Michiko undertook to introduce herself.

"Sitting near the three most handsome men in Torokara, and I can see where two of them got their looks from. Lady Adele, please excuse the informality, but I'm Michiko Jones, and very pleased to meet you."

However she couldn't resist keeping the three Kriovalian men still on the hook.

"I'm trying to get Valkai to marry me, Koro to consider me a thoroughly impossible big sister, and Raijin, in about six months, the newest ambasador to Krioval."

"Sitting near the three most handsome men in Torokara, and I can see where two of them got their looks from. Lady Adele, please excuse the informality, but I'm Michiko Jones, and very pleased to meet you."

Adele looked at her Tenaran counterpart. "Adele Kriov, the would-be queen of Krioval. Thank the Gods it didn't work out. Being the matriarch of a nation is plenty of work, as I'm sure you know. Thank you for your compliments, though I'd worried that it would all stop with this one," she tapped Raijin lightly on the shoulder. "How are you enjoying Torokara?"

"I'm trying to get Valkai to marry me, Koro to consider me a thoroughly impossible big sister, and Raijin, in about six months, the newest ambasador to Krioval."

"Last I checked," Adele said, giggling, "Valkai swore off marriage altogether, Koro already had an impossible big sister, and Raijin was the diplomatic equivalent of a warhammer. Some things change, I suppose, though the first is more likely than any of the other three." The men sat silently through the conversation, lest any part of it be used against them, though there was plenty that could be derived from the various looks one gave to another, and most seemed to say "please, Gods, let the conversation not turn to me specifically".

"Thought he hasn't said specifically, Valkai seems to be leaning towards saying yes," Her smile was tender and she did not hide the love that shown in her eyes as she looked at Valkai. She managed to tear her eyes away after a moments. She had no intention of broadcasting it all over the universe, but she wouldn't hide how she felt either.

"Ah, then I'll settle for being a good friend, to both of them...and sometimes war hammer diplomacy is just what's needed." She didn't feel she needed to mention that not all that long ago she was personally out trying to headhunt one of Tanara's closest allies. Sigrun never seemed to have held a grudge

Before

"Oh, I'm sure you will." Akina answered, still looking at Kolte. She was still contemplating some more things to say when Kolte left. Hummm. I must be a little more off-putting than I thought. She sighed,tasting a little from the detoxifying liquid she thought to be alcoholic until her tongue told her otherwise.

"... I'm not that drunk, am I?" She looked at both, Krodan and Christine, in a mixture of frustration and poutyness. "I'm not! But anyway, yes, I guess we should get going."

Not a single move from her side, though, as she kept herself placed firmly on Krodan's lap.

"Mind, I think I put the two off, a little... I guess I should have taken the other dress... A little late, I guess, now that the tournament's coming..."

She stood up, not noticing the glance Götz exchanged with Christine.

"I guess we can arrange something, no, Christine?" Götz said, sweetly, somehow managing not to laugh (How, he wasn't quite certain himself), hoping that Christine knew some place where they (That is, Akina) could change, quickly.

After

The tournament was about to start, and the three (Well, four, accounting for Götz. And why the hell drones like him were only considered semi sentient was something nobody was quite certain about, anyway) had arrived, once their rather complex and vaguely hilarious quest for a suitable place to change had been finished. Akina was still a little drunk (Having snatched a few more drinks, although not quite as many as she would have managed without Krodan's attempts at keeping her safe from the inevitable hangover... Of course, being Angstian, she could take *quite* a bit of alcohol, anyway), but it worked out.

Besides, it was quite possibly better for her to be vaguely drunk, as she would probably be a little embarrassed by the present outfit.

Krodan on the other hand was most likely enjoying it, seeing as Akina stayed with him, arm in arm (If only to stand straight, rather than toppling on the ground). And his help during aforementioned quest had been invaluable, anyway, for which Krodan was doubtlessly deserving some sort of 'reward'.

"Awww, cute ^_^" Akina's smile seemed to go on into infinity as she saw Vakia Pasko. Granted, the Flogging/ BDSM scene had never been something she was especially interested in, but hey... The whip, combined with the revealing, white dress still looked fascinating, if only for its uniqueness.

She listened to the whole, well, introduction, mildly interested, most of the humour escaping her, given her not-so-sober status (Well, she got it, but she was giggling all the time, anyway, and as such, no real change in her attitude could be noticed), only perking up when Darvek's appetité was mentioned.

"He could be interesting... May have to test him, some tim- Wait, I didn't mean to say this aloud! Ah, heck, who cares."

Well, the chuckles coming from around them seemed to indicate that a good portion of the people standing close enough to hear did care, if only for the amusement value.

Well, that and the sight of Akina's dress, or more specifically, the things it didn't hide.

"And here it starts. Now, perhaps we get to see some sweat-covered muscles... Not that you would be particularly interested in those, but they can be nice, ne?" Götz giggled a little more, before they turned their attention towards the events taking place in front of them.

"Pf. You know, I'm choosing men after their character, not their- Wow, now he is sexy..."

Krodan hadn't been this happy since landing the job at Varos six years ago. On his arm was a scantily-clad woman who'd spent the entire night drinking with him, and was now escorting to the very, very public tournament grounds. He silently thanked the senator for her intervention, and moved in quick succession to the Jedi, the bar staff, and the entire roster of the Torokara Slashers, even the ones on the disabled list, for his fortune. He made his way to the other Pasko. "Hey, Vakia, interesting whip there."

"This old thing? Who's your friend?" Her tone indicated that she was still attempting to discern exactly how "friendly" Akina was.

"Oh! Vakia, this is Akina, from DA. She's a chemical engineer. Akina, this is my cousin Vakia. She's a Director."

Introductions thus made, the satisfied soccer fanatic sat and waited for the fighting to start, trying not to feel completely inadequate at the mention of Akina's desire to "test" Darvek or her sudden interest in the first fighter to emerge from the waiting area. He looked at his watch. It was already twenty minutes after nine, and the contests hadn't started yet. Was it supposed to start so late? he wondered, praying that it'd be done as soon as possible so that he might still have a chance with the exotic woman from DA.

"Circle rules?"
"Agreed."

That was the first words the two had spoken to each other in three minutes of quiet circling, two sharks looking for an opening....

He knows her?! was the first thing Akina thought (Although she didn't actually ask) as Krodan introduced her to Vakia.

She more-or-less snuggled up to Krodan, waiting for the initial pleasantries and introductions to subside, then nodded in a more or less playful way (Fairly impressive, to say the least. Turning a simple nod into an almost erotic gesture). "Pleased to meet you." She bowed a little, a short giggle escaping her before she pointed at the whip. "I suppose that you're quite experienced with this, ah... Tool or weapon?" She looked up, questioningly. "Or both?" Another giggle followed. "I'm sure it will be used accordingly, anyway. For both, perhaps."

The advantages of ethanol intoxication: She didn't even blush, saying this.

For a moment, she glanced over to where the (Theoretical) main events were supposed to happen. Nothing, the combatants seemed to be reasonably satisfied with 'Mildly Aggressive Gestures', for entire minutes.

"Doesn't look like they're into receiving scratches. Perhaps their skin is to sensitive for that?"

To her, they weren't really sharks.

They were more like... Goldfishes.

But what else to expect if a tournament that is supposed to show the very edge of testosterone-induced violence ends up being less diverse than a daily soap opera?

The fight in no way resembled something from the movies.

In point of fact, it was over nearly as soon as it started.

Alesha had ignored the obvious traps – a drooped shoulder, a slight mis-step, an unbalanced gesture. She knew too much of how the leatherbound giant fought to fall for such things.

She also knew the opening she was waiting for.

He gave it to her, eyes telegraphing a quick step-jab combination a split second before it appeared. Alesha’s reflexes took over, moving her left out of the way – and sending a quick roundhouse into Therassi’s gut.

It landed – but Therassi’s arms clamped onto the leg even as he stepped out of the contact’s effect, drawing her smaller bulk along as he leaned back, drawing her forward – and directly into his left elbow with a release and a single step forward.

The crack of her jaw breaking reverberated through the relatively quiet stadium, even as she crumpled.

Therassi gave her his attention long enough to insure her breathing - and to allow the stadium medtechs to arrive and call an end to the combat.

He glanced around, waiting for the next set of instructions.

The stunned announcer looked on as Alesha hit the ground. "That was fast," he managed, blinking several times. In fact, nearly every Kriovalian was shocked. Most combats in Krioval involved psionic talents and weapons, so unarmed competition was already alien to them, but the thought that someone so experienced could fall so quickly was even moreso. The announcer rallied. "The winner is Therassi, of Vastiva!" He paused, cycling through the rosters. "It appears that Therassi will next face Gelt, also of Vastiva, in the next round."

The medical staff were efficient, like almost everything else in Krioval, and the jaw was set within seconds, and would heal within half an hour. When the residual pain faded in just over an hour's time, only Alesha's pride would remain wounded, and no Kriovalian doctor or medic would be able to heal that - at least not until the sun set.

Lucinda had arrived in the middle of the first bout, but owing to her status, she was able to bribe her way into the arena. Perhaps the Vastivan trade delegate from the other day wasn't completely useless after all. As she watched the woman fall to the man (her *father*, she'd later learn), the Kriovalian began to pray ardently that Gelt wouldn't suffer the same fate as Alesha. The prayers were all the more unusual considering Lucinda's glacial atheism, though Gelt had gone a long way in the past evening of evangelizing - exactly how many times she had called out to the Gods was still in question, as she'd lost count at one hundred thirty-seven.

Valkai leaned forward, and whispered to Raijin, though loud enough that most of the Dekker/Kriov group could hear, "Eh. Try doing that while jumping rooftops. Gods, it makes me almost wish for the old days, before you civilized this city."

At the announcement, “AW CRAP!” could be heard outside the fighters ready room.


Gelt stood at the edge of the circle, hopping a bit of quick footwork and throwing some quick punches, boxers style.
“Howdy, Gramps.”
“Father.”
“Oh hell, I don’t even call my old man that.”
“I should teach you manners.”
“Feh. You couldn’t even teach me judo, Gramps.”
“It was not for lack of trying.”

Therassi squatted before the edge of the circle, picked up a handful of dust, casting it three times into the center.

“Still up on that traditional mumbo-jumbo?”
“It serves.”
“Yeah, well…” a few more combinations flew through the air. “In this case, Gramps, it’s just showing the audience you can throw dirt.”
“Perhaps you should try it.”
Gelt gave a look of utter disgust, squatted over and mimicked Therassi’s actions.

“Whoo hoo! Dirt. I am sooooo blessed now. Can we get on with this?”
“As you insist.”

Michiko, who was used to, and appreciative of such combat, had watched intently. If Omega II was going to be expanding to Earth she knew where she'd be recruiting agents from. Not every problems could be handled with weapons, or psionics. And she knew that she had absolutely no desire to face Therassi save in a 'friendly' sparring match. Though her speed might give him pause at first.

Valkai's comment about martial arts while leaping from roof top to roof top had her imagination running wild as she asked with a grin

"And no ones made a holoseries out of it?"

**********************************************

Perigrine too watched intently, trained eyes taking in all the nuances. She saw the hidden trap as soon as the man mountain's eyes widened as they hadn't before. 'He is a sly one that, and far faster than his bulk would advertize. I'd have let him take my weight and swung in under the elbow and put bone spurs in the underarm.' She mused as she watch the woman climb to her feet. 'Father's hate it when daughters get uppity' she added her smile more than a little wry. Her own father had seen fit to take execption to his daughter's 'uppityness' once or twice.

With a murmured word to Jason, she stood and strode over to Alesha as she stood watching the beginnings of the next bout.

Making sure that her bone spurs were flat against her forearms all but hiddden by her bracers, she held out her hand

"Perigrine Omega, and I don't think the crowds out there understood or appreciated what they just saw. Just wanted to say that I did, and congratulations on a very nice dance."

"Finally. A little short, though." It was quite impressive, deciding the fight in such a short... Moment, after waiting so long... But then, Akina didn't really see the point of this.

Apart from showing off, anyway.

"But Impressive... I guess. Never actually had, ah... Never have been watching, or, uh... practiking... I mean, practizi... You know what I mean, this."

She wasn't sure if the others even listened, but it didn't really matter to her. So long as she could just talk, she was happy.

Incidentally, she was a little (Only a little, but still) more impressed than she showed. Granted, the, well, 'Foreplay' bored her, but the fluid motions and the quickless of the actual encounter were fairly worthwhile. Still pointless, but amusing and interesting enough to watch.

"Given the candidates, I guess the next one will look similar. Hrm..."

I wonder who I'll be facing if/when I win the match against Kolte. Jason wondered Either way I can at least watch styles which will help in the match. As he was thinking this he continued to keep himself loose and flexible.

Sigrun watched as the fighters below circled without activity, before suddenly engaging and determining the winner with ease. He raised an eyebrow slightly. The winner had skill, great skill. It reminded him of his earlier days, almost two thousand years ago, when he had been a human before turning vampire and then ultimately to his current elven form. He had been a very good martial artist, with a black belt. Several times, he had had younger, more arrogant persons try to challenge him.

The result usually occurred just as fast as the battle he had seen below.

He watched as the tournament cleared quickly, and the next round announced. He remained where he was, watching carefully as the spectators conversed amongst themselves as they too waited for the next round.

"Tossing dirt into the center of a circle. I wonder what significance it holds," Raijin mused, looking intently at Koro.

"Huh?" The priest was confused. "Oh. Like what significance it would have for Krioval? Don't know. Earth belongs to Ashiar, and those devoted to that God, like *certain* people we know-but-will-not-be-mentioned."

"Ah yes. That one."

There was no circling in this match - a hesitation at best.

Gelt charged at full tilt across the circle at the much larger man, a wolf striking at a grizzly bear.

The bear merely grinned to accept the charge.

Nearly there, Gelt skipped, preparatory to launching a kick - and instead launched a handfull of dirt.

His opponent ducked the cloud with a snarl - only to be rammed by Gelt's shoulder.

Off-balance, he stumbled back two steps....

...one step beyond the circle's boundary.