NationStates Jolt Archive

Blood Council had erupted like a long thought extinct volcano. Two sides forming, one traditionist and highly xenophobic; they denied the validity of the help the mercs had given; the basis being time spent fighting Kraven troops.

The other was in a diffrent mind set; looking for the long term bennifit and health of the nations gene pool. They unlike their forbearers were willing to accept outsiders as their own, to fight along another who was niether Warin nor Morin. They had in the first placed issued the Migrant Mercenary Bill, something they still hoped would be answered by yet more units.

Now Caulna Pox, Grand Bearzerker, her new love Orleo Yixe, a knight from Theao, would enter, Marik was too unhealthy to attend, something that concerned the nation. Many Military officers, including the unatural number of PEST members that had gathered for the past tournement That Yixe had won. The Death Artist Assassin Cult was represented, though not openly. The blood houses, including those recently arrived from pennitence campaigns, were all represented.

For the first time Xenos were allowed in, but only the highest ranking officers from the units that were in Black Hive.

Caulna hoped it would go smoothly, this was not her first time in Blood Council though she did not frequent the halls of Psyker Bearzerkers parliment, buericrats and their red tape festivals were off putting, not warriors, but as deadly in a relitive manor. Kida always at her side when poissible, would tranlate should Caulna want to speak.

The time had come, politicians were standing arrayed in their Battle Lines, thier rifes easily visible to any observent person or apt politician.

OOC: first bump

IC:
Enter Caulna Pox, Grand Bearzerker of Psyker Bearzerkers Hunter and Killer of Immortals, The Tyrant Queen of Fire and Our Lady Mother's Daughter on these lands.

Orleo entered the Council with Caulna somewhat uneasy, yet submerging his unease, as he was determain to prove, should it be necessary, that he was worthy of respect.

Hawk, Valeiri, Snake and Kross entered with the XOs following the COs of the two mercenary units.

ooc: Is Consolidation wrapped up for now/good?

Though Orival had been the young vocal usurper in the xeno hold of Blood Council, his allies and older friends Jasiv and Treniv Deathlander, The Pirate Kings of the navy who pushed reforms that kept the under supported archain ships afloat while the army enjoyed the most funding in the region, twins they were Warins.

They were older men, graying and wisened. They spoke clearly and were one of the most dangerous forces in Blood Council; they each harbored a genius mind, keen and not to be underestimated.

Treniv who had a deeper voice, they both had grey eyes flecked with ice blue. "Dearest Caulna Pox, fellow Mercs and Blood Council. We ratified the Migrant Merc Bill, with the intention of taking units with no homes of units that wished to change their nationality. To the men an women who are against this bill now, I wonder if they can read. These mercenaries who would be taking advantage of this bill would be neither Warin nor Morin and Xenos, clearly from a different country.

"Two well respected units participated in the fighting in Black Hive when the bill never asked that that participate in the fighting. Only to help the nation to recover in population and to make sure Psyker Bearzerkers Gene Pool would not stagnate.

"Their arguments in this matter are beyond stupidity, we should have ended this matter a week ago, it has no merit."

The only Ooze to oppose the xenos in Psyker Bearzerkers, as Head of House, Miram Ooze had the sway to use Ooze as an opponent. "I believe seven houses did not sign this bill. Psyker Bearzerkers has until now always had a policy of isolationism and anti xenos sentiments that has been shared by the bearzerker populace."

Jasiv calmly responded to the relitivly young Miram. "And the new King? Is he not xenos, did our nation not invite foreign men to compete for her our Mistress' hand in marrige? And are these mercs not from his nation. to doubt the validity of Potty 5 and the Roman Republic is hard enough but the soldiers from Theao, would border trechery."

*****
Ooze: house of the people or bearzerker house.

The five people of the council who'd originated from Theao listened to the speeches with interest. Depending on how the debates went, Snake was considering challenging the anti-xenos to prove the point that they were deserving of respect by the rest of the nation.

Sign language from Caulna might have hinted to Orleo what what next, but the next move would stun most of Blood Council.

Bringing the Chamber to silence, Kida translated the announcement. "Our new King, Orleo Yixe is to adress Council, in this matter. Orleo." Kida grin was ear to ear. Caulna gave her own small smile.

"This is Heresy! he is a foriegner! He is not allowed to speak in council! His dirty blood should not even be staining these blessed halls."

Caulna's smile left her face stood slowely to show that she was 'Speaking', while Kida Translated. "Our Mistress reminds You Masaker, that she may not be a politician but she can take any of your rights away, including any others who would speak out of turn." Caulna sat down. "Orleo is you King now." Kida added it to spite the aging man, who had lost his honor and squabbled like an old woman rather then an astute politician.

Caulna was hesitant to comfort Orleo publicly, in Blood Council it would tarnish his reputation, in life in Psyker Bearzerkers, it would shame him. How He would speak to defend his and all other mercs who had come here, not just the Dragoons and Light Hounds.

Orleo was taken back both by the vehemence of the arguments being tossed around and the bombshell dropped upon him by Kida and the most important woman in his life. He intended to speak with Kida for not giving him a bit of warning. Looking over the assembled councillors, he took a breath and prepared to give what might well be the most important speech of his life.

"Greetings good people, both those who support the mercenaries and those who think that the mercenary units do not belong in Psyker Bearzerker. To my detractors, and especially to the one who claimed it was heresy for me to speak here today, I shall get to you shortly. For now however I wish to thank those who had the foresight to sign the Migrant Mercenary Bill. Because of you, this land that I have come to love has been given a chance to recover from the depredations and ravishments of the Kraven scourge much quicker than might otherwise have happened." He looked around, spotted and directed his attention upon Masaker before continueing. "You claim that it is heresy for me to be here, that it defiles tradition for me to speak. I never would have imagined that a warrior such as yourself, from such an illustrious nation no less, would be afeared of a few simple words and the presence of one such as myself and the others who came to the defence of Psyker Bearzerker." He paused for the outrage he expected to erupt from the xeno-phobic and isolationist sections of the council, as well as the reaction of Masaker.

Masaker wanted nothing do to than cut off Orleo's head. Mentioning he was a worrior and a fualt he had was more of an insult then Orleo may have known.

There were silent grumbles, many of the opponents had become silent, either learning from Masaker's mistepping, or they had begun to believe less and less in that side of the argument, a week of politicing was as sraining as battle, though not as glorious.

The assembled councilors had Yixe's undivided attention, his overture was stinging for Masaker, even Ooze was silent. Jasiv and Treniv were both smiling. Perhaps he will be a good King

As to Ooze's statement that seven houses had not signed the bill that arguments validity would be shot down easily once Yixa had finnished.

(OOC: Just a little something to wet the appetite)

Two Bearzerker Citizens casualy walked through the ruins of Black Hive, where the reconstruction effort continued, they swapped stories of what they had seen During the war, and laughed occasionaly at each others, often lame jokes...

*Distant sound of Thunder*

"Hmmmm What was that?"

"hmm, Sounded like Thunder.."

"Nah... Probably just some machinery.."

"Heh... Probably..."

OOC: little father left in you kraven? godmodding eh? but your intros are nice, cant wait to see wot it is....

IC:

Many council members were ready to begin other matters. The anti Xenos group had effectivly jammed progress in Psyker Bearzerkers, needed so much after Black Hive's decimation.

Thunder clouds were not often seen in Ash Plains. Machinery was working around the clock, refining the ingrediants of the ferrocrete, the new building material that turned Black Hive from a gothic spire filled, to an angular fortress parpet hive, slightly sterile looking.

Many large and dangerous objects could be hidden or could be easily ignored, but should mayhem insue once more all attention would focus on that, eclipsing the slow going progress of Blood Council.

OOC: Lol, Sorry, I'm just setting up the scene, a Distant thunder that slowly gets close and closer

Orleo looked over the assembly and had he not been so nervous, thought concealing it well, he would have grinned. "I've heard that some of the houses choose not to vote in support of the Migrant Mercenary Bill. You were willing to stand up for your beliefs, and for that I congratulate you." He said this to take the sting, or at least mediate the sting of his upcoming words, "But I will not let antique views threaten these lands or the woman I love."

He looked over the group, "I may not know all there is to know about Psyker Bearzerker, but I do guarantee that I will do the best job I can as your king." He had finished. He had given the best speech he could and the chips would fall were they would fall.

Treniv stood, not allowing any of The Oppossers to speak. "much honor to you, Orleo. As for Miram saying that seven houses did not sign the bill, that was true. Houses like Spitz, Talin and Scortch couldn't have signed the bill, as we all know, they were all on Pennitence Crusade. I call for the last vote that will decide this matter, with our Mistress and the new Houses leaders putting in thier vote as well." Not letting the opposistion a chance to oppose such a desicion Caulna stood to halt any objections.

Caulna began signing, slower then usual but most likely it was simply becuase she could.

"Our Misstress says that three new votes are at hand for the Houses of Hawk, Light Hound and Yixe. As usual the psybloods, or second in commands, have a vote worth half of the vote that a head of house. Votes will be counted in half a hour as usual should any of the other merc units come they chall be granted votes as well." This time when Caulna was done speaking, she leaned over and kissed Orleo.

The five, the two sets of two that made up the Heads and psybloods of House Hawk and Light Hound, and Orleo that was, to the best of his knowladge, the only member of House Yixe wondered how Psyker Bearzerker voting procedure worked. Snake decided to ask Kida.
"Lady Kida, might I ask how the vote works?" He asked of her.
Meanwhile Orleo had slightly blushed at Caulna's kiss, but returned it with love.

Kida raised a slightly curious eyebrow at the phrase Lady Kida, though it was true but not in title, it was awkward to hear.

"At random a vote counter is elected before any Blood Council Session, usually there is a settlement and a non-partisan housemen is selected." She pointed to the section that had a bloody axe crest. "House axe was the best they could do. All houses are bound by honor, his role is mostly tradition because not even Masaker would dream of tampering with votes. Calling in favors by one house to another is how votes are swinged. Masaker house lent a division to Blight Bloodhouse, about 150 years ago, they are now calling in the favor.

"There is one Head of House, they have one full vote, psybloods have half a vote, giving plenty of room for a swing. They are recorded electronically from the pad in front of you." She picked up a wireless box, the outside made of old sleeper wood, warn smooth and with a slight sheen by ages of it being handled. it also had inlayed gold, the pattern was of vines, curving and repeating into a larger symmetric pattern.

"This is a clear cut vote, everyone will vote what they think, sometimes in a preliminary vote the opposite side will vote not what they think, to err the other side so that favors cannot be called in. That board on the end of the hall will show the final decision.

"A simple outvoting in theory, but politics is a dangerous swamp to tread through." The symbols that made up the Psyker language of Trance speech, were slightly runic, but were too curved to be purely such. Each standing for a syllable, it encompassed the extremely ancient Warin and Morin Languages.

Before the merc got too overwhelmed or confused she quickly told them the glyphs. "The top would be Ayr stands for an 'Aff' or aye vote, the bottom is Neerce and stands for a Neg or Nay vote."

The Head of House Axe stood, his voice amplified to fill the chamber. "Please enter your votes now, once all votes are entered, 30 minutes will be alocated should the Roman or Potty 5 mercs show up." Caulna grabbed the voting remote in front of her and quickly hit Ayr.

"Thank you Lady Kida." Snake replied with what might have been a note of wistfulness in his voice.

For the five, the issue of aye or nay was exceptionally simple. Each took up the pad and tapped the topmost symbol to signify Aye. Snake had followed Lady Kida's explaination, but Hawk, who made a better commander than politician decided that in the future Armelia would be handling this buisness when she could.

Most of the votes were quickly entered, moments were left for Potty 5 and The Gorkhas to enter the voting...

Time was out, though Potty 5 and the Roman Republic would see the final tally, they could not affect the count.

The board lit up. Ayr lit up, as did Caulna's face. Happily showeing Orleo with affection, Kida noticed her happier then she had almost ever known.

The Xenos Houses would be accepted and granted the lands promised. They would begin colonization of Strigi, the province mentioned in the MMB; a lush tropical forrest, full of flora fauna and fever toating insects.

Orleo's face likewise lit up and he returned Caulna's affections with equal passion.

Meanwhile Snake had been getting a bit of semi-discreet, thought loud enought for Kida to 'overhear', ribbing about the fact that he had a bit of a crush on Lady Kida.

Parades were never popular in Psyker Bearzerkers, but parties were. Grand Square had been the site of the capitol village before Ash Plains became a toxic ash choked wasteland. Many if not most of Black Hive joined in the festivities.

Blood Spirit and grilled Iron Rats were cooked, the smell was delicious. kida stoll some time with Caulna, signing so only they knew, about how the man Snake, held signs of affection for her. Caulna laughed, and they began to join in the celebration themselves, mingling with everyone they could. They were able to find Orleo before the whole square turned into a Cinta Pit. The nation's Most popular Olde Metal Preformers had visited for the rebuilding of Black Hive and were more then offering to Play the improvised concert.

The heavy bass sound, many drums, and Song Seer of 'Mother of Wisdom, Father of Death' gave the perfect rythem for the crowd to jump and dance the cinta in near perfect unison.

Some of the older crowd enjoyed it emencely even those that had oppossed the Merc's. This was a time of national pride, their haratage heard throughout the city, not a moment for grudges or time of bitterness.

The newly official blood-houses were enjoying the festivities, as well as the chance to interact on a non-wartime footing with their new countrymen, and women.

Orleo was having fun, and enjoying Caulna's presence when Snake approached Caulna, yet his eyes were on Kida. "M'lady. Might I request permission to steal Lady Kida for a dance?"

If Caulna had vocal cords she would have laughed out loud, she never liked when she did, becuase seems as is she simply opens her mouth and doubles over, or thows her head back. But in this moment she did not care, Mother of Wisdom, Father of Death being her favorite band.

Clearly, Snake's formality was a cuase of laughter. Titles were a form of praise, Mistress was motherly, mother of the nation. Perhaps it was simply his dialect, but it would be a while that many would have to stifle their laughs. The more that danced the cinta the better the atmosphere.

Kida offered her own hand. "You don't have to ask for permission, fine Sir." The reason the Cinta was the national dance was in the most archiac times, the cinta would prepare warriors for battle and so their loved ones could spend, possibly, one last time with them.

It was now a cinta pit, flaying arms and legs, crowed surfing and on everyones face jubilation. Kida asked one quick question to snake once they were but a few steps from Caulna and Orleo. "Can you dance the cinta?"

Snake smiled as he got hoisted upon his own petard by Kida. As they left Caulna and Orleo, and she asked him about the cinta. "I can but try." He replied as he didn't know the dance itself, but could likely pick it's basic ups in short order,

Kida smiled and bit her lower lip at the same time. The simplicity but massive expenditure of energy needed made the cinta the chosen dance of the nation.

As she started a new 'cycle' sh explained what she was doing, hoping that he could get in rythem with her explaination.

"First you have to listen to the bass, that sets the rythem for your sway." She moved her feet like a bull about to charge and her upper body swayed faster to the ever increasing of the new song. Kida smiled, then the as the fast paced melody kicked in the crowed bagan to jump. In unison some sang along while others jumped.

Kida waved at him, hopefully he would be able to follow her through the crowed. She jumped alet the crowed move, if they simply held hands they would stay together easily.

Snake began to follow Kida's rythem, thought he was understandably unsteady to begin with. As the dance progressed, he improved as he was an adept dancer and was a quick-study.
ooc: Moved it over to the Celeberation thread. And now moved back

Kida had to push and shove a bit, but firmly grabbed Snake's with her surprisingly soft hand and pulled him more to the middle. "So why do they call you Snake?" She smiled, Cinta surfing was a way to relax a bit, but still get the full energetic experience.

With a stage on either side of Grand Square, after a band finished one would flawlessly precede it, never putting and end to the music. Mother of Wisdom, Father of Death would preform again in the festival.

But a newer band equally favored had taken the opposite stage, BloodTrance, added the uncommon synthesizer element to their music. The crowed would thrash much less, but not give up any ounce of enthusiasm the festival had sparked.

Orleo was very smart; Caulna saw it when he insisted on learning the sign language she spoke, till then, only with Kida and on their first date. Bringing him to the concession area (she was hungry and almost dehydrated), she communicated in the sign language he had readily begun to pick up.

I hope Snake isn't too attracted to Kida. She is a great person and my best freind, but she is also quite promiscuous. She likes having fun, but she also already has a boyfriend, cult rules that she has been betrothed since birth. But a loophole allows her to not be binded to him till the wedding. If you care to tell Snake, I'd wait till after the festival. Caulna's face seemed to loose of the happy glow that Orleo would have noticed before, but she wasn't depressed.

"Both because it's my middle name, and my tactics in independent ops." Snake replied as he enjoyed the dance, the music and the company.


"I'll be sure to inform him, thought doesn't Kida have a choice in who she's going to marry?" Orleo asked

Caulna shook her head. She is a Death Artist, it's a cult of assassins that is very secret, i didn't find out till a few years ago, as good of friends as we are. She will be married in a month, she would tell me but the Death Artist aren't willing to bring in outsiders, even me.

"Ah. Do the assassins report to you, or do they follow their own agenda?" He asked

Special sanctions from the military, Blood House Heads and myself allow them to do what is necessary for the goverment. If they were made aware to the public then I might be marked and challenged for leadership at a later time.

Caulna touched Orleo's shoulder, an indication that she no longer wished to talk about the Death Artist. Known only to the highest officials; The Death Artists were funded not by the goverment at all, but by the public, through dummy corporations, charities and other masks of the corporate and very public world.

Orleo nodded to show he understood her wish for a subject change and asked, "Would you care to dance?"

Caulna smiled, she loved to dance Cinta, and Orleo's apperent enthusiams for it made her that much happier.

Small brawls broke out, but such activities were seen as part of the Cinta, The band continued it's hypnotic sound, and the crowed jumped and thrashed in approval.

With a smiling Caulna in his arms, Orleo and his true love swept onto the dance floor and began dancing.

An alarm on Kida's watch lit up brightly and flashed, Kida was honeslty surprised that it did such and a little concern.

She yelled over the noise. "I have a meeting Snake," she attempted an innocent smile but she was now in a rushed mood. "Maybe we can talk another time. A long time Cinta surfer, like most bearzerkers, she could steer and go anywere she pleased, while aloft on the hands and heads of others.

She whiped away tears at the situation, a meeting of the Artist Masters was called. The only reason she was not yet one was becuase of her age and marital status, two things that conflicted. Her want of respect in the order and a equally great want for personal independence. Having but a months time to make a choice after many years of thought, it seemed like she had only been told the other day. However her presence was needed, maybe even her skills...

Snake nodded, "Maybe later." He called back, thought he wondered what was making her somewhat edgy as he used the same skills that he applied to reading the enemy as to reading people and could tell something was off.

After their good sleep, The Gorkha Captain and his men got up only to be told to go to the Blood House. Each one of them thought that the Blood house was some kind of slaughter house. If they were to go their, they will have to resist and kill the people who ordered them their. The Gorkha Captain demand the Psyker soldier that his men will not go their. The soldier tried to calm the Gorkha Captain and explained that the Blood House is a government building and they have to go their and present their arguement in keeping mercenaries in the country.

The Gorkha Captain still in rage began calming down, but kept his guard up incase they were lying. Gorkhas under Captain Limbu's command starting making jokes about the captain's anger. But soon, the Gorkhas embarked into their LV-08s and were led by Psyker soldier to the Blood Council. Although Gorkhas are not good at presenting argument, all they are good at is following orders by either fighting or go home. The Captain was the same as his men.

Blood Council had let out, the bill for the settlement of the new merc had once again passed, even stronger then before. The Captain and his men would be greated by a near empty council chamber.

Inside were mysterious Corporate Officals, of Black Page Publishers, the single largest corporation and official corporate sponsor of the PEST's and the entire trading province; Silica.

Kida likewise would be joining the small group as well....

Orleo continued to dance with Caulna, while Snake alternated dance partners, and Hawk danced with his XO/girlfriend.

The Gorkha Convoy reached the Blood House Building. The Young Gorkhas looked out their wndows to see if the building was in fact a slaughtering house. To their amazement, the building looked like an ordinary governmental building. One of the Gorkhas told each of his comrades that the building could be disguised as a government building. This made the Gorkhas clutch their weapons even tighter.

Once the vehicles, reached the enterance of the building, several men walked over to the LV-08s' doors and opened them so the Gorkhas can ener the building. The first to exit was ofcourse the Gorkha Captain. He didn't want to have his men get out and somehow get killed. His willingness to sacriface his life for his men is one of the many ideals that the Roman military wants each and every officer to follow. Holding the door, the Pysker man pointed to the door enterance for the Captain to enter. Once all the Gorkhas walked out of their vehicles, the Psykers closed the door while others drove the vehicles into the parking lot.
Each Gorkha was trying to shake off all the jitters, because they have never been in a government building or a building the is called Blood House. They never knew what to expect. Each of them rasied their helmet visors, which inturn switched off their uniform's sensors while they swung their rifles over their backs. After a minute or two of relaxation, they walked confidently inside waiting fo someone to take them. Each of them showing their confidence, felt suspicious about this place, so they reached down to grab their kukris which were tucked inside their scabbards. They held the kukri's handle, but didn't draw the knife out.

Kida was in a rush, she had not arrived in a timely manner and had instead took her own time to try and meditate, relax and gain scope on the situation, she failed to do so but her adrenaline had leveled itself out somewhat.

Turning into one of the halls she saw a group of armed men, that wasn't unusual in Psyker Bearzerkers, but their gear, uniforms and their very appearence was diffrent. "Auti luya mit?" She had no idea why she had used archiac trance speach, but decided not to translate and instead keep things calm. "May I help you?"

*****

In the chamber seven men waited for Kida. "Were is she? Doesn't she know? She is being a rebel again!"

"Calm down Chuta. But we should continue with bussiness." This man was clearly the oldest, but carried himself in a calmer manor that also made him seem more youthful then the others. "Marik Severcide is a father to this nation. He has been progressing this nation longer then most have us have been around. And now he is suffering a deadly sickness. Caulna is under the understanding it is a combination of stress and fever. He is really being fed benign chemicals, once the cornerstone chemical is added, it will look like he had a heart attack. The chemicals we have used break down in the body and are trace amounts in their greatest.

"Were is Kida?"

Snake and Hawk's old friend had arrived, Macer Specter like all Psykers, to cellebrate the nations freedom and the massive growth of national pride.

The Festival would end the next day, many had left to finnaly rest and a formal announcement and date would be made for the wedding between Orleo and Caulna.

The members of both companies had joined in the festivities, after a short observation period to get the general feel of the celebration, and prevelent traditions.

As Mother of Wisdom, Father of Death took the stage for the last time on the final day of the festival, Caulna stayed close to Orleo.

Kida had a light sweat on her brow, and Marik's heart had sped up to a dangerous pace...

Orleo enjoyed Caulna's closeness, and made sure she was aware of the fact.

Marik was dead, but only the Med tech servicing him new that. Marik's young apprentice, Tyle Ash was waiting, like a son outside his room. As Marik's Last words would be delivered to him...

Kida was seated with the assembled CEO's of Black Page Publishers and they were discussing their next moves... For the glory and betterment of Psyker Bearzerkers, Two targets were primed, and the greater prize was the power that Psyker Bearzerkers would gain, the time was more than right, they had to act or else the Trolls would...


Caulna kissed Orleo lovingly as the band hit its last chord! In front of thousands of people, the band had announced that they would play at the wedding of the Nation's Mistress. Caulna blushed, as she enjoyed that band as much as any other person. The Wedding would take place in Night Glacier, her birth place, but being Grand Bearzerker, she would have the after ceremony in Black Hive, Were all Citizens were invited.

Caulna thought to herself. I've never had a wedding... Who do I need to invite? It sounded stupid and somewhat ridicules, but Caulna was a warrior, not someone who regularly attended balls and invited Xenos, to celebrate the signing of documents...

OOC: I'm gonna start a new thread, for the wedding... then i'm gonna need some good rpers if anyone wants to join, hmmmmm.... thinking thinking....

Orleo was also thinking of the wedding, and war running into much the same problem as Caulna. This would be the first wedding he'd attended, and the fact that it would be his just made it that much more difficult to anticipate planning for.