NationStates Jolt Archive

The Phoenix Empire and the Galactic Federation

are proud to host this wonderful celebration of life and new beginnings.

http://www.atddm.com/wi.11.jpg

The Primacy of the -'~'-.,__,.-*+-+*%$%*+-+*-.,__,.-'~'- ** are a sovereign people that have both their own sacrosanct systems and polities yet also hold lands and Citizenship within the Phoenix Empire. We are most happy to host this wonderful occasion.

The Bonding Celebration will be held in the famous Crystal Hall of the Imperial Palace, on Midgard in the Asgard system. Midgard is the Throne Planet of the Phoenix Empore and just three years ago saw the vast celebrations that marked the Coronation of her Imperial Majesty Dominique Evanagline Alexandra Ryder.

Once again the populace is awash in celebratory fevor as they prepare for the upcoming rituals.

And it's only to be expected!

The Principess Kiri is a great favorite empire wide, and known to all as the hostess of the ever popular Tanara's National Geographic - Explore with Me holozine broadcast. She has helmed the show for nearly a century now. Kiri, as she prefers to be called, is renown for using her people's morphic ability to take her completely inside the 'animal kingdoms'; and bring back the finest in holographic footage of their lives. In it's once a month, three hour long format she first overviews the eco system as a whole then the majority of the remainder - broken only by a 'refreshement break' - no ads - is spent with an indepth look at one animal in that ecosystem. The show and it's hostess have garnared many awards both in the entertainment field and in the scholastic field for their works.

**The Tanaran's named them Grendels, and as their native tongue is both
telepathic and unpronounceable by most throat/ mouth stuctures they shrugged and agreed to the name.

Once the capitol city of the Tanaran Empire had been the sprawling glittering city of Helevorn, it’s countless towers rising from a low, broad valley amid equally towering trees. But that was before then Secretary of Defense Dobson, and certain elements of the Tanaran military had tried to stage a single blow coupe, and failed. Their coupe de main had been to drop a nova bomb on Helevorn. The serene lake, covering nearly ten thousand square miles, that now lay where the city had, reached nearly a thousand feet into the bedrock of the continent - a bowl of black glass.

Nova Terranis, built to replace the capitol, drapes itself along one shore, a lazy crescent that covers over five thousand square miles, and nearly half that land is dedicated to parks, museums, arboretums, zoological gardens, green belts and nature zones. It matters little that the city sprawls so, as Teleportals are ubiquitous, located on every ‘corner’, and in the lobby of nearly every building. The cultural predilection for exercise- walking five miles or more a day was so common as to be unmentioned- had not been eroded by such technology- but they had made ground vehicles, especially in the major cities, nearly obsolete. But then again all ground vehicles are considered amusement items, from horse drawn carriages to lovingly kept antique cars – though all automobiles, if driven within cities must be electrical, or hydrogen powered, Only those driven solely at designated raceways can be gasoline or diesel powered. But it is a very popular past time and antique automobile racing had many dedicated practioners and followers.

In Nova Terranis there are roads still, as parades and street festivals are held there more than in any other city. But they are broad boulevards winding though the trees and city gardens with many plazas filled with fountains and statuary. Nor is Nova Terranis flat, but built over rolling hills and valleys with numerous crystalline streams and dancing waterfalls that lead to pools filled with stunningly hued fish with vast veil like fins. The capitol’s towers, often reaching five hundred floors in height, shimmer discretely among the trees by day, and glow softly with a thousand hues come nightfall.

The Imperial Palace is the focus of the city's splendors. The palace and it's grounds covers all of the nearly thirty square miles of the lushly gardened island that sits a mile off shore from the beaches of Nova Terranis. The island protected by sheer cliffs - broken here and there with small out croppings and niches- rises nearly a thousand feet from the lake's surface. The palace is everything a palace should be, and fills it role perfectly.

The best views of Nova Terranis, though, come from the Imperial Landing pad, an marvel whose support structure - seemingly a single slender strand of subtly iridescent blue metal- arcs in a gentle curve up and over the lake - topping out at just short over a mile above the cerulean waters. The pad is spacious enough to handle any shuttle, if permission is granted, though only a privileged few are allowed.

The nearest starport, Sierra Station, is immense and can handle any size craft that can enter atmosphere. And for those who prefer to dock their craft orbit-side there is the massive space station, Transfer Point, in near geo synchronous orbit above. The docks there can and do regularly handle starcraft in the multi kilometer size range. Once docked, there are many forms of transport planet side. Teleportal, shuttle, and space elevator, are all available once one has passed through Customs. And Customs is more of a formality than anything else…usually.

Like all the major systems in the Empire, the Asgard system was a ‘restricted’ system. Visiting starships arrived in-system within the Frankel Limit Zone, checked in with the nearest System Defense Fortress, received clearance and proceeded inward at what ever level clearance they had been given. Silver Level authorization was for transit inbound and out at sub light only. Gold authorization allowed for a micro jump- if the craft had the technology for such – to the orbit of Hel, then sublight from there. Platinum authorized a direct micro jump to the reserved coordinates closest to Midgard. The arrival area was a massive area of space well above the plane of the ecliptic, but arriving ships had to vacate the area promptly as there were too many inbound and out bound arrivals. However the very professionally staffed traffic tower at Transfer Point made the confusion look easy as they sorted craft into to parking zones, arranged for docking at either Transfer Point itself or one of the many other facilities, or vetted request for orbital positions.

Arriving at any where other than the Frankel Limit without prior permission and the proper codes would get a Non Empire craft blown into component atoms very tidily with an attitude of ‘solve the threat first ask questions later’ attitude. The Asgard Planetary Defense took the safety of their Empires home system Very seriously. And they had never been issued a sense of humor. This information was standard knowledge and had also been sent out with every invitation issued.

Five A.I. saw to the coordination of all space travel within the area of space that the Asgard system covered - they were needed for the Empires civilian traffic alone was immense, then you add in the Military traffic, then the None Empire traffic - the Asgard system had fifteen naturally occurring worm holes, making it a major transit point for cultures that preferred to use semi FTL craft. Then you add in the fact that the system was considered a Class 10 navigation hazard for anything using a sublight drive and one could easily see the need for the attentions of five A.I.'s.

The massive BattleShips, and Dreadnaughts - to say nothing of the ponderous, and somewhat slow but stuffed to the proverbial gills with enough firepower in each to take out, oh say, a Borg cube with one salvo -Ships of the Wall -of the Home Fleet were currently stationed on the edge of the system, out of sight but definitely not out of the minds of those responsible for the systems safety.

However the agile, fleet, and very lethal in their own right Battle Cruisers that were famous through out the Hoag Object were on full display, and rendering honors to all the arriving starcraft of other nations. Additionally they were acting as Ambassadorial and other Dignitary’s Shuttles. They possessed a complete Flag Bridge and were offering those honored guests a chance to view the extremely short trip from it's luxurious environs. To say nothing of assuring the guest's complete safety, and being an excellent diplomatic offering. Few got to see the bridge of a warship, much less a Flag Bridge and it was excellent PR for just how good an ally the Empire could be. The Empire tended to sell Battle Cruisers at cost to allies - or simply gift them outright.

"Nice to see you getting mated finally," David Zeus said to his father.

Drakomis smiled, seeing his son again. He had grown from the youngling centuries ago, to a mature and honest Jedi Leader he saw sitting before him. The Novarian sky above them, blue with a tint of purple. They sat outside a normal restaurant serving Delphinian delicacies. They hadn't ordered any food, just decided for the pure water that Delphi was so famous for. Drakomis sipped his, tasting the water that went to every corner of his body and felt new with each gulp. He smiled inwardly, concentrating on his son before him.

"You have grown, also." Drakomis chuckled softly, "Where have you been?"

David Zeus was the son of Drakomis, adopted several centuries back when every other mate/wife had died and failed to produce a child. It left Drakomis devistated, until he decided to adopt a youngling with no proper parents. It was the happiest times of David's life, to learn the ways of the Force, to learn how to be Komodren. To have a father that was always there, even when most of the time he was away on business. He was ever grateful, and duly considered Drakomis as his rightful Father.

"I've been busy," He shrugged. "Training padawans and the like."

Drakomis nodded, glad to see his son again. He looked out to the street. Old style cars, Hydrogen-based and various other eco-friendly style vehicles, zoomed past. Repulsar Cars and Rigs passed by too, but they were slower. He sighed, looking back at David.

"Want to represent my family?" Drakomis asked, David smiling and responding, "Sure."

"Good," Drakomis stood, drinking the rest of his water. "I'll see you at the reception."

The Ambassadress from the Celestial Imperia of Nova Nippon, Lady Kaminari Kitirchiba noh Yamato, and her husbands recieved their invitation and were delighted to be able to respond that 'certainly they would be honored to attend the ceremony.'

They sent a Bonding present - an exquisite carved crystal and gold dragon by one of the Imperia's most famous sculptors- on ahead and made ready for the momentous occassion. They would be representing their entire nation if the Empress and her Consort, the Sultan of Doraddi, were unable to attend.

They hoped though for a state visit from the Imperial couple . The Empress and her Consort were making a procession though the Imperia's holdings and were currently on Zhao-du, close to the border of the Imperia and the Empire. The Ambassadress expected to learn the final decission shortly.

Kiri looked out the window at the gardens and didn't really see them, though they were in fullest bloom. She was too busy wondering how her mate-to-be was faring. She hadn't seen him in several days. Mostly because she'd had to go home, into the closed Grendel lands and petition the .:*~*:. Au’mmadier, the mother of all her people. The source of all Life

Not many did any more but her family had always been traditionalist, and her father was a direct descendant. So she had gone and sung the old, old songs, ones ancient long before her people had learned any other shapes save of their own imagining. Before the stars, and those who lived on other worlds, had come a-calling and bringing such change as her people had never known.

She had sung of her life, and what she had found in the voyaging and learning. And at last of the one she would claim as her mate, her partner, in the formal Bonds. That too was unusual, for the
-'~'-.,__,.-*+-+*%$%*+-+*-.,__,.-'~'- were a mostly solitary living people, seldom making formal bonds, and leaving the raising of any offspring to the one seemingly best suited. But Kiri had grown up with the example of her very happily bonded parents, the Archprimus and his mate. And while she was young, at barely over five hundred just having come into her majority, she was an exceptional example of her people. And she knew her own mind and soul, and what she wanted out of life. And meant to have it.

Though she had never thought to find a mate in an ‘alien’ people – though, truly, to a Grendel, the ultimate Omnimorphs – ‘alien’ had no meaning.

And he the Sovereign of his people – though as the youngest daughter of the Archprimus, such a meeting had not been unlikely – though few knew the hidden subtleties of Grendel culture enough to realize that the one who held that title was the one they primarily came to with their complaints.

"Kiri, the dress is here, just one last fitting" Her mother trilled. She was delighted that her youngest was getting Bonded. Mother dearly loved a good Celebration. And she was absolutely fantastic at creating them'


Kiri turned away from the window and looked the very simple gown over and nodded pleased. Komodrens wore clothes mostly because the 'naked apes' did, and their scales meant that only the smoothest of fabrics could be used with any safety. Snags and runs from catching on scales just looked messy...

Her scales had been changing hue, from the green she had first asumed, to a very rich metalic gold with just the barest traceries in shades of green. It was a harkening back to the earliest days of the Komodren - patterning after the grasses of the prey filled savannas. Her eyes werw a darker gold with bronze and emerald flashes.

"Do you have to wear that?"
"Me Zzultan Doraddi-it ree-kwiyred."
Indigo frowned. She loved her husband dearly, but his tendency to carry an arsenal to State Affairs...
"I don't see why you feel the need to go armed to these things."
"Me no zee why de godzez zee fit to fill spayzz wid bastardzez, but if dem zztop, me will."
Indigo sighed. She did wed a troll, and trolls saw these gatherings as an excuse to attack each other. Besides, he always looked dashing in his formal garb, and rarely did security spot his weaponry, or if they did, never saw fit to mention it. As Empress of O'Kuni, she had grown used to her husband's peccadilloes. "Are you suitably armed to protect me?"
"No, but dey allreddy zed no heaffy armzez." Gerrak nuzzled her. "We gotzez tiym renew owr marriage 'nudder zizzteen yeerzez?"
The nicest thing about a troll husband, she decided, was not the doting attention and slavish devotion so much as his paranoia she'd leave him without children to make their marriage legitimate...

"We gotzez tiym renew owr marriage 'nudder zizzteen yeerzez?"

Indigo looked up at Gerrak with sparkling eyes, then with utter gentleness, pulled his head down so that her lips were very close to his ear. Her whisper was very private, meant for him alone.

And she pulled one massively clawed hand close and cupped it over her still largely still flat - for the moment - abdomen. "Practise makes perfect... Daddy"

She then yelped delightedly as immensely strong arms scooped her up and whirled her about. Indigo loved seeing Gerrak smile. And she really did love his protective streak.

Though she found she was a little hungry.

Gerrak hrooned softly, speaking to his children as they formed in his wife's womb.--Little ones, I have only made your mother an Empress-you have made her Sultana of Doraddi and a Clan Mother. Already you outdo your father--
Since coming into her kami heritage, Indigo spoke Shadowspeech fluently, and gave a start. "Little ones?" she asked.
"Yu need meat-me hunt fur liddel wunzzez zzoon 'nuff, but me getzez meat now." He shoved his massive shaggy head out the door and bellowed:"MEAT! NOW!"
She had only heard him use that voice of command once before-as she recalled, he'd eaten a general who disobeyed her mother, the Lady Tetsuko right after, but his demeanor was that of the doting husband fully now as he swept her up. "Me dawter eat me zzon den yu if we no feed zzoon. Imps eatzez lotzez wen dey formin'." He spun with her, crooning half to her, and half to the children. "Zzoon, we goezzez to Lodril, let Gran'pa Moorgarki know dat new clan rules now. Me kallzez yu mom an' zzizzter, let dem know dat Clan Indigo is begun! May haff to storm Rajin' Hell zzo Zorak Zoran know Aiko be wid yu fur dizz, an' zzkrew him curzze 'til Clan izz tugedder before Furst Mom."
"We do have a wedding to attend..." Indigo reminded her husband calmly.
"Let dem get own kidzzez. We married now! Powzie! fur effer'wun!" he hooted and clacked excitedly, his stomach heaving with the great belly-laugh of true trollish joy. "Gotz zzend mezzzzage tu Firefox an' Jade-liddel wunzzez need god-parentzzez-an' den kall Humbaba an' Jhor-dem onkelzez now!"

One in such a customer orientated business cannot afford even the merest hint of a slight at such an important occasion, especially for national leaders, as this. Trevor Desorté, the CEO himself of the Garbage Men would attend. As a gift he brought one of the rare and exquiste things that he found, well, his crews found.

No one really knew what it was but it looked magnificent, it was a ball of swirling energies scans had shown there was nothing harmful about it in the slightest, it merely looked amazing, unlike anything he had seen before.

However personally weddings such as this reminded him of his faults, he was unable to have children, no matter who he went to or how many times he had tried he was unable to form any progeny of his own. This was an open secret and subject of many rumours. Speculations and back door dealings, it was unsure what would happen to the corporation if he died without an heir, but it certainly not going to be pretty.

Trevor himself would be clothed fairly bland outfit, outstaging the couple would be a major faux pas that could have major commercial affects for his company, however the fabric to Trevor seemed light, almost as if it wasn't there. He was comfortable in his own skin and only dressed because it wasn't socially acceptable to be naked in many parts of the universe.

Adam Smith sighed and adjusted his bow tie for what felt like the thirtieth time. He was here as the personal representitive of the Alversian People's Republic, their main Ambassador. He was here for the wedding between two of Alversia's allies. The Tanaran Empire and the Anagonian Federation. For now, he was making an appearance to ensure that both knew that Alversia blessed this marriage.

He could see a variety of people milling around from a combination of planets and Empires. His mind drifted, as ever to his Sister, to what she might be doing and where she was.

Emperor Foxfire Rose, Ruler of the Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia, sighed and shifted uncomfortably.
"Please try not to move, Your Majesty."
Foxfire's intelligent yellow eyes studied the white and silver robed servant applying clasps of armor to his shoulders. The kitsune was named Riley, and he was the personal servant and close friend of the Emperor's. His naturally gray hair and fur was rendered silver by the light, and orange eyes were intent on his work. They stood in the room afforded by their hosts, the Tanarans, inside a gigantic walk-in closet.

"Your Excellency?" Riley moved to the other side of the closet, maneuvering a full length mirror to show the Foxfire in all his glory. He was dressed in light-colored formal clothing with a breast plate of silver cortosis armor covering his chest. The armor had three green engraved symbols on the front in a triangle formation: A black hexagram on the bottom left, a eye on the bottom right, and a strange black and white circle (http://www.1voyage.com/chine/images/ying-yang.jpg) at the point. On the top of the Emperor's head two life-sized orange fox ears sprouted, and behind him could be seen a large, rust colored fox tail. Foxfire nodded, and now Riley stood behind the Emperor, parting the long red hair at his back to place his hand on the back of the armor, murmuring words, and a moment later it sealed tight.

"Now for the robes..." Riley leafed though the racks of clothing, which was mainly robes. The Emperor gave a long-suffering sigh but smiled. "Ah, the robes."
Foxfire Rose, before he had been elected Emperor-for-Life, had been a farm boy, then a scholar, then a soldier. He was a man of wearing whatever clothes were the most comfortable at the time. So three hours seemed a bit extreme to fit him into all the finery his staff told was befitting of the Imperial Majesty of Xiscapia.
What he wouldn't give for a T-shirt and pants, or even his battle armor, over the bloody robes!
But diplomacy and events such as this demanded only the best, and that was what Foxfire Rose intended to give.
OOC: Post more later.

Admiral Zephra sighed as she ducked her head down towards the sink, picking up the water in her furred paws before raising it up and letting it run down her muzzled face. She was a Selac, a race of humanoids that looked like a fennec fox but with a stronger, more flexible tail and senses far beyond those of most humanoids. She, along with a Drag'lock body guard, were given the choice to go to the wedding in place of Grand Admiral Trilano who was busy handling a diplomatic matter.

It was natural for her to be selected, as she was his most trusted Admiral despite not being of the Sertian race. She first gained notoriety over twenty years ago when she, as with many others, were apart of his crusade into the main galaxy against the United Resistance. There, despite being a mere pilot she assumed control of the ship she was on after the commander had died from a Phase turret. She managed to keep everyone in order and even lead the destroyer to break the United Resistance's defenses.

However, despite her loyalty, skill, and uniqueness, she despised weddings and was surprised she even accepted the invitation on behalf of the Empire, but she realized that if she didn't go, someone less capable would have had to go in her place - and it was important that the the Sertian Empire create as many contacts or alliances as possible in this galaxy...

"Is it... really that bad?" came the question of her bodyguard, a Drag'lock soldier that had been by her side ever since the battle where she first became a Commander. He wore what amounted to a high tech jungle outfit, complete with Emprium shield gauntlets, metallic fiber loin cloth and cloak, and several blades of various sizes made from a material his race kept secret from the Empire, but alas all were hidden underneath his cloak. Unfortunately, given the request of their hosts, he was unable to bring the, what would be to a normal humanoid claymores, but to the three meter tall Drag'locks amounted to a long sword.

"Just, don't bring it up," she sighed, finishing a last wave of water over her face before grabbing the mantle of her ceremonial armor. The metal mantle which locked into the shoulders of her red and gold armor resembled the leading edge of a wing, which completed the appearance of the cloak with a mighty symbol of a phoenix protecting the wearer of the diplomatic armor. It was perhaps one of the highest symbols of status within the Empire, Admirals who wore it were signaled as having won the favor of the Emperor itself. Zephra was perhaps the only Selac to be bestowed such an honor, and it was an armor that her healthy but also shapely body wore well.

Forgoing the helmet, and choosing not to draw upon the pool of jealousy that caused her to loathe such weddings, the Selac turned and walked away from the bathroom and towards the other side of the suite, and once there pulled out a exDIW from her bag. It wasn't much of a weapon, not even comparable to the shotgun sized version that was being tested for active duty. This one looked more like a heavy pistol and carried only enough ion energy to act as a level of a taser... a taser that could be focused to a strong enough spark to take down even the drag'lock that was guarding her, "Come on Frileck. We might as well be sociable..."

Stocking the nonlethal weapon against the magnetic holster of her right thigh the admiral moved to leave the room with her gigantic draconic humanoid guard following a few steps behind.

Drakomis stood in the room, empty, vacant. Nothing was here, barren walls, and nothing adorned him, for his body naked to the privacy. Nothing to glimpse from human standards, for all Komodren displayed smooth bodies that hid well the privacy of their organs internally. His scales did a magnificent job of distracting anyone who dared glimpse, though he wouldn't mind the gesture at this moment. For before him was nothing expect the darkish blue of the moonlight from the only viewport, above nothing but smooth ceiling of metal that continued in a reasonable space. For this area was bare, empty, like Drakomis himself. He had to be, he must be, else he would not survive the Rav't'ka.

It was an ancient ritual of the Komodren, brought about eons ago to display ones prowess and ability to dominate all possible aggression. It was the ritual Drakomis had been through three separate times before, having to fight for the glory of the gods, having to display how worthy he was before he closest companion whom he must mortally fight. It was a ritual designed to either kill, or make the male that would take on the female, for the purpose of proving that the male was worthy of the female should the bonding be disputed. Three times had his closest companion kept to the traditions of Drakomis' ancestors, and disputed the claim. Three times had Drakomis failed, spared only by the kindness that the champion of the ritual chose either to give, or take.

It was Drakomis' belief that each and every time he mated someone, and failed this ritual, they had died because the gods had not seen him fit. He had done his meditations for three days, and three nights, according to the ancient ways of the Rav't'ka, to make himself ready for the challenge, to prepare himself for combat. He would be wounded, he would bleed, he could possibly die this time for his mistake of mating again. So he closed his eyes, and held the lightsaber. It was of ritual for the male to hold his chosen weapon, so long as it was his. And this weapon was Drakomis', was the extension of his will, was in every context as much a part of him as it was separate. And he ignited it, the sound of the blade summoned to life thrilling his senses.

The Darkness before him as he opened his eyes, as naked as he. Instead of the Dark Side consuming, now fire of some long-lost faith surrounding Melkos Unchanos and his skeletal form. The Fire acting as skin, showing a body so ancient and forgotten by history. Perhaps a Fire Demon would be appropriate to this, the red eyes blazing above the red skin, looking like a layer of the sun. Yet the room did not shine with the gaze, for it was not light, just Darkness that consumed Drakomis' closest companion. The Dark Lord of the Sith had, for three times, challenged Drakomis' right to mate, to be happy, and cursed his mates death. Drakomis used this anger to prepare himself, Melkos summoning forth a Fire Blade with crackling intensity. From here he could feel the heat. Melkos positioned, the fire responding, revealing a form more Barbarian like, the hair free and flaming as if a sign of the winds of destiny.

And then it began. Melkos, roaring in defiance at Drakomis' willingness to challenge his superior, rushed forth in the flames of time. Drakomis responded by twisting through the waterfall, his tail gently crashing the waters in a slow motion as his right foot came first in the twist, his second landing, his entire form coming to the solid rock, blocking the Flames of Time in mid-rush. The eyes of the Barbarian before him grew intense, and the heat danced on the reptilian skin of the Komodren. For a moment, they gazed, Drakomis primal gaze telling of defiance, while Melkos' barbaric eyes told nothing but the kill to come. And so they parted, according to the erupting mountain, flames consuming the duo in a fireball as each fell back, then rushed forward in the ways of magma, consuming all in their path.

Sword slash after saber parry, again and again. Drakomis gaining ground, Melkos loosing then gaining back. Not one hit, yet the fatigue was sitting in. Even to a beast with two hearts, Drakomis was tiring. Even a creature kept together by the Dark Side of the Force, Melkos tired as a mortal should. Then they parted for the last bout, after hours of consuming each others hatred by attempting to end the others existence. For it was the way of the Rav't'ka, to be killed or kill, to gain the honor of the bond or fail to uphold the ancient laws set forth by the gods. And so it was that they stood, opposite at each end of the room, blades in ready, positions that of the raging Dragon, to end all that is and was. So Drakomis acted first, and summoned the Force. Melkos countered, summoning the hellfire of the darkness. And together they lunged towards each other, Drakomis roaring for the final kill, Melkos raging in madness from the Dark Side.

Flames streaked with such length that they scorched the walls and ceiling behind Melkos, and the Force so strong that each section of wall crumbled with each step that Drakomis took. It was a magnificent display of battle, of two parties as strong as each, taking unto each other for the kill. And their weapons clashed, and were knocked jointly from the combatants hands from the force of the impact, and their bodies slammed into each other as their arms reached and defied the touch, starting to martial kill the next.

Drakomis twisted, his leg in a high kick as he hit home at the side of Melkos' flaming form. Melkos countered, grabbed the leg quickly, twisted Drakomis with such force he acted like a spinning wheel in zero gravity. Yet Drakomis would not be defeated, for he summoned the force, righted for a split second to slam his free foot into the chest of the Barbarian Warrior, sending him back a few paces as Drakomis landed on all fours, flipped, then stance on two legs. Melkos roared, slamming his palms together, summoning the fires of eternity, and sending the fireball of suns at Drakomis. The reptilian warrior roared back, summoning the Force, making a motion as he twirled his hands in the fashion of the Warring Eagle, then deflected the fireball to the wall as it exploded in a great blast blinding the room.

When it came to, seconds later, Drakomis held the Barbarians leg, flipped him, then kicked hard against the back so as to slam him to the wall. The impact hurt Melkos, but he recovered, gazing back as his eyes flared, and his jaws set part to reveal the skeletal mouth, fire shooting forth in the ways of Dragons Breath. Drakomis was not ready, and consumed to pain as he was forced against the opposite wall, his scales feeling of fire, of pain, as he dodged the blunt in time as his body was sent to the side wall by the resulting explosion. His beautiful scales, once majestic, now dull by the fire, some looking melted in fashions. The Komodren Fighter decided to end this, now, before he would be killed and not mated. Yet the Barbarian was already in front, coming down with a killing blow, just in time as Drakomis' tail deflected enough of the Force so as to twist his frame, and in the fashion of the leaping Tiger, clamp his primal reptilian jaws around Melkos' neck, and with such muscles there easily slam his entire body against the wall, snapping the neck.

For a moment, two claws hands held the dying fires of Melkos Unchanos, then Drakomis released. For now he had won, dropping the body, roaring in victory, proclaiming dominance as he but decided to spare the life of his friend. And all at once, the realm of Melkos Unchanos came to, and he stood as his brethren in arms roared his victory. Melkos' form now of a cloaked dark figure, hidden with two red eyes from the hood gazing, now from the other side of the room. Drakomis turned, huffing in defiance, huffing as if to say he was nothing, and then he stood straight, walking just a few paces, clasping his hands in solitude, and bowing.

So graceful this bow that his scales seemed to turn majestic again, an energy flowing around him, touching him. For here, both Melkos and Drakomis bowed to each other, both feeling the energy of the blessing, and both returning to the forms of the Barbarian of Fire, and the Komodren Warrior. They bowed, not because they had to, but because they were Comrades, brothers, and forever at each others side. They bowed, not because it was ritual, but because now the blessing of the gods for the future was in Drakomis' hands, and Melkos had finally completed the task of pruning out the weak, and creating the strongest Komodren to live in the stars. For now, blessings upon the Komodren Warrior whom had a mate, blessings upon the Guardian of the King whom fought, for the Komodren had completed the Rav't'ka, and now worthy to be the male, the provider, the keeper, the mate of his chosen female.

So it was, as Drakomis came from the bow, standing his full seven foot and some odd inch height. The light from the moon, and the burning metal, made his scales seem healthier than they were. Finally, he smiled, speaking. "An excellent fight, Melkos."

Melkos Unchanos grinned, with the fire acting as his muscles. His body bright, not even a scratch. He stood close to seven foot, if only to appear equal to his brother before him. After a moments pause, he responded. "I was honored to finally help you complete the Rav't'ka." Melkos spoke the ritual name as if his language, which was proper in all things. Drakomis grinning, however amused, as Melkos motioned for the door, "You should get ready."

Drakomis nodded, understanding. "I shall." He paused, looking at the moons glow. "Is my son already there?"

Melkos bowed his head as if to say yes, looking at the same glow, amused as he gazed at the room how much damage had been done. "He is."

"Then I shall dress properly," Drakomis sighed as if fatigued, "for I doubt my scales so burned will appease my wife." He started toward the door, then looked back. "Of course, once she sees what trouble I went through to earn her, she might kill me herself."

And they began to laugh, as one, knowing the battle was now over and walking towards the exit of the Ritual Room. Metallic panels, either melted or crumbled, began to fall to the floor in various and humorous ways all around them. Almost as if a part of Drakomis' past was finally resolved, over, and properly dealt with. He left there feeling better, knowing he now completed his rights, knowing that he was finally happy.

But now there was the issue of the wedding. Whatever would we wear?

The Crystal Hall, an elongated octagon shaped structure was not the largest of the Palaces many 'public' spaces - the vast Golden Room, currently having the final touches put on it for the Formal Ball, had that distinction - but it was one of the most glamorous reception rooms, and perhaps the most unique.

It sat hovering just above the surface of a small sublimely clear lake - the lake's azure waters were filled with hundreds of veil finned, brightly hued fish. Discrete lighting highlighted some of the underwater decor, sculpture filled grottos, freshwater coral reefs, and everywhere the glorious gleaming scaled fish...because the underwater paradise could be seen through the Halls crystal clear floor. And the lake with it’s surrounding garden of the rare Phoenix Roses, in full riotous bloom could be seen thought the crystal clear walls...and the glories of the oncoming sunset...through the walls and the equally nearly transparent ceiling some three hundred feet overhead...
One can say only nearly transparent, for the crystal was actually diamond, sliced from the largest diamond ever found. The nearly flawless core had been roughly two hundred and twenty feet long by one hundred and fifty feet wide, resulting in the Halls octagonal shape.

The astonished asteroid miner, one of the original colonists of the Empire, who’d stumbled across it had been canny enough to know that he couldn’t sell it, it would have destroyed the market. So he had ‘gifted’ it to the government in return for enough funds to make him a Noble House in one generation. His last name had been Hexx…

The government hadn’t known what to do with such an immensity either. So the stone had left in camouflaged in orbit with several discrete transponder markers, secret and all but forgotten for over a thousand years, until it had been remembered and used to build the Crystal Hall. And slicing that big a diamond hadn’t been easy, but the Tanarans were nothing if not inventive, and stubborn…

The corners, where each wall met, were delineated by incised embellishments, inlaid with gold, garnets, titanium, orachalcum and other precious minerals and metals, all in stylized phoenix motifs. Translucent rose hued sheer curtains were drawn back and tied with heavy gold tassels. Here and there were tall arrangements of white roses and other flowers, entrancing with small clusters of fairly lights to highlight a rare flower or a metallic embellishment. Some stood nearly fifteen foot tall, but none were very wide. They had been used as a accent pieces and to help demark the more private seating alcoves…

The center was open for mingling, but along the sides, an assortment of seating arrangements made for more private settings. There were no buffet table, but countless uniformed servants would circulate with drinks and finger food. Music from a small orchestra located on a mid level balcony swirled softly through the room.

A broad veranda made also from the diamond, surrounded the glittering Crystal Hall. Catwalk style balconies set at the same level as the orchestra could be reached through several floating helical stairways-marvels of precision antigrav as each step was held up independently of any link to the others above or below, each broad step, wide enough for three abreast, was covered thick, deep pile carpeting of richest crimson and outlined in gold fairy lights.

Near the ceiling, rising and dipping at the command of their integral computers, spheres- globe maps of the various planets of the Empire -hovered, giving off soft, variously hued radiances that allowed one to see clearly without having to strain, but throwing no hard shadows or spotlight effects.

The overall lighting was subdued, not directed save at the primary entry…where three wide steps led down and Porthos waited at the top to announce each guest as they arrived. There a spotlight, but again softly muted not glaring, would highlight each party as he announced them.

Three women swept into the Crystal Hall, each one a picture of grace and power. They had been announced in regal tone by Porthos (http://www.atddm.com/porthos.gif) the Palaces very special C.S.

The Dowager Empress, the Phoenix Empire’s first Empress, Lady Michiko Jones (http://www.atddm.com/michiko.jpg), now the reigning Empress’s Personal Envoy was in the center. On her left was The General, WarMistress M. Merideth Hexx, Captain of the Regiment (http://www.atddm.com/mmx1a.gif), head of all the Phoenix Empires Military. To Michiko’s right was Mm’rrr’ll (http://www.atddm.com/mirrelle.jpg), the Xa Cz’inni Mother of Memory.

They were trailed by Richard Albert Cromwell (http://www.atddm.com/race3.jpg) the fifth, better known to all and sundry as simply Race. He’d worn his Jedi robes, comfortable and elegant in the soft brown and cream outfit, though he’d long officially resigned from the Order long ago. Along side him paced Mm’rr’ll’s adult chikdren, Warmaster, Scholar Harr'llun ah'tah mah' Noh Varrr'nn and Admiral Lady Camelöke'wen ah'tah Noh Varrr'nn.

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Ambassador Smith of Alversia & M.Merideth Hexx

The General, WarMistress M. Merideth Hexx, Captain of the Regiment was radiant in a very sensual irridescent blush rose toille silk evening gown (http://www.atddm.com/evening150.jpg) that hugged every curve and ended in a peacocks tail demitrain. Minimal but exquisite jewelry adorned her at the throat and wrist - pale Thuleian ice rubies and much deeper rose hued diamonds shimmered in settings of platinum.

She wore this specific gown deliberately. She’d worn it on the night she and Ambassador Smith of Alversia had met, at Dominique’s Coronation. They had both been so busy that in the following months they had barely had a chance to commo one another much less meet, but she hope to remedy that situation tonight.

"Adam" she called as she spied him already arrived and headed straight for him, a welcoming smile lighting her face.

The group broke up as eash saw guests they knew and headed off to greet them.

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CEO Trevor Desorté & Lady Michiko Jones

Michiko noticed the C.E.O. of the Garbage Men, Trevor Desorté, standing by himself and headed over to introduce herself "Mister Desorté, I'm Michiko Jones, ambassadeur extraordinaire et plénipotentiaire." Her smile was warm and genuinely welcoming " We haven't had a chance to welcome you to Tanara and also the UGF yet and I know that Dominique would love to meet you." She looked over to where several simple highbacked and comfortably cushioned chairs had been discretely placed and nodded to the tall Titan haired woman who had just arrived - with no fanfare.

"Do you have a moment?" She asked. Michiko was wreathed in a gown that seemed made of purest light, that hid nothing and yet left everything delightfully mysterious. Her subtle perfume was reminescent of sandalwood peppered with myrrh and suited her perfectly. Clothing was decidedly optional in the Empire, but it was fun to wear and the Dowager Empress had a style all her own.

A rich, booming laugh accompanied by a giggling like the tinkling of bells announced them long before they appeared, the stunning Empress of O'Kuni being carried by her monstrous guard-beast, who glided down the hall in intricate steps dictated by a Goddess older than Time, the two of them rapt in their own little world. Before entering, Gerrak set Indigo down, and delicately took her arm in proper courtly fashion. His feathered cloak and jeweled harness made him seem from a different age entirely, and he bowed deep to Porthos. "Me prezzentzzez de Clan Mudder uv de Indigo Clan, de Indigo uv Indigo, Zzultana Doraddi." he informed the herald. "Me dinkzzez zzhe haff backwadder title or tu, alzzo..."
She cuffed him lightly, and the two became lost in each other's eyes...

Music to love by (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5Vza8dhROM)

His wife, the recently crowned Empress of the Celestial Imperia of Nova Nippon, was a slim woman a little over five and a half foot tall, and his massive build – the Muri are trolls of great size and strength and Gerrak was eight foot of broad, dense muscle hiding one of the finest minds in the galaxy – was a perfect foil for her delicate dark haired beauty.

She managed to wrench her eyes from his long enough to make it very clear that HE was the Sultan of Doraddi, the Heir to the Voivode of Pamaltela, and most importatnly, the Father of Her Children.

Then she fell back into his eyes, silently thanking both Zorak Zorani and the OmiKami for him.

Porthos blinked, smiled and with perfect deportment announced them. And made sure that Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Dominique, knew of the joyous news.

"There, your Excellency. Finished."
The Emperor restrained himself and took another look at the mirror. Ironically, despite all the time and effort, the only thing that looked different was that his robes were forest green rather than red or blue. What had taken so long was the armor underneath, and the number of wards Riley had placed over the clothes that protected Foxfire Rose from much physical harm. The robes were the ones worn specifically to weddings, as opposed to robes worn to funerals, robes worn to diplomatic conferences on foreign worlds, robes worn to war, robes worn to peace, the list went on. The Emperor had been bemused by the size of his closet when he first came to the Palace, but he had worn so many different robes it was ridiculous.

Still, they were finally done.
"This is good, Riley." The Emperor nodded in satisfaction, picking up his katana and strapping it to his belt inside the robes. "Do you know how Jade is coming?"
"No, My Lord, I don't." the servant shook his head. "She's in her own closet, still getting ready as well I suppose."
"Ah," the Emperor looked at the door leading to Jade's room. "How long has she been in there?"
"Over four hours, Your Majesty."
"Great Qonn. Well, I don't believe she'll come out soon, so I think I will take a look around. Vanadict and Vorn reported this Palace splendid, and apparently the view from one of the lifts is extraordinary."

Several minutes later...
The Emperor stepped serenly into what seemed to be some sort of side room, a box attatched to the side of the Palace that was a ornate living room with a breath-taking view out of the Palace and over the lake outside. He sat and just gazed out for a moment, before turning his head and looking around curiously. "Porthos?" he asked quietly, wondering if the C.S. he had heard so much about would respond.

"Adam"

Smith turned upon hearing his name and his face lit up at the figure before him,
"Merideth!" He called and headed over to see her. Smith had been Ambassador for Alversia for many many months but his initial appearance had been an interesting one. He had collapsed before the crowning of the new Empress.
He glanced up and down taking in every detail appearance,
"What have you been doing recently" he laughed.

CEO Trevor Desorté & Lady Michiko Jones

Michiko noticed the C.E.O. of the Garbage Men, Trevor Desorté, standing by himself and headed over to introduce herself "Mister Desorté, I'm Michiko Jones, ambassadeur extraordinaire et plénipotentiaire." Her smile was warm and genuinely welcoming " We haven't had a chance to welcome you to Tanara and also the UGF yet and I know that Dominique would love to meet you." She looked over to where several simple highbacked and comfortably cushioned chairs had been discretely placed and nodded to the tall Titan haired woman who had just arrived - with no fanfare.

"Do you have a moment?" She asked. Michiko was wreathed in a gown that seemed made of purest light, that hid nothing and yet left everything delightfully mysterious. Her subtle perfume was reminescent of sandalwood peppered with myrrh and suited her perfectly. Clothing was decidedly optional in the Empire, but it was fun to wear and the Dowager Empress had a style all her own.

It was a chance for him just to soak up the atmosphere, a look into Tanaran and Xiscapian culture for himself. The fish in the stunning lake below made him smile, and having known at least some of the backstory for this Crystal Hall, he had absorbed himself in, able to see and recognise the sheer natural beauty that diamond would of been. He also felt sorry for the poor sod who had to get this thing out of the ground.

Many people passed around him, most were involved within their personal grouping, until Lady Jones, approached him. "Ma'am" he replied to her introduction it, "I've been looking forward to meeting someone from your governement, though I wasn't expecting them to be as enchanting as you." This was followed by a deep bow.

"I don't have anything that would clash with doing a little bit of business." He replied to her question about having a moment, this was intriguing though he was ready for this, weddings and funerals were notorious for political dealings behind the celebration of the union, or mourning a loss.

He would go by her side with her towards the cushion chairs, what was it that she wanted? Surely he'd find out soon enough.

Gerrak hovered over Indigo solicitously, looking over the Grand Hall. "Azzrel-ya luv dizz." he said, "Kood be zzhriyn to her if muzzhroomzzez planted. Dere fud-me getzzez zum fur yu."
He settled her into a cushion chair, and swiftly returned with a platter he'd piled high, offering her choice tidbits with chopsticks along with exhortations to eat. When Porthos announced Firefox Rose, Gerrak asked Indigo, "Yu wan tell him or shud me? Be gud we azzk himzzez now to prezzent owr kidzzez to Furst Mom and Moorgarki."

Emperor Foxfire Rose & Porthos

"Porthos?"

A hologram shimmered to life, and bowed "Yes Your Imperial Majesty. How may I be of assistance?"
Porthos was no ordinary C.S., a Cybernetic Sentience, if any of them could be called something so limiting as 'ordinary'.

At fifteen he had designed the Palace that now served as his chosen 'body'. For he had been dieing of a disease that not even the incredibly advanced medical knowledge of the Xa Cz'inni could cure. And to honor him, his accomplishment, his life- as he had once put it to Madame Vanadict, the Xizcapian Emperor's personal Ambassador 'When my human body couldn't sustain me amy longer the Xa were kind enough put me into a Valthusian Entechly Matrix. The me that I am, my soul, I'd guess if you are religious, gets to stay here and watch over what I somehow worked into a pleasing whole. And yet though any cybernetic interface I can be anywhere, seeing though any camera, scanner, or other sensor should I chose. I get to look like what ever I choose, and I don't have to walk to get there.'

http://www.atddm.com/bar3.gif

Adam & Merideth

"What have you been doing recently"

Merideth held out her hands for a hug and laughed " Let's see... Sending off a gift," She spoke of the Gun Orbs that had been gifted to Xiscapis, Alversia, and Neo Kirisubo... preparing for a war, unpreparing for a war, helping devise a response that didn't involve the military, and am now watching a minor fracas" She look her head - the situation between Calaveras and Greal wes difficult. And had nearly put Tanara in a bind bewtween her oldest Allies from outside the Celestial Ring and the UGF. Well one nation of the UGF, the TFU who had been raising a stink about the probablility of being caught in the middle.

That had been the TFU's own fault, and the Tanaran's weren't about to desert their long time allies just to spare the TFU the trouble it had put itself in.

"But enough of that. You are looking incredibly handsome and very Ambassadorial. How are things at the Embassy?"

http://www.atddm.com/bar3.gif

CEO Trevor Desorté & Lady Michiko Jones


Returning his bow with a deep, graceful curtsey, Michiko's smile brought her dimples and her emerald eyes twinkled at his flattery.

"I don't have anything that would clash with doing a little bit of business."

"Oh no business, not really" She demured as led him over to where the other lady sat quietly watching every one else enjoy themselves. The moment she noticed the pair headed her way she watched with steady, observant eyes, a small smile on her lips.

"Dominique, I'd like you to meet Trevor Desorté. Trevor this is Dominique Ryder (http://www.atddm.com/off1.jpg)." Michiko made the introductions. Trevor was getting one of his first lessons in Tanaran manners. The more informal they were the more comfortable they felt around you, the more they liked you.

The Komodren gazed at himself in the mirror, his scales a mixture of dark green and orange. These were hidden features of himself, which unlike his father he didn't allow to be seen. He was shy, despite the fact that his species did not harbor the guilt that most humanoids did. He didn't know why. In the privacy of this room, he felt nothing. Perhaps because he was alone, or perhaps because he did not need to be shy. And so he grabbed the the scale-mail chest plate, personally using his abilities in the Force to couple the straps, for he knew how to place them. Then he adorned the wrist guards, the leg guards, and those things that hid his features behind the armor.

And so, after his tail was properly adorned near the tip where it met his scaled back, hidden by the scale-mail, protected by mail, that he grabbed the helmet and placed it upon his head. He looked like a wandering adventurer from some kind of fantasy game, the armor polished silver, no insignia's on it, just exposing the ancient past that was so in tuned with the present. And finally, as he strapped the leather belt that held his silver short sword, he believed himself ready.

The armor itself was presented as sets of metal scales, latched together, all polished silver. The leather straps holding the chest plate to the Komodren's chest went around, clamping easily, where there was a back set of scale-mail with interlinking scale-links that protected the vulnerable spine. The shoulder plates were polished, strapped by brown leather links to the scale-mail chest plate as it extended down the Komodrens well muscular arms, hidden behind interlinking mail, with only a elbow guard strapped between the upper and lower arm. From there, the waist, which was held to by the leather belt holding the unceremoniously fashioned short-sword. Below that the interlinking scale links extended to hide the waist, where the lower half of the armored suit took over with grieves of interlinking scales for the thighs, mixed with knee guards strapped by brown leather, and below that mail-links that protected the lower legs which bent very reptilian like.

According to tradition, the feet talons and claws were not protected, for those were for killing. The helmet the Komodren fashioned protected his back half of his scaled head, a link of armor passing down the top of his snout to his nostrils, allowing the eyes from the side of his head to be seen as the lower half of the helmet protected the ear-holes and neck with mail links. As the mirror claimed, he looked no one of importance, even as his lightsaber was hilted on the other side of the leather belt per Order regulations. This is what David Zeus intended, to not be seen as important, to just be seen as some other guardsman or other dignitary of non-importance.

It wasn't for the fact of disrespect, no. Anagonians tended to not be flashy in any respect, and when they wore ceremonial armor or anything of the like, it usually fashioned around robes or elegant dresses lacking the beauty of official things. And so he turned, his armor gently clinking, the mail sliding against the scale-mail. He turned and left the privacy of the room, and headed for the Crystal Hall.

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

Perhaps it was the shyness of the moment, or the fact that he didn't like large gatherings. Either way he stood himself, at this juncture in the halls heading to the Crystal Hall, finding a wall to lean on, and sighed in relief. The armor was by no means heavy, nor uncomfortable. This was just the day, of all things, that he would have another female to call Mother. He grew tired of the ritual, seeing them die eventually by perplexing causes. His father had assured him of his worries, stating they were false. David never had a true mother, but he understood his place in things. He was not a proper youngling to his race anymore, even at eight-hundred and sixty three. He was a mature male, not mated to anyone, having the future of his rightful position as Grand Master of the Jedi Order at his placings.

He sighed again, using the Force as his Ally, his calm, his spirit to quell his emotions and feelings. If his father believed this day different, then so be it. He would accept that. He must accept it, for it was the way of things. He raised himself from the wall, going to the juncture in the halls, and stood there as his head turned, his claw on the hilt of his shortsword, as he gazed at two beings heading his way. One looked like a fox-creature of sorts, which David couldn't see at the distance provided. The other was clad in some armor, and he couldn't describe it as this distance either. He turned, facing them, sliding to the side in case they decided to pass him. He helt his hand on the shortsword without thinking, it was natural in this stance and armor.

He inclined his head, and spoke. "Hail there, are you heading to the Crystal Hall as I am?"

OOC:

I can only post once a day Sertian, lol. I tried to guess the other, perhaps a dragon-like creature, but either way I decided it best to mingle in talks before I introduced David to the hall.

"Yes Your Imperial Majesty. How may I be of assistance?"
"Ah, Porthos, I have heard much about you from Ambassador's Vanadict and Vorn. All good things, I assure you, but I wanted to take this opportunity in person and in private to extend my heartfelt thanks in making their stay here enjoyable. After all, Ambassador Vorn did come back a changed kitsune, and he felt that he had you to thank in some way for that, making things easier for him and Lady Marisol to get to know each other. However, I wish to know if you have been informed as to the exact date and time the wedding is to commence, as our own information is slightly...muddled." Foxfire smiled serenely.
Halls...
Empress Jade had finally clothed herself to her satisfaction, and she now glided though the many corridors and rooms of the Palace, on her way to the Crystal Hall, where she had been told many diplomats and dignitaries were gathering. The female kitsune wore dark white robes, offset by the silver chain adorning her neck with a cold sapphire hanging off it. Her deep purple hair had been let down and the only other jewelry she wore was a silver ring with a emerald in it, her wedding ring from the Emperor, back before either had been rulers of an entire nation.
"Hail there, are you heading to the Crystal Hall as I am?"
The moment the being before her had shunted to the side of the hall and grabbed the hilt of his sword, a single figure appeared behind Jade. It was dressed in black armor over the entire body, almost like a medieval knight, and a dark gauntleted hand rested lightly on the hilt of it's black katana sword. Jade made no such movements, merely tilted her head slightly, and the armored kitsune behind her vanished once more.

"Sorry about that," she smiled apologetically and bowing, "the Black Guards tend to be a tad jumpy. Yes, I am going to the Crystal Hall, my name is Jade." She did not attach her title to her name, there was no need for such a display of arrogance to what seemed to be a guard or perhaps escort from one of the other powers here. The abrupt appearance from the Guard alone should be enough to let him know he was dealing with one of status, anyway. "Your name is...?" Jade asked warmly.

However, I wish to know if you have been informed as to the exact date and time the wedding is to commence, as our own information is slightly...muddled."

Porthp's genial smile widened at the compliment as he murmured that he hoped that Marisol and Vorn were getting along well. Then he tried to explain the upcoming event.

"It's not a 'traditional human style wedding' It is more an announcement of their private pairbonding and accepting each other as worthy mates. I have not spoken to his Majesty King Drakomis, but I have had many long conversations with the Principallia, Kiri's mother, about Grendel rituals. She's honored myself and Marisol with information about some of their oldest rituals. The Grendel use what we call the Force to power their morphing ability you know, useing it on an instinctual level, and their core ritual is a daul 'thanks giving' to the Light...." He continued with the brief explaination and concluded with ...

"And so they might exchange some vows as some do but then again they might not. It's rather a free form gathering of those that wish them well. Though..." his voice went conspiratorial "if you happen to know someone nice and unattached, shove them in Dominique's direction. She's manasged to get the 'High and Low'" He spoke of the two governmental bodies that acted as advisory counicls/ legislative generating bodies. "Off her back, but I think everyone would be happier if she had a family."

Porthos was an absolute romantic. "Oh! And The Sultana and Sultan of Doraddi...have a Very Important Announcemet to make, but I won't spoil it. That was another thing Portos loved - a secret and he was surprizingly good at keeping them when it was necessary.

"But enough of that. You are looking incredibly handsome and very Ambassadorial. How are things at the Embassy?"

Smith laughed and embraced her in a tight hug,
"Oh you know!" He said happily in response to the compliment, "Have to show the Republic in a good light. I wouldn't be much of a Representitive otherwise would I?" He was also blushing slightly,

"I have to say you're looking especially stunning yourself" There was a pause before Smith coughed and changed the subject,
"We haven't been doing much, just working with the locals and talking with home to say what we see and what we can grasp from this area and her friends"

He was now looking at the gathered races and groups and gave a small smile,
"So what do you think of this then?" He asked, with a small nod at the others, "The wedding and all?"

"I see." The Emperor nodded gravely as he listened to Porthos explanation on the wedding. "Interesting. Very interesting..."
"if you happen to know someone nice and unattached, shove them in Dominique's direction. She's managed to get the 'High and Low oh er back, but I think everyone would be happier if she had a family."
"Ah, I believe the Empress will find herself a suitable mate in good time. A women like her, I expect she'd be beating suitors off with a lightsaber," he winked, "but don't tell her I said that. Well, I have yet to make anyone acquaintance, so I must move to the Crystal Hall-"
"Oh! And The Sultana and Sultan of Doraddi...have a Very Important Announcement to make, but I won't spoil it."
"Do they?" asked the Emperor mildly, but his eyes glittered. "Come now, Porthos, don't be a tease. We shan't be kept in the dark long, hmm?"

CEO Trevor Desorté & Lady Michiko Jones


Returning his bow with a deep, graceful curtsey, Michiko's smile brought her dimples and her emerald eyes twinkled at his flattery.

"I don't have anything that would clash with doing a little bit of business."

"Oh no business, not really" She demured as led him over to where the other lady sat quietly watching every one else enjoy themselves. The moment she noticed the pair headed her way she watched with steady, observant eyes, a small smile on her lips.

"Dominique, I'd like you to meet Trevor Desorté. Trevor this is Dominique Ryder (http://www.atddm.com/off1.jpg)." Michiko made the introductions. Trevor was getting one of his first lessons in Tanaran manners. The more informal they were the more comfortable they felt around you, the more they liked you.

If it wasn't for business then it must of be personal, this intrigued Trevor slightly, but then again he always did prefer that personal touch getting to know people before even attempting to deal with their refuse needs.

"Dominique, It is indeed a pleasure, Is there anything that you particularily wanted me for or am I here purely by the machinations of others?" he glanced sideways at Lady Michiko, "Oh, you do know that Robert Jones is my Chief Marketing Officer, could there be any relation there?"

Trevor was if not anything else, aware of the situation around him, the people and at least something about them. A business men must be aware of the situation he finds himself in lest they find themselves at the wrong end of a contract.

While it wasn't so obvious to the regular observer, but certainly detectable by the Force gifted lizard, that she was in a 'bad mood'. It was a combination of jealousy and hatred for such ceremonies and all the trouble associated with them. It wasn't anything like a consuming anger, but it was bad enough that she was beginning to regret coming to the meeting. However, being confronted by the armored lizard, she pushed such feelings from her mind, forcing them down to their origin at the back of her head, and smiled to the lizard, "Why yes I suppose I am, although I have to say I'm not in any particular hurry, the scenery on the way is lovely."

The gigantic lizard of a humanoid decided to stay two meters away behind his Admiral, flicking his gigantic muscled tail. While his limited armor did have a cloak, it left his head bare, revealing the obvious head of a dragon shaped being. Unlike the carefully decorated armor of the 'battle dress', his armor was designed for efficiency with the Drag'Lock martial art, leaving the cloak and leather straps as the only guard for his privacy and honor (who knew that a race of giant dragons could be more embarrassed than Terrans about their bodies...).

The knock at the door was unexpected, as was the troll in fine linens who stood there, a red-lacquered envelope with silver trim in his foreclaws. "Fur da Emp'rezz" he simply stated, thrusting the envelope forward, into the hands of a servant before scurrying off.
Later as she read the message:
How odd, the Empress Jade thought.Red lacquer means it's official-the silver trim means it's from Gerrak the Athling, Heir Apparent... She opened the envelope, and was astonished at it's simple message, in meticulous kaji script:
"The Sultana of Doraddi would be honored if you and your consort would deign to present their children to Kyger Litor at the Castle of Lead then Moorgarki at Mt. Lodril"
She smiled-this was obviously from Gerrak, as Indigo was much more savvy diplomatically, and she smiled as how to best break the news to Foxfire...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Indigo was beginning to become annoyed-Gerrak took every opportunity her mouth was open to pop some morsel into it, and if she were observing carefully, her noticing his picking up an intact pineapple as her head was turned, looking at her then the pineapple before setting it down and assuming a studied innocence-she would doubtless grow inflamed.
On a rational level, she understood his concerns-female trolls went mad in pregnancy, devouring all they could find to provide the building blocks for the young, and male trolls went out of their way to keep the females in meat to avoid larger problems-but it was still annoying...

OOC:

Xas, I'll introduce you to Oscar Vladinchi, someone who isn't supposed to be around Drakomis anymore. David was supposed to meet Sertia...perhaps he will meet you in good time!

FOR EVERYONES VIEWING:
What Komodren look like: Link (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/Drakomis/Pictures%20drawn%20for%20me%20by%20other%20people/komodren.jpg)
What Sea Dragon(Oscar Vladinchi) look like: Link (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/Drakomis/Pictures%20drawn%20for%20me%20by%20other%20people/A8ov.jpg)

IC:

Further down the Halls to the Crystal Palace

The last of his kind, or so was the ancient myth. Long ago he hid behind the human facade of a Chief General, obedient to Drakomis whom was the closest thing to Family he had. Everyone believed his age was due to medical technology, how it allowed the organic humanities of an individual to proceed and exist longer than normally believed. He served the position as Chief of the Anagonian Military for eons, never ceasing, ever learning the ways of thousands of worlds. He served with honor, and duty. And yet, during the times, he started the Civil War that eventually led to the Kingship of his Brother, Drakomis Nokomis Reign.

He was defeated in combat by the Anagonian Dark Lord, Melkos Unchanos, whom also served Drakomis with duty. Together they had been the council of Elders, the three rulers of the nation through countless generations passing through their gaze. They had their fights, their issues, their problems. But never had they resulted to killing one another. Yes, he had been killed. Yes, he had been defeated. His belief that ultimately the changes brought about by his betrayal would better the Federation never came to pass. The millions he led, the millions of loyal troops that he separated, fell under his command. The worlds he had gained stripped from his grasp. The power of the true Dark Side, which he and only he could grasp, stolen by the Dark Lord of the Sith.

His armor matched that of David Zeus', not knowing he wore the same garment. It was the casual guardsmen uniform under the new Sovereignty in place, and the ancient custom of celebratory uniform used by the Komodren during official proceedings. It had only just become visible to the outside realm after Drakomis had decreed that every king needs a Guard, despite he himself being Grand Master of both the Orders, and despite the objection from those orders that they should be the defenders of the rule. Oscar would have had a trouble of a time had the Sith and Jedi been protecting their rightful ruler, instead following in line in this pathetic excuse for formal display without a second look from the countless Raptorians and Komodren that adorned the basic scale-mail armor.

Such was the advantage of his race, descended from the Mythian's within Drekamythia, that each Sea Dragon possessed the ability to change the color of their scales to fit their mood in things. To never gain the suspicion that would arise from the rise of a supposed long-dead race, Oscar one again hid himself among his past brethren, his scales matching that of the greenish hue of the Komodren race. His frills that rose and lowered according to his emotional and mental feelings were properly hidden by the helmet he adorned, and his height matched perfectly of the Son of Drakomis. To the by-passer, so long as the two were not side by side, no one could tell from a proper distance.

His objective here was to basically infiltrate into whatever halls held the new Sovereign, and kill him for the betrayal of trust and Comrade Brethrenhood. He had nothing to loose from this, after having his empire torn from his hands, his dreams of dominance and dictatorship spoiled by that cursed Dark Being Melkos Unchanos. He knew he would still not be a proper match for him, but unto Drakomis he knew a few weaknesses, one of which no one was aware and would serve to his advantage should he engage in combat. So he walked down the halls, knowing the way to the Hall, and attempting to find everything he held dear to kill before he relished in the ultimate defeat that would result in his rise to power again.

So, you see, it was much a surprise when he stopped in the exact same manner as another certain individual, and spoke the same welcome, that he found himself puzzled with the kitsune before him, and the dark figure of such power protecting her. He tilted his reptilian head, his eyes still reddish glow, and bowed his head in respect as he forgot his ultimate goal in things. It could wait, and yet perhaps this one could help him properly get close enough to his goal sooner or later. Killing her did not seem to be likely, as even Oscar's knowledge of the Dark Side did not permit him the advantage in battle with a creature whom could wisp away at will.

He turned towards her, his armor clinking, his foot claws scraping the floor. He decided for those few precious seconds to reveal his true name, whether it would compromise his goal, whether anyone would remember. Then he decided that it didn't matter, for if not the Dark Lord could see him now, had not seen him, then things were going according to his will. His voice was low, perhaps scraping in some respects. But the tone was old, and respectful. He did almost manage a smile of sorts, if it could be called such.

"M'Lady Jade," he bowed his head again. "I am Oscar Vladinchi, personal guard to the king and Sovereign of Anagonia." He replaced his clawed hand from the hilt of his sword, and bowed formally his upper body while placing said hand across his chest. "First Sergeant, Third Class." He rose from the bow, amused by his deception. "I was but wondering these halls to the Crystal Hall, I am sorry if I startled you friend."

Further along the Halls to the Crystal Hall

David gazed at the sensitive emotions being displayed before him. He saw the aura of things, knowing the tenseness, but not the mood. The wonderfully adorned armor, which displayed status with a certain symbol on the chest plate, made David recognize he was dealing with someone of high importance. He quickly gazed over the Draconic, seeing how he hid himself, perhaps feeling an unconscious bit of shyness concerning his form. This did not register at first with the Grand Master, for he was not used to it. Most reptilians within the Galactic Federation, and most sentients, were accustomed to displaying their bodies in various ways. While not a nudist paradise, per say, it was with respect to note that most species did not have anything to show, and upon that basis were quite comfortable to be around Humanity, whom both respect and admired the other species braveness in things.

His mind passed unto the Foxling again, whom he found pleasing to his sight. Such were the cases with the various species and races within the worlds of Anagonia. She had just then pressed the emotions she displayed far from her conscious figure. He respected her privacy enough to not dare to probe. Her voice was pleasant as she spoke.

"Why yes I suppose I am, although I have to say I'm not in any particular hurry, the scenery on the way is lovely."

David nodded politely, and smiled as best as his form and snout allowed. He did not expose his teeth, for that was considered improper unless said two were accustomed to each others presence. It might have also enticed the dragon being to become quite hostile. He faced her formally, daring not to come any closer, his armor clinging the same way as another figure a few halls down, and he placed the clawed hand on the hilt of his sword upon his chest, in a formal style, giving a short bow. "To you both, I am honored."

David Zeus, whose eyes beamed at the welcome of two before him, gave a short nod. "The scenery is quite nice, and I believe I was doing just the same thing." He chuckled, "My father gets bonded today, so I am most bewildered and attempting to clear my mind of most doubts."

He chuckled, "But how rude of me, I am Grand Master Jedi David Zeus, son of Drakomis." He gazed at the two, "And might I be respectful enough to inquire whom I have the great honor to meet?"

It was annoying until she let out a laugh and hugged her husband tightly.

"Beloved Husband you will never have to worry about me having the enegry that our children need to grow properly. Firstly I am a kami, and a good part of my sustenance comes from the High Planes of Heaven...and that will give them more than any amount I could manage to eat" Her winsome smile brought out her dimples "But a small piece of the luscious pineapple would be just wonderful to nibble on. As a desert."

"Yes I saw you looking at it. But I'm not going to be lost in the madness of Muri Hunger." She looked at him, eyes filled with love, knowing and understanding why he worried, but also determined to reassure him.

And not gain a hundred pounds - or more- during her pregnancy. She was Novan, Kami and Empress. Her will would be done.

Adam Smith and Merideth

Merideth reveled in the hug. She wasn't comfortable enough around most to allow hugs, but something about Adam - perhaps it was the quiet courage he - at one time didn't believe he had - touched her deeply and she'd happily fall into any and all hugs he offered.

"The wedding and all?"

"I think it will be a good thing in the long run." She smiled as she looked over the guests, as many from Anagonia as from the Empire "Oh I know no marriage is ever supposed to translate into politics, but it shows a good understanding of one another’s cultures that two, or more, people can find one another in the meeting of nations. And her people make up a large portion of ours, particularly in the military. Their, Kiri's and Drakomis's, understanding of one another will help our nations understand one another."

She had studied the nations of the Union of Galactic Federations very carefully and had been one of those the Empress had taken advice from. She holed that the Union would succeed and grow even stronger.

But those weren’t thoughts for the moment, and they were set aside quickly. "Have you had a chance to see more of Midgard than Nova Terranis? I'm going to be going to my family's ranch in a couple of days, for a couple of days and was wondering if you'd like to see what hunting Mega-Bison is like." She mentioned the primary meat export of the planet. And Mega-Bison couldn't be farmed, or ranched like Terran cattle . They were too big, too mean, and too dangerous. Hunting them was not sport but deadly dangerous business.

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CEO Trevor Desorté & Empress Dominique

"Dominique, It is indeed a pleasure, Is there anything that you particularly wanted me for or am I here purely by the machinations of others?"

That brought a widening of the smile on Dominique’s lips but she waited for Michiko to answer his question.

"Oh, you do know that Robert Jones is my Chief Marketing Officer, could there be any relation there?"

I don’t think that any of my father’s relatives ever went out Empire.” She gently shook her head negatively, but there was nothing personal in her denial of relativity. The simple fact was was that the Tanaran Empire had been totally isolationist within the Hoag’s Object since its inception thousands of years ago. “It’s a very common surname, derived from ancient Hebrew: “meaning the son of John, the same as John or Johns, signifying’ gracious’, or ‘God has favored or gift of God’” She quoted from memory. “It used to be the most common surname in the nation of Wales back on Earth. But as we Tanaran’s are from a Terra of a different universe originally?” She shrugged lightly

“It’s not a widely known fact but yes our ancestors found themselves ‘strangers in a strange land’, courtesy of quantum mechanics interacting with super massive white holes.” Dominique confirmed. “And by no one's machinations. I wanted a chance to meet you, but not just as the leader of a fellow UGF nation, but as a person.” She met his eyes knowing the truth of her statement “You can not say The Garbage Men aren’t the factual equivalent of a nation both in sheer physical size and scope of activities.” She nodded to the chair next to hers “So would you care to sit and talk for a bit. And no I won’t be offended if you say no. This is supposed to be a celebration not diplomatic gathering. Though some are still celebrating their own recent weddings”

She looked over to where the Sultan and Sultana of Doraddi were – the lithe young Novan Empress was seated while her monstrous Muri husband doted over her. “Those two are so absorbed in one another I think I could start a war and they’d not notice.”

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Foxfire Rose & Porthos

"Come now, Porthos, don't be a tease. We shan't be kept in the dark long, hmm?"

“No you won’t. Your lovely wife just took possession of a red and silver enveloped missive, delivered by one of the Sultan’s servants. And I must say she looks magnificent in her formal robes. That hue suits her. And I glad that she is much better than we had heard she was. We all rejoiced when we heard that the Novan serum and Marisol’s Celestial Gifts had worked their healing magic.” Porthos replied. He was happy. He’d not only managed to give nothing away but to divert the Emperor’s thoughts – though on the last he could only hope.

I'm going to be going to my family's ranch in a couple of days, for a couple of days and was wondering if you'd like to see what hunting Mega-Bison is like."

Smith listened quietly to the Tanaran, nodding every so often at what she said. He knew of the Anagonian Federation and thought an Alliance between the two countries could never be anything but good luck for both sides. Then he heard the small piece about the ranch and smiled,
"I would be delighted" He said happily, "I think a little excitement in my diplomatic life could be no bad thing"

The Selac gave a pleasant smile, listening to the jedI’s voice before nodding, “Ah yes how rude of us… My name is Admiral Zephra of the Sertian Empire, currently serving underneath Grand Admiral Trilano of the Sertian Expedition, and this is my guard-”

The Drag’lock interrupted the fox to speak for himself, speaking in a voice that was not Sert, or rather any language the jedi might have come across in the past. It was a combination of clicks, lizard like growls and hisses, but the Selac admiral - a member of a race long known for their heightened senses had learned to speak for her guard, “What he said was, ‘Blademaster Frileck of the Drag’locks.”

Finishing the introductions, the officer gave a the Sertian form of a bow, holding her left hand to her side while raising the right to level with her chest, and from there rotate an open palm before bringing the arm up to be held vertically, before bringing it forward. At first glance it might just look like an overly elaborate way to give a hand shake, but to the trained eyes of a JedI grandmaster one could see the origin was most likely from the opening ‘salute’ of a melee fighting style, “And you would be the son of the groom then? I suppose such feelings of worry would be normal for the family of those getting married, hoping the person they’re marrying is the right one for them and that they’re not making a mistake.”

It was, about this time that a peculiarity that had gone unnoticed by the scaled anthro would come to his attention about the Drag’lock. As if it just suddenly decided to show itself he could subtly detect a hint of force sensitivity coming from the being, however it appeared to be a latent characteristic inherit within his genome… An ability that could likely not be cultivated into the prowess of a JedI, but a connection that would give the race an instinctual advantage in melee fights. Of course within a few seconds the sensitivity would bleed away as if it never existed.

The spring wind came against his naked scales, bringing with it the smell of spring and ice coming from the northern mountains. Beside him a tree, perhaps a willow tree, swaying with the gentle wind. The grass around him, tall with growth unchecked, created a wave of life. He could hear the soft patter of raindrops starting from the south, changing to the east as his scales were met with the cool comforting touch of water. The sun had beat upon him with gentle waves, and he was hot, and now the rain cooled him as it did the forest to the east. Echoes of the patter upon leaves reached his hearing, and it calmed him, as much as the wind and smell of things did. He sighed, rather happily, standing from his sitting position in a circular area of dirt, which also felt cool and welcoming to the touch.

Looking to the west, a beach came into view. He could hear the wind soaring above the waves, the waves crashing upon the sand. He closed his eyes, in an instant he stood on the beach, the sun welcoming him, the wind embracing him. The taste of salt-water reaching his scaled lips, and he relished it, raising his hands, expressing his freedom here. Smiling happily, his snout opened ever so slightly to express his contentment, he closed his eyes. His tail waved with the strong wind, the water roaring over him, crashing about. His entire body felt cold, so cold for a brief span. He shivered, and laughed about it. Behind him nothing but the beach, and the beach grass, and under him the sand that reached from miles.

The waves continued to pound him, the wind guiding their direction. He had no control over it, it just happened. But it was gentle, welcoming. He couldn't help but feel the sun shining through the waters that enveloped him time and again. He couldn't help but feel the wind at his back, creating a bubble as the waves crashed about him, then releasing as if playing some kind of game. He welcomed this also, and close his eyes during each wave, trying not to consume too much of the salt-water. His tail flailing behind him, almost unable to cope with the force and timing of each wave, splashing, consuming that which was within. And it released something happier, something greater, something that was forced to the surface by his call to this world. And he laughed, as the waves crashed one last time, pleased by the result.

For he laughed, finally free once more. He laughed, content with his body, and his soul. He laughed, for he was truly happy once again. The wind welcomed him, welcomed his feelings, surrounding him in a whirlwind as if excited by the very prospect of his revelation. It was gentle, like a mothers touch, the sand not taken with it. The ocean expressing its happiness by his revelation, gently licking at his foot claws after splashing him with its healing wonders. He opened his eyes, the sun drying him after his roundabout with nature, the heat warming him and welcoming his new state. And so he began to take on what shook him to the core, his scales turned from dark green to black exposing the burden within. Just as the ocean and the winds shook the joy trapped within, so did he shake the blackness off. It felt good to shake this color off, for it had burdened him for a while now. And he released himself from the blackness, truly free now, his scales turning back a bright green mixed with purple. He felt absolutely wonderful, here standing on the warm sands, the waters continuous splashing at his feet, the sky blue with just a bit of cloud cover, and the smell of salt-water everywhere. No darkness within him, no darkness outside of him.

He closed his eyes one last time, and exhaled deeply, releasing everything. Drakomis then opened his eyes to his private room, just in the halls toward the Crystal Hall, the walls bright, the Force surrounding him as it beckoned him again. But he gently denied it, for he had released his fear, his emotions that trapped him. He felt free, lighter, joyous. His smile apparent at the joy the Force felt here, in this room, after helping one of its students lift the physical worlds fears from the soul. He could actually reach out, and touch it, for he saw it. It was like clouds, moving about him, embracing every aspect of him. Oh how it wanted him back, to experience the ocean and fields again. He could hear its calling, but again he denied, for he had a bonding to attend.

With one last gentle sigh, closing his eyes, and opening them to the clothing rack, Drakomis began to choose what he should wear.

Hallway's near the Crystal Hall

For just that instant, a wave, something joyful, swept through the hallway. David saw it, as clear as day, and felt the welcoming and ever-present happiness. It was strong, very strong, and very near. He could sense his father, and he welcomed the touch of the force, sending his greeting in return. In that instant, it was gone, and David heard the Draconic clicking of the dragon creature. It was natural, almost instinct, that he responded in kind. A series of hisses, clicks, and deep growls far different from that of the Drag'locks came forth. His snout parted for the clicks, closed shut for the growls as they came deep from within his chest, and parted slightly for the hisses. He nodded his head then, understanding perfectly well what the Dragon creature had said, and spoke in return his honor.

Primal Draconic, as termed by most Anagonian scholers, was the forefather of the modern-day Draconic Language that had evolved over possible billions of years. It was a language deeply rooted in time, almost forgotten at some points, but always remembered by those who had a mind for the past, and the welcoming of the soul within. It was a task to truly speak it, for none could tell a deception, could lie openly, while speaking it. It was more a language of the soul, something from far within a person, that eventually parted into an alphabet and spoken and written words further down in its history. It was pleasing to David to speak it, and he welcomed the possibility of speaking it again. He essentially had conveyed his pleasure in finding an outsider with similar aspect to true Draconic, and relayed that he was honored to be in such presence. Usually such language was held by Drekamythians, and not naturally found outside of Anagonia.

It just told David that, even naturally, Draconic and other languages springing up from it were indeed found everywhere. His attention now back on the fox-lady, whom introduced herself and basically said over again the introduction that the Drag'lock gave of himself. He bowed his head slightly, his tail giving a dominant thump to the ground, gently rising in a display similar to finding his surroundings pleasing. Had it not been for the extreme wave of the Force that passed beyond the halls, David might have seen that either of the two had force abilities being natural or hidden. The moment passed for such an observation, he simply replied.

"I am most honored Admiral Zephra and-" he gazed at the Drag'lock "-Blademaster Frileck." He gave a warm smile, or as warm as his snout would allow. "Perhaps we could take the more scenic route and continue to enjoy the scenery together?" He motioned his hand, curious as if they would allow his joining in their walk.

The dragon seemed slightly surprised hearing another speak his language. After all, in all of the recorded history of the Drag'locks none had spoken the lizard-tongue, not even the reptilian Riplards. Indeed, most of the species in their area of space all seemed to speak Sert, although each had a different name for the language before the Empire had absorbed their planets - and the language was also called English here. So it was surprising to find another speaker of his tongue so far away from Xereck.

The fox being smiled though hearing the clicks issue forth from the lizard, although her sensitive ears could detect minor difference in rhythm and syntax that might have resulted from centuries, if not thousand of years, of separation, the language he spoke was pretty much identical, "Interesting, I've never seen any other race use that language, not many can understand the subtle difference between words, nor even speak it. Perhaps maybe your two species are related by some distant ancestor."

She gave a subtle chuckle after the proposition, before smiling at the lizard, "Hmmm, I suppose a walk will help calm my nerves... Despite the fact I'm sure your father and future mother are wonderful people, I'm not the one to generally enjoy weddings. Besides, I'm sure Frileck wouldn't mind having some sun on whatever scales he reveals." She turned to look back at her companion to see if he agreed, and a nod of his muscled head and a few clicks from his snout confirmed her suspicions.

Gerrak's sensitive ears twitched-Dragonewt had not been spoken to a troll since the Inhuman King enlisted the Ordo Annilla, and here two beings conversed in it! "Dear--"he asked hesitantly."--Hu da dragon an' dat fella talkin' to him? De ones headin' tu de gardenzzez." He pointed with his snout, in the troll fashion.

."--Hu da dragon an' dat fella talkin' to him? De ones headin' tu de gardenzzez."

Indigo's eyes half drooped closed as she concentrated. "Yes, barely" They were quite a distance away, not even in the Hall as of yet and while her hearing was preternaturally acute, Gerraks’ was even more so "...but I don't understand the language."

She looked up at her husband, her eyes twinkling "Why don't you go introduce yourself. I am sure they would love to meet you." She urged as she noted the arrival of the Ambassadors to the Tanaran Court. "Here comes Lady Kaminari and her husbands. I will certainly be safe with them about" Indigo said reassuringly.

The three Novan Kitsune - they had played little noticed but decisive parts in the recent rebellion on O'Kuni- stopped at a respectful distance and waited for her to wave them closer. They all looked magnificent in their formal kimonos.

Besides it would give her a chance to circulate and meet others.

"Wen yu kayree Ladee Kaminari'zzez kidzzez, me leef yu wid her." Gerrak grunted, waving them forward. "Komm, komm, gud frenzzez. Me wiyf wantzz comp-nee wiyl zzhe dinezz."
He offered what was apparently Steak Tartar between delicate ivory chopsticks, one claw holding a napkin to catch the drippings beneath it...

CEO Trevor Desorté & Empress Dominique

"Dominique, It is indeed a pleasure, Is there anything that you particularly wanted me for or am I here purely by the machinations of others?"

That brought a widening of the smile on Dominique’s lips but she waited for Michiko to answer his question.

"Oh, you do know that Robert Jones is my Chief Marketing Officer, could there be any relation there?"

I don’t think that any of my father’s relatives ever went out Empire.” She gently shook her head negatively, but there was nothing personal in her denial of relativity. The simple fact was was that the Tanaran Empire had been totally isolationist within the Hoag’s Object since its inception thousands of years ago. “It’s a very common surname, derived from ancient Hebrew: “meaning the son of John, the same as John or Johns, signifying’ gracious’, or ‘God has favored or gift of God’” She quoted from memory. “It used to be the most common surname in the nation of Wales back on Earth. But as we Tanaran’s are from a Terra of a different universe originally?” She shrugged lightly

“It’s not a widely known fact but yes our ancestors found themselves ‘strangers in a strange land’, courtesy of quantum mechanics interacting with super massive white holes.” Dominique confirmed. “And by no one's machinations. I wanted a chance to meet you, but not just as the leader of a fellow UGF nation, but as a person.” She met his eyes knowing the truth of her statement “You can not say The Garbage Men aren’t the factual equivalent of a nation both in sheer physical size and scope of activities.” She nodded to the chair next to hers “So would you care to sit and talk for a bit. And no I won’t be offended if you say no. This is supposed to be a celebration not diplomatic gathering. Though some are still celebrating their own recent weddings”

She looked over to where the Sultan and Sultana of Doraddi were – the lithe young Novan Empress was seated while her monstrous Muri husband doted over her. “Those two are so absorbed in one another I think I could start a war and they’d not notice.”

Trevor nodded along with her assesment and was indeed quite impressed by her knowledge of the etymology of the name. His own was quite a mystery, he had in the past attempted to find out but it seemed to be lost in the past.

"It was quite a long shot to begin with, it would be almost on par with the name Smith, which I believe was at one point the most common name, including the said name in different languages of course."

After listening some more, "I would be delighted" he he said with a slight smile and bow of the head, she had won his respect both for her insight into the meanings of names and understanding just how common they are, to as well as understanding the nature of the beast that he called his own. Education, Health, public transportation, police, The Garbage men had it all in some way or another, perhaps not as other "real" nations but it was there none the less and it worked.

He slimed slightly as he remebered, they even had their own form of currency the pile... of trash. Especially minted under the control of a board member, he didn't really care which to be honest but the irony caught him.

Trevor returned back to reality for a moment as he caught her comment about the married couple, they did seem quite the odd, as in mismatched couple purely in size but that really didn't matter. "perhaps but I doubt anyone is going to try to find out."

OOC:

Maybe I'll take some liberties here...

IC:

David clicked back a few times, approving. He gestured for the two to follow, leading them down a hallway towards the gardens, where the sun would shine and the flowers and foliage would provide most of the atmosphere. He didn't look back to check on his new friends, he figured they'd be following. With each step, his tail would match by swaying with the foot that touched the ground first. His walk was casual, almost as if he was content and felt safe. His mind was quite open at this point, where anyone could probe the top layers for his emotional and mental state. Which, if anyone would, they would find him quite sane and stable, enjoying his time, and quite content.

At last, after a short walk, he entered the garden. It was of elegant construction, with tree's of various species shading certain area's, and flowers of various breeds and makes creating a fine scent for those noses that enjoyed such. The extra breeze added to the atmosphere, and the clouds above barely constrained the sun's rays upon David's armor. He would slowly take off his helmet, and the scales on his head would change to a reddish hue by the suns light, mixed with the normal greenish texture. His eyes gazed back, towards the entrance that he came from. There were several other entrances, each leading from a different hall, but he concentrated on that one.

And waited, standing there, bathed in the suns light.

If David's mind was open, he would sense another presence in the area. Not like the others that had populated the ceremony but another presence, one more powerful in the force than any here, save for himself. He could try and probe the mind but all he would find would be a mental wall, like someone knew he was trying to poke around and was cutting him off.

Then an Alversian Offical came scuttling up to David and gave him a respectful bow,
"Excuse me, Sir" he stated politely, "But one of my guests would like to meet you in a private room upstairs. A first contact mission apparently" He gave a confused shrug

OOC: I wouldn't be so quick to make that claim Alversia - there's at least one who is the equiivallent of a Jedi 'Master' of the Force Namely Race, and at least two others with close to 4,000 years of mastery of the Force under their belt. And Foxfire Rose is no mere 'knight' level practicioner...

Adam & Merideth

I think a little excitement in my diplomatic life could be no bad thing

"Well Mega Bison can be more than a little exciting. But my folk's ranch is a good escape for me. I get to work the day to day life - chores can't just be set aside, got to be done. And it reconnects me, and I need that. I've been told to retire next year, take some time off." For a brief second a flash of panic glimmered in her eyes. "Dominique wants me to go back to school and earn my Scholarship." She had a degree in Miltiary Science, but within the Empire the title of Scholar was earned with but not one degree but several, and was not casually given.

"I'm not sure I want to go back to school." There was more than a little protest in her tone.

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Trevor & Dominique

Once Trevor was comfortably seated Michiko discretely waved over one of the circulating servants and claimed drinks and noshes for the three of them.

"perhaps but I doubt anyone is going to try to find out."

Both Michiko and Dominique laughed at that. They seriously doubted that any one, save maybe someone suicidal would start anything resembling violence around a Muri husband...and the thought clicked to both women at once, and the gave each other raised eyebrows. "You don't think" Dominique whispered.

"She was announced as the Sultana, and that makes it official, he being her consort..." Michiko nodded with a small cat's grin.

Both ladies looked smug, but said nothing further on that. Instead they turned the subject elsewhere - for what good was having a first rate intelligence service if one didn't know things about ones allies - and neither wanted to cause Trevor any discomfort or sadness.

"Have you thought to look under old variations of your name - perhaps through the registries at Ellis Island in America, or the Mormon genealogical service?" Dominique suggested

"It sounds old French or maybe Dutch Africaans" Michiko added. Her father the infamous 'Last Chance' Jones, the archeologist though many called him a tomb raider, had seen to it that she had grown up speaking multiple mostly forgotten languages.

"I'm not sure I want to go back to school."

"You never know" Smith stated, thinking, "Maybe a little break would be of benefit to you. Breaks up the routine y'know? Maybe it will result in a more effective Merideth when you return" He said slyly, "And this ranch sounds like it may be up my street. There's not much for the Alversian Embassy here to do"

OOC: Alversia, try to keep yourself at least a little maintained. I'm dealing with a lot here, both IRL and whatnot. Thanks for your understanding

IC:

David looked back to where the two Sertians would be coming out, then looked at the newer individual. He tilted his head at the invitation, it had been a while since Anagonia and Alversia shared relations. Longer still since he felt the powerful presence of the force. But it was a young presence, full of energy, and potential. It didn't feel old. David himself had enough training in the Force to hide his potential, and training enough to respect the dignity of a ceremony. He sighed, softly, gazing down at the message bearer, and since Drakomis wasn't around David must assume the responsibility for the Governing.

He shrugged back, his armor clanking. "Take me to him."

"I'm afraid it's a her" The Alversian Diplomat replied calmly, "And I will take you to her now"

He turned and walked through the gardens, leading to another doorway to the left. There was no corridor in this room of the palace, just a series of steps up to a single room. It seemed cooler here and the presence was more powerful, but also more restrained.

"Through there sir" The Diplomat nodded to the door and then settled down in a seat at the top of the stairs.

His armor clanking as he walked up the steps, the exposed reptilian feet and talons clicking the floor as his tail swayed. He watched as the official take a seat, he went through the door, with his scaled palm on the hilt of his shortsword. He wasn't expecting much, nothing at all really. Just perhaps a talk.

Within the room, there was little light. The windows had been closed and so only small beams of light leaked in to various parts of the room. However, in the centre of the room, hidden in shadow was the figure. It was tall enough being, standing at just over 6'4. However, all other details were hidden by the black cloak that surrounded her figure. A black hood also obscured her face,

"You are one with the force" The figure said in a light, delicate, female voice, "You and your people are a rariety in this part of the Universe"

David wasn't expecting to find an Alversian Force User here, nor was he expecting this conversation to be about the Force. He was expecting government business, not a dive into the personal realm of the Force, nor to be called rare when all of the Galactic Federation had force users of some sort or another. He kept his emotions hidden, and walked a few paces forward, and stood sideways, glaring.

"I am one with the Force," he said cautiously. "Although I doubt it is a rare thing here." He tilted his head slightly, "Who are you, if not on business?"

The figure made a small sound that could have been interperated as a laugh,
"You are unique. You are one with the Force, you use it like most of your Federation cannot. You are the elite, the Orders of the Jedi and the Sith combined into one harmony. Light and Dark, the perfect balance. Such a balance is not found in all"

At his query, the figure's shoulder seemed to jolt slightly as if laughing again,
"You perhaps wonder if I am an Alversian? And why your order never mentioned any Alversian Force Users or Force believers? I am not Alversian, although close enough for I reside on that planet and my people believe it is time that our knowledge of the force was combined"

"Then I believe there can be no compromise for your intrusion," David said softly.

A light filled the room, consuming David and the unusual Master of the Force ahead of him. In an instant, they were taken from the grounds to a ship in orbit, where no one could interfere with what was to follow. David Zeus was known to be a patient Grand Master, was known to expressly forgive and forget. But to come on the grounds of his Fathers bonding, and declare that the fields of battle be open for testing on those grounds, went far beyond his patience. Of course, the Alversian Force user probably didn't intend his statement to be hostile. But David, in his current mood of skepticism, and outright irritation at having been taken from a pointed discussion with a very beautiful fennic fox, was beyond reasoning on any level.

Normally the grounds were teleport-protected, preventing any sort of teleporting devices from intruding. But this certain area had not been, and David had already looked over the ground specifications to discover that. He hadn't been planning on using that knowledge, only if a situation came up for him to use it. Indeed, this was one of them. The unknown entity cloaking itself presented a danger to the security of the grounds and the ceremony at hand, and David would not allow anyone or anything with a megalomaniac personality to attempt to engage in a duel of standards on a peaceful surface.

To David, a User of the Force declaring his intentions by hiding himself was secretive enough to be deemed as hostile and/or with enough motivation to cause harm. He had been on enough missions, lived enough centuries, to understand that there needn't be any compromise in the safety of a certain situation. He had taken the initiative, and disposed of the grounds to where the events of innocent peoples were taking place, and teleported himself with one press on his wrist guard to the ship above. Thankfully the officer in charge of such technology recognized the signal, and brought the other occupant along.

The Room looked similar to the room where David's Father fought Melkos Unchanos in the ritual. One viewport, shining the moonlight, and everything bare. In this case, no ritual was to be had. And David, grasping his lightsaber and igniting its red blade, started to pace sideways as he inspected his prey to come. One did not intrude on a Komodren's business with outlandish propositions and expect to not be tested.

"I will give you a choice, Young One." He gave a slight hiss, "Fight me and prove your worth, or be killed so I can get back to my Fathers proceedings." He snorted then, "I am quite irritated by the display you have provided, and have no use for beings or individuals whom flaunt their powers of the Force so openly as to draw attention to themselves." His head rose, defiant, adding the finish. "I find that drawing attention for no other use than to gain my acceptance requires that you either die, or be proven worthy of it."

And so he paced around, the red hue of the lightsaber against his scale-mail armor, providing an errie display as he called upon the Force, willed it to surround him, and gently took it upon himself to discard this annoying entity. He found his lack of patience at understanding this entity disturbing, but decided the best way to proceed with someone so lacking in manners was to teach it to them. His talons clicked on the floor with each step, ready to take care of this once and for all. His tail thumped the floor, knowing the minds vision of the kill. His eyes sharply focused, watching for the move to come. His mind and heart drawing the Force, acutely aware of his enemies abilities as well. Whether this ended for good or ill, at least it would be solved away from the Grounds below, where peace and harmony reigned.

Gerrak waved Lady Kaminari and her husbands over again, showing his full array of fangs that could chew through steel given time. "Mebbe we go tu da Emp'rezzezez-dey gozzzzipin' 'bout uzz anyway." he whispered to Indigo. "Me dinkzz yu frenzzez tu zzcared komm heer now-me eat won uv dey fam'ly?"

"You misunderstand me, young one" The figure put emphasis on the words 'you' and 'me', "And you are quick to anger, quick to resort to your combat skills to prove your worth and quick to be irritated. The figure turned to face him and removed the hood that had kept her face hidden from view for so long. It revealed a deer like face (http://www.ffinsider.net/final-fantasy-12/pix/fran.jpg) with long rabbit's ears that increased her height by another two feet. Her voice was calm and peaceful.

"You reproach me for showing off and using my abilities with the force when you desire nothing more than to resort to your combat abilities. Abilities that are only to be used at the uttermost end of need. Does the rest of your order place so much emphasis on combat?" She asked patiently, "You need not worry of my intrustion. The Tanarans, the Alversians and your own Government are aware of my presence. I am no threat to you or your father"

She stopped and closed her eyes for a second,
"You desire the force to aid you in your battle. The force does not come to those who command it, it comes to those who need it, who have faith in their own judgement, good or bad. A judgement at this moment that you lack." her hands were still well away from her belt, clasped firmly behind her back.

OOC:Every one please note this...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And this ranch sounds like it may be up my street. There's not much for the Alversian Embassy here to do"

"Oh, you can find..." She broke of as her implanted communicator activated.

Even before she was contacted other's had been. The palace 's sheilds were raised to maximum

Several individuals wearing the white or black 'face' of an Empress's Hand on active duty were already out of the Hall and into the Gardens, moving swiftly from their various discrete stations. Other moved quietly into place about Dominique.

"Adam you didn't give an Alversian diplomat your Palace transporter key did you?" Merideth asked with carefully hidden urgency in her voice as she turned and her hand dropped to where a weapon normally was worn on her hip. "Damn it I hate gowns!" She hissed as her eyes followed the Hands and now uniformed Security too was heading out of the Crystal Hall for the Gardens.

"Understood lockdown approved." She sub vocalized. Porthos didn't need her authorization, he had his own codes. She was just bringing the military on line.

In the small decorative watch tower Porthos hologram snapped into being, and frowned, for the two who had been there had teleported away useing the Force.

Outside the Alversian diplomat whom had brought David to that room was surrounded by Palace Security and placed under arrest.

The Hand (http://www.atddm.com/amasaratu.jpg) in the lead was one David would well recognize, only this time her iridescently black feathered wings were in evidence. Her wakasashi was as ever, in her hand, her katana’s crossed across the small of her back. She recieved word instantly from Porthos that their quarry had left. Growling under her throat she stopped and closed her eyes for a second. She disliked using those powers granted by her half her demonic heritage openly but... In a flash she was gone, translating to where the one she had met previously was. Her wakasashi now unsheathed.

One just did not roam freely around the private portion of the Imperial Palace. Yes, part of the Palace housed a museum, a school, the Children’s Hospice, and more, but the private part had all the security that any residence of a national ruler – and then some – would be expected to have. And no not all of it will be listed – security concerns don’t you know but at the very least any one entering had to had certain pass codes and permissions. And those were never simply handed out on say so.

That Adam had a Palace Transporter Key was not ordinary or standard procedure, but a rare priviledge granted him. One that he was about to loose in all likelyhood.

OOC: Both of the two have been transported to a different location for the time being. However...

~~~

Smith looked temporarily stunned for a moment, then thought hard about the question. The thought that someone from Alversia had breached Tanaran procedure was not something that he had been made aware of during his time as Ambassador and it annoyed him more than anything. Then he felt something in his mind and he gave Merideth a smile,

"I can assure you with all confidence, Merideth," He said to her, "The intruder means no harm and will leave once her business is complete with no harm to either person nor property. I can only apologise for her lack of elegance with regards to timing." he frowned at that part, "And she seems to be busy at the moment with someone named David."

Meanwhile outside the room, the Alversian Diplomat nodded at the Guards who had come up the stairs and, apart from raising his hands, all he did was throw a small laser pistol to the ground, his only weapon.

OOC: The Tanaran Government has NOT been advised concerning this being's presence and is not amused. - And yes I know they have been ported - I edited and the character that followed hs the ability to do so, that I promise you and it has nothing to do with the Force. Amasaratu is Not a Force user. She is half Demon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And she seems to be busy at the moment with someone named David."

That did not seem to reassure Merideth in the slightest, nor did the palace security return to normal

"Excuse me Trevor." Dominique held up her hand, breaking off in mid conversation, her voice apologetic.

A pair of Amasaratu’s siblings were flanking the Alversian diplomat who had escorted David away. Dominique strode and with tiny finger motions - hand sign- ordered that the Alversian be escorted over to where Merideth and Adam stood. The pistol he had tosed to the ground was presented to Dominique.

"Adam" She nodded cordially enough but she stopped well short of friendship's range and her eyes were coolly assessing. " Do you know this gentleman?" As always she wore her Paladin armor, in it's transparent mode, but even then a second pair of Hands moved to subtlety block the Alversians from being in a direct line to her. Michiko had accompanied the Empress but stood off to one side, as if to have a clear shot line..

"I can explain everything, Merideth, Dominique and I hope you can give me a chance" He looked from one to the other, "It seems a race from Alversia needs a little help from the Anagonian Order of the Force and, lacking Diplomatic skill, they thought now was as good a time as any. This man," He turned to the other Alversian, "Is Commander of Security at the Embassy and has obviously been roped into helping her get into your Palace. I can only apologise" He sighed, "This has not been a good day"

"I have been able to find some information but it has just left more questions. Literally, in old french orthography it means 'So that' a literal combining of the words 'So' and 'that', De sorte, but that leaves just as many questions as to ..."

this was where he got cut off, he recognised a security scare when he saw one, but somehow it seemed to involve the Alversian. Interesting, if he was going to try anything that was likely to be interpreted in a manner like this he would of been sure to use something that could not be directly tracked back to him or the corporation.

Not that he had any reason to do so, it was just good business sense, why do something yourself when you can hire someone to be the fall guy for you.

He walked over slowly "not that it's going to get much better." he commented a security breach at something like this was probably not going to be a simple matter to deal with. A strange force user... interesting.

Me wiyf wantzz comp-nee wiyl zzhe dinezz."

Indigo took the bite from the ivory chopsticks then looked Gerrak straight in the eye and very firmly said "No more for right now. I am very full and if I eat another bite I will be ill and that can not be good for the ones-to-come." Her look brooked no pleading, no requests, and not one more word about Muri mothers. She Would be a mother of Muri but she was not a Muri mother and if she had to go hungry to prove to her loveng, doting husband that she would NOT suffer from the madness then by Zorak himself she would!

Ambassadress Kaminari and her husbands had waited to approach untill Indigo had finished speaking. Their hearing was perfectly capable of overhearing her words, but privacy made sure that they didn't. Except for the part about her being pregnant, of course News like that could not be overlooked.

"Me dinkzz yu frenzzez tu zzcared komm heer now-me eat won uv dey fam'ly?"

"I think Sire, that they are enjoying the sight of your immense happiness in one another too much to want to disturb it." 'Nari's eldest husband spoke up.

"Yes you make such a wonderful couple, though knowing you I do know that you would never be oblivious to a war. Why you'd eat the one who disturbed your mutual adoration" Nari signed happily enchanted by the couple's newly wed bliss.

"Indigo, Gerrak, we have gifts. They were'nt ready in time for your wedding but now perhaps they can be something to invest in to give your children when they come of age." 'Nari pulled a pair of small sphere hanging from lead and silver chains from a flat obi.. Each of the orbs were about an inch in diameter and exquisetly crafted from various gemstone. Each represented a planet in a system that had a red sun, planets thoroughly suitable for Muri habitation. "All of us from the Planes 'clubbed in' to get the OmiKami to create the system. And..." Nari broke off at the sight of unexpected happenings.

The trio of Kitsune moved defensively before Indigo's chair, trusting Gerrak to be the power behind the throne.. Energies shimmered subtlly but powerfully around the three as they drew on their respectiver spheres. They might have been constrained during the war - while the Kitsune were being discrete here there was not such limits to their powers now.

In Orbit

"Please put that weapon away" Amasaratus voice was flat, utterly empty of emotion, nort did she she seemingly pay any attention to the Komodren, but kept it wholey on the other occupant of the room. "I state right of Prior Offense" She knew the wording was not correct, but it was what came to mind, the Demonic words that claimed right of duel. It sufficed, though she had no intent to duel.

"This one has violated the Security of the Imperial Palace without authorization. You are going to surrender your weapons, be then advisxed that any use of the Arts Mentica, Majica, or Mechanica are forbidden and interdicted in the presence of the Empress who you will face to answer for your violations." There was as waiting stillness about her that some how spoke of not caring one whit in what condition the stranger was in when brought before the Emperess.

Amasaratu would not be caught off guard, nor would she be surprized by anything the stranger might do.

She just wanted the wedding done and over with. Ama didn't like weddings either, they were too dangerous. She didn't trust personal relationships any longer. And the stranger's interuption had put everything on hold. That made her very poorly disposed to anything that the stranger might do that would take up more time.

The creature smiled at them and did not move but kept her hands behind her back,
"I will, of course, come with you to meet the Empress of Tanara but I will not surrender my weapon. It has special value to me and I will not yield it to any. I am no threat to Anagonian or Tanaran" There were no hostile intentions in the words, it was up to the individual wither they took the words at face value or tried to see some threat in them.

"And it is funny of how others talk of duels when I myself have no intention of engaging in one." She sighed sadly

---

Just as Smith was about to say something else, he looked over the Empresses shoulder and gave a gasp. He also bowed at the same time as another cloaked and hooded figure entered the Crystal Hall. His every walk was elegant and he looked at each with a kindly smile that held a fierceness never unleashed.
"Vindrex" Smith gave another bow and the figure responded.

"Ambassador, Empress" he turned to Dominique, "I must apologise for my intrusion but I am a guest of the Alversian People at this wedding and I have been informed that one my Students has just caused some considerable bother for all parties"

Gerrak hrooned Indigo carefully, satisfying himself she and her children were safe. --A strange Force wielder? You couldn't swing a dead cat in here without hitting a dozen--he stated in Shadowspeech--Most of them Masters, too. I hope the shikome isolate the disturbance quickly. One would think such power would bring wisdom--
"Either speak Galactic Common or Novan, dear-you're unduly alarming our friends." Indigo gently reminded him, a tad concerned he'd lapse into his native tongue.
"Zzorree-me apol-jeezez." Gerrak did not look at the Lady Kandamiri or her husbands, but extended his Darksense, concentrating on it, his keen nose isolating and identifying every scent-a growl was building deep in his barrel chest, currently pitched below human hearing, but it would grow if he sensed this disturbance...

OOC: Bah...leave for two days and look what happens...
IC:
“No you won’t. Your lovely wife just took possession of a red and silver enveloped missive, delivered by one of the Sultan’s servants. And I must say she looks magnificent in her formal robes. That hue suits her. And I glad that she is much better than we had heard she was. We all rejoiced when we heard that the Novan serum and Marisol’s Celestial Gifts had worked their healing magic.”
"Indeed. Those were...troubled times, but all came out well in the end, no?" he smiled, but then cocked his head. Somethings happened...great Qonn, we can't even come together for less than a day without conflict. I suppose when you put so many together it produces friction, even among those elegantly well-trained in politeness.
Undoubtedly Tanaran security would clear things up.
"Well, Porthos, I thank you for your time, but I must leave now for the Crystal Hall. I do hope to talk to you again." The Emperor bowed himself out and strode down the hall to his destination. Upon arrival, he spotted Gerrak and Indigo, as well as the three Planes kitsune. Even as he watched the three they took defensive positions, and the Emperor could sense heightened awareness about them. Perhaps the alarm was worse than it seemed...
Halls...
"I am Oscar Vladinchi, personal guard to the king and Sovereign of Anagonia. First Sergeant, Third Class. I was but wondering these halls to the Crystal Hall, I am sorry if I startled you friend."
"Not me, but like I said, the Guard is rather paranoid," Jade laughed lightly. "You too seek the Crystal Hall? I know the way, and some company would be welcome." Under the surface, though, she sensed this was not just a mere guard. There was a sort of coiled energy around him, a sense of patiently waiting, but for what she could not say. Nevertheless, she would try and find out more about him, and perhaps meet also this being he said to protect.

A sharp spear met the Emperor's adam's apple-a simple hand weapon in the possession of a Head of State had been "ignored", but it's sharp head told Foxfire to move no further-he knew the speed of the muri, and Gerrak was doubtless not the swiftest among them, but still blindingly fast. When Gerrak turned and seemed to notice, his response was swift and sure.
The blade was gone, and Gerrak dropped to one knee, his snout pressed against the Emperor's rings and he spoke:"Me zzorree, Fokzzez fiyr-troubled timezzez." He looked up into the Emperor's face. "Yu wiyf not tell yu-dizz fur her to tell."
He rose, and lifted another chunk of meat to his wife's lips. "Me know yu dizz-plined, dearezzt-but me children not-yu eat, or me kidzzez turn on each udder, den yu. Tu of dem trollzzez-eet up tu zzizzzzz timezzez what hoo-manzzez eatzz. Yu eet fur kidzzez, an' yu EETZZ NOW!"
Those assembled had never heard the unassuming troll assume this tone with a female, much less his wife, and those who had heard this tone shivered...

The fox walked forward, following the lizard while making as little noise as she could. But, when they were just about to cross into the sunlight of the outside, the foxen stopped and turned to look at her guard, whispering under her breath in Sert, “Now Frileck, I’m not saying I don’t need you but, could you perhaps give me a bit of time to talk to David alone for a bit? I know he respects you and your use of a similar language, but it might be a little disconcerting to have two people to talk to at once, and we might make a better impression if we don’t surround him.

Seeing the disguised look of suspicion on her guard’s face, the Selac quickly added, “Besides, if I lugged around my muscle man with me it may seem like I didn’t trust him.” That though, did work. So, with a somewhat defeated rumbling sigh the dragon nodded, speaking in a series of clicks which told that he’d leave her with the JedI for a few minutes.

Unfortunately, just as she entered the garden she glanced the lizard following someone else - which caused a small frown on her face. Being of a curious breed, and also deciding to relish in the few moments of privacy that had been gained from her companion, she decided to follow. Thus, skirting along the edges of the park passages while keeping the lizard just within view. She followed until the room where the escort was sitting on guard.

Wouldn’t she know it but right as she peered around the corner where the guy was sitting a band of security comes running in. Visibly swearing in the only other language she knew from Sert - Diagian [A language known for its vivid dictation of bad words and hissing, rhythm endowed syntax. By the time the guards had got there she had stopped using the language, spreading her arms apart to pull apart the cloak so they could see her body armor and the stun gun on her thigh.

Admiral Zephra & Adoni

One of the Empresses Hand's stopped and gave Admiral Zephra a small bow. "Please do not worry Madam. And your weaponis perfectl acceptable. You are under no suspicion." Hi voivce was rich, the darkest of choclates and powerful.

He was tall, several inches over six foot and with a well muscled physique. His ice white hair was a startling contrast to his true black skin- he looked as if he was in all over 'black' masking but she sould see in the strong, late afternoon sun that it was simply his skin. The black of obisidian -not even the darkest of 'human' black skin. And that skin was possessed of an alien smoothness, a poreless fineness yet that was as soft and flexible as any human skin.

He looked over to where his compatriots had escorted the Alversian inside then back at the Selac "Might I have the pleasure of escorting you into the wedding, Grand Admiral Trilano?"

http://www.atddm.com/bar3.gif

Adam, Vindrex, THe Empress Dominique and others

"I must apologise for my intrusion but I am a guest of the Alversian People at this wedding and I have been informed that one my Students has just caused some considerable bother for all parties"

Discretely several - Mm'rr'll and The Grendel Archprimus being the two most notable - had melted out of the guests and had formed a protective cordon about the Empress. Another, an auburn haired woman, her senior most Hand and, not incidentially, the official Imperial Assassin, fell in beside the stranger as he made his way towards the Empress. Who's face had still not chnged from that watchful, neutral expression.

A tiny flick of a gesture from the Nietzschean beside him advised Vindrex to stop well short of the Empress. The stranger would find, if he tried to read her, it would be as if looking into a black hole. No light or hint of her interior life got out.

"Adam, why don't you formally introduce us." That was a bad thing, that Dominique asked for a formal introduction. Normally the more they liked you and felt comfortable about one the more informal they were. The Alversian Ambassador would have clearly remembered that from his introduction at her Coronation a few short months ago.

The Emperor stopped just short of the spear, gazing down the shaft to the being holding it with an unreadable expression on his face. In an instant a Black Guard appeared, katana already several inches out of the sheath, but the Emperor put his hand on the hilt, preventing the Guard from drawing it any further.
"Me zzorree, Fokzzez fiyr-troubled timezzez."
"Perfectly understandable." said the Emperor mildly, as though he was used to nearly being impaled though the neck. The Guard backed off, stepping back to flank the Emperor, hands behind his back.
"Yu wiyf not tell yu-dizz fur her to tell."
Jade did not tell me what?
The Emperor snapped his fingers, and the Black Guard approached silently. "Go to the Empress and find out if she has received any kind of message from either the Imperia or the Sultan within the past few days." the Emperor murmured. The Guard bowed and vanished, rematerializing a few seconds later to mutter into the Emperor's ears. "The Sultana of Doraddi would be honored if you and your consort would deign to present their children to Kyger Litor at the Castle of Lead then Moorgarki at Mt. Lodril, My Lord." The Emperor blinked in surprise, taking little notice of what Gerrak was saying to Indigo. "Children-"
"Yu eet fur kidzzez, an' yu EETZZ NOW!"
The Emperor had to restrain himself from reaching for his blade, an almost instinctual reaction to the Muri's raised voice. He backed off a few steps, leaving the couple be for now.
Evidently I've come at a bad time...

OOC: Tanara, you do know Grand Admiral Trilano never came to the meeting, because of diplomatic matters he had to attend to else where, and sent Admiral Zephra in his place? XD

The selac gave a thankful sigh, returning her hands to her waist and letting her cloak once again close around her form. She listened to the aide, flicking her large fox like ears back, “I thank you for the offer, but I would like to know what’s happening. I was following Dave out of the building to the park when I saw him,” she nodded to the escort that had frown down his weapon, “lead him away when I had fallen behind. Does whatever happen, somehow concern him?”

In other news, Frileck was not entertained by the sudden security alert, especially since he had no idea where his admiral had disappeared too. He was just hopeful that they wouldn’t ask him to reveal his cloak, and the blades he had brought with him.

Adam gave a sad sigh, he knew when the Empress asked for an introduction, things were bad. The figure in front had taken the hint and stopped well short of the Empress. He was merely standing, waiting.

"This the Vindrex, milady" He began, deciding that it was better to stick to formal names than the informal in this case, "He is a member of a Force sensitive race known as the Veela. They are a passive species. They do not fight and they do not leave Alversia. If they are here then it must be serious." He finished and looked at the Empress with a sorry expression.

Then the Vindrex himself gave a small nod,
"One of my young Apprentices has taken it upon herself to negotiate amongst this most sacred of gatherings. I am here to take her back" he finished calmly.

OOC: Edited Sert, my humblest apologies
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Admiral Zephra & Adoni Omega (http://www.atddm.com/adoni.jpg)

“lead him away when I had fallen behind. Does whatever happen, somehow concern him?”

"Yes, it does Admiral. We thought for a moment that Grand Master David had been had been abducted, but my sister is with him and reports him safe." He waved a hand to where the Alversian diplomat has been escorted into the Crystal Hall. "He's going to be brought before her Imperial Majesty. If you would know more, then we must indeed make our way with him." He grinned and it softened the power of his features.


http://www.atddm.com/bar3.gif

Trevor and Muchiko

not that it's going to get much better."

Michiko looked up at Trevor and nodded ever so slightly, though much of her attention was still on what was going on about the Empress, and she did not abandon her 'line of fire' position.

"No Dominique is not pleased that her hospitality has been abused." She whispered then winced slightly at the Empresses request for formal introductions. "Dominique is very forgiving on her own behalf but bollixing up a dear friends special day is something she will be very fierce over. The Alversian guests made a severe mistake in not consulting with Adam, their ambassador."

She wasn't going to mention that Dominique was probably not little irritated that her conversation with Trevor and Michiko had been disrupted as well.. Not that it had been - she was Empress after all and uninterrupted conversations were a luxury not an expected - but the reason. A student romping over a masters head was very bad form and something that should have been quashed before it had gotten this far. Michiko just hoped that Trevor would feel like continuing the conversation after things were settled. Dominique had seemed very relaxed and convivial conversing with Mister Desorté.

Dossier on the Empress, public knowledge (http://www.atddm.com/dear.htm)

Tu of dem trollzzez-eet up tu zzizzzzz timezzez what hoo-manzzez eatzz. Yu eet fur kidzzez, an' yu EETZZ NOW!"

No one, much less her husband had ever used that tone on Indigo before. The Divine One had used worse. But Gerrak's tone did nothing but bring a long slow smile to Indigo's lips. She'd wondered what he'd sound like when he was truly upset. Now she knew.

She started to call the Xiscapian Emperor back over as she dutifully took the tender morsel of meat, then stopped As what her husband had said sank in fully. Indigo went paper white and could barely swallow.

Slowly she stood, looking up at her husband with frightened eyes, and speaking in shadow speech. Her voice was low and carried not past him --"I think, my beloved consort, oh Sultan of Doraddi, we must take a stroll in those magnificant gardens...and talk--"

Trevor nodded slightly, it was hard for him not to be totally absorbed by what was going on infront of him but he did keep his wits and did absorb everything around him, there didn't seem to be anything for him to worry about but he needed to keep alert and aware. You could not let yourself be so focused on one thing that you fail to see a freight train coming towards you.

Life was almost like a game of chess, except everyone had their own pieces on the board with quite complicated confusing rules, but for now he was gaining entertainment out of it.

The conversation being broken off, wasn't an issue, he was all to much aware about the rigours of leadership. Concentrate too much on a single thing and bam, you get hit by a freight train. He would wish to continue the conversation but of course matters of state must be attended to, of course unless it can be delegated, but this could not.

Gerrak rose and bowed to the Lady Kaminari. "Yu will ek-zzkoozz, pleezz?" he extended an arm to Indigo and scooped up the platter with his spare foreclaw. "Milady-de garden awaitzz-doubtlezzzz, de flowerzzez izz in need of hoo-mil'ty. Let'zz zzhow dem troo byoo-ty."
As they slowly walked through the assembly, Gerrak crooned softly, --We're going to have to do something nice for Emperor Rose-I don't think he and Jade fight in public-perhaps the first dance?...That human, there-I believe he represents the Garbage Men-Muritan would be most pleased if I brokered a deal with that confederation...Eat something-I know you don't need it, but get into the habit. The Krags keep the mothers chained up and I've seen what a starving child will do. Oh, look-" they passed the dragon and the fox, and Gerrak cheerfully waved and spoke in Auld Wyrmish:"Good e'en to thee, august presence." The language of dragonewts had been kept and preserved among muri nobles, but it had not modified as living tongues do, so Gerrak's words seemed quaint and archaic.
Soon, they were in the garden in relative privacy...

Indigo shuddered at Gerrak's comment about the Krags. If she had her wish that family would be no longer extant, but for the fact that Gerrak had once been a Krag --"I will not allow the mothers of Our clan to be so treated, nor any child. Understand Gerrak, that I love the Muri well, and honor them, but no one of mine shall ever go hungry save by their active choice."

When she had ascended the throne, making sure that hunger was a thing of the past within the Celestial Imperia had been one of her first actions. And the steel in her voice showed she had brooked no disobedience or corner cutting on that - or any position she took.

The Celestial Imperia had always had a small and highly efficient bureaucracy anyway but she had winnowed though it beating it like chaff from wheat,. Gerrak may have eaten a general; Indigo had beheaded the corrupt and threatened to give the bodies to the Muri troops that were now stationed alongside her own troops. That saw any number of officials leaving the Imperia or repenting of minor infractions. Offences below a certain level were simply fined and the wayward official watched with extra care.

The gardens were indeed lovely, but Indigo didn’t notice their beauty. She turned to Gerrak and looked up at him, not surprised at all by the sudden fierce ache she felt. She knew well just how much she loved him. She’d died for him once, and only the gods had given her back.

–Gerrak, I know I carry four children. I had planned on at least four. But why do you say that but two of them are Muri. All four are Muri…are they not?-- Indigo asked, each words coming slower than that last.

Gerrak removed a small fetish-Argan Argar, god of Surface Darkness, she recognized from her time on Pamaltela-and pressed it to her hand. "Hold, and zzhare wid me..."
She suddenly felt his hroon as he did-and clearly saw her children, gestating-two boys, two girls-and the girls were kamiborn as she-and the boys were sucking desperately through their umbilicals...
"Our zzonzzez izz hungry..." he held forth the platter. "Now yu zzee me conzzern.
"Dey big-mebbe fifty, zzizzty poundzzez wen born..."

David clicked his lightsaber off and the ruddy light died with an audible snap.

Amasaratu nodded almost imperceptibly She regarded the apprentice with no friendliness, as she received information through her implant that the Veela’s master had arrived to reclaim her.

"And it is funny of how others talk of duels when I myself have no intention of engaging in one."

"That is between you and the Grand Master here. But it is extremely uncivil to interrupt a wedding without good reason. And" Her eyes were like twin laser canon boring into the other, unforgiving and cold “ and none has yet been presented.”

“I am going to return us planet side.” Amasaratu continued as she motioned the pair to approach her.

David did quickly, though he was still incensed that his father’s Bonding had been so rudely interrupted.

Smith and the Vindrex watched ans waited patiently. Smith was seething that this had gone over his head. He had asked the Vindrex here himself but the Apprentice wandering off was something that he couldn't tolerate. The Vindrex was standing as calm as ever but anyone who knew him could tell that he was less than pleased himself.

When the Apprentice arrived, she bowed to the Vindrex and to the Empress,
"I am..." She began before the Vindrex cut her off curtly,

"Thank you, My Apprentice, you have done enough" He then turned to the Empress and Ambassador, "I am sorry once again for interuptting this most sacred of festivals. We will withdraw for now. I can only hope that our next meeting is under more pleasant circumstances" he was looking for an escort from the premises. Smith just watched grimly.

Trevor looked on, he would not step in and direct the apprentice to an exit he'd leave that for the apprentice's master or perhaps some Tanaran footman/footwoman.

He looked at the apprentice intensely, his curiosity was peaked, why would any force-weilder, especially an apprentice disturb something as culturally important as a Bonding ceremony? There were so many questions to be asked which disturbed Trevor. The unknown, great opportunity but also great risk of failure, and especially when one deals with the Force it seems to frequently favour the former.

He hoped that with the imminent leaving of the apprentice that things would get back to normal, but he was going to be sure that the after-taste of rancid meat, left behind after the seemingly foolish actions of the apprentice would not go away quickly.

"Dey big-mebbe fifty, zzizzty poundzzez wen born..."

She looked in to herself as clearly as if with normal sight. And she was both pleased and concerned to see their children within her so easily. Normally she’d have to enter a deeply meditative state..

"But Gerrak, beloved, they should all four be Muri. I...I had planed and set it so that all would be." She looked up at her husband, frowning and decidedly unhappy as she took another bite from the tray he carried. Indigo had had complete control over her conception. The only thing she had not chosen to delineate was the number, setting it only as a minimum of four.

The Muri were matriarchal, and females the desire of every clan, but she wasn’t Muri and to her either sex had been acceptable. But she had deliberately over written the Novan genetics to subsume them into the Muri, and that should have mean all of them were Muri. "I don't understand Gerrak"

Indigo motioned him to escort her over to a shaded bench that was given greater privacy by a dense hedge of flowering shrubs. She was intent on going into deep meditation and discovering what had gone changed what she had set. As powerful as she was in her own right this should not have happened.

"De godzzez haff blezzzzed uzz." Gerrak said, holding his wife close, rubbing her stomach and hrooning for her. "We haff fowr healdy yung, wise kami wimmin tu guyd owr clan, and strong yung zzonzez to pro'tek it. De Clan Indigo zztartzz well, and zzoon will be a tribe, mebbe kingdom liyk Borlack. Me teesh owr dawterzzez polly-tikzzez-tu tell udderzzez wot tu do, den eetz dem azz dizzobey, Humbaba teesh dem to raizze zzpiritzzez, and Jhor teesh dem to hunt mukade, wiyl yu rool Impra an' be mudder uv grayt nay-shun. We be fiyn-mebbe troll girlzzez nezzt tiym." his expression was one of pure, unbridled lust as he looked in her eyes. "We makezzez menny, menny children-it be fun, me promizz..."

"We makezzez menny, menny children-it be fun, me promizz..."

Faslling into her husband's eyes Indigo set her concerns aside, and threw back her head, laughing uninhibitedly. He was so very right about that - Making children with him was indeed a pleasure beyond description.

However she would take this discussion up with others. She was troubled still - but she had those she could ask for advice, and for that she was very grateful.

Now though was for being in Gerraks' arms with the sun setting in brilliant hues, sweet scented breezes and ...and another few nibbles of food.

"I am sorry once again for interrupting this most sacred of festivals. We will withdraw for now. I can only hope that our next meeting is under more pleasant circumstances"

"I hope that we can meet again under more cordial circumstances" Dominique replied coolly once Amasaratu, Grand Master David and the wayward Veela apprentice had appeared. She did not ask to be introduced to the apprentice and her acknowledgement of the Vindrex had been lukewarm at best.

Michiko was quite correct; Dominique was not pleased in the least and would not easily forgive the intrusion. Calmly she watched them leave, escorted out by watchful eyed but courteous security. Once they were gone she sighed and gave Adam a rueful smile. She didn't hold it against him her look said clearly.

Then she projected her voice so that it carried clearly to the farthest corners without being louder than conversational. “It is the nature of the young to be impetuous and the nature of we..” Some chuckled at her gentle inclusion of herself in to aged status, she was after all only just over a hundred “old folks to want to go a bit slower.. I’m informed that Archprimus Lovingcup has some words for us about the Ceremony to come, and it’s history.” She gave a graceful nod of her head to the Grendel ruler who bowed slightly in return.

He was in his favorite form, as was his wife and their children other than Kiri ( http://www.atddm.com/grendel5.jpg ). And as Dominique quietly retired to her seat, he began to explain some of the origins of the Bonding as it was for their people.

“We are as you know Omnimorphs, able to take not just the forms but the full functions of any being, any thing we chose to study. It was a necessary thing for our home worlds were and are to this day savage inhospitable places where the unwary, the unobservant, and unfit can die in a heart beat.” His words may have sounded cruel but they were simply above all, utterly true. “ And those dangers have produced us a people uniquely fit to survive them. One of our greatest abilities beyond our ability to morph is that we discovered that we could create more of ourselves, we could, through parthogensis, split ourselves. We are an innately solitary race, for it takes a large territory on our worlds of origin to sustain each of us. And so for countless generations we reproduced by rarely and met with one another even less. but we also discovered, as the generations went by that this was those we spawned in this manner were…less, not wholly themselves, that many lacked what humans call ‘the soul’.” He used the language of the Empire, speaking aloud. The deeper mysteries were not meant for non Grendels no matter how closely allied they were, and he was breaking much precedent to speak as candidly as he was now.

Smith watched the Vindrex and his apprentice leve and shook his head sadly,
"I'm sorry again for that" He said to Dominique, "The Veela race has spent many millenia on our home planet, not interacting with other races, I suppose that combined with the impatience of youth has not bourne fruit today"

He listened to the speech quietly and respectfully.

Gerrak was enjoying himself, his wife in his arms, the setting as close to the wilderness he ever got these days. The words of the Archprimus were somewhat disturbing, but there really wasn't any reason to bother his wife with it-much better to amuse Indigo by tossing a crumb to a large brilliantly colored insect that caught it in midair, whistling approval that was met by a melodic hum.
"Me dinkzz dey want uzz in de mayn rum-por Fokzzez-fiyr need zzom niyzz ding, an' de laydeezzez need yu to zzhow dem up." he said, nuzzling his wife. "You needzz zzom 'tenshun, tu." he kissed her ear, more than ready to forgo socializing if more fulsome activities presented themselves...

Goodnight Lovingcup continued -
“We studied this matter very seriously for many turning about our pole star.” The scientists among the guests would realize that he spoke not of a season, or a years cycle, but the greater turning of a system within it’s galaxy, several millions of years.

“And we discovered that when two or more came together – and not just together but Bonded their essences into One - that their young had not just the animus, the ‘soul’, but were better, a greater wholeness than the sum of their parents parts…But even aware of the advantages this brought we are still a mostly solitary people, and so Bonding is still rare, but a most joyful occasion. This Bonding is not a subsumation, or subordination of one into another but an agreement, a unification directed towards forging their future path together.

"So as my youngest daughter chooses to become Komodren down to their genetic level, so does Drakomis choose to become Grendel, and thus they are their each their own but One."

“That my daughter is skilled enough for this I can certify without compromise of neutral judgment. She is an adult and among our people that accolade, that status requires that she prove mastery the 'Hundred First', the first hundred life forms, species, we met upon leaving our natal worlds. This she has done though proper ritual upon our homeworld before the Judges, the Adeptus. Her journey though out her life is well known within the Empire." Goodnight continued as he spoke of that fact that for over a hundred years now she had been the hostess and principle focus of the incredibly popular holocast Tanara's National Geographic - Explore with Me. “And in further sacred ritual has she journeyed to our homeworld and petitioned the Au’mmadier, the mother of all our people. The source of all Life..”

“I can only say that this was not an easy journey, a mere showpiece, for she went alone, and armed only what a Grendels innate abilities. Our lands are rigorously hostile as I have said and if she had been unprepared to face such she would have perished. However this gathering” He smiled genially “is proof that she did not.”

He paused and listened intently for a moment and his smile widened “One comes”

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Adam

"The Veela race has spent many millennia on our home planet, not interacting with other races, I suppose that combined with the impatience of youth has not borne fruit today"

"Not of your planning and you were infringed upon as any here" Dominique said softly in reply before returning to her seat and listening intently to the Archprimus detailing.

Merideth let out a covert sigh of relief. It could have gone much more badly than it had and she was very glad that everyone was in a most generous mood and unwilling to ruin it.

She caught Adam's eye and signaled him to join her back in one of the slightly more private 'alcoves'. He probably needed a chance to sit and recover himself.

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Trevor

Michiko looked up at Trevor - she was only just over five and a half foot tall in conservative heels - and whispered, as Dominique returned to her seat, "Would you like to continue the conversation?" She indicated the seat next to the Empress he had been occupying earlier. She had had a thought while watching the intrusive event play out and she hoped he would be interesting in continuing the discussion.

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Admiral Zephra

Adoni had escorted her into the Crystal Hall though one of the many doors that opened on the wide veranda, so that the Admiral had an excellent view of the proceedings. Once the Veela apprentice had been returned to her master’s care and the incident over he smiled with warm courtesy at the Selac "Every one chose to be as 'generous as possible, and I am glad that it ended well. Lady Kiri is well loved and it would have been a terrible shame for her and King Drakomis's Celebration to have been ruined. Is there any thing else I can accomplish for thee?" His slightly archaic manner of speech seemed perfectly natural coming from him. And the over all impression he gave off was that her wishes did really matter to him.

Frileck was approached by a Palace servant and quietly advised that one of the Empress’s Hands had escorted the Lady Admiral from the garden in to the Crystal Hall. Palace security well understood the worries of personal protection agents and hoped that eased his concerns some.

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Foxfire Rose

The three Novan Kitsunes, once the incident was passed, had turned to the Xiscapian Emperor welcomingly. He had played a most important part in the recent war and he was very highly honored by the people of the Imperia. They had sent special healing to his lady wife after she had been nearly sacrificed on the Altar of Chaos and wanted to make sure she was well.

The Ambassadress, Lady Kaminari Kitirchiba noh Yamato, bowed deeply, as did her husbands, and introduced them to the Xiscapian Kitsune before falling silent so as to not interrupt the Grendel’s speech.

Trevor

Michiko looked up at Trevor - she was only just over five and a half foot tall in conservative heels - and whispered, as Dominique returned to her seat, "Would you like to continue the conversation?" She indicated the seat next to the Empress he had been occupying earlier. She had had a thought while watching the intrusive event play out and she hoped he would be interesting in continuing the discussion.


"I would love to, but perhaps we can skip over the rest of the part where we analyse my name, It feels abit weird." Trevor personally took a note of where the Veela went, he was all to interesting in finding out new things, and perhaps there was something else... but he needed to see more of the Aprentice, especially in regards with his relationship to the master.

The Emperor bowed back and murmured his greetings and well-wishes before turning back to the Grendal's speech. Customs and culture of other races fascinated Foxfire Rose, and to hear of the journey and accumulation of knowledge by this daughter made him feel privileged. Nevertheless, he was eager to speak with his kitsune counterparts of the Imperia, and idly wondered where on the planet his mate could be. Probably, he decided blandly, entertaining some foreign dignitary or another. She had been born to the higher class of Xiscapians, aristocrats down to their fine dress and polished manners, and Jade knew how to work such a event as this.

"You too seek the Crystal Hall? I know the way, and some company would be welcome."

"Why thank you lady Jade. Your escort and company would be most welcome." Oscar replied as they began to move once again toward the Crystal Hall. They were coming to another intersection but both stopped short to admire the one who herself had stopped and was apparently waiting for some one approaching but still just out of their line of sight.

Kiri looked magnificent, the shimming gold of her scales highlighted by the outfit she wore. A [url=http://www.molon.de/galleries/Egypt/NatMuseum/Jewels/images01/03%20Gold%20sheet%20collar.jpgbroad Egyptian style collar[/url] of beaten gold draped wide from her neck over her shoulders. From it depended five layers of fine threads - thousands of threads per layers of drawn gold wire -draping from the collar to the floor. Each thread of 24 karat gold was no thicker than a dozen human hairs put together. Supple but heavy it shimmered and moved like a living thing, a waterfall cascading down under a summer’s noonday sun.

But it was not the radiance of her gown but the radiance of her face that stopped their steps. She held out her hands and Drakomis came into view and as he did so he took her hands in his and raised them to his heart. “Well met beloved” and he grinned slightly “It looks as if we decided on our outfits together.” He too wore a broad golden collar with a cloak of minute gold scales that spread wing like over his shoulders and draped to the floor.

Kiri smiled as she went on claw tips to knock his snout lightly with hers. “Purest accident. I have it on good authority you hadn’t even decided up till just a hour or so ago.”

“You have the right of it” He nuzzled the hands that he still had not let go of. “Nothing to match your radiance however.”

The couple seemed completely unaware of the onlookers. Hand in hand turned and conversing lowly began to head toward the Crystal Hall.

“Lady Jade, I need to catch up to them and assume my proper place” Oscar said softly, aware that the Kitsune might not want to move at the speed, a very brisk walk, necessary to catch up.

“Lady Jade, I need to catch up to them and assume my proper place”
"I understand," said the Empress, slow, demure pace breaking into the necessary speed needed to catch up to the two. "Let me come with you, I have not met either, and new acquaintances are, after all, vital to diplomacy..." Jade could practically feel the disapproval radiating off of her Guard somewhere behind them, but she took no visible notice. There was something strange about this being. Should a bodyguard ever leave his charge? Of course, it was impossible to keep tabs on anyone all of the time without the help of the Force or a vast array of observation tools and devices, but she trusted her instincts. And her instincts told her something was not right. Besides, she truly did want to meet the two moving away from them, and learn more about this Oscar sentient.

Trevor, Michiko, Dominique

The Veela and her master the Vindrex had been escorted from the Crytal Hall, which would be all that Trevor could discern. However he would have overheard the Alversian ambassador say that the Veela were from his home planet and that the Vindrex had come as his guest.

"I would love to, but perhaps we can skip over the rest of the part where we analyse my name, It feels abit weird."

Michiko laughed as they reclaimed their seats besides Dominique. "You'll have to forgive me, my fathers influence. " She was going to say more but then fell silent as the Grendel Archprimus began to speak.

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Jade and Oscar

"Let me come with you, I have not met either, and new acquaintances are, after all, vital to diplomacy..."

Oscar did not reply for he had become focused on the object of his hunt, all the long years of discontent and failure focused on the one who had emerged victorious. However he was a Master of the Force and recognised the dangers of that narrow vision. He managed to remove enough of his concentration to cast a cloak about himself, hiding his intent most carefully.

He would seem but one eager to take up his place.

And ever closer he drew to that setlement.

"You needzz zzom 'tenshun, tu."

Indigo nestled close to Gerrak, content for the moment just to be in his arms. He was the best attention a woman could have. The others could envy her all they wanted no one was getting her Muri. She'd gone though several variations off hell to get him and she was in no way inclined to share him.

And she knew he felt the same way - why he'd eaten the Divine One, and if thast wasn't proof of how he felt she didn't know what was.

But it did look as if things werw about to commence and after another bite of meat she stood so that he could escort her back inside. "You know you're going to be doing a lot of foot rubbing in the future" She teased lightly.

Trevor, Michiko, Dominique

The Veela and her master the Vindrex had been escorted from the Crytal Hall, which would be all that Trevor could discern. However he would have overheard the Alversian ambassador say that the Veela were from his home planet and that the Vindrex had come as his guest.

"I would love to, but perhaps we can skip over the rest of the part where we analyse my name, It feels abit weird."

Michiko laughed as they reclaimed their seats besides Dominique. "You'll have to forgive me, my fathers influence. " She was going to say more but then fell silent as the Grendel Archprimus began to speak.


He would of said something but in respect for Grendel Archprimus he didn't, just smiled and lightly chuckled as he settled down to listen whatever he would say.

"You know you're going to be doing a lot of foot rubbing in the future"
"Me knowzz-yu aunt liyk it, tu" he teased. "Haff tu fiynd yu women gud muri men tu wed-den all getzz dey feetzzez rubbed. Komm, de priezzt been talkin' 'bout de divizzion of zzoulzzez in him razze..."
Helping her up, he nestled her in his arms as they walked back to the Great Hall...

OOC: as per prior set up...IE don't blame me, it wasn't my idea...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Drakomis and Kiri proceeded down the broad hallways that would lead them to the high archway that opened on to the magnificent crystal hall. He held Kiri's hand tenderly, unable to constantly glance over and reassure himself that she was next to him, soon to be his mate.

He resolved to make ever day with her a precious memory, to be lived fully and joyously. The archway loomed a head and he looked down at her with loving eyes. She had chosen to be just a head shorter than he, perfect for tucking her under his chin...

The footsteps coming up behind them had then both glancing around with mild curiosity, but seeing David and the Xiscapian Empress Jade...

Oscar snarled under his breath, hidden by the seeming he had wrapped ever so carefully, ever so subtlety - about himself. He'd done it just before leaving his room, after a quick sweep had told him that his prey's adopted son was no where about….and the fortuitous presence of the Lady Jade was just an added layer of misdirection… He wanted as much a chance to live as possible. He made a discrete check of the teleporter bracelet wrapped about his wrist. Breaching through the shields about the Palace wasn’t going to be easy, but this was a new technology that the Anagonians had shared with no one yet…save him…

Then he was catching up with his targets, and lightening fast his lightsaber was out, the snap crackle of it mingling with the ugly sound of its energy blade searing through flesh. He carved, with a blow powered by his full strength. through Drakomis’s torso at just above the waist. Muscles born into five gravities and trained for over four thousand years heaved though his rival’s tough scaled hide, then the massive spine and out the other side. Drakomis stiffened, his body spasming at the violent invasion, the massive almost certainly lethal wound. His cry of surprised pain had Kiri turning her eyes wide … then the lightsaber carved deep into her as well, but not through the spine.

Oscar had put such effort into the blow that the when the blade broke free of Drakomis’s body the momentum pulled the blade jerkily up and over - it sliced up into Kiri, severing the left side of her torso, shoulder and arm, but missing her throat and face…

With a cry she too reeled and fell…

Oscar left the blade fall from his hand, still live – a danger to any one approaching – and bounded a way, reaching his top speed in just two leaps…

Inside the Crystal Hall all the guests had been able to see was a scarlet bladed lightsaber carving into Drakomis from behind - out the front and across his body, and then it striking Kiri …both falling with horrific, surely fatal wounds…

Some one... many rather screamed...and pandemonium erupted...

Adam had been standing at the edge of the hall when the attack came. He had not even been looking in the right direction. All he had heard was the hum of a lightsaber, then a series of screams and roars. He turned to see that two people had been killed. He couldn't see who but he didn't want to guess. He pulled a small blaster from his belt and peered around for an assassin. No doubt that any intruders would be dealt with by Tanaran Palace security but he did not want to leave anything to chance.

There was no time for words as Jade witnessed the blatant assassinations of both Drakomis and Kiri, both falling to the floor, smoking pouring from their wounds. The Guard materialized, but by the time he did so all he found was Jade's white robes lying on the floor and he heard her voice in his head:
Alert security immediately. Doubtless they already know, but we must take every precaution. Do what you can for the victims.
Jade was already sprinting up the hall, clad in previously concealed gray and green battle armor, her black katana springing free from her sword, yellow huntress eyes fixed on the back of the fleeing assassin. She flipped over the clattering still-activated lightsaber, over the still forms of the targets though the entrance, landing and flipping again off a handy pillar, souring into the air of the Crystal Hall she came down with all the speed and precision of a spear, sword angled to pierce the spine of Oscar and bring the killer down.
Across the Hall...
In less than a second half a dozen Black Guards surrounded the rather surprised Emperor, who had been about to engage in conversation with the Noven Kitsune. The Guards were behind, in front of and to both sides of their Ruler, all looking outward for the threat, three holding blaster rifles leveled, two hefting katana swords in case of a direct attack and one hardly straining under the effort of holding up a portable shield creating a shimmering amber bubble of light around them, with a pistol in the other gantlet hand. Foxfire Rose turned his head in time to see someone sprint across the room, tracking the runner with his eyes. His mouth opened as he saw the Empress, Jade, descended like a wrathful angel from above, sword set to impale the reptilian being.
OOC: Hope this doesnt interfere with any plans, if so you can just say she missed...

OOC: Grendels are so hard to kill, and yeah Xis, I apologise, but...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Neither of the victims were dead, but Drakomis was close, very close. The part of Kiri that had been seared freed shifted, as did the rest of her, becomeing one large, and one small, crystal glowing with an inner light and , a faint warbling of etherial bells could be heard...

but as Jade descended from on high, in a marvelous furious rush a shimmer of light, a circle just large enough to contain him sprang into being...and for a second all energy in the area fluxed, dimming not just lights, but people very vision and thoughts - and the shield about the palace ruptureed for just a second, over laoded and then drained just long enough to allow ...and the faux Komodren was gone, alarms whrilling and security scarambling to resecure the area...

And the smaller crystal was gone...and Drakomis yet lived, though his vital signs were at a critically low ebb.

Kiri, lighter by many pounds, was still in crystal for but seemed to be conscious.

Porthos had not wasted time wondering or panicking but had a medical tem ported in instantly, and a trauma tube materializing but a second after they did...

"Crap." that was the only thing that came out of Trevor's mouth, it was soon followed by another word... "Sith".

There was no connection nor seeming emotion linked in with it, it was as if it was a matter of fact statement of truth. Which for all internsive purposes it was. There was a soft almost undectible rumble in his pocket as a mobile communications device shuddered into activity. Picking it out of his pocket, it almost looked exactly like one of those ancient "cell phones" (OOC:but they're really 'mobile')

"And here they are right on queue."

He flipped it open and immediately started talking to whoever was on the other end. "No, I'm fine... No, I don't need... no, defintely not, no way in the entire universe will I let you do that... You want me to tell you your job... Well, liase with the Tanaran security. Find out what you can do to find this ... thing and detain it. No for the last time, you have your orders now go see what you can do and play nice, like the school boy you are."

He flipped it closed again and placed it back into his pocket... "Sorry about that, security can get a bit up-tight about these things..." he started to idly gaze up into the ceiling and for a moment lost himself... "especially when you have no Heir-Apparent, no one to hand everything over to when you die."

There was a tinge of sadness, which was for a moment and now gone as Trevor bought himself back to the current situation. "why them?" he pondered aloud to no one in particular. "There's so many other important people here, and why at their Bonding. Does whoever it was not want them together, or was it merely a fortuitious time? but surely there'd be times where it would be much easier to get them then at their own Bonding."

Trevor looked perplexed he wondered what was going to be happening now, surely the Bonding would be postponed, but for how long?

"An' yu zzay weddin' to tiym fur murrderr." Indigo heard and suddenly Gerrak was not there, while she was sealed in a glowing blue crystalline matrix of energy.
Her kami senses, though still developing, let her know this was a gift from Annilla, that strange goddess whose priesthood took such an interest in Gerrak and his kin-they also told her Gerrak's bio-electric signature was powering up the energy systems hidden in his regalia, his protective field among them.
He has the ears of a bat, the nose of a bloodhound, and he can sense Force energies as well as subtler energies.she reminded herself. He also has a wife who's going to skin him alive for trapping her like this. I pity the poor fool he's after She knew from past experience he'd come back profusely apologetic with his prey in tow to offer her for forgiveness, but he'd never sealed her in an energy matrix before.
"You were never with child before." she heard herself saying in a voice she recognized.
"Zorak Zoran, if this is your doing..." she began, knowing the Deathwielder's wiles, but received a sense of his high-pitched cackle and a shrugging of charred shoulders before he was, quite unwillingly, cut off. Not him, then she thought, reaching out...
The rock upon which she stood was sedimentary, laid over eons, and it resonated with a field similar to that which held her. She shattered it with a thought, and revealed a blue bubble, which popped, revealing a large platter of fresh cooked walktapus.
Annilla, grandmother-why? She didn't expect an answer-Annilla, the First Moon, had lost her mind in the Chaos Wars, and had been nursed by the trolls since. Reasoning with her was quite impossible...

Cadre, massive behemoths nearly twelve foot tall in sleek but unbelievably lethal power armor had teleported in – they had the overrides that let them in without breaching the Palaces shields – and quickly spread through out the hall, while the Empresses Hand materialized about their lady, shield fields glowing fiercely as they wove defensive protections about her and those closest to her. One had given Trevor a sharp look as his communicator had shrilled, but had other wise down nothing to interfere.

“especially when you have no Heir-Apparent, no one to hand everything over to when you die."

Michiko had given him a compassionate look, but said nothing more at the moment. After taking one last look to where the medical specialists worked frantically to stabilize Drakomis long enough to get him prepared for tubing… She closed her eyes for a second, knowing fretting would do no good, and did what she could to soothe the upset guests, though others already moved among them. Carefully she sent out subtle waves of calm, and reassurance. She was an Empath, and while it had nearly killed her at one point, now she was very adept at wielding her Gift.

"why them?"

“I don’t know” Dominique leant her chin on one fisted hand “There was not indication of any upset over their bonding among the Anagonian populace. And Kiri is a massively popular figure here in the Empire, and without..”

David had retired to the middle of the guests after his return with the Veela, and now approached the small group around the Empress. He would not let himself interfere with the frantic work being done to save his fathers life, and he had been unable to track his father’s attacker after he had teleported away.

“It was an Anagonian, your Imperial Majesty” He called in a low voice, and Dominique motioned to her Hands to admit him into her presence. “But not a Komodren, for all he appeared to be one. His name is Oscar Vladinchi, and he is, or we thought was dead, apparently he has managed to escape that ones clutches. For I would have been able to stop him had he been still living. He is now embodied only through his Will.” The Komodren Jedi Grand Master was furious, and fearful for his fathers’ life, but he held himself with tightly controlled dignity, only the tomes of his voice revealing the painful emotions raging through him. “He was, at one time, one of my fathers dearest friends and confidants.”

He turned to watch as carefully Drakomis’s comatose form was levitated and slid into the waiting trauma tube. Kiri was now sitting up, supported by her family members; the Grendel’s sharing the energies with her. She looked dazed and confused; she had lost a massive portion of her self, but not down to the perimeters that might cause an easy loss of selfhood.

Porthos’s hologram appeared at Dominique’s elbow and discretely passes along the information from the still working medics.

“He still lives, Kiri gave him the portion of herself that had been spawned, and that is what enabled his system to remain functioning. He is now fully Grendel but will need time to learn. The Archprimus has requested one of their fastest courier readied to take them all to the Au’mmadier.” He looked over at David “He invites you to journey with them, so that you may be near your father.”

Then he turned back to the Empress “I am sorry your Majesty, I was unable to stop the teleport, it was some new technology we have not encountered before, and it nearly overloaded the Palaces systems, the damage is considerable. But Her Majesty Jade did draw blood, before the attacker disappeared. I saw to having it collected for analysis and evidence. All of what happened has been recorded.

Once Palace security arrived and it was clear the threat was gone, the shield went down and the Emperor pushed past his Guards to hurry along the floor to Jade. The Xiscapian Empress was on one knee, sword having driven deeply into the carpet, and she leaned on the hilt, strengthening it for the strike that never came. The Emperor dropped to his knees, most undignified he knew, but at the moment he didn't care. "Are you alright?" he asked urgently, yellow eyes sweeping up and down his mate's form. Jade gave a tired nod, yanking her sword from the floor with a ferocious pull. "Yes. Bastard got away. I should have known." She turned to him, eyes full of anguish. "I didn't recognize him for what he was, I led him along to his targets, I didn't do anything...until it was too late."
Foxfire helped Jade to her feet, gently sheathing her sword for her and taking her hands into his. "There was no way of foreseeing what happened. It wasn't your fault, you couldn't have possibly known."

"I didn't recognize him for what he was, I led him along to his targets, I didn't do anything...until it was too late."
"There was no way of foreseeing what happened. It wasn't your fault, you couldn't have possibly known."

"Your husband is quiet correct your Majesty. Please do not blame yourself." David strode over, and now close up Jade could see that the seeming that had been over the other had actually been too perfect. The real David had minor wear and tear about him. And the deeply concerned, loving look as he turned to watch the Trauma Tube vanish was utterly genuine.

"Oscar has trained his powers for some four thousand years, and knew my father intimately. I think he was merely using the celebrations of the day to get close when my father was distracted, his mind on other things. I count it fortunate he did not strike at you as well." His eyes searched the Xiscapian empress carefully, gravely. "And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your most valiant attempt to strike Oscar down"

David saw that the Grendels were beckoning to him and excused himself, to say brief good byes to Dominique.

Dominique walked beside him, she wanted to speak to Kiri herself, though she intended to keep it short. She had no wish to tire the injured bride. Kiri had never taken her eyes off of Drakomis but she nodded slowly to Dominique’s words of condolences. The Empress beckoned to one of her Hands, and with swift orders she dispatched him to attend the Grendels and to fill their every command.

Admiral Zephra had been, in a daze to put things at best. For some inexplicable reason her mind had decided to stroll over the past events of her life as she waited for the ceremony to proceed. It was, by some sheer amount of cruel irony, that just as she was reliving the death of her commanding officer twenty years ago - an event that pushed her on the path to being an Admiral, that the attempted assassination happened.

With a startle she snapped open her eyes, her ears splayed open to try and catch sounds (a move that proved to be a great pain as her heightened hearing, now keenly alert, was forced to endure the pain of potentially hundreds screaming), and also moved to activate the plasma swords hidden within her armor’s wrist gauntlets. But before she could activate her only lethal weaponry at the moment she was tackled to the ground and found the large mass of her body guard’s scaled form covering her, his cloak doing its best to disguise her presence.

The immense draconic being gave a hissing like, warning battle snarl to anything that could hear it in range while two peculiar claymore sized red and black swords were held easily in his large hands, although they appeared to look like regular long swords in proportion to his size. Another aspect, was that he had tapped into his race’s most trusted battle secret, the Ki’ron’tah. It was perhaps an ability analogous to force sensitivity that could be conjured up for limited periods of time for these great dragon warriors, and allowed them to sense and predict the next action of their opponent - now it was being used to sense for any dangers to himself or his admiral.

“Get off me you loaf!” she virtually screamed, angry not at her dullness of senses, acute enough that she might have seen or heard something that might have prevented the atrocity. It took a considerable amount of pushing and swearing in that earlier unknown language of hers, but eventually the great lizard got off of her, pulling her up to her feet. She didn’t bother with the wrist-blades now, but she did draw her directed ion pistol and rushed to the nearest security guard.

“You! I need you to take me to David immediately!” she said on a near frantic scream. It probably wasn’t her best choice of action, but right now her mind was stuck between screaming at her for the slightest possibility her lethargic condition might have prevented the stop to this, anger at being caught off guard, and also a bit of fear that what ever happened might have been connected with the United Resistance, and that their presence had caused the event. It was, with this condition of mind, that she sought the person she had befriended the most at this moment, if not to just ask some questions on what happened, but perhaps to try and soothe whatever hurt he might have after the attack on his father - that was his father, right?

"Blood? could I perhaps get a sample, I think our laboratory's could do some analysis on it.. approach it from a different angle so to speak."

Trevor seemed to spark up abit, but still generally floated around Dominique, he was intrigued by her, but there was something else.

Smith was still watching from a distance, shaking his head sadly. It had been a bad attack, at a dishonourable time on a noble opponent. The Alversian Senate would have to know this, as would Alversian intelligence. Alversia and Anagonia had had some diplomatic relations and they would contact them as well as the Tanaran Empire to see what help could be offered.

So he stood to the side and allowed the Tanarans to handle the Emergency. Perhaps the Veela who had been here earlier had sensed his presence? He would ask them later, once he was back at the Embassey.

Palace security surrounded the massive shaggy troll, who dropped his spear and raised his foreclaws upon sighting them.
"Him gon-apported frum heer." Gerrak said. "Mebbe me kall Blue Moon to trak if liyk, or yu tayk me to viktimzzez-mebbe me help dere."
Security kept weapons trained as they called in for instructions-the troll was a guest, but a guest who should not be here...

"And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your most valiant attempt to strike Oscar down."
"A thousand thanks," said Jade softly, giving him a quick bow. "Let me know how they are..." She trailed off as he walked away, urgently needed elsewhere. The Emperor, releasing one of his mate's hands, guided her over to a few comfortable seats he had been standing by before, both kitsune sitting easily. Emperor and Empress were somewhat shaken by the events They had done what they could, and would now have to see how it turned out.

Sertia

The screams had died down quickly – these were not, over all, an group inclined to hysteria, and the fact that neither of the bride’s, or the groom’s, families panicked or went into dramatics helped immensely. So the Selac’s sensitive ears werren’t too badly overstressed. Once her body guard had allowed her to rise…

“You! I need you to take me to David immediately!”

"Ma'am do you mean Grand Master David?" The Hand who had escorted her into the Crystal Hall inquired. He gestured to where The Komodren Jedi was with the Grendel family as they were preparing to leave. The Tanaran Empress, Dominique had spoken to Kiri but had already returned to her chair. He began to escort her to the Komodren immediately, deftly clearing a path for her.

David looked about as the Sertian Admiral joined him, his eyes brightened at the sight of her “Admiral Zephra! How may I help you? I am sorry that we were separated earlier.”

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Trevor, Dominique & others

Dominique had returned to her seat just as Trevor spoke up

Blood? could I perhaps get a sample, I think our laboratory's could do some analysis on it.. approach it from a different angle so to speak."

Dominique gave him a appreciative, thankful smile.” Any help would be appreciated. I will certainly authorize the release of sample to you. It’s kind of you to offer to help.

Porthos faded from view to carry out Dominique’s orders.

Dominique gave Trevor a weary look – oh not in any way indicative that she was weary of his company, but the look from one person burdened with many responsibilities to another who would understand such tiredness. “Would you care to have a quiet dinner with me?” She asked in a low tone. “I think that the grand dinner planned might not be the best thing, but the classical comedy that was planned for later might still go on, take the guests minds off this horror, and allow the day to end on a lighter note.”

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Gerrak & Perigrine

"Mebbe me kall Blue Moon to trak if liyk, or yu tayk me to viktimzzez-mebbe me help dere."
The conventional security melted away as a tall woman, just a little over six foot arrived and with a discrete wave of her hand sent them about other duties. She carried an authority and presence about her like a well worn mantle…some one who’d been there, done that, and all- long before the shirt was even thought of… “That is a kind offer your Excellency. I have heard much of the Ordo Annilla.” Her smile was small but there was indeed a gleam of respect in her eyes. “Forgive me; introductions are in order my Lord Sultan. I am Peregrine Omega, Senior Hand to the Empress. And indeed the aid of the Order would be greatly appreciated. My latest information” And Gerrak could be absolutely sure that the legendary Omega of Omega was indeed getting a real time flow of data. “Says that a cloaked ship managed to breach our FTLi interdictions and jump out system, within less than sixty seconds from the vanishing of the attacker, one Oscar Vladinchi, a Anagonian national, but not a Komodren.” Her gaze gave him and his accoutrements a very though and unsurprised look over.

The Muri would get the feeling that hers had been the order to allow his …regalia… in unobstructed. Which it had been. She was Nietzschean, and had thoroughly approved of his collection of impressive weaponry and defenses. She had been hoping to have a friendly discussion and perhaps even an exhibition of them. Of course hers, while different from his, were just as much a part of her outfit as his were.

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Adam & Meredith

Merideth looked about satisfied that all that could be being done was discretely and efficiently being done, and began looking for Adam. Finding him off to the side – where he had a good view but was thoughtfully out of the way of various of the necessary activities, she moved to join him.

“Well, I think I am really going to need that time at the ranch” She said as she looked the Crystal Hall over.. “And I might not come back. The Komodren, who apparently isn’t really a Komodren, teleported with new technology that nearly scrammed the Palaces reactor – and did you notice the effect on people as well? And the cloaked ship he teleported too broke though the FTLi …” She sighed “and would you care to have dinner with me tonight? Somehow I don’t think the banquet is going to happen.”

*snip*
Once the blood was in the hands of the small dispatchment of TGM ships that came to escort Trevor here, a small courier ship disappeared from the system taking it to the nearest station where tests would be run. Not any normal tests, like those doctors might do for diagnosing an illness but others.

Long ago the corporation had discovered that lifestyle choices, and habits impacted on the body physically in a number of ways, especially in the blood. They were doing a wide range of tests finding out the exact composition of the blood, using the smallest of clues within blood.

Of course there were times when analysis of this sort was wrong, after all there are still unknown factors to consider, but for the most part they were able to identify major habits, especially in terms of eating, drinking and exercise as well as type of air commonly breathed, though such traces partciluarily of gases usually disappear quite quickly. The only thing it would achieve was to perhaps identify the mixture of air that was used his get away ship. Which in itself could indicate a preference for certain environments.

...

Trevor gave her a sympathetic smile, as if to say, "I'm sorry that it got ruined but it was good up until that point." He was quite surprised by the invitation, but he understood the need for her to get away, from all these people, from people that looked up to her with pleading eyes for her to do stuff.She needed time away from it all time with an equal.

"It would be my great honour."

But before Indigo had eaten three bites of the delicious walktpus the bubble vanished and she found herself seated in the same chair she had been earlier..No sign of Gerrak but the platter of snacks was still floating nearby.
The Novan Kami moved back to surround her at her rematerialization without comment, they were taking in everything as comprehensively as they could without getting in any ones way or being obvious about it.

Indigo took a quick look about. Apparently she had been gone long enough for the terribly injured bridegroom to be transported for medical support. She was glad to see Kiri to be alive as well. She had always been an avide veiwer of the young Grendels show, it ws incredibly popular though out the Imperia.

Then she noted Foxfire and Jade sitting at a small grouping of chairs close by. They must have arrived as she had been sequestered. They both looked rather unsettled, and she thought she knew something that would take their minds off of the latest events. And she definitely owed Foxfire an apology. Indigo jumped up and moved over to where they sat.

"Your Imperial Majestys..." Indigo began formally with a twinkle in her eyes, then couldn't contain herself breaking into a huge smile "Jade, Rosey, I'm pregnant. And I am soo sorry Gerrak was being 'first time father' - or I believe that is the term - and I know he'll apologise himself when he gets back" He'd better or he'll be sleeping in the spider house for some time She thought as she gave first Jade, then Foxfire, hugs then plopped down in the chair besides theirs.

Gerrak sent a spirit flying from within his fetch to summon the nearest Blue Moon. Since he was probably being monitored, one would appear shortly with a perfectly reasonable explanation for his promptness.
"Kommand'r Omega, mebbe me heel de couple-it age dem, but dey be intact." While the muri were psychic healers, it was a sad fact that they didn't age after reaching maturity, so the flaw in their healing-that the individual healed also aged the amount of time natural recovery would take-was never seen as needing correction. Their natural regenerative abilities also saw to it they never delved far into cybernetic replacements, though they could cobble together exemplary models in short order."Mebbe me hiyr zum Ordo Rokagi tu patroll, yu wan'."

“and would you care to have dinner with me tonight? Somehow I don’t think the banquet is going to happen.”

Adam listened to her for a while then gave a nod of understanding. The attackr had come in as a friend as left under mysterious circumstances. It seemed to be an unrelated attack but then one never knew. Although he did hear her ask him to dinner,
He gave a small nod,
"I'd be delighted to" He smiled, "It seems as though plans have been rearranged." His smile slipped slightly as he leaned closer to her, "I know you have no idea where this attacker is but I know a people who could perhaps help you track him. A people who were here earlier" She would know who he meant.

Both kitsune looked up on Indigo's approach, troubled expressions replaced by warm smiles in an instant. Both Xiscapians held the Novan youth in high regard for a number of reasons, not the least of which being her collaboration with Foxfire in rescuing Jade from Chaos.
"Jade, Rosey, I'm pregnant. And I am soo sorry Gerrak was being 'first time father' - or I believe that is the term - and I know he'll apologise himself when he gets back"
Foxfire's face broke into a genuine grin, sharing a look with Jade. So that was what the message was. But something told him there was more to it. He would have to ask Jade later. "Congratulations!" he exclaimed, both kitsune embracing Indigo back before she settled in. Jade nodded. "Don't worry about Gerrak, no apologies are needed. But tell me," she leaned forward eagerly, then looked up. A servant was standing there, holding Jade's robes open for the Empress to slip into to. With all the excitement and now this, Jade had quite forgotten she had shed the outer part of her clothing. She stood and drew the robes around her, thanking the servant, before sitting again and resuming. "Tell me, how long have you carried his seed?"
"Yes," said the Emperor, eyes twinkling, "do you know anything about the children yet?"

Gerrak & Perigrine

."Mebbe me hiyr zum Ordo Rokagi tu patroll, yu wan'."

"Thank you for the offer of healing, but Kiri is Grendel -as now is His Majesty Drakomis. Having a certain percentage of Grendel in you makes you irrevocably Grendel, and Kiri used her severed portion to keep him alive. And Grendels can’t take any healing save what they themselves generate, though I know they would be honored by your offer.” She replied with grave appreciation. “I would indeed like to hire some Ordo Rokagi, but you must allow me to pay for their hire. You know them far better than I do. How many would you suggest be hired? The joss had been weirding of late” – and to hear a completely practical Nietzschean admit to acknowledging the powers of fate, fortune and wildest chance was something rare indeed.

But Peregrine Omega was no ordinary Nietzschean, by any ones standards, and she’d learned to accept such things as magic, the Force and psionics – all things that did not exist in the slightest in her home universe, or didn’t exist as far as Nietzscheans were concerned.

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Adam & Merideth

"I know you have no idea where this attacker is but I know a people who could perhaps help you track him. A people who were here earlier"

The war mistress looked about at the many small clots of people all talking in much more subdued and even grim tones that they had so short a time before. Shaking her head she looked back at Adam and nodded her look thankful.

“I think any help would be appreciated in this matter. Kiri and Dominique are closer friends than most realize and while she is keeping calm this whole set of circumstances is probably very disconcerting to say the least. Why don’t you make the offer a little bit later though, in a more private setting? We could visit her after dinner. I’ll bet she’s going to say that the Theatrical is still on. It’s one of our classic comedies, if I remember correctly.”

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Trevor & Dominique

"It would be my great honour."

The smile that lit her face was genuine, if not ebullient “Thank you Trevor. Then I think it is time to let every one seek the serenity of their suites and soothe their jangled nerves in a private fashion. Having to stand around here and look unrattled is probably straining many.”

Dominique stood, and moved towards the center of the room, growing in Presence from simply a woman sitting and speaking with friends into the Empress with all the mantle of power such carried. All eyes were drawn to her, for the Empress Dominique Evanagline Alexandra Ryder was not one any ignored.

“Gentle Beings I wish, on the behalf of the Bonding Couple and their families, to thank you for being here today, despite what has occurred. Pain and suffering yes, but not fatal tragedy, and I thank the Universe for that.” She bowed her head for a moment and many joined her. Then she continued, her trained voice projecting to all the corners of the vast Crystal Hall effortlessly, without her having to raise her voice.

“However I think that the Formal Banquet planned for this evening should be postponed. However the Theatrical set to have its first night tonight should not be missed. The troupe has worked too long and hard to have their Gala opening curtain not raise. I know that Dowager Empress Midori will be hosting a small informal dinner in the Twilight gardens this evening and Lord Celedon will be hosting one in the Jade Pavilion as well” A quick glance at Midori and then the Empire’s Minister of State, got a nodded responses. “For those who would like to dine in company, all are welcome at either. If you would prefer to dine in your suites, our Servants will be pleased to attend to your every desire.” She figured that about half the guests would prefer to dine in their suites and relax until it was just before time for the curtain to rise.

Once she had made it official that the guests could go several discretely headed out the doors, and Dominique could only smile sadly, and curse inwardly. She hoped some one found this Oscar long after her temper was cooled, or she’d be tempted to light a torch under his feet!

Hiding her anger deeply though, Dominique turned back to Trevor with a sadly amused look. “You know, many years ago when I saw some of the scenarios they planned for I was half aghast and half howling with disbelieving laughter. Assassinations at weddings, Dragons carrying off a visiting dignitary – the largest wild dragons can lift a full grown man, but I had never thought that one might interrupt a state visit, or securities plans for dealing with such…Trevor, how do we end up like this? We think we are so civilized. And yet we let ourselves down at every turn it seems.” Her voice was low keeping it between them; she shook her head once more. Dominique knew well that he probably had asked himself the same questions many a time.

I’ll bet she’s going to say that the Theatrical is still on. It’s one of our classic comedies, if I remember correctly.”

"The theatrical?" Adam couldn't hide his confusion but he also nodded, "I will recomend that the Veela assist in any attempt to locate this attacker although as far as bringing him to justice is concerned, the Veela are strictly pacifist, they will not engage in battle with anyone unless there is no other choice."

“I would indeed like to hire some Ordo Rokagi, but you must allow me to pay for their hire. You know them far better than I do. How many would you suggest be hired? The joss had been weirding of late”
"Wun Baddelcrab 'nuff fur wun planet." Gerrak asserted, his demeanor indicating a problem requiring two Battlecrabs had yet to occur. "Morga?!? Wot yu du heer?"
Peregrine stiffened-Morga was the name of the infamous Kingpin of Tenfour, a piece of information that came dear-but the figure before them, clad in robes of blue so dark as to appear black, seemed innocuous enough as it's bolongo spoke:"You assigned me to keep an eye on the Xiscapian Emperor, my Lord-is he not here?"
Gerrak nodded. "Yah yah-dizz Per'griyn Omega-me wantzz yu work wid her."
Morga bowed deeply. "Madame, it is an honor."
"Zzumwun try kill de bride an' groom..."
Morga cut Gerrak off. "Yes, one Oscar Vladinchi, an outlaw to the groom's society. His exhaust signature indicates he fueled up at the Barrens, where he will doubtless refuel before heading to his Master."
Gerrak nodded. "Gud-me want him hedd, an' hedd uv him mazzter-giff to briyd an' gruum fur weddin'. Yu hep Per'griyn-me go backzz tu--oh zzhit!"
Gerrak was off at full-lope towards the gardens.
Morga watched his liege bemusedly as Peregrine asked him, "What is this Barrens you speak of?"
"Oh, yes." Morga adjusted his bracelet, projecting a map on the wall. "This anomaly has an asteroid field-something about it is buggerall to sensors, so it's become a hiding place for outlaws and bandits-quite a selection of villainy to be found there-and it has a fuel production facility that produces most eccentric fuels-Oscar's ship left an exhaust signature as clear as a road marker-he'll be refueling here, I think..." Morga indicated a sizeable asteroid.
"There's a rather grandiose casino there. Should we dress?"

Hiding her anger deeply though, Dominique turned back to Trevor with a sadly amused look. “You know, many years ago when I saw some of the scenarios they planned for I was half aghast and half howling with disbelieving laughter. Assassinations at weddings, Dragons carrying off a visiting dignitary – the largest wild dragons can lift a full grown man, but I had never thought that one might interrupt a state visit, or securities plans for dealing with such…Trevor, how do we end up like this? We think we are so civilized. And yet we let ourselves down at every turn it seems.” Her voice was low keeping it between them; she shook her head once more. Dominique knew well that he probably had asked himself the same questions many a time.

"As long as we form groups, whatever the group is based around there is going to be conflict. The ancient religious Crusades, Racism, idealogues, nations against nations. It's always been there and probably always will but it will be how you react to the situations that you face. Even as a leader of a vast empire you cannot 100% control everything that your people do, you ca encourage and discourage certain behaviours but it's still up to the individual to decide what to do. You are defined by your actions, not anyone elses."

He had witnessed alot, some of it quite weird, some of it quite depraved and other things so wonderfully marvelous.

The selac admiral did her best to try and smile, and to compose herself from the excitement, and the shame. Despite the illogicalness of it all, she was starting to blame herself for this coming about. After all, she was one of the highest military minds the Sertian Empire had to offer, and armed with senses far beyond most, she should have been able to do something if she was still alert!

None the less though, her acts helped immensely as she quited her mind, her body near its usual level of calm by the time she met up with the lizard, "David I'm, I'm sorry this happened... Is he going to be ok?" she asked concerned towards where his father had been a short while before.

"And yes..." she said with a relieved sigh seeing that he wasn't really sad, so perhaps he was going to be alright, "It was a shame I'm sorry... I took a second to ask my guard to leave us alone for a second to talk politics..."

Gerrak approached the Xiscapian Emperor and the two Empresses (Empressi?), bowing low as he did, and pressing his snout to Jade's rings. "Forgiff, pleezz-dought me haff chanzze to bring wiyf hed of azzzzazzzzin, but him offworld now-gotzz de Blue Moon on it."
He was out of breath, and Indigo knew he'd been loping, tracking her here by scent, even as he quietly hrooned her as he bowed to Firefox Rose. "Me hopezz yu forgiff-not onlee me abzzinzz, but me fiyt wid Indigo-muri du not hiyd dem fiytin', zzhowzz cuppelzzez lizztenin' to each udder."
He bowed once more to Empress Jade, asking:"Wud de zzecon' mozztezzt byoo-full Emprezzzz in Known Zzpayzz liyk to danzz?" As he bowed to her, he winked and tilted his head slightly in Indigo's direction...

"Me hopezz yu forgiff-not onlee me abzzinzz, but me fiyt wid Indigo-muri du not hiyd dem fiytin', zzhowzz cuppelzzez lizztenin' to each udder."
"Gerrak, it is entirely understandable," The Emperor nodded, "but if you apologize to everyone every time you and your wife disagree about something, then you will have no breath left for anything else. I only hope I cannot say the same for assassination attempts."
"Wud de zzecon' mozztezzt byoo-full Emprezzzz in Known Zzpayzz liyk to danzz?"
Jade blushed a light pink at Gerrak's compliment: Being even second to Indigo in beauty was no insult. "I would be delighted." she said with a smile.

Indigo gave a gurgle of laughter at Gerrak's wink but she waved him to hold a second before...

She wanted to anwser their questions...

"I'm about two months along, and with so many changes, I wanted to be assolutely certain that all would go right before I said anything. We have two sons and two daughters coming. I don't know how long the pregnancy will last though what with the mix of races and other variables. They do seem to be developing faster than what I expected though"

Then she sat back looking incredibly pleased with herself. She glanced at the platter of grilled meats that had some how appeared at her elbow and took a bite with a carefully hidden sigh.

Her heart was light as she watched Gerrak escort Jade out to the floor, admiring the Kitsune's and the Muri's gracefull movements.

Muri were tall - Gerrak himself was eight feet of dense muscle and bone, and broad, but he moved as lightly, as lithely, as any cat. And he was an excellent dancer who enjoyed being out of the floow with a good partner. She had figured it out, after doing some digging. The Muri women who had tried to claim Gerrak as husband had all done so after dancing with him... not that among the Muri dancing of one sort inevitably lead to the other, but besides his other incredibly impressive accomplishments... she now knew the reason behind the old truism behind the tango.

"So when are you and Jade going to take the time to have children?" Indigo was hoeping she wasn't stepping on sore toes here, but she thought that Foxfire and Jade would be marvelous parents.

"I'm about two months along, and with so many changes, I wanted to be absolutely certain that all would go right before I said anything. We have two sons and two daughters coming. I don't know how long the pregnancy will last though what with the mix of races and other variables. They do seem to be developing faster than what I expected though"
"Troll impzzez grow bazzed on how much fud for dem." Gerrak laid a surprisingly gentle foreclaw on Indigo's belly. "Alzzo, we denzzer den mozzt liyf-miyt need back brazze, or gravity belt-me getzz."
After answering Indigo's question, he took Jade to the dance floor. Thanks to the brilliant lights, the slight cerulean glow of the lune surrounding the pair was noticeable only to the most careful observer. "Me gotzz lune up, now-de azzzzazzzzin wazz Ozzcar Vladinchi-him ZZid(OOC:Sith), meanzz him gotzz Mazzter callin' zzhotzzez. Yu watch ZZid mor den uzz-wan' tu zzhayr info? Me gotzz Blue Moon on it, but liyk Zzzizzkapya kick in."

Morga & Peregrine

"There's a rather grandiose casino there. Should we dress?"

Peregrine actually chuckled as she looked up at Morga - The Sultans spymaster was ..she wouldn't accord him legendary status just yet, but he was a impressively fast growing name. And she'd be glad to accompany him - and learn. "Next to you I should go unnoticed, but...the practicality of blending in makes the burden of such bearable. Meet me in my suite in thirty minutes?"

She knew he’d find it, and get in on his own. Though to be polite she’d dismantle her inner defenses.

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Zephra & David Zeus

“Yes he will be fine” David said that with emphasis

“It was a shame I'm sorry... I took a second to ask my guard to leave us alone for a second to talk politics..."

“I was here, less than twenty feet away myself Admiral, and I did not sense his intent. Zephra, please don’t blame yourself. I’m sorry that we did not get chance to talk earlier. I am going to accompany them up to their ship, but given my responsibilities I can not accompany them to Grendel home. Would you honor me by having diner with me this evening?”

The big Komodren spoke gently, hoping to sooth her guilt. He appreciated her concern, and his invitation of a quiet dinner together was not just a hollow offer. He radiated sincerity and truly hoped she’d take him up on his invitation.

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Trevor & Dominique

"You are defined by your actions, not anyone else’s."

“But is that true of a ruler, where what our subordinates do ultimately end up on our desks? I have seen many blamed and held accountable for things that others did, thing s they had utterly no way of knowing were happening, but were faulted for...oh not within the Empire, at least not in a century or so, but it seems though out many nations, and corporation s history you can find such examples.” She looked over at where some were beginning to filter on to the dance floor, while others left.

“But you are quite correct, I think we have conflict as in intrinsic part of our nature, survival of the one over the many, of our group over another’s,” and here she smiled “I think though we are getting a little better at it though”

She turned to a different subject though “You founded your vast corporation, yes? What was the most interesting piece of …is it too blunt to call it trash?... That you’ve hauled off? I know the old saying that one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure…” And yes she was genuinely interested. She wasn’t a scholar of archeology as Michiko was but she found looking into other cultures fascinating – and she knew their trash told an immense amount about a people.

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Adam & Meredith

"I will recommend that the Veela assist in any attempt to locate this attacker although as far as bringing him to justice is concerned, the Veela are strictly pacifist, they will not engage in battle with anyone unless there is no other choice."
"Yes it is the opening night of the seasons most anticipated drama, well it’s a classic comedy they’ve remade. Sweeny Todd” Meredith nodded with a look of pleased anticipation on her face.

“And I will certainly let those involved know of your recommendation” She nodded, then looked to the dance floor, where a few couples were taking spins to the resumption of the orchestras soothing strains. “Adam I know you can dance, you did so delightfully at the Ball after the coronation, so I’m not going to hesitate”

“Would you care to dance?” She tilted her head toward the dance floor.

"So when are you and Jade going to take the time to have children?"
The Emperor, who had been watching Jade and Gerrak with a pleasant smile on his face while listening to Indigo, coughed comically violently, obviously caught off guard. It might only have been her imagination, but Indigo might have seen a little red to the Emperor's face before he settled back to his usual, more-or-less composed self. "Ah, that remains to be seen. We were hesitant, during those times of turmoil, least a pregnant Jade or our child become a target for those who would seek to destroy us. Now that the Empire have hopefully entered a new age of peace and prosperity, well," the Emperor grinned almost wolfishly, "we hope to be...blessed, with younglings."
"Yu watch ZZid mor den uzz-wan' tu zzhayr info? Me gotzz Blue Moon on it, but liyk Zzzizzkapya kick in."
"Sith," said Jade, comfortably slipping into a waltz with the huge Muri. Though he was taller than her by well over two feet, Jade was frequently dwarfed by taller Alversians at diplomatic functions, and experience and lessons had taught her well how to dance with someone when your head only reached their chest. Still, dancing with a troll wasn't like anything she had experienced before.
"The Dark side," she said softly, knowing full well that she would have whispered it to herself and Gerrak would have heard it as well as if she had shouted, "is inherently destructive, both externally and of whomever invites it in. We can't all just wait around for a Sith or Dark Jedi to spontaneously combust, so we've developed ways of combating them. Kitsune don't traditionally become Jedi or Sith, the more Force-sensitive among us are almost always gobbled up by the Church or military, but some do slip though, and sadly, most of those who have no training with their power fall frequently to the Dark side of the Force. We put a considerable amount of resources into tracking down and rehabilitating, or, if it is too late, exterminating these rouges. One or two of the more powerful, cunning ones still elude us. Still, we've watched others with their own trials, and I can tell you that the Dark side always, always leads to Chaos somehow. It's entirely possible this plan, this fortuitously foiled assassination, was the work of a Chaotic entity. Nevertheless, many power hungry military commanders from any number of nations would love to have a Sith assassin under their control. The Master or organization behind this all could be anyone or anything. Do the targets have any enemies with enough power to be or train a Sith, or have enough money to hire one? It could even be an attack by association: A strike by the foes of any of the guests here." She looked up at him. "If anything, Sith are wily, and not to be underestimated, even by the Blue Moon."
Jade doubted she had told him anything he didn't already know, aside from, possibly, the bit about Force-sensitive Xiscapians.

"But is that true of a ruler, where what our subordinates do ultimately end up on our desks? I have seen many blamed and held accountable for things that others did, thing s they had utterly no way of knowing were happening, but were faulted for...oh not within the Empire, at least not in a century or so, but it seems though out many nations, and corporation s history you can find such examples"

"As a leader you open yourself up to those under your command, it's a sad fact that people under your command reflect upon your leadership, but whatever people may think or believe in the end will not matter. Your legacy will echo throughout time as a result of the things that you do."

“I think though we are getting a little better at it though"

"Perhaps, or maybe we just getting better at hiding it."


"Technically no, we've been around in one form or another for millenia, but it's just been recently that we've seen a major ressurgance, and we've come back as what you see now." He could understand that impression he'd founded it, he had been at the helm for quite a long time now.

"Trash, Rubbish, Garbage, waste... It's what we deal with every day, and so as you might guess there is very little that has surprised me, but perhaps the most surprising find, was an old movie How it survived all this time I have no idea. It was called 'North by Northwest'. And infact after getting a duplicate copy made of it, the original is now sitting as an ornament encased in a transparent holding cell."

Trevor & Dominique

And infact after getting a duplicate copy made of it, the original is now sitting as an ornament encased in a transparent holding cell."

Dominiques eyes went wide, as her memory brought up the title, and still famous director. "An original?...We brought memory crystal cube copies of all the moives made at the time of our leaving and many of our founders brought their collections as well, but none brought originals! Alfred Hitchcock is still the Master of Horror." She laughed and explained "The only elective I got honors in was "Classical Films, Pre- Exodus."

"Have you watched it?" She asked eagerly

Gerrak listened, his face a study in blandness. "Me knowzz all dat-dough wot yu kall Dark Zziyd we kall hoo-man nay-zzhure. Me azzk if yu zzend Zzizzkop intelligenzze wid Blue Moon and Tanaran shikome. Yu peepel know mush mush mor uv Zzpayzz and it'zz inhabitantzz, having fought wid zzo menny."
He cast a casual gaze about the room. "Me dinkzz bezzt effer'wun involved-joint opzzez eezy to zzmood offer."
He held a small crystalline flower up, and tucked it over her ear. "Dizz hold lune-fur priyfazzy. It obey yu-me makezz it. Mebbe yu danzz wid men heer azz order dey intelligenzze, den giff back flower wen dun-Blue Moon no liyk lunezzez wandrin'." He gave a wink:"Me no dinkzz Trefor uv de Garbage Men liyk danzz me zzo me azzk quiet."

“Would you care to dance?” She tilted her head toward the dance floor.

"Delighted" Adam smiled and rose in his seat before walking around the table and offering her his hand,
"Shall we?" He flashed a smile at her.

Mentally, he was making a mental note to contact the Vindrex and see if he could send a couple of his warriors to assist in trying to track down the attacker. But that was for another time, another time after tonight.

Trevor & Dominique

And infact after getting a duplicate copy made of it, the original is now sitting as an ornament encased in a transparent holding cell."

Dominiques eyes went wide, as her memory brought up the title, and still famous director. "An original?...We brought memory crystal cube copies of all the moives made at the time of our leaving and many of our founders brought their collections as well, but none brought originals! Alfred Hitchcock is still the Master of Horror." She laughed and explained "The only elective I got honors in was "Classical Films, Pre- Exodus."

"Have you watched it?" She asked eagerly

It was hard for Trevor not to get caught up in her excitement, he paused however, looked her in the eyes in a most serious face and said. "Yes, Yes, I have." before breaking out in a huge smile of his own, hearing the movements of dancing behind him, and checking visually, he presented an offer to her.

"Would you like to Dance with me? we could perhaps talk more about the film." accompanied by the extension of his hand, to take hers as they would go and start to dance. If she accepted, that was, and from Trevor's assessment he thought she was very likely to do so.

[OOC: And no ones said anything about the classic comedy…sniffle

Adam & Meredith

"Shall we?"

Meredith noted as Adam led her to the dance floor that Dominique and Trevor, the C.E.O. of The Garbage Men were also heading the same way and that raised her eyebrows. And that brought a widening to her smile.

Moving into Adam's arms, she set any thoughts not related to enjoying the dance to the back of her mind. She did wish she hadn't been too busy ere now to go dancing with him since the Coronation. He really was a superb dancer and she thoroughly enjoyed his company.

Maybe being retired for a while won't be so bad she mused, with a brighter look on her upcoming down time. She'd have more time to spend with Adam, if he were interested.


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Trevor & Dominique

"Would you like to Dance with me? we could perhaps talk more about the film."

“I’d love to dance, but antique cinema - only if you enjoy it.” Dominique responded as she took his offered hand and stood, letting him guide her out on to the dance floor. Lithely she settled in to his arms, glad that she’d had many hours of dance instruction, though not much of an opportunity of late to actually dance.

However she wasn’t going to try and badger him into talking about the old cinema. If he wanted to, he would. If not she’d enjoy the dance, then try and encourage him to talk about what interested him. She had a feeling that his interests would be anything but bland and boring.

Indigo couldn't help but laugh at Foxfire's reaction. "You men you get so strange when women talk about... " She broke off laughing helplessly at the definitely growing red spots on his face. "Well I hope you and Jade are. It's too much fun not to." She somehow managed to swallow her laughter. She figured FoxFire might forgive her in about five years or so.

Then after a moment she looked at him with compassionate understanding "But you know, in bluntest truism, for such as us there's no truly safe time. We just have to hope we're more protective than our enemies are eager to risk" And for a moment the savagery in her eyes outdid anything a Muri might feel. "And to deny ourselves the joy of children is the worst punishment we can give ourselves."

"And our children, friends and allies through growing up together, will make a formidible force in the universe some day." She let him contemplate that for a moment.

"Me no dinkzz Trefor uv de Garbage Men liyk danzz me zzo me azzk quiet."
"Ah," Jade gave the Muri a almost roguish smile, "but you are such a good dancer." She touched the ordinary-looking decoration flower behind her ear with a single slender finger. "It's his loss, anyway. Thank you," she bowed, "for the experience."
"And our children, friends and allies through growing up together, will make a formidable force in the universe some day."
"Speaking of children, Jade has told me about Gerrak's invitation," he looked quizzically at her. "To present your children at the Castle of Lead? It was from Gerrak, so I don't know how much you know about it, but if you can," the Xiscapian Emperor waved his hand airily, "please, enlighten me."

Gerrak nuzzled Jade as he whispered, "Lezz get de troopzzez togedder, den-not muzzh tiym."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(OOC:Forgive me, Nova, but I'll answer this and we can properly Indigoize it later)
IC:
"Speaking of children, Jade has told me about Gerrak's invitation," he looked quizzically at her. "To present your children at the Castle of Lead? It was from Gerrak, so I don't know how much you know about it, but if you can," the Xiscapian Emperor waved his hand airily, "please, enlighten me."
"It's a muri thing." Indigo sighed. "Apparently, Kiger Lytor must approve all new families-you and Jade would stand for us. If anything happens to Gerrak and myself, you would shepherd the family holdings until the children were grown-and Doraddi is huge and profitable, as is the Imperia. Interestingly, you have the option of sending one representative to the Silentium for every 100,000 citizens of Doraddi, the Celestial Imperia, and-until the children are grown-Xiscapia as well. You would control the holdings of the family, fight for the children, and any of the standard duties of godparents.
"It's either establish a new clan or become Krags in the eyes of Kyger Litor-and I will not even consider that." Her eyes flashed fire. "Gerrak is an admirable man, but his family are the most twisted freaks in existance."

*snip*

"Whatever the topic of coversation, it would be interesting if I was dancing with you." He smiled as he lead her onto the dance floor ignoring whatever other eyes might be looking upon them, there perhaps would be gossip but he didn't care it was just a dance, and a way to return things to normal after that dreadful event

Trevor moved as though the dance just came naturally to him, something that only an extremely well-practised dancer could achieve. He looked into her eyes for a moment, and then it broke "Oh... I'm seriously not that interesting really, Just like any other business man come national leader. Though to be honest, I seem to fit more in... let's say late 20th, early 21st century, My communicator... for instance, modelled on a design of a device that they called a 'cell phone'" He brought it out and showed it to her. "Obviously, the under-pinning technology is more advanced, in-line with many other modern devices of it's type, it's just something about it's form that I have grown attached to."

And that he was, not literally of course, but there was a connection, as if Trevor had his communicator by his side, while going through some sticky situations.

"Now, what were we talking about? oh, that's right North by Northwest."

Gerrak spun Jade in a broad arc, bringing her into nearly bumping poor Trevor. "Oh, me 'poljeez-me tu klumsee." Gerrak said loudly, before dropping to a lower tone. "Forgiff, pleez-in me kul-toor, we swizzh partnerzzez zzhow we not haff bad blud-yu forgiff?"
He swept up Dominique and was across the room to fast for a protest. "Me zzorree, but important tu introod-me belieff yu tok 'bowt 'Nord by Nordwezzt'? Heezzhkok Mazzter uff ZZuzzpenzze-me luff."
Noting Dominique's discomfort, he added:"Me zztop wen yu wan'-no rood, no boolee-juzz' need zztuff dun now."

OOC: Switch your partner dosi do, and this I think is the beginnings of another rp... More info to come over the next couple of days -

Dominique was quite enjoying dancing with Trevor, and happy to see that he was comfortabale on the dance floor. However he he tried to say that he wsa in no way interesting she gave him a speaking look and followed it up with "Trevor, forgive me but no one who has gotten where we are on the strengths of our 'self' is uninteresting." She looked at the unique communicaitor with fasciation "You'll have to show it to me in more detail."

"Now, what were we talking about? oh, that's right North by Northwest."

Before they could say anything further Trevor found himself dancing with the Xiscapian Empress Jade Rose and Dominique found herself some distance away in the company of the Sultan of Doraddi....

:"Me zztop wen yu wan'-no rood, no boolee-juzz' need zztuff dun now."

"No my Lord Gerrak, I think you are setting something up, and that something I am sure has to do with the attempt on His Majesty Drakomis's life yes?" She was very perceptive, one of the requisites of the job. "But I was just getting into a conversation with Trervor" She laughed sadly "But thats personal, which must take back seat."

She had to admit even her dancing with Trevor had a 'public' face. If her Imperial Majesty was calm and unconcerned enough to dance, then it followed that...

"What can I do to help?"

"Perhaps another time..." Trevor smiled as he knew that he would meet her again later. Trevor was impressed Dominque didn't miss a trick. The truth was that he did have a secret, one kept very well hidden, but then again he had seen and done so many things as well. She had earned his respect in a relatively short time, and that was indeed something that hard to do. The only question was, would Jade?

"Empress, your name only reveals a fraction of your beauty."

OOC: She wouldn't have spoken so nicely of the Krags, is the only difference I can see...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Indigo found her self yawning though and quietly excused herself. "FoxFire If you will excuse me, this has taken an unexpected toll on me. Please, if you would, tell Gerrak I've just gone to rest and to enjoy himself here. I know he's plotting something and I don't want to bother him"

With that she slipped away, she was oddly tired, but also she wanted to meditate on the oddity of her pregnancy. Quickly she made her way back to her suite and dismisssed her servants, after asking them to leave her a tray of finger foods. Slowly she wandered in to the small private garden the suite opened on to and found a comfortable place to sit.

Now my sons and daughters we are going to find out what happened. I love you all with all my heart but you are not what I planned...And my sons don't you dare eat your sisters. You are not Krags. We are the Light in the Heart of Darkness. We are Noor. She thought sternly but gently to her children, making sure that she ate a goodly portion of the finger foods before settleing into meditation.

"Please, if you would, tell Gerrak I've just gone to rest and to enjoy himself here. I know he's plotting something and I don't want to bother him"
"Of course." the Emperor rose with Indigo and bowed as she walked away, sitting to watch the dancers as his gaze made it's way around to where Gerrak and Dominique twirled stood after an amusing and impressive switch-off. Though a subtle thought-spoken communication he relayed Indigo's message to the Muri before rising to sample some of the delightful food arranged at the tables...
"Empress, your name only reveals a fraction of your beauty."
"And one would never think to associate you with trash or garbage of any kind, CEO Desorté." replied Jade as she spun and caught his hands, not at all hindered by her robes. "I see you have met the Empress. How did you like her?"

Adam was enjoying the spinning dancing with Merideth, twisting and turning as well as the whole occassion. It was a sad moment but also one of enjoyment. He could see Empress Jade of the Xiscapian Emperor nearby as well as other dignitaries. He had been nervous about taking this assignment in an unknown Empire, now he felt like it was his home.

"So," He smiled at Merideth, "This country home idea, when were you thinking of travelling there?"

"What can I do to help?"
"Yu peepel on dizz-me getzz mor." The young Sultan stared into her eyes, seriously, his blood-red orbs oddly compelling. "We knowzzez hu and we hunt now-bedder we hunt azz wun."
He seemed distracted for a moment before checking his ornate wristband, it's display flashing blue, with some yellow. He tapped a waiter, thrusting his armband before him. "Zzend dizz tu me rumzzez." he barked.
Ignoring the 800-lb gorilla in the room only happens theoretically, as the waiter's haste proved...
"Forgiff, pleez-furst tiym fadder an' dizz happenzz." he rolled his eyes comically."Wen me getzz furzzt gurlzzez, probably all Komor goezz up in flaymzzez."
He swept her up again, his attention wholly on her. "Yu ffer' byoo'full-me begzzez forgiff offer dizz. Mebbe me zzwitchezz off wid Jayd 'gen, let yu getzz back to zzeriouzz work. Bobbo tellzz me yu Emprezzzz gud danzzer, tu..."

Trevor walked around Jade holding her hand as she spun, it was a graceful move, yet the effect it provided was beautiful.

"She seems a tremendous and strong woman, she has taken the events of today in her stride, at least physically, and she knows what it means to be a leader. I think the people of Tanara are lucky to have her as their empress."

"I have some knowledge of the Xiscapian Empire, though I hate to admit it is rather limited, do your people have something that is comparable to marriage or bonding ceremonies. I would love to hear about it." He smiled warmly, he was dancing with a cat, well, kitsune. Nothing could really phase him anymore, he has seen so much, even when stuck back at head-quarters.

"I have some knowledge of the Xiscapian Empire, though I hate to admit it is rather limited, do your people have something that is comparable to marriage or bonding ceremonies. I would love to hear about it."
"Traditionally, kitsune aren't big on marriage. It's generally only entered as a symbol, such as between myself and the Emperor, otherwise one could consider two Xiscapian lovers to be in a kind of domestic partnership. It's still officially considered marriage, and there is a bonding ceremony of sorts, but we don't make it as big of a deal as many humans do." Jade shrugged. "As to the actual marriage, if that's chosen, it's not too wildly different from a humans. Not much to tell there, although I'm sure more would if they got such a grand reception as this." She chuckled, but her eyes were sad. "It's terrible that it was nearly spoiled. Have you heard how the victims are doing?"

"Yu ffer' byoo'full-me begzzez forgiff offer dizz. Mebbe me zzwitchezz off wid Jayd 'gen, let yu getzz back to zzeriouzz work. Bobbo tellzz me yu Emprezzzz gud danzzer, tu..."

Dominique blushed lightly at his compliment. "You are most certainly forgiven Gerrak, I assure you...and Bobbo that is your grandfather, the Voivode? Yes?" At his nod she smiled "Michiko thoroughly enjoyed Holy Week and said if every grandfather had the energy yours has we'd be in a world of trouble. And I have been told very firmly, in that voice she can use, that we very much need to have a Muri Embassy, but the Ambasssador must be someone as good as Morga." Her eyes twinkled "But my senior security advisor is howling over some of Lord Morga's coups against the Xiscapians. I don't know if we can afford some one as good as him" Her eyes twinkled up at the Sultan "Or should I just set him up in the Palace?"

The admiral nodded, seeming to be quite embarrassed that the jedi had managed to read her feelings so well, despite her attempts to keep it out of her consciousness. "It's just... I guess it reminds me of something in my past..." Zephra said slowly, digesting the lizard's unusual ability to sense things she couldn't. Perhaps she wouldn't have been able to detect the attempted assassin either, could he have better senses than someone like her? Who was known throughout her Empire as a highly perceptive species?

"And dinner sounds... Lovely, it might take my mind off of memories and yours off of your father's... Interruption. And, I don't know if this needs to be said, but if you ever need my Empire's help to track down the assassin, I'm sure Trilano would allow it to foster relations between out people."

"And I have been told very firmly, in that voice she can use, that we very much need to have a Muri Embassy, but the Ambasssador must be someone as good as Morga." Her eyes twinkled "But my senior security adviser is howling over some of Lord Morga's coups against the Xiscapians. I don't know if we can afford some one as good as him" Her eyes twinkled up at the Sultan "Or should I just set him up in the Palace?"
"Zzizzkapya zzpeshul cayzz. Luff peezz zzo muzzh, no dink 'ttak komm if no 'ttak now. Me need eyezzez where no kitzzune luk, earzzez where no kitzzune lizzten, an' fizzt where no kitzzune zztriyk. Zzizzkapya frenzz wid all hu luff peezz an' zztability, an' grayt forzz for bod, but zzhort-zziyted. Morga fikzz all dat-no koo, juzzt bizznezz need doin' kitzzune tu on-rabble do.
"Fiyrfokzzez gud man, gud Emp'ror-but drawzzez war liyk rotten meat drawzz fliezzez. Morga help-du damajh kontroll, babyzzitting-point Zzizzkapya intell in riyt direkshun, dee-fyoozz bad dingzzez before be worzz dingzzez. Morga no ambazz'dor, dough-mor koor-yoor, advizzer, an' me Hidden Fizzt.
"Me no dinkzz Tanara needzz dat-mebbe Bloo Moon to help kord'nayt, but mor liyklee Argan Argari fur trayd, or Zzakred Mudder to fiyt wid Emprezzzz zzo yu getzz rool zzum." He winked at her.
"All dependzz on wot we dinkzz Tanara needzz mozzt-Vaneekara teesh yu be woman, Dehori teesh yu new dingzzez, Momma's Boy keep yu zzayf..."

"All dependzz on wot we dinkzz Tanara needzz mozzt-Vaneekara teesh yu be woman, Dehori teesh yu new dingzzez, Momma's Boy keep yu zzayf..."

"Well then I shall leave it up to you to decide who should come. I am certain whomever sent till be interesting." She chuckled knowing for certain that adding a Muri - or several - to the mix would certainly be interesting indeed

"Tetsuko thinks highly of you and I trust her judgement. And Indigo is absolutely adorable. Your children are certain to be just as adorable. And every first time father seems to be much like you. I am certain that everything will go ever so smoothly!" She started to say soothingly as she noticed wriust band begin to flash again.

"Indigo!" Gerrak hit a button and raced on all fours off the dancefloor. "Zzumwun poizzon me wiyf!" He howled as he raced to their quarters...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Morga was changing out of his Blue Moon robes when the signal came. Half-dressed, he rushed out of the room, instructing the nearest security:"Someone has poisoned the Empress Indigo. Lock down the Palace, except for the path from the ballroom to her suite. Her consort is Zorak Zorani, which means he'll destroy anything that comes between him and his mate. Detain everyone who's been in the kitchens in the past hour. Hurry, man-a distraught Zorak Zorani is the very definition of 'collateral damage'."
He activated his communicator:"Uncloak and barricade-no one in or out."
Above the atmosphere, the Claw of Doraddi (http://img266.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vorlongj2.jpg) and it's attendant fleet slid casually out of that realm between E-space and first level hyperspace where the fleet waited, following it's orders...
Morga didn't break pace as he switched channels:"Peregrine, the alarms sounding are regarding a sizable muri fleet barricading this world. Someone has poisoned the Empress of O'Kuni, and they will not escape me save down the Sultan's gullet..."
(OOC:I think this (http://youtube.com/watch?v=hvkWVgKJf1k&feature=related) sums it all up nicely)

OOC: I was half afraid that it have been this version (http://youtube.com/watch?v=ujLEqmc2Y0A) given OD's predeliction and unrivaled ability to find the most disturbing version out there...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Indigo had taken a deep breath, enjoying thee solitude of the tiny garden, but her meditations seemed to be oddly blocked. She reviewd carefully what she had done the night she decided that it was time for her to get pregnant. She loved Gerrak very much, and loved their loving, but that night he had frightened her. Oh she knew well he hadn't done it inteniotnally, but he had recieved news that his...that the Krags had tried some new insult and he had been in a righteous rage, and so terribly afraid that ... No she knew with every fiber of her being that he'd never hurt her - she had been afraid for him, and that had spurred her decission, and the parameters she'd set ...so why hadn't they, why weren't they...

She had shifted irritably back to full awareness, and noted that one of her servants had brought another plate, this one of Butterfly Wings. Those soft fruit pastries that she had learned to love back on Pamaltela. She never noted that one particular butterfly had lingered over the pasteries. The garden was filled with the brightly hued inscets, for the many flowers were in bloom. And the insects were fliting every where, several had even laned on her hands as she had meditated, leaving behind traces of their irridescent wing dust.

Half absently she took one and bit into it savoring the fluffy pasty "Oh this is nearly as good as Master Hamda's. I wonder if these are his." She nurnured as she finished the first and started on another. Butterfly wing pateries were small, barely three bites for a human, a miniature snack for a Muri.

She noted that a glass of milk had also been placed near by in a chiller - to keep it fresh -, and she took it out sighing. She didn't much care for milk but guessed that she needed it for the calcium. She drank it down quickly with a shudder, and reached for another pastry to take the aftertaste from her mouth.

The specifically crafted trianaryy poisons met and melded in her stomach - dust absorbed through her skin, in the pastries and in the milk...and a ripple of pain speared through her before she fell unconscious. It took a lot to overwhelm her various protections, but those who had created the poison had resources that most didn't, knowledge that most didn't and inventive minds unfettered by anthing resembling morals.

The butterfly that had shown such interest in it's namesake pastry was long gone...and most of the others in the garden had fallen to the ground dead.

"Peregrine, the alarms sounding are regarding a sizable muri fleet barricading this world. Someone has poisoned the Empress of O'Kuni, and they will not escape me save down the Sultan's gullet..."

“Understood. I am enroute" …and the Nietzschean swore as the Palace, miles long and anchored deep into bedrock, rocked…

The Crystal Hall

Dominique swore vilely under her breath. Normally she didn't - swear that is but today had been one disaster after another with... are there assassins falling all over themselves to get in, or had some one sold off plans laying out some sort of weakness in Palace security?

"Porthos"

Suddenly the air was rocked with the concussion wave of an explosion. Something had blown up at the far other end of the long palace, the part that housed the Tanaran Children’s Hospice. And less than a minute later alarms began to peal, signaling some other accident - or planned disaster.

The Cadre that had been doing their best to fade into the wood work no stopped that futile action entirely and were surrounding her as quickly as the Muri had departed.

She looked about at the guests looking about frantically. "I want a mass shift. Now, to the Star Chamber, every one here, I want them safe!" She commanded and every one still in the Crystal Hall found themselves instantly in a spacious secure chamber. It was well stocked with comfortable chairs; food and drink, carefully filtered air and every thing necessary to keep a very large number of occupants safe though nearly any emergency.

David, and Admiral Zephra, Foxfire Rose, Jade Rose and Mister Trevor De Sortes, Michiko, Mm'rr'll, Adam and Meredith, and some seventy others were looking about trying to ascertain where they suddenly were.

Dominique caught everyone’s attention, her trained voice carrying easily as Michiko, Mm'rr'll and Meredith all moved to flank her. "I am sorry if this has disconcerted you. But I ordered it as it looks as if the Palace itself has come under attack." She looked up towards the high ceiling "Porthos can you give me, us, any information?’

A hologram of the Palace appeared, and he looked harried. He bowed deeply but hurriedly to her. "Two ambulances, arriving simultaneously, exploded as they landed with patients."

His holographic projectors began dispalying what had happened less than three minutes ago, the images mostly fire, smoke and chaos.

He looked terribly angry and distressed. The Tanaran Children’s Hospice was the Empires foremost hospital for children with life threatening conditions. And children, some of their families, and the ambulance attendants had all died in the explosions. The trauma wing of the hospital was all but leveled and there were many fatalities there as well. He had the Palace’s own fire and rescue alerted instantly and they were already beginning to arrive but it would take hours, he estimated, to get the blaze under control. And there were things there that were their own explosive hazards in their own right, which could make the situation much worse. Though evacuation was already beginning, but there were children that could not be moved, not with any degree of safety.

“Additionally I had to scram my reactor, Your Majesty; I’m on emergency power now, as there is a crack in the main AM containment vessel. Nothing serious, but it has caused me to have certain sensors and protocols unavailable. I am draining that vessel into the back ups containers but it will be an hour before I am full functional.” He continued

“The second alarm is from the museum. The Aural Garden." A highly renowned sculpture that had been a gift from its creator, now deceased. It had been his life’s masterwork.. His voice was still grim “its controls have been apparently been altered. It activated as per its usual programming, but then, it produced a lethal sonic blast. Every one who was in the Acoustic Pavilion is dead.” He didn't show the hologram from there, the nearly forty bodies, visitors to the museum, scattered about lifeless.

Dominique looked stunned and nearly speechless, as did most every one there.

“Your Majesty the Palace is in complete lockdown, the Fleet has been activated, and the Muri had brought their fleet out of E space to assist. The blast could be seen from space.” Porthos knew that she would want to know the severity of the situation.

Dominique closed her eyes for a moment, looking pale. Then began issuing orders

Adam stared around in horror as he heard the deep throated explosion that nearly knocked most of them off their feet. He heard the information being relayed about the Children at about the same time as they were transported to their secure facility. He shook his head and swore severely, something he rarely did,
"Ma'am" He said to Merideth, deciding that given the circumstances, it was better to use her professional name than personal one, "If there is anything we Alversians can do to help with rescue efforts or palace security, let it be known and I will do everything I can to help"

It was the least he could do. At the moment, there was an Alversian Cruiser in space, stopping for a short break before heading on to Alversia, she had enough Marines to make an impact in the rescue efforts, especially as most of the crew were also trained in damage limitation.

And it sounded like the Fire and Rescue services were pushed already by the attack.

"Bloody Hell, not again." Trevor exasperated as he gracefully let the dancing finish, in less time it took to wink, he found himself in this new secure chamber.

He seemed to catch on what was happening almost immediately... and stood there in silence as he saw and heard what Porthos was showing them. He managed to hide is emotions physically very well, but any force-sensitive individual would be able to detect his anger and annoyance grow. This was now something personal.

He found himself a stiff drink, and poured himself a shot glass, downing it in a second. Though he was here for now, nothing he could do. He had only came here with his security detail and while it was a large detail for one person, it could not fight a war. They would be going out of their mind, he had turned his communicator off.

He started to think about what he would do to whoever was responsible for this once he got his hands on them, but first before he could do what he was imagining, he needed to find them first.

Which somehow reminded him about something, He turned his communicator on and almost immediately he had a call, didn't need to even to look who it was from, he accepted the call, the held the handset away from his ear from a moment as a loud voice, those around could hear but not quite understand, Trevor didn't understand what was coming over the phone either, it was distorted too much but he didn't need to. He knew what they were saying... "Alright, done now? SHUT UP." he said "Get out best Ruin teams in to help with the rescue, get those sound-sync's to cancel out the deadly sonic waves in the Aural Gardens. And next get our best best reclaimation team here ASAP. If it's too late to save peoples live's I want."

"The less the Tanaran's have to worry about infrastructure, communication, transport, power, water and waste, the more can be done to find these people. They might think that they have some breathing space but they have ticked off the wrong CEO."

Jade bowed as the dance finished and by the time she had straightened up her surroundings were different. The Emperor was already communicating with his guards and servants, the kitsune Palace staff frightened by the explosion they heard the the Black Guards angered that the Imperial Family had been so suddenly whisked away from them. Foxfire Rose growled instructions in Xiscapian to them, telling the servants to remain in their quarters and not come out until either he or Tanaran officials told them to and instructing the Guards to go to the disaster areas and help in any way they could. The Xiscapians had no ships in this sector (they had taken the Emperor's personal ship to the event) and could not provide assistance until after the situation would already be under control, due to the distance separating the closest ships and Tanara. Nevertheless, the Emperor was determined to help in some way. Jade felt the influences around her, immediately sensing emotional pain, stress, anger, confusion and deep worry, but further off these emotions grew louder and more vibrant, unaltered by the distance as one got closer to the site of the disasters. These were terrorist attacks, but if whoever was behind them was smart, these would merely be a diversion for...something else. An attempt on one of the guests or Tanaran Palace Staff's lives? Around her she could see others were busy communicating with their own beings under their command, and she realized with uncharacteristic paranoia that with the Palace security distracted to the sites of the deaths, the coordinator of these strikes could be directing from this very room, safe because he, she or it was not being watched. Looking around the room she noticed neither Indigo nor Gerrak were among the assembled, and she hoped to Qonn that neither had been targeted by the attacks.

"Strike in the Children's Wing-scramble all available--"
"Belay that-stay at your posts!" Morga's bolongo overrode the communications array. "External emergency response will deal with that-send five scouts to survey the damage, any opened sewer main is to be watched-our assassin may be bold enough to try and slip out as emergency response. Double the guards on all exits.
"PORTHOS-you locate the Empress, and the Sultan. I'm releasing a lune into your system-you'll know it by it's carrying the formula of the toxic agent used and the channel of the Xiola Umbari. It will counter any spirits used to confound your sensor array. Contact the Xiola Umbari and give them both the toxin and the location of the Empress."
"But Sir-the children..."
"That's what the assassin wants you focused on, and I make it a point to never perform as the enemy expects." Morga's bolongo was oddly calm, making the large muri seem even more frightening. "First we get to the Empress, then we stalk our prey-you do not want to see my people in a fit of pique..."
Peregrine listened through the channel Morga had left open. As much as she hated to admit it, the security adjunct to Xiscapia was probably right, and she put a hasten on the external emergency response team.
She still marvelled that the muri had maintained an image of primitive savagery so long-their savage culture and the odd field surrounding their homeworld made them seem harmless and unsuitable for contact, until the Sultan of Doraddi had gone to Xiscapia-well, actually, O'Kuni, when they were revealed to have a psionic based technology millenia ahead of anyone else. Since then, their ships had prowled the space lanes, rarely speaking to others as they went about their secretive business. The thought of the muri at war (http://youtube.com/watch?v=e6dzvxTKNBg&feature=related) chilled her. The Sultan had taken O'Kuni with a hundred thousand men, and that had been spur of the moment. The gods alone knew what he could and would muster to avenge his wife...

Indigo watched from some place else as Gerrak raced to the gardens hauling a wide winged Celestial Healer along by one arm, wings, uniform and hair all askew - the poor woman had been in the hall ministering to the servant who's place the assassin had taken. The Palace servant had been left for dead, stuffed in the back of a statue filled nitch, and found only by the randomest accident- but he had been of hardier stock than the assassin had planned on and he was alive enough when found ...

The Celestial stopped her protesting at being torn from her patient when she saw the collapsed Indigo, and then she moved faster than even Gerrak and was no her knees besides Indigo, her hands glowing as she began discerning what had happened.

The poison was a custom job, compounded solely to prove fatal to Indigo. But no Healer assigned to the Palace was less than of the highest ranking and she had, in seconds, been able to tell Gerrak what the poison was - but that the best she could do was keep the Novan Empress alive and hold the poison at bay. What was needed was the specific reversing agents.

Some of the compounds in the poison had come - could come solely -from Pamaltela.

The FTL communications to Pamaltela went out instantly for Porthos would in no way hinder such a contact.

Adam & Merideth

"If there is anything we Alversians can do to help with rescue efforts or palace security, let it be known and I will do everything I can to help"


Meredith had moved aside once Dominique finished addressing the guest and looked up harried but with a special smile for Adam.

"Adam if you could contact your ships damage control forces, and have them standing by in case more attacks, or incidents occur. That would be a great help" Meredith activated her own communicator as it tingled with in coming messages. She had put out emergency orders as Dominique had spoken to the guests and now worried that this incoming message boded no good.

"Also if any one looks to be getting overwrought could you perhaps distract them. You have such great compassion." She added before answering the new message...

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Trevor & Dominique

"The less the Tanarans have to worry about infrastructure, communication, transport, power, water and waste, the more can be done to find these people. They might think that they have some breathing space but they have ticked off the wrong CEO."

When Trevor looked up from his call he found a harried looking Dominique taking a moment to regard him thoughtfully with a grateful smile. "Thank you Trevor. You are extraordinarily kind, and I won't forget this"

It was easy to tell she yearned to be out there doing what ever she could to help - but that she had recognized that her place, now, was here -coordinating what she could and keeping herself where harried others wouldn't have to worry about her.

"We can share in the smackdown...or find some other way to vent our frustrations" She tried to speak lightly but Trevor could see the hard disciplined fury within.

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Jade and Foxfire Rose

"Your Majesties, if you would feel more comfortable with your Black Guards I can authorize their presence" Lady Mm'rr'll padded silently up to the Xiscapian Imperials. "It would help to have additional eyes here. There are several Hands still present, and all the guests were vouched for, but as you can well see, someone went to great troubles here." The Xa looked calm, and indeed her emotions were under complete control but there was a subsonic rumble very similar to Gerrak's that the Kitsune could discern.

And to make matters worse...

In space no one can hear you scream, but when an entire orbital defense platform, nearly the size of a small moon, blows up it still gets noticed…

"Also if any one looks to be getting overwrought could you perhaps distract them. You have such great compassion."

Adam nodded and contacted the ship in orbit using his own communicator, he gave a series of instructions to the Captain of the ship. Once he had confirmation of his own orders. He glanced around and moved off to comfort a pair of rather distressed diplomats.

APS Impecible, Tanaran Orbit

Aboard the cruiser, the same Veela who had so annoyed David earlier in the day now stood and watched from a window as Damage control teams wree mobilised in preparation for another attack. She was smiling evily to herself at the sight of the flames, visible from space. She was waiting for something.

"Your Majesties, if you would feel more comfortable with your Black Guards I can authorize their presence"
"Well..." The Emperor thought for a moment, regarding the Xa with a troubled expression. "We have brought seven guards and three servants, and I would feel much more at ease if the servants were here, out of harms way. If there's anything the Guards can to do help out there I want them to assist in any way possible, but for now if you could authorize the presence of my and Jade's personal Guards, that would put additional security in this room and perhaps help some of the others feel safer."

Gerrak tossed the healer unceremoniously into a corner of the room, and cradled Indigo. "Yu heal, NOW!" he bellowed.
"That would not be wise, milord." Morga entered, stripped to the waist but for his armbands. "The lady Marisol's healing is Light-based, and detrimental to your sons." His bolongo was not in sight, but Morga always carried a second in his fetch. "Someone has blown up a Tanaran space platform in orbit-internal detonations, implying our foe has planned this." He pressed a stud on his armband. "A Boztakangi shaman and Xiola Umbari will be here shortly. Could the Lady restrict her healing to the Empress and her daughters, please?"
Gerrak growled at Morga. "Me zzent yu after Ozzcar Vladinchi..."
Morga waved his foreclaw, idly. "You are my liege, but not my goddess. This is more important, so I've given the Vladinchi assignment to Muritan-you may rest assured Mr. Vladinchi will die in a horrific and bizarre way that cannot possibly be tied to us-though Muritan has assured me a mule wearing a prophylactic will be found near the remains. I've verified Porthos' information, so the healers will be here shortly.
"The Empress has been poisoned with the alchemical equivalent of Scorpion Queen venom-the Boztakangi will need to remove the Chaos-taint before the healer can do her work."
"Dat meenzz..."
"Yes, my liege-the only alchemist able to do this is in the Lady Tomasuza's employ."
"Kall Gemilla."
"The Priestess was instrumental to Tomasuza's exile, but she-"
"KALL GEMILLA!"
Morga sighed. "Yes, milord. Tomasuza is out in space, however-her location unknown even to us."
He pressed a stud-Gemilla was on the equivalent of speed-dial, and his liege commanded...

Marisol was back at Indigo's side in an instant, her demenaor fierce and the light coming off her wings even fiercer, for they had burst into a cold but intensely bright flame. One might guess that she was pissed.

"You're supposed to be concerned not losing your so called mind" She snapped and managed to get her right hand back onto Indigo. "Now shut up and let me work. If you ever touch me like that again you will find what an Angel can do to a Muri. You can be killed therefor you are mortal. No I can't Heal her, I haven't been called to Heaven yet. BUT I can hold it at bay, from your wife and all her children." She glared at the two Muri, angry at being treated so and injured to boot. But there was no way she was going to let them know right now that Gerrak's toss had broken a couple of ribs, and her left wrist. He'd pay for that later.

"Lord Morga, I promise my Light will not hurt his sons as I do know how to use it properly." Her tone affronted as she held the virulent poison at bay.

Morga bowed quietly. "It has nothing to do with your skill, Madame-muri are creatures of Shadow, Darkness without the aspect of cold-Light is intrinsically inimicable to us. See the young males? They are comprised of dark matter, denser than organics native to Komor. The poison in the mother's system is transformative in nature-are you capable of isolating it to her system before destroying it? It will leave her weak, but muri healing would not be beneficial, though a Xiola Umbari should be here with an antidote soon enough.
"Perhaps if I were to heal the injuries the Sultan has inflicted upon you-I note some ribs and your wrist need tending-you could analyze our methods and use them on the males."

Marisol nodded, she could indeed sense their darkness, she had from the moment of first touch, and she had been careful to not even let the faintest bit of Light touch on them, though she wished she had the experience to see, to visuaslize them more clearly.

"And yes Lord Morga I can isolate it, I just can't destroy it. Us baby birds don't have all the Power available to a full grown War Eagle" She managed to joke lightly, despite the white lines of pain about her mouth and eyes. "With the antidote in her, then I will be able to set things to right, though she will be weak and need much rest afterwards.

She nodded at his offer, healing her injuries would allow her ability to focus her powers much more clearly. "Please Lord Morga, I'd appreciate it and I am thankfull for the oppertunity to study your races gifts." She'd have to meditate on it for some time after, as for the moment only part of her attention could be bent that direction. But she had a completely eidetic memory.

Morga reached into the interstices of Time and wove it about Marisol, shunting material from the Spirit Realms of Light to her injuries. He was not adept with Light, and it burned him, but he stayed to his task until her ribs and wrist had knitted, her form aging the amount of time it would take to naturally heal, taking required nutrients and building material from the Realms of Light. As she watched, she saw the access points to other realms, Darkness among them, distant but clearly indicated by Morga's fetch as it straddled Realities.
The fetch was a strange portion of the muri mind, an aspect coterminous with the Spirit Realms. Marisol could see those trolls as had awakened this aspect saw two worlds, one superimposed on the other, both equally valid. Morga had a fiendish concentration to filter out what he didn't need to be aware of, but his awareness took in all that surrounded them. Almost as an afterthought, the fringes of his fetch burning from handling spiritual Light, he extended that awareness to Marisol, allowing her to hroon Indigo and her children as he and Gerrak did. The poison she saw as a diabolic sentience, intent on warping flesh to Chaos as it's spirit aspects opened to her...

"I'm only sorry that I don't have more to contribute, but unfortunately there is only so much that we CAN do. We just have to do what we do best.... oh, and perhaps a distraction for the guests might be a good thing."

He turned his head and looked around the mood was sedate, and perhaps a bit depressed. He wanted to brighten the mood, but merryment wasn't really an option there were images of rome burning while Nero fiddled.

While chaos had consumed much of the palace and also distracted the palace guards, one of the Veela had managed to sneak back into the palace and was now moving stealthily from one shadow to the other. Her cloak made a gentle billowing sound as it fluttered behind her, tall ears alerted to any potential danger.

She was waiting for someone, lurking in the shadows of the palace. An assignment from her new Mistress for escort. She knew what she had to do and no one was going to stop her. Not the Vindrex, not that Tanaran Brat and certainly not Grand Master David. She worked for the most powerful force in the galaxy.

Chaos. She knew what it could do. Even now she coudl feel it corrupting her. She did not fight it. She accepted it, revealled in it. It would give her the power that no Veela had ever had.

So still she waited.

Trevor & Dominique

I'm only sorry that I don't have more to contribute, but unfortunately there is only so much that we CAN do. We just have to do what we do best.... oh, and perhaps a distraction for the guests might be a good thing."

"Your unsought generosity is a contribution beyond price Trevor, and I can not thank you enough." Impulsively she kissed him lightlky on the cheek before resuming the flow of orders she was giving intermingles with the various bits of incoming data.

However the information that one of the System Defense Fortresse4s had been destroyed, and the Fortresses battlenet was discrupted had her sitting down hard in the nearest chair face white.

The System Defense Fortresses were immense and staffed with tens of thousands of personell...

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Morga & Marisol

Marisol watched with all the concentration she had available, acknowledging Morgas incredible concentration... and seeing that he burned himself, in his healing of her.

"Ah, I see it much more clearly now, Lord Morga, thank you." She said gently as her injuries healedshe healed.

Now seeing the poison in that light she was much more easily able to enfold it,...no as she studied it she saw how to kill it, defeat it once the other, more mundane substances were neutralized.

"I think, I think I see how now, Lord Morga" Her voice was a breathy whipser of hope "Thank you"

Trevor was a bit taken back by the kiss, he had forgotten what he was thinking of doing next, which soon seeing her white face decided to sit and put his arm around her. She needed comforting, and judging by the kiss, he was the best man to do so.

So still she waited.
"Trouble." She looked up and saw a young man in waiter's garb sitting in the rafters with a giant golden cobra coiled about him, an earpiece connected by a fine wire to the surveillance cameras. "Some horse's ass has blown up a battle platform, and the muri have blockaded the planet. No ship's getting out of the system."
He slid casually down to her level, his cobra following. "We're going to have to get off the Palace Grounds so I can risk a signal for transmat. Come on..."

The Veela stared at him coldly, looking him over casually, like a fly she would so much like to swot. However, she had been reigned in by her assignment. The lady left her no room for error,
"I already have a plan in place. Both for the Tanaran Security and the Muri Fleet. You follow me," She snapped, "There is another way out"

"I hope you are up to the Lady's expectations." He smiled, stroking his cobra's jaw casually. "I hate having to do freebies."

"You will not have to worry" She replied as she stalked through the corridors of the lower part in the palace, the Assassin in tow. They moved quickly and quietly and soon they were headiing towards the grounds, to where the shield over the palace was at it's weakest and also least well guarded after the attack.

A crunch as sharp teeth bit easily into a tart green apple "No, let them go. This is but the beginning.... If they don't run, we can't" And the cool voice became immensely pleased, savoring the nuances of the next words. "Hunt them."

But then again this one lived for the hunt.

"Though really, such excess. I shall have to take extra payment for their need to destroy" And hunger backed those words and those who heard shuddered...all but one and her voice was as cool but feminine to the others masculine

"You didn't anticipate their being this hungry for Chaos, no. And your extrapolation was for the Sultan not the Empress."

"I gave equal weight to both, my personal preferences are just that mine, and mine alone." The first voice demurred with a faint hint of laughter to his voice. Oh don’t pout Peri...and besides all you want are my genetics...and all I want is his snake."

Together they watched the pair slip out of the palace grounds though carefully created holes, their prey none the wiser.

"That Veela was an unexpected angle though. They’re so reclusive" That I don't have much information on them "But supposedly they're utterly pacificistic" The tone was now aggrievedly insulted. He didn't like inaccurate information, it offended him.

"Then you need a better class of informant" Came the half amused chuffed reply. "And I need to see if Lord Morga wants to join - His Sultan will probably choose to send him after them and a Muri in the Hunting Party is a sizeable benefit bonus." She didn't need to mention that keeping the hunters together would keep them from stumbling over one another.

The tall broad shouldered figure shrugged 'But given the Sultan's current level of upset he may just want them eaten and that we can not have, not if we are to find their Mistress and to have all of our questions answered. I didn't come back to Reality to not get them answered. And remember Nietzschean you don't get what you want till I get what I want. I spent three thousand years trapped behind enemy lines, and I want my vengeance. It takes precedence to his sensibilities."

Trevor & Dominique

Dominique looked up at Trevor as he sat next to her, and for a moment he could see the anguish that pierced her heart. so many people , so many innocents dead, and for what? So that outsiders could come into her nation, use her people as distractions as they sought to kill first King Drakomis, and now the Empress Indigo?

She took the comfort Trevor offered so generously - arm warm about her when she felt chilled to the bone, a strong shoulder to burry her face in for a moment - and if people though her over whelmed and weak they were mistaken, utterly mistaken. But his gifts were luxuries she could not afford long. The woman might long for them, even the Empress grateful for them, but at this moment…

She found a much more real smile for Trevor, thanking him with her eyes, as she straightened, but didn’t move out of his arm as once again she keyed the jeweled wrist cuff that hid her communications suite. Once more she was completely connected to the pulse of her Empire.

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FoxFire Rose, Jade & Mm'rr'll

If there's anything the Guards can to do help out there I want them to assist in any way possible, but for now if you could authorize the presence of my and Jade's personal Guards, that would put additional security in this room and perhaps help some of the others feel safer."

Mm'rr'll nodded and spoke quietly into her communications gizmit. Scant minutes later all three servants and all seven guards were discretely admitted, making their way quickly to the Xiscapian Imperials.

Morga waited for the healer to arrive-it would have been easy to Gate one in, but he preferred not to allow the Tanarans to be aware of that capability as yet, and the Lady Marisol was holding the venom at bay long enough for the shuttle to pass through acceptable channels. Had he felt Indigo in immediate danger, of course, considerations of security and State Secrets would have been secondary, but despite her affront, the Lady Marisol was most capable, and was focusing on the poison as the doting Sultan paced nervously. His fetch had only awakened when he ate the Divine One, and he was not yet used to it's nuances, or he would see what Morga did.
Or perhaps he did-the Sultan was a complicated young man, and was not above using a display of nerves to hide his plotting-the Blue Moon respected him for that, not only for the prophecies regarding his bloodline Annilla had uttered long, long ago.
Annilla had verified the Prophecy of the White Moon, and claimed a Pure Son of Moorgarki-a Son born only of Sons-would bring it to pass. The Pure Sons were shepherded carefully, and the Order watched each with the same dispassionate concern.
Peregrine entered, her stance and body language telling him she had information to impart, information he did not necessarily want the Sultan to hear. The assassin needed to be questioned, and the Sultan was emotional.
"Excuse me, please-I need to see what's keeping the Xiola Umbari..." he bowed, and walked out, gently taking Peregrine by the arm and guiding her with him. "Have you brought me my shirt, perhaps? It is a tad chilly in here-" he said conversationally, until they were outside and the door closed. "May I invoke privacy? I know you have things to say, but muri ears are sharp..." he nodded towards the door, where he felt the Sultan's ears prick up...

Perigrine's eyes went what could only be called mischievieous, a startling sight from the Neitzschean - her voice was deliberately pitched to carry - while seemingly intended not to..."Why Morga, am I supposed to keep track of where you toss your shirt to when we were doing so many other interesting things..." While she gave but the minutest nod at his real request. The Sultan didn't need to know everything, and in fact it was better if he didn't. Performance just never rivaled real confusion.

She waited until he had spun the blue glow of a Muri privacy field about them, before continueing, her eyes sharp, "How much of what I tell you are you going to turn over to the Sultan?" She asked bluntly - perfectly willing to leave the Muri in the dark - and out of the action - rather than compromise the end results. And Morga really didn't have data to work with to realize just how ruthless she could and would be- The Neitzscheans weren't known in this Universe. So Perigrine hoped for something resembling the truth form him.

But from the near legend growing about him, she hoped they would end up working together.

"How much of what I tell you are you going to turn over to the Sultan?"
Morga looked down at her with an expression she could have sworn was shock. "All of it-I am a loyal man. The question you should ask is when, dear Peri. He's a tad too upset now, with his wife's condition and all.
"I think perhaps after it's resolved. Zorak Zorani think with their hearts, and it's much easier to question a prisoner before he's been eaten..."

It was easy to know exactly how Dominique was feeliing, it was plastered all over her face, yet she had a reserve of strength that showed itself physically by straightening up. Right now was the time when those knew what it meant to lead pushed on, despite emotions, despite potential doubt, despite the feeling of being alone.

All too long he had been alone, it was the worst sentence that he could think of, but at least as his arm still draped around her she felt that there was someone their with her, someone who could understand, so she was alone no more.

Trevor sat silently, just sitting there beside her, that was the job he gave himself, lesser people would of given up they would of broken down, refused to do their job... and these people would of had support from a family, but not Dominique. All this just proved one thing ... Dominique was the strongest in character person he had met.

"I think perhaps after it's resolved. Zorak Zorani think with their hearts, and it's much easier to question a prisoner before he's been eaten..."

Perigrine looked at him for a moment longer. Neitzscheans didn't believe in majick, they had no psionics - save that the vast majority of them could not be probed or manipulated in any fashion by such or by the Force.- their minds were simply too strong, the natural shielding they generated impenatrable. But Perigrine Omega was herself a past master at reading others, even aliens. She didn't relax, she had never been tense to start with, but then she nodded sharply, her decission made.

"It's said that you Muri are raised as stone age primitives" She said, and there was no questioning in her tone. She had been raised in world far different but no less lethal. "That it makes you masters of the hunt." Perigrine watched him steadily, dispassionately "Care to join in a Hunt?"

She taped a button on her bracer and a tiny but incredibly clear holo minature sprang to life "Recognise the cobra? We don't know his name but we know whom he belongs to...and he and Veela can lead us to her"

Thirty minutes in to the chaos...

For the most part those in the Star Chamber were calm, and doing their best to either help or stay out of the way of those doing their best to issue appropriate orders from the safety of the Star Chamber.

Several of War Mistress The General Hexx’s top officers and aides had been transported in and they had brought a number of portable work stations with them, and had formed a small cluster of organized chaos over in one corner, as the Phoenix Empires military went on full alert. The local forces had been directed to coordinate with the civil emergency department and render all necessary aid.

The Alversian Damage control team from the APS Impecible were already helping without stint the ongoing evacuation of the hospital. So many of the patients had to be handled with care, enveloped in full life support, delicate lives and equipment that could not necessarily withstand the shock of transport. The Tanaran Children’s Hospice and Trauma Center was the foremost and largest medical center in the Phoenix Empire and was devoted solely to the chare of children and infants. They had beds for over seven thousand children, and their nursery unit had bassinets for over two thousand. The facility covered nearly six hundred acres all told - though that did include play grounds, a park, a children’s school, a nursing school and more. And on a daily basis had a population - in employees and volunteers of over 125,00. So far the known death toll stood at twenty seven hundred. The twin explosions had not been mere civilian grade explosives packed into the air ambulances, but full military grade and the devastation was incredible. And the fires were raging, barely under any control.

The Garbage Men's fast acting teams had managed to nullify the lethally malfunctioning sonic art work, and were also contributing to the emergency efforts in a most admirable fashion.

Dominique began to feel some small amount of relief when thirty minutes had passed and no new disasters had struck. She looked at Trevor with cautious optimism, which faded as one of her Hands approached and quietly asked to speak to her.

She started to move away, then looked at Trevor for a second. “Trevor, would you mind terribly if I discussed ‘work’ in front of you?” She knew it was an uncommon request, but his quiet but staunch support had made a quite an impression upon her. And she had a feeling he might well be able to provide some valuable insight for what ever was about to be reported to her.

"Zhaamen the Serpentine." Morga looked over the hologram. "The Lady Tetsuko's personal assassin. He's a herpiomorph, with the ability to control any reptile psionically. He's also quicker than thought with his blades, and dangerous as a cornered rat.
"Move carefully-Zhaamen's bite is a deadly venom, and he has no compunctions about spitting it, either." Morga told her, carefully. "Plug the sewer pipes-he likes using them and isn't above escaping down a commode. He always has a snake companion, and the two of them train extensively, so expect to fight both at once.
"The Veela with him-one of the guests, yes? Call up your dossier-when this hunt is concluded, I'm going to want to know more." Morga headed down the hall. "Come along, Peri-our quarry will take to the sewers and elude us otherwise. I've wanted Zhaamen for so very long..."

"Haven't met a venom that doesn't like me yet." Perigrins said mildly.

"And the Veela is a guest who shouldn't be here. She was escorted out earlier. Belongs to the Alversian diplo contengent." Perigrine snapped before tapping out a quick order code. And then gave Morga a look as she matched his strides "But Morga dear, we want them to elude us. He may be a tempting target, but Lady Tomasuza is even more so. And they will, if not lead us to her, then to the next rung in the ladder."

"And the Veela? She was in my daughters custody for a time. She's tagged a dozen different ways, and some don't show up to 'normal' majic, psionics, or the Force, much less mere technology." The tall slender Neitzschean finished that off with a vaguely amused chuff. Her scions were part demon, she'd stolen the genetics of Abaddon, though for a Neitzschean her skill as a geneticist was only hobby level. But then again that made her the equivallent of a master geneticist in this Universe. The Neitzscheans had been doing it for so very long. Perigrine was very pleased how her children had turned out.

"I would counsel against following him to a place he considers safe, especially as he is too valuable for the Lady to leave imprisoned." Morga said. "But I shall concur with your scheme-'A wise man believes only in lies, trusts only in the absurd, and learns to expect the unexpected.' Where shall we herd him?"

"Where shall we herd him?"

Perigrine’s eyes really did twinkle this time. "Why right where they plan on going, where else. I don't want to try and corner him here, not on planet. Though I wish I knew more about the Veela, she has a set of plans separate from his, and I am not sure if she'll be able to get him to follow hers, or if he'll decide she is too much of a new angle, and a bad one at that, and simply disposes of her and then follow his stratagems."

At a tap of a concealed control a well concealed door slid open and the Nietzschean ushered Lord Morga into the security control center for the Palace. Dim but pervasive red lighting allowed him to see without much discomfort – only individual consoles were lit in a spectrum more comfortable to human eyes. Though it was easy to see that not all those here were human, nor were they in the majority. Only one looked up as they entered, and he was a tall being, a good six inches more than Perigrines six foot one.

When Morga looked at him he would see that he had the same duality as Kai did – and that not all of those of the High Planes were...beneficent in nature. And there was a subliminal intensity about him that would raise any ‘s hackles. His eyes were dark and glittering, brooding in a face with cruel cheekbones and a thin Van Dyke beard. His lips were no more accustomed to smiling than the Omega’s were. He stood with swift flowing grace and crossed to them. “Nothing further to report. They found the latest of our secured spots and they think it’s a good place to wait out the next sweep” He reported in a low tone that rumbled with satisfaction. Power wreathid him and prickled the nape of the neck

Then he met Morga’s eyes, and he gave a half bow and offered his sword hand. For though he carried no open weapon, Morga was absolutely sure he was never unarmed. His first words confirmed suspicions “Kai told me much about the Muri.”

“Lord Morga, This is Khan Torgatai Kurookami” Perigrine named him

http://www.atddm.com/tor2.jpg

She started to move away, then looked at Trevor for a second. “Trevor, would you mind terribly if I discussed ‘work’ in front of you?” She knew it was an uncommon request, but his quiet but staunch support had made a quite an impression upon her. And she had a feeling he might well be able to provide some valuable insight for what ever was about to be reported to her.

"You wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen, but do what you think is best."
Trevor couldn't answer this one for her, there would obviously be a number of conflicts within her decision making process that only she could resolve, one thing that Trevor learnt in business, your decisions must be your own you cannot let anyone else make them for you.

Trevor, Dominique, Astarte

"You wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen, but do what you think is best."

Dominique montioned for the Hand to begin her report

The young woman nodded and began, her voice melodious, but low carrying no further than Trevor. "Your Majesty, Lady Omega is tracking two of those involved in the on-going Incidents. Those were created to assure their extraction went without notice. We will of course be tracking them. They are definitely Lady Tomazusa's henchmen. One of them is the Veela that accosted Grandmaster Zeus, though any connection between her and his fathers attacker is nebulous." She spoke concisely and clearly.

Indigo had no idea how long she lay unconscious and watching from the spirit plane, but she could see that despite Lady Marisol's efforts- as skilled as they were, her body was beginning to react badly to the presence of the virulent transformative toxin. She could only hope that those from Pamaltela arrived in time. She did not want to lose the life she had.

But she knew that worrying would not solve anything and besides Gerrak was in a bigger panic - she wsan't panicked at all, her emotions were far different -than she was. So she took to pacing with him. [i]Okay Love, from now on you can prepare all my meals and I’ll ask Humbaba to work with the nutritionist to figure out how to get our sons all the special nutrients they’ll need…but please stop pacing and hold me” Indigo knew he’d see how scared, but even more so how absolutely furious she was beneath the deliberately light and teasing tone she used..

The Emperor winced ever so slightly as a whine nearly beyond his range of hearing dug into his top ears. It was something akin to a cross between a swarm of buzzing insects and a high-pitched alarm. Glancing at Jade he could see from her grimace she heard it too, and a single look at Riley, the Empress's personal handmaiden and the attendant/aide they had brought with them indicated they were not immune. The Black Guards however, two of which stood near the Imperial Couple and the other five spread out throughout the room, heard nothing, screened by their armor against any possibly negative sonic effects. It didn't take a genius to see that the majority of the beings in the room, Komodrens, were agitated. Methodically pacing like trapped tigers, the Emperor would have bet any amount of credits they were the source of the disturbing noise. He reached out to halt one passing him, stopping just before touching the reptilian being.
"Apologies for my intrusion," he smiled in what he hoped seemed a friendly manner, "but do you hear that sound in the air? Can you tell me what it is?" He certainly hoped whoever he was talking to was either making the noise or could hear it: Otherwise, he would sound somewhat crazy.

Others had noticed the hypersonic whine and the rising agitation of the Komodren and were subtlely gathering about the Empress, the five Hands forming a loose cordon about her some lengths away from her.

Mmrrll too heard the whine, the Xas's hearing exteneding well into ranges that humans did not. She watched as the Xiscapian Emperor approached the nearest Komodren with forboding. She did not know much about the species, but the sound they were producing rasped at her, raising her fur.

Then it began as the towering Komodren errupted into a savage attack mode, springing on the non Komodren nearest them, seemingly ravenous.

It was instant chaos, few of the guest had come to the Celebration armed, and such as they had carried were mostly ceremonial.

The Emperor sprang back in shock, hand at the hilt of his katana. Two Black Guards had been quick to herd Empress and servants into a corner of the room, but with seventy-odd Komodren's easily outnumbering the other guests the room was filled with screams and the snarling of the attacking Komodren. One of the Guards tipped over a table, spilling food, silverware and crockery onto the floor, firing over the makeshift barricade to protect his Empress. However the kitsune royalty vaulted over him, landing a vicious flying kick onto one of the reptilian people. The being had launched itself at Foxfire, but a quick blaster shot from a Black Guard behind them flung the reptile away. The Emperor scrambled to his feet, unsheathing his sword, surrounded by enemies. A slash and a second attacker fell, cut across the chest, the Emperor growling softly. They were trapped in this room, outnumbered by these people who had sporadically decided to attack them. Whether by choice or force the Emperor did not know the motivations of the Komodren, but he wasn't going to let them rampage about the guests. Switch to stun, and use non-lethal attacks only! he commanded his Guards telepathically. They may not know what they do, and if that is not the case, the survivors can always be held for interrogation. Pulling his arms together the Emperor scythed them outward, and there was a blast of invisible energy as a dozen Komodren were flung across the room, collapsed from unseen telekinetic blows, or crumpled under intense pressure, some force pinning them to the floor. The Black Guards used the Stun function on their energy weapons and otherwise hit with the flats and hilts of their bladed weapons and made non-serous but crippling wounds on their attackers.

Adam had been standing near one of the Komedrens when they had gone mad and began to attack the nearest person. He had become aware of a high-pitched whistle echoeing throughout the hall, as Alversian's hearing was marginally better than normal humans. He had been about to turn and ask one of the Reptilians what the sound was when he had been hit full in the chest by a scaly backhand.

Adam gasped and fell hard on his back, unable to move and unable to breath. He coughed harshly for a few seconds as chaos filled the hall. People were being thrown in all directions by the fierce attack and more people were falling to either side of him. Debris was also being thrown around the room like a tornado effect.

Although his head was swimming and he could only faintly hear the carnage, Adam's rudimentary military training kicked in and he forced himself to stand. The intensely painful, scraping sound from his chest indicated that he had broken at least one rib in the fall but he was not going to stand and be slaughtered, not again.

He managed to pull his small pistol from the holster beneath his arm and fire a few bolts at the swirling shapes he identified as Komedran. The shots echoed in his head and all other sounds seemed to be drowned out. All he could hear were laser blasts and his own heart beating. He spotted the Royal Family of Xiscapia and a protective barrier of guards around them. He forced himself forward, not hearing his own footsteps, not feeling his own legs move. He was badly concussed from the attack. One hit, one kill.

He finally reached one of the Black guards and opened his mouth to speak to him. As he did so, though, he felt his mouth empty of shining red blood he hadn't known was there. It fell to the floor in front of him and he was now struggling to keep control of his muscles and his eyes. They were slowly closing while his arms and legs were going limp.

"Your...Majest...y" Adam managed to splutter, his concussed mind insisting on manners as he tried to force his body into a bow. He could not complete it and felt himself keeling over towards the floor. He barely had enough time to twist so he smashed into his shoulder rather than his nose. He coughed again, feeling the loose rib tickling a lung and, finally losing his battle with his injuries, fell into the bliss of unconciousness.

Sewers

The Veela could smell the anger and the fear in the air as she moved. She could almost taste it like one tasted a scent in the air. She moved forward again, making sure that the coast was clear for her and her protectee. He was unconcerned with proceedings but the Veela was nervous.

This was tricky but not tricky enough. Although she had had some minor barriers with getting this far, she had a sudden sense that she was walking through a gate already unlocked for her. It was an uneasy feeling and not one she could shake off so easily. She did as she always did in this times. Trusted in the choas and let it fill her heart with a black strength. She did not care if she was being used as bait or lured into a trap. She trusted enough in the lady and choas to ensure final victory and destruction of this galaxy.

The Black Guard had spotted Adam, moving forward and giving the approaching man covering fire. The Alversian was obviously badly injured, and the Guard had only begun to speak when he dropped to the floor, passing out in a tiny puddle of blood ringing his mouth. The Guard carefully picked Adam up, fireman style, and lifted him over the side of the barricade into the waiting hands of the servants. However, he was abruptly hit on the side of the head by a stray piece of wreckage and lost his grip, falling. The servants struggled to hold Adam steady, lowering him quickly but as gently as possible to the floor. The Empress came to to them after helping the Guard to his feet, kneeling beside Adam as the chaos roared around the hall. "It's bad," she murmured, dark yellow eyes darting across Adam's shirt, casually peeling it away. She felt a broken rib, and it seemed his lung had been punctured by bone fragments, and his mouths was filled with blood. Jade made complicated motions over Adam, humming softly as the servants added their power to hers. The rib hardened and former effortlessly together, carefully avoiding cutting or scraping any flesh or other organs. The fluid in Adam's mouth, throat and lungs was inexplicitly whisked away, and the hole repaired itself, flesh forming and refitting, good as new. He would have trouble breathing, and wouldn't be able to so much as move at a more rapid pace than a slow jog for a week or so, but Adam's life was no longer in danger.

In the fighting one Black Guard had been overwhelmed, form grievously broken by a mob of Komedrens. He too had been dragged over the barricade, as had several wounded guests and servants. The others were holding up well, but the Komedrens showed no signs of coming to their senses and the defenders, taken by surprise, underarmed and unprepared were slowly being forced in corners or inside rings of attackers.

The combination of the agitated Komedrens, the high pitched whine and the subtle barrier that was formed by Hands, he noticed all of these, and in response he calmly and quietly spoke. "Dominique, Something's about to happen you sh...."

and that's when all chaos broke loose...

Trevor re-acted almost immediately, shifting off the seat and onto his feet
But as long as the barrier of Hands was intact they were safe, at least safe enough, the only real danger would be if someone had a ranged weapon, a gun or like, there shouldn't be any but with what had been happening recently who knows if there were.

"Okay Love, from now on you can prepare all my meals and I’ll ask Humbaba to work with the nutritionist to figure out how to get our sons all the special nutrients they’ll need…but please stop pacing and hold me”
Gerrak moved to embrace his wife when the door opened, and a tall, lanky muri in elaborate robes entered. "Ah, Niblet, it is good you remember a poor old troll." it spoke through it's bolongo.
"Actually, I would suggest you consult Hamda-his specialty is food." The young sorceror looked and hrooned Indigo over. "Four? Always the over-achiever..." he looked at Gerrak with an expression of adoration.
"That scorpion queen venom is not desired, Ger-could you switch your grip to hold your wife down? This is going to hurt..."
Marisol was shocked as the troll called his power to him, reaching out, delicately winding around her bindings to further isolate the venom, then pulling hard, as if removing a solidly moored tooth.
Indigo shrieked, rocking the Palace, the Blue Moon Plateau, and sending reverberations through all places where the Moon held sway, vomiting up gouts of vile green venom which was collected up into an energy sphere above her...
She was shaking and weak as she gazed upon the sphere, which held an image of Indigo, her face in a snarl, her lower trunk that of a grotesque scorpion, claws dripping deadly slime with each clenching.
"That is what Chaos intends for you, Niblet." Humbaba spoke gently through his bolongo. "You will change into that, your children broken down cell by cell to form a scorpion brood. I have removed it, but I have taken much of you with it. Reach in-(at this point, a bizarre cacophony of mathematical formulae pour into Indigo's mind)-reclaim yourself and take it from the venom. I can contain it only so long, and if even the slightest bit of you remains, this horror will afflict us all..."
Marisol gasped and moved to act, stopped only by Humbaba's mental voice. No...this is needed. If she cannot reclaim herself from Chaos, this is for naught-it must be her and her alone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Morga nodded as the alarms went off. "That would be Zhaamen arranging a diversion. There are a handful of gardens suitable for his purposes-shall we?"

The circle of Hands - there were only five and that was simply too few to hold out the mass of Komodren- there had been nearly seventy of them among the guests, but the Hands weren't going down easily, nor were the other Tanaran security personell - but despite the fact that they had no compunction against using deadly force they were too few to protect all the guests. Some of the Hands were obviously Mages and no few of the Komodren fell before their spells, others gifted with Psionics of equally lethal abilities but the enraged Draconics were not stopped by the fate of their brethern.

The Komodren tore into what of the shrieking guests they could reach, in a massive unstopable insane feeding frenzy. Komodrens were massively large beings - evolved on a world of over five gravities - standing some seven to ten foot tall, and naturally armored with dense leathery hides behind hard scales. Their claws were terrible and rent easily though human flesh.

"Dominique, Something's about to happen you sh...."

One of the Hands went down and that Komodren stopped to feed, but another shoved passed him and headed for Dominique and Trevor. She too had stood as the frenzy started, and had drawn a small energy weapon form carefully tailored holster in her gown. She aimed carfully and the scarlet hued beam struck, drilling a hole in the massive Komodren's scaled hide, but seeming to do it little damange.

"Damn it I need a bigger gun" She snapped and triggered the weapon again going for the eye this time.

Sewers

While being more cautious and more concerned about the possibility of an ambush or a trap, the lone Veela and her companion moved through the sewers and were soon in large, open area beneath the palace grounds. She took a quick look around and, when satisfied, indicated to a small device sitting in the centre of the dirty water.
"The last attack on the palace, knocked out a small part of the shields" She explained in her quiet but determined voice, "We can beam to a vessel from here"

OOC: Again thank you Alversia!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

However she quite thoroughly missed, as the massive draconic ducked to avoid an attack by one of the Hands, it's thick tail whipping out to take the woman off her feet. then it was roaring, mouth agape , it's wicked fangs gleaming in the light, a thick rope of saliva dripping from the widespread jaws...

The Komodren roared as it charged towards them, they barely had any time at all, but Trevor with quick, precise and fluid movements, almost as if he was dancing, took the gun right out of Dominique's hand, had it in his hand, aimed it within half a second.

Squeezing off a second shot from the Gun, as the beam discharged right into the open maw of the draconic being, bypassing the creatures scale armour and with the angle necessary to achieve such a feat, it must of got into the creatures brain, as the creature started to fall forwards to the ground.

It was dead, or almost as good as it could no longer fight but it was still concious, though it was waning soon it would be out cold forever.

With a small movement, the weapon now lay in his open palmed hand, "I believe that's yours." he said offering it back to the Empress.

OOC EDIT: I was compiling this before Tanara posted above and so I didn't see it until after the post

"The last attack on the palace, knocked out a small part of the shields" She explained in her quiet but determined voice, "We can beam to a vessel from here"

"Beam?" Her charge leered. "That's far too traceable-energy signatures are a dead giveaway.
"They're having such fun in the ballroom-I almost hate to leave. We'll be Gating out-link with me mentally. I hope you can do math in your head..."
(OOC:Gating is a muri innovation-a complex series of mathematical formulae based on the theory that all things began as a single point-basically, one proves mathematically that one is somewhere else entirely, and the Universe faced with such evidence complies. Since Zhaamen is occupied, the Veela will have to do the calculations, but he'll guide her through the hard bits. Just don't forget to carry the seven, and keep the decimal point right, and you should be fine.)

"I am more than capable of making the calculations," The Veela snapped, glancing quickly over her shoulder, "Let's get out of here, now"

Those who had not already been killed in the Hall were waning. Of the seven guards, two had been killed and one seriously wounded by the crazed Komodren. The Emperor, Empress and the rest had abandoned all pretense of attempting to take their enemies alive, and swords flashed in their hands as blades bit though even the tough armored hides of the reptilians. Energy-based weapons had proven to be ineffective, so a combination of extremely sharp bladed weapons and use of the Force was necessary just to keep enough space around the kitsune to ensure their survival. The Emperor had long since abandoned his robes and let his armor take the hits, soaked with blood and gore from the charging enemy. True, the Xiscapians were far smaller and weaker than the Komodrens, but their swordsmanship was virtually unmatched by anyone, and the flurry of cold cortosis katanas kept them at bay. They had formed a protective ring around the servants and wounded Guard, standing firm against the tide. The Korr Wars had taught the kitsune how to survive "human wave" attacks, and this was not lost on the Imperial Family or their Guard.

"No...this is needed. If she cannot reclaim herself from Chaos, this is for naught-it must be her and her alone."

Marisol nodded understanding, but not happy, and she sat back, her face filled with compassion.

Indigo was shivering in pain and exhaustion, but tore her eyes away from the orb long enough to meet Gerraks and whisper "Love you"

Then she set about the effort of taking back herself. And growing a truly monumental temper in the process. She knew she had a vengreful streak, but at this moment it didn't shame her in the least as she fought the pain by imagining everything she'd do to the author of her current state.

The majority of her was busy concentrating on the formula necessary to extract every last bit of her from the venom. It semed to take forever and left her all but unconscious again by the time she had rooted out every last bit. "Humbaba, be so kind as to send it back to whomever sent it to me." Her voice was a hoarse whisper, and tears of utter exhaustion ran unhindered down her face. Looking up at Gerrak, knowing she looked absolutely hideous, and thoroughly undone by the love in his eyes she burst into tears.

"Could we have a bath?"

Dominique gave him a wry smile, "Thank you" then she turned and took aim at another one. It might not stop them but enough wounds would take down anything.

There ws a rush of displaced air as a mass aport brought in a platoon of power armored troops, some ringing Dominique and Trevor. Without the slightest hesitation they the began firing at the Komodrens, shooting to kill and their weapons did kill with each precisely targeted hit.

Porthos 's hologram, which had been absent reappeared and advised the Empress that an unknowed code had been inserted into the security system and that is what had blocked out reinforcements until it could be located and erradicated. She nodded distractedly, as the last Komodren fell, though not all were dead.

"I don't care how secure here is, it's very security led to this. I want medical in here now and I want every one out. All the Anagonians are to be respectfully but firmly detained. They need to be questioned as to what might have brought this about."

She looked at Trevor. "I wouldn't blame you if you left now, but I would love to have dinner with you some time. I have enjoyed your company completely." She figured that any one smart would take their leave and get some place safe. And apparently being around her was not such a place.

"Unfortunately, I probably won't have much of a choice, my security detail will most likely whisk me away as soon as they can. Though as soon as the situation has stabilised, I would love to have dinner with you, in fact, I'd have to insist on it."

He was conflicted, he wanted to stay, yet he knew it was dangerous, he wanted to have dinner with her right away but he couldn't justify it, And so he'd have to settle for a later date.

He smiled lightly at her, and started to make his way out, and true enough as soon as he managed to get to a position where his own protection detail could get a strong enough lock on him, he was teleported abord his personal craft.

Security officials confirmed with Tanaran security officials that Trevor was indeed on-board and safe.

The Veela ran through the arcane formula, and the pair shifted quietly to an ornate chamber, seemingly a natural cave with one wall carved with delicate flowers in some pale pink stone, the pistils of the flowers carved as hands, reaching out, grasping and clutching. Central to this wall was a great stone face carved to resemble flames which emitted a low keening.
A lone figure, a slender youth in elaborate robes bearing the dai-sho stood there, viewing the two with dispassion. "You're late." he said in a sibilant hiss. "I do not like waiting, Zhaamen."
The assassin abased himself. "Forgive me, Lord Modo-it was unavoidable."
"Tell me more..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Humbaba seized the venom, forcing it into a smaller and smaller orb until it was the size of a walnut, when he placed it in a pouch on his belt. Gerrak had gently lifted his wife and carried her off to the baths but the time the sorceror finished, leaving him in the company of the Lady Marisol.
The Dark Sorceror looked upon the Angel of Light. "They'll be some time-this has been rather trying on them." He winked as his bolongo continued: "The Empress has seen fit to honor me with a duty to deliver this. Let me take some time from my mission to thank you, Angel. Your help was invaluable.
"Sadly, I must go now to examine how this was administered to carry out my sister-in-law's wishes. You will excuse me?"

"Unfortunately, I probably won't have much of a choice, my security detail will most likely whisk me away as soon as they can. Though as soon as the situation has stabilised, I would love to have dinner with you, in fact, I'd have to insist on it."

"Absolutely" Dominique smiled at him, watching steadily as he took his leave of her and vanished. No she didn't blame him one bit, she understood completely, though her shoulders slumped ever so slight as he was transported to safety. Sighing a little she turned to Porthos "Give me a moment then I want ever one in the war room"

She headed over to check on the Dowager Empress and her Ministers. All three, Michiko, Merideth and Mm'rr'll. None of them had suffered serious injury and were busy helping sort things out. Advising them of the meeting she moved on to where the Xiscapian Imperials had made their very effective stand.

"Your Imperial Majesties, I have to most humbly apologize for this." She bowed deeply to them. This latest outrage was simply inexcusable and Dominique had no idea how to set it to rights. She was pleased to see that medical personnel were already tending to the Xiscapians wounded.

"Your Imperial Majesties, I have to most humbly apologize for this."
The Emperor nodded solemnly. "It is deeply regretful that this occurred. With your permission, Empress, I would like to see this matter though to the end and the perpetrators brought to justice. However, at the moment we having rather pressing matters at hand." He gestured to the bullet-ridden, partially smashed barricade that had shielded the few that had managed to get behind it. "I am afraid Alversian Ambassador Adam has sustained grievous injuries from the fighting. The Empress and servants had managed to heal the worst of it, but I fear that unless the Ambassador receives immediate proper medical attention, he may suffer complications from his wounds."
Jade and one of the Guards were kneeling over Adam, and though his life was not in danger, he was in a worse state than they had originally thought. Now they struggled to merely keep his wounds closed and him unconscious so he would not be forced to suffer. Elsewhere the two dead Guards had already been wrapped in death shrouds, and the wounded Guard was hunched over at the wall, being taken care of by medical staff.

"I am afraid Alversian Ambassador Adam has sustained grievous injuries from the fighting. The Empress and servants had managed to heal the worst of it, but I fear that unless the Ambassador receives immediate proper medical attention, he may suffer complications from his wounds."

Before Dominique could order, Porthos anticipated and transported in the Empresses own medical team, and at her nod they at once began attending to the injured ambassador.

"Your assisstance in finding the source of this ...insult will be greatly appreciated. If you would join me in the Empire's war room, I'd be very grateful. I would also like to move your suite to one within the security of my own wing."

Porthos hastened to add reassuringly "I have double and tripple checked the security of the Imperial wing, and it is unharmed, untampered with, and I've made sure that it's currently isolated from any potential outside contamination.."

"Your assisstance in finding the source of this ...insult will be greatly appreciated. If you would join me in the Empire's war room, I'd be very grateful. I would also like to move your suite to one within the security of my own wing."
The Emperor nodded. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Empress." It was a simple statement without a shred of doubt. He shot a look at Jade, who rose from Adam's prone form and padded over to them. Even as they proceeded to the war room two Black Guards fell into step behind them. Two were staying behind to protect those in the Chamber from any additional attack, but the Imperial Family's personal Guard had survived. The presence of the Guards might have been perceived as a slight to Tanaran Palace Security, but after what had happened, the Black Guards were determined to not let the Imperial Majesties out of their sight for a second, reassurances from Porthos or not. They were both very old and among the most trusted on Xiscapia, so they're accompaniment should pose no issue.

OOC:

I ain't gonna be on much, but thanks to Tanara the story continued. Let me add a bit of spice to it.

IC:

Oscar Vladinchi stood naked in the oval chamber, darkness surrounding him. His draconic form an ancient reminder of his long-forgotten race. He was the last known Draconic to walk on any world in the Anagonian Empire, a futile hope that many more were still out there kept him going. It was this futile hope that led him to attempt to destroy the Galactic Federation many years ago, and what kept him alive as Melkos Unchanos, the Dark Lord of the Anagonian Sith Order, struck him down. There, in that moment, he learned that there was another Draconic still walking this universe. But it was the last place he would expect. An offer was given, and he gladly took it, becoming the dark creature he was now.

He fell to his knees, clawing at his muzzle, his bright red eyes closing in anguish as he contemplated his mistake. Melkos Unchanos had offered him the chance to meet the other Draconic in exchange for service. He had readily accepted in that moment of revelation. And, indeed, he had seen him, the only other Draconic, and in that moment rage filled everything. His mission had only been to attend the ceremony, to guard Drakomis Nokomis Reign in his moment of glory and happiness. Melkos Unchanos was not pure Evil, and had kindness towards his eternal brother in Drakomis. Yet in his foolishness Oscar had somehow found a reason to kill Drakomis, disobey his orders, doom the Galactic Federation to anarchy.

A dark figure appeared, even darker then the blackness of the room, red eyes brighter than Oscar's glaring down at the pathetic Draconic form cowering in pain. How did it come to this? How could Drakomis take away his only reason of hope? He had to die, it was the only way. Oscar Vladinchi, even being among the eternal brotherhood to Drakomis, knew very well when he was stabbed in the back. This was one of those cases, and indeed such a case demanded retribution. Didn't it?

Oscar gazed upward towards his eternal brother, now turned eternal nemesis. The human-like skeletal face gazed through the dark cloak, eye sockets empty with the exception of the glowing orbs that the Dark Lord saw the world with. The exposed jaw and teeth opened, forming words that Oscar didn't hear. And suddenly he found himself raised, feet dangling, the breath being taken from him as his scaled throat constricted by the will of the Force. His tail thrashed, and he tried to struggle, but in the end he knew it futile. Dark slits for pupils appeared in his glowing red eyes, staring at his nemesis, welcoming the death. Instead, he heard a dark and eternal voice.

"You attempted to kill Drakomis."

A blunt statement. His throat released enough for hoarse speech. He snarled, grabbing his throat, unable to out-will his nemesis' use of the Force. He spit upon the black cloak, thrashing still, mad in mind and soul. "He took my son!"

"ENOUGH!"

Oscar was thrown against the metallic wall, his body broken by the impact. He heard his bones, designed to withstand tons of force, shatter and break as if sticks broken by a mammoths foot. He couldn't move, the pain increased, so he stared. Melkos turning, staring back, the depths of hell open to Oscar through those eye's that bore upon his soul. He shuddered somehow, and felt his body heat, felt his scales boil. Then he screamed in agony as his entire body burst into flame, consuming his flesh, melting his muscles, his entire being in agony.

Melkos turned away, slowly walking towards the only exit. He gazed back at the screaming form of Oscar Vladinchi, eyes lowered in quiet sympathy at his past brother, and looked back towards his enemy. Pity fell upon the eternal being, mortal yet immortal, and Oscar yet through his agony managed to meet the eye contact. Melkos stared for a few short seconds, waving his hand, the hellfire ceased. Now only the charred remains of a once glorious creature slunk against the wall, and a soft whisper escaped the burnt snout.

"Forgive me."

Melkos turned away, starting towards the exit, which stretched its tendrils of time and space around his form. He sighed softly.

"From here you can choose to continue along the path of darkness, or renew your life through service to the Brotherhood. You have the power to be reborn, and have the power to end your life." The tendrils of the exit consuming the form of Melkos as he turned his head back to gaze at the burnt figure, "But be not mistaken, while you shall pay for your sins against us, do not dare defy me again. Else I will consume your soul."

Oscar lay there, helpless expect for his will and his spirit to the Force. His body useless now, a reminder of his sins against his ancient oath to the Brotherhood. The anger still inside him, he knew not where to go. Only to lay here, and think of a new path for himself. But he couldn't let his race die in the hands of one so incompetent to its ways. A skeletal hand, charred by fire, touched the wall, and he stood by his Will. His body, a mixture of exposed bones and burnt flesh, sent waves of pain to what remained of his organic brain. One eye, untouched and glaring at the exit, saw the path to greater glory. So he took one step, then another, then another, finally falling to the ground and exploding into dust.

The tendrils of time, knowing those of the Brotherhood, took the dust into itself and sent it on its way. Whatever remained of Oscar Vladinchi would go with time, be reborn, or be lost forever. And in the last thoughts before his entire being burst into stardust, Oscar dreamed of the day when his Son would know the truth. Perhaps then he could truly die, perhaps when his race was reborn. Until that day, Oscar Vladinchi refused to be killed.

David Zeus

Perhaps the most opportune time for revelations is in dreams. This time was no different. David Zeus, as usual in his mastery and will of things, was dreaming of his meditation field among the grasses of Novar. Tall Grass spanned the horizon, the breeze gently blowing, the sky clear blue. It reminded him of when the Komodren were but young in their race, of the stories told by his father. The thought of his father dared to quell his peace, and he shoved it away. Now wasn't the time for that, now was time for peace. He stood, his form having his usual jedi robes during these dreams.

He closed his eyes, the sun creating an effect on his scales. A reddish hue, something he always imagined of himself. He relished the freedom here, the complete lack of outside influence. And then the feeling was gone, rushed away by a gigantic wind, and he stood there, eyes wide at his minds lack of control. Before him he saw dust swirl into form, suddenly taking shape, suddenly revealing the one person whom he knew was responsible for his fathers harm. And, indeed, in that moment his mind lost all touch, and the Darkness consumed his form, and he reached for his lightsaber, igniting it.

To his surprise, it was flung away with the wind, and he watched as the Draconic being edged closer and closer with long strides. Fear gripped him, suddenly realizing he had no control over this dream any longer. How could this being have such power matching that of Melkos? Or was it just him? His own internal self. He searched, and found nothing, eyes closing to make his dream end. Opening to find the Draconic before him, at least a foot taller, breathing down his neck. And he found himself flung into a tree, holding his chest at the pain that felt so real. As he lifted himself from the dirt, by now the grass shredded by the high winds around him, the figure was before him again, this time a few feet away.

"What do you want?" David tilted his head, holding his chest at the pain. The figure tilted his head in the opposite direction, and grinned. "I know you want revenge, and now's your chance."

David shook his head, "Perhaps in the beginning, but now I don't need it. All I need is my Father, and thankfully you didn't kill him."

The figure shook his head, "No, I didn't. You did. You killed me."

"W-What?" Taken aback, David looked in disbelief.

The figure grinned, "That's right. That pathetic Komodren is just the one who took care of you."

David shook his head, near laughter at this point. "Look, I know I have wierd dreams, but this takes the bait. Your just a figure of my imagination, and eventually I'll get this craz-"

His throat was suddenly constricted, and David found himself pinned against the tree. The grip of the Draconic, the claws imbeding in his throat, felt very real. His eye's wider now to the reality around him, he coughed for air, and found none. The glowing red eyes met his, and he tried to look away. "You can't run from the truth, son. I am your true father, and I'm coming for you."

Unable to breath, the last word came out in a hiss from the Draconic. His vision blurring, fading, David lost sight. The words of his fathers attempted killer resounded in his head. Then the agony of the pain in his chest, and his throat, jolted him from his bed. He screamed in rage, until he noticed he was back in the real world. His body shivering from the cold of the moment, he threw the covers off. He held his head....and cried.

Once on board Trevor calmly but with purpose moved through the ship, being flanked by a number of assistants, who just seemed to appear and increase in number. Most had datapads of some sort while those that didn't, everyone had some sort of specific role, but they all kept quiet they recognised that no one would deter him from his current course. Whatever that was.

Son he was on the Bridge...

"Open up a channel with the surface..."

They opened up to a communication line to the Imperial Palace,

"This is Trevor Desorté, I would like to participate in a meeting that is happening, with the Empress in response to the happenings, both inside and outside the Crystal Hall. If it would be possible, It would be much appreciated.

Morga sniffed the air cautiously. "They left from here." his bolongo stated."Zhaamen and one other-the scent is unfamiliar, but I assume it was your Veela."
"How can you be certain?" Peregrine asked. "Camera's are out in this sectiion."
"Almost a dead giveaway, but I have Zhaamen's scent memorized." Morga sniffed around a bit more. "They Gated-no residues or energy signatures. This will be the old fashioned way.
"Let me finish dressing, and I will report my failure to the Empress."

Sometimes even the greatest of warriors falls to the feelings of the mere mortals beneath them. With the death of the greatest of these warriors, the realm of Anagonia had reached the end of an era. The brotherhood had been corrupted, the oath broken, and finally the most horrible act undertaken by the Most Trusted. Even then things did not catch up to Melkos Unchanos, for he had dealt the punishment, and given Oscar Vladinchi a second chance. It was the least he could do, seeing how he had grown soft over the centuries. It wasn't easy retaining the Force to continue his existence, seeing that at any moment or time someone stronger could end it with the slightest stroke of a blade.

Melkos found himself always putting up a good show to make everyone think otherwise, but never found himself able to push away the most basic of emotions he had for centuries quelled. That of fear, love, and basic kindness. Fear for Drakomis' Life, love for his daughter Siri O'Neill, and kindness to his enemy Oscar Vladinchi. Such things did not fit a Dark Lord, nor did they provide strength. It was Siri O'Neill whom had taught him to feel these things again. It was her who took Melkos as a Father, and finally taught him to be one. And it was her whom, ultimately, taught him to care for those around him.

And it was a curse he'd desired to get rid of as soon as possible. Melkos found himself constantly referring to himself as the Master of the Procrastinator's, constantly holding off the purge of the basic of emotions. Every time he would feel it, Siri would call him through either emotion or need, and he'd watch her, protecting his beloved daughter. Every time he'd manage to get past that, someone close to him would die, or nearly die. It wasn't surprising, then, that when he heard of the deed done by Oscar Vladinchi to Drakomis Nokomis Reign, that he recognized that he should get a badge of office made for his new found title.

So Melkos stood on the Grendal transport, the spectral of darkness cloaking his human bones, the remnants of his past self. His eyes, glowing reddish inside the gothic skull that remained of his head, gazed about in contemplation. It was unusual to find places where the Force prohibited his travel. Space and Time, by his standards, were mere barriers to be broken through. He constantly imagined Einstein rolling in his grave each time he traveled between the stars, and chuckled amusingly when he envisioned Einsteins long-dead corpse supplying some momentum as it rolled a thousand times a second in pure disbelief.

He remembered reading that somewhere, but the thought fell away as soon as it came. The Grendal Race seemed far more advanced than even the highest of Anagonian worlds in both technology and mastery of travel. Melkos himself was quite amazed, even envious, towards their complete handle on the Force as a whole. He could sense things that others could not, like the fact that they, in themselves, were the Force. It was a scientific puzzle best left to his minions and students to look into upon his return, his mind already haunted by fear and sadness to one individual whom he sought.

He wrapped himself further in the Force, tasting the darkness, and the blood of a thousands swords brought by darkness. It fueled his life-force, as much as the love for others fueled his existence. It hid his form well, the light around him never penetrating the veil of secrecy surrounding him. He offered a sighed, looking towards space as it warped by. Things were not going as planned, nor as they should have gone. Perhaps he could do something to help his old friend, if not just to gaze and be comforted to see him.

"We'll get to the bottom of this, Empress

Of that Dominique was absolutely positive. She would shred the universe if necessary to find, and end, the ones ultimately responsible for this outrage.

"This is Trevor Desorté, I would like to participate in a meeting that is happening, with the Empress in response to the happenings, both inside and outside the Crystal Hall. If it would be possible, It would be much appreciated.

"Thank you for calling Trevor, and wanting to be part of the solution even more than you already have." Her holograph smiled at him, both amazed and delighted that he was volunteering more. "If your security will let you come" It was not meant as an insult, she knew that security's function was to be paranoid on their leaders behalf "I am planning a meeting in my War Room in twenty minutes. I can arrange to have you and a security detail of your choice transported directly there. I would appreciate your input immensely Trevor"

Dominique herself answered him as she finished issuing the requests naming those she would appreciate the presence of in the War Room

C.E.O. Mr. Trevor Desorte

Their Imperial Majesties, the Emperor Foxfire Rose and the Empress Jade Rose

A direct repersentative of the Empress of the Celestial Imperia of Nova Nippon

A representative of the Sultan of Doraadi

A representative of Anagonia.

Kiri awaited him as he was transported directly from orbit to the massive hospital complex. Grendels were amazingly hard to kill, and their medical science augumented that.

She was weary and it showed. She was not in Komodren form, but a slender spire of fainly luminous crystal. "Greetings to my mate's oldest friend, and be welcome to our home" Her mental voice was soft and sure but tinged with exhaustion and worry.

Drakomis floated, deeply unconscious, weightless in the transparent tube of the advanced regen tank. The massive infusion of Kiri had saved his life, but the damage that had been done to him was terrible beyond belief. He had truly been bisected, his spine and organs cut completely through, only a strip of the tough Komodren scaled hide holding him in something resembling one piece.

"Pity he didn't die," Melkos spoke in a harsh mental response.

He stood there, gazing at his oldest brethren, his emotions well hidden. His eyes bore into the remnants of the physical Komodren, seeing through the Grendal, seeing all he was now. It was what Drakomis wanted, to be bonded with his chosen mate forever. Drakomis had got his wish, in the most harsh way possible. It wasn't what Melkos had foreseen, nor what he envisioned for his brother. Something so unexpected had happened as to turn Melkos' vision on its head, and usually things never went this far out of proportions.

Kiri, now in Grendal form, did not surprise Melkos in the least. He bore his gaze to her for a few moments as he counted his odds at ending Drakomis' life here and now, then thought better of it. He was alive, and would be, that much was seen through the Force. However when he woke, he would never be the same. That was something that worried the Dark Lord, especially since Drakomis was to be a competent leader and not a demented celestial being that was gifted powers too early.

He grumbled under his breath, raspy and weak-like. That would have to be seen truly to be known. Drakomis had proven himself competent in the arts of many worlds, and this was no different. He would just have to grow into it. Not like Melkos had to, nor probably Oscar after their bought. Melkos gave a dark chuckle as he looked at the tormented form of Drakomis, thinking now of how he burnt Oscar alive and tortured his very soul. He looked to Kiri; and evil look.

"The one who attempted to kill you both is now dead," he said slowly. "In a sense."

The crystaline being seemed not to hear him, her attention focused on Drakomis, her mate, her compilment, the one who made her whole past her own wholeness.

"Pity he didn't die,"

"A pity you didn't all those years ago" She slid in between Melkos and the tube "And don't hink you can play force games with me. I am completely unskilled next to you but you are in my home, my peoples house and there are those here that are your match. He is beyond your reach here."

Yes, rare as could be, but there were those learned as she was just starting to learn, and here, on the home world of the -'~'-.,__,.-*+-+*%$%*+-+*-.,__,.-'~'- , and under protection of the Au’mmadier, the mother of all her people. The source of all Life. She and Drakomis were safe, untouchable by this one, whom she did not trust in the least.

"And I do not care in the least about our attacker. He is for Drakomis to deal with though had he harmed the new life I guard within me then he would have had to deal with me as well." She didn't care, truly didn't

For you see the opposite of love is not hate - it is complete, total indifference.

"They'll let me come if you can assure them that they will be able to emergency beam me out." Trevor responded, he knew she was taking bluntly, and it was 100% truth, so for Trevor it was a matter of pride and principle that he respond in like manner.

"If it is to risky to the rooms defenses and security to allow out going teleportation, even as an exception, then unfortunately I will not be able to attend, however, we will provide resources to help execute the plan. Whatever is deemed necessary."

Trevor / Dominique

"If it is to risky to the rooms defenses and security to allow out going teleportation, even as an exception, then unfortunately I will not be able to attend, however, we will provide resources to help execute the plan. Whatever is deemed necessary."

"My word on it Trevor. You shall have my personal override tag." Oh Her security would have a fit, but some times her word overrode theirs. It was her privilege to risk her life and besides she had the feeling the their troubles had shifted venue. And her tiny, troublesome Gift of Prescience, just enough to be occasionally useful, while being completely untrainable, agreed with her.

"Is that acceptable to your people?"

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Humbaba & Marisol

"Sadly, I must go now to examine how this was administered to carry out my sister-in-law's wishes. You will excuse me?"

It was a pleasure working with you mi'lord, very instructional And I wish you every success." Marisol answered "I don’t know much about such compounds, but if you will notice, every butterfly in the garden is dead, and I am certain part of it was ingested. That tray" She nodded to the tossed aside tray with its pastry remains. "I think before I inadvertently landed on one and crushed it, it might have been in the shape of one.

She showed him the stain on her robes, a colorful imprint that was indeed roughly in the shape of the winged insect.

As they spoke one of the Muri servants brought the request from the Tanaran Empress, Dominique. A request for a direct representative of the Celestial Imperia of Nova Nippon, and a representative of the Sultan of Doraddi to please, if at all possible, attend a joint meeting concerning the assassination attempt and the devastating diversions

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Morga & Peregrine

Perigrine took a deep scenting herself, so she too would know the scents later - a Nietzschean's nose was as keen as that of any Muri's.

"Let me finish dressing, and I will report my failure to the Empress."

Peregrine shook her head, and in another surprising move – for she was not the sort to indulge in casual contact - laid a hand on his arm, looking up at him with concerned eyes. “Morga, This was an engineered failure. It will be a harder, yes, but my daughter does not need ‘residues’ or energy signatures to follow and find a part of herself. Or so she has demonstrated before.” Peregrine would be honest about the possibility of failure.

Torgatai rumbled an agreement “Amasaratu is half Demon and I can vouch for her abilities. My presence here, back in Reality, is proof of them. This is no failure, just a slower tracing back to where ever that desiccated bitch is hiding herself.”

He darted a veiled glance at Peregrine and seemed about to speak further, but refrained.

Peregrin returned the look with a forbidding one of her own, as she listened in on the communications net through her implants "Morga, in twenty minutes, there will be a meeting - to report and advise- in the War Room. I'd appreciate your presence and contributions."

She showed him the stain on her robes, a colorful imprint that was indeed roughly in the shape of the winged insect.
"You will allow me...?" Humbaba held the dress up, and tendrils of energy flowed from his hand, delicately plucking the stain and removing it from her raiments without damaging the fabric. "Yes...part of a trinary compound. Scorpion queen venom is usually injected for maximum effect-this has been modified alchemically. I shall determine it's composition and supply you with a nuetralizing agent. The three components will wait in your system for their counterparts, so try to avoid food or drink for a time-I shan't be long."
As they spoke one of the Muri servants brought the request from the Tanaran Empress, Dominique. A request for a direct representative of the Celestial Imperia of Nova Nippon, and a representative of the Sultan of Doraddi to please, if at all possible, attend a joint meeting concerning the assassination attempt and the devastating diversions.
"I am huntbrother to the Sultan-he and the Empress are not to be disturbed." Humbaba's bolongo ordered. "What they are doing is very much part of healing. I shall represent them unless the Empress's ambassador to Tanara wishes to speak for her government."
He struck the door to the baths with his staff, and willed, speaking in the First Tongue words of bonding and privacy, with a request it end when those within desired to leave-a request suspiciously like a command.
"Inform the Empress I shall attend after some necessary duties-this stuff is too dangerous to be left laying about, and I shall collect it for examination-I shall be honored to meet with her."
He began collecting up the pastries telekinetically, sealing them in a crystal sphere, as well as the milk and smoke from the meditation incense Indigo had been enjoying, all three kept separate in their containment spheres.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Morga, This was an engineered failure. It will be a harder, yes, but my daughter does not need ‘residues’ or energy signatures to follow and find a part of herself. Or so she has demonstrated before.”
Morga nodded. "I shall attend this meeting, Peregrine, but warn your daughter not to go haring on her own. The Lady Tomasuza has dealt with demons longer than you might imagine, and has means of turning them to her will. I would not like to face your daughter as an enemy..."
He left the rest unsaid as he returned to his quarters to finish dressing. It wouldn't do to meet an Empress stripped to the waist...

Trevor / Dominique

"If it is to risky to the rooms defenses and security to allow out going teleportation, even as an exception, then unfortunately I will not be able to attend, however, we will provide resources to help execute the plan. Whatever is deemed necessary."

"My word on it Trevor. You shall have my personal override tag." Oh Her security would have a fit, but some times her word overrode theirs. It was her privilege to risk her life and besides she had the feeling the their troubles had shifted venue. And her tiny, troublesome Gift of Prescience, just enough to be occasionally useful, while being completely untrainable, agreed with her.

"Is that acceptable to your people?"


"Not really, they don't want me on the ground at all, but it will mitigate enough issues that I can pull rank." He smiled, "And with your assurance, that is all I need. See you soon."

The Hologram faded in front of him as the communication channel was shut down. He started to walk away to the teleportation chamber. One of the security officers walked approached him.

"But, sir..."

"No but's I'm going down. Am I going to have to sack you?"

"Yeah, sack a security guard for doing his job, and well see how good your security becomes."

"Good point, Alright. I will have a personal tag that will allow an over-ride of the teleportation anchor around the palace. If anything happens you can emergency teleport me out of there, but I am going and you're not going to tell me otherwise."

They were still walking, Trevor picked up the pace as the security guard followed and kept pace with him.

"Alright, but at the merest sign of anything and we're yanking you back."

"Understood."

They walked in silence, for Trevor it was determined silence for the guard, he just didn't have anything to say and so in a few extra moments they arrived at the teleportation bay.

Soon he was back down on the ground looking around to see where he should go next.

Mister DeSorte? I'm Raven Balran, one of Dominique's personal assistants. She asked me to bring you this and guide you to the war room." The tall eagle eyed man had much the look of the previous empress about him, and indeed his name gave the connection. He was the Imperial Lady's eldest son and one of the only three Imperial Heirs Dominique had yet chosen. Technically he was entitled therefore to the title of Prince, but Raven had never been one for wearing such, preferring to just quietly make himself useful to Dominique who was an aunt to him in all but blood relationship.

He held out a wrist cuff - a more masculine version of the one Trevor had seen on Dominique’s own wrist earlier. "She felt you might prefer one that wasn't gold filigree and black pearls. Dominique also wanted me to reassure you that you need not worry, this one came from her personal vault and is untampered with." He began leading Trevor into the palace, and paused before a concealed door way. Once Porthos had done another scan the door slid open silently to reveal an elevator car.

Though there was no sense of motion at all and after a second Trevor realized that they were indeed not moving. Raven gave Trevor a very serious look and nodded "The War Room isn't on planet. But that over ride is it's own independent transporter and to destroy all the sites that could be used to take you to your choice of destinations, well they'd have to destroy the entire Asgard system."

The door slid open and indeed as they crossed the threshold Trevor could feel that there was a slight gravity difference.

The war room lay just down a short high ceiling corridor - the room as a vast hemisphere with thick carpeting and the center was utterly dominated by a immense, one hundred meter in diameter holo-projector. Smaller thirty meter ones, a dozen in total formed a vast circle about the master console.


The center unit was active, showing a live time image of the planet of Midgard in incredible detail, the planet rotating from day into night and the various atrocities marked with flashing icons. About the center unit were console desks were observers could sit and call up for their personal perusal specific areas in even greater detail.

Dominique saw they pairs entrance and waved them over from where she sat at one of the consoles listening intently to the hologram of the incident commander advise her with updates on the destruction of the Children’s Hospice. "Thank you for that update, and please let every one know how much their valiant efforts mean to me and all of the Empire."

She turned to Trevor with a arm, welcoming smile and offered him the seat next to hers. "I'm glad you managed to convince your security to let you come."

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Shortly after they had been installed in their new suites - next to Dominique’s own and had a chance to clean up and don fresh robes they were approached by one of the Empress's Hands approached their Imperial Majesties Emperor Foxfire Rose, and the Empress Jade "Empress Dominique invites you to accompany me to the War Room, as the meeting will begin shortly."

The Alversian ambassador and the injured had been taken to the Empresses own medical treatment suite, almost a full hospital in it's own right and were receiving the best care available.

Like the CEO of the Garbage Men they too received personal over ride cuffs, and were taken to the War Room.

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Humbaba, and the ambassadress from the Celestial Imperia of Nova Nippon, Lady Kaminari Kitirchiba Nöh Yamato were all also so loaned and brought to the War Room. Their escort was the Lady Marisol, who had as Humbaba had requested, had refrained from eating or drinking as of yet. It was no true hindrance to her. Being fully Celestial she did not need mundane food or drink to sustain her.

"Master Humbaba, If I can, in any way be of assistance to you, you have but to ask" Marisol offered - she was in more formal robes now, as she was officially 'on duty' at this time, and wore a shimmering sword at her him. She might no have gone before the Divine officially but it certainly seemed as if some one were granting her Divine Dispensations.

Lady Yamato greeted him with her own warm smile.” I am just here to take notes and give you want advice I can." She looked up at Humbaba "The Moon says she has ever faith in you."

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Lord Morga was met by a tall lithe young woman with eyes as coolly assessing as her mothers "Lord Morga if you will permit me, I will see you to the War Room. My mother hopes that you will be willing to tell me what you know of the one we hunt." Her smile was more open than her mothers, but there was a tightly contained other worldly aura about her, one much like
Khan Torgatai's.

Humbaba looked up from his work, his bolongo replying,"I am unfamiliar with your physiologies, but I think I have a solution. These-"here he indicated three crystal matrices, one round, one pyramidal, and one cubical"-are the necessary components to neutralize the three components of the venom, and this-" he held forth a data crystal"-is the process involved. Perhaps your people can verify it's safety or come up with a more proper solution for your kind. The guests should all be treated as a precaution.
"I believe the Lady Marisol should be able to handle these samples, however." He produced three more tablets, slightly altered from the others. "I shouldn't like her to starve waiting. Don't mix them up-I shall have to attend this meeting on behalf fo my huntbrother, or I'd deliver them personally."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lord Morga bowed low, asking, "Shall we? I'm not conversant enough with your customs to determine 'fashionably late'."

The Emperor and Empress had first made sure Adam was comfortable and getting attention before retiring to their rooms with the servants and Guards. They had been cut down from seven to four, two of them dead and the third badly wounded, but it was still enough to ensure their safety, not to mention both of their own not inconsiderable power. They had both gathered up their torn, stained and trampled robes and stripped from their armor, washing and donning new clothing. The Emperor wore deep, dusty black robes while the Empress wore a nondescript gray buttoned suit of some kind with black boots and her hair in a conservative tail.
"Empress Dominique invites you to accompany me to the War Room, as the meeting will begin shortly."
Foxfire Rose nodded silently, clipping on his cuff as did the Empress with her bracelet. One would note the blossom behind her lower right ear had managed to survive the combat. Guards falling into step behind them the Imperials followed the Hand to the War Room Foxfire's arms inside his robes and a wistful expression on the Emperor's visage hiding something else while the Empress's face was unreadable, her body language somewhat tense and definitely worried.

Mister DeSorte? I'm Raven Balran, one of Dominique's personal assistants. She asked me to bring you this and guide you to the war room." The tall eagle eyed man had much the look of the previous empress about him, and indeed his name gave the connection. He was the Imperial Lady's eldest son and one of the only three Imperial Heirs Dominique had yet chosen. Technically he was entitled therefore to the title of Prince, but Raven had never been one for wearing such, preferring to just quietly make himself useful to Dominique who was an aunt to him in all but blood relationship.

He held out a wrist cuff - a more masculine version of the one Trevor had seen on Dominique’s own wrist earlier. "She felt you might prefer one that wasn't gold filigree and black pearls. Dominique also wanted me to reassure you that you need not worry, this one came from her personal vault and is untampered with." He began leading Trevor into the palace, and paused before a concealed door way. Once Porthos had done another scan the door slid open silently to reveal an elevator car.

Though there was no sense of motion at all and after a second Trevor realized that they were indeed not moving. Raven gave Trevor a very serious look and nodded "The War Room isn't on planet. But that over ride is it's own independent transporter and to destroy all the sites that could be used to take you to your choice of destinations, well they'd have to destroy the entire Asgard system."

The door slid open and indeed as they crossed the threshold Trevor could feel that there was a slight gravity difference.

The war room lay just down a short high ceiling corridor - the room as a vast hemisphere with thick carpeting and the center was utterly dominated by a immense, one hundred meter in diameter holo-projector. Smaller thirty meter ones, a dozen in total formed a vast circle about the master console.


The center unit was active, showing a live time image of the planet of Midgard in incredible detail, the planet rotating from day into night and the various atrocities marked with flashing icons. About the center unit were console desks were observers could sit and call up for their personal perusal specific areas in even greater detail.

Dominique saw they pairs entrance and waved them over from where she sat at one of the consoles listening intently to the hologram of the incident commander advise her with updates on the destruction of the Children’s Hospice. "Thank you for that update, and please let every one know how much their valiant efforts mean to me and all of the Empire."

She turned to Trevor with a arm, welcoming smile and offered him the seat next to hers. "I'm glad you managed to convince your security to let you come."

For a man like Trevor, you don't just go into one of these situations without having enough understanding of local politics and personalities, even assistants. He knew the power that his receptionist had but this was quite an unusual situation. Just another reason he found to be impressed by Dominique.

Trevor laughed at the comment about the personal override bracelet. "In some cultures those are the masculine designs." He'd put it on and then started following his guide through the building. He started doing a bit of a business analysis, what services the corporation provided that they could use, but he dismissed it, they wouldn't accept anyway. He knew they wouldn't only idiots would outsource such services in a building such as this, and it went without saying Dominique wasn't.

They arrived at their hidden elevator, and it was a matter of minor amusement but he didn't mention anything. He arrived soon enough, time was only important to him in relation to how it related to those he interacted with.

The doors opened to reveal the war room, it was perhaps as he expected a large room with both broadsweeping overview of whatever crisis they were facing and as well as zooming in on the various areas. He was curious about them but he soon saw Dominique. "Thank you, Raven." He smiled at his guide and headed towards the Empress, he overheard the last portion of the conversation. "It wasn't that hard." He took a seat, the seat that was offered. The others hadn't really arrived yet, but he was sure it would only be moments.

The party assembled in the war room, none more than fashionably late.
Once every one had taken their seats and introductions were made among those that had not yet met, Peregrine Omega began with an over view.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, first off let me say that what has happened is the work of the agents of one Person. That person is Lady Tomazusa of Borlak, a no longer extant kingdom on the planet of Pamaltela, home world of the Muri." She nodded towards Master Humbaba and Lord Morga.

"We have had merest rumors, vague intimations that she is at the end stages of some grand scheme. We have no true details to go on, no information as to the location of her base of power, her whereabouts. But we also had information that she had sent out one of her closest associates to Tanara, to Midgard specifically. But again we had no idea of why, when or where on the planet."

"We thought at first that the attempt on King Drakomis of Anagonia might have been part of their actions, and while we are most certainly following up in the assault on him, we have a variety of reasons to see the two attempts as unrelated."

Peregrine continued after a small pause "However once her associate's operation was in motion, we were able to insert our own actions into theirs.

The hologram of the planet zoomed in on the garden where the assassination attempt of the Empress of the Celestial Imperia of Nova Nippon occurred. The escape of the Veela and the man with the Cobra was followed.

"The man is Zhaamen, a herpimorph. He is Lady Tomazusa's favorite assassin, and it was his doing that sent the Komodren into frenzy. The rest of the days litany of disasters can be laid at his feet or by the doings of someone acting on his behalf. The Veela is another agent of the Lady of Borlak also tasked to see to his escape."

Peregrine looked at the Xiscapians "We knew some one from either your nation or one of your close allies had been suborned, but like all the information it was vague and suspect."

She paused to let any questions so far generated be asked, and to let it all sink in.

"We knew some one from either your nation or one of your close allies had been suborned, but like all the information it was vague and suspect."
The Emperor looked troubled, but such a look was hardly strange to his face. "We have no intelligence of any kind concerning such a being from within the Kitsune Empire. My guess would be that this Veela person, this assistant or partner to Zhaamen, would be the one such vague, suspect information would indicate. The Veela are a rather reclusive, peaceful to the point of being extremely pacifistic race which resides almost exclusively within the People's Republic borders. They are renowned for their skill with the Force and not a few become Jedi Knights. Of course, we all know that where one gets Jedi, one also gets Dark Jedi and Sith Lords. Ambassador Adam, or another representative from Alversia, would probably be far more knowledgeable about them than I. Incidentally," he leaned with his elbows on the table, "Tanaran security wouldn't have happened to detain the Veela's so-called "master" before the attacks?"

"She is a direct assiciate to the Lady Tomazusa, there is no intermediary for us to have detained. And why we knew so little. Getting some one within Tomasuza's organization has been nearly impossible, and the agent we do have within I am loathe to endanger when there are other ways available." Perigrine advised.

Again she waited to see if there were more questions.

"What do we know about her organisation?" Trevor pondered out loud...

"What do we know about her organization?"
Morga addressed Trevor directly:"Tomasuza operates on a cell structure-a front man to handle operations who only knows his contact and his mission. There are countless cells out there, none knowing the nature of their superiors.
"The core of her operation is herself, and her son, Modo-a devious pair of vipers who have drawn all the poisons of the universe to themselves. They have a Privy Court, which includes their alchemist Jhermain the Holy, their assassin Zhaamen the Serpentine, and the farseeing crone Kampash. They also have the Daughters of Borlak, who dwell wherever their mistress has plans-these Poison Maidens are the surest sign of Tomasuza outside of her court, and her favored messengers.
"You must understand-Tomasuza doesn't have an operation, any more than she has a plan. She has several operations, several plans, wheels within wheels that grind inexorably towards her goals, often with unwitting participants. She will fund and use anyone to achieve her ends, without compassion or remorse for their fate.
"Fortunately, the Lady has obsessions that compel her to act rashly-the attempt on the life of the Empress Indigo was a strike at her descendant, the Sultan of Doraddi, for breaking from the Krag Clan. She had just given birth before her death, you see, and the loss of her newborn eats at her still-she will avenge any slight on her family, as is her due.
"Were the Krags not so extant-Borlak was the only queendom ever formed by the muri, and the Krags fatted upon it well-we would attempt to eradicate them to draw her out, but that would cause a civil war of monstrous proportions. The Krags are possibly the largest Clan in our culture, some say they are properly a Tribe, others that the Borlak Queendom still stands in shadows..." Morga shrugged. "Who can say? The web of obligations and fealty that permeate our culture have hidden Borlak and it's might well."

OOC: TG away Alversia

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"Lord Morga is one of the best advisors available to us." Perigrine acknowledged his expertise "But we do know what Tomasuza wants, beyond her personal vendetta." Perigrine paused for a second then continued "She is gathering certain powerful ...aliens.... Against their will. What exactly she plans to do with them is unknown at this time."

Dominique added "And she needs to be stopped before her goals are reached." She looked around the circle. "All help will be gratefully accepted, though a military solution to this is not what is needed."

"I agree, a direct military assault won't work. She'll just simply leave leaving everyone behind to die for her. We'll need a more... subtle approach, to infiltrate and then assasinate."

Trevor spoke with a certain comfidence, as if he had trodden down a path like this before, however he looked around waited to see if anyone had anything else to say about this.

"Her demon hunting?" Humbaba blurted out, looking at Peregrine.
--Humbaba, please--Morga glared.
Humbaba waved idly. "Please, Morga-this is hardly a State Secret, and if she's among the Young Races, they should know."
He turned to those assembled. "Forgive me if my words are inadequate, but I shall try to explain-your bodies are but one aspect of your total being. While Science tells you your thoughts are random electrical impulses scurrying along your nerve ganglia, it doesn't tell you everything-yet.
"All of us hold the potential to transcend flesh-to cause those random discharges to become self-perpetuating wavelengths. If any of you do not have tales of ghosts, this is perhaps not intended for your race, but I think you all have such stories.
"Most ghosts are certain thoughts or emotions that have made this transition, and endlessly loop through their limited field of experience, like an endless reel of videotape played over and over. These energy fluxes rarely last more than a century or so without a motivating principle, but on occasion, the entire personality transfers over.
"In our past, entire races have made the transition, some adapting more readily than others. Sadly, some make the move too soon, and hunger to return to flesh, or burn yet with it's passions, and long to experience them once more.
"These beings plague fleshly cultures, often seen as demons by the primitives-or in some cases, gods. The urge to reproduce is strong in all of us, and some of these energy beings pass their culture and knowledge on to other races, but it is much more common to see them riding bodies, re-experiencing what they cannot, often to the detriment of the host creature.
"Tomasuza has been collecting such individuals since Time Immemorial-I've always assumed to maintain her undead state, since certain others of her ilk do collect phantasms-mindless thought forms-to maintain themselves in a certain manner.
"We never thought to interfere, because her actions were beneficial, allowing the Young Races to develop without the interference of these energy forms. Doubtless, many of you have experienced Renaissances following the expunging of these beings from your own histories, and you all have Tomasuza to thank.
"The Lady Peregrine's knowledge indicates this is a continuing practice. If I have not explained this fully, please ask me and I shall answer to the best of my ability."

"...subtle approach, to infiltrate and then assasinate."

Both Perigrine and Dominique both nodded at that. THe Phoenix Empire had never had any qualms about assassinating when it was necessary. They were just very discrete about it.


When Humbaba spoke up about Tomasuza collecting such, Perigrine nodded and expanded upon his comments.

"And some have the ability to generate their own flesh forms with unique, supra normal abilities, 'powers' if you will." Perigrine commented. "While they do not exist in my home universe, they are apparently prevellant in this one."

Nine figures would their way fron where they had stood silent - all of them uniformed as Hands of the Empress, One had extensive bandageing from atacks by the frenzied Komodren- some had leather skinned wings, others feathered, some had no wings, some had tails others not and their skin hues ranged for extremely fair to very dark as did their hair and eyes. They like their mother were tall, the shortest standing 5' 11" the tallest just hairs under seven foot. There was a feeling of unity about them, and one could see much of Peregrine in their faces as well.

"These are my children. Their genetic sire is one of those so called 'Demons'. He is missing, as is Adoni, the one with his sire's undiluted abilities."

They all looked to be roughly the same age- for they were, having been concieved and gestated in uterine replicators and 'birthed' - decanted - at the same time.

The shortest, a male named Shade, stepped forward and spoke "I can feel that they still live, but I am blocked from tracing them. I can sense others as well, but again I am unable to tracke these back to where they are being contained."

"However the Veel was withing my grasp, and within my aura. When I brought her and David Zeus back planet side I planted tracers upon her. Those I can track" Another spoke up - Astarte who brought the upsate to Dominique just before the Komodren frenzy.

"However we can not all go, the mass of us would be too obvious to her and her associates."

"So I am going to ask your help, Foxfire, Trevor, and Humbaba. We need a small but knowledgeable and potent team to find and end this problem." Dominique looked at the Xiscapians, Trevor, and the Muri.

Perigrine spoke "Astarte and Shade will be the Tanaran operatives. Khan Torgatai O'okami will be the Novan partner."

"The Empress has already charged me with this duty." Humbaba replied. "I will aid as I can with my meager talents."
"I have my duties, but will consult with the Sultan to see if he will allow my participation." Morga replied.

The Emperor nodded and licked his lips. "I will send a small team of agents who proved themselves fighting the Rebellion. I am confident they will overcome any opponent victoriously."
At the moment Foxfire and Jade were having the same thoughts. They knew who should really go, the pair who would have wanted to undertake this, but that was impossible. The Emperor felt deep regret rising in him, but he masked it carefully from all others. It wasn't his fault what had happened to them, and he couldn't do anything about it.

Trevor was quiet for a moment, thinking about how to procede.

"If we are going to be dealing with some type of transcendant energy beings, I think I have the perfect people in mind. Though I do have a question... What level of co-operation and collaboration will there be and how will it be organised?"

The ones she is capturing may be such, but her organisation, and she herself, are flesh and blood. Well connected, wealthy beyond belief - with all the power that gives someone, but still within our ability to deal with." That Perigine firmly believed.


They have my direct authorization full authority within the Empires bounds, any resources ao move it for them." Dominique was adamant. "However as I don't know to what levels various governments are infiltrated to, I think this op needs to be as black as possible." She looked at Foxfire, Jade, Trevor and the others. "Nothing said here must go outside this room, and I think it would be for the protection of all that ONLY those directly involved know what they are doing."

'Well, flesh at least." Humbaba's bolongo provided, as the troll looked at Trevor. "You've had dealings with a race of energy beings? We have an alliance with the Rakasta, but they went beyond the rim centuries ago, pursuing their own ends, and the Great Race-well, they have means of fleeing conflict not available to us."

"Sometime ago a team of reclaimation specialists had landed on what was essentially a dead planet, which was once a home to a thriving civilisation. The team encountered something, but well, let's just say they didn't leave the surface alive. Exact information is sketchy and sometimes contradictory but what we have been able to gather they were beings in a similiar vein to these Demons. That is limit of our direct experience but we have learned from such an encounter and we have employee's that the evidence suggests are sensitive to such energies, and could indeed be useful in dealing with such creatures. You'd probably know them as Force-sensitive and Psions also one of our research scientists has been working in the field, a combination of the smarts and field experience should be enough to round everything up nicely."

Trevor explained, he had picked out the three in his mind, and he also already had a plan for getting them together and deployed on the mission without rousing any suspicion. All that was left in his mind to do, was get everyone on the same page.

"Artists are most sensitive." Humbaba offered, "Someone from your advertising department? I should warn you, the Lady Tomasuza will identify those who can hinder her and mark them for destruction-they'd best be fit and wary."

"You could say that..." Trevor responded dodging the question.

"I should go and set things in motion, Dominique I will contact you soon in regards to that proposal, is there anything else, before I go?"

"Yes, we will need to provision and arrange a rendevous." Humbaba's bolongo spoke. "I think I should bring along the Shape for this."
--There are laws against transporting dangerous life-forms offworld--Morga hissed.
--Then however did you bypass them to arrive at Xiscapia?--Humbaba's tone was deceptively bland--The Shape is hardly dangerous, and I shall be there--
--No. I forbid it--
--By what authority? The Blue Moon may not command another Order, and I am huntbrother to your liege. I believe that allows me to forbid you, but not the other way around. Now run along to Gerrak, and report your rudeness-it will sound better coming from your lips than mine--Humbaba seemed to be casually examining his foreclaw. "Have we any ideas on where Zhaamen fled? It may provide us with a convenient rendevous point. He is not at Borlak-the priestess Gemilla has her forces camped there, and they've been most destructive-little else to do in Borlak, I'm afraid."

"I should go and set things in motion, Dominique I will contact you soon in regards to that proposal, is there anything else, before I go?"

Dominique looked up from a quick scroll though of information and gave Trevor a eyebrow raised smile - and had the momentary impulse to tease him about his wordage, but bit down on the inside of her cheek "Not at the moment Trevor, but... Thank you for being so willing to help" Her eyes said far more than that. She definitely wanted that dinner with him some time soon.

"I have tracked the duo" Astarte said but I think we need to have the ones joining us meet with us first. There is a dreary little solarsystem that has everything our group will need in a bse of operations already enplaced." She haded over data crystals with the coordinates embedded.

"Let those who will hunt meet there in seventy two standard hours."

The Emperor nodded. "I'm afraid I must return to Xiscapia to organize the team...I doubt there is more for us here, and matters demand my presence at the Palace. Let me extend my condolences to all those who were wounded or lost their lives in these attacks, and my deepest sorrow that this happy occasion was blackened by death and misery." He stood, bowing to all those present. "Xiscapia's hunters will arrive at this star system you speak of in three days. Until then," he, Jade and their Guards exited to fly home. Circumstances had changed the situation until it was unrecognizable, and Foxfire Rose wished just once they could enjoy a formal occasion without this sort of thing happening.

Just to let every one know:

This thread is closed, and the new thread The Hunt for Tomasuza is planed to be opening/ up on Monday 8/4

Just so you all know, Nova Nippon is currently in hospital looking into a potentially serious condition, so the Hunt for Tomasuza will be delayed-that lady is ruthless when it comes to protecting herself.