NationStates Jolt Archive

Space tore open as a wormhole formed within the system of Kohona. A single ship cleared the vortex and it closed swiftly behind it. The small vessel held position while waiting for clearance.

Within the ship a single person sat, waiting. The length of negotiations and security checks needed to make the appointment was immense but after a period of disbelief and another of suspicion, the 2 PM appointment was finally granted. He had arrived thirty minutes early to allow for landing and escorts.

“This is Darth Atrox. I have an appointment to see Hokage Tsunade. Please inform her I have arrived and await landing clearance.”

The Ta’Nar sat back and watched the warships train their weapons upon his ship and the X-Wings launch to provide cover.

The Hokage was still a bit flummoxed about having a polite Sith Lord land on her planet, the same Sith Lord that previously allowed the Cylons to bombard the planet. How strange things have come since that day. Well, stranger things have happened...

Atrox would note that since his last visit, the radiation has been cleaned up quite a bit and that the Konohagekure no Sato's shields were no longer raised. Still, there was more work to be done, like restoring the forests of Konoha.

Atrox's personal ship headed into the atmosphere, guarded by a half-squadron of X-wings. Soon enough, it landed...

Curiously, or rather ironically his assigned landing spot was the exact same location he had parked his vessel when he was last here. He did not know if it was fate or if they had looked up where he was last time. It did not matter much. Well, to be honest it did make things easier. The tree he wished to see would be right to the left of his ship. He had hoped it was still healthy enough after the punishment it had taken. He would check it out when he left for now he didn’t have much time. If he dallied, he would be late.

Atrox stood and removed the sabers from his suit and left them imbedded within the ceiling of his ship. They would be safe in their storage until he gets back. He should not need them, this was afterall a peaceful visit.

Atrox opened the door and stepped out onto the green grass. His environmental suit sampled the air and tested it, showing the radiation levels were within tolerances for his body. He walked over to the waiting hovercar full of his “honor guard”.

“Thank you for coming out to meet me. Please do all you can to make sure I am not late with my meeting.”

"Very well." The speeder rumbled forward, heading into the narrow, crazy-looking streets of the city itself. Konohagekure no Sato was the name, meaning the 'Village Hidden in the Leaves'. Now, the most prominent feature was the chiseled-out Hokage Monument, sporting the faces of all the previous Hokages, including the current one. Godaime Hokage Tsunade, the Fifth to rule the nation.

Tsunade (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23588781@N05/2279439127/) was a woman who looked in her late 20s or early 30s, but was in truth easily twice that amount in age. A bit on the vain side, a drinker and horrible gambler, she can be aggressive when she's in a mood. But at least she's presentable today. After all, the Hokage wouldn't want to embarrass her guest, even if he is a Dark Lord of the Sith.

The speeder drove crazily through the traffic until it stopped in front of the Hokage Mansion, the residence and office of the Hokage. Here, an honor guard rolled out the red carpet for Darth Atrox and then stood at attention. At the end of the red carpet was the Hokage herself, flanked by a couple of black-clad ANBU guards...

Atrox climbed out of the speeder gracefully, something not easily done while wearing an environmental suit that was pure metal. He walked up the red carpet, his metallic feet making soft thumps on the wondrous red rug. He stopped before Tsunade and extended her a low respectful bow.

“I thank you for allowing this visit and to arrange passage through the Dornalian blockade. I bet Alcott is pissed. I hope it does not cause you any problems in the future.”

Atrox extended one of his arms. In his hand was an intricately carved box of wood. The carvings depicted reliefs of flowers, particularly jasmine flowers.

“Here is a gift. It is jasmine tea directly imported from Earth. It is my favorite and I wished to share one of the little pleasures I have as a symbol of our future friendship.”

If the tea is tested or scanned, it will be found to be exactly as claimed.

Seeing her hesitation, Atrox turned to one of her ANBU bodyguards and handed the box to them instead to be taken away and tested for all known Sith poisons or any other toxins if need be. He turned back to his hostess and spoke to her in a polite manner.

“Shall we continue?”