Nightsister Stronghold

[Emperor Ire]

The Nightsister Stronghold located on Dathomir, homeworld of the Nightsisters, once served as a refugee settlement for the exiled witches when they first arrived on the planet. Over the passing years little has changed through out the stronghold save the occupants, the Nightsisters kept their base of operations well taken care of and maintained. Now adays it serves as the Governor's palace so to speak; its current intendant, the haughty and proud Nightsister known as Morathi, who also is the head of the Spider Clan of Dathomir, keeps her underlings and subordinates in check with her witchful ways.

[Ywalme Burz]

Morathi was in what served as her office in the stronghold. She was tapping impatiently her fingers on the desk as she read her messages. She frowns as she reads the lastest message from her daughter, Ywalme asking that Lord Takeda be granted access to Dathomir.

She really didn't like being put in this position. An alien male on Dathomir and Ywlame was encouraging it? Her daughter must have hit her head. Yes, that must be it. She must have hit her head and lost her mind. Morathi mutters.

[Takeda]

The trip from Carratos to Dathomir had been short and uneventful. Dathomir was not listed as having a formal system control and as they broke hyperspace, there were only a couple of other ships in system, and those small local freighters.

Takeda takes a moment and pings the local astrogation beacon, updating his coordinates and the usual procedures and listings of landing platforms. Scrolling through he finds two that looks likely to be the possible "capital" of Dathomir, and glances over to Cilla to get her take on the matter.

"Not a very visited system... Do you have coordiates or other information of what point we should head to?" He points out the coordiates and listings on the monitor panel and waits for her input on the matter.

[Takeda]

Seeing Cilla had not had much of a comment upon the matter, Takeda figured he would find more answers at the fortified estate well outside the city, than in it.

The Banju-12 cut across the plains between the two, roaring over the grasslands laying fallow beneath them. He had still received no signals of communication from any "official" agent of the planet, so as his ship paused overhead of the Nightsister Stronghold, Nissen runs a scan of the area, giving them an idea of what they might be walking into.

After, picking out a likely area large enough for landing within the compound , Takeda sets the ship down, and lowers the engines to an idle.

"Nissen, keep it online for now, in case we have to leave suddenly."

Looking over at Cilla, "Are you ready?"

[Emperor Ire]

Sitting back, silently trying not to blow chunks, Cilla nods and prepares for atmosphere reentry. She never had the stomach for traveling through hyperspace and the landing was going to make things even more unpleasant for the deadly bodyguard.

[Ywalme Burz]

When the sound of a starship's engine is heard over the main sqaure of the Nightsister's Compound warriors coming running from all directions with weapons drawn and surround the ship. Morathi strides out of her office in a fury that someone would dare land in the middle of the stronghold without being granted permission first.

WHO DARES THIS OUTRAGE! Warriors scramble out of her way not wanting to be the target of her anger. You in the ship who told you that you could land in the Stronghold of the Nightsisters? This is not a tourist stop. Leave immediately! Or you will wish that you had never been born when we get through with you.



She points at the ship and then to the sky. Her outrage is visible on her face.

NOW LEAVE!

[Emperor Ire]

Cilla, managing to somehow fight off the urge to vomit all over the back of Takeda's head as they land, sees all the commotion start up quickly as the dust kicks up and settles back down. The young adept is aware of the Dark side of the Force's strong presence in this place, these women seem to seethe with evil energy, and 'Governor' Morathi seems a particularly foul type as Cilla spots her glaring outrage present as she shouts at the occupants of the ship from outside.

"Hmmm, something tells me that landing in the center of their village was bad idea... maybe they'll be smart and build a landing pad for us in the future." Cilla jokingly comments in a smugly cold tone. "Perhaps I should lead things off when meeting with the... Governor, if that is what they call her here, follow my lead and I think we should be able to avoid any unpleasant confrontations."

[Takeda]

Takeda looks down at Cilla and her comment as he shoulders on a heavy robe and cape covering his armor and concealing any outward indication of his race except his face and his size.

"I will follow your lead, but if this starts to go bad, please return to the ship; I will not risk having to report your being inconvenienced, injured, or worse to the Emperor. And just by the tone I can hear of that arrogant witch out there, I am more than ready to be unpleasant with her... but I will refrain for now."

He reaches up and slips on the twisted iron war mask, and pulls up the cowl and hood of the robe, leaving him a hulking, dark, figure of black, burnt iron, and deep red robes. He presses the button to open the side door of the ship and lowers the ramp, ready to pull Cilla to safety if their welcome is less than so.

[Ywalme Burz]

Morathi is seething when instead of taking off again the ship's ramp opens and descends to ground level.

Be ready Sisters! Who dares invade our stronghold? We will expel them with force if necessary.

The level of tension in the compound goes up higher than before. The Nightsisters are poised and ready to attack if need be and only wait a signal from their leader to do so. Those who are holding weapons prepare to lauch them. Others start muttering Nightsister attack spells in preparation.

Morathi only waits to see who it is and what they want before she gives the order to attack. She is scowling.

[Emperor Ire]

Rising to her feet and then walking back to the boarding ramp; Cilla calms herself through the the Force, letting it take hold and heighten her senses, as she prepares to be the Emperor's messenger. While she nods to Takeda as he informs her of what to do should the sister's dispositions become foul, Cilla is ready to strike at any who may harm her, she will stay diplomatic as long as possible. Getting to the hatch, she locates what cant be mistaken as the ramp's actuation button and presses it as she gives Takeda a grin. "Whatever you say, Sir Takeda."


The ramp lowers and Cilla disembarks the ship to the sight of armed Nightsisters standing at the ready to defend their stronghold, inwardly she smiles at them and wondering what they must think of this regal offworld woman stepping foot inside their layer, she wonders if one will act sloppy. Part of her wants confrontation while the other remembers she is not her to kill but to carry a message, confrontation would need to be put on the back burner for the moment. She steps out from the back of the ship to face where the mean looking witch was standing, Cilla spots Morathi still looking as vile as ever standing there ready to fight. With a deep breath, Cilla walks towards Morathi with grace and a regal demeanor until she is three meters from the lead Nightsister before offering a formal bow.

"Greetings Morathi, Leader of the Nightsisters and Regent of Dathomir, I am Cilla Shane. I am here as the personal representative of Emperor Ire of the Reconstructed Galactic Empire, this being behind me is Takeda, also a personal representative of the Emperor. Lord Ire sends you greetings."

[Takeda]

Takeda, his identity and race nor concealed behind the robes and the warmask, descends down the ramp behind Cilla. He keeps his mouth shut, resolved to find out exactly how Cilla pursues the pending negotiations with this Morathi.

[Ywalme Burz]

When the ramp lowers and Morathi gets the first look at the elegant woman who decends down the ramp. She raises one haughty eyebrow in surprise the only outward show of her surprise. She senses a strong presence in the Force emanating from the woman. She waits as Cilla walks toward her. Morathi eyes her coldly, she waits for Cilla to make the first move to give her and her clan a reason to attack or not.

Morathi inclines her head in acknowledgment of Cilla's bow and waits for her to speak not saying anything until Cilla finishes her little speech. Her expresssion has soften slightly when she finds out who Cilla is and who she represents. She is old school Nightsister but she is also crafty and knows when to show compliance to another that could be useful to her gaining more power.

Mistress Shane, Lord Takeda, you are greeted and welcome despite your manner of arrival. My greetings to your Lord as well when next you see him. She says in a cold, haughty voice.

She waves her hand and the Nightsisters lower their weapons. You would have had a better reception if you had followed the proper protcols for Dathomir and visiting our stronghold, Mistress Shane. To come to our stronghold one is usually invited first. Those who usually drop in on us uninvited usually are our enemies, our friends and allies know better than to surpise us like that.

This is a place of women only but since Lord Ire sent you both as his representatives I will make an exception for Lord Takeda being here. Though I would ask if he would please have the ship moved away from the stronghold for the duration of his visit.

To a near by slave. Have accomdations prepared for our guests and refreshements laid in the Main Hall right away.

Yes, Mistress. The slave bows and runs off to do her bidding.

Please, come follow me inside for some refreshments. We will sit down and we will discuss what brought you here.

She then walks toward the Main Meeting hall of the stronghold.

[Emperor Ire]

It worked, diplomacy is a valuable tool after all. "Forgive us this slight, we were unaware of your protocols for none were given to us. I will be glad to have the ship moved at once."

Hoping that the mere mention of moving the ship will be taken as a que by Takeda to do so, Cilla follows Morathi towards the main meeting hall.

[Takeda]

Takeda sees the cue, lets it bass by, and fall lifeless on the ground. It is already clearly a matter of perceptions and strength here. This local despot may well be the accepted representative to the Empire at the moment, but this is about something more.

Takeda had seen Ire, he had seen the palace, the man was a holder and broker of power, and his method of projecting it was firm. This place by his account was under his control, and this witch his officer here, Cilla and by extension himself being "personal" representatives of Ire, the witches demands were thus insulting. An Emperor is not invited by his subordinates, he is welcomed, period. Her casual attempts to dismiss them and the ship, is as if she did not smile happily and warmly if Ire himself had landed in her bedchamber. Thus is the manner it works, and here Cilla is trading off the Emperor's perception. This will be a more difficult meeting than he though... and interestingly, Cilla's words never did state specifically "what Emperor of, which Empire," Takeda actually represents.

It had been a while since his days in the clan courts, but he was well read in the protocols, expectations and discourses that made both clan and court history. This would prove to be a most interesting visit, though if she continued in this manner, he would have to have a small discussion with Cilla.

[Ywalme Burz]

Forgiven Mistress Shane. A slight misunderstanding I'm sure. Though I'm surprised you didn't ask my envoy before you left. She could have told you of them if you had asked her. Then we could have avoided this whole situation. She tries to sound gracious not quite pulling it off she is not used to being anything but being in command not in trying to be ingratiating.

She leads them in the main hall to where some chairs and a small table with food and drink is set on a table. She sits down in one of the chair and says.

Please, sit. Now what is this all about?
She snaps her fingers for one of the slaves to serve her. The girl looking at Takeda nearly trips and splashes some of the wine on Morathi. Which causes her to explode with anger.

Idiot of a girl! Look what you have done! Clean this up immediately and have someone bring me a fresh cup.
The girl quickly cleans it up but accidently drips more wine on Morathi as she does so.

Look what you have done now. Worthless Singing mountain girl. Get out of my sight! Go!
Morathi says as she wipes off the wine grumbling as she does so. The girl runs scared from the room but gives one glance at Takeda before she disappears as if she wants to say something to him.

Another slave brings Morathi a fresh cup of wine and asks Cilla and Takeda what they would like to drink. Morathi downs the cup to try and steady her nerves.

[Emperor Ire]

Cilla watches Morathi's handling of the servant girl and notes the heavy hand, when the other servant offers her something to drink Cilla keeps it simple. "Water please."

As the servant goes to pour Cilla her drink, Cilla sits down across from Morathi and decides to come out with things. "Mainly Lady Morathi Dathomir's interest in 'joining' the RGE; the Emperor was quite surprised that Dathomir would look to open up to the idea of joining to begin with. With the arrival of your envoy, the Emperor felt it necessary to send one of his own, he felt that I would be the best one to send to handle things."

[Takeda]

At least till this point, neither Morathi nor Cilla had commented on the ship staying where it had been, and as they were lead into the main hall, Takeda walked in silence. As they come to the table and chairs that has been set up, Takeda surveys the room briefly, noting the architecture, layout and points of significance in the hall. If there is significance to where Morathi sits, the seat of honor so to speak, it is not obvious from any cultural norm Takeda is familiar with. As Cilla takes her seat, he remains standing, one step behind and to her right shoulder. While it may provide the perception that he is in a subservient position to Cilla, it is a more secure position both tactically, and politically, what would be the perception of his bulk dwarfing the chair or breaking it, or being forced to sit upon the floor. Ironically, that is the usual Kwa practice and quite comfortable, but he has learned that is not the common impression in the galaxy. Thus standing it suits his purpose, as well as that of Cilla and the Emperor; a very tangible reinforcement of Cilla' authority here.

As a servant approaches to offer refreshment, he raises his hand slightly to indicate he does not wish any. He returns to listening to the pair of them, and notes the temperament of Morathi, it is quite like how Ayu'lesh had described her daughter.

[Ywalme Burz]

Morathi waits at least outwardly patient until her servants serve Cilla and Takeda their drinks. Inwardly she is a coiled snake ready to strike. With a tiny jerk of her head she dismisses the servants. She eyes Cilla and Takeda speculatively. She dismissively ignores Takeda when he stands behind Cilla's chair addressing herself to Cilla alone. She thinks Takeda to be Cilla's bodyguard and male not worth her time or attention.

His highness, honors us with his interest but the explanation is simple. Our planet was hard hit during the Yuuzhan Vong War. She takes a sip of her wine then continues. We need time and resources to rebuild. We believe the RGE is the best solution to help us do that. There are some in the GA who would love to get their hands on this planet I would like to prevent that from happening. The Nightsisters always have aligned themselves with the Empire. The Imperial prison is still here and under our control. It could still serve the Empire if his highness wishes. A certain arrogance colors her voice.

I would have liked to gone myself but I thought my daughter needed the experience in leadership and diplomacy that going to Carratos would provide her when she takes over the leadership of the Nightsisters. She is young and still has much to learn about becoming Leader of the Nightsisters. Only when she speaks of her daughter does her voice soften somewhat.

[Emperor Ire]

"Actually Lady Morathi, the Emperor has already made a decision on the status of Dathomir within the Empire, I have come baring a holo-message for you from the Emperor himself." Cilla informs Morathi as she produces a small handheld holo-pad from a hidden pocket in her gown, she palms it facing upwards. "Perhaps we should play this..."

Grinning internally, Cilla remains statuesque as she then takes a sip from her water. It is quite assumeable that this news of Emperor Ire's sudden decision must be shocking for the Nightsisters, her reaction to this news will tell Cilla the Nightsister's disposition. "Shall we watch it now or shall I wait until we finish our drinks?"

[Takeda]

Stays quiet for now