Dev Shadows of Atrisia

[Junko Ike]

The woman was looking at her and she had a nod of her head. "Well the empress and emperor aren't too bad, I remember them when well I remember him when the war started... she was young for sure but she had her children... we were traveling and got attacked by mythos forces which saw this." She indicated the scar across her face and there was more.. you could see more scars down her throat that was obscured by her hair and it went down her shoulder and into her kimono. Her scars were on her face and they were almost surgical in their application. Avoiding the nose, her eye and her mouth but her cheeks and forehead... she looked somehow still beautiful.

"They captured me and her youngest... I was maybe the lucky one in this case but they made sure that my eyes and face were only scarred.. didn't want to make me an example of the dangers they posed... I was just meant to be a message to the others that they would take their time to make sure everyone suffered." The woman said it and Junko ate the noodles with the chopsticks giving a nod of her head. She knew that the empresses children had been targeted while they were in safe locations and their entourages were harmed to send a message but she had not met a survivors the ones who kno had survived mostly were away or back in their homes wanting to be left alone.

 

[Junko Ike]

She was looking at her and there was something... she was hurt... well not emotionally though she might be no she was hurt beyond her scars which she imaged for the Keisei were not good. They sold their skills and their art but their looks were renowned planetwide for their beauty... It might explain why she was in charge of a ramen shop after everything that had happened. They didn't know where she could get other work. "It might not mean much but the empress cared for ou. I know she was there when you were injured." Junko said it and it had been true, the empress had been there for the ones injured trying to protect her children.

"I know but there is not much else for a scarred keisei to do in the world.. The empress is lovely but we failed her when we let her children be killed. All that there is now is the memories of them that have been recorded and what the people knew." She said it and made some more ramen while she had been speaking. There was a bitterness to her voice as JUnko imaged she would have preferred death then the well ideal hell that had been unleashed upon her... she was a keisei whose beauty had been marred... she had more then enough skills but there was a sense of her only being half one but Junko had to admit she knew how to position herself and use her hair to conceal her scars.

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko had to admit that there was more to it as well.. she was trying to recall something about her and.... Zanko was her name she remembered and she had been once upon a time the elder sister of the empress but from all stories their mother was a piece of work who used her children to try and raise their status. Having a daughter who was once chosen by the keisei... it was later revealed she had sold her, another who suffered was her brother who had been married off to some lady in waiting at the imperial court so that the woman would admit Akiko to become a handmaiden... it was all a ploy to try and secure a position and if their mother had lived she might have been dangerous when Akiko became empress.

"I am Zanko." She said it and Junko bowed herhead as both of them knew she had managed to remember it... the history and with Akiko sending her well there was a chance she hadn't thought about it. The empress had believed her sister would be alright but if she wasn't being chosen to work some of the more high paying jobs then well they might have to request Zanko to return to the palace as their new chronicler... even without her ideal beauty by the standards of the Keisei she was family in a way to them all there and she would always be welcomed. "I kno the empress will be happy to hear you are recovered at least in some ways... being able to walk around is nice."

 

[Junko Ike]

That got a look but it was a little softer... the empress was many things but it was hard to be mad at her... she did just like doing that... she did have a habit of making people if not friends then she would make them warmer to the idea of getting along. The jedi master looked at the Keisei as she finally seemed to relect and speak with a grin on her face. "Akiko does have a way about her with that.. she might not be the most helpful in was but she is kind hearted... even to older people who might not like it or have failed her." She said it and was referencing what had happened to Chiyo and the war or resistance battles. The trauma that had happened must have been great.

"She does have a gift but i think it is because of everything that has been lost.. I know she is not always happy but has surrounded herself with everything that can bring joy and she would want to see her sister has survived... she wanted us to make sure you had the best treatments to keep you safe and we were only able to get so much of the poison out with the force... the rest had been absorbed by the tissue." Junko said it and she hadn't been there... she had been offworld with the silver jedi but the healers had tried force lighting it from the skin and it was what made the large amount of scars compared to just the burn sith poison.

 

[Junko Ike]

Zanko though while she held anger seemed to be looking at her with a sneer when finally the light revealed her scars... her eye was still blue and perfect... it didn't touch her lips which were in a sneer and went down her throat into her kimono. The hair was still thick and full.... straight down like she was from a horror story with how sinister she moved around the counter and stood there before the jedi master. A look on her face saying that she was still struggling to move around. Junko stood to stand in front of her and Zanko was aller then her sister but the jedi master was mostly just looking at her without pride or need... Zanko might have anger but she didn't indulge it and want to be hated she just wanted to be left alone.

"Are you so certain about that." She said it and more scars on her arm could be seen in the shorter kimono... the lack of the outer robe meant it could be seen as JUnko nodded her head in agreement and acknowledgement. "Yes... there is a lot but the healers tried to get it all... a second round of healing might be able to get the rest but it is deep in the muscle and flesh which is why it hurt so much trying to get it out. Mythos was not exactly subtle in his wanting to make sure the people here suffered when they didn't fawn over him. I know others who were just as tortured or worse... deformed by his cruelty."|

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko listened to her and nodded her head as she understood what had happened.. she understood and knew about some of the horrors that had been unleashed and it was only after Zen sacrificed herself that they had been able to really contain Jar'kai behind the wall and within a force shielded dome. The moss that grew around the planet afterwards that was atuned with the lightside of the force was well... it was named after her and if they were lucky it would be something that was beneficial to the world in the long run. Already it was edible and they had found uses for it on the world in long travels and for farmers who were able to collect water from it.

There was other things and Juko was able to move around with Zanko who stood next to her after they had managed to finish the food. THe pair walking outside and the small pathway that led down to the side of the river where food stalls had been set up for the tourists but there was still plenty there... there was shaved ice with syrups, there were kabobs of meat and veggies and there was one of the most imporant things here... smaller rice bowls served with bread bowls that were sweet. It was an addictive food choice that the people liked and what they bought in droves... it was also much much cheaper and easier to make so the profit margins Junko knew could be huge as they sold it at huge mark ups to the ones who wanted to pay to come in.

 

[Junko Ike]

Zanko and her continued to to walk and she was showing her some of the other things they had here.. there was more in the way of dance studios so they would be able to learn different dances from around the galaxy.. there was language workshops and the village where they lived served like a massive school for those who were here.. on the surface it served as a means for visitors to come and they got to go everywhere around here. Few offworlders came but that was also a marketing thing.. they didn't cater or make their village known to them so it took work.. it took word of mouth and offworlders were usually some of the richest with the new higher tariffs on imported goods.

"So do you think if we let in more visitors to the world itself would benefit here." They were looking around and Zanko spoke as they walked and stopped down by one of the bridges that the Keisei were cleaning. Some of the droids were working to paint and repair. "It could but given how little they want to be seen here... this village is meant to be isolated even in the era of space ships and galactic travel. Though some who miight want to come and visit... a place for ones who can spend quite a lot of credits in our favor and we can pay them like taxes on the mines or just the mines in general from the mountains."

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko thought about the mines and they were some of the richest inAtrisia... remote and worked by droids or prospectors who came to the world seeking fortune and they did get that... easily. They made plenty of credits and paid the taxes for it that went to the Keisei... they were glad to since it was considered low for the amount they were making and they usually passed the mines on to family or sold them at a profit to the keisei who rented them off to another miner... it was all meant to enrich lives which it could better then most. "The mines certainly are some of the best here and in the north." Where she had seen mountains filled with metals and gems towering over everything.

"THe northern continents are massive and filled with much, we have tales from some Keisei and look them over but it stilldoesn't do it justice the few who have come backfrom the minor lords and the main city there spoke of mountains of crystals, caverns glittering with diamonds and exotic spices. Something that could be nice to see in ones lifetime." Zanjo said it and had led Junko here towards the water gardens as the edge of the village came with several more keisei... they were moving into the gardens and the air changed. The scent of fruits intermingling with the moisture of the water itself made it feel hotter but also comfortable.

 

[Junko Ike]

Still the more she was looking at it with the pale stone that had been polished... she saw the beauty of it. She could see also see how one would think building it for a Keisei might impress them but she doubted many understood what they gave up to become how the were. To be almost living art... to be beautiful and monstrous in their beauty to the point many might not understand how dangerous they could be. She was looking though at the water gardens and once they were in walking along one of the pathways and Junko took off her geta she was able to step into the shallow pools to cool off her feet and it was a sharp coldness.

she could feel the relief from the cool water though and came out into the gardens proper where there were pools one could swim in and fountains that spewed the water up into the air. Revealing many things as it rained down and several keisei were inthe waters playing and relaxing... some of the adults were getting massages as they laid tere with fruits in their hands or smoothies were being made by serving droids with iced creams and the fruits. She could smell them being used and it was much more exotic this far in as the high walls showed trees that stretched up high above them and provided plenty of shade changing the air from a humid and hot to a humid and cold... it was all about the comfort here.

 

[Junko Ike]

JUnko could see much more that they were doing and what they had... the view from some of the higher pools was of the lake and in the distance the opulent palace that overlooked the lake and gardens another gift from a different emperor and well..she was starting to see a pattern here that the keisei were not entirely innocent about some things. While they made things clear they also allowed a whole lot to be donated and given to them without complaints. She might not cal it out as it was about choice but there was something to be said about what might happen in the future as many of them were charming and she could see why they were enticing.

The sounds around her though showed domesticated animals.. there was a lot of them like multicolored lemurs or monkeys... tigers who lounged around and looked over the pools. Areas where the keisei were checking over more things like some silky smoothed minks. THey were lounging near the Keisei before they went around eating some fo the fruits that had been set up. Cheeses, wines and sake.. the scents of different flowers as one of the pools that was heated from geothermal vents steamed as the scent of thousands of flowers. SHe could see more of them bathing as the air around it shimmered with the steams but the sloshing of the waters.

 

[Junko Ike]

The different Keisei who were there shared many features she could see that were similar and even without their make up all were strikingly beautiful.. the paleness even in the sun was well surprising but tanned bodies were a problem in some cases... still she saw each of them with their hair in the water and some were combing with ornate and fancy brushes the masses of black hair. One or two had white and the rarest was finding ones with multicolored from dyes and treatments to give them a more exotic nature. THey also had the widest raqnge of eye colors as one of the rarest seemed to have been collected with Keisei looking with jade colored eyes.

She could see other things but ignored it... a village of all females likely had things and they didn't take relationships with lords or ladies of the commonwealth. They were for some fo the most caste with outsiders to the point a derogatory term for the villages central tower was the maiden's tower and many seemed to throughout history seek to have them as wives and lovers. That was not exactly somethign she had expected but they kept walking towards the higher pools that overlooked the gadens and what was private areas. She was able to see no one else was around as chairs were set up in the stone with pillows and cushions for comfort.

 

[Junko Ike]

She was able to sit down and well could enjoy herself the coolness and refreshing nature of thewater gardens something that was considered in many ways wonderful so... as her mind drifted she got to learn about a few other things. Mostly she was looking at some of the others who were in the gardens and spoke. "Those ones in that private area." She could see a portion blocked off with bamboo dividers as they didn't look like Keisei as Zanko sat next to her and looked at them. "Yes they are not keisei but they are also not entirely tourists who have bought their way in. Special guests who have been here for a number of years."

Junko was looking atthem and there was a look. "They seem familiar." She said it and Zanko looked at her. "They are the daughters of the late emperor Genji, they wereconsidered far to young and not born of marriage so a threat to Akiko and Tama after he named them rulers in his stead. The Emperor couldn't kill children and he wasn't going to exile them so he asked if they could be brought here and trained but also taught the truth. He seemed more then willing to at the time let them marry his children but they were killed and instead has done everything to make sure their lives are safe. My sister even offered them a chance to be ladies or handmaidens should they wish to return to the court."

 

[Junko Ike]

JUnko nodded, she knew about the late emperors children they were largely considered heirs but they had also been so much younger and illegitimate in many others eyes. That his children were from nobles who were charmed only went so far but not marring them and not claiming them made it even harder but the Emperor and Empress were not unfair in some ways they were more then happy to adopt them as children who would stay with and be cared for with them. Plus it looked great that the Emperor who was the best friend... a brother practically taking the daughters of the former emperor as wards. It was seen as honorable to many.

But Junko was distracting herself as Zanko sa there and was prepared for an number of things..they well they had time and she had to admit here she was able to indulge. Since meeting the grandmaster... elder.... leader of the Keisei she had mostly been pampered.. she had seen they worked hard physiclaly but she was also able to see that they were great at treating and indulging. A moderate amount of interest went to what allof them could work on as the jedi master was checking out a few of the other things. She was seeing how they had several pieces of fruit spread out on trays that she could eat and there were drinks of wine, sake and tea.

 

[Junko Ike]

She didn't deny though that she liked the chance to indulge herself before she went back to the rigors of training physically and mentally. it she was lucky she wouldn't put on too much weight from the treatment here... all of this delicious food and fruits... there were drinks she hadn't seen since she was little and they had flavored sugar waters... the colors in all assortments as the bubbles tickled her nose. She drank some and was enjoying it as it was refreshing and the sugar boost was nice in several ways compared to just tea or water. They really needed to work on getting more of this intothe mainstream... perhaps a sort of bar that would give them to the people.

Junko had some of the fruits though and they had been candied so it was more dry and not going to be soggy but they were sweeter and oh so delicious in many cases. They were looking at many of the things on the plate and there were some nuts in assorted types... there was even small cakes that were being brought before her with a small smile appearing on her face so that she would be able to eat it. The drinks were delicious, the food tasty and Zanko was right there with her as a couple of the other Keisei came and joined her. Including Halmaoni who was looking at her so that they would be able to check out many more of it.

 

[Junko Ike]

They continued to eat but it was of bites as opposed to entirely big meals.. they were not checking out all of it but they had enough and finishing it up the jedi princess breathed out for a moment as she leaned back and could feel the warmth of the day but the coolness of the shade around them. She was rather surprised at how it felt and the view going out across the lake as the were shaded with a nod of her head towards it. "This is beautiful and peaceful.. I think I can see why your village was made here or why this was chosen for these gardens at least." She said it and was looking all around them as they could hear the sounds of the initiates playing or enjoying the fun.

"It is a sight for many to behold... we have been lucky in many ways that it was found and even more because of the talents... or maybe because of fear for the history ofthe people here. The village and mountains themselves have been largely left alone for tens of thousands of years. Now we have expanded the operations into even more mines and the honeycomb that has been created aroundthe mountains works as a means of storage. Sections of it have been being secured and reinforced with heavy doors or hijarna stone walls to block it off.. self repairing sections so that mountains themselves can hold even more of the wealth that has grown in the coffers here."

 

[Junko Ike]

Hmm that got a look from Junko and she was well she was aware of it butto hear it said.Much like the vaults of the White Pearl... her ancestral home which were vast and considered some of the richest on Atrisia... there was a great deal happening this far out. There was even more she was certain behind the scenes where these tunnels and areas would serve as more then just storehouses of wealth... likely a way for them to escape in case of attack where the shield might fail or for soldiers to move around as they maintained their own defensive droid forces. She knew they had soldiers as well but the warrior Keisei were rare nowadays and had mostly seemed to fall out of style but their training remained.

It was oneof the things that could be attributed to the Keisei being so physical appealng.. they were fit... they were strong and able to move as good as any warrior they just happened to use it for dance instead of combat.. swinging a fan instead of a sword. Not exactly as different as some would have you think and te could certainly do a lot more compared to some of the others who were coming to pose a problem to them. She ooffered a small smile though at the thought of anyone foolish enough to try and attack them here in the mountains and realized there was a lot here still that she hadn't seen and plans within plans within plans much like what was going on with Atrisia.

 

[Junko Ike]

The soud of her comlink going off came and Junko looked at it as she activated it and Akiko was standing there. Hands clasped in front of herself... more formal clothing in place. "Junko, sorry to disturb you it seems the CIS and Galaxtic Alliance have sent people to negotiate a treaty on Atrisia... we are to be traded along with a handful of other worlds." That brought some attention to her as she looked up and there were ships coming now... violating the planets laws and bypassing its defenses. Whihc was ths tandard they had for the most part protocols in place for this and she breathed in and then out while looking at the empress.

"Do we have any contact with them?" She was curious as generally offworlders came to Atrisia to save it from the savages and be the great hope that uplifted the ancient society from their dustbowls. "No, it seems they are landing in Xam'chi and Jar'kai well away from the Palace. They are not even contacting us just starting to demand festivals." Ah so it was less interest in helping and more they wanted to fetishize the Atrisian peoples culture and see a show. Tea and kimonos which was getting a look from Zanko as she listened and bowed her head to her sister. "Ah so it is the standard fair.. they think we are just primitives who wear kimonos and drink tea at all times.

 

[Junko Ike]

Ah so it was that. The jedi master was looking at it and trying to think if they should do anything... more then likely these ships were going to bring people who barreled down and went to Jar'kai to cleanse it... other would bring the gift of 'technology' to the masses and by now the people understood that most offworlders thought them backwater primitives who needed to be saved from their ignorance. It brought amusement if anything now and she knew the likes of Kurenai Yumi had brought information and aid from what she did in the CIS. even John Locke was helpful even if he never came to the world he honored what had been agreed to with Srina.

"Do you want me to return to Kansai and meet you?" She said it and looked at Zanko who was there but Aiko was many things she was often considered akind hearted empress who cared about everyone too deeply.... but that didn't mean she had a soft head that discussed private things over an open com channel despite how encryption on Atrisia could work and the networks they had in place. There was the more essential navigational areas as they needed to and were deploying cleaners to handle contamination from the ships being sent down to the planet. More security would be put in as the people of the planet had gotten tired of the constant bypassing of all their measures.

 

[Junko Ike]

Though Junko was looking atit now ad if the empress and emperor were not worried then she wouldn't be either.. she knew there was a lot that happened and needed to happen. They had construction efforts being done for different orbital platforms and still had work being made in the armory. The jedi master would have to push forward and get them some of the strongest and fastest methods for getting equipment. They were bringing materials from the dreamscape thanks to the bangmangi station which was designed to slip into it with a specialized drive much like the otherspace drive that had been developed.

There was other things the black guard were reporting outsiders moving around in the ruins of Jar'kai and sections of it... there was Xam'chi there the CIS was coming to meet people from the GA and the people of Atrisia were not invited. Amusing and annoying but those cities were largely being rebuilt and no longer population centers with the massive walls being built. She was seeing more of it though where they might be able to do but sadly the emperor and empress had grown bored with the people. Where they were looking now though the jedi master could sense even more happening... there was always a danger.

 

[Junko Ike]

"This is going to turn back into a poodoo show isn't it?" Zanko said it as she was looking at Junko and the empress with her hair over her eye and the Empress spoke with a nod. "I fear it shall be yes but we shall do as we always have. We shall endure... we shall prepare the usual though... we know how to recover and we have the reconstruction droids for clearing and rebuilding quickly." That got a small laugh from all three of them... evidence of just how often this happened that they could brush it off and had made droids to handle the situation. The reconstruction models in two flavors one able to fly and one on the ground with molecular furnaces to break down and make the materials needed.

Junko looked at the empress who mostly shrugged. "We have everything we need to recover and our people know the protocol... Outside of the rare offworlder who tried to talk to them they were usually fetishized and manifested... the people would roll their eyes and put on a show for the offworlders who are blind and oblivious to what is around them. Modern buildings and technology doesn't exist when you can have people who do tea ceremonies and wear kimno's oh they look so adorable and are so primitive we must save them. It was a fact of life... it was not ideal but people were dense in the galaxy and that these ones seemed to be claiming it was spring so have a festival well... that would be amusing.