Dev Shadows of Atrisia

[Junko Ike]

Junko was looking out as much more of it and she walked through the palace itself. THe windows looked out across the hollow planet... clouds and massive areas but there were more. The waters here were pumped and designed to go through the floors allowing them to look out and the artificial suns filtered through it casting shadows... tricks of the light and it was all impressive to Junko. There were glittering gemstones that caught the light and reflected hundreds of colors across the rooms themselves. All of them were made for show as on the other side were walls of stone and rooms of clay where the majority of the palace was built.. the metal struts that were used to support it only exposed a corner of the palace in reality.

The imperial army itself was wonderful.. their storm grey and gold armor... weapons and demeanor were all professional. The various servants who roamed around the palace stood around moving and making sure that everything was functioning. She could see the emrpesses handmaidens were in their sky blue robes. She could see the lights and various paintings were around... these were the most loyal, the most dedicated and the mosst tested when it came to loyalty... there was no question about them and Junko received welcome from the others. Embraces from some handmaidens who saw her and she could see some of the Sansin were here... they were visiting and greeted the princess.

 

[Junko Ike]

The empress was well she was always looking her best.... lithe in figure, with small definition for her muscles. Pale and smooth skin, dark hair and an ethereal glow to her body... he make up and oils that she uses using the lightside of the force infused with the scents and minerals. It allows it to protect her from influences and other darksiders. Her scars downplayed with it as well... Junko knew that for meetings when needed she had make up and oils that inflammed her scars so that they would be more visible to the eyes of people. The empress herself though was attending to a small garden... her sister a Keisei next to her working.

Junko stopped and waited a moment as the empress looking up and offered a smile. "Welcome Junko." She said it and motioned with her hands to her... Junko moved and helped with the garden as she noticed that her mother was there silent in the corner as well. Working with her hands as they were safe here... above anywhere else this was one of the most safe locations on Atrisia. "THank you empress, lady keisei and mother it is always good to see you." SHe said it and the woman looked at her silent and stern but she spoke. "Daughter, I have seen your reports... you have done well in your assigned task of uniting areas of Atrisia."

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko looked at her mother and bowed her head to the woman. She was the special investigator of people, places and events within the Commonwealth... not just Atrisia and such she did travel though she also had an entire detectives corp that served under her. Tens of thousands of well trained investigators who doubled as soldiers and yovshin in some cases with talents. Junko knew they were some of the best for finding information and checking on problems so she used their intel gathering skills. THey had a number of other things but her being here in the palace was a small surprise.. she resided within the high plane.

"It is good to see you outside of your office." Junko said it and the woman came over looking at her.. one fo the few people who could make JUnko wilt under her gaze that was intense and stern. "I ahve been hearing things from my detectives... mostly about your trips off world and I wanted to make sure these were sanctioned by the empress. The deligation from Alderaan that is coming has been investgated as they have familial ties here on Atrisia." SHe said it and remained there. "I wanted to make sure that someone wasn't going to try and claim the throne of Atrisia while they sit on the throne of Alderaan in an effort to manipulate."

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko looked at her mother and nodded but she spoke. "I don't think the queen is like that mother or at least would try that... Alderaan seems to have many of its own endeavors to get over and they are recovering as much as we are." SHe said it but had a smile on her face as the woman was always serious in some ways but she was also giving a joke as all of them were attending to the flowers themselves. The empress herself though was smiling. "The queen of Alderaan is one I would like to meet but I fear she will find me less impressive... so much has happened that Atrisia has suffered and we did wilt going into isolation as opposed to Alderaan which just jumped to be forefront of the galactic stage."

Junko looked at the woman but it was a deeper voice from the doorway that spoke. "I would never call you plain." THe voice was deeper, resonating and warm which from the man as Junko turned was always something as he was tall and impressively built. THe emperor standing there in the sleeveless kimono cloak... his scarred from battle chest on display but he greeted all of them like that and embraced her when she stood there. Unaga came over and he grasped her hand as they were the oldest of friends... and then he was standing in front of JUnko and she looked up at him embracing the emperor himself. Her father was warm and loving and well an admiral but the emperor was always one to welcome them.

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko embraced him and pulled back as he embraced all of them but stood there looking at the flowers. "It is good you are here.. your work with Alderaan was good, your work with your brother was impressive as well. SHoma rarely comes home to visit us now that he has had a chance at freedom in the galaxy." He spoke as he gave a nod. "Though with a new senator appointed to the planet by the Galactic Alliance who has never visited or talked with us... it does amuse me. The primary worries about Atrisia being ignored and exploited somehow both becoming true at the same time. An impressive feat to say the least."

Junko thought about it from that perspective and the Emperor had a way of presenting something that all of them could well... be better. Junko thought about it from his view and nodded. "It is actually kind of funny emperor... I didn't think of it that way." SHe snickered a little to herself as the empress finished and came over standing smaller then the emperor and near Junko who was much the same size. She had dirt on her hands and the light above them she was checking out. "These sunlights are impressive but I will enjoy being able to work on a proper garden in some of the other palaces. I know much has been getting worked on and Junko your work in the star festival was welcomed for many of our most loyal."

 

[Junko Ike]

She smiled and was surprised often at how she responded to the praise.. the emperor was just stating the truth but he did it in such a way that well... he made you feel special and warm about it. He was also well... he was one of the strongest fighters on Atrisia... renowned for his skill and bravery in the face of forces far superior... that he had been like the empress isolated for safety leading to the endangerment and murder of his children at the hands of traitors well... there was a reason why Junko and Shoma had both insisted on this palace being built. He had plenty more as well as the three legendary generals were also those who had served with him.

"THank you emperor." She said it with a smile and he moved from her to the empress embracing her and holding her close. THey might not always be together for security and safety but JUnko knew two things... one they loved each other above everything else... having seen battle and friendships lost but found again. THe tale of Genji the previous emperor sacrificing himself for his friend after everything. It was one of the things that the people loved about the emperor well that and that he would do anything for the empress... where others might have concubines, lovers... no he had her, he fought for her, he loved for her.... so romantic.

 

[Junko Ike]

THe epic love story fo the emperor and empress aside there was also the better chance for them.. there was the greater success as Atrisia itself was presenting a better and more accomplished view of their ideals. That came in the grand works and structures that were rebuilt or built now in this case. Going to get cleaned up all of them were scrubbing their hands and getting a fresh change of clothing. THe microsonic cleaners designed to get all of the dirt and grit off so that as they sat around the table all of them could partake of the food. Her mother was there with them and Junko could see a couple of the Sansin that she didn't know. THey were in charge of some of the lesser cities.

SHe learned about them, Yeoh and Motayama... the sisters she had from the latest round of adoptions by the empress and she welcomed them to the family. The love the empress had towards the orphaned of Atrisia well worth it before she was eating some of the food. There was more as several of the cities that were being worked on between the walls of Atrisia.. the massive walls of the cities well... they were still impressive as a means of defense. Villages and towns between but some of the cities were abel to expand a little outside of the walls and would use them as an improved safety measure. The emperor had welcomed them here at the palace as above was the imperial city.

 

[Junko Ike]

The main point though was.. no one knew which imperial city... the transporter system allowed moving around the planet much much easier then anything else and they could go from one side to the other. It was a benefit to the imperial family as there was a private one dedicated for them to be able to use. THey even had here murals crafted of atrisian history in such a way that no one else would be able to see them. It serving like a vault for riches and cultural artifacts from Atrisian history that have been preserved and recovered after being stolen. The most loyal of the Metsuka were here as well providing security as Junko could see two wookiee and a chiss.

She saw Kanna's mother was there and the chiss admiral was well she had been among the Atrisians for a long long time now... with the destruction of their homeworld well she was part of the recovery efforts on the ninth planet that had been given to the chiss refugees. The wookiees were well.. they were dedicated and she had recruited them from kashyyyk while she had been in the silver council. THey were friends and comrades and she had asked them to protect her family... mother, father and the emperor and empress... they followed with it after a life debt from one of the attacks my mythos. Everythign here was great for building a defensive means.

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko was able to see more here.. she had some ideas about the defensive measures they had going... she had wanted well more soldiers and more biots or droids that would be able to defend but there were a mix of soldiers... with AI's that would be able to control and aid them without being in control. IT would allow all of the defensive measures to be fortified but if something was to happen they wouldn't be bound by the problem and face dangerous of just focusing on one type of defense. JUnko could see aside from the metsuka wookiees, she could see one of the legendary generals. The red haired Tama was a spear user and jade screamer.

Junko bowed in respect to her and she bowed back before continuing onwards. She was doing security here but also on the surface with the imperial guards within the city itself. THey were several dozen kilometers down from the surface of the planet... they techniqucally were out of range of many but they still needed lifts and means to get topside in case of an emergency.. the shafts that were stairs and means to walk up but also lifts that were powered. Redendent systems thatt were designed to protect everythign and on the surface the means to get down here were protected with sensors and other means.

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko stopped with them and trailed off... they were all heading towards the main audience chamber... she was checking on things and went into the security room as the AI for the palace was online and monitoring things. THe hardlight display they presented being used and manipulated as she stood there and presented herself. Black hair and a kimono. "Yoriko." Junko said it and the name that the AI had chosen for itself and presented was different but it chose to look like one of the older empresses from paintings and murals. She was presenting more ideas and solutions to problems though as the sensors and display showed to JUnko a wide area.

"Princess." The AI spoke while showing the display to her and one of the technicians that was there. "We have been expanding sensor mapping and defensive radius... right now we are able to monitor above and below with the sensor network and have adapted kiltik technology to the palace itself. Being able to create around areas of it a defensive shell and reinforce structural hardpoints like the frame of the palace." She said it and the frame of the palace was already stronger then most and able to repair itself over time.. if they were able to add an extra layer of protection that also repaired itself well... this palace might be able to withstand just about anything thrown at it.

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko entered after the security room, the main chamber. The emperor and empress well had different ideas for the people here... long tables were set up in front of the two thrones.. with seats below them for the Sansin and royal family. Junko went to her seat and she was on the empresses right hand... Shoma was reserved as the hand of the emperors space. A smile on her face when she saw all of the people.. dozens of children who had been adopted and taken in by the empress herself as their mother. THeir parents having been lost in wars and other means... defending Atrisia with no other family... protecting the ideals of the people.

She could see most of them were smaller children and they had been given wings of the palace... hundreds had been adopted over th years and many of them went to live and be the government official in towns and villages across Atrisia... but they were able to work and oversee the colonies. THhey would be trained for the other worlds... given the best in terms of education, in terms of teachings for how to govern and even more to learn about the planets where they were being sent. Junko could see the years ahead when they were able to be sent out as able to run smoothly. The emperor was prepared for many things with Shoma becoming much more talented in external diplomatic talks.

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko looked at some of the children and they were different then some of the other sansin as well.. these were children from the end of the war... from when tey were starting to rebuild and the last pockets of resistance were being handled. The different means by which they had to fight were important. That the empress well adopted the children in the star festivals was also important they were adopted and brought to her... if they wanted to be loved and cared for instead of on their own or with something else... then they were able to come here. She was happy to facilitate it as well since the others werre able to teach them and use their skills.

"We welcome back our princess Junko and she is here for the first time to meet all of you." THe emperors voice boomed around the hall and presented everythign to them as a better means to check things out. He got cheers from the children who were all eating and talking among themselves... Junko could feel some heat in her cheeks. THey had a lot of things that would be here... she could meet all of them and would endeavor to remember all of their names... there were around two hundred of them sitting there and they were all kids who looked similar so... she would have to meet them individually.

 

[Junko Ike]

The emperor was looking at all of the children and well JUnko was never sure how he felt in terms of the children the empress adopted... she was certain that he supported her above all else which would make sense but she didn't know if it would have been his choice. He was still much the warrior and calculated fighter in terms of how he handled things.. which was why he had skilled people to handle relations with outsiders and the other cities. TO unite them under the emperor who could give a single and solid direction even with states like Quan'lo. She did know that he planted flowers on a hill for all of the children that the empress adopted, all they lost and mourned.

"Princess Junko is it true you won the tournament?" She was pulled out of her thoughts as the empress stood there and was looking at her. Excitement on her face and Junko nodded. Some of the smaller children had come up to sit with her and she was feeding them desserts as JUnko looked at a few of the older ones who were with the other smaller children. "Yes empress, I won but my opponents were all strong and Barca whom I faced has become a handmaiden of mine." That Barca always did it because she wanted to win again next time and top JUnko or anyong that they encoutered didn't need to be said.

 

[Junko Ike]

The empress looked at her and had a grin on her face. "Oh your opponent became a handmaiden?" SHe said it and looked at Junko as her mind was thinking about how it sounded. "You know we do not do things like that." THe empress said it low but JUnko nodded. "Yes I know but that is not what... after I won she with her mandalorian pride needed to face me again and the only way to get stronger then me is to train alongside me so she wanted to be a guard but she isn't an Atrisian soldier and the metsuka are for foreign citizens.... so she agreed to be a handmaiden that would serve with and train with me."

That seemed to make the empress chuckle a little ot herself.. the idea of a mandaloirian being beaten and staying with her to get better and eventually beat her... well there was a story there.. an appeal and the empress had to grin at it as Junko joined her. Not to knock or make fun of Barca.. she was going to prove invaluable and having a mandalorian was always a benefit.. like having a wookiee at your side.. a companion that was honor bound and loyal did wonders to improve your survivorability. "It is a little funny but Barca has been showing her skill and talents.. and having a handmaiden who is a dedicated fighter is always important."

 

[Junko Ike]

The empress looked at her and nodded, she didn't seem to disagree about having a dedicated fighter... granted in terms of fighters she had always had the emperor himself and before that well she had brothers and the old emperor Genji... whom loved her so much he sacrificed himself to save her and her child rather then well... let his friends perish. The epic love story and what was considered redemption of the former emperor after exiling his friend and love interest.. an important note and why it was not nearly as terrible as some like to make it out to be. Junko enjoyed the story though some made it overly dramatic or would cast the empress like a temptress.

The Empress of Rice wine was many things but she was not a temptress.. she was a normal woman.. a sskilled dancer yes... a loving mother and friend. Unaga the mother of Junko cared and praised her which was something that Junko and Shoma hadn't managed to get so that was a big thing. She snickered to herself internally at that because... her mother had praised them but it was all about the air of intrigue and intimidation that she presented not being the type to praise others or being the harsh parent. THeir father was much the same way and he cared deeply for all of them another friend of the Emperor who while not ass close was loyal and one of the ones who had been with him through it all.

 

[Junko Ike]

"Well if she is with you willingly, then I see no real reason to decline such service. I know how invaluable handmaidens who can act as bodyguards are needed." Junko looked at her and there was a sadness but it was from experience and she remembered a lot of the attacks... they had dragged her away to Shri-Tal at the time and she had taken many of her guards and people with her for safety... other colonies had been secluded and their information lost or restricted for safety concerns. It would sserve to become a nicer thing though since they could push through and send out teams now that their technology was improved and if the transportation network functioned ass they wanted it to.

Well then they wouldn't have to worry about connecting or hyperspace routes. Junko could see some of the improvements they were working on and the biggest project that was coming from them would be for updating and making it so their equiupment could be permanently upgradable... THey wanted to incorporate and design better programmable matter. SOmething that would allow them to make equipment as needed, to make armor and if they got it to function interior of ships as a better means to protect the people... it would be all about the security functions... or doorways where others could enter but not leave rooms.

Year 3

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko was getting distracted while they ate and the meal was a little cold for her but still what she wanted. Finishing it up and her tea she met with the children. Each of them were proving to be impressive and something she wanted to encourage. A smile here and there as some of them made jokes or offered hugs to her and she spent time listening to them. THey got to live here in the palace now instead of one of the orphanages the planet had but those were mostly empty... The ones here though who were being sent to learn fromt he different SSansin were well... they were adorable now. She got another hug as they headed off.

"THank you for this." SHe said it and looked back at the two important women she knew.. her mother and empress. Both of them were standing there with some of the children as well... her mother would likely recruit one or two to her services... investigators protecting their brothers and sisters within the commonwealth. The empress was going with several of them towards one of the rooms, the youngest of them as she had one of the holopads with the chance to read. Even the emperor took care of some of them teaching the older children games and history here. A chance for them to learn about their families and where they had been before tragedy within the Commonwealth.

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko was done though and while the empress and emperor were with their children she had a chance to go and find her quarters here... one of the teens coming to join her. One that she had met before and the girl smiled hugging Junko. "Princess it is great to see you again." She said it and Junko searched for the name as she smiled. "It is good to see you again Rika." The name came easily enough and they went to one of the gardens.... it was beautiful and the tree in the center served with the amnoid that pulsed throughout the palace. Creating a lightside aura and shield against the darkside and manipulation within the confines of the palace.

"So how have things been going with your schooling Rika?" SHe asked it and Rika smiled. "Good good, I was accepted itn the Western Wolves at the academy and that seemed to make the Empress happy. She said they saved her life when she was in the city." Junko recalled it and gave a nod.. she had been there when the uprising had started and endangered the empress. FOr the guards it had been a danger but they put it down with the help of the Western Wolves... an elite group within the academy that might have an attitude but they were steadfast and deeply loyal to the emperor and empress who gave them a purpose and the advanced equipment for their hardwork.

 

[Junko Ike]

"That is very impressive." She said it and she meant it.. the Western wolves were proving to be some of the most invaluable... it pushed others to be better and make their education system look impressive compared to previous as well as others in the galaxy. The advances in education, improvements in technologies and well she was just going to say that their adoption of other cultures to augment and refine parts of the commonwealth incorporating them. Several were well adopting Atrisian customs easily enough and becoming part of their culture like the Inosuke and twi'leks... zeltrons were big on it and the mirilians were surprising.

Junko offered some more as the girl who was proud left her to return to her chambers. Her handmaidens were with her and Junko sat there with Jubei who was around as the woman spoke. Hands going to her hair and a brush. "Your hair is always so unruly princess... I love it and it is smooth like silk but combing it at night is important... and then again in the morning to get all of the tangles out of it." Jubei offered it but was happy to do it and Junko looked at her. "And I suppose I should just shave it all like you do to avoid that yes?" THe smiles were for indication they played like this.. they were many things but friendly about it and Junko had brushed her hair a few times as well.

 

[Junko Ike]

Jubei's hair was not as short as it normally was.. she was growing it out a little but it was sort of like griping to grip the smallest part. Just enough that it could be spiked if she put product into it. SHe usually did that and could frost the tip or get them in tight little rolls. Jubei though also offered the smile to the women when she finished... Junko's hair smooth, tangle free and there was no pain when she felt the brush going through it. The woman started rubbing oils int her hair that would allow it to smell like jasmine and rain... a beautiful scent to older times, ancient times on Atrisia as described by the Chi-Oni. THey offered other scents of an ancient and primordial Atrisia.

Jubei finished and Junko had rubbed oil into hers... she leaned back in her bedding and breathed in the scent of the room around her. SHe got to relax a little though and brought up the holoscreen to show herself well anything... Atrisian entertainment was improving thansk to the zeltrons skill with writing and marketing. THe expansive networks they developed on Yokubo extended across the others. THey presented to the galaxy for a hefty fee and she knew that like many of their things the price was going further and further. A smile on her face as the views could and got displayed from the Ohashi AI to let her know the exchange rate from other planets.