The Forging of Ties

[Rygen storyteller]

Theta.

For too long it had sat in the shadows, a world without strong standing in the galaxy. As they had laid in wait, hiding and building themselves into a massive world of undeniable, massive power and technological advancement, others had sold what was declared to be "cutting edge" and "state of the art" like snake-skin doctors shelling off what was little more than trinkets. But that was to end now. The planet would garner what was rightfully theirs--and in return the galaxy would be granted a modicum of their supurlative technology.

The Arch Prince stood in his throne room, his palid skin glistening agaisnt the light of the blinking technology around him. He had as much to gain--and lose from this--as any being in the galaxy.

_________________________________________________________________________

When the ​Free Lady​ would finally pass the extensive boarder check that would last several hours, a quartet of crisp, sleek fighters would escort it towards the surface. Their lines, their edges were as beautiful as they were terrifying. Through a thick cloud they would lead her, into a deep storm. Lightening glistened in the clouds around them like a gorgeous and terrifying light show. Dark, brown clouds would mull through them. But the fighters would not swerve from their destination. As the five ships broke from the terrifying storm, a biodomed city appeared, sprawling across the surface. To say it was breathtaking was an understatement. Massive buildings stretched up and down forever, each a unique sculpture, so technologically advanced they were almost like diamonds.

When the ship set down a convoy of cybrogs dressed in robes that recalled to a more royal time were waiting. A sole warrior, more metal than organic, stood by, he bore no visible weapons, his shoulders alone were almost nine feet tall and six feet broad.

The leader stepped forward, his voice was a musical, almost totally synthesized sound, "Lady Kay, I presume? I am Lord Val'Row of the House SynthLore. I am to be your honorable escort on this journey to the Arch Prince's chambers." He extended one of his long, lithe and frail arms towards the air-speeder like transport perched on the edge of the platform, 'Please, if you will, this way."

He followed her onto the transport, and with him came the twelve others that made up the convoy. The door closed behind them silently and Lord Val'Row's synthetic lips gave a cordial smile, "I trust that your journey was quite pleasant?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Rygen storyteller"]

Border security she was used to. But not this thorough. Every inch of The Free Lady was checked. Even Kay and her pilot Terrac were scanned and checked.

Finally they were allowed through. Kay sat in the co-pilot seat next to Terrac. Both were in awe of the ships guiding them in. And both got nervous with the storm. Terrac set the shields up, using the thrusters to compensate the movements from the buffeting winds.

Once they had landed, Kay gathered her satchel and instructed Terrac to remain behind. But not before he had his own instruction to give. "Leave your satchel behind. You don't want them to get the wrong idea, doll, and think that you're going in armed. And don't be long."

Reluctantly, she agreed, removing her satchel and setting it down. Her satchel was her crutch and now she had nothing to hold onto. "Okay...If you think it's best." The old man nodded.

Kay exited the ship and felt a tad nervous with the large convoy standing there waiting. She offered a small smile and bowed her head to Lord Val'Row. His height alone was daunting, however. "Thank you, kindly, m'Lord."

Spoiler

She clasped her hands in front of her as she walked to the transport, keeping her expression polite. "Yes, thank you. Is it always so stormy?" This was going to be an interesting meeting and more than likely, it'd be the first of many. Commenor could never have too many allies, afterall.

 

[Rygen storyteller]

[member="Lady Kay"]

The Lord gave a winsome smile. "Of course not, thank goodness. The spring Storms, however, are rather spectacular in their own way."

His voice, and manners were slyly impeccable. It was as if Val'Row were.... Up to something. Deep down inside.

"I have been instructed to give you some choice pieces of advice for your stay on Theta," he folded his hands in a usually unnatural posture. "First, it is unwise for you to walk the streets of Hope Major, our glorious capital alone. Here, non-augmented individuals are seen as shames to their clan and are considered second rate citizens. You may find Youself quickly sold into slavery or onto the biological black market for spare parts," the lack of concern in his voice was even more unsettling than the subject at hand.

"I would also advise you against such terms as 'cyborg', 'droid', 'metalskin', android, and other such terms. They are seen as derogatory and highly offensive," Val'Row continued. "We are Thetians. If that does not suffice, augmented will do."

The door of the transport opened and the castle before them was to be seen. It's massive chrome and golden walls rose like no other castle else where. Shimmering beams of energy show along its surface in cool, crisp lines. Tower ramparts stood aloft, held in place by the energy beamed to them.

"I do envy you in a way," Val'Row commented as he walked down the glowing draw bridge. "You are the first offworlder to see an Arch Prince in over five hundred years. You shall go down in history. This meeting will determine the fate of our world--and possibly many more."

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Rygen storyteller"]

Kay wondered just how strong the storms could get. Was it a strong magnetic field that caused them? Or pockets of specific types of gasses? Either way, she wasn't used to having to go through them.

She looked over to Val'Row as he gave her his advice, raising a brow as he told her not to wander alone. She had no need to do so anyways. As far as she was concerned, she was to be escorted everywhere. Afterall she was the guest.

His second advice on what she shouldn't call them by also caused Kay to raise a brow. "M'Lord I only call others by their titles or their names, not the make ups of their bodies. But thank you for your advice all the same. It is appreciated."

Stepping out of the transport, she couldn't help but walk slowly, taking in the overall architecture of the castle. It was stunning, to say the very least. Her eyes found Val'Row again as he spoke of envying her. "Five hundred years? Well I hope that I don't disappoint the Arch Prince, nor anyone else on Theta. We both have much to benefit from eachother."

 

[Rygen storyteller]

Val'Row gave a genuinely pleased smile. "You will find for us, Lady Kay, that technology is a way of life. It is a religion, it is our homes, our salvation, our everything. Your compliments do go far."

Of course, he was a diplomat and a politician with few equals. With a flutter of his grand, flowing purple robes, he turned and began to lead her down the long hall. The semi-dark walls were lit with glowing energy along the walls at just the right moment. There were no classic statues, archaic ways, or heirlooms of old. Vassals, each the epitome of refined organic and machine mixtures moved through the halls with power pride. Their eyes looked to Kay with an unmasked look of scorn. The message was clear; runt! Infidel! Unworthy! It was akin to the way one looks at a diseased, mangy dog or ridiculous child. What else would you expect from a haughty race when they see one who lacks their upgrades?

At last, Val'Row led his entrusted ward into the throne room. Guided beams made of pure sunlight were directed long the marble floor in gorgeous hieroglyphics. A pantheon of shimmering crystal like pillars stood along the back wall, each resembling a gorgeous gemstone. A vast window stood overlooking the breathtaking skyline of Hope Minor.

Almost as if to eclipse it all stood a rather disappointing man. He stood no taller than five foot, and even that most of his body had been upgraded with slim, delicate features. A white, thin cape was attached to his shoulders, and though his face, the only organic part of the Arch Prince's body held a slight heir of nobility, there was no denying the frailness in it, its uninspiring way, and the confusion most felt when they saw it.

"You may leave us," he said in an airy voice.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Rygen storyteller"]

Once again Kay bowed her head to Val'Row, giving him a small smile. She followed him inside, taking note of the Vassals as they stared her down and gave her looks of displeasure. Instead of looking shocked or ashamed, she put on a brave smile and bowed her head in greetings to them all. First impressions were hardly ever correct ones, afterall.

And then she arrived at the throne room. Kay looked around, her eyes stopping lastly on the Arch Prince. His look was strange and quite feminine. But maybe that's how Thetians were. She bowed her head as Val'Row was told to leave. "Greetings, Your Highness. You do me a great honour to invite me here. Thank you." There was no need for her to introduce herself. The Arch Prince already knew who she was.

 

[Rygen storyteller]

Val'Row bowed out, offering Kay a final smile of encouragement. The prince stalked his way towards the window. A thousand glorious lights from the diamonds and the energy around him His grey eyes shimmered with the familiar desire to--monologue.

"For too long my people have been in the dark," he said with the cool, cold, high pitched voice. His tone was condescending, self inflating, and arrogant. He talked like one who was used to others listening--with or without choice, "For too long the people have stayed in squalor, hording our technology as charlatans around us garner trillions for their pseudo-scientific wares. There is a wealth to be gained from our advancement, though there are many who feel otherwise."

The Arch Prince's grey eyes shifted to Kay, cunning showing out for a mere glimmer of a moment before the haze of laziness and weakness took over once more, "I am with great adversaries--for many many reasons. Not many take kindly to an Arch Prince born a princess," he said with a brow raise. "Fewer agree with the decision to reacquaint ourselves with the surrounding galaxy."

The prince turned completely, squaring with Kay, looking up into her eyes with a sense of boyhood leadership, "Tell me what you can offer that will silence the scoffers and exterminate my competition."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Rygen storyteller"]

Kay listened to the monologue. It was hard to conceal her shock that the Arch Prince was indeed a Princess. Theta must have a society that not only frowns upon those that hadn't been enhanced, but with women in power as well. That could explain the looks that she had gotten when she had arrived.

The Arch Prince spoke of wanting to connect and become a part of the Galaxy once more. And she had to offer something? Well...hopefully what she had, as well as her ideas, were enough to suffice.

Kay removed a necklace containing a pendant with chrysopaz crystals adorning it in various shades of yellow. She held it out to him. "I have brought you a gift, Your Highness. These are chrysopaz crystals. They capture the beauty and light of the sun that Commenor orbits. I also extend an invitation for you and some of your brightest to come to Commenor and visit our Universities, as well as our bioengineering labs. There is much knowledge that we could share. Commenor is also a world that deals heavily in trade. So plenty of food, ships and luxury items enter and exit our territory. The economy is booming and we could help eachother grow."

Was that enough? She wasn't sure. No specifics had been given just yet. So she merely guessed.

 

[Rygen storyteller]

The Arch Prince took the pendant in his delicate hand and held it to the light. His eyes narrowed as the nanobots in his eyes contracted the lenses of his grey eyes. He studied it for several moments, much like a toddler who finds their fingers for the first time.

"Yes, yes, these are very nice," he said at last in admiration. His delicate metallic fingers caressed the crystals, rotating them, and examining each of them from every angle, "The perfect Dirahel'Min Quadratic angle," the prince stalked to the throne and set the jewels on the arm rest. His hands tapped along the surface, lighting up invisible octagons, "I have something for you too,a symbol of our culture."

A side compartment slid open, and the prince retrieved a small sphere.

"Almost three hundred years ago, our ancestors unlocked the power of darkmatter reactors," the Prince said moving closer. "Sadly, the process was unable, and still is unable to sustain anything worth mentioning, it is too unstable and catastrophic. However," he extended the fist-sized ball, "This is one of the only surviving experiments to make it. While it cannot sustain power for anything other than itself, it will never die." The Prince smiled softly, "May we be allies as long as it shines."

The surface of this dazzling chrome sphere was lined with glowing, pulsing energy lines of blue, purple, violet, and cyan colors. Some remained in place, others twisted and slid along the surface in a winding, unending race. There were hundreds of lines across this ball in a maze-like design that covered the surface.

"These crystals," the Prince said, "I hope you have plenty more. They will be enough to placate some of the houses. As far as the foods go, what do you specifically have in mind?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Rygen storyteller"]

Kay was glad that her gift was well received. Though she raised a brow slightly as he got into scientific details about the composition. Hmm. It must be due to all of the enhancements.

As the Prince brought the sphere to her, she held out her hand to hold it. Dark matter? She half wondered if it had anything to do with the Force. Her eyes watched the travelling lines of energy. They were almost hypnotic. So much so that she almost didn't hear the Prince speak to her.

Kay remained in place as she bowed her head. "Yes, there are plenty of crystals to appease the houses. And as for food, I can offer you a variety of types from all over the Galaxy. Everything from meats, fruits, vegetables, to spicy and sweet. What types of foods do you and your citizens prefer?"

 

[Rygen storyteller]

The Arch Prince gave a subtle but satisfied nod. A smile teased his lips. The Lady enjoyed the ball's hypnotic state. It was amazing, the Prince knew, and quite good at helping alleviate stress. The lines across its surface would never stop, even after the stars ceased to shine, those lines would continue to race on.

There was something poetic to be said of that.

"We are well acquainted with the most common, easy to grow foods," The Prince explained, 'As far as necessity food goods, we are well stocked in that but," he gave a shake of his head, 'the houses crave foods that make them distinct, things that others cannot have. We must pay exuberant prices for these foods, it is ridiculously wild, you see," The Prince halted, realizing he was monologuing again. Generally he didn't care, but he wanted to get his point across, not bore her to sleep.

"House Gromdata desires candied fruits of almost every variety there is. The more exotic the better. House LodgeTech hungers after all that is meat, at least, all the finest meats. House HoloSmith loves all the wines and alcohols there could be," the Prince's voice trailed off, "I would ask that you sell me these at 2/3rds the normal market cost. In return, I will give the equal discount amount in scholarships to your students to study at our technology universities."

He raised his chin in what he considered a powerful move--but it looked more like what it was, a move of pure arrogance.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Rygen storyteller"]

Kay tore her eyes away from the sphere in her hand as she listened to the Arch Prince speak. She nodded as she took some mental notes of each request. It seemed simple enough. Such food items could readily be found on Commenor. And more could be found through her various allies.

To offer such a discount was not asking for too much. The sellers would still have a mark up and still make money. However the prices for scholarships would more than likely be very high. It just didn't seem right to her that only the super rich should be able to afford to study at some of the best schools in the Galaxy. Not all of the brightest minds were the richest ones. "Might I suggest a counter offer, Your Highness? Rare and high quality foods and drinks at two thirds of the market price in exchange for scholarships to your universities set at a price that each individual student can afford. At the moment I am unsure of the cost for the education that they'd receive and I would hate it to be out of reach for the majority of Commenor's citizens."

Now to see if the Prince knew how to compromise.

 

[Rygen storyteller]

The prince looked at her with a look of both surprise and suspicion. Few were willing to openly oppose the prince's ideas, and even fewer were bold enough to assert their own. He--didn't know what to do with it, whether to be furious or to admire her boldness. However--

"It is refreshing to hear someone speak their mind," he said at last with a wry grin, 'So plainly and frankly. In these halls of nobility, there are so many whispers, double dealings, lies, scandals, deceit, and half-truths that its almost impossible to find the truth amid all of it. Let alone what is truly best for the people or one's own ideas. Words are weapons and they become twisted and warped out of proportion. I had begun to wonder if it was possible for a being to speak the truth."

The Prince gave a slight laugh, airy, nasal, and grating.

"Alright, I think that sounds fair enough."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Rygen storyteller"]

Maybe she did overstep her boundaries a little bit, but she was used to having this type of conversation with leaders and rulers. It was how negotiations happened, each side giving and taking.

Kay bowed her head as her offer was accepted. "Many thanks, Your Highness." She held the sphere in both of her hands, but held them low, one hand covering it so that it wouldn't distract her. "Whispers and false words are common in amongst Royalty, I'm afraid. And they happen elsewhere too. It is a strategy that some use to gain or maintain their power. But you'll find that I am a horrible liar. The truth is much easier for me." There was no easier book to read than Kay's face and she knew it.

 

[Rygen storyteller]

The Prince tilted his head slightly to the side. To be unable to lie, to be unable to be angry, bitter, vengeful, and full of malice was---unheard of among the Thetians. It was a part of their life, what kept them alive. Here everyone had at least on secret they wanted to hide-and so many more they wanted to uncover. He wasn't sure what to think of her, but the woman struck him as honest. To a fault. Perhaps the Prince could use that.

"Then perhaps you can tell me more," he said beginning to walk slowly around the room, 'For you see, there are many things that I am told of the outside world. I am unable to investigate them myself, for obvious reasons. If I leave for even a moment, I could return to an assassination attempt, or a new Arch Prince." he dismissed it with a wave of his hand, "but that is regardless. It is part of living in Theta.

"As you know, I am sure, there are other planets in this system," he continued, pacing behind Kay, "one of which is of key note to me. Soceras. Ages ago, for ages without end we were at war with this lawless planet, which continued to seek out an steal our best technology without provocation. The planet is little more than a den of thieves and pirates. And I hear that Dal'Bor, the heart of this vice has been taken over by a man named James Justice, who is little more than a glorified warlord who sees himself as a liberator. As I understand it, he is uniting the planet."

The Prince paused for effect, letting these words sink in. His grey eyes darted at her with the cunning of a viper in them, "My intelligence agents place you close to him. What can you tell me about this crimelord?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Rygen storyteller"]

As the Prince walked around the room, Kay remained still, though she followed him with her head and her eyes. Yet at the mention of Soceras and her brother, she started to get a bit of an understanding as to why she was brought here. Just how much did their intelligence know? How much should she reveal?

Kay shifted her weight on her feet. "James....has a bit of a temper, but he's not a warlord. He has a good heart and I've seen him help people with no gain for himself. I am hoping that Soceras can be cleaned up a bit. But such things take time."

Of course she refrained from speaking of them adopting eachother as family. The last thing that she wanted was to be used against him or held as a hostage.

 

[Rygen storyteller]

The Prince looked her over with a critical eye. He was young, very young for his field but he was not new to the game. In the halls of Theta knowing when someone was holding back was often the difference between life and death--and here he could clearly see she was holding something back about this James Justice.

His cybornetically enhanced brain quickly stored and processed the data, reviewing her every word and her every gesture. It was an understatement to say that his mind was a living computer. It was emotional, his organic intuition told him, and the matrixes in his hadrive told him that she felt it rather strongly. She was scared to show his dark side, the Prince calculated. To make things worse--and even more than that to lose the bond they had. The Prince's eyes narrowed eve more. She was cunning, good, and well seasoned. It was something that only a Thetian would have been able to pick up.

"If you and he mean so much to each other," the Prince said with a creepily cool tone, 'then perhaps you wouldn't mind negotiating a possible peace treaty between Soceras and Theta."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Rygen storyteller"]

The pause was enough to let her know that the Prince was mulling over her words. Silence at times was a terrible thing. And the narrowed eyes weren't helping. In fact it was making her even more uncomfortable.

But he was looking for a peace treaty? That was certainly doable. She would just need to talk to James first. But that would be after she heard the terms.

"We aren't involved romantically or anything, if that's what you're thinking. But it's possible that I could help with the peace treaty. What would your terms be?"

 

[Rygen storyteller]

"I don't care what you two do to each other," the Prince said coldly, for the first time his voice had gone into a near sharp sneer. As an asexual being, he hated that sort of thing intensely. "That is between you two."

The terms of the agreement? The Prince took a deep breath, allowing his built in hormone regulators to kick in. These machines released a set of carefully concocted and guarded set of drugs into his system, calming the man and letting him think clearly again. The dull, lack luster and calm expression of half curiosity returned to his face.

"The first thing," the Prince began, "is a vow to stop the piracy. In the past we were their prime victim. I do not care what they do to others but they will not prey on us any longer. Next, Bankor Ultimata, the city of Soceras that has long been our ally shall remain as such. Their legal system is without equal. And I want our trade agreement with the Bankor Counsel to remain grandfathered into this new control. Now does that sound so unreasonable to you?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Rygen storyteller"]

Kay furrowed her brows as the Arch Prince seemed to have gotten angry. Perhaps he was really mad at James or perhaps it was something that she had said. "We don't do anything to eachother, Your Highness. And I hope that I'm not saying anything to offend you in any way."

She shifted her weight on her feet again. It seemed that no matter what she said or did, there was something wrong with it. Or it just wasn't good enough. Kay tried to shrug it off. Some people were just that way and she had to not let it bother her.

She listened to his terms and took note of them in her head. Of course she would need to discuss it with James. She couldn't make his decisions for him. "May I go to some place private to relay your terms to him? It would hopefully not take too long." Kay wondered if James even knew that she was on Theta to begin with. She'd find out soon.