The Red Arrow

[Enyo Typhos]

She stood upon a snow-covered mountain slope. From her lofty vantage point, she could look upon the land. As far as the naked eye could perceive, there was naught but snow, mountains and huge trees. Wolves howled, and birds chirped. The sweet scent of pine invaded her nostrils, while the cool breeze of the wind kissed her skin. Snowflakes descended from the heavens, touching her skin and nesting inside her dark brown mane...


She removed her hand from the enchanted crystal and the illusion dissipated. She was back inside her notoriously Spartan room. There was neither a bed or a chair. She'd made good use of the additional space by installing a weapons' closet and a sophisticated monitoring system that allowed her to watch every section of the ship.


Her electronic eyes looked upon the crystal. An unnecessary sigh escaped her throat. Picking it up, she held it almost reverently, then put it inside a small box. The box vanished inside a safe. The alchemised device provided her with the illusion of feeling, for in reality these simple pleasures had long been robbed of her. She could not help miss them sometimes. But the sacrifice had been worth it. She'd gained her power - her freedom, for without power one could not be free - through loss and suffering. Not through passion, not through peace and serenity or similar nonsense, but through sacrifice.


The Terminatrix checked her internal chronometre. In less than an hour, the Harbinger should drop out of hyperspace and reach Karakorum, the Kraal homeworld. Doubtless challenges would await them there. But almost all the pieces were in place for the final strike against Archangel. Their defeat would validate all the sacrifices she had made. Those who'd wronged her would be destroyed, her siblings would be safe and she'd claim what was hers.


Picking up a dart, she flung it towards the board that hung on the wall, hitting it in the inner bullseye. Her mechanical legs carried her out of the chamber towards the briefing room. All attendees better be punctual. Naturally the conference room did not have any chairs.


[member="Ylva Wolfsbane"], [member="Valiens Nantaris"]

 

[Amara Zarides]

[member="Enyo Typhos"] [member="Ylva Wolfsbane"]

When Enyo arrived at the briefing room it was still several minutes before the start time. Still, there was one person present at least. Blonde hair cropped short, black leather jacket over a combat suit, lightsabre at her side. This person looked very similar to Amara Zarides if the latter had fewer scars and had clipped her hair.

Instead, this was Alexia, clone of the same template. She had volunteered for this mission which suited as her ‘sister’ Enyo clearly believed that she was a better asset for this operation than Amara. It wasn’t that Amara was a liability – far from it – but she had an annoying habit of using that stupid conscience she possessed. Or so thought Alexia.

When Enyo entered she nodded. “Boss. I have prepared the munitions and supplies.” Clipped, formal, precise. Most unlike either her ‘twin’ or her ‘template’. Alexia considered both dangerously misguided. Amara let herself be held back by considerations of morality whilst Kaelin…had been a rabid dog deserving of the lightsabre that put her down. Both had excess emotion to spend, a mistake Alexia would not make.

“I sent Ylva to bring the Kraal. She knows how to motivate him.”
By threatening to insert her axe up his cloaca most likely.

 

[Ylva Wolfsbane]

And Ylva was on the hunt for a young lizard who was late to report back to her after getting properly armed and armoured. She was a bit pissed off for playing the babysitter as she didn't have the patience for it, and was already planning to put him through the Valkyrie special training, but unfortunately he was needed today. Passing through the corridors with quick steps, she stopped by the armoury first.

"Is the lizard here?" She asked coldly to the human, who was checking the equipment. She was known by the gang for being cold and pissed off always, so it wasn't a surprise, but people still tended to avoid pissing her off more if she was angrier than usual. So, being the smart one, he answered without any commentary.

"He left quite a while ago. I specifically told him to report back to you. Hasn't he come..." The Valkyrie cut his speech by an aggressive sigh.

"What the kark do you think?" And with that, Ylva once more started walking around the ship, muttering swear words in her mother-tongue. Luckily for the Valkyrie, the ship wasn't as big, so she would find him before she had the intention to murder him right then and there. And after a few minutes here he was, wandering in the corridors and looking around.

"What are you doing here?" The Valkyrie spoke, walking towards him. Her tone was so sharp that one could easily think she was about to beat him up there. On the contrary, the lizard was quite calm.

"Oh, hey Chief. I was just exploring the ship. Our ships back home don't have this kind of technology." He answered with a grin. The fact that he was this calm pissed her off even more. She made a fist and a second later it met his face with her collected rage. The lizard hissed in pain, but didn't respond.

"I ordered you to report back to me once you are ready. You are here to be useful, not be a burden." She said afterwards, and then added. "Now, hurry. The boss is expecting us." The two then started to walk towards the briefing room to meet the others.

[member="Enyo Typhos"] [member="Amara Zarides"]

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Amara Zarides"], [member="Ylva Wolfsbane"]


Enyo scrutinised Alexia upon entering the briefing room. She had the same face, the blonde hair and blue eyes as Amara. but there the similarities ended. Clones shared the same DNA - the same potential - but that was it. No matter how much you tried to mould then in their template's image.


"Good," Enyo replied laconically, pickig up the datapad. It contained a thorough report on munition, rations, medical supplies, spare parts, fuel and so on. The machine portion of her mind processed the report's contents at a rapid pace. It happened almost in the blink of an eye.


"Archangel has been lying low since Elysium. But they mave anticipated us coming to Karakorum. So be prepared for hostile contact with them." Her tone was clipped and professional. But despite the bland delivery, there was caring behind it. They were siblings, though they acted professionally in public.


Noise could be heard from outside, heralding the arrival of Ylva and the Kraal warrior Mönkhbat. Enyo narrowed her eyes slightly, as they were late. She suspected the lizardman was to blame. "Report," she ordered flatly. That meant the Valkyri should report on general combat readiness, while the lizard would supply information about the rock they were about to land on.

 

[Amara Zarides]

[member="Enyo Typhos"] [member="Ylva Wolfsbane"]

“Yes, they may have. These creatures have a rigid hierarchy and honour code. That leaves them open to being manipulated. A replica droid of some form could provide advice and access to weaponry in exchange for fighting their battles.”
Alexia clearly thought little of rigid hierarchy or honour codes.

Amara glanced at the bloody snouted lizard as they entered. She let out an internal shudder. It was one of those ‘uncivilised’ aliens. She could deal with the ones which behaved and dressed properly, but this oversized skink with his raw honour and ambition rankled with her. Another difference between her and her spiritual sister, and her template at that.

She said nothing more. In her opinion Ylva was the perfect person to be the lizard’s handler; both nasty, brutish and tall.

 

[Ylva Wolfsbane]

Scolding the lizard on the way to the briefing room, quite loudly one might say as she wasn't able to let out her rage entirely, the two entered the room finally. Meeting with the annoyed gaze of Enyo, rightfully so as they were late, and the blonde sister of hers, the princess or one of the others, she couldn't tell from the first glance since they were identical. This whole clone thing was quite new and complex for her still.

"The gang is properly equipped and ready for combat in case the talks don't work out." She reported, giving a quick and icy look to the young Kraal, and then back to the cyborg. It was then Mönkhbat's turn to report. Already been lectured about how his life was connected to his usefulness by the giant, he decided not to push any more boundaries. Moving closer to the hologram of the planet, he cleared his throat and started speaking.

"Karakorum is a mountainous planet with a lot of deserts and underground caves..." He said, then added. "We are a nomadic and tribal community, each tribe has a leader and those leaders answer to the strongest warrior chosen by the Crown of Fire, the Imperator, who is the one you will be meeting. Our current Imperator has the knowledge of the wrathful gods in the sky, and it's because of his efforts that the Kraal triumphed both in the areas of technology and culture."

[member="Enyo Typhos"] [member="Amara Zarides"]

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Amara Zarides"], [member="Ylva Wolfsbane"]


Enyo was not free of xenophobia...but in her own way. Bottom line, she considered most organics to be beneath her, regardless of species. However, she had her preferences. Thus she tended to look down on those races she regarded as weak or lazy. In her experience, most Twi'leks and Zeltrons did their work while lying on their backs, while Space Elves were pompous, petulant and easy to break. Neimoidians were weak-minded cowards and Selkath plain irritated her. In short, she cared little for appearance or how civilised a race was.


"Get to the point," she ordered blandly, with a degree of impatience. "How did the Imperator become so knowledgeable?" She clearly did not believe he'd obtained it from wrathful deities, but would humour the lizardman for the time being.


"There was a...great disruption, when the sky opened and swallowed thousands of our people. I have learned from slaves that this occured across the stars. Our Imperator vanished and there was great chaos," the Kraal elaborated on. For a barbarian, he had a fancy way of speaking.


"Some fools said the gods had found him wanting. But the naysayers swallowed their tongues when he returned. Heh-heh." There was a malevolent gleam in his eye, which suggested that he was being literal. "He proclaimed that he had traversed the underworld and that the gods had endowed him with great knowledge after passing their trials. He proved his strength by defeating anyone who challenged him in mortal combat."


"What sort knowledge?" Enyo shared a look with Alexia. Netherworld, she thought.


"Of alien technology and witchcraft," Mönchkbat grunted. "The Imperator only shares scraps of it, as is his right. He must be above clan." Somehow, Enyo was certain she heard some discontent on his tone. "Our warriors are eager to burn worlds and bathe them in blood, but he says we must cautious. I blame his counsellors for holding him back." Saying the advisers were at fault was always a safe way to voice criticism.

 

[Amara Zarides]

[member="Ylva Wolfsbane"] [member="Enyo Typhos"]

Alexia caught Enyo’s eye. Netherworld sprung to her mind too.

Of course, Alexia had not been alive for that, but she knew of it quite well. The implications of the event could still be felt today.

She was immediately suspicious though. People did not just come across arcane technology. Either he found something or someone there which had given him the information. Was it a pact, had he taken it by force, what was the story?

“Is there disagreement among your people? Disagreement enough to potentially cause rebellion?”

“No, the Imperator has shown he will fight when he is ready. He has never lost a battle, the warriors are rewarded.”

Alexia nodded. She had matters to discuss with Enyo, but nothing more to ask the lizard. She did not like the look the creature gave her.

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Amara Zarides"], [member="Ylva Wolfsbane"]


They were clearly not going to get more out of the lizardman at the moment. He was towing the party line, but if one read between the lines, one could detect some mild criticism. As for the Imperator, Enyo did not believe in miracles. Advanced knowledge and tech did not fall like mana from the heavens.


If he truly possessed it and was not just deceiving his primitive people with baubles, someone must have given it to him. Or he'd paid the iron price and taken it from them. The question was, did the source of his knowledge possess some form of influence or leverage over him? She remembered Alexia's musings from earlier. The intercomm buzzed, then their pilot's voice came through. "Boss, we've reached Karakorum. Landing momentarily at the coordinates the lizardmen provided us. Scans indicate it's a a hothouse down there."


"Acknowledged," Enyo responded tersely. "You're dismissed. Ylva, make sure the men are ready if any unexpected guests show up." She did not go into detail, but the Viking would probably understand her meaning. "You'll be working with Koyi. Alexia, a word." In private, obviously.

 

[Amara Zarides]

[member="Ylva Wolfsbane"] [member="Enyo Typhos"]

Alexia willingly moved with Enyo into a private room. When they were alone she nodded.
“This Imperator could be more cunning than we give him credit for. Either he is deceiving his people or he has some source of power we do not know and is keeping it secret. In either case, he will be dangerous to any threat to the status quo, or any challenge. What’s our move?”

Kraal were warriors and respected strength…but one could pass the invisible line from strength to rival rather quickly. Especially with their fractious system of clans.

 

[Ylva Wolfsbane]

Meanwhile the young lizard gave his report, Ylva stood and listened. Even though he had the overconfidence similar to the ones they have faced before, she also sensed some bitterness in his tone. They would learn about it soon enough, she thought, and didn't interrupt. Perhaps for the best as she was still in a bad mood. Anyway, shortly afterwards, the intercomm buzzed and the pilot informed them that they have arrived. With that, they were dismissed. Understanding who these "unwanted guests" could be, Ylva nodded and called the lizard to follow her. Also, a red Twi'lek with cybernetics joined them.

"Koyi, was it?" Ylva said to her as they left the room together. "Gather everyone to the armory. Double check the equipment. I'll join you shortly afterwards. Prepare for Code Metal." Her last sentence was quiet enough for only the Twi'lek to hear. With a nod, she left with quick steps to find the rest.

"Lizard. Follow me." She ordered Mönkhbat, who she still didn't trust just yet. However, there were things to discuss. With a grunt, the lizard complied. He was briefly informed about why he shouldn't piss off the giant after all. The first few seconds were quiet, but then he decided to ask the question that was bugging his mind.

"Hey, Chief, what did you say to the tailhead woman earlier? She had that concerned look right after your words." Curiosity killed the lizard. Not yet, but Ylva's look could. "None of your business. Focus on the mission instead." After all, he could very well be an agent. One could never be too careful. Another moment of silence followed afterwards, only Ylva was the one break it this time.

"Tell me about this Imperator. How strong is he?" She asked. He sounded like a worthy enemy considering what the young lizard told them.

"Heh heh." Mönkhbat grinned.

[member="Enyo Typhos"] [member="Amara Zarides"]

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Amara Zarides"], [member="Ylva Wolfsbane"]


"Knowledge is power. I want you to do some digging. Find out what you can about his elusive power source. Ascertain if Archangel is on the planet and what the real state of the clans is." Of course, this would require Alexia to interact with the lizards. Enyo had taken note of her disgust, so it might be a lesson.


"I will handle the talks with the Imperator. We have neither the means nor the desire to take over the clans, but I want us to be in a good bargaining position." The Kraal respected martial might, but it would be like walking on a tightrope. Enyo was no stranger to that. "Tyrone will work with you. I'll take Ylva. When it inevitably comes down to a trial strength, she's a good champion."

 

[Amara Zarides]

[member="Enyo Typhos"] [member="Ylva Wolfsbane"]

Alexia nodded, doing her best to look impassive and calm. Inside? Well, she was less than a year old and despite some experience and flash learning this was her first really important independent mission. She’d have to be very careful, but on the plus side she would have Johanna Tyrone to work with. She got on well with her and had learnt a lot from the cyborg.

“Got it. I’ll learn what I can and report,” she said.

Karakorum was at a midpoint between the extreme winter and summer. Therefore it was only stiflingly hot and dry, not a furnace.
The main gathering place had many crude landing pads built around it. As they came in they transmitted their codes which were received by some harried humans working as space traffic controllers. Diverting space ships was not warriors work after all, and even a Kraal slave would turn up their nose at such a task.

Mönkhbat chuckled as they came into land. “You’re going to get a warm welcome. Heh heh, they might want to take your ship until you prove you can keep it.”

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Amara Zarides"], [member="Ylva Wolfsbane"], [member="Valiens Nantaris"]


"They're welcome to try. I'll remove their heads from their shoulders, hang them on ship's hull and feed their carcasses to wild animals." Enyo was not joking. Those were actual orders to her minions. She took stock of the scenery ahead of her. What was shown and, more importantly, what was not shown. The traffic controllers had been human. She figured the Kraal considered such mundane duties to be beneath them and unseemly for warriors. This may be useful, she thought to herself. Even if the humans aren't outright slaves, I doubt the lizards reward them well.


Meanwhile, Tyrone had joined the escort and was waiting for Alexia. "What a delightful, sandy pisshole. I already feel like I need a shower," she remarked disdainfully. She was a big city girl who liked posh things. "Back in the Core, there are so many hippies and romantic fools who won't cease prattling about how we should learn from 'noble savages' and return to nature. I bet they'd be cured of their delusions after spending an hour over here. Probably right before being eaten."


As they exited the ship and stepped onto the surface of stifflingly hot and dry Karakorum, they could see that they were not alone, for a welcoming commitee Kraal had assembled. The warriors were big, muscular and heavily armed. They were led by Warlord Saal of Clan Yogir, the leader of the lizardmen the party had fought on Gromas.

 

[Ylva Wolfsbane]

The Valkyrie and the lizard continued their talk about the Imperator, which made Ylva realise that her family and the Kraal had similar beliefs. She was raised to be strongest of the bunch, was put on trials of strength against her siblings to prove herself and gain the family sword. It was all about strength and respect. From their discussion, Ylva's curiousity about the leader has grown and grown, however she also could see that the young lizard thought highly about their leader, so his words could very well be exaggerated. She wanted to see for herself, test his strength in a battlefield. A smile formed on her lips.

Ahem. Before she got ahead of herself, she reminded herself that she had things to do. The two arrived to the armory and saw the Twi'lek, who already gathered everyone. She didn't impress her that much physically, but she was efficient at following orders, which the Valkyrie appreciated. Regardless, she informed them about the Kraal and the possibility of Code Metal, without giving too much information as the young lizard was still around. Once that was done, the voice of the pilot could be heard once more, who informed them that they landed.

Moving towards the exit with the rest of the gang to join Enyo and the others, Ylva had the chance to look at the "view", what a view it was. She had to agree with the redhead. Hot, dry weather. Sand. Humans who were cowardly running around and doing things. What a sorry sight, she thought. It pissed her off. What pissed her off the most was the young lizard's smug remarks, though. Confidence was a good thing and could be used, it was just a personal thing that she found the lizard's smile irritating. Enyo's response was enough to make it vanish, though so she didn't add anything else. From the distance, she sensed movement.

"Excellent." She said annoyedly as she saw the same "leader" from before, who didn't even bother to join the challenge, coming towards their way, accompanied by heavy armed and armored warriors. "Our welcoming committee is coming."

[member="Enyo Typhos"] [member="Amara Zarides"]

 

[Amara Zarides]

[member="Enyo Typhos"] [member="Ylva Wolfsbane"]

Alexia glanced at Tyrone. “So many people are stupid,” was all she said in reply. It was a pretty universal truth to her. People wasted what few skills they had in idleness, ignorance or indolence. Like her sister there was a shockingly small proportion of the galaxy she respected or considered useful.
“We will wait for our opportunity and then slip away to scout. How long does your cloak last?”

Mönkhbat did not sound overly concerned. “As should be, heh heh,” he said, but did shut up. He’d learned quickly that not being noticed by Enyo or especially Ylva was wise.

Warlord Saal walked forward with his crew of Kraal behind him. Others had come to join.
“You are here, and swiftly too. You seek to meet the Great Imperator? Then come. Your ship will not be touched unless you prove dishonourable.”

He didn’t care how many people or weapons Enyo brought. They were on Karakorum along with literally tens of thousands of warriors near at hand. He left some of his lizards to guard the ship, though they seemed to be Unproven, as no Proven would do such an ignoble task.

Sarakar Spaceport was a vast but ramshackle collection of landing pads, buildings and beings stretching miles in every directions across a plain. However, to the south side was a large mesa. That would be their destination.

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Amara Zarides"], [member="Ylva Wolfsbane"]


"About an hour. Less so if I have to run. And lighten up a bit, will you. We get to deceive and lie to a whole new group of people." Tyrone was considerably less stoic than the clone pair. Still, she wrinkled her nose slightly at the smells that wafted through the air. These lizardmen were truly disgusting creatures. An expression of distaste crossed her features.


"Once we've faded away, we can start our investigation by hitting up the dregs of society here. Their tongues loosen once their superiors are looking the other way and they've been compelled with shinies and baubles." The cyborg had worked for Cor-Sec and the mafia. Sometimes both at the same time. This gave her a practical attitude.


Meanwhile Enyo was greeted by Warlord Saal, with Ylva at her side. The Terminatrix had brought her own 'honour guard'. "Yes," she spoke flatly. "Take me to your leader." It probably escaped the Cyborg that said line was an awful cliché. "Word is that dangerous, giant beasts lurk in the desert. I reckon we'll have to kill some," she added to Ylva in what passed for a conversational tone as they were led past the ramshackle collection of buildings and landing pads. Here and there, one came across colossal statues. These tended to be of a martial theme.


One displayed a huge warlord wielding a massive hammer, crushing his enemies beneath his boot. He wore armour that was clearly modelled after Mandalorian beskar'gam, right down to the T-shaped visor. Enyo wondered whether this might be of greater significance. Had the Kraal had contact with the Mandalorians in the past? She also could not help reflect on the fact that the present-day Mandalorians were the exact opposite of triumphant conquerors.


A hot, dry wind blew fiercely over the sandy dunes, causing a choking column of dust to rise into the air like a shroud. The sound of the wind whistling could be heard, along with warriors marching and a multitude of beings going about their business. They passed what could be clearly identified as a slave market. It featured a variety of sentient beings of both genders and various species held in shackles and offered for sale. Kraal made biddings, though here and there fights broke out.

 

[Ylva Wolfsbane]

"That's good news. Perhaps they can put up a fight, yeah?" She said as an answer to Enyo with the same conversational tone, her last sentence being totally not about their welcoming committee. After all, these Kraal didn't deserve her respect. The Warlord muttered something as response, probably nothing good, yet nonetheless Ylva moved on, after a cold gaze upon him and his guards. Even though she really wanted to just punch one of them, or all if she felt like more, in the face, she was ordered not to and at least they were being useful and bringing them to the one she was really curious about. Following the group and passing by the buildings, they came across several statues. All had a similar theme, war and dominance. A lizard cutting the head of the enemy in front, an armored soldier breaking the sword of his enemy... so on and so on.

"Oh hey. That one looks like someone I met while I was still a mercenary." She pointed out the perhaps the biggest of the statues they came across, ignoring the existence of the Kraal in front of them. "Despite his size and that huge armor, the guy was a real softie. Talked about how he was misunderstood and that he was peaceful in nature. Hell, he spoke like a poet instead of a soldier. And guess what, he was the first to die in the mission. Couldn't even protect himself and took a shot right in the face. A weakling even in death." A laugh followed right after that. "I guess they are famous here, huh."

Meanwhile, they arrived to not only a very dusty and dry, but also a very loud area. Great. Upon further inspection, this looked like a slave market. People and creatures inside cages. The Kraal shouting and bidding. Weaklings. The Valkyrie thought they deserved such treatment if they couldn't break their own shackles. Her family had several slaves too, they were given jobs in kitchen, construction and stables. A maid in her home was the daughter of a very famous warrior in another house. She was captured in a raid and was offered to fight alongside the family, yet she declined. For her bravery and fire, the family saw her use and re-educated her to become a very faithful maid instead. The ones who weren't useful in any way were sacrificed to the Goddess.

[member="Enyo Typhos"] [member="Amara Zarides"]

 

[Amara Zarides]

[member="Enyo Typhos"] [member="Ylva Wolfsbane"]

“Deception is not enjoyable for its own sake, it is merely necessary,” Alexia said piously.

Their chance came swiftly as they passed a slave market. In the flurry of dust and activity, Tyrone and Alexia were able to slip off to one side and vanished. Their absence was not noted. The Kraal were not especially disciplined at the best of times, though they made up for it with a very healthy dose of brutality.

The slaves were a pitiable lot. Since the Kraal lacked the mammalian obsession for copulation, they clearly preferred their slaves strong and vigorous, though the occasional waif female would be sold as an amusement. There were some off world buyers here too, and they were happy to take the young and pretty ones.

Alexia eyed the slaves with disdain. Her views followed Ylva for the most part here. She knew her ‘twin’ would have tried to free the huddled masses, but their weakness would be useful.
Into the small helmet mic she gave instructions to Tyrone.

“Into the market. Pretend to be buyers. We can scout around.”

Meanwhile, Warlord Saal led them to the mesa’s foot. From there it was a steep ascent, and clearly the Kraal were seeing if Enyo and her team could keep up the rapid pace uphill in the heat. Little did they know who they were dealing with.

At the top of the mesa was a large amphitheatre like structure, with Kraal looking down. At the centre of them was the Imperator himself. The Kraal was dressed all in black armour and sat on his throne as still as a statue. He made no comment or sign at their approach, but Enyo would feel his presence in the Force. It was strong and yet…odd. Distorted.

“Great Imperator, I bring these emissaries before you. They proved themselves in battle and requested an audience.”

The Imperator said but one word. “Speak.”

 

[Enyo Typhos]

[member="Amara Zarides"], [member="Ylva Wolfsbane"]


Tyrone rolled her eyes. "You two are wound up so tightly. Enjoy your job a little." Enyo had an excuse because she was a robot and incapable of enjoying herself. Alexia was not, though she sometimes acted a bit like one. Both could also use better fashion advice. At least this was the Cyborg's opinion.


So the pair wandered into the slave market. Poor unfortunate souls were on display, reduced to pieces of meat sold to the highest bidder. Most of them had the muscle to serve as heavy labourers, though the occasional young waif had been added to the roster. A few offworlders scoured the market, descending upon the pitiable merchandise like carrion.


The ex Cor-Sec agent did not feel much in terms of sympathy. She'd broken up slaver rings, but had also worked for one. She gave Alexia a curt nod. "Get in-character. Make a show out of eyeing the merchandise," she advised. In truth, she had no desire to take a slave to her bed and copulate. Who knew where they'd been. What are the odds she'll catch Syphilis and make a veneral diseases doctor very wealthy, she thought to herself when she saw a Zabrak female feel up a Togruta slave and play with the alien's head tentacles.


"You, human, want slaves," a lizardman growled. Tyrone had to resist the urge to crinkle her nose, for he smelt. She felt like suggesting mouth wash and deodorant. She reckoned he was one of the Unproven, since guarding helpless slaves did not seem like something a true warrior would consider worh. Non-Kraal seemed to be handling the bureaucratic aspects of transaction. It made her wonder how many mundane but vital details escaped the attention of the higherups because they considered such matters beneath them.


"Yes, I need a couple workers for a mine. They better be strong and healthy. I don't buy faulty merchandise. And a slave or two to work in the household and keep me warm at night. Those can be a bit willful. I like breaking them in," she spoke haughtily.

xxx


Finally, they faced the Imperator. He was clad in a suit of obsidian armour and his face was void of emotion. An aura of the Force surrounded him, shrouding him like a cloak. It felt powerful...but strange. Not tainted, but distorted. She had trouble getting a read on him, as if there was an obfuscating fog around him. Still, Enyo was difficult to impress. She was interested though.


"I am Enyo Typhos, Warlord of the Iron Fist Consortium, a group of mighty warriors," she spoke. She was not one for fancy titles, but she liked 'Warlord'. It sounded strong, yet straightforward. "Your people know my twin, Siobhan Kerrigan," having said that she unsealed her helmet, exposing her face.


"'I seek an agreement with your people and the services of some of your warriors. I can provide booty and glorious battles for them to fight in. I also have advanced technology that could benefit your armies. This is Ylva Wolfsbane, one of my champions, a strong warrior and huntress."