Post by EmperorMyric on Mar 22, 2021 15:09:12 GMT
Celefra Imperial Palace: Capitol Space
The palace was mostly silent, the sounds of the electronics and the occasional servant making their way through the halls were all that could be heard even through the relatively thin ornate doors that separated Inara from the outside areas. It was night, and despite the light glow of the city of Celefra outside the palace windows the main source of illumination was the holographic display that sat in a dull red, constantly updating in front of Inara.
She wore mere Pyjamas, curled up on a rather comfy couch as she nursed a cup of hot caffeine, her eyes were that of someone who had not slept and her thoughts tormented her. Her dreams had been getting worse as of late, sometimes it was better to suffer in reality than to face them in sleep. The holographic was an ever scrolling display, constantly giving figures and reports of Rubikon and also the Crucible as her forces and those of her allies fought off the massive assault by the AGA and its associates. Every ship death, damage report, injured crewman and order came through this relay, giving Inara an ever present report of the battle at hand. It both calmed her and also fuelled her pain.
She shook slightly, anxiety flowed through her as she felt the prickle of pain course through her body. At her side she had her sword laid across the couch, no matter how hard she tried she could not get rid of it. It had become apparent that the gift Toxin had given her was a trap all along, but its fangs were too deep and Inara had bigger things to worry about.
She sipped the caffeine again as a slew of ship losses cascaded down the screen, likely some sort of allied barrage or ambush of some kind. She sighed wiping her brow, the tiredness was immense but the haunted dreams felt just at the edge of consciousness, Inara would not risk such horrors tonight.
“Have you become so weak as to let the foe gain an upper hand? I had such high hopes for you Inara…” came the familiar voice of Toxin inside Inaras mind, another slew of destroyed APP ships filling the report screen. Inara grimaced, she felt anger.
“If you hadn’t hamstringed me maybe I would be doing a much better job” She replied with venom. Toxin seemed to squirm in Inaras mind, causing her to grunt in pain.
“I gave you everything you could have dreamed of, I even gave you your wife back. And you think I hamstringed you? That sword will keep you alive what it does to your mind will help you later on in this war…”
“Forgive me if I think that is utter bullshit. I have done everything I can, this war is going as it is intended to go. These battles will decide which way it swings. And never think that I owe you for bringing Alaca back to me, I know your kind and I do not trust you for a second” Inara growled.
“How ironic, you were so eager to accept my help, my touch and my power before this all started, are you having cold feet? There is no backing out now Inara, only cowards withdraw” Toxin hissed. Inara shook her head.
“Cowards do not talk to others face to face, what, don’t trust speaking to me in person? Afraid I will try to strike you down demon of an undead host?” Inara taunted with a smile.
“You are a fool. You know for certain that you could never hope to fight me mentally or physically. But it is not that which I do not talk to you in person. Matters have occurred which force me to keep my distance, for your own safety.” Toxin replied, totally serious. Inara confused raised an eyebrow, it was a strange sensation talking to herself.
“My safety? What do you mean?”
“I am being hunted. While I can be reborn as many times as needed you cannot be.”
“Hunted?” Inara burst out laughing, she thought she could even detect a hint of fear in Toxins tone, relishing it she decided she would hit home “I thought you were an all-powerful demi-god? One that leads legions of undead ancient horrors and power beyond imagining? Or am I wrong? Did I place my faith in a mere puppeteer and false prophet?” She chuckled as she mused. Toxin sent a powerful jab of pain into Inaras head, causing her to drop her caffeine and wince with a shout of discomfort.
“Do not talk to me in such a way. You understand little of the situation and the less you know the better. We have already been conversing for far too long you stupid women” Toxin growled.
“Then answer me this before you run away. Who or what is hunting you?” Inara asked aloud, but she received no answer from Toxin, the pain and presence of the Draken commander seemed to ebb entirely from Inaras mind, even the touch of the sword beside her felt like a distant memory.
But she was answered none the less.
“By me”
Inara jumped off the couch, the green glow and the darkness now engulfing the room caused her to grab the sword anyway, unsheathing it and letting its sentience come alive with rage and hunger. Before her however, was the demon who had ordered her father to his death, and who had warned her at the diplomatic meeting with Admiral Hargun. Sotek.
“It has been sometime, Empress Inara of Capitol” He sneered, stepping forwards in his imposing armour. However he did not carry a weapon. Looking down at the sword she carried he laughed “No need to try and use it, I am not here to kill you. I would prefer that you didn’t do something stupid and then me having to kill you, your death would seriously upset a lot of people and future potentials”
Inara growled “Why the fuck are you here? If you are not here to kill me then what did you come for? I know you aid the allies, I know you turned your back on the likes of the Draconian and I know that you were once a Draken commander yourself. You are a serpent who spreads lies and betrayal, leave now before I call my aids to strike you down”
Sotek merely shrugged “I mean, you’re not wrong. However calling for anyone isn’t going to do anything, we have around 20 minutes before your dear friend Toxin breaks through my barriers. I had to keep her out you see, otherwise she would twist your mind. You feel it don’t you? The darkness draining away, I suspect you haven’t felt this good in months” He grinned. Inara scowled, but… He was right, she felt great. She felt physically powerful again, she felt healthy, and her mind was as sharp as ever.
“What do you want?” She asked, sheathing the sword, the sentience inside screaming in rage that it had not been fed blood. Sotek stepped over and sat down on one of the seats, hilariously small for something his size he looked like an adult at a child’s tea party.
“I’m here to offer you some advice and a deal, seeing as you didn’t take it at the diplomatic meeting I thought I would bide my time, and wait until you have had a taste first hand at what Toxin was doing to you. Your right I was one of them once, but now I am not. Did you know that they are failing to gain a foothold in the golden expanse? Imagine that, the great Draken legions falling to the likes of me, the A’Zores and many others repeatedly. I am only here on errands because of a lull in their incursions, amusing is it not? That the masters you work for are not as omnipotent as you thought”
“I am well aware of what she was and is doing to me.” Inara retorted causing Sotek to smile. But she had no come back for the other information he had stated. She knew he wasn’t lying, he had no reason to and she herself had seen less and less of Toxin and Draken support over the months almost like they were focusing more and more on their own problems. Her own feeling also told her this was not a ploy. Maybe… there was a chance to break free of their control after all. “You know I need to thank you” Inara began trying to suddenly change direction.
“Oh? And why is that? For not striking your head from your shoulders like the allies would want?” Sotek mused. His burning red and yellow inhuman eyes looking up and down Inaras form.
“No. For leading my father to his death, without your action I would never have saved this nation and these people and my father would still be running this empire into the ground” Inara replied relaxing slightly as she sat back down. Sotek laughed, the fire atop his helmet burning a tiny bit brighter.
“I honestly didn’t expect a thank you, but then you amuse and surprise me, and I like that. Your father was a tool with which to accomplish a task nothing more. The benefit to you and your people that came after was merely a by-product. I am here because you can make a difference Inara, the allies hate you yes and your stance in this war is rapidly falling apart. I can’t change that, but I can help you get rid of your patrons and indirectly help your peoples future”
Inara ignored the first statement and frowned slightly at the mention of her stance falling apart but she didn’t rise to the bait “You mean getting rid of the Draken? Toxin has bought my wife back to life, given me technology and personally protects me. I feel like it will be far harder than just asking her to politely leave?”
“How observant of you” Sotek waved his gauntleted hand at the sarcasm “I am not asking you to do it this instant. However when this war is through and done the Draken plan to use the chaos to strike, Toxin will almost certainly crush you totally and use you as a puppet to make Capitol dance to her tune. I want you to stand with the galaxies inhabitants against the storm, I want you to take whatever is left of your APP and I want you to be the bulwark against the dark tide. If you promise me that, I will stand with you against Toxin, I will help you to destroy her foothold inside your mind. You will have to sacrifice much Inara possibly far more than you ever have. But the choice is yours”
“You want me to use my own people as the first line against the Draken? Are you insane? I would be throwing them to die like wheat against the harvest, if I lose this war there will be nothing left of me or Capitol anyway. Why should I sacrifice my people and my life for the galaxy at large?” Inara responded aggressively, she was angry at such a statement. How dare a twisted demon demand that she lay down her people’s lives for those she was inherently fighting?
“Redemption” Sotek grinned. Feeling the word hit Inara like lightning.
“What?” the statement caused her to flinch.
“I may be insane Empress of Capitol, but I see more clearly than you. I know all you have ever wanted was to help your people and take your place in the galaxy, to be respected. If you lose or even win this war you will be hated by many that is already the case and I know you are well aware and prepared for that, but. If you take what is left and you fight with fervour against the very thing you pledged to aid in defiance and work alongside the galaxies forces you may earn redemption in the eyes of both neutrals and your enemies alike. Your people will help hold back the darkness, and can then stand tall and proudly that they did their part. They will earn respect and adoration from even those who once fought you and will give a foundation for building what is left of your nation after” Sotek explained. Inara still was not convinced.
“And why would I do that?” She asked.
“To give a blank slate of a nation who can start over again to your daughter” Sotek smirked. Inaras face dropped and she went dead silent.
“That is what you wish for right?”
Inara seemed to exhale and deflate, looking immensely tired all of a sudden. Nodding she looked down then back up at Sotek “Yes that is what I wish for. I wish for her to be able to lead this nation into a new age, untainted by the actions of my father and me, untainted by the hate of the galaxy and able to push through social reforms the like of which I could never do in my position…”
“Then do what I say, and I will be there to help you. I too am seeking redemption, I know I will never find it but I can help those who seek it and deserve it. Put contingencies in place, plan your methods and hide them from Toxin. Steel yourself against her, and when the time comes be prepared to sacrifice all you know in order to defeat her. Do I have your agreement?” Sotek asked, he stood up towering over her as he held out a huge gauntlet. Inara looked down again before nodding and standing up. She shook his hand.
“I trust you, but do not lie to me or go back on your promise. Or I will find you” Inara replied suddenly stern. Sotek smiled and nodded. And before her very eyes rapidly disappeared. Inara sighed and fell back to her seat as she suddenly felt the energy that had enveloped her and protected her from Toxin disappeared.
Almost instantly the door to the room was pushed in by the large form of the Emerald Sword Bob, followed by four of her Hydra guard, looking around with near inhuman speed.
“What happened, you disappeared from the palace for approximately 15 minutes and 42 seconds. This door was near totally barred as were all entrances to this place. Are you well and unharmed?” Bob asked with his trademark weapon already drawn and ready his imposing armour already intimidating. Inara shook her head.
“Don’t fret, it was one of my powerful allies wanting a private moment, they tend to take me to a strange place to talk but I am fine and unharmed” She smiled. Bob seemed to relax his stance and merely nodded but stood looking around the room at the ready. She knew he wouldn’t leave her side now for some time. She relaxed but felt the ever present pain of Toxin start to creep back into her mind.
No doubt the creature would want to know why Inara had suddenly disconnected from her.
Inara smiled. She had hope, while she was playing with powers well beyond her, she knew that the future of her daughter would be enough to see her through.
The palace was mostly silent, the sounds of the electronics and the occasional servant making their way through the halls were all that could be heard even through the relatively thin ornate doors that separated Inara from the outside areas. It was night, and despite the light glow of the city of Celefra outside the palace windows the main source of illumination was the holographic display that sat in a dull red, constantly updating in front of Inara.
She wore mere Pyjamas, curled up on a rather comfy couch as she nursed a cup of hot caffeine, her eyes were that of someone who had not slept and her thoughts tormented her. Her dreams had been getting worse as of late, sometimes it was better to suffer in reality than to face them in sleep. The holographic was an ever scrolling display, constantly giving figures and reports of Rubikon and also the Crucible as her forces and those of her allies fought off the massive assault by the AGA and its associates. Every ship death, damage report, injured crewman and order came through this relay, giving Inara an ever present report of the battle at hand. It both calmed her and also fuelled her pain.
She shook slightly, anxiety flowed through her as she felt the prickle of pain course through her body. At her side she had her sword laid across the couch, no matter how hard she tried she could not get rid of it. It had become apparent that the gift Toxin had given her was a trap all along, but its fangs were too deep and Inara had bigger things to worry about.
She sipped the caffeine again as a slew of ship losses cascaded down the screen, likely some sort of allied barrage or ambush of some kind. She sighed wiping her brow, the tiredness was immense but the haunted dreams felt just at the edge of consciousness, Inara would not risk such horrors tonight.
“Have you become so weak as to let the foe gain an upper hand? I had such high hopes for you Inara…” came the familiar voice of Toxin inside Inaras mind, another slew of destroyed APP ships filling the report screen. Inara grimaced, she felt anger.
“If you hadn’t hamstringed me maybe I would be doing a much better job” She replied with venom. Toxin seemed to squirm in Inaras mind, causing her to grunt in pain.
“I gave you everything you could have dreamed of, I even gave you your wife back. And you think I hamstringed you? That sword will keep you alive what it does to your mind will help you later on in this war…”
“Forgive me if I think that is utter bullshit. I have done everything I can, this war is going as it is intended to go. These battles will decide which way it swings. And never think that I owe you for bringing Alaca back to me, I know your kind and I do not trust you for a second” Inara growled.
“How ironic, you were so eager to accept my help, my touch and my power before this all started, are you having cold feet? There is no backing out now Inara, only cowards withdraw” Toxin hissed. Inara shook her head.
“Cowards do not talk to others face to face, what, don’t trust speaking to me in person? Afraid I will try to strike you down demon of an undead host?” Inara taunted with a smile.
“You are a fool. You know for certain that you could never hope to fight me mentally or physically. But it is not that which I do not talk to you in person. Matters have occurred which force me to keep my distance, for your own safety.” Toxin replied, totally serious. Inara confused raised an eyebrow, it was a strange sensation talking to herself.
“My safety? What do you mean?”
“I am being hunted. While I can be reborn as many times as needed you cannot be.”
“Hunted?” Inara burst out laughing, she thought she could even detect a hint of fear in Toxins tone, relishing it she decided she would hit home “I thought you were an all-powerful demi-god? One that leads legions of undead ancient horrors and power beyond imagining? Or am I wrong? Did I place my faith in a mere puppeteer and false prophet?” She chuckled as she mused. Toxin sent a powerful jab of pain into Inaras head, causing her to drop her caffeine and wince with a shout of discomfort.
“Do not talk to me in such a way. You understand little of the situation and the less you know the better. We have already been conversing for far too long you stupid women” Toxin growled.
“Then answer me this before you run away. Who or what is hunting you?” Inara asked aloud, but she received no answer from Toxin, the pain and presence of the Draken commander seemed to ebb entirely from Inaras mind, even the touch of the sword beside her felt like a distant memory.
But she was answered none the less.
“By me”
Inara jumped off the couch, the green glow and the darkness now engulfing the room caused her to grab the sword anyway, unsheathing it and letting its sentience come alive with rage and hunger. Before her however, was the demon who had ordered her father to his death, and who had warned her at the diplomatic meeting with Admiral Hargun. Sotek.
“It has been sometime, Empress Inara of Capitol” He sneered, stepping forwards in his imposing armour. However he did not carry a weapon. Looking down at the sword she carried he laughed “No need to try and use it, I am not here to kill you. I would prefer that you didn’t do something stupid and then me having to kill you, your death would seriously upset a lot of people and future potentials”
Inara growled “Why the fuck are you here? If you are not here to kill me then what did you come for? I know you aid the allies, I know you turned your back on the likes of the Draconian and I know that you were once a Draken commander yourself. You are a serpent who spreads lies and betrayal, leave now before I call my aids to strike you down”
Sotek merely shrugged “I mean, you’re not wrong. However calling for anyone isn’t going to do anything, we have around 20 minutes before your dear friend Toxin breaks through my barriers. I had to keep her out you see, otherwise she would twist your mind. You feel it don’t you? The darkness draining away, I suspect you haven’t felt this good in months” He grinned. Inara scowled, but… He was right, she felt great. She felt physically powerful again, she felt healthy, and her mind was as sharp as ever.
“What do you want?” She asked, sheathing the sword, the sentience inside screaming in rage that it had not been fed blood. Sotek stepped over and sat down on one of the seats, hilariously small for something his size he looked like an adult at a child’s tea party.
“I’m here to offer you some advice and a deal, seeing as you didn’t take it at the diplomatic meeting I thought I would bide my time, and wait until you have had a taste first hand at what Toxin was doing to you. Your right I was one of them once, but now I am not. Did you know that they are failing to gain a foothold in the golden expanse? Imagine that, the great Draken legions falling to the likes of me, the A’Zores and many others repeatedly. I am only here on errands because of a lull in their incursions, amusing is it not? That the masters you work for are not as omnipotent as you thought”
“I am well aware of what she was and is doing to me.” Inara retorted causing Sotek to smile. But she had no come back for the other information he had stated. She knew he wasn’t lying, he had no reason to and she herself had seen less and less of Toxin and Draken support over the months almost like they were focusing more and more on their own problems. Her own feeling also told her this was not a ploy. Maybe… there was a chance to break free of their control after all. “You know I need to thank you” Inara began trying to suddenly change direction.
“Oh? And why is that? For not striking your head from your shoulders like the allies would want?” Sotek mused. His burning red and yellow inhuman eyes looking up and down Inaras form.
“No. For leading my father to his death, without your action I would never have saved this nation and these people and my father would still be running this empire into the ground” Inara replied relaxing slightly as she sat back down. Sotek laughed, the fire atop his helmet burning a tiny bit brighter.
“I honestly didn’t expect a thank you, but then you amuse and surprise me, and I like that. Your father was a tool with which to accomplish a task nothing more. The benefit to you and your people that came after was merely a by-product. I am here because you can make a difference Inara, the allies hate you yes and your stance in this war is rapidly falling apart. I can’t change that, but I can help you get rid of your patrons and indirectly help your peoples future”
Inara ignored the first statement and frowned slightly at the mention of her stance falling apart but she didn’t rise to the bait “You mean getting rid of the Draken? Toxin has bought my wife back to life, given me technology and personally protects me. I feel like it will be far harder than just asking her to politely leave?”
“How observant of you” Sotek waved his gauntleted hand at the sarcasm “I am not asking you to do it this instant. However when this war is through and done the Draken plan to use the chaos to strike, Toxin will almost certainly crush you totally and use you as a puppet to make Capitol dance to her tune. I want you to stand with the galaxies inhabitants against the storm, I want you to take whatever is left of your APP and I want you to be the bulwark against the dark tide. If you promise me that, I will stand with you against Toxin, I will help you to destroy her foothold inside your mind. You will have to sacrifice much Inara possibly far more than you ever have. But the choice is yours”
“You want me to use my own people as the first line against the Draken? Are you insane? I would be throwing them to die like wheat against the harvest, if I lose this war there will be nothing left of me or Capitol anyway. Why should I sacrifice my people and my life for the galaxy at large?” Inara responded aggressively, she was angry at such a statement. How dare a twisted demon demand that she lay down her people’s lives for those she was inherently fighting?
“Redemption” Sotek grinned. Feeling the word hit Inara like lightning.
“What?” the statement caused her to flinch.
“I may be insane Empress of Capitol, but I see more clearly than you. I know all you have ever wanted was to help your people and take your place in the galaxy, to be respected. If you lose or even win this war you will be hated by many that is already the case and I know you are well aware and prepared for that, but. If you take what is left and you fight with fervour against the very thing you pledged to aid in defiance and work alongside the galaxies forces you may earn redemption in the eyes of both neutrals and your enemies alike. Your people will help hold back the darkness, and can then stand tall and proudly that they did their part. They will earn respect and adoration from even those who once fought you and will give a foundation for building what is left of your nation after” Sotek explained. Inara still was not convinced.
“And why would I do that?” She asked.
“To give a blank slate of a nation who can start over again to your daughter” Sotek smirked. Inaras face dropped and she went dead silent.
“That is what you wish for right?”
Inara seemed to exhale and deflate, looking immensely tired all of a sudden. Nodding she looked down then back up at Sotek “Yes that is what I wish for. I wish for her to be able to lead this nation into a new age, untainted by the actions of my father and me, untainted by the hate of the galaxy and able to push through social reforms the like of which I could never do in my position…”
“Then do what I say, and I will be there to help you. I too am seeking redemption, I know I will never find it but I can help those who seek it and deserve it. Put contingencies in place, plan your methods and hide them from Toxin. Steel yourself against her, and when the time comes be prepared to sacrifice all you know in order to defeat her. Do I have your agreement?” Sotek asked, he stood up towering over her as he held out a huge gauntlet. Inara looked down again before nodding and standing up. She shook his hand.
“I trust you, but do not lie to me or go back on your promise. Or I will find you” Inara replied suddenly stern. Sotek smiled and nodded. And before her very eyes rapidly disappeared. Inara sighed and fell back to her seat as she suddenly felt the energy that had enveloped her and protected her from Toxin disappeared.
Almost instantly the door to the room was pushed in by the large form of the Emerald Sword Bob, followed by four of her Hydra guard, looking around with near inhuman speed.
“What happened, you disappeared from the palace for approximately 15 minutes and 42 seconds. This door was near totally barred as were all entrances to this place. Are you well and unharmed?” Bob asked with his trademark weapon already drawn and ready his imposing armour already intimidating. Inara shook her head.
“Don’t fret, it was one of my powerful allies wanting a private moment, they tend to take me to a strange place to talk but I am fine and unharmed” She smiled. Bob seemed to relax his stance and merely nodded but stood looking around the room at the ready. She knew he wouldn’t leave her side now for some time. She relaxed but felt the ever present pain of Toxin start to creep back into her mind.
No doubt the creature would want to know why Inara had suddenly disconnected from her.
Inara smiled. She had hope, while she was playing with powers well beyond her, she knew that the future of her daughter would be enough to see her through.