Isotope

Era of Succession(Closed)

Ye, the RP was going so fast a months absence turned out to be a LOT of IC.

I can add you back roughly where you were.

Era of Succession(Closed)

The Imperial Palace, Bushu, Musashi System, The Musashi Empire

Following the conference of the Confederation’s leadership a letter detailing a list of grievances inflicted by Princess Saeko had been sent to the Emperor of Musashi. The letter had made its way to him during a session of court and he had decided to view its contents then and there. A few moments later he had dismissed the court and locked himself away in his throne room. The court had increasingly attributed this sort of behavior to a coming storm, many officials choosing now was the time to find something urgent to personally attend to outside of the palace. And the further from the palace the better.

A court official had been sent to the Confederation embassy with instructions to bring the Confederate ambassador to the Imperial court so they could discuss in person these so called grievances. At the same time Princess Saeko had been summoned. It was thus that Woolsey and Saeko found themselves standing side by side, looking up at where the Emperor was seated atop his throne.

“I have heard that you feel slighted by my niece.” The Emperor said as he looked down at Woolsey, his tone conveying the annoyance his masked face couldn’t. “I shall grant you the opportunity to word your grievances now. Speak.”

Bowing deeply and apparently unconcerned with Saeko’s presence Woolsey did as he was bid, “Of course your Imperial Majesty. In accordance with my role as the legal representative of the whole of the people of the Confederation, I shall convey to you those elements of your nieces behaviour to which they have taken exception.”

His attention focused on the Emperor alone Woolsey continued, “To begin, in our recent negotiations your niece unequivocally stated that the Confederation and its people are in large part responsible for your Empires impending invasion of the Second Imperium. The Confederation takes this opportunity to refute the validity of these accusations and convey to you, on whose behalf such statements were made, that it finds the notion of its culpability for the sovereign actions of another state thoroughly offensive.”

“Furthermore,” Woolsey paused only momentarily for breath, “Mere moments after her preceding transgression your niece proposed a defensive pact between our two states, but while doing so showed unveiled contempt through her reluctance and demeanor. By doing so it is perceived that she disrespected the representative, and by extension the people of, the Confederation. As such the Confederation wishes to state that if the representatives of your Imperial Majesty and the Empire cannot treat negotiations with the Confederation as negotiations with an equal state, they will cease.”

“Lastly, the Confederation expresses its willingness to see the slights inflicted by your niece as mere signs of inexperience. However, the Confederation also expresses its disappointment that a novice statesperson was assigned to act as the representative for your Imperial Majesty in such high level negotiations. As such it must be stated that if the Empire of Musashi is unwilling to treat its negotiations with the Confederation as serious and demanding care, they will cease.” With that Woolsey fell silent and still, not for a moment expressing his uncertainty given the Emperors seemingly poor disposition.

For a moment the Emperor simply stared at Woolsey, almost statuesque in how he didn’t move. Finally however he rose from his throne and began to descend the many steps that raised it above the rest of the room. “I have heard your grievances” The Emperor stated. “You speak of my niece’s inexperience, but you forget one thing. Experience is of secondary importance.” The very tips of Saeko’s lips began to turn upwards as the Emperor spoke. “Of greater importance is her status as my relative.” By this point he had reached the bottom of the stairs and was standing in front of Woolsey and Saeko and it only now became clear how much of a giant the Emperor was, standing just short of being head and shoulders over Woolsey. “I sent her as a sign of how important I felt the matter was. And in return you spit in my face.” He sounded truly disgusted. “There is but one who stands above her and that is me.” He seemed content to simply tower over Woolsey for a moment before continuing.

“And what have you to say about his accusations?” He turned to Saeko.

Saeko couldn’t quite keep a triumphant look out of her eyes as she began “I simply stated that our actions were in part caused by our recent war with-”

“Enough.” The Emperor’s voice seemed to boom. Saeko’s mouth snapped shut and the color drained from her face.

“I sent her to your embassy with one purpose” The Emperor said as he turned back to Woolsey. “To ensure that you would remain neutral as we dealt with the Second Imperium. Speak honestly and do not hold back. Did she put this objective at risk with her behavior?”

The reaction of the Emperor was near enough to make Woolsey cringe, but he remained unflinching. Looking to the Emperor and Saeko he answered, “Had the Princess Saeko never even come to offer us a defensive treaty, the position of the Confederation would have remained the same in regards to our neutrality. We will abide by the peace treaty we signed and honour its intent, that has not changed. However as a result of the Princesses transgressions, even with the gesture of her presence in mind, the attitude of my government towards Musashi has changed markedly. As a result I am obliged to inform you that the Confederation officially declines her offer of a defensive treaty.”

“I wouldn’t have even offered a defensive treaty had Yuki not insisted that-” Saeko blurted out, only for her sentence to be cut off as one of the Emperor’s hands shot out with startling speed and clenched her throat.

“Do not blame Yuki for your own mistakes. It is unbecoming child.” The Emperor’s calm tone contrasted starkly with the hand clenching Saeko’s throat. “If you did not agree with her advice you should have simply disregarded it.” His hand clamped down on her throat as he lifted her into the air with the one arm. “I gave you but one objective” He snarled, “and you put that at risk. You decided that your own agenda was more important than mine. I assure you that is not the case.”

Saeko gasped for air as tears streamed down her cheeks. A few times it appeared that she would bring her hands up to try and claw away at the Emperor’s grasp of her throat, but she somehow remained rational enough to keep them at her side.

“This is my Empire!” The Emperor shouted as he drew her close. “Not your plaything. You would do well to remember that.” He released his grip on Saeko’s throat, dropping her to the floor.

“My…. apologies” Saeko managed between gasps for breath as she prostrated herself on the ground before the Emperor. “It… will not… happen again.”

“Ensure that it doesn’t.” He said as he turned his back to her and began to ascend the steps back to his throne. “I tire of these games you, your brother, and cousin insist on playing.” He said as he reached the throne and settled back into it. “Tell them that the next time this occurs I shall not be so forgiving.”

The Emperor paused for a moment before turning his head towards Woosley. “Tell your masters that I desire no conflict with them. I shall not point my sword at them so long as they do not point their own at me.” He seemed to ponder something before adding “I shall pay for the materials needed to build your embassy here as an apology for the way my niece impugned upon your master’s honor. Is there anything else you need to address while in my presence?”

Woolsey was still somewhat pale from what he’d just witnessed when he looked back to the Emperor. To see a man threaten his own blood in such a manner, and before a foreign dignitary? Woolsey had thought he’d seen the underbelly of politics in his time, but this was unlike anything he had conceived of. He’d not dared to interfere though, even as he feared his actions would again cause a life to be extinguished; it was not his place even if he desperately wanted the power for it to be. Finally he spoke with as much poise as he could manage, “You have the gratitude of the Confederation for the gesture Your Imperial Majesty. As an affirmation of our mutual commitment to peace, and in the hopes of reconciliation after this unfortunate happening, if it is your wish we could codify such commitment in an agreement of non aggression if nothing more. Only if such is your desire of course.”

“If such a document is prepared I will personally grace it with my signature” The Emperor answered, suddenly sounding exhausted. He seemed to have slumped in his throne, seeming almost on the verge of sleep. “You may leave now” He said with a lazy gesture. “Both of you.”

“Thank you for speaking with me heika” Saeko said before rising from the ground. She spared Woolsey one glance before all but running for the door, pausing only to put her mask on before slipping out of the throne room.

Woolsey gave another deep bow, “It was a great honour, your Imperial Majesty.” Turning to leave he grasped the mask that had been prepared for him and looked down in shock to see his hand shaking. Saeko’s glance had been poisoned, and he feared it would overwhelm him. As he fled the room holding his arms close to still them he began to wonder if Musashi was at all the place he’d imagined it to be.

“Saeko-denka!” A man said as he approached with purpose. He wore no mask, implying that he was the lowest ranked individual in the palace, or at the very least this section of the palace. Saeko turned towards the man and he suddenly flew backwards as if he’d been struck by a car. Several of the Imperial guards tensed, seeming about to draw their katanas or level their rifles at Saeko, but immediately reverted to their guard stances. The man, from somewhere down the hall, let out a long groan before climbing to his feat.

“I appreciate the learning experience” Saeko said as she turned towards Woolsey. She carefully kept her tone neutral. “I shall take it to heart.” She didn’t wait to hear his response, instead turning and making her way down the hall. The poor servant she had thrown like a ragdoll with her psionic powers rushing to catch up with her.

“Well that was interesting.” A woman said as she approached Woolsey. She removed her mask as she neared, clearly not phased at the thought of Woolsey or the Imperial guards viewing her face. “What caused that?”

Woolsey hesitated, “I… I would say that was the result of an official reprimand quite foreign to me. I’d be overstepping my bounds to elaborate though, I am a stranger in the halls after all.” Stopping momentarily Woolsey collected himself just enough to remember basic etiquette, “I don’t believe we’ve met though, I am ambassador Steve Woolsey, chief diplomat of the Confederation to Musashi. Would it be too much to ask your name?”

“Of course not” The woman said with a warm smile. “I am Xaio Xiang. And before you ask, less my uncle is the minister of the interior, but that’s where my importance ends.” She winked at Woolsey. “Not many get to speak to the Emperor. Especially of late. In fact… you may be the only foreigner who ever has or ever will speak to Yamamoto-heika. You should be honored.”

Woolsey smiled wryly slightly under his mask, an honor was it? He took a moment to take stock of Xiang and replied, “It was an experience I will not soon forget, and an honor that I will take to heart.”

“Well it pleases me to hear that.” Xiang replied. “I for one fear that I will never have that honor myself.” Something in her tone implied that that wasn’t such a terrible thing. She smiled again as she said “I hope to see you again after the completion of your country’s embassy Woolsey-dono. Have a good day.” She rendered a bow before putting on her mask and turning to leave.

Woolsey scratched his head and spoke simply, “And to you as well.” Something about the woman said she was, or expected to be, a great deal more than one whose importance ended at a family relation. He shook his head and made a note of her name before turning to leave himself. The Cabinet would be pleased, if not horrified, by the way things had resolved. They had gotten what they wanted, and now they would push for more.

Era of Succession(Closed)

Embassy of the Sovereign Star Confederation, Bushu,
Musashi System, Empire of Musashi

As James walked into the office of Ambassador Woolsey. James smiled and took of his Dominion officer cap and held it in between his arms.
As he gave a quick look around the room everything was nice and tidy. “Good evening Ambassador Woolsey, I’m so glad we have this opportunity to chat. I’m Executis James Conrad, though James is fine.” Jame then began to walk closer to the ambassador desk. “I’m here to allay any fears you or the Confederation may have about our conquest of Earth as well as the soon to be invasion of the 2nd Imperium.”

Woolsey carefully removed and folded a pair of reading glasses before tucking them into a desk drawer along with the document he’d been reading. Looking up at James he questioned, “Are you now Executis? I must admit I had expected something more significant than a simple reassurance when you set this appointment. Still, I’d be remiss in my duties if I dismissed what you had to say. Do take a seat and make your case.”

As James smile began to fade he took a seat he then set his hat on his side of the desk before continuing “Well Ambassador, the Dominion would like to offer the confederation a place on our mutual homeworld of Earth if they’d be interested we believe Europe would be a fair setting aside from Italy as that is the one true capital of the Imperium and would be kept under Dominion control. The Dominion would also like to offer a defensive pact or if you’d prefer a pact of non-aggression. That way the Confederation would have nothing to worry about.” James smiled once more and did another glance around “Do you happen to have some water. I’m a bit thirsty.”

Woolsey gestured to a small pitcher and glass set to his right, “An interesting offer Executis, and one I can pitch to my government on your behalf. That said, you are aware the Confederation does not deify Earth like some governments? Certainly we recognize its worth as the cultural heritage of mankind, but unlike the Dominion we gain nothing by possessing some piece of it. Beyond even that though, I fear your offer may well be insufficient. Just short of half my government's member states do not claim Europe as the birthplace of their culture, and are certain to be quite perplexed by this sudden move from your Dominion.”

As Woolsey spoke James had poured himself a drink before having a sip and setting it down on the table. “Why would this come as a surprise to the people of the Confederation. I’m sure you know we’ve already made contact with the Musashi,Remnant and of course the Varangians. The Dominion simply wishes to open diplomatic ties with all of the closer nations, especially those with ties to Earth or the Former Imperium. Though if the Confederation wouldn’t like Earth perhaps there’s something in my power or the Dominions that will allow the confederation something to gain from the deal?” James said raising his eyebrow

“I fear you’ve misunderstood,” Woolsey leaned back in his chair, “I mean your offer of Europe would be a strange one, given many within the Confederation have no cultural ties to that region. As for your attempts to open dialogue, yes those were expected, but do not mistake this conversation as a sign of alacrity towards the issue from my government. The Confederation is well aware of your government's moral transgressions, and we have long condemned Faust for them. I may not be able to make the decision here Executis, but I will tell you with great confidence as a man who once served on the Cabinet, so long as your Dominion condones slavery and conducts the genocide and massacre of non-human sapients the Confederation will never legitimize you through a treaty. You ask if there is any way my government would reconsider, and I tell you that short of Faust and all his cohorts facing trial for the iniquities they have committed there is none.”

James once again smiled. “Perhaps, but at least everyone knows there place within the dominion human or alien. Unlike the false democracy you hide behind one in which anyone can become a power player is as false as our love for aliens.” James then inhaled for a small moment looking woolsey dead in the eyes. “It’s a true shame that you are out here after what happened in the war you are practically thrown out and put into exile when your talents could be used more effectively elsewhere. Wouldn’t you agree ambassador?”

“You make a poor serpent Executis, for your apple is rotten.” Woolsey met James gaze, “I more than accept my circumstances, for I alone am responsible for the choices I have made. You can disparage my government and try feebly to to commiserate with me, but I know what you are and what you have done. Your smile is nothing but a mask and your words nothing but empty promises.” Standing up Woolsey spoke commandingly, “I will forward your offer to my government, but read my lips Executis, this is the last time we will meet. You would be wise to leave of your own volition now, lest I surrender to the temptation to have you dragged out by your collar.”

James gave a small chuckle “I suppose it is getting late.” James then grabbed his hat and stood up “Woolsey, while we may have gotten off on the wrong foot I imagine we’ll speak again.” The room stood silent for a moment before he continued “Don’t take this the wrong way Woolsey, I mean no threats against yourself and am interested to see what the confederation does next. However I fear for you and those within the borders of the confederation if they don’t at least pretend to open up to us I can’t hold back Faust forever.” James then gave a small smile before heading for the door and leaving.

Returning to his chair Woolsey leaned back and fumbled for a small key in his pocket, eventually grabbing hold of it and opening a small bottom drawer. Within he extracted a bottle of whiskey and a glass before pouring himself a rather large drink. Taking a sip he waved to the now empty doorway and muttered, “Au revoir, asshole.”

Era of Succession(Closed)

Paradise Station, Paradise System, Sovereign Star Confederaton

The nineteen podiums of the cabinet chamber were filled, and below them all Steve Woolsey stood on a small platform looking up at the judging countenances of the distinguished cadre to which he’d once belonged. It was a sobering feeling, even if he wasn’t there in the physical sense. Regardless if it looked, even felt real, he reminded himself that this was just an illusion conducted by the many hidden projectors below him. He was still on Bushu, left to his exile.

With a restrained smile Kaela started the session, “Steve, It’s good to see you again. I take it something has already come of your efforts in Musashi?”

“Likewise First Chancellor,” Wooley paused as he caught the momentary glare of his replacement, Richard Ainsworth on Sevaren’s right, but continued unfazed, “I have a number of things to report. Firstly the Embassy nears competition and we expect to open within a matter of days, which puts us on target-.”

With a stifled huff Ainsworth interjected, taking no efforts to hide his contempt, “Surely you’ve not come before the Cabinet to waste our time with trivialities, former Chancellor Woolsey.”

Woolsey remained composed enough, even if he fantasized about slamming the fools head into the table for embarrassing his country. Ainsworth had never been able to put on a mask and carry on, he was a creature of unrestrained emotion and in times of tragedy it was always men like him that people turned to. They could sympathize with him, see their own feelings in his booming speeches. Woolsey couldn’t blame the voters for that, even if it was foolishness to trust a man because he lacked the calm to restrain himself. With a nod Woolsey forged on, “Of course not Chancellor Ainsworth, as I said there were a number of things to report. If it is the Cabinet’s wish I can skip the lesser concerns for the moment?”

With a sigh and a glance at Ainsworth, Kaela nodded, “Perhaps that would be best Woolsey. What is the primary reason for this briefing?”

Woolsey adjusted his tie for a moment, and looked up again, “Very well First Chancellor. The foremost reason for my addressing the Cabinet pertains to a visit I received from the Imperial Princess the other day.”

At that Chancellor Sally Cooper of the Foundry Worlds Alliance, seated to Sevaren’s immediate left, perked up, “The Princess Yuki?”

Woolsey shook his head, “No Chancellor Cooper, to my surprise it was the Princess Saeko. If you’re not familiar with her she is the Emperors niece, and due to the strain caused to Yuki’s reputation by the Laioning Crisis a valid contender for the throne of Muashi.”

Cooper leaned back in her chair and brushed a lock of blond hair out of her eyes, “Interesting, what was Princess Saeko’s objective in this visit?”

Woolsey hesitated, all too aware of how Ainswoth would twist his words, but spoke, “Ostensibly the visit was to offer the Confederation a defensive pact similar to that which the Dominion recently signed with the Empire. However, Princess Saeko only offered this deal begrudgingly and with conditions. You see, the Princess informed me quite explicitly of Musashi’s intent to invade the Second Imperium in concert with the Dominion in a war supposedly aimed at rectifying the refugee issue. She offers the defensive pact only if we deem such an intervention legitimate and refrain from intervention.”

Murmurs filled the room and Ainsworth all but shouted, “Outrageous! They have the audacity to align with the Dominion, embark on a war of aggression, and try to mollify our concerns with table scraps?”

Sandro Espanta, the Iberian Chancellor, rubbed his brow and looked over to Ainsworth, “I have to agree with the British Chancellor, this is unacceptable. Furthermore such a defensive pact offers us nothing, as it stands it is Musashi and not our Confederation that risks reprisal. They declare their intent to assail the most unstable sector of space in the known galaxy, if we accepted their pact we’d only be forced to defend them when their designs backfire.”

Woolsey agreed, though reluctantly, “That was a concern of mine I was to mention Chancellor Espanta. That said, we must be cautious in outright rejecting the proposal. From my brief meeting I can attest to a simple fact, Princess Saeko is not our ally. She showed a thinly veiled scorn in her negotiations that goes beyond simple inexperience and arrogance. I am certain her conduct was at least in part intentional, given she only looks to gain if it appears Princess Yuki’s peace is failing so soon.”

Ainsworth smirked, “Of course she has something to gain, but what does it matter to us? Musashi will never be our ally! We should reject this Saeko’s proposal and openly condemn her actions and conduct. Or are we really going to bend the knee to monarchists who offer us unequal treaties as if they were deigning to do us some favour?”

A number of the Chancellors shared glances, silently debating if the admittedly uncouth statements from Ainsworth had merit. Eventually Sevaren herself spoke, quickly gaining the attention of the room, “Woolsey and Sancho are right in saying the defensive pact offered would be to our detriment. Beyond that it is also clear that Princess Saeko’s behaviour was unacceptable. Yet we cannot bury our heads in the ground and pretend the internal politics of our neighbours have no bearing on us. If this Saeko is not our ally we cannot allow her to gain the throne in Musashi, even more so if it looks like she might favour the Dominion over us.”

Most nodded, even as Ainsworth scowled. Looking over Cooper spoke again, “Perhaps we could refuse their defensive pact and counter with one of non-aggression? As much as it may benefit the Dominion and Muashi’s hawks to be left alone to invade the Second Imperium, we shouldn’t pretend we have any immutable interest in stopping them either. Having the Dominion embroil itself in that quagmire surely serves to lessen the danger posed by Faust no? Beyond that Yuki would suffer less of a hit to her reputation, and we could undermine this Saeko by directing a formal complaint to the Emperor concerning her.”

Ainsworth seemed to be satisfied by that and Sevaren nodded and addressed all the Chancellors, “Very well, all in favour of turning down the proposed defensive pact and renegotiating a non-aggression pact as well as issuing a formal complaint concerning the Princess Saeko’s behaviour, do speak.”

The majority spoke their ayes and Woolsey nodded, “Very well Chancellors, I shall make preparations to do as you say at once.”

With that the room around him disintegrated and he stood in a small grey chamber, isolated from any surveillance. He leaned against the wall and sighed, Ainsworth was a problem that would only grow larger, but at least he could see reason. Even if Woolsey thought an official complaint regarding Saeko was disproportionate, he had to agree it was an acceptable compromise, and one that might lessen the impact the Cabinets decision would have on Yuki.

Standing up and smoothing out his suit Woolsey stepped out of the chamber and prepared for what was certain to be an interesting next few days.

Era of Succession(Closed)

I'll restore you to the map when you post then. Monkey wanted some alterations anyway.

Era of Succession(Closed)

I mean, your number is smaller because of your elongated shape?

Otherwise I never even touched your nation.

Era of Succession(Closed)

@6slyboy6Your size has never changed?

Era of Succession(Closed)

The new map, given Willy and Wernher don't become active and post soon.

There are a number of changes here, so I want EVERYONE to look it over and tell me what they think.

The numbers have been changed.

0. Marks unaffiliated space without any central government.

Era of Succession(Closed)

Ok people, I'd like to talk about the map, specifically where you all are.

First off, before I finish the new draft I'd like everyone who isn't on it to speak up and VERIFY where they want to be.

Second, I think we should remove nations that have had little to no IC interaction and are of limited relevance at the moment (i.e. The Sutherlands). At the moment they're just hogging land, so I think it's fair to remove them after warning their owners via PM.

Lastly, would people be OK with some cosmetic reshaping? Some of the gaps just look a bit silly and I HIGHLY doubt we'll ever end up with nations in them.

Era of Succession(Closed)

Duranin, A Colonial World of The Commonwealth

Her head pounded furiously, each horrid pulse sending shoots of electric agony through her veins. Haggard gasps rose from her throat and she yearned to scream, but every breath only stole air from her burning lungs. She writhed and whimpered as the rain pattered against her cheeks, red blood slowly dripping from her forehead colouring the turbid puddle she rested in a ruddy brown. It seemed an eternity passed every second, but in time the torment lessened, and the feeling of cold air and rain bled through the torture that consumed her senses. The pain washed away with the cold droplets that soaked her, and she stilled as if death had taken her. The release was ecstasy. It was as if she’d escaped the pits of hell as she relished the momentary respite. With a strained motion she brought a muddy hand to her head and brushed the blood caked brown hair from her face. Grimacing she pushed herself up and onto her knees. Her thoughts were hazy and her brain ached, every attempt to remember what had happened only lead to frustration and confusion. Still something dug at her thoughts, it demanded her attention, it was urgent…

She sighed heavily and put it aside. Finally raising the strength to stand, she outstretched her arm to lean on the black brick of the building that rose to her side. Looking down she saw a face in an undisturbed puddle and stopped. Was that… No, something inside her said it couldn’t be, but when she raised a hand up to her own features it removed all doubt. She traced the length of her bleeding lips, the shape of her brow. Before her was something impossible, and yet even as she struggled there was no other face she could recall as her own. A voice inside her cried out, but something smothered it. A cold feeling flooded her, compelling, ordering her to disregard the sight before her, to accept it. She couldn’t. Something was wrong, that face wasn’t hers. It was then the question came, if that wasn’t her, who was she? Frustration, desperation, every time she delved into the fog of her psyche there was emptiness, why was her face wrong, why couldn’t she even recall her own name? She shook her head, something had happened, she was hurt, that’s all this was. She just had to find help, and this was a city wasn’t it? There were sure to be people nearby.

An acrid smell wafted through the alley she stood in and she looked up to see smoke rising from the street behind her. Even in the rain she felt the heat of the vehicle’s burning, flames licking in her direction. Her mind had only begun to register the danger before her body moved, breaking into a run that taxed her aching muscles and aggravated what she imagined were bruises and burns. Bolting out onto the next street she stumbled into a crowd that had formed looking up at the rising cloud of smoke, transfixed by what could only be death and destruction. Slowing slightly she regained control of her muscles and looked back. Behind the fire had spread to a building, and all around she heard voices calling to her with concern. She looked at them with hope and confusion, muttered something about her head, and then felt the hand that clasped her shoulder.

Consciously it only barely registered, but the cold feeling grasped her and again her body acted on its own. She spun around and grabbed something out of her pocket, there was a bang, and the black eyes of a Rhodesian peered at her in horror. Looking down she saw the alien’s blood coving her arm, and a magnetic pistol in her hand. The eyes of the crowd looked on in confusion, and then fear. Screams erupted as the diminutive being before her slumped onto the ground and the throng dispersed, each one calling for the authorities.

She saw the being die by her hand and she heard the screams, but she wasn’t afraid, why was that? She should have been stunned, terrified, incapable in the face of what she’d done. There was none of that. Her hand didn’t shake or tremble, and instinct returned the weapon to the holster she’d taken it from. Her face felt strange, and looking down into the red mirror at her feet she saw a smile forming on the mask that was her features. She was fine, it was everyone else who needed help.

As the rain scoured the blood from her hands so too did the blood scour a veil in her mind. It wasn’t much, but she remembered a place and a trail. Taking off without warning she vanished into another alley, then another, within moments becoming buried in the festering sprawl that was the downtown slums of a rotten city. There would be no following her, and the police would forget about another murder within the week. These were the things she knew, and every step brought something back. How to fire a gun, strangle a man, build a bomb. The uncertainty left her and her smile grew larger still, what was she afraid of? There was nothing she couldn’t kill, and that feeling she’d called cold was the love that told her to do it. It told her where to go, and it told her a secret name, the name of the one who loved her most of all, the Confederation.

With all this returning to her she finally reached the place that the warm feeling had commanded her to. There was no natural light here, under the sprawl of crumbling towers and bridges among a city of tents, but there was a door. She took a card that hung on her neck and held it to the featureless slab of rusted metal, there was a buzz, and the barrier swung open. All around her people either didn’t care, or diverted their eyes. This was a place where a question was a death sentence after all, that she remembered.

She stepped in and the door shut behind her, leaving her in darkness. With a harsh whine a generator started somewhere within and the lights above flickered on and flooded the space. Cold concrete surrounded her, but there was only one way forward. Walking slowly she ran her wet hands against the walls habitually, leaving damp streaks that marked her progress through the tunnel. Eventually there was another door, this one an immaculate white as if in defiance of its decaying surroundings. As she approached a small camera emerged from the doors center, and leaning in she held open a green eye for it scan.

There was no noise to verify the door was open, but with a brush of her hand the barrier slid into the floor. Beyond was a place that assaulted her head with memory, racks of guns and what they were, an ancient computer and how to access the networks it was connected to, and finally a wall of pictures and names. She scanned each one and she knew what she had to do, what she wanted to do. She had a mission didn’t she? Each of those pictures represented a person that had to die, even if she couldn’t remember why that was. She needed only trust that loving embrace she felt when the Rhodesian died, reasons were distractions.

Stripping out of her sodden clothing she laid on the bed and remembered one last thing: her name was Thirteen. Or… No, Thirteen smothered the doubt in her mind and let sleep take her. She only had to trust in the Confederation, and do the job that she relished.

@Ozerath