The Hapes Cluster

[Anastasia Faust]

Anna enjoys the foreign luxury of her quarters. Though they were pleasant, she prefered simpler surroundings and more spartan comforts. Still, roles such as hers demanded she play the part of the rich heiress for people to take her seriously. Naturally cautious, she examines the room and various decorations, finding two bugs and spycams and leaving them be, admitting them to be the rules of the game.

 

The ones in her bathroom and shower however (concealed behind a mirror and in the shower head itself), were smashed indignantly under her shoe.

 

*****

 

The next day at Breakfast, Anastasia dresses herself up as impressively as she can, drawing out her feminine features with her make up and dress. Her in the Hapes Cluster her role as a woman could not be underscored. For her escort, Anastasia choses one of the elites. Admittedly not the brightest of the bunch, he was both the biggest and most charismatic looking, which suited her needs just fine. Besides, he was nice and sociable underneath his training, which made Anna more relaxed around him.

 

She took a seat directly across from Phillep on the opposite side of the table. Her smile was pleasant and cordial, but the distance between two was intentional as well. Her blue eyes remain locked on Phillep the whole time, looking as if they were looking into or through the admiral, and carrying on a conversation of their own.

 

"Good morning admiral," she began with a seated courtsie, "and thank you for meeting with me." Helping herself to breakfast, Anastasia begins by jumping right into the heart of the matter. "I'm sure my reputation proceeds me by now. I wish it were Vladimir here today making the overtures for peace, but he chose a different path and paid for it. Violence and brutality never solve anything and I believe that extends to governance as well..." She waits, hoping she wasn't pressing her host too far. "I know the Alliance is less than happy about your movement here, but you are a sovereign power, as was the Hapes cluster. I believe that disputes among such powers can be settled reasonably. I am proposing the following since I believe a complete Imperial withdrawl will not be doable:

 

A guarantee of rights and liberties for people in this cluster as it was prior to the invasion to prevent exploitation of the citizens of the Hapes Cluster.

 

The resumption of the government under its old form by the queen.

 

In exchange, I ask the republic to accept your occupation here, guaranteeing tax revenues, control on foreign policy, and the demilitarization of the cluster. Forces may remain for strictly policing duties."

 

This whole time, Faust's eyes never leave Phillep and that sense of mental reading and sparing increases. "I'm not being unreasonable here. The Alliance may be sleeping now, but if it awakes, it may not devistate you, or the Alliance, but those caught in the middle, which works to the benefit of neither party. I am appealing to your sensibilities and reason for my proposal..."

 

Anastasia breaks off, having set the discussion. Now it would be up to Phillep.

[Capt. Phillep]

Phillep was not upset nor annoyed at Faust's conscious decision, such actions were politics, and he clasped his hands within one another as he listened to her greetings and the introductory statement about governance, to which he offered on a slight chuckle towards the use of violence and brutality and their relation to governance.

 

Phillep used the momentary silence to position himself more comfortably and with his own steely eyes stare back, his hacking cough taking hold as a rush of anger overwhelmed his senses temporarily, once regaining his composure by drinking from the collection of assorted juices and removing the excess with a silk napkin. All the while, her lips continued their trek and he only half-listened, or appeared to only half-listened.

 

"Surely, Anastasia, do you mind if I call you Anastasia?" Phillep asked before continuing, "You cannot ask me to return the Militant Feminist Regime, why must I forsake the rights of men in a weak state when I can use the impetus of my Expansion to bring them out of the kitchen and into the civilized world? Bring them the freedoms enjoyed elsewhere across the Galaxy."

 

He took a momentary pause, as if processing a list of supplies, before continuing, "As for the rights and liberties of people in this Cluster... I have done nothing to tarnish their freedoms, all the Empire has done is drive them to equality. Surely, you have no qualms with gender equality?"

 

Phillep then managed a smile, "Furthermore, the Republic... holds no sway here. Any governing body outside of the Hutt Overlords or the Cluster-proper authorities was non-existant before my arrival. I saw an opportunity to bring these people out of the darkness of their barbarity and into a new world... a larger world. An Empire. I have Enlightened them with modern technology, with the benefits that only I could bring them... including Religion and Faith."

 

The last portion had not been publicized, at least not yet, for Phillep's intentions had not been truly declared, "I have given them a true leader, a fair and just government and I have given them... the desire to succeed, to advance, and a new reason to rejoin the Galaxy."

 

Phillep was boastful and then he set his eyes on the Alliance man by her side, "The vaunted Alliance may claim to offer these ideas, but they have suceeded now in conquering the Galaxy and they sit upon it's center dragging their feet... I am humored how you could in fact be related to a man, who while using cruelty and despair, was so capable of inciting change and rallying a galaxy against him. Despite his faults, your brother, was a man worthy of admiration, both for his prowess as a Hunter and for his skills at Deception."

 

Phillep straightened his collar, coughed, covering his mouth, "Excuse me, I have fallen prey to a most dastardly viral infection."

[Anastasia Faust]

Faust continues to stare at Phillep, her blue eyes unblinking. There is a stirring inside as the Admiral's last statement is digested, illiciting a small, quiet and very sad smile.

 

"Vladimir has done a lot in his life time," she states softly. "But, being of good conscience and with the goals I have in mind, I am forced to denounce him and his brutal acts."

 

Slowly the introspective look withdraws, and Anastasia speaks again.

 

"I will have to concede the point on Gender equality," Anastasia admits. "Still, perhaps there might be less... coercive means of achieving it?"

 

Once again the eyes lock and she continues. "Your occupation has achieved a certain... recognition and reputation. Even if it would uphold those liberties, the... perception of them might be used by hawks on the Alliance. I realize that the Imperial is a military power," she states, holding up one hand, "but militancy need not equate to belligerancy, which is an ill of all governments. Some show of faith on your part, some guesture of sympathy and kindness, with the galaxy's eyes on us could go a long way."

[Capt. Phillep]

His cough racks on, intermittently throughout her counter-argument and Phillep's expression once more changes to that of contemplation, "Less coercive means, you say? I have no intentions of ruling this planet like a Despot, contrary to the Leftist Propaganda Anastasia, the Empire is not full of savage, brutal, blood-frenzied beasts."

 

Phillep's eyes return to focus on her icy blue spheres and he ponders something, "Perhaps if the Alliance gave me a reason to show some sympathy, you have a travelled a long way to attempt to sway my mind, Ms. Faust. I am both reasonable and with my senses in the right place, I, like you, am an Idealist. I believe that I can change this Galaxy for the better... and I am aware of my reputation as a crazed fascist, militant despot, immoral beast, and a terribly cruel man. However, I live unaffected by my infamy, for I view it as a means to effect change. Your brother held this power, Lord Ar-Pharazon held this power, Lord Geki held this power, Lord Whyl of the Hutt Clan and Lord Daisaku of the Black Sun each held this power."

 

He paused, "The fact of the matter is... Fear is an immediate form of submission and a stagnant government requires the iron fist before it can rise to something. If these acts, though for the good of all, are seen as acts of evil in the short-run... then I do apologize for their misconception, but not for committing them."

 

Coughing and now clearing his throat, "My intentions here where to rule until Order is once more restored and the Guerilla forces are reorganized into a standing army. This army, though utilizing Imperial weapons and Imperial training will be self-sufficient and sovereign. I only ask a shared culture and a new openness to the Imperial Remnant via trade routes and economic might. Once this is accomplished, a democratic regime was to take effect... if necessary, a Constitutional Monarchy. If the Alliance truly felt it necessary to act before the Empire offered the Cluster salvation, then the stagnant beast would have acted. If it felt the need to oppose my actions, it would have acted. And my very presence is not allowed on Coruscant... despite my much desired attempt to attend Vladimir's funeral."

 

His grey eyes focused intently on Anastasia's blue orbs, again, My how they resemble his... if it were not for a few distinctly feminine features and the excessive make-up, I'd barely be able to tell the difference.

[Anastasia Faust]

"Your admiralship," Anastasia states bluntly in response to Phillep's first comment. "Fear is useful in the short run, and a reputation of it may get someone so far, but in the end, it is destined to fail." She remembers back to a history book she had read that dealt exactly with this argument- Correlli's symposium on the Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire. "Fear has a flaw in it. Even fear as the Sith see it, and bear in mind that when Palpatine founded the Empire, it was on Sith principles. Fear, when secuding someone to the dark side, inspires anger, and hatred, even while it forces others you subjegate into cowering. You, by making yourself ultimately hated, empower your enemies. I believe that Palpatine never saw that link. After Alderaan, the galaxy's opinion turned against him completely."

 

Her voice takes on a sly tone, as if she's just considered something. "It's much harder, but convince the populace to love and respect you is an even more complete trap if you wish to look at it that way. The act of being loved gives rulers a greater leway in their actions. Consider the argument as short term versus long term, though love and respect, unlike fear, must be earned." She gives a deep, pause, her own anger rising to the surface. "As for my brother," she states in a thick and emotional voice. "He used fear and it made him proud, too proud. He paid for his mistake with his life... and I have to live with the consequences of never having to see him again..."

 

There is a long pause as her tearful words echo through the room.

 

Having spoken her peace, she considers his offer, returning to a more calm, rational voice. "A constitutional monarchy would be acceptable I hope. Assuming it meets certain standards, I believe it will appease hawks on both sides." She gives a whinsome, smile, fluttering her long eyelashes. "Yes, I believe that would be most acceptable." She smiles and looks up at the Alliance elite standing beside her, smiling and eliciting a blush from him. Dimly she also wonders if she did overplay her femininity in these negotiations. Still, this being the Hapes Cluster it was probably for the best... Well, it'd be someone to work on next time.

 

"Then, shall I bring back word of a new Constitution here?"

[Capt. Phillep]

"Yes, Palpatine's failures were quite saddening, but I... am a different man and my intentions are more... complete."

 

He said with a smile, needing no further reason to elaborate, "As for a new Constitution, you may indeed and I shall send a patron of mine in my stead, Coruscant is not the most hospitable location for an Admiral of the Imperium. The Alliance is no longer welcome here, however, as I am not a fool. Already they trespass on my dominions, any further encroachment and my civility and patience shall be wholesomely extinguished. Do warn them of this."

 

He rose from the table, "Now, if you'll excuse me, my men will be most eager to escort you to your vessel, I will remain here to oversee the peaceful exchange of power and develop some greater intricacies. Enjoy a very safe trip and I offer my condolences for your brother, despite his flaws, he was a man with a semblance of Honor and a most respected and rightfully-feared man, you'd do well to accept those flaws and on occassion relish in his passion."

 

Phillep exited the Solarium and completed a checklist, which he offered to an Aide and the orders were explicitly carried out.

 

-------------------------------

 

He entered the large Queen's suite and extended several rugs in the center of the floor and he began to focus his lust for power, his greed and his darkness even as his body racked with new sores that opened and bubbled to the surface...

[Anastasia Faust]

Letting the Alliance soldier lead her out by the arm, Anna courtsies to the Admiral and exits the room, satisfied with how things went, her blue eyes glinting accordingly.

 

Outside, she throws herself around the elite and gives him a big hug. "We did it!" she squeals, laughing. "I can't believe it! We got a negotiation through!" She squeezes him tight and after a life of hard work, nearly crushes him in her embrace. "This will be on holonet! We can make this peace process thing work! Thank you for your help!" She gives a small tear, and after all is said and done, kisses the man on the cheek.

 

A short time later, Anastasia and her entourage bid the Hapes Cluster farewell, vanishing into space.

[Capt. Phillep]

Within the dimly lit confines of the room, Phillep pokes into the energy field of the Force with what little knowledge he has, the Empire's Force-sensitive Troopers are barely capable of anything more than the physical manipulations which are beyond pointless to his needs... instead, Phillep seeks to find a short road to the Force's higher powers and here he sits in meditation.

 

His darkness, years of it, of experimenting, of twisting, of manipulating, of killing all resurface and strike out at his body as he attempts to harness this latent poison in an infection that results in his cough, loud, hoarse coughs that rack his entire frame and result in blood exiting his throat and spilling over his uniform in lieu with mucus and bile. He extends his hands and calls to these dark abilities and his vision adapts to that of the Force... the energy field shimmering about him and striking in loud vibrations from all corners assaulting his inner sanctum with despair, plague and death.

 

His pulls tightly about the cloak that protects him from the cold marble floors and attempts to relish in the warmth before the bone-chilling cold of his newfound darkness begins to shape him...

[Aisling FarDarrig]

A ship enters the Hapes cluster, and heads for one of the planets...

[Capt. Phillep]

A small flight wing of Tie Defenders flew out on an intercept course and surrounded the indescript ship.

 

Unidentified vessel, identify yourself and prepare to land at these coordinates.

 

The mechanical voice of the Tie Pilot cut the comm short.

 

-------------------------

 

Phillep rose from his dark meditations and looked upon a mirror, his face was free of visible scarring which was important, as he rose and began walking towards the Hangar Bay.

[Aisling FarDarrig]

Aisling stepped out of her ship and stood in the hanger... looking around at some angry looking guys with big guns... wonder if they are over compensating for their short commings... she thought to herself.

 

The Hapes woman was dressed in tight black form fitting pants with heeled black boots that reached her knee, and a backless shirt that tied around the neck with a plunging neck line... Her long almost black hair hung down her back... and she saw an attractive man in a uniform heading her way... and put her hands on her hips till he arrived...

 

When he stopped in front of her, she hauled off and slapped him... "what is the meaning of this....???"

[Capt. Phillep]

The Admiral's eyes glared at her as she struck him with her hand, "While I'm inclined to take you upstairs and eviscerate you, personally, I believe you'll be better suited to more desirable needs."

 

Despite his lack of training, he could sense the Force bubble around her, by being thrust so rapidly into the Force by the Chaos God, his powers were coming forth almost exponentially... He brought his hand and ran the length of her jaw with his index finger. "Such defined features, how long have you been away? The Cluster is under the fist of the Empire, now."

 

He motioned for her to follow, "I'd recommend you do as I say... you may just find it rewarding."

[Aisling FarDarrig]

Aisling looked at this man, and stood there a moment before responding... "I have just returned from an extended vacation on Ithor... I have been away for quite some time... "

 

The man started to walk away, and she didn't like his attitude one bit... she didn't follow a man... she grew angry with him, and huffed... folding her arms over his chest... suddenly, Phillip was shoved forward slightly... but enough to take him off balance... he looked behind him, but the woman was still standing in the same spot he had left her...

 

"Why did you detain me and what is it you want? I demand you release me and my ship... and what is this about the Empire ruling the Hapes cluster... ?"

 

She threw her hair over her shoulder and stood there... if he wanted her somewhere... he would have to force her cause she was not moving...

[Capt. Phillep]

Phillep swallowed hard as he stumbled forward, slightly surprised, he turned with an angered look scribbled all over his face... "Who the hell do you think you are, girl? Are you bloody daft? Do you know who I AM?!"

 

At that point, Phillep's egocentrism heightened his indignation, "I AM THE BLOODY ADMIRAL OF THE IMPERIAL FLEET! MY MEN HAVE ASSAULTED THIS PLACE AND CAPTURED IT! ALL OF THE WOMEN ARE BEING ENSLAVED!" When he coughed, he could feel wounds opening underneath his clothing fibers and blood trickling from them as more of Nurgle's mutation began to take effect with his fury.

 

A hacking cough erupted in his breath, startling those who looked upon the Admiral, by the time he recovered, he stood tall and looked back upon the men, "Go about your bloody business, this wench is mine."

 

He set his eyes on the arrogance of the young woman, "The Imperial Navy has invaded this place. The Hutts have been slaughtered and run off to parts unknown. The entire Cluster is under Imperial Control... your Queen has been assasinated and revolution assured. Your men have taken over, no longer condemned to the ranks of Hair Dressers, Cooks and Metrosexuality. In turn, the women have been returned to their rightful place, kitchens in their underwear for sex. The Femi-Nazis have been toppled and slaughtered."

 

As Phillep's rants ended he clasped his hands behind his back, "Effectively, you're my prisoner... my personal slave, thus... your ship is to be impounded indefinitely." A stun blaster is offered to him and he looks at her, "Again... I ask you, follow willingly or I may have to be... more persuasive."

[Aisling FarDarrig]

Aisling stood there and listened to the man rant on for a bit... it was so like a mere man to have a tantrum... she decided it best to leave her stature in life quiet for the moment. But she was not going to follow a man... "Prisoner my ass... you can have a lum and a smile and shut the hell up... "

 

She stood her ground, and stared at the man... he was not unattractive... but still just a man...

[Capt. Phillep]

He laughed excessively, with that odd tone that only maddening evil geniuses have that starts deep from the pit of your torso and increases in decibel level until you run out of breath, his eyes... shining with a bit of insanity. His clean-shaven expression turned upon her, his fingers tapping at the bottom of his chin as she looked at her and held the blaster up-right.

 

"Let me take a guess... Noble blood, eh?" He asked with sarcasm dripping in his tone, she was attractive, he'd give her that... and would do great when she got the gist of his... needs.

 

"Don't answer that, it screams from your stance." He looked at the soldier to her left and immediately he cracked her with the butt of his rifle in the rear of the skull. Her limp body collapsed onto the floor and Phillep smiled... "Return to patrols."

 

He dragged her body up to his suite... his instruments already prepared upon his bed when he arrived; amongst them, a large needle containing a muscle relaxant, another needle containing pure adrenaline, several psycho-active drugs in numerous needles and vials, scalpals, blood vials, a neural suppressor collar, electromagnetic bindings (handcuffs), and several feet of tanned leather and chains.

 

He took the adrenaline needle and exposed her breast, placing the neural suppressor about her neck and activating it, before plunging the long needle into her heart and jump-starting it... she would awaken instantaneously and find her desire to run numbed.

[Aisling FarDarrig]

Suddenly, Aisling felt a sharp pain in the back of her neck, and fell to the floor... Blackness took her .....

 

Suddenly... she felt a sharp pain in her chest, and her eyes snapped open... still dazed and her eyes blurred, she made out the man from the hanger... but she was no longer in the hanger...

 

She moved her hand to slap him.. and it never connected... he grabbed it before it struck his face...

 

"Release me... you have no idea who I am..." she touched her neck and felt the collar...

[Capt. Phillep]

He held it, firmly, applying a subtle pressure upon it... that given his strange genetic structure and newfound Force ability began to bruise her soft, white skin. His mouth widened into the smile of a twisted sadist... "I told you down in the Hangar... I make the rules now. You are nothing but a whore to me... and I will treat you as such."

 

The scalpal fell in his hands and his piercing grey eyes stared down at her's, "Now... what do you think I'd do with this?" The imperceptibly sharp blade glinted out of the corner of her eye as he traced with his finger, the blade held like an artist's brush in his hand... his little finger tracing along her exposed waist. He set the thin blade against her soft skin and began to trace along it... crimson seeping from the opening.

 

He was bent over, his hand still holding her erratic arms, while his other hand occupied itself with cutting along her stomach...

 

"Tell me, how does that feel?"

[Aisling FarDarrig]

She cried out in pain as he cut her... and tried to pull away... "you are insane... let me go." She was so sluggish, and could not pull away, the pain was intense... she saw the blood and could only watch as he cut her...

 

In pain and angry that a man was touching her... she cried out again, and something pushed him away from her... and he suddenly let go and stumbled back a few feet...

 

She backed away from him as far as she could... holding her hand over her stomach... blood dripping as she tried to get away from him...

[Capt. Phillep]

He smirked with his scalpal in his hands, the droplets of blood hanging off the corusca-gem powdered blade, as he licked them with her eyes flailing about wildly. "There is something beautiful about the taste of blood... rejuvenating. You really should try it... every person's blood has a select taste to it, almost like aged wine."

 

He stood to his full height and towered over the frightened woman, the electromagnetic binding came into his hands and he brought his weight upon her legs, binding them together. "I bet you feel defiled... you have no idea what's in store for you."

 

With her legs bound together, Phillep set down atop her hips and sat down, his scalpal dancing between his fingers. He set it down and began to cut lower... deeper... towards her womanhood. Beginning to cut into the tight form fitting pants exposing her undergarments. While she could barely resist... as the blood began to exit in thin droplets.

 

His maniacal glee heightened as he began to taste more of her blood... he bent down and began to lap hungrily at the crimson as it frothed out of her body...

[Ki Vastor]

The transport arrived at the Hapan Cluster, landing outside the Palace grounds on a landing pad they had created by destruction. As soon as Ki saw the palace she had a flash, an image of it as if seen from very low to the ground. She mentally shook her head, the feeling of deja vou overcoming her only in her mind's eye there was no destruction. She followed the scientists and soldiers as they were escorted into the palace. Ki's eyes hardening as she saw the state of destruction as they went. It was obvious the place had been taken by force.

 

One of the 'broken' servants, a young tear stained girl being manhandled by a couple of soldiers, caught Ki's eye. The girl did a double take, her eyes widening as she saw her. Before Ki could even think of saying anything to help her, the girl was dragged away. She had stopped walking as she stared after them, wanting to do something as her inner anger built only to be pushed by one of the escorts to keep moving. She glared at him, her bearing unconsciously straightening as she looked down on the soldier. The look she gave him making his expression alter, knowing the look of authority, though torn by his duty.

 

Ki was escorted through a courtyard then, again a flash coming to her of other times. She could see in her minds eye, two young girls playing around the fountain. The two were obviously related by their shared appearance, both happily playing and giggling at something or other. Aisy *giggles* look at this... A childs voice floated in the air before reality kicked in once more as they reached the other side of the Courtyard, heading to the guest quarters.

 

She was shown into a room and told that the Admiral was busy and would see her when he was ready.

[Capt. Phillep]

It had been quite some time that the Admiral and the Hapan woman had been trapped in the room... and well... it was no hard guess to assume what had been occuring for several days now. In any case, the attendant approached and signalled Ms. Vastor to go ahead and enter the uppermost Penthouse.

 

The Admiral was... waiting.

[Ki Vastor]

Ki looked at the attendant nodding her head but wondering about the inflictions used. She'd left her bag on the bed, checking her attire and adjusting her brassier underneath her vest before following the attendant to the upper penthouse.

 

All through the walk there, Ki took in the damage, the missing holoframes along the walls, the blood stains on the floors. The fighting had been fierce all throughout the palace. The closer they got to the penthouse, the louder the screams that she heard echoing throught the Palace corridors. Someone was being beaten by the sounds of it.

 

Ki shuddered as a feeling went through her... she remembered that kind of screaming... she would never forget that kind of scream... it was the screams of someone being violated... abused. It was what had happened to Ki as a young girl and it had been what had hardened her heart to all and what had forced her to make a living from now selling her body to the highest bidder.

 

The attendant left her outside the door, the screams loudest behind it. Her mind was working overtime wondering what she was getting herself into, what was happening behind those doors. Ki didn't know if it was the Admiral himself violating some poor girl, or if it were his men doing it and he watching. She thought then too, from the rumour she had heard upon her arrival, that since the Admiral had been locked up with a young woman for days as they stated, he would be too spent to want her services... and wondered what he would actually want her for if that was the case...

[The Black Sun Armada]

A transmission is sent to the Hapes Imperial base.

 

"This message is for Phillep. We have received reports of his activities against a woman known as Ki Vastor. She is the former fiance of Kabal Daisaku and eternally under the protection of Captain Piccolo. Please inform us if you have her in custody, we have received very disturbing reports of what is happening to her. The Black Sun will react violently if these reports are confirmed. Do not forget the Empire's betrayals of the Black Sun under Emperor Cineon. The Empire is deeply indebted to the Black Sun."

[Capt. Phillep]

The Empire's indefinite number of lackeys stumbled upon this message within the Palace's Command Post. The head of the lackeys, a young Commander, strode up to the Imperial bedchambers and knocked, alerting a rather engrossed security staff.

 

The message was taken by the Security staff to a rather displeased Admiral before it was relayed and given the proper response. It was not Phillep's voice but it would be sufficient...

[Aisling FarDarrig]

Aisling's nightmares continued, but her fitfulness slowed... her fever continued to rise, and her breathing became more and more shallow... Annula grew more and more concerned.

 

Getting up and heading back to the room of the Admiral, she knocked on the door... Sir, I think you need to come quick... the child is gravely ill... the Queen needs medical attention...

[Ki Vastor]

Ki was out of breath, letting the water cleanse her. She'd never felt such pleasure and her confusion was evident, that Phillip had made her feel that way, that she'd be willing to do anything for him to feel it again. She had in the heat of the moment effectively given her will to him - something she had sworn she would not do. She closed her eyes, what have I done? Ki wasn't feeling well, the room was spinning. She turned the water off, grabbing for a towel and wrapping it around her before staggering to the room where he was dressing. Seeing how weak she still was, Phillip ordered two of the servants to see her to her rooms and to have another help her dress. They moved to either side of her, making sure she didn't fall as they guided her to her rooms. They were respectful of her, treating her gently, being that Phillip had broken her to his will. There had also been rumours of Ki being related to Aisling... the servants that had seen her brought in had looked twice to make sure they were not seeing things.

 

Once there Ki gasped, seeing the clothing laid out on the bed. The Royal Hapan colors of blue, silver and cream in the form of a beautiful dress and cloak. The intricate patterns on each panel of the silver dress left her awe struck. The royal blue cloak was trimmed with cream and lay next to the dress on the bed. Silver colored shoes were on the floor.

 

She sat on the bed, her fatigue closing in and still feeling very ill was about to lie down when another servant came in to assist her to dress. Tressa introduced herself with a curtsy and indicated that the others could now leave them, she would see to her mistress. She waited until they had gone, closing the doors behind them before she turned back to Ki. She gave her a very curious look, having heard the horrific screams coming from the Queens Royal Chambers and now seeing the wound on her arm. She had heard that Ki had been sent into the room and had also heard what had happened to Aisling. The look she gave Ki went unnoticed by the near delirious girl.

 

As Ki sat on the bed, her vision blurring and her head spinning, Tressa pulled her up to remove the towel to dress her, Ki collapsing back to it, now with not much energy to spare, Nurgle's blood fatiguing her as well as making her ill. She helped to place on Ki's undergarments, a sharp intake of breath coming from her as she saw the Royal Tattoo.

 

”œOh my dear Ki”¦ what have they done to you?”

[Aisling FarDarrig]

While Annula went to speak with Capt. Phillep, a servant girl came in and placed Aisling's traveling cloak around her. The royal blue with silver trim would keep her warm during her journey...

 

Aisling fussed a moment, and the girl held a cool rag to her head... One last thing before the servant girl left her, she placed a ring on Aisling's finger... a beautiful gold and jeweled ring showing the hapian royal family crest embossed with jems...

[Capt. Phillep]

With the regal pomp and circumstance complete...specifically, as they were women, it was a miracle, Phillep's own men hadn't already stolen all of the Hapian Crown Jewels but such was the power of the feeble mind. To strike and hide and struggle for something that benefits them less so than the progress he was bringing the Hapian race. "Such fools..." he muttered under his breath as Annula came in and continued her rant, "Yes, I understand. Shut up... make sure she's ready to travel, we have a long journey."

 

Several of his men, dragged the weak noble heirs to the Crown to a Transport vessel, where they lay protected by a small number of Phillep's Royal Guard (Armored Spliced 'Doshan Commandos with force-pikes). The vessel left the atmosphere of Hapes as more of the convoluted Royal family was executed behind them.

 

The ship was sent heading for Vjun, to meet with Lord Nurgle...

[Lieutenant Macleod]

Macleod hopped into his ship and entered hyperspace.