Blood and Bonds (Mistress Malkite)

[Nimue Stormson]

Treachery was never something to be tolerated on Effekt, as it likely wasn’t anywhere else. The only problem that always comes with claiming treachery is having the proof to defend it. And those who intended to make such grand attempts on the Empress’ authority of power were careful to hide any and all evidence.​

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Recently Lord Woolson, of the kingdom of Qutenar, had begun smaller operations and dealings around his and some of the other kingdoms in what was believed to be a hostile takeover for the Empress’ throne. He’d been gathering different types of information, some relating to her past, while trying to create more deals and bargains that would mean his kingdom gained whatever power remained if she was at the very least disposed. Given what the Empress herself had learned, thanks to the aid of those loyal throughout the kingdoms to inform her of this, it was only certain that Lord Woolson was behind the conspiracy; the other Lords of the other kingdoms’ status unknown for now.​

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As much as Empress Nimue had wanted to act against him she knew there was no real way. Lord Woolson was not only a respected lord of the kingdoms but a clever diplomat and manipulator as well. He was the type to make as many friends and high and low places as possible if it meant having more power behind his back; something Nimue could relate to but never admit. If she’d wanted to stop him while making sure his name was slandered in the process she would need “outside assistance”.​

​

Using her own contacts through her “friends in low places”, the Empress had searched for someone who could deal with the task at hand: stop Lord Woolson by any means while having his name, and the name of his house, slandered for everyone to see. The names of different assassins and hunters had been brought to her, some well-known others not so. Some were even rumored names of those who were said to not even exist. So many to choose yet the Empress knew to be careful about who she’d chose.​

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It was then she’d found the name of one [member="Mistress Malkite"] who, from what she’d learned, was both an assassin and a master of the more “carnal pleasures”. Two skills that made her a perfect choice. With that the Empress sent word, trying to keep it well hidden from any unwanted parties.​

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A message telling her to come as soon as possible while under the cover of another name, for the false purpose of seeing the empress as an emissary for some important company or noble party in the galaxy, with an attached token of pure silver. This, as explained in the message, was but a sample of what she’d be paid if she agreed to see the Empress. After it was sent Nimue had only to wait and hope she would arrive soon, before Lord Woolson would make good on his plans to try and usurp her.​

​

 

[Armand Temi]

It had actually been a few years since Mistress Malkite had taken on an assignment like this. The Pain Parlor on Syvris was not only profitable, it was extremely easy work especially since she had a regular clientele and knew what type of torture they enjoyed. And since The Mistress had a packed full schedule of skin treatments booked, going back and forth to her doctor on Hapes and running her business took up most of her time. A small alarm went off on her datapad. Time to take her medication.

She opened a black leather clutch bag and drew out a small pill case. The red pill was for her "condition." The blue pill was for wrinkles. And the white pill? That would kill her in an instant if she were ever captured.

But soon, she mused, she would need more money for an experimental treatment she had heard about recently - a medical tank much like the TRK-R treatment chamber but one that permanently reversed the aging process. Two things stood in her way. The treatment was still in clinical trials on Coruscant and not available to the galaxy yet and it was also rumored to be astronomically expensive. The second barrier could be easily broken down. She would need patience for the first.

She was to meet Empress [member="Nimue Stormson"] under the alias Cindra Zola. As her shuttle just touched down on Effekt, Mistress Malkite knew that this planet was not as modern as Syvris. But pain was a universal pleasure and The Mistress knew there would be no lack of business opportunities on this less developed world.

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Upon arrival the same customary treatment for all expected guests was given to “Cinder Zola” upon her landing. A handmaiden, a young redheaded girl, accompanied with two guards were there to greet her with a personal speeder to take her from the landing platform to the palace where the Empress waited. They’d help to escort her into the speeder itself, taking any bags or the like she might have brought with her.​

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The little trip through the town was a means of showing the Mistress what sort of planet Effekt was like. Yes the design of their structures was more Nordic and almost basic yet there was an odd blend of some of the more modern looks of the people throughout the galaxy. Same could be said for the integrated technology throughout as well. This was a taste of what the entire planet of Effekt was like. A mix of the old and new together into a stable community.​

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Arriving in the palace itself the handmaiden and guards helped the Mistress out of the speeder and into the main hall. There, at the end of a large carpet that went from the door to the end, was the vacant throne of the Empress of Effekt. The handmaiden explained she was currently at the stables where they would take her.​

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After a what had to be at least ten minutes of walking through the palace they’d come to the other side where an exit went out into the stables and farming area within the palace itself. A personal livestock collection basically. Pigs of great size and chickens and cows and the like were all pended together where they were tended to or being fed by the sevants.​

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Over by the actual stables where the Selipa were kept, six-legged horses’ native to the planet, was the Empress Nimue herself. She, dressed in a more casual outfit of a tunic and leggings, minus her crown, had been brushing the hair of one of the black steeds.​

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Approaching from behind the handmaiden announced “Lady Cinder Zola here to see you, majesty.”​

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The Empress turned, not familiar with the name, before seeing her. One look at the Empress could both figure out for herself and sense that this was [member="Mistress Malkite"] under false name. A smirk came to her face as she bowed her head to her.​

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“Greetings, Lady Zola. Happy to have you here on such short notice.”​

 

[Armand Temi]

She was greeted by a child and two guards who also helped her into the Empress's personal speeder. As they rode through Effekt, Mistress Malkite realized that the planet was more advanced than she had been told. It was a rather beautiful and stately planet, unlike Syvris which was seedy and dirty due to it's lack of government and hence civil services funding or police forces. Effekt was well protected as The Mistress could see and presumably the security forces all reported into the Empress or whoever she had employed in a chief security position. The Mistress took all of this in, focusing her attention on what weapons the guards used, where they stood and what type of armor they wore, rather than any type of tourist attractions. If she accepted the assignment she would need to memorize these types of things. She knew she could also hoped to get some type of information about the Empress's security protocol from the Empress herself.

The child and guards eventually brought Mistress Malkite to a rather pastoral farm behind the Empress's immense palace. The Empress was tending to a Selipa. Unfortunately it smelled like animals and Mistress Malkite wrinkled her nose in distaste. When the Empress greeted her, she gave a more formal bow back as was customary with royalty. "Thank you," she said in a monotone voice. "I am eager to hear about the assignment."

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Seeing her reaction to the smell of the stables had caught the attention of the Empress. She gave a little huff and smile, knowing that had she expected her so soon it would not have been in this place or under these conditions. The Empress did like to keep appearances after all. Still at mention of her “assignment” Nimue shot her a glance to stay quiet and play along for now.​

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“Yes, of course.” She began. “I’m sure your employers are eager to know of our plans for a possible union.” She walked over to her, wiping her hands on the apron around her waist, before clasping the Mistress’ shoulder and saying “Come. We’ll discuss this in my quarters.”​

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She led “Cinder Zola” away from the stables, indicating to her servants that she would handle everything from her alone. Obviously it was a means of getting the two of them alone where no one would overhear. She brought her into the palace and into the hallways before taking one final look around.​

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Now looking to her and smirking she said “Apologies. Secrecy is key for this little operation. As I’m sure you understand.” She then indicated for her to walk with her while saying “Walk and speak with me while we go to my chambers, [member="Mistress Malkite"] .”​

 

[Armand Temi]

Mistress Malkite noticed that the Empress had given her a silencing look. This irritated her but as normal she didn't let it show. In fact because of all of the toxins injected in her face to keep her looking young, it was difficult for Mistress Malkite to show any emotion. But emotions weren't important in either of her lines of work. Except anger. White, hot anger.

She went with the shapely Empress to her palace where they could talk more privately. The Mistress more than understood the need. Privacy and confidentiality was something her clients demanded. When you tied up and whipped a Coruscant Senator on a bi-weekly basis at 9am in the morning, you really needed to keep that information secret. Her clients, her business and her own life depended on it.

"No apologies necessary," Mistress Malkite said, although she very much enjoyed hearing apologies especially if they were paired up with begging and whimpering. "I will go to great lengths to keep this matter as private as you need me to." The Mistress wasn't used to taking the orders,.but in this case it was not in her best business interest to argue or oppose.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Nodding the Empress said “Good.” As they walked she began with “Let’s discuss the matter itself then. My message had said I needed you to deal with a ‘special case’. The case in-point is a man known as Lord Inar Woolson. He’s the ruler of the kingdom of Quntenar, which is responsible for most of the military forces on Effekt and my empire. However he’s ben sticking his nose where he shouldn’t be, and is planning to usurp me, or at the very least see me off the throne.” She hesitated on telling her why, deciding it was best not to get into it. “While I have the knowledge of this attempt I do not have the proof. And even if I did there’s not enough speculation from the citizens and the other lords for full support. Lord Woolson is too well respected and holds most of the armies. Any wrong step on my part and things could become chaotic. Basically Woolson’s played his cards right and hopes to put me in a deadlock.” She stopped and looked fully at [member="Mistress Malkite"] before smirking “That’s where you come in, my dear.” She continued to walk before saying “Not only do I want Woolson to pay for this, but I want his name and the name of his noble house tarnished. I’m hoping that, with your skills, you can see that happen.”​

 

[Armand Temi]

Mistress Malkite understood. The question remained however of just how far the Empress wanted Mistress Malkite to take her duties. "I suppose Lord Woolson's proclivities run towards the painful side of things," she said. "Or else you wouldn't have reached out to me." Mistress Malkite stopped walking and looked the Empress in her green eyes and asked in a quieter voice, not sure who was lurking around the palace hallways: "Where do you see Lord Woolson after all of this is done? Ashamed to show his face in public? Or attending his own ceremonial burial in whatever way is customary for royalty on this planet?"

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

When asked about Lord Woolson Nimue smirked and said “Actually, as rumor has it, Woolson is a man with more ‘familiar tastes’. If you understand the meaning. And while it’s not something we look down upon, for him it’s bad because he’s married. All the nobles are in fact. A tradition they need to keep. What I want if for the right pieces of evidence to be taken, showing Woolson in we shall say ‘awkward position’. Even then your talents can still be of great use. Along with that I’d like some false piece of evidence added. Something to implicate him in underground dealings with some sort of crime gang or the like in the galaxy. Not the Red Ravens, however. By the end this will seem like some sort of dispute with the wrong people, and I’ll be out of suspicion. Is this all clear to you?”​

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[member="Mistress Malkite"]​

 

[Armand Temi]

"Yes, it is," the Mistress answered. "I will be certain to not let things get out of hand with Lord Woolson." Mistress Malkite stopped walking, assuming her visit at the palace was at an end.

She continued: "In the meantime Cinder Zola will need a place to stay and a small budget. Also I'd like half of the payment up front. I've already sent our mutual contact the wire transfer information. Once I'm settled in I'll be in contact with Lord Woolson. And of course if you have a way to make the contact quite seamless I would accept any ideas or advice. If you cannot, well... Cinder Zola will be on her own."

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

“Of course.” Nimue said, keeping the smirk on her face. “Simple come as an emissary of sorts from a mutual benefactor from some unknown gang or the like who are interested in making a deal with him. The deal will be, of course, to try and set something up with him while keeping me out of the picture. If he asks you can say that some of his friends had spread word across the galaxy. He’ll believe it. I only ask that once you’re close enough and you do what you need to get the evidence…that you show Lord Woolson why you’re a lady of pain.”​

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Her hand had gripped into a fist that she held up as further indication of her resolve. It was clear she wanted Woolson to suffer greatly for his actions, only being resentful in that she couldn’t be there to do it herself. In any case she had her faith in [member="Mistress Malkite"] to see it done.​

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“As per your payment and accommodations you’ll have what you need.” She began. “There are plenty of rooms here in the palace you may stay in. Think of it as Miss Zola needing to stay for a few days so negotiations can be worked out. Otherwise I’m sure that at the behest of the Empress someone in town can see fit to give you a room for free. And as for payment, would you prefer it in actual gold or have it run through into these ‘credits’ you use in the galaxy?”​

 

[Armand Temi]

As Mistress Malkite listened to the Empress giving her advice on how to infiltrate Lord Woolson's inner circle, she was mildly impressed. Admiration didn't come easy to the Mistress but she did admire Nimue Stormson for dealing with her adversary so quickly. And the Mistress ultimately agreed with the Empress. Power struggles like this should be dealt with in an instant. Not dragged out over months and months. "This is why you're an expert in politics and I'm an expert in the bedroom," she mused. Although many would argue that Mistress Malkite's bedroom expertise was either pathological or acquired.

"I'm afraid Empress Stormson that I'm a lone wolf. The offer of staying at your palace is very generous but Mistress Malkite prefers to be in a hotel room tonight. Or is it called an Inn on Effekt?" She put on a pair of black-framed sunglasses with silver lenses and turned to go. "Besides I'd like to get started on researching Lord Woolson. You'll find that I don't waste any time." She walked down the hallway and without turning around said, "Credits, please Empress."

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Given the little comment about being an expert on politics made Nimue bow her head a little. The runner-up about [member="Mistress Malkite"] being one in the bedroom, however, Nimue intended to challenge. For now she only smirked at her remark before hearing her discuss being in an Inn, which the Empress confirmed that was what they had, before she walked out.​

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At her mention for credits Nimue called to her while saying “I’ll see them delivered by tonight. Oh, and Miss Zola?” Her tone was an indication to halt her for a moment. “I agree I’m a master politician. But perhaps, once you’ve finished, I’d like to test that statement about you being one in the bedroom. This of it as ‘extra payment’.” She’d finished with a very self-assured smile on her face, ready to challenge the Mistress if need be. ​

 

[Armand Temi]

[SIZE=10.5pt](OOC: Fast forward to after Lord Woolson's [/SIZE]assassination)
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]The assignment was much easier than Mistress Malkite thought it would be. As Cinder Zola she posed as the Empress had suggested, an emissary seeking a mutually beneficial political goal and the rest, well that just played out on its own. The Mistress had brought a male escort as her "assistant" and as soon as Lord Woolson and the escort became intimate, Mistress Malkite tied Woolson up, recorded the evidence on a holo, then brutally stabbed the noble leader with a vibroknife. The escort fled but she caught up to him, assassinated him as well with Irksh poison and then painstakingly rearranged the corpses to make it look like a crime of passion. She didn't bother with cleaning up any fingerprints as it didn't seem like Effektians used the most sophisticated forensics analysis techniques.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Back at Empress Stormson's palace, "Cinder Zola" made an appointment to see the Empress and hand over the evidence so she could do with it what she wished.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

After what felt like a long wait, within the next two days [member="Mistress"] Malktie had returned with the evidence. The Empress was surprised she managed things so fast and yet, upon allowing her to enter her quarters so they could speak in private about it, she could see the pictures clearly for herself. Looking at the Mistress she smiled before moving over to the doorway and telling one of her servants to have the pictures looked at and sent out across the kingdoms to further disgrace Lord Woolson’s name.​

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After that she closed the door again, looking back to the Mistress, and saying “You’ve done far better than I expected. Of course when the next time you check your accounts, you’ll see the rest of your reward sent to you.” After that she walked up to stand face-to-face with her before adding “And now, about the extra sum I was willing to throw in….”​