Monsters Inside

[James Justice]

Dark, empty eyes. The hollow look of the haunted. Grizzled features. A battered, ravaged left arm. Bullet scars. healed lacerations. Surgery scar tissue across his ribs.

When did this become me, James wondered as he looked at himself in the mirror. He donned a white shimmersilk button up shirt, hiding is grizzled body from his view. He left it untucked as he added his trademark leather jacket and trusty DeathHammer side arm. His hand ran trough his dark brown hair, giving it the trademark tousled look.

"My Lord," said Katsumoto from the door way, "It is time."

In the short two months that James knew the Tsubasano Senshi, they had become his constant companions. When he was not on Soceras, James' dominion, they insisted on traveling with him. When he was there, Bob, Katsumoto, Nobutada, and Ujio insisted on traveling as his personal bodyguards. The spacer had managed a few times to slip away without the warriors knowing, but it was rare indeed and required the greatest skill he had. He was deeply grateful for their loyalty. And their kindness.

"Thank you," James said at last, patting the warlord's shoulder.

The spacer followed his Kimono-clad protectors through the halls into the cherry blossom garden. The spacer took a second to drink in the wonder of the garden before having a seat on a stone bench. Ages ago, their ancestors had come from this world, to crash land on Soceras. It was something of a treat for James to be able to take them to their motherland.

However, that was secondary to what had brought him here. [member="Arabella Darkhold"] had requested a meeting with the pirate lord. He could only assume that it had something to do with securing their boarders--this and criminality seemed to be the only reasons people asked him for help these days. Generally their desire was for both.

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

Arabella waited in the gardens of Hyogo the one place on Atrisia that should be peaceful and calming to the spirit but Bella's was calm nor did she fell peaceful in any way. Her home here on Atrisia it felt vulnerable she feared leaving it that if she did everything she ever knew would be wiped from the map.

She had rumors of a man who could help secure her home it would cost but he was one that came recommended and would have no issue in finding Atrisia. She wore today the traditional dress of her home and waited for Izumi to say her guest had arrived and to have the house guards escort him to the gardens.

She had to hide this twisting of her spirit from him it was not customary to show off worlders the vulnerability of one's soul. Soul. did she have one still? Or had it fled when her father died on the battle field.

She had long thought that he would have found another body, or come back after all a man who lived to be over 800 years most certainly could find....but he had not come home in any form. But they had brought the body, lifeless, no soul no life and when she had tried to talk to it there had been no answer. This lack of communication only reinformed to her that he was alive somewhere, but where.

And why had he not come home.

Bella heard the announcement and Bella stepped to where [member="James Justice"] could see her, "Welcome Mr. Justice, please come sit with me" She waved the others off, though the guards would stay near.

 

[James Justice]

James rose from his place and gave Katsumoto a nod. The warlord led his soldiers just out of eyeshot, but not out of earshot. He knew they were vigilant at all times, even when resting. He supposed they could not help it, they had lived in the worst possible part of Soceras--its southern hemisphere of waste.

The spacer offered a slight smile, weary from carrying an unseen burden.

"Please, Mr Justice was my father," he said, a glimmer of his old winsome ways shinning breifly, "I am James. Or Captain if you rather."

He followed her cue to sit where the lady indicated, wincing slightly. His left thigh still needed some reconstructive surgery after his battle on Antecedent for the Black Tie Syndicate. The surgeons had ordered him to give his body to recover before they began the process, something James had somewhat done. The galaxy never slowed down, and neither would he.

The human blinked, bringing himself back to the moment and focusing off the pain in his body, "Atrisia has always been one of my favorite worlds," he said at last, "Rich. With culture, refinement, history. Its not something that is seen in the galaxy much these days, everyone is looking to conform to other standards. Its a rare gift you have here, miss."

[member="Arabella Darkhold"]

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

Bella looked about , "it is peaceful James, I am Arabella or Bella for short. Can I have some tea brought?" She was glad that he appreciated her home. She noticed that he seemed injured she motioned to Izumi.

"Izumi is a skilled healer perhaps she can help with whatever ails you as it is easy to see you are not one hundred percent" Around them there'd were chairs and pillows, Bella moved towards a chair "please sit be comfortable"

She watched the man who had a light hearted gesture but his eyes told a different story. Only the trained observer would take notice, he had been hurt more than just physically whatever had happened plagued his mind too.

"I'm glad you were able to come to Hyogo I get so few off world visitors. Can you give me news of the galaxy?" She smiled cobalt blue eyes staying on his face searching his eyes.


[member="James Justice"]

 

[James Justice]

[member="Arabella Darkhold"]
James Justice gave a slight smile. Part of him wishing he could trade places with her, to live in a world where the massive machinations of the galaxy did not rest upon your shoulders. To be able to care again, to be human.

"Bella, quite the nice name," he commented. The spacer smiled at her gracious offer. She was a good hostess, Atrians generally were, which was one of his favorite things about the culture of this planet.

"That is very kind of you," he replied. "My surgeon will be reconstructing the ligaments of my leg on Friday," he chuckled. "Even phrik has its limits, I suppose."

The spacer accepted the tea with thanks. As the delicious, warm liquid slid down his throat, James remembered the last time he had been in this city. He was undercover, a fellow crimelord had asked for his help in avenging the death of their carriers. Looking into the simmering green liquid, James remembered the savage torturing he had committed to get to his target. One man he beat to death, the next he skinned alive. His target lead him to a wine vendor, who had served James the liquid. The spacer milked him for information before killing him too. The spacer could almost see the dead man's face staring back at him through the reflection.
"Ah what is there to say about the galaxy?" He mused, breaking his thoughts. "The Galactic Republic grows weaker, as do the Sith. The Mandolorian tribes war within themselves and seek to devour good souls. Criminals of all streaks run wild with hunger, looking to fulfill their own selfish gains." He chuckled before taking a sip. "Not much changes. It's the same story with different faces and names. The Black Tie Syndicate, they are on the rise. My own company Justice Shipping, is moving to consolidate ourselves with contracts and side with the," he searched for the right word, "winning side. The Techno Union has fallen. The Primeval has fallen. The Black Rose has fallen--and soon more will join them."

He looked up at last from his glass of tea, his dark eyes now in the moment, taking in her every feature, "And how fair the people of Atrisia?"

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

Bella nodded, "All that you have told me should be expected the balances of the galaxy come and go, changing hands each time. As for here if the Sith grow weaker than perhaps their hold on Atrisia will lesson and one day again we shall know the peace of our own council" Bella lifted the cup to her lips thinking about her home for a moment her gaze slipped to everything around them.

Then she drank the warmth of the amber liquid gave her a comfort that she could not find in life the ever changing galaxy where life was an uncertainty. She smiled at James, "I hope your surgeon is as skilled as our Izumi, are you in pain? If you are experiencing discomfort there could be some ease found until you see your doctor." Bella sat the cup down carefully ensuring not to make a sound of glass on glass.

Practicing the tea ceremony for the past few years had given her patience as it taught how a subtle movement could be of a great distraction.

His gaze was upon her she looked up meeting it for a moment as she smiled.

[member="James Justice"]

 

[James Justice]

The pain is what I deserve, James thought. After all the sons I took from their mothers, after all the horror I have done. Its as close as I can get to what a man like me should have.

He smiled back, "I hire the best that money can buy," he chuckled, "I remember the days when I was a tramp freighter, all by myself,no money. When I was fifteen I smuggled in a cargo of rifles in," he thought for a moment, "Ryl. The authorities came running, I broke my leg on the way. When I got back to my ship I had to fix myself up with just some insta-weld and a bottle of something strong," he took a drink from his glass, "Those were the days. I will be alright, its not half bad."

He listened and watched for a moment more, nursing his warm glass.

"While I personally cannot raise a hand against the One Sith, I can assist you in making them weaker," he said with a sad smile. "Years ago I would have used my own troops to push them off world, however, I do have to consider what is best for my own people now, the people of Soceras."

James had become the crime lord of the planet, a kingpin in his own right. He had worked hard to unroot a lot of criminality on the world; slavery, drug rings, prostitution, and gang wars. In return he had unified the people to a greater cause. Yes, he had kept other facets of the crime world but now their claws stretched outward, grasping at and drawing in money from the other planets, through piracy and through the vice of Dal'Bor that attracted vacationers.

"For now," he said with a smile, "I can offer you this; training and armament. This would not be the first time I helped raise a militia and not the first time I armed rebels. If you would permit me, I may be able to help you rise to power."

James carefully studied her reaction as he took a sip of his tea once more. The spacer had spent a lifetime honing in his skills and unknowingly using the Force to sense out others in the art of deal making. The true power of a crime lord and any smuggler, James knew, was not in his blaster, but his silver tongue.

[member="Arabella Darkhold"]

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

"15 and using insta weld and drinking" Bella laughed, "it sounds like you have had an interesting life, you must tell me more about it, please" But she knew she must address his offer and answer in a manner that made understanding her position uncomplicated.

Arabella paused "James I do not seek power I" She looked down uncertain how to phrase what she wanted to uncertain that her words might show her vulnerability. There were times when one needed risk perhaps this was one of those times.

"A short time back I had an experience that has set me on a journey that I'm not sure where it ends, right now I only know what it has begun. So the training and armament for my house guards is very welcome I want to keep Hyogo safe. I think the internal strife of the one Sith will eventually lead to changes. They have stopped building here and I've not seen the new Tenno in some time so I think we have time."

She tried to smile, "What kind of arms?"

[member="James Justice"]

 

[James Justice]

"Oh I can, only if you don't mind telling me more about your own," James said with a slight tilt of his head. It was fair, only fair. And it was reason enough to keep the conversation going for now. Or to have a second one later.

James nodded as he listened to he speak. She was scared of her self. The monsters inside, he supposed. Through his latent Force abilities he could sense darkness on her, in her. Just like there was darkness in himself. While some readily gave into it, she was fighting it, trying to stop from falling into evil. It was admirable. We all fight the darkness in ourselves, as long as you feel bad for it, you know your not too far gone, James wanted to say. But he knew it was better to not overplay his hand. Not now. Not yet.

"In due time the Sith will indeed fall," James agreed. "I used to believe that there would day when all the worlds would be free. I fought for it. I killed for and did horrible things for it. Now I understand that the galaxy sometimes just wants to let itself burn. The only thing we can do is keep those we care about from the flames as long as we can."

He adjusted his seating slightly, moving weight off his leg. His blaster pistol clacked slightly on the seat.

"What type isn't the question," James said with a charismatic smile. He tired to lift the mood some. "Obviously we make ships, I could out fit you with a navy enough to protect your own world. Currently we are finishing the paperwork for making a new subdivision of our company. One that makes weapons; blasters, tactical gear, vibroblades, anything that is needed to arm the average soldier for the request and the right price. The real question would not be what can I make but more so, what would you desire?"

[member="Arabella Darkhold"]

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

Oh now see the old Arabella would have quickly turned that phrase what would you desire, into something that had nothing to do with weapons. She smiled as she tamped down the sarcasm and her desire to flirt that she had for so long uttered the words without thought to how it was taken. The soft breeze from the pond reminded her of where she was, the soft music by all the chimes echoed the words she needed to hear. "I will share what stories I have but I think yours will be the ones that draw more interest"

What I desire she thought as she looked down her cheeks growing red charismatic smile, silver tongued devil. She had to stop there. Control, control, breath....how long? two years? damn. control. control.

"The house guards are use to one on one battle, they do not mind close nor do they mind drawing blood. Vibro Blades and a type of armor to protec the vital organs, does this help?" She had not discussed weapons and arms with anyone since her father's disappearance, well death his body was brought home. But she didn't believe him dead not by a long shot.

But now what could [member="James Justice"] offer to her that would protect her ancestral home and ensure it remained standing until her father returned.

 

[James Justice]

"Then maybe I should share them sometime, over dinner perhaps, or in a less formal setting?" He offered. "I suppose for some the tales of a lad raised aboard a tramp freighter, making himself something out of this damn galaxy is quite the story."

James masked his desire to smirk by draining what little of his tea was left. Even now, in his self-imposed state of suffering, it still felt good to know that he could affect women like that. How he was before, James would have pressed the issue, probably touched her released his pheromones, and sealed the deal as he normally did--in a bed. But as he set the cup down, James reminded himself that those ways, and those days were over.

"I believe that I can work something out of that. I do have friends in all manner of low places," he replied. Tony Bendetta, though she was undeniably hard to deal with, and the most destructively crabby person he had ever met, was also one of the best free lance weapon and armor designers in the galaxy--as well as one of the few beskar smiths to not work for the Mandolorian clan exclusively. "Blastos is my own private making, a metal that excels in the repelling of energy damage such as blasters and the like. I have been looking for an opportunity test it out in personal armor."

[member="Arabella Darkhold"]

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

"Dinner?" Now she did laugh nervously, "I haven't had dinner with anyone else in a very long time I would enjoy it and the stories James, that's very kind to offer" She thought well that was interesting and I didn't even have to be all flirty with him he just asked. oh lord, do I look like someone who needs a night out?

No happy medium good grief.

"More tea" She offered surely now they were both keeping the cups for more than to hold a warm drink, she needed her to keep her mouth from engaging and saying all the wrong things. She had to keep things even keep control.

"Friends in low places, sounds like a song lyric. And if you are looking for a test ground for that material then by all means do so in practice with the personal armor" She smiled again this time a bit more natural genuine. She looked at him and that was when she caught that flicker of the force it did not thunder like other force users this one slowly pulsed just outside of her awareness.

She dropped her defenses he'd either run, accuse, or something else. It was time to find out course he might assume he knew what she was, she had no idea what she was.

"I have 100 house guard, can you have a prototype of armor for me to see and review?" She smiled, keep smiling it was better than a frown.

[member="James Justice"]

 

[James Justice]

The nervous laugh. There it was. James smiled back in return and accepted the tea, "Thank you. If you'd like, we could something while I am still on world, tomorrow perhaps?"

It was forward for most men, but with James' history of--well being James, that was tame. He knew the rumors, and they were many. But he didn't care. At one point he loved them and worked hard to make them propagated far and wide through the galaxy. Now he was more ambivalent to them.

James supposed it could sound like a song lyric. He had heard worse, the outer rim and Imahalyan was filled with strange folk songs. "I will give it a precursory design personally and have my finest give it a tune up and refine it. If I get full hands on deck for this it could be finished," he though for a moment, calculating. He could delay the surgery a few more days. The he could have his workers construction a prototype while he was recovering. He could delay the Thraxis-class warship long enough to make an armor of this nature. The buyers would wait, "As early as next Saturday. Would you prefer to meet here or Soceras?"

He felt a trebble of darkness but paid it no heed. He could almost smell it coming off of her. Was it enticing? Perhaps. Anara and Sasha had both been rather dark in their own was--as was Udrusa. Many years ago he would have been rageful towards the Sith, and towards many he was. But, there was a manner of darkness in everyone. A manner of it that was both necessary and natural.

[member="Arabella Darkhold"]

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

"I can rearrange my schedule not that it is so terribly busy but yes tomorrow would be fine" He said nothing and there was no change in his demeanor of in the force pulse that was still steady and sure. Interesting.

She didn't have to hide, what a relief. He had no idea what he had just given her a bit of peace of mind. thank the goddess. Bella did not mind forward it was a breath of fresh air in a court that lived on subterfuge and silence.

Back to the armor, "I don't get to travel much but I would like to see Soceras, is it far from here?" She could look on a map she was being lazy "I look forward to seeing this prototype but did you not say your surgery was this Friday? I do not think you should put that off James. Things can wait it is not a rush" Cobalt blue eyes settled on him.

No she was not going to let someone suffer if she could do something about it.

Everything was less important than the physical well-being of another.

"If you must find reason for it suffice it to say that I would prefer that on your next visit to Hyogo you can walk the gardens with me. I'm quite proud of them"

[member="James Justice"]

 

[James Justice]

James felt a murmur of--happiness? She said yes but it was just dinner, and she was agreeing to go to Soceras. Two for one he supposed.

"I suppose it is quite a ways," he said leaning back. It was easy for him to forget how large the galaxy was. He had spent most all of his life jumping from one planet to the next. He always had a bag aboard the Angel of his clothes, ready for the next jump, ready for the next time he would be living out of a suitcase. "Soceras is just off the tail of the southernmost end of the Correllian Run, in the edge of Wild Space. You don't get much further from the edge of the southern part of the galaxy," he chuckled, "But its worth it for the privacy. I can send one of my luxury yachts. Keep it, as a gift of good faith."

He stared back into her eyes. She was a persistent one. Very persistent. It made him smirk sightly. Her insistence--and that she mentioned the gardens was enough. If he hadn't repelled her completely then, well there was that chance she wasn't totally disgusted by him.

"Alright," he said with a chuckle, "Alright, if you insist. I will be well enough to walk by the time you reach Soceras. I'll show you the night life of the city. Orbit of Soceras takes a standard 48 hours, so the night," he paused with a twinkle in his eye, "lasts quite a while."

[member="Arabella Darkhold"]

OOC:

Spoiler

Here is a map for ya, most recent one I could find http://imgur.com/J6XFNUO

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

[member="James Justice"]​

​

"Wild space oh my that is a distance a luxury yacht, wow that's that's more than appreciated but is it really necessary. I love comfort as much as any one else.." She laughed, "off the tail end of the Corellian Run sounds like fun actually." She wasn't going to relapse she promised herself she wouldn't.

Well the discussion didn't take long and he gave in to better reason business was business but a person's life well a no brainer in some circles. "Good then you will be able to show me around and night life you say...oooo I do love night life the longer the better."

She loved the darkness and how it hid so many things from view that the light pushed forward and brought attention to. Oh the night made her swoon and lay vulnerable to the whispers that begged for attention.

She swallowed hard. She wasn't going to give in. Within the darkness churned no longing for any dark evil intent it bubbled as it sparked to life calling to her reminding her of all that waited for her, the spice, the ability to forget the past, a warm body to share the loneliness with, and occasionally an intimacy that she longed for but was never able to keep.

But he did have a sparkle in his eye when he offered, so this was all good.

 

[James Justice]

James was genuinely pleased. Pleased enough to forget the ache in his body and the guilt he carried. Maybe there was hope after the fall. Maybe even a soulless scoundrel like James could be redeemed. Or at least a hope for a future. Any future.

"It is very enjoyable," he said with a wink. "It's the capital of luxury on the Wild Spice. Or at least," he paused for a moment. "Vice."

Like a long lost spark, James' long lost ways were beginning to find their ways to the surface of who he was. A young pretty face, the chance for another grab at power and money, with people to rescue--it was all he was born for. All he was meant to live for.

And like that it was gone. His memories of what he had done, where he had been, and who he had hurt came crashing back down on him like a wave. He was no hero. He would never be. He was just a common scoundrel fooling himself into believing he was something else. As his father always said. There was nothing sadder than an outdoor cat who believes they are an indoor cat.

James's expression faltered for a moment. The years showing for a moment.

"I'll be glad to show you acoss my world," he said with a tired smile. "But I will see you at dinner next, tomorrow."

[member="Arabella Darkhold"]

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

There it was for a moment the spark of life was lit in his eyes and then slowly it dimmed she knew that look she had seen it in the mirror this morning except it was not his face she saw it was her own. Yes that haunted look that said I live with what I've done even though it eats me from inside. Yes she knew that look. It was her constant companion.

She stood up, "Dinner tomorrow and James" she paused in her head she could hear herself saying, let's talk about our demons but she couldn't do it, not yet. "I really do look forward to your coming. I'll even perform a tea ceremony for you." it was customary and put her guest first.

She looked at him yes that look that one that said I know I understand been there, and doing that.

"Dinner is served at 6, drinks around 530 if you wish. Tea ceremony will be after dinner. Until then be well" She couldn't say sleep well she had a feeling neither of them slept a lot.

[member="James Justice"]

 

[James Justice]

[member="Arabella Darkhold"]

James gave a slight smile. A very tired, weary smile that felt more rusty and worn out than any other part of himself. He rose to his feet, aching. Burning. But, that was more usual than not.

"That'd be lovely," he said softly. "I look forward to seeing you then."

He nodded, committing the times to memory. He would scrum something together out of his vessel--or he could just buy something a bit more suitable for the occasion. He would decide some time tonight, he would have plenty of time. He might even get a rough draft of the armor done. Since his nightmares had kicked in the Spacer had found more waking--but painful--hours than he knew what to deal with to distract himself.

"I will see you then," he said before turning on his heel and limping away.

Yes, he would probably get Katsumoto's advice on what to do for this dinner. The man was more knowledgeable on the arts and customs of this culture than he. And it had been many many years since the last time James had been to a tea ceremony.

OOC:

Spoiler

Feel free to do a time jump to the dinner if you'd like. Or we could make an entirely different thread? Your choice if you'd like to RP it.

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

The following night
Loction Hyogo,
Setting the gardens

Izumi and the guards already had instruction on what to serve, and to show [member="James Justice"] to the gardens. Bella was having them put the final touches of light to the table she wanted this to be perfect. While she remembered that James was injured she made sure that the location was not far from the main house. Out here where the cherry blossoms delicately floated by, and the scent of roses caressed the gentle breeze beside the waters of the pond was the perfect spot.

She had seen something in him and wanted to explore this further. For dinner Bella would wear her favorite color and one of her favorite dresses however for the tea ceremony she would need to change into the traditional and she knew which one it would be.

Yes this seemed to be appropriate.

She took a deep breath, said a small prayer and then asked for a glass of wine.