Myriads to March

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Kiffu, Royal Palace. ​

A deep, resounding breath echoed from her diaphragm. This exhale was not without warrant. Kiskla was a Jedi, moulded by the structure of a benevolent being who had disappeared into the depths of space. To look after things that went bump in the night, so he said. She liked to think of him as her angel still, watching over what she did.
That was why she was feeling so guilty at times, and it’s what kept her on the road of the straight and narrow.

Days earlier, she had been approached by one of her Guardians. He had expressed the growing agitation of her men.

“Have you considered the repercussions of this. Have The Guardians? Entering into a war that has not concerned the Azurbani system yet will draw attention to Kiffu. Put the lives of your families at risk.

Have they thought of that? The blood that will be wanted? We’re in a vengeful galaxy, you know.”

“Yes.”

“Has the Sheyf?”

“His permission has been granted.” She hadn’t been surprised. Her father [member="S'het Freya"] was a bounty hunter to his core, and could not plan for anyone beyond himself. "And to be honest, Lady Freya, if you do not consent — another will.”

She’d thrown something across the room after that conversation.

They were warriors in their blood, but their purpose was to protect the prisons of Kiffex. And they were short sighted. There were rumours of a war going on; The Omega Protectorate, their overarching government, and The Fringe Confederacy were butting heads. One that this particular generation yearned to get involved in. A generation Kiskla was sworn to protect. She wouldn’t want their blood spilt just because they were thirsty for it.

But they were capable warriors.

It wasn’t a decision she could make on her own merits. She may have been a wildfire, but when it came to blood she merely did what benefitted the greater purpose. Now, she was that greater purpose. They would, essentially, be fighting for their government and representing her people. But with the amount of Guardians that were available now, The Protectorate would laugh at her offer.

Pinnacles of light didn’t organize means for an army of muscles and blood. She couldn’t. She couldn’t bring herself to make these sorts of decisions, especially when she was a high councillor, so closely tied to The Republic. Ha, The Republic. They were the eye of everyone’s vindictive affections. But she was no pinnacle. That had been confirmed three years ago by the celestials themselves.
That was the help she turned to. It was slow, and the process made her throw up twice. Still, she released her hold on the darkness that pumped through the alchemical cuff on her left wrist, and allowed it to swim through her veins. Enough to give her the nerve necessary to just want to create a little chaos.

It was the thought of this that made her throw up a third time. But, as she wiped her mouth, the heir of the Guardians had a resolve that could not be matched.

*

This appointment had been scheduled in 12 hours after her conversation with The Guardian. The Guardian’s name was Kyhon, and was indeed one of the most capable of her men. He’d been through tournaments, and exemplified an outstanding ability when confronted with opposition. It was with this confidence that he could speak to his future Kraliçe with such..abrasiveness.

The Lord Protector was as busy as the Councillor, not that Lady Freya would have any business knowing what a Jedi Councillor’s schedule was like. Therefore, she already had her points laid out on what she would touch on. She didn’t want to waste either of their time.

Her financial advisor and Kyhon accompanied her on this meeting. As did her father — should the army go well he would give up the seat of Kiffu to her, and resume full time position as General of the Guardians. Because this time, there’d be thousands of them.

It wasn’t Kiskla sitting there, in the seat that would be projected via holo to the Lord Protector, flanked by the warrior and advisor. No, it was Lady Freya, heir to the sister planets. The tattoos that covered her face were distinctly visible and her posture was taut — she was delicate in comparison to many of her tribesmen and women, blame that on her mother, but her confidence could be boasted even through a transmission. Over her distinctly recognizable lips was a slip of fabric, beneath that and out of view was a typical voice changer. It merely dropped it an octave and made it a tinge more husky. All the precautions for her identity to remain secret had been met. Now, the Lord Protector [member="Ayden Cater"] just had to answer his call.

 

[Ayden Cater]

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

The Lord Protector was something of a puzzle. All at once, he was very easy to get ahold of and exceptionally difficult to meet. On many occasions, he answered calls that would have otherwise run a gamut of secretaries, answering droids, and automated operators. The man's patterns were equal at odds with one another. One day he would hole himself up in the Prex Tower, only to be seen walking the streets of Corellia the next without any sort of security detail. Some people thought that made him more relatable and that he cared more for the everyday man. Others felt it made him dangerously unhinged and too much of a loose canon to be a proper state head. Which ever the opinion they held, the one thing that everyone could agree on was that Ayden was unpredictable.

So as the minutes trailed on, it would have come as a bit of a surprise then that a knock came on the door. Surely no one had come knocking on the door of a meeting that had been scheduled in advance. After a few moments, the grand door was pushed open and there, in the flesh, was the Lord Protector. He swept into the room, dressed in his usual semi-formal attire with ever part of his being saying that he meant to be there. Every step was accented by the sweeping coattail and his features were shadowed by the wide-brim of his hat. As he approached the future Kraliçe and her entourage, he stopped at a respectable distance and bowed low, taking his hat of in a sweeping gesture as he did.

"If it pleases Your Eminence, allow me to first apologize for my sudden, unannounced appearance." Ayden spoke with every ounce of respect and fealty one would expect from a common man, not the Lord Protector. Yet the brilliant green gaze that was fixed upon the Lady Freya's visage and the clear Corellian accent were unmistakably that of the Lord Protector, Ayden Cater. "There was a cancellation at the last moment, so I decided to come pay my respects to the future Kraliçe in person and allow myself the pleasure of her presence while she spoke." He waited for the cue to rise before returning to his full height, though he left his hat off as a measure of continued respect. "How may I be of service to the people of the Sister Planets?"

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Well that was a surprise indeed. The two beside her, yes, even the financial advisor, gripped their sheathed weapons at their hips when the doors flung open. They only released them when a hand lifted to calm them, and the intruder started speaking.
Why hadn’t she received notification of this? Ah, because she’d set aside her data pad. Behind Ayden was a woman with dark Quukufs on her cheeks, sheepishly gesturing to her own electronic device; as if she’d attempted to send a message to Lady Freya.

Whoops!

Still, he must have been in the area. What a happy coincidence! “Constantly reassuring our confidence in The Protectorate.” Kiskla grinned, although only her eyes crinkled as indication to her pleasantries. The Lord Protector deserved a respectful bow as well, so she rose and dipped at the waist before returning to her seat. While she moved, the buffest financial advisor in the galaxy bustled to arrange a seat for [member="Ayden Cater"] as well. By the time the Sheyf’s daughter indicated that her guest should take a seat, there was one available to take.

“Nice to add a personal touch once in a while. I don’t believe we’ve met, I think my father worked with Cira, the Lady Protector when we first gathered under Omega Pyre’s wing.
Since then, we’ve flourished beneath you and have tried not to weigh down too much on your resources. For the protection you offer, we thank you.” She leaned back in her seat slightly, light eyes appeared more blue than usual when framed by the black ink.

“By my count, it’s time The Sister Planets give something back.”

Kiskla wasn’t one to beat around the bush. It was a waste of time, and in a galaxy that operated at a pace such as theirs, there was rarely any minute that could be taken for granted.

“Hearing about Eriadu got me thinking.” She continued, setting the platform for her proposal. “There will likely be more attacks coming from Fringe Space — there’s a massive unrest in the galaxy from what I understand. And the more men you have on your side the better. Especially if these men are qualified warriors.

Kiffu and Kiffex breed such warriors, and we’d like to offer our services to your war efforts. However, as it stands, The Guardians cannot boast numbers. Therefore, we’ve looked into a few things and The Sheyf and his Guardians are intrigued by the idea of investing in a clone army.”

She let this sink in for a moment, and allow the well-manered Protector to speculate the possibilities of the proposal. But of course, it sounded great! Hundreds of muscular warriors ready to mobilize on his call? There had to be a catch.

There was.

“So I arranged to speak with you to cover a few things.
One being: Does The Protectorate see a need for this initiative? This is an expensive cause that I would prefer not to pursue if it won’t be used.
Two, because it’s an expensive endeavour, if The Army has an element of exclusivity to The Protectorate would yourself and those that council alongside you be prepared to assist in burdening the cost? We will provide the specimens.”

As if this was his cue, Kyhon stepped forward and gave a nod, while keeping one hand grasping the hilt of his sword. Even with his traditional Guardian Uniform on, it was evident that he was a massively built man.

Before the future Kraliçe continued, she wanted to see where her company stood in the matter.

“What do you think so far, Lord Protector?”

 

[Ayden Cater]

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

Ayden sat in the chair, gratefully thanking the person who brought it to him, and turned his attention to the future Kraliçe, folding his hands in his lap and listening attentively. His attention never wavered while she spoke. While his face was a perfect mask of composure, even as he mentally let himself speculate wildly. He had done more than a fair share of shady work prior to joining the Protectorate, and even some after. So he was well versed in the use of voice modulators and how to pick up on the use of one. As well, there was something about her that captivated his attention. Whatever the case, if it bothered him any that she didn't show her face and attempted to hide her voice, he never let it show.

Of course, such a mask was made all the easier by the tantalizing deal set before him. A clone army, designed from the best warriors Kiffu and Kiffex had to offer. He raised a hand to his chin, stroking his jawline in contemplative thought. It was a fine deal. The man, whom he assumed would probably be one of the prospective candidates for cloning, was certainly an impressive specimen. Of course, there were a lot of fine specimens out there in the galaxy. And this would be an expensive undertaking. Or at least it would, had he not spent four hundred years working on the cloning arts. Not that anyone knew that, except perhaps a certain brooding Jedi with a fondness for helmets.

"I admit your offer intrigues me, Your Eminence. The people of the Protectorate have of course been reacting to the attacks on our borders. Though our victories have bolstered morale, particularly in the Inner and Mid Rim territories, those in the Outer Rim still feel a sense of ill-ease. Reports of Vong armies clashing with cults, rumors of Fringe build-ups and planned attacks on the edges of our borders, and the constantly looming uncertainty of the Confederacy have put them all on edge. An exemplary force of such skill and strength would certainly help put their worries to rest."

He paused and seemed to gather his thoughts, while in truth he was simply giving her a moment's pause before continuing. "Of course, the Protectorate would shoulder the financial burden and would help construct the necessary facilities - here on Kiffu, if it pleases Your Eminence." He smiled before turning to the man she had indicated earlier. Curiosity seemed to grip him for a moment before the Corellian continued. "I wonder if, perhaps, a demonstration might be possible. Something that I can present to the other Councilors to assuage any worries about the feasibility of this project." Every the clever, shrewd leader.

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Nobody wants to buy the car without a test drive. This was to be anticipated, and therefore the Lord Protector’s request was afforded a small nod. Beneath her veil, she was grinning. These Guardians were bred to restrain and overpower villains of all sort of diabolical deeds — essentially whoever dreadful was housed in the prisons of Kiffex.

She hadn’t considered building the facilities here. She had thought of outsourcing the projects to a more recognized establishment. The idea of her sister planets holding two major points of interest could be dangerous. Especially if they were mobilizing an army on behalf of mercenaries — bloodlust was thick in the air these days. It would be a growth acceleration that would demand she be far more present on Kiffu than as of late, and that she would likely need to step away from other distractions.

Between them in the room, everyone knew that no worries were ever bedded indefinitely. This was a galaxy that was ever on the cusp of more war. She’d experienced that recently with a slip up between The Republic and Mandalorians. War was imminent. It was in their culture.

“Naturally.” The veiled girl replied, with her lips pursed behind their covering. The fortune of circumstance was in her favour, where she could be the one to decide whether or not an action would be taken. “You have something in mind, don’t you?” She only paused her sentence long enough for him to kinetically indicate whether or not she was on the right track. She assumed so,and continued anyways.

“Let’s arrange for it.”

At her words of approval, Kyhon rolled his shoulders. At whatever his lady, or Sheyf commanded, he would obey — especially since he had so encouraged this idea. The fact that the future Kraliçe was holding her own so astutely was almost inspiring to him, considering she had been nearly dismayed when he’d approached her with the suggestion.

[member="Ayden Cater"]

 

[Ayden Cater]

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

Ayden eyed the man carefully. He was certainly everything one could ask for in a warrior. He certainly represented the pinnacle of physical prowess. A brief look at the Kraliçe told him that she had likely caught on to the insinuation. Grinning, he stood up and allowed the chair to be taken away. There was some common ground between the two rulers. They understood each other, at least on some level. The desire to know, to be in control, to be the best for the good of the people. Shrugging off his over coat, Ayden pulled several small knickknacks out and set them in his hat and handed the two off.

He took a moment to size up the other man once more. The Kiffar warrior was a few centimeters taller, certainly a bit wider, and absolutely had a higher percentage of muscle. There didn't really seem to be any grounds for Ayden to have asked this display. But of course to leaders like the Kraliçe and he, they understood that looks can be deceiving. Besides, his position was so tedious and boring that it felt good to just let go and fight with someone. "Don't worry about holding back too much. I've had my fair share of fights." Ayden said as he slid one foot back and assumed a defensive guard. He'd let the other man make the first move.

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

When it came to sheer weight and gravitational pull, Kyhon inarguably had the upper hand. Vertically, Kyhon boasted only about an inch above his temporary adversary, but in bulk there were a few additional pounds for him to use to his advantage so long as he didn't fall prey to his own critical mass. He wouldn't. Each Guardian was trained to use their physique to their advantage, and were fairly well versed in sizing up their opponents. There was something to be said for someone who could abandon respect as quickly as it was demanded to. Kyhon did accordingly when the Lord Protector indicated that his adversary would be the one in the political chair, and not a henchman.
Like the protector, the dark-haired brute shed his ams to the ground with a clank of metal meeting the cold ground. Due to his positioning, [member="Ayden Cater"] evidenced his insistence that Kyhon make the first move. Traditionally, the brute would stave this beckon off for as long as possible, as those that attacked first usually put themselves at a disadvantage. Or, at least that was some hullabaloo Lady Freya had told him -- but this was his fight and that mindset was shed almost instantaneously. This was the kind of spar he'd grown up doing -- dropping the weapons and just tussling based on instinct and what was known. Of course, his first instinct was to reach out with a curled fist, but that could be batted away with Ayden's defenses on alert -- he needed something more unorthodox to initiate this rally. But first, he needed to test the politician's reflexes.
Thunderously, Kyhon moved toward Ayden in a manner that looked as if he were going to use his unparalleled strength to hammer down on the Lord Protector from overhead, as though he was wielding a club. This was with the sole intention to have Ayden lift his arm to block the anticipated attack. However, when that moment would have occurred he shifted his massive weight with a surprising amount of fluidity. This transfer of intentions evidenced itself with a front snap kick to Ayden's solar plexus.

 

[Ayden Cater]

Ayden watched the other man with an utterly serious gaze. He gave no indication of watching or seeing anyone else in the room other than his opponent. He was certainly at a strength disadvantage, of that he had no doubt. But then again, he had experience fighting against those stronger than he was, even if they were physically smaller.

An overhead smash was a difficult thing to try and block, dangerously so if your opponent had a strength advantage on you. So when the man made the first indication that he'd be making such a move, Ayden reacted. Planting his left foot, his slid his right around and turned his hold body to the side while bringing up his left arm intending to wholly dodge such a blow, and if necessary, deflect a sideways clothsline. As it happened though, the true danger would come from a snap kick that would have easily sent him flying bodily through the air. Seeing his opening, Ayden continued to let his right leg slide around as he dropped to a crouch to sweep around and take the Kiffar's last leg out from under him.

Assuming the move to be a failure or that the man would rapidly recover Ayden sprung backwards, flipping several times before landing in a standing position, once more assuming a defensive guard. The testing phase of their fight was probable over. Now it was going to get serious. He would have been interested in seeing how the Kraliçe viewed the spar, but kept his attention on the Kiffar warrior. He struggled for a heartbeat with the idea of whether or not to let the Force flow through him, but decided to leave that for a trump card later on. Better to test this man's fighting capabilities at all levels than to just go for the big finish.

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Kyhon had prepared to feel abdomen crunch beneath his sole, but that never happened. Instead, his foot stomped into naked space while [member="Ayden Cater"]'s leg slipped beneath him. His weight was steadfast in the leg that the Lord Protector knocked, and he faltered, immediately making sure he transferred his gravity to the foot that had just connected with the ground. His abdomen struggled to keep his centre steadfast, and he buoyed; extending his arms for more balance. The titan didn't fall.

He was surprised, however, to see the Lord Protector's athletic ability and fancy footwork. A series of aerial displays caused the black caterpillar above his eye to rise; putting his approval on display. Very neat indeed. Oh how he yearned for his typical weapon, a lightning staff, right about now. He would make suer that if this venture moved forward, those would be put into production by the myriads. Ah yes, production. He re-focused on the end game. He was a representative of his people, if he failed here the army wouldn't gain the financial support necessary. Again, the politician put him on the offensive and he rolled his muscular shoulders, reaching up and unclipping the clasps that held the draping fabric of his cape. With this cast aside, it proved less of a liability for strangling. One foot over the other, he crossed the protector, circling for a bit before he decided to go gung-ho. It was a Korepredo move, one that used his weight and mass to his advantage and his target was The Protector's torso. His weight tilted forward and he moved with alarming speed. Should his arms successfully grip around his ribs, he would slam the Corellian to the ground, and continue to pummel from there. Or -- whatever he felt like from that point on, really.

 

[Ayden Cater]

For someone like Ayden, his usual tactic in a fight would be to stand still and rile his opponent up with inaction. Rushed moves made for sloppy attacks which made for short fights. But this man was different. He wasn't going to make a childish mistake. So Ayden watched him, shifting his position and weight to keep his eyes on his opponent. When he charged a second time, Ayden took a step back and jumped. Tilting backwards, he planted his feet in the other man's mid-section and pushed off, springing backwards once before skidding to a halt.

Rather than stay on the defensive, he dug his foot into the ground and jumped high into the air. He did not indulge in any flashy spins or twists. Each movement was calculated and precise. As he came to the height of his jump, Ayden shifted and put all his weight forward as he extended one fist outward to strike at the jaw of the (hopefully) still stunned man.

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Kyhon saw Ayden's body look ready to react. When limbs extended, the large guardian exhaled, flexing his limbs to make a more solid surface for Ayden's boots to connect with. This preparation meant he still took the kick, but it had less impact. He took two and a half stomps backwards, knees doing what they could to absorb Cater's jump kick. There was a lot of force to buoy though, and he winced painfully as he felt an uncomfortable pull. [member="Ayden Cater"]'s kick caught the Kiffar off-guard. He flailed his arms, groping nothing but air.

One of the advisors scurried out of the way, so as not to get trampled on, nor to interfere.

He landed with his right leg drawn back, and working to get his arms back up near his eyebrows to punch and jab again.

Well, that would have been the ideal situation anyways. To get back into the ready position, with his hips open and left foot forward and pointed down his opponent's centre. Alas, The Lord Protector was already on the move. And fast, with that much momentum and speed, Kyhon didn't have much time to react.

Knuckles met jaw, and the Kiffar's angle meant he would twist to the right. So he did, teeth clenched and hating the brief fast of metal on his tongue from the impact against his cheek. Ayden wasn't a small man. All his weight meant a hefty hit.

But he was still in the business of reacting. While his body moved with the external pressure, his left arm came up as he stumbled again--- this time it reached for behind Ayden's neck, just as the right hand reached for the right shoulder. Kyhon applied strength to his grope, and pushed with the momentum Ayden had inflicted on himself by coming downwards. He pushed The Lord protector toward his power-leg, and brought his right knee up. Aiming straight for the nose of the protectorate's supreme administrator.

Mercy he be, if it connected. And he not be exiled.