Private The Ties of Earth and Blood

[Tobias Dib]

Atrisia was an old planet with a history that dated back to the beginnings of civilization itself. Empires and Republics rose and fell, and none knew their number, for they washed away in the eternal march of time. Even the galaxy-renowned Jedi and Sith died and were reborn in reiterations of orders long forgotten. Only the words were the same. And yet, Atrisia persevered. Culture and history held firm in memory, and life sprouted anew. And so Atrisia not only survived but flourished.

Castles and strongholds lay scattered about the surface. Cities thrived, and ports boomed with business. Families spread, and their roots ran deep. Foreigners came. Some to visit. Some to profit. Some to find a place they could call home. Atrisia accepted them all. And yet they did not retain their identity from without but were adopted as Atrisians.

He grew up knowing his family hailed from many sources. Kifu and Adumar from his father. Alderaan and Atrisia from his mother. And still more origins from Manda'yaim and the Siskeen system. But the planet Atrisia spoke to the young man like none other. Perhaps it was due to his grandfather, Garith Darkhold. Known better in this world as Doji Seo and Togashi Yokuni.

In the valley, settled between two mountain ranges, lay Hyogo, the ancient House of Clan Togashi. Its whitewashed and stone walls were kept up with the utmost care and reverence. The halls and rooms were clean and spartan. A pause rested on the great house, a sense of eternal patience as the clan awaited the return of their master, in one form or the next. Togashi Yokuni existed before the Clan or the great halls of Hyogo. Many believed the progenitor would outlive them all, even if generations or millennia passed.

Many nights he had walked the great halls, visited the cold forge, and walked between the stasis chambers that held his grandfather's clones should he need to transfer his consciousness. Yet the house was not his own, though he was one of Clan Togashi. No, he would leave his grandsire's house for his eventual return. On the mountains, on either side rose two castles, the twin towers of Togashi named Seo and Darkhold in honor of his grandsire.

It was there, in the stone of Darkhold, that he claimed his home. Each was built in the traditional customs of Hyogo, not to emulate the Clan home, but to protect it. Aerial defenses, hangars carved into the rock of the mountains, and barracks for soldiers. The warmth of hearth and family transformed the fortresses into something other than what they were forged to be. Bastions of Clan Togashi but also part of the greater whole. They belonged to the very earth of Atrisia.

For too long, Clan Togashi had lain dormant. Now it was time for them to stir to wakefulness. And though he did not carry the Togashi name, his blood ran thick with it. He was heir to many. Clan Togashi. Clan Farr. House Organa. House Dib. And as such, he owed allegiance to many planets. Atrisia. Alderaan. Manda'yaim. Siskeen. Olanet. Kaer. Adumar. And Kifu. Many obligations that lay heavy on his young shoulders. But it was here where he chose to begin. And it would not be the end.

Yet the foundation must be laid firm. For the beginning of empires must be forged thus. Because of his family, he possessed the building blocks. He would not fail. Failure was not an option. He would not see his family fall to ruin. First here on Atrisia. And then, to Alderaan, where even a dead man could hear the drums of war echo in the winds. But he had yet to see the path forward. Yet.

He stood upon the parapet to gaze down into the valley. The sun had risen, casting light across the mountain tops. Snow on the summits reflected the sun while, below, the valley remained in the shadows of predawn. It would be another hour before the light reached its depths. Until then, Hyogo would slumber.

His form crossed the ancient stone of Atrisia as he moved along the stone pathway. He had a meeting with Junko Ike and it wouldn't do to be late.

 

[Junko Ike]

Tobias Dib

The stone streets of the mountain village bore the smooth, worn patina of centuries, each slab fitted with a precision that spoke to the enduring craftsmanship of Atrisian masons. Junko Ike moved along the pathway, her steps measured and deliberate, the hem of her kimono trailing across the ancient stone without a whisper of disruption. The garment she wore was a masterpiece of Atrisian kimono making with it being living and walking art showing layers of silk in shifting colorss of pale cerulean, soft rose, and ivory white, each panel meticulously dyed and sewn to create a fluid, cascading silhouette that mirrored the flowing waters of the mountain streams below.

The sleeves, wide and voluminous, hung gracefully from her slender wrists, bordered with embroidered floral motifs that climbed from the fabric in subtle relief. At her waist, a complex sash of woven silk and delicate braided cords secured the ensemble, accentuating her form while maintaining the dignified modesty expected of a woman of her station. The entire construction of the garment honored the traditions of her island workers, every fold and pleat adhering to the finest methods even with all of the advancements that they had managed to have happen over the years. The battles were one thing but there was more to it, there was their technological leaps.

Her coal-black hair, massed in an intricate coiffure that defied the simple categorization of a mere style, caught the pale morning light as it shifted subtly in hue, the oils she treated it with allowing dark brown undertones to emerge as she moved. Force beads, small and perfectly polished, were woven into the arrangement, dangling forward to brush against her forehead like a curtain of precious stones each bead a conduit for the Force, carefully calibrated to enhance her connection to the living energy that permeated Atrisia. The solari towers and nanites in the air added to the purification of the planet. THey had adapted the fizz to rebuild, restore and revitalize the planet.

Her face, oval and finely chiseled, bore the unmistakable mark of her lineage: a light golden complexion that contrasted with the crimson flush of her cheeks and the ruby tone of her lips. Her eyes, large and lustrous, held flecks of green and blue that shifted with the ambient light, framed by jade-colored rings that were neither makeup nor tattoo but a natural pigmentation unique to her bloodline. Small jade crystals, ornately set, adorned the outer corners of her eyes, a subtle enhancement that drew attention to their depth and clarity. She required no heavy ornamentation beyond these cultural markers; her presence alone commanded recognition.

The village around her stirred with the quiet industry of morning merchants arranging their wares, monks sweeping the temple steps, and children playing near the communal well. Junko observed each detail with the practiced awareness of a Jedi Master, yet her focus remained fixed on her destination. She was a Princess of the Atrisian Commonwealth, a title not merely ceremonial but bound to duty, obligation, and the protection of the very culture that thrived in these mountain valleys. The man she was to meet, the heir to Clan Togashi, carried the weight of multiple bloodlines and planets, but here on Atrisia, that weight found its most ancient and resonant expression.

Junko was walking as she slipped around and offered a smile to the people there. She looked up and almost practically was skipping in some ways with her walk. "Always beautiful." She said it and there were people around her, all of them observing the beautiful that was being brought to the world and they had united large sections of the world itself. Xifang wasn't with her but her tiger was always ready to appear. His new biot implants helped with the muscle and bone damage that had been done to him so now he was just a battle tiger who liked to thrash imperials.

 

[Tobias Dib]

Junko Ike

His armored boots walked along the pathways of the village. Black trousers festooned with pouches lay beneath the dark blue kimono held in place by the obi wrapped around his hips. The daishō lay on his left side, the curved length of their blades resting up. The katana was a gift from his father, the sword forged on Tython and imbued with the Force. The wakizashi was an equally powerful gift, crafted in the forge of Hyogo by his ba'buir.

The blue of his garment was a nod to his heritage of House Dib. Ne'tra and kebiin for justice and reliability, the colors of House Dib. If anything, he tried to live up to the expectant standard. Unruly hair fell to his shoulders in a mane of light and dark browns. The thin goatee on his face favored the lighter hue of his hair. The villagers moved aside as he walked, a mixture of cordial kindness and an acknowledgment of his form.

He towered over them. In bare feet, he stood seven feet tall. In his boots, taller still. His shoulders were wide, so large in fact that whenever he entered a door, the need for him to turn sideways was always prevalent. But it wasn't his height or width that many saw when they looked upon his visage. It was the blue eyes that glowed with an internal light. A gift from his father's bloodline. His tan-skinned face, a combination of genetics and the kiss of the sun, rarely revealed the thoughts or emotions buried beneath his glacial gaze. Perhaps it was a familial thing. His uncle, Derek, was the same way.

As he walked amidst the market, he returned small nods of greetings. Merchants peddled their wares to the excitement of many who gathered in the booths, exploring trinkets, produce, smoked meats, hardened candy on sticks, assortments of clothing, and even more. Children played near an ancient well as a group of older youth tossed dice in a game of chance. There were guards in the crowd, walking about sharing small nods as their eyes flitted about tirelessly. Crime was nearly non-existent, yet the guards remained vigilant. His cold eyes traveled across the crowd, a small tilt to the corner of his lips as Haiden, a warrior in his Clan's service, bought several sticks of candy to distribute to several children in his vicinity.

The glimmer of amusement smoothed from his features as he turned east and looked upon the Togashi Shrine. A blue torii gate led up the granite steps to the sloping roof of the same color. Beyond the shrine, an old spring flowed from the mountain and down into a stream that fed into the Suijin Sea before emptying into the ocean. Cherry blossom trees sprouted throughout while ancient cedars grew to the heavens. His gaze turned once more to scan the throne of people.

His height afforded him the vantage of watching with no need to weave among them. And then his gaze fell on a woman. Her hair flashed in the morning light, which drew his attention first. Then the red of her lips, accented by the color of her cheeks, turned his head. The finery of her kimono displayed the mastership of the hands that crafted the garment. Every shade, every fold, held a certain regal presence strengthened by the aura of the woman who wore it. There was no doubt she was the one he was meeting.

Slowly, he eased into the crowd with the careful movement of a man used to being precise. His strength and size could easily lend themselves to a type of clumsiness. But a childhood of living in barren wastelands filled with sithspawn searching for their next meal had taught him the importance of slow and steady. That, combined with his extensive training, taught him a methodical approach to every way of life. As his figure cut through the gathering people, he neared the woman before stopping and giving a deep bow. "Ambassador, Her Royal Highness, Princess Junko. I am your honored servant Tobias Dib, of the House Dib, of the Togashi Clan."

 

[Junko Ike]

Tobias Dib

There was a look, a grin and Junko stood there with a look as her hands clasped in front of herself. She remained for a moment but then was motining to the side and an area that they could sit. Allowing the village to go. The people showing several things but the zenkai implants made all of them look physically fit, their robes, clothing and kimono's as they were moving gleaming before she could see the Makie around. There was the hardlight and farcasting equipment over the jade materials that they had developed. "The Togashi clan is always honored, it is good to see you endure." She said it while bowing with a moment. "Atrisia will always benefit from its people."

 

[Tobias Dib]

Junko Ike

When he straightened, he noticed as she motioned to an alcove in the market where several stone benches lay for passersby who wished for a moment's reprieve. He inclined his head with an acceptance as his arm extended, motioning for the princess to find her seat first. Amused, his observation that he towered two feet over the royal woman never showed on his face. He graciously bowed again, deeper, in response to her gesture and kind words. Carefully, he lowered his bulk down upon the stone bench, cautiously testing the strength before relaxing.

"I am honored by your kind words, princess. The Togashi Clan has long considered ourselves to be protectors of the realm. And we stand in solidarity with our people and our leadership. There are two sensitive subjects I need to bring to the royal court's attention. My grandfather, the esteemed and honorable Togashi Yokuni, has long held the status of daimyo. For many, many centuries he has served as such. But his absence has been felt. Both in Hyogo, our clan's ancestral home, and in the larger dealings of our clan."

He paused, his eyes drifting over the crowd as he followed the ancient etiquette of not looking royalty in the eye. "I do believe he shall return one day. And that day may be long after I have returned to the warm embrace of Atrisia herself. But until he returns, our clan has … stagnated in his absence. There are those who wish to continue with the precedents he has set. However, they are antiquated from a time when Atrisia suffered from external forces. Then there are those who wish to adapt to current political and economic avenues."

His head turned in her direction, though his gaze remained fixed on a point above her head. "The problem is we either remain a relic in the past with an absentee daimyo, or we adapt and choose another. I want to propose a third option. Someone to be named as heir to his title, but not his successor. Someone who wishes to lead in his absence, and until he returns. There are several in the clan vying for this position. A preference from the court will smooth the transition."

The faintly glowing cobalt eyes dipped with a slight nod of his head. "The second subject of discussion is wishing for more opportunity to serve the Emperor, the Royal family, and Atrisia. The Togashi Clan has a desire for … more integrated service. If the princess would allow."

 

[Junko Ike]

Tobias Dib

Ah. SHe remained there looking and listening about it. The clan structures for absent leaders or just ones who were away for a time could be complicated and families expaanded thaat even more. She knew that they were waiting on a lot more. "EIther would be fine, we have many clans who have chosen to stay with the old ways as well as many who have embraced a lot of the changes and reforms we have done to build up and reinforce. All have agreed to a few things namely construction materials, it is easier to use the jade refits we have made. The fabricators and a number of the converters are beneficial. It has allowed a lot more advancement and repairing of our world as well as terrraforming colonies and other worlds within the Commonwealth."

 

[Tobias Dib]

Junko Ike

His head tilted in her direction. Construction materials were widely available on Togashi lands. Stone could be carved from the mountains for construction purposes and timber harvested. The mountains offered both in plenty. "I can have my clan begin the harvesting of materials to be sent to storage of the Palace. Another offering from the Togashi Clan could be several space stations."

Fingers delved into the folds of the kimono and pulled free a datapad. After several taps he brought up two schematics, one for each station type. "They are called the Vaulknut and the Mini-Hulk. If the Royal Princess desires, I can have my family's company, the Aegis Corporation, transport the stations to our system to be handed over to our government. As for my Clan, I shall begin the process for Vice Daimyo."

His hand stretched forth and set the datapad on the stone between them. Ancient etiquette required nothing to be handed directly to someone of the Royal family and he held no desire to ostracize his Clan to the princess for improper observation of protocol.