Ask Breaker Of Chains

Mazeryl Xiron

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Consortium
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Governor, Karazak

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Die Shize
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Karazak, of late, was not what she used to be.
There was a time when saying that was a good thing; even though it tasted bittersweet, a long time ago what Karazak used to be was a world enslaved to itself.

However, there was a more recent time when the world used to be united, chains broken, freedom flowing like the petals of flowers, and while not all was peaceful and perfect it was better than it was today.

Karazakans were alive once, they would walk the streets day and night, and live. The horns of Harmonhal would sing to the sun in the morning. Come the evening, halls and restaurants would be filled, graves too. But not with a slave.

Mazeryl Xiron stared out the window on the highest office in the government headquarters that was Harmonhal. Beyond and beneath her rolled the waves of a sunlit sea, a bridge of colossal length jutting inward toward the capital city of Oregina. Wind Bridge, why is your wind so quiet?

The Governor of Karazak, most outsiders would call her, but upon the rock the Karazakans called their world leader their Lady Protector.
They slapped other titles behind it too.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Lady of Harmonhal. Head of House Xiron. Guardian of the Free.
Right now Maze just felt like Maze, felt like a lost little girl, one struggling to sing.

At her level she could see so much through the glass, peer through what the window might distort, burn through all those skyscrapers brushed in gold.
Her gaze swept over the jagged mountains rivaling them, studied her people moving to and fro on foot or in air.
Karazak…have you forgotten yourself? Have all of us?

Maze had to answer that question one way or the other. Trouble had been brewing at home and soon it might boil if the Lady Protector focused her attention toward the stars instead of her planet. Yet, she could not do so alone and she had learned that lesson, learned it hard.

Who else could relate to the pains of a person in her position? There were survivors of other homes who faced similar struggles in their history, and one of them was Ryssa Kalayli, a fellow member of the ISC and, perhaps more importantly, the Governor of Ryloth.

Ryssa would know a little of Karazak's recent troubles, the political quarreling and the more extreme notions of nationalism, that one governor needed assistance from another, but Ryssa may not yet know exactly how to. That's fine. We'll do it together.

She would be arriving any moment. Ready to receive her, Maze turned from the window toward her desk, pulling out a leather chair that was as black as the office painted wall to wall, floor to ceiling.

Maze sat in contrast, donning a black-sleeved shirt with a red sleeveless coat that fell past her knees.
One hand folded neatly on the desk, the other twirled a silver pen between fingers, eyes dead ahead, lips debating whether to smile or frown.


@Sicadorito
 

Ryssa Kalayli

Character
Consortium
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Governor, Ryloth

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Sicadorito
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“Approaching Oregina now.” Ryssa only nodded, barely paying her captain any attention as she gazed out the window of her shuttle at the city. Like Ryloth, Karazak was a planet with a complicated history in slavery, and Ryssa was glad that in both cases, they’d moved on. But there were always some things, beings with a sick idolization of a dark past, acting in the shadows, that no one could quite catch.

After her shuttle touched down on the circular landing pad, Ryssa would step down the ramp with two of her personal guard. There were few she trusted now, especially after seeing Governor Omah suddenly transform from an otherwise normal person to a terrifying Joined minion.

An escort soon came out to greet her, and Ryssa made her way up to the room where she would be meeting Mazeryl Xiron, the Governor of Karazak.

The door to her office was closed, and Ryssa politely declined the escort’s offer to call the governor, opting to knock twice by her own hand instead.

“Governor Xiron?”

@Die Shize
 

Mazeryl Xiron

Character
Consortium
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Governor, Karazak

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Die Shize
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Maze tilted her head at that voice. It wasn’t familiar. That was a problem. New hire? Note to talk to Tilda and consider hiring new secretary.

For now, Maze looked to the computer screen on her left which confirmed the knocker as one Ryssa Kalayli. Scratch note. Keep secretary. For now.

She felt an eye twitch as a message popped up on the monitor to her right but she quickly closed it, focusing on the audience at hand.

The two women did not know each other, one perhaps knew more or less than the other, but that would soon change.

“Come in!” The Governor of Karazak spoke so as to be heard, firmly if quietly.
The Governor of Ryloth might try the door, try the panel, but after the first failed attempt her second would succeed as a button at a desk would quietly buzz her in.

“Sorry about that,”
Maze smiled. It was a small, simple smile, almost like how Mazeryl Xiron was deduced as being small by anyone with eyes but mistaken as being simple by the blind.

“Nothing works the same around here quite the way it used to.” Ryssa would not be a fool for believing that one.

“Please, have a seat.” She gestured toward either chair on the other side of the desk, though each one was smaller than her own, naturally.

Once her guest was comfortable, alcohol of choice being offered from a cabinet, Maze folded her hands on the desk. “So, what can I do for you?”

@Sicadorito
 

Ryssa Kalayli

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Consortium
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Governor, Ryloth

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The door opened to let her in, and Ryssa put on a smile.

“Don’t worry about it,” she assured the other woman once she entered, taking a seat when she was offered one. Her guard would wait outside. As for the drink, it was still too soon after Ruusan for her to trust anything not made in front of her, so she shook her head at that. Though she doubted it, Mazeryl could be a Joiner for all she knew.

Killik-mind-controlled or not, her Karazak counterpart went right to the point, and it instantly earned her Ryssa’s respect.

“As a matter of fact, what I would like to offer is something we could do for each other. A deal that could be mutually beneficial,” she said. “If I recall correctly, I’m aware that Karazak has a strong economy in manufacturing. Strong enough to keep you self-sustained.” Much like Manaan, she thought, but that planet had its own issues.

“I’d like to propose a trade agreement between Ryloth and Karazak. You would gain access to a new market, and more of my people can invest in technological development. Any thoughts?”

@Die Shize
 

Mazeryl Xiron

Character
Consortium
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Governor, Karazak

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Die Shize
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Her Ryloth counterpart went right to the point, and it instantly earned her Mazeryl’s respect.
Their relationship need not be built on what one could do for the other but what they could do for each other.

Unfortunately, it was Karazak's pride that got the best of her.
The world boasted of being self-sustainable with a kind of autarky as the authority of the economy.
Now we are paying for it. Paying for our pride.

“If only I could turn the thoughts off, Governor.”
Too much thinking, not enough doing.

“Karazak has long prospered from what we build for ourselves…”
Beginning on the backs of slaves.
She raised her glass in thanks for the Twi'lek's proposal.

“Today,” the Governor moved on. “We make with free hands, Ryloth too, and shall shake on that before you leave this room. For now, I'll just toast to it."
Maze lifted back that spiced nectar that was called brandy, licked her lips, unfazed at drinking alone.

“Good trade is a testament to good diplomacy, my father would say. As is aid, for foreign aid goes both ways.”
The glass began to turn, one hand lonelier than the other, unsure which.
Time to grovel.

“Cultural exchange, for instance. This planet was a slave world once, your people were slaves for other worlds, but look how far we've come."
This next sip was longer.

"Though, I'm afraid that Karazak is losing its way. Karazakans tend to look inward too much, even as members of the ISC, and we need to be reminded of that...before we forget it entirely."

All of this was vague, Maze knew, but lost and alone was a hint to pick up on.
Helpless was a sentiment that an ISC Governor could not afford to be, neither the Lady Protector of Karazak.
Karazak cannot afford to be.

@Sicadorito
 

Ryssa Kalayli

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Consortium
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Governor, Ryloth

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Sicadorito
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Ryssa smiled at Maze’s initial response. “I’m sure we all do, from time to time.” She subtly leaned back into her seat as the other governor went on, briefing her on the situation of Karazak. In many ways, it was similar to things on Ryloth. Neither planet was proud of their history, but even as times changed, those scars, the bruises never fully faded. She toasted back, though she didn’t have a drink.

“My father would say the same thing.” Perhaps she was more similar to the Karazakan than she would have thought. But there was always more going on than meets the eye. As two daughters of businessmen, they would both know one thing: there was no such thing as free. Prosperity had its costs, however hidden they might be.

“All the more reason to expand your market,” Ryssa said once her counterpart had finished. “Trade doesn’t only bring with it money and goods— like you said, it also brings culture. Expose your people to new ideas for long enough, and they may begin to accept them.” She smiled.

“We in the Outer Rim have to stick together, you know. Planets in the Core have had all the attention for far too long; it’s time we made a stand for ourselves. The ISC is a testament to that. Look how far we’ve come.” From what she knew, the consortium was now the strongest military and economic power in the galaxy. So much potential…

@Die Shize
 

Mazeryl Xiron

Character
Consortium
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Governor, Karazak

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Maze did not break eye contact from her guest, giving nothing away on her countenance but listening intently to Ryssa speak.
"Look how far we’ve come.”
An echo. She had spun her same words, but in the right way.
It felt more profound than it should have, but it was not often that another person of equal rank and status sat in a chair at the office of the Lady Protector of Karazak, telling her what she needed to hear.

The Governor of Ryloth was direct, and sometimes direct meant being a bastard or a bitch, but for this Twi’lek woman it meant not being afraid to give aid.
After all, Ryssa took it upon herself to come here. She did not have to.
Reach out. Extend a hand. Do what Karazak should already be doing.

“Be frank, be forward, and you will find out.”
The brandy swirled around her tongue, tingled her gums, disappeared down her throat.
“Something my mother would say. Parents and their maxims.”
Could use you now, Father.

Maze moved on.
“You speak candidly, Governor, and that’s one thing I need.”
Something drew her gaze on that monitor again before she looked back at Ryssa.
“What I don’t need, however, is this office.
Sometimes that means the position of Governor of Karazak, but right now that means these four black walls.”


Maze rose from her chair, maintained eye contact, kept speaking.

“I spoke of Karazak as some dry and dreary place but, while it has its cracks in the rock, the city of Oregina still has foundation.”

Maze pocketed her comlink and walked around the desk, measuring her gaze with an unassuming smile.

“How about it, Governor? Talk about culture in these fine leather chairs, or breathe it in from the air?”

@Sicadorito
 
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Ryssa Kalayli

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Consortium
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Governor, Ryloth

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Sicadorito
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Despite only having met for a few minutes at this point, Ryssa already found herself liking the Governor of Karazak. It was quite a departure from the usual routine— boring introductions, long, drawn-out meetings where no one was willing to reach an agreement and in the end, neither side got what they wanted. The twi’lek smiled, standing up as the Karazakan walked around the desk.

“I see you are a woman after my own heart, indeed!” she responded with a laugh. “Of course, governor. Care to give me a tour? Oregina is a beautiful city, and I would love to see more of it.” For once, the flattery was honest.

When she made her way out the door, she would make sure she had her comm on her before letting her guard know where they were going. He didn’t look pleased.

“But Governor, this is highly irregular. Are you sure that’s a wise deci—”

“I’m not completely helpless, you know. I was part of the rebellion, in case you forgot!” Her experience mainly consisted of carrying weapons and ammo from one place to another instead of actually firing them, but she looked haughtily at him nonetheless. The green twi’lek shifted on his feet.

“Besides, I have my pistol on me.” She smiled apologetically at Maze, hoping that the woman would give her a minute to work things out with the guard.

“Ma’am, that’s a stun pistol. It won’t do anything if someone tries to—”


“I’ll be fine. That’s a promise.” Her guard was silent for a moment before letting out a sigh.

“Give me a call if there’s trouble.” He sounded so resigned she had to give him a pat on the shoulder.

“Don’t worry, there won’t be any.” Seeing that he had nothing more to say, Ryssa gestured for her and Maze to move on, glad to be free from the office for once. Just like old times on Ryloth.

@Die Shize
 

Mazeryl Xiron

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Consortium
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Governor, Karazak

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Die Shize
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Words in the wind.
That was another maxim, though Maze was unsure if Father or Mother.
Yet, their daughter was certain that conversation in an office was no place for these two women, not when the wind of the world beyond those black walls waited and watched for the new world to come.
With a Wind Bridge that leads to the stars.

“After you, Governor.”
Governor gestured.
She appeared beside Ryssa a moment later at the door beside the wall, a long black coat covering what was beneath.
Maze offered a shrug in place of telling her new friend not to worry about the delay, or the pistol for that matter.

“Governor Kalayli,” Maze called before the pair continued, looking between her Twi’lek counterpart and the man who looked ready to throw down his life for her.
No one looks loyal. They just are loyal, and that’s how you know.

“You can take your guardian with you if you want to. I will not take offense.”
This was simply an offer, not even a suggestion.
“I’m taking mine, at any rate.”
Maze pulled back one side of her jacket to reveal the katana’s hilt.
It wasn’t hidden, had no need to hide swords on Karazak, they were regarded as legacies of loyalty, and there’s your Karazakan culture.
“The tour begins.”

Away from Harmonhal, or the Hall of Harmony, the noise of the city was far from harmonious.
To Maze, this was the perfect parallel of her own life.
From the solace of silence to the comfort of clamor.

Edifices.
That was the word Maze used when describing the skyscrapers of Oregina, with their gold-tipped peaks like frozen fires that blazed beneath.
‘Buildings’ did little justice to such structures.
They were not gargantuan in width, neither enormous in length, but O how they stabbed the sky.

“The Pillars,” Maze pointed to a cantina on the other side of the street that swallowed silence and spat out a cacophony.
“Good food. Good drink. Good company. Good place to talk.”
She pointed elsewhere—to a bastion of buildings, one where the rock of Karazak's skin was enameled with the gold of her belly and erected a titan of history.
“That’s The Alucre Museum, though the owner is from the continent of Orzay. His ancestors were slaves. They built the museum.”

Maze turned to Ryssa, a hand resting on her hilt for no real reason, the other gesturing down the street.
“Or we keep walking, Governor. Today, this world is yours."

@Sicadorito
 

Ryssa Kalayli

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Consortium
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Governor, Ryloth

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Sicadorito
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Governor Xiron was honest and straightforward— even more so than Ryssa in this instance. Despite her having written off this particular guard, she knew but didn’t care to mention how the rest were already stationed outside, ready to jump in at a moment’s notice should something go wrong. After Ruusan, she wasn’t taking any chances, despite her outward confidence.

Thus, she could afford to relax as she followed Maze around the street, admiring the skyscrapers that all but punctured the sky instead of scraping it. She offered that they visit a bustling cantina or a museum holding in it as much history as it was history itself, but although it was tempting, Ryssa didn’t want to be stuck inside another building. She did enjoy the fresh air too, or air as fresh as it could get in the middle of a city.

“I appreciate the kind offer,” she said with a smile. “I do spend too much time inside, though… and could use some more exercise. Let’s keep going!” They made their way further down the street, gathering some looks from the pedestrians as they recognized their governor walking amongst them.

“Do you do this often?” Ryssa’s curiosity was genuine. “I feel that these unscheduled public appearances in the flesh produce more positive results than ones on the Holonet.” It was good for the people to know that the ones representing them weren’t so far off.

“Unless everyone’s eyes are on you and not where they’re going,” she added, sympathetically eyeing a young woman who had just spilled her coffee all over a Mythrol she’d bumped into while staring at the pair. “Perhaps that’s just what our planets need— both Karazak and Ryloth. Something bigger to look at, while also focusing on where we’re going ourselves. A healthy balance of the two.”

@Die Shize
 

Mazeryl Xiron

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Consortium
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Governor, Karazak

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Die Shize
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As Maze had hoped, Ryssa was not so shy about their endeavor, had not simply tried to be polite by accepting what might be an unusual request.

She’s adventurous. Doesn’t sit behind a desk all day. Moves her feet, moves her hands, not just her tongue.
Maze would remember that.

For two planetary representatives to brave the wide expanse of civilian life all but on their own, well, that was an unorthodox undertaking, perhaps.

“Do you do this often?"

Maze arced a brow at her other self’s question, the way one does when they reflect on the past.
The building of the shrine, only just to burn.

One Governor prepared to answer one another, not the way politicians do, but the way two women do when talking to each other.

Thus came the spectator and the spilled coffee.
To Ryssa, it might have looked like they were staring at two women.
But they’re staring at you.

“Perhaps that’s just what our planets need— both Karazak and Ryloth. Something bigger to look at, while also focusing on where we’re going ourselves. A healthy balance of the two.”

“Those are quotable words, Ryssa,”
Now the brow arcs because the brow is impressed.
“Someone will quote them after they hear you speak them on the Holonet.”

Karazak and Ryloth would not stand alone, they would stand together, and the stars would see.
The notion had a ring to it that reminded Maze of how Harmony used to sing.

“To answer your question,” Maze moved on.
“I do this often enough. I once promised myself that I will walk where I want where there is no wall.”
Maze spread an arm but could point to no wall.

“Ah, black starling.”
Maze pointed toward a post that served as a bird’s throne.
“Shade of night, like crow or raven, spying with an endless eye…”

She turned back to Ryssa, speaking clearly but comfortably.
“The Lady Protector walks freely enough among her subjects, Ryssa, such as they are. Yet, like that black starling, eyes are always on me.”
She looked up at airborne cameras that might have been looking at more than the street.
“Ears.”
She listened as pedestrians passed by, might have recognized a voice.
“Blades in shadows unseen. My enemies know this, that my light is also my shadow, and they are torn between assassinating me day or night.”
Enjoying herself, perhaps not too much, Maze couldn’t help but grin at her Governor.
“Or I’m making this all up and we are heading to our doom.”

@Sicadorito
 

Ryssa Kalayli

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Consortium
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Governor, Ryloth

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Sicadorito
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“Quotable or not, it’s what I think.” While Ryssa did take care what she said in negotiations and Holonet broadcasts, she never wanted her private conversations to be anything but honest. Having the opportunity to be genuine was rare in her life as governor, and somehow with Maze, she felt that this was one of those times she could afford it.

She looked at the starling as her counterpart pointed at it, looked at the cameras as they stared back. Somewhere out there, her guards would be too, though they were too well-trained for her to spot any.

“It would be nice to have some privacy for a change,” she commented, then gave a rueful smile at Maze’s final remarks. “There’s always the risk of assassination for those involved in our work. But depending on who you make angry, at the very least you know you have a chance of making a difference. Or that you’re doing something right.” Maybe that didn’t apply so much to the Killiks, but for most other things…

“Our doom? Well, it won’t do us any good to think about that all day, no? We do what we can, when we can. People will try to get in the way, but we can’t let that stop us from getting what we strive for.” She put a gentle hand on Maze’s shoulder, as if she were reassuring her. But she was trying to convince the other governor as much as she was trying to convince herself.

“The galaxy can be a… disappointing place, but it doesn’t have to be. At least, Karazak and Ryloth don’t have to be. Things get better.” I have to believe that.

@Die Shize
 

Mazeryl Xiron

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Consortium
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Governor, Karazak

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Die Shize
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Was Ryssa a gullible woman? Was she naive? If neither, how did she get her optimism?
Where does the Twi’lek go to find hope?

Maze felt something then.
Maybe an eye or two spied from the shadows, maybe fingers flexed in them as the Rylothian put her hand on the Karazakan’s shoulder.

It was the same way her sister had touched her, that same shoulder, a hand so gentle, before the blade had cut her neck.

Maze looked away, but allowed the hand as much as the gesture.

“Rest assured first, Governor, nothing that passes between our lips as we walk is heard beyond our ears.”

The Lady Protector of Karazak was of course surveilled, but from a distance.
Truly, Ryssa had no idea just how quickly those streets had been swept before their feet had ever found the sidewalk.
No one did.

“As far as assassins go,” Maze began, pointing out a dojo as they passed it by.
“Assassinations on my world are at least rather…straightforward.”
She became aware of the hilt at her hip, how it swayed as she walked beneath the clouds.
“By carrying a sword I am declaring that anyone is free to kill me, if they can, but my sword must be against theirs, not my back, or they face eternal shame. Though, no one has managed to yet.”

Maze was genuinely interested in what kind of reaction one Governor’s words might elicit from the other.
She wasn't boasting, she had just never been to Ryloth, had only read books and watched holo's, but she did not see it as more martial than Karazak.

“Tell me, Governor,” Maze stepped in front of Ryssa, carefully so as not to actually block her.
“Would you die for your world?”

Karazak’s eyes narrowed into Ryloth’s as a hand squeezed a hilt.

“If your people asked you to stand before them, bow your head to the block, close your eyes to cold steel…would you do it?”


@Sicadorito
 

Ryssa Kalayli

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Governor, Ryloth

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In some strange way, Ryssa found the idea of the Karazakan method of assassination more comforting than the way she was used to hearing about. At the very least it would give Maze a chance to fight back, and if she was as good as she said she was she would have a decent chance of surviving. Both sides would be equal in that case, in a sense. A sniper with a poison dart or a blaster bolt though… the advantage was all on one side.

“And I hope they will continue to fail,” she responded with a light smile. Karazak was lucky to have such a governor. But her next question made Ryssa pause for a moment, stopping in the middle of the street as Maze stepped in front of her. She looked up. Cameras were still there, eyes, ears… but she forced herself not to think about them. When she looked down, Maze’s hand was on the hilt of her sword, and her eyes widened in alarm. But it wasn’t because she feared for her own safety, but Maze’s.

“I—” She turned around, finally spotting one of her security coming up from behind. He was carrying a rifle. Oh no. Ryssa stepped to the side so that she was directly facing Maze, effectively blocking her from the guard.

“If— if it was the will of the people,” she replied, trying not to look behind her as she spoke to Maze. “But I would much rather they vote me out instead of doing that.” Was that an adequate answer? Did she even mean what she said? She didn’t know, but she was mentally begging the other woman to take her hand off of her hilt. Ryloth’s soldiers, though honorable, had no martial traditions like Karazak’s, and when it came to her safety they were willing to do whatever they deemed was necessary, even if that meant potentially harming other governors in the ISC.

“Maze, I don’t think it’s a good idea to talk about that here. Should we move on?” She could practically feel the guard getting closer.

@Die Shize
 

Mazeryl Xiron

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Consortium
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Governor, Karazak

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Die Shize
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It was a good answer. Maze could appreciate a leader who was not only willing to put her life on the line for her people but give them her head if they demanded it.

Maze would have to think about that, one Governor's answer maybe helping another make a decision as to whether her neck should go on the block or not.

Maze was, at the end of the day, a young woman who knew little in the ways of governing, could often get the better of herself, but there was no reason for her counterpart to fear for either of them.

Two Governors could not talk in privacy if someone was listening to their every word.
People kept away from them, gave them space, while those cameras were there to watch, not listen.

Even pedestrian comlinks would only see a Karazakan resting her hand on a hilt as though it were a hand-rest and not a hilt.
Likely, Ryssa carried a pistol to protect herself, hidden or not, so they were still just two women walking.

Perhaps not.
Over the shoulder, one of Ryssa’s guardians came from behind, but a careful eye caught the notion that maybe the man wasn’t looking at either Governor.

Maze turned and, as she did, others on the street turned with her, until the whole street was facing the same direction.

Smoke.

@Sicadorito
 

Ryssa Kalayli

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Consortium
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Governor, Ryloth

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Ryssa couldn’t resist looking behind her again, but to her surprise, her guard’s eyes seemed not only to go past her, but past Maze as well. What’s going on? Then everyone else turned as well, and she looked forward to hear sirens suddenly start to blare and a cloud of smoke begin to plume up into the sky. Just like on Ryloth during the Sith invasion. And on Ruusan during the attack of the Killiks. Not again.

Then, she saw windows burst open, flames reaching out of them as the fire began to spread. As it did, so did the panic in the street. Individuals began to run in any direction away from the fire, and soon enough the streets were filled with screaming and running beings.

“We should get out of here.” Just then, she felt someone grab onto her arm, and right when she was about to try and throw them off she saw the guard from before. Couldn’t even give me a warning!

“Damn right you should. Let’s go! You too!” He looked at Maze, gesturing for her to come along before he began to drag Ryssa down the street and away from the now-stampeding crowd.

“Where are we going?” she yelled, trying to keep from tripping as he pulled her further away. She couldn’t see whether or not Maze was behind her. “Governor Xiron?”

“Your ship. We’re going home. Sorry to cut your visit short, governor.” Wait, what? She couldn’t just leave because of a fire! And where was Maze? She wasn't going to leave her here without making sure she was safe, or at least saying goodbye.

“Maze! Where are you?”

@Die Shize
 

Mazeryl Xiron

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Consortium
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Governor, Karazak

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Die Shize
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…Maze…
A lady hears her name.
That’s what they call the woman: a lady.
A lady in a maze…

She looks around, looks at the ground, but it’s beyond her, beyond her feet.
Before her face is a cloud of smoke, daring to hold captive her street.
But there will be no hostages today.

A hand squeezes a hilt—tighter.
The fire grows—hotter, brighter.
Come, then, squeezes a hand.
Come kill me if you can.

Steps forward—before her city.

There’s fire, there’s screams, there’s panic and pandemonium in the streets.
But a lady walks forward, unafraid to face her beasts.

A woman in flight her left.
“To the left!”
A lady’s finger points, sends the woman on ahead.

A little boy crying on her right.
“It’s all right!”
Takes to a knee, has the time of day.
“Take this one that way!”

A lady moves along, moves alone.
There’s screaming in the streets but all her eyes see is fire and smoke.

“Maze! Where are you?”
But the call is already faint.

She’s not alone, not quite.
She’s got a shadow on either side.
Shades flood the floodway, left and right.
The kind that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Swords unsheathe.
Dresses, T-Shirts, jeans, short skirts.
Ones in warrior garb as well, armed to the teeth.
Yes, each one armed and alert.

“LEFT!”

A lady commands, points to the left line that forms an arrowhead.
“RIGHT!”
Finger circles toward that side.

The arrowhead drives through the crowd, sparing all of them, finds a mob ahead.
Will spare none of them.

“LINE!”
The arrowhead becomes a line, becomes a wall, one with teeth, claws and all.
On the other side, before the fire, another line, swords of another kind.

Each wall stands tall, doesn’t budge, like two teams on a Huttball field before the judge.
It’s quiet now, eerily so, but a lady is unafraid.
They call her a lady, anyway, but right now she is just Maze.

@Sicadorito
 

Ryssa Kalayli

Character
Consortium
Rank
Governor, Ryloth

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Sicadorito
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Mar 23, 2022
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Ryssa looked back and Maze was still nowhere to be seen. She yanked her arm away from the guard, glaring defiantly at him. There was a look of immeasurable frustration on his face as he moved to get her.

“I’m going back to get Governor Xiron. And you’re coming with me.”

“Are you crazy? We have to get you out of here! I’m sorry, but you’re acting like a child!” Excuse me? Ryssa wasn’t going to deal with this again.

“Call for backup if you’re so worried, then! How would it look if another ISC governor was killed in a fire while on a private walk with me, and I miraculously survived and got out in time?” It would be so easy to point fingers if that were the case. Despite their allegiance to the consortium in present day, Karazak and Ryloth had not been on good terms in the past, and it was part of the reason Ryssa had even come here to continue building up their relationship. As far as the press knew she’d come to Karazak unaccompanied as a show of trust. If word got out that she had her own personal agents stationed all around the city…

All the effort she’d put into her public image would have been for nothing.

Without waiting for a response, she tried to make her way to the last place she’d seen Maze. Where is she?

@Die Shize
 

Mazeryl Xiron

Character
Consortium
Rank
Governor, Karazak

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Die Shize
Joined
Jun 2, 2021
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Blades…
Thought Maze.
Blades and shades…
Those were what formed her side of the blockade.

The Blades, they were called, and their name was fitting.
Once the royal bodyguard of the House of Kralius, the last house to seat the royal throne before it was burned and so was royal bone.
No one dared to cross blades with the Blades—but the Blades had cut paths for their king.

Now they are with me…
They were not alone.
The Lady Protector had shadows beside her own.
Watched every corner, every street.
And now three hundred are one.

The other side? A puny thing.
About the same number but that didn’t mean anything.
They were weak.
Because they were on the wrong side of the street.

“Guardians of House Xiron!” called the voice of a pawn.
He was garbed like a warrior, like Maze’s troupe, but his banner was not red but blue.
“Surrender your swords!”

Swords…
There in the street, in a soldier's sea where souls burn equally.
Swords of war…
From both sides they would roar.

“Traitors of Karazak!”
Calls a voice, a woman’s, born for it.
Flicks a wrist, death’s kiss, points with swordpoint.
“COME AND GET THEM!”

@Sicadorito
 

The Storyteller

Dungeon Master
Rank
Member DM

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House Xiron were arrogant fools. And so were the Blades who chose to follow them. Lady Protector, she dared call herself? Karazakans would soon remember that their true protectors were none other than House Terel. They knew what was best for the planet— and true independence was not achieved by stretching out into the galaxy, but by focusing inwards.

Governor Kalayli’s presence in Harmonhal as an equal was an insult to everything the old Karazak stood for. The great warriors of the past were just that— warriors. They had conquered other species, dominated lesser cultures, used them as fuel for the great slaving empire that Karazak could have been. Until seeds of doubt planted by outsiders, under the guise of “modernization”, began to sprout, bringing in new ideas that led to the end of the booming business that built the planet. Since then, the social fabric had only decayed, leaving little left of the gloried past it boasted.

“Challenge… accepted.” Hur lifted his sword in the same fashion as the weak-willed governor, his own warriors letting out a rallying cry. “Kill those Blades and make them regret ever choosing Xiron over Terel. As for you—” His sword pointed at Mazeryl Xiron.

“I challenge you to single combat. A duel to the death.” He narrowed his eyes. “If I win, your warriors surrender their swords. If you win, House Terel will do the same.” But you won’t win.

“Do you accept?”

@Die Shize
 
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