Fwurg

[Shebi Ajava]

Ajava follows the commander through the first street, taking note of the woman discretely entering one of the buildings. She didn't expect the stark contrast between the first and the second street, and was surprised by the sudden boldness of both the businesses and the people.

As she follows the commander, Ajava's attention was drawn to some of the men and women here. She knows that some of the aesthetically pleasing features are cybernetics, but Ajava has been around long enough to know that the line between cybernetics and equipment is a very thin one. Still, she feels slightly uneasy at the attraction she feels to some of those people.

Ajava saw the commander glance aside, and quickly return to watching the road. Not knowing the commander's circumstances, she remains silent, and simply follows the commander as she leads her towards the temple.

[Astrian Colonial Authority]

After they past the street they seemed to have left the brothels and strip clubs behind them. A few streets later they came to a road.

At the end of the road a wall with a large gate was visible. The ancient looking wall had a slightly reflective surface and as they came closer it turned out it was a layer of crystal covering the stone wall. There were lines of glyphs etched into the crystal. At the base of the wall bouquets of flowers lay and candles and incense were burning.

A person in a black cloak was standing next to a bucket, using a rag to clean the crystal with slow, precise movements. As the person reached the bottom of the wall, they put the rag into the bucket and wrung it out. They took a step back and bowed deeply to the wall, before picking up the bucket and leaving.

The gate of the wall was richly decorated with stone carvings and statues. But what really drew attention where the four unmoving figures clad in red armour divided in pairs at each side of the gate. Where red plate armour didn't cover, silver chain mail or scale mail did. As if straight from ancient history the armours where clearly made of metal instead of the more common modern composite materials militaries used these days. In this case that made the four, all women, look more impressive. Each of the women held a long staff-like weapon with a blade attached to the top. All four of them had stood so still they might as well have been statues, if it weren't for the fact they could be clearly felt through the Force.

The commander walked past the gate guards before stopping and turning to them. "This is miss Shebi Ajava from the Jedi Order, she has been invited by the High Prietesses."

The closest guard looked at Ajava for a moment. "You may pass." She then returned to her original position.

The commander led Ajava past the gate. On the other side they stood on a large plaza in a large field. Ahead was a stone path to the main temple complex. There were other people there to. Some tourists walked around. In the field to the right a group of people where sitting in a meditative fashion. A few people who walked around where dressed in the colours of the different schools of the Divine Nova Triage and there where a number of women wearing military uniforms.

Commander Kusanegi stopped and turned around to face Ajava. "Welcome to the Main Temple of the Divine Nova Triage." She said with a smile.

[Shebi Ajava]

Being familiar with both ceremonial guards and actual guards, Ajava simply waited for them to do their job. As she stands there, she tries to discern whether these four are ceremonial or actual. Based on their armour and visible weaponry, she is inclined to go with ceremonial.

After the guards allowed her in she looks around. She takes notice of the fact that military personnel here seems to be mostly women, something that surprised her earlier as well.

"Thank you commander", she replied with a smile after looking around. "Where should I go from here?"

[Minoka]

The commander had to think a moment about Ajava's question, she was about to say something when the sound of a clear glass bell rang through the plaza.

The commander turned to the direction of the sound.

A young-looking woman, short for an Astrian and using a cane to support herself, exited a small structure along the path to the temple. She was immediately followed by two women wearing armour similar to that worn by the guards at the gate. The difference was they had gold scale and chain mail instead of silver and their red armour was decorated with blue vine-like lines.

Followed by the two, the woman with the cane came in the direction of Ajava and the commander. To the untrained eye it seemed the two armour clad women were only following the woman. However an experienced warrior could see the precision of their movements, taking in their surroundings, ready to react to everything. These were elite warriors.

As the three past, people stopped and bowed very deeply to the woman with the cane. A small nod from the woman and they returned to their business.

They stopped in front of Ajava and Commander Kusanegi. The commander knelled and bowed her head.

"Hana, you can go now." The woman with the cane spoke with a deep feminine voice. "Get some rest before starting your exercises."

"Of course, Your Holiness." The commander replied before standing up turning to Ajava and snapping a salute. "Miss Shebi." Turning back she bowed to the woman one more time before taking off.

"She's a good girl." The woman said, watching the commander run off, to no one in particular. "A bit innocent for her age and line of work, though that's not necessarily a bad thing."

The woman turned to Ajava. "Welcome to the Divine Nova Triage, Princess Shebi Ajava of House Shebi of the Veolian Commonwealth, Jedi Knight of the Union. How was your journey from Unity?"

[Shebi Ajava]

Given the commander Kusanegi's earlier description of the high priestesses, and the fact that she is addressed as your holiness, Ajava is sure that this is Minoka. Ajava isn't sure whether she should bow or not. On one hand, this woman is one of the three leaders of the most powerful religious organisation in the ACA. On the other hand, she didn't outrank Ajava in any way. She had already decided how to address the high priestesses before she arrived on the planet, as she fondly remembers her first talk with Amilia.

Opting for the middle road, Ajava gave a short bow to indicate respect, but not subservience.

"I am honoured to meet you, high priestess Minoka", Ajava started, "My journey was swift and without incident."

[Minoka]

The woman smiled. "Smart girl, very good."

Minoka's eyes examined Ajava, scrutinized her even. She nodded apparently approving of what she saw.

"Come, walk with me." She said to Ajava before turning around and starting to walk. "I will show you to one of the guest houses, where you'll be staying."

[Shebi Ajava]

Ajava joined the high priestess. She makes sure to walk besides the priestess, and not slightly behind. During the walk, Ajava looked around to get her bearings, should she want to wander around alone.

[Minoka]

Minoka's guards followed them at a respectful distance.

The plaza was mostly a grass field, with the exception of the path to the main complex and the immediate area around the gate. A few stone buildings lined the path, but not many. The design of the buildings looked old and were very different from the buildings Ajava had seen on the way there.

They took a left turn and crossed the field, toward a large structure that extended from the main temple complex. As they came closer Ajava could hear the sound of metal hitting metal. They came to an archway, guarded by more of the women in red armour. Seeing Minoka approach they quickly made way and bowed, moving in perfect unison. The only sound they made was that of their boots hitting the pavement. It was the only sound Minoka's guards made as well.

"So what do you think of our little planet so far?" Minoka asked.

[Shebi Ajava]

"I have only seen a little. But what I have seen has shown me that your people are capable of designing and executing impressive feats of civil engineering. The train network is impressive, though it is not something I envision my own people building any time soon."

"The silence is also strange to me. Even in streets with obvious brothels there was a silence where normally I would expect the sound of voices. It makes me wonder though... Your people have lost the ability to speak naturally, what impact did this have on your hearing?"

[Minoka]

"Ah, that explains why Hana was a bit rigid." Minoka said.

"As for your question our hearing was barely affected. Most of us can't speak normally because they never have used their voice to speak. Because of that our vocal cords don't develop properly. Over the two latest generations that lead to even weaker vocal cords, making it practically impossible to speak without a vocal implant."

As the past underneath the archway the sound of metal on metal became louder. With no distinct pattern in the sound Ajava would have to wait and see if the High Priestess would show her what it was.

"Of course you know hearing is used for more then just communication. We kept using it and still use it now. Some people do augment their hearing with cybernetics and of course full cyborgs have cybernetic hearing. But other then that we can still hear without implants just as fine as most other species in and outside the Union.

Why do you think your own people won't build an extensive public transport system?"

[Shebi Ajava]

Ajava paid the sounds of metal little heed. She expected it to be combat training, though it could also be created by a ritual of the religion, either way it was of little consequence.

"As you know, me people are governed through a feudal system. And such a world-spanning project would require that several large noble families agree to design and funding. Even if the project would be unmistakably advantageous, it would still require those families to agree. They usually only do so in the Imperial Council, and this project would not be proposed there.", Ajava thought for a moment, "Next to that, we already have transportation infrastructure and the project would represent a large investment with unclear profit margins and distribution."

"I also think that your people are more used to travelling around the planet freely. Most people on Mirda have no business travelling to other megacities. Those that do can easily afford a hovercar or a more comfortable mode of transportation."

[Minoka]

"I see. I suppose not having a roof above your streets makes free moving transportation less problematic as well." Minoka gestured upward where the rain was still hitting the large roof structure that had also covered the streets.

"We don't like to tie people down. Live and let live. As the saying goes. We take that to heart."

After they exited the archway they headed towards a low building. The wooden building was seated on a number of short poles that elevated it from the ground. Parts of the walls where made of what seemed to be paper and the roof was covered with green tiles. Minoka slid open the door and gestured to Ajava to enter.

"I hope you will find these accommodations acceptable. I will let you settle in and unpack, so if you will excuse me. I have a few things to take care of.

When your done you can maybe attend a prayer session or have a look around the training grounds. Of course you can also take a look around by yourself, if an area is off limits the guards will stop you. I wish you a pleasant day, our great journeys are sure to cross again during your stay."

And with that Minoka turned around and walked away.

((OOC: I think a small time skip is in order.))

[Shebi Ajava]

"Thank you."

After Minoka had left, Ajava put down her bag and looked around the small building. Spotting the bedroll, she was a had some fun imaging the reaction of her mother if she would be a guest here. Leaving the bedroll untouched and stored in the cabinet, she unpacked her Jedi robes and the dress she brought and put them neatly folded on top of each other on the cabinet. She detached her bow from her armour, and put it down on the table, together with the arrows which she neatly aligned three groups of five.

When she was done, she walked outside again, wearing only her armour and her belt with lightsabers. She started to wander around on the grounds, not exactly understanding the use of the enormous rain-dome.

((OOC: I assumed that these are normal 'japanese themed' guest accommodations, including a bedroll and such. If not, PM me and I will update my post ^_^

I agree on the timeskip. Skip me to whenever is best! (Note that Hemet Veolians don't sleep.)))

[Shiria]

((OOC: You caught on very well.))

Ajava walked around for a while. She found out statues made of stone or crystal where spread throughout the grounds. The statues where of people and events. Most statues had inscriptions on them, though Ajava couldn't read them. But she could discern that these statues where most likely some sort of historic record.

After about an hour of wandering around Ajava found out what the sounds she heard earlier were. Groups of women clad in the red armour where sparring with each other. There where different weapons used by groups, some wielded swords, others fought hand-to-hand. Many other melee weapons where used as well. A number used the staff-like weapons the guards held. Ajava could see there was more to the weapon than a first look would reveal.

As she watched two women spar, she saw one of them flick the rear of the staff at her opponent. A chain shot out and coiled around the other woman's ankle. It seemed she was about to lose, but using her own weapon she dragged her opponent in close and skilfully brought the bladed end of her weapon to her opponents throat. Ending the match.

However that was nothing compared to what she saw next.

Twelve women, wearing the armour with the gold chain mail, stood in a circle readying themselves for a fight. In the centre of the circle a single beautiful woman stood unarmed wearing a blood red kimono. As if on an invisible signal two of the twelve shot forward, attacking the woman in the centre. The woman turned narrowly dodging the double attack and in a single fluid motion she disarmed one of her attackers before taking them both out. The other ten attacked immediately and simultaneously. With an almost surreal elegance the woman made short work of them all.

As the last of the twelve fell to the ground, Ajava caught a glimpse of a cold boredom in the woman's crimson eyes. It lasted for less then a second before being replaced by an entrancing smile.

"Ara ara, it seems we drew an audience." The woman said with a honey sweet, though accented, voice, as she turned to face Ajava.

[Shebi Ajava]

Ajava was impressed by the woman's speed. She knows at least seven or eight other people that would easily take out ten armed opponents without breaking a sweat, but none of them would do so while making it look so appealing. Matching her elegance would be something noteworthy. The flash of cold boredom wasn't lost on Ajava.

"Your audience wonders if you are that aggressive with all women you meet.", Ajava replied with a smile. "It is an honour to meet you, Shiria." Ajava said after a short bow. She left out the honorifics on purpose as it was the closest she could think of addressing someone with their first name.

[Shiria]

The Lady-Priestesses, while their face was hidden by their helmets, shot glares at Ajava. Apparently not very pleased with the familiarity she addressed their superior. But with Shiria's reaction they could hardly do anything or say anything about it.

Shiria, in the mean time, walked towards Ajava. She stopped very close to the Veolian woman. Gently she took Ajava's chin between her thumb and index finger and tilted her head slightly upward. Not letting go, Shiria brought her face tantalizingly close to Ajava's. Her grip prevented the Veolian to move her head in any direction but backward.

"What if I am, Ajava?" She asked with a sultry voice. Smile not leaving her face for a moment.

[Shebi Ajava]

Not used to someone else being so forward, Ajava couldn't help but blush a little. "Well, Shiria, I should be able to alleviate some of your boredom", Ajava replied, "Even though I am a bit out of practice..." Ajava's tone matched Shiria's, and she replied while she brushed her hand past Shiria's free arm.

"...which is also the case with my hand to hand combat.", Ajava smiled as her tone became more natural, "It would be good for me to get some practice, and you didn't seem to challenged by them."

((OOC: To be honest, I don't think that sparring should be handled through the actual combat mechanic. For one, I have no idea how powerful you feel Shiria is -- she might be able to match a Jedi Master one-on-one, but maybe we shouldn't make that explicit... Actual combat would mean actual attributes, and that would get shifty really fast.))

[Shiria]

((OOC: Agreed, I didn't really plan on sparring anyway. I don't want to really solidify her combat skill anyway.))

"Ara, did I look bored?" Shiria asked taking a step back and assuming a quizzical pose. Seemingly unaware of Ajava's suggestive words.

"Kanina mina-han. But it appears our guest desires my attention." She said to the other women. "That is if she's actually challenging me?"

Her last question was directed towards Ajava.

((OOC: How would you suggest we handle sparring?))

[Shebi Ajava]

((OOC: I have no idea. Maybe we should discuss this during the write-a-thon ^_^))

"I am", Ajava smiled, "It isn't often that I witness someone without Jedi training take out ten opponents like that. I would be remiss if I didn't at least try to learn from you."

[Shiria]

"Well then I hope I don't disappoint."

Shiria loosened her kimono, revealing a long luscious leg with creamy skin. She opened the neck area past her shoulders. It revealed a less then subtle amount of cleavage, while still covering enough to be all age appropriate. If only just.

Widening her stance slightly, she put one hand behind her back and extended her other to Ajava. Like she was asking the Veolian to dance. Her smile was still present.

((OOC: I suggest we each make one or two post for moves and such, before we conclude the match.))

[Shebi Ajava]

((OOC: Sounds good.))
Ajava calmly looks on as the high priestess adjusts her outfit. Ajava knows well enough that the high priestess is trying to distract her. Luckily, two can play at that game.

After the high priestess stands ready Ajava removes her iron belt and gently places it, and the two lightsabers attached to it, on the ground. She then slightly loosens the front zipper of her armour. Not far enough to mirror the priestess' appearance, but far enough to show that she wears no other garments underneath her armour.

Taking a step towards the high priestess Ajava takes up the role of the female partner in a dance. She extends her arm and gently places her hand in the extended hand of the high priestess, as if accepting the dance. Meanwhile, she held her other arm loosely at her side to react to the inevitable attack.

[Shiria]

Not even paying any attention to Ajava's mimicking, Shiria locked the veolian's hand in an iron grip the moment she put her hand in Shiria's.

A sudden powerful jerk pulled Ajava forward. Shiria moved around her, letting go of her hand and moved her leg to block Ajava's. Ajava narrowly dodged the open palm strike the High Priestess made. If the strike had hit Ajava would most certainly be eating dirt right now.

Shiria immediately followed up with a slashing chop.

[Shebi Ajava]

Ajava sidesteps the slash while grabbing Shiria's extended arm. She twirls with the arms movement and, in a single smooth motion, she pulls the arm downward and away from the body it is attached to. Despite her seeming lack of upper body strength, Ajava's grip is no less forceful, forcing Shiria to take a step forward or stumble.

Letting go of the arm, the women were now nearly side-to-side, with Ajava using her momentum to jab her elbow towards the high priestess' neck. If the attack connects, the priestess will literally be left breathless.

[Shiria]

Deflecting Ajava's jab, Shiria gets some distance between them.

Immediately the High Priestess closes the distance and launches a fury of strikes. A whirlwind of punches, kicks and other attacks came at Ajava. A punch barely missing the jedi's face revealed the power behind it, a gust of wind trailing behind it could not only be heard but felt clearly as well.

But most impressive would definitely be that Shiria's attack was starting to stress test Ajava's jedi reflexes. With each attack the Astrian High Priestess seemed to get closer to landing a hit. When, out of nowhere, Shiria executed a butterfly kick. Her foot coming down like a sledgehammer, a hit would certainly break or dislocate bones.

[Shebi Ajava]

She is impressed by the viciousness of the attacks, and determines that she isn't winning this purely on reflexes. Figuratively being backed into a corner, Ajava is capable of deflecting or blocking most attacks the high priestess throws at her.

With the sudden aerial move by the high priestess, Ajava sees the opening the high priestess unknowingly presents her with. Not wanting to insult the high priestess by holding back, Ajava's course of action is clear. With a lightning fast mental preparation she deliberately steps into the arc of the attack as she raises her left arm to block the brutal attack...

With a loud crack the high priestess and the bystanders hear the bones in Ajava's arm snap. A visage of pain flashes over Ajava's face and disappears as her mental conditioning kicks in. Without pause, Ajava grabs the blocked leg of the priestess with her right hand and, twisting the leg with her, executes a low sweep kick to try and bring the priestess down to the ground.

((OOC: I think that you have the dubious honour of making a draw out of this by taking a fall (or we can continue for another round or two) :P))