soldier_blade | *closed to glowygreendeath

Entry tags:

ermac,
psl

*closed to glowygreendeath

The second war against the Netherrealm was less than a week ago, but so far, very few had time to relax. Outworld finally agreed to assist Earthrealm against the impending invasion, but only after a tense stand off and some smooth talking for the recently promoted Jacqueline Briggs. When it was over, Sonya thought she'd be able to break away and spend time with her family-as it turned out, Outworld had other plans. After the defeat of Shinnok, the Outworld Emperor had begun to think: while the realms would remain un-merged, it couldn't be denied that they were stronger as allies then when they stood alone.

And the sad thing was, Sonya found herself agreeing. Much as she hated to admit it, against other realm forces, they were stronger when they fought together.

That still didn't make this any less surreal. The emperor wasn't just proposing an alliance, but marriage-a political marriage, with her; one that would bind their armies and realms as allies. At fifty-one years old, and having already been married once, Sonya had stopped seeing marriage as pure romance, and if she were honest, the thought of one less enemy for Earth realm was too tempting not to take up.

Which was what lead them all here, a party/conference room in a high scale Japanese restaurant, their party consisting of Secretary Blake and other high military leaders, while the Outworld party was of Ermac and others on Kotal Kahn's council. There was no denying that they all wanted some stability between the two realms, especially after so much conflict, but Outworld did threaten Earth. There had to be negotiations, compensations and assurances.

Dressed in her army dress greens, Sonya toyed with a piece of tuna with her chopsticks. In the near thirty years of military service, her years battling against Outworld, she never thought she'd live to see something like this. However way this meeting went, Sonya knew her own life would be changed: the implications killing whatever appetite she had left.

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The goat remark got a few smirks from the officers, but Sonya returned them with a glare. She'd been to Outworld during the current Kahn's reign and knew first hand how difficult it was to keep everyone fed during the civil war, to say nothing of her time in third world countries here on Earthrealm. Having any sort of meat source around wasn't something to take lightly, even if it was misplaced.

"Jackson Briggs and his family keep horses on their farm." She finally answered. While the Briggs weren't related to her by blood, she still considered herself family to him. Hell, she was Jacqui's godmother.

"I'm afraid in the United states, compensation and bride prices aren't spoken for much," Once more, it was secretary Blake. Much as it grated her for him to talk for her, as Secretary of the army, he was just a step below Secretary of Defense (head of the entire US military): he had as much at stake in this marriage working out as herself and the Kahn. "You'll understand though, that Blade is one of the best military generals we have, to have her resign, even for the good of Earthrealm, would require some serious exchange."

She wasn't sure if she should be flattered or insulted at his words. Instead she only mirrored Ermac's action of taking another sip of sake. The entire dinner, she barely touched her drink, not trusting herself to get tipsy during something this important.

Part of him wants to snap at the soldiers' smirks, but he holds his tongue for the moment. As uncomfortable as the situation was for him, he was currently the most qualified member of the Emperor's court. D'Vorah had attended to these sort of matters, but with her betrayal, such tasks now fell to either Ermac or Erron Black.

"We are prepared to offer troops, land, or trade."

He mentally left slaves off the list, knowing that it would have been turned down anyway.

"Or perhaps you would be interested in our aid in building an Earthrealm embassy?"

He could feel Shao Kahn's soul raging within him and cursing the absolute lack of anything he could break. Ermac ignored that particular spirit, as he usually did, and instead calmly dipped another piece of sashimi in wasabi.

Sonya noticed that the mention of trade got everyone's attention: ashamed as she was to admit, she couldn't blame them. Z'Unkahrah was one of the richest territory's in Outworld, second to the Kuatan province. If they were to start trading with them...

"The trade is tempting." Sonya answered before any of the others could make a fool of themselves. "If Secretary Blake agrees, trading supplies for gold would benefit both our sides."

Though the Civil war was over, there were rumors that some rebels were still at large, and the Emperor's city was still rationing food and other supplies. If they could trade gold for basic supplies, it would be a good political move for them as a couple, and help support the Emperor against the rebels. The gold in turn would help pay Earth's army for men and supplies. They were still a young division, and not always the first to get a chunk of government budget.

A look over at Secretary Blake had him nod in agreement.

"As for the embassy, it's been agreed over the board that to have one for Outworld and one for Earthrealm would also be a benefit."

The night after Shinnok's defeat, Sonya allowed the Outworlders (both warriors and refugees) to spend the night to recover from battle. While there were shelter in the camp, rank didn't allow her to send the Emperor and his warriors to reside there for the evening: they had to make due with spare rooms in the Officers' quarters. An embassy would've saved the embarrassment and trouble.

"Indeed."

He could remember sleeping in the Officer's quarters, and how the alien surroundings had made him and his fellow warriors feel entirely uncomfortable for the night. An embassy in Earthrealm would certainly be a welcome oasis from the strangeness of Earthrealm society.

As for trade, even he could see how it could be a real blessing for Outworld. Basic necessities could be scarce even at the best of times, and even the toughest of Outworlders had found life difficult during the civil war.

"Our Kahn will be pleased."

The warriors with him nodded in agreement, but remain silent. They had been sent along with Ermac only as insurance if negotiations went horribly wrong, after all. Their opinions held no weight whatsoever.

"When will you be joining us in Outworld?"

That was one of the main questions he'd been sent to get an answer for. No one was expecting her to live in the palace just yet, but she would need to be acclimatized to Outworld if she was going to be its Empress.

There was almost an audible sigh of relief from the men, but to herself, Sonya felt a little uneasy. She tried to convince herself that this wasn't a retirement, that she was only being 'transferred' to another unit: a larger one, on a different realm.

She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. This was what she signed for after all.

"A month..?" She looked around the table, wondering if any of the other leaders would argue. "Should be long enough to tie in a few things in the army?"

Colonel Flagg swallowed what he was eating before answering. "A month should be long enough."

They were really doing this. "What about Cassie?" For once, Sonya couldn't bring herself to speak formally. "Would it be acceptable for her to come with me, least for the first week or so."

Her talk with Cage made it clear he wasn't happy with the situation, but he wasn't military and they were no longer married, so much as she valued his opinion, that' all she did. Cassie on the other hand, if anyone was going to personally be affected by this union, it'd be her. She told Sonya upfront she wasn't happy with this, but in all the arguing, Sonya felt she was worried more for loosing her than the actual decision.

Still, Sonya wanted her daughter's blessing in all of his. If the Emperor was sincere, she hoped a short 'vacation' in Outworld would set her mind at ease.

Ermac nods.

"We will ensure that our Kahn's bed is ready in one month."

Did he have his reservations about this union? Of course. He'd spent his entire life thinking of Earthrealm as either the enemy or an untrustworthy ally of necessity. But, it wasn't his decision. He could at least test this woman to see if she was prepared to actually commit to this.

"Your daughter is welcome to come. She should learn more of Outworld if she is to be its princess."

Ermac's response made Sonya stop mid bite, and she distinctively heard some of the generals choking while others were trying to keep them from dying.

"Wait.." Sonya forced herself to remain composed. "You mean to say the wedding will be in a month? Shouldn't there be more time to prepare?"

Just how long had they been planning this? Cassandra mentioned that she and her team were held as hostages for the amulet-was this wedding alliance all part of the plan as well?

She'd been married before. Even the court ceremony between her and Johnny took more than a month.

"As for Cassie, are you certain the Emeperor would approve? I appreciate him taking her as a step-daughter, but..his heir would be a big step. She's an adult, she might see it as too big of a step from junior officer.

Yes, she had gone through OCS to become a lieutenant, but there was a big difference between leading a platoon and learning to run a country. She also didn't even know if Cassie would be willing.

The thought occurred to Sonya that this might all be more of a PR move as much as practicality to the Emperor. While her health and stamina were above average for most women her age (and then there was the tomb Johnny found), the fact was she may've still had only a few years left where she could have kids. Having Cassie as a 'spare' would've been a safer bet incase she never had one from Kotal; that said heir was from an ancient blood line and strong enough to defeat a fallen god, Sonya had a feeling there were also going to be bragging rights involved.

"Outworlds needs an heir. Its people demand stability."

He would rather not think of how quickly his realm would tear itself apart if there was another power vacuum, especially one so soon after the civil war. He'd already had a heavy hand in his realm's power dynamics, and would prefer to keep his role as an advisor and body guard.

He sips his sake.

"Is a month too soon?"

He raised a good point. Sonya exchanged a glance with some of the men. As much as some of them (most of them) would've preferred the chaos of a people trying to fight over power, the fact remained that eventually, someone would seize power-someone who might look to invade Earthrealm as well. For all the rough starts they've had with Kotal, it was well known that he had no interest in taking over any realm.

Still, to put Cassie in such a role. Sony worried how the other Outworlders would respond to that: would they see it as a slow 'taking over' of the realm, with both an Empress and heir from Earthrealm.

She decided to cross that bridge when they got there. "For a wedding ceremony of this sort, a wedding of this sort might take more than a month to arrange. Invitations will have to be sent out and arrangements made..you'll also forgive us for having no knowledge of Outworld wedding traditions. I know Time in Outworld is different than Earth's, but by Earth standards, we'd need..three months at the earliest."

She was by no means trying to avoid this event, she promised herself to this and she'd see it to the final step. Rather, when she said she'd be ready to move to Outworld, she didn't expect it to be as their Empress so soon.

"What of the press, ma'am'?" One of the other officers asked. The question was met with a collective groan, a few of the men meeting their face with their palms. The news media and military were never going to get along, and no matter how silent they kept things, someone there was always a line of inter realm relations in the news.

"Not like we can avoid that part, could we." Sonya didn't like the idea any more than they did. "If it takes place in Outworld, they won't be able to get their except through invitation. Nor will the conditions allow them to fill or record anything except through hand held devices; with any luck, that'll deter most reporters who'll see it as too much trouble."

There would be some to record the event, that couldn't be helped, but if they remained to the papers, that would help keep things under control.

He almost grins. Almost.

"We could. We can watch all the known portals to Outworld. No reporter would gain access without us knowing."

And Outworld, of course, didn't have an extensive news network like Earthrealm did. Ermac had heard of a few enterprising individuals trying to start one, having been inspired by scraps of information brought back from Earthrealm, but news still generally travelled by word of mouth and letters along trade routes. This suited the Kahn and the rulers of various city states and small kingdoms just fine, since it made it easier for them to control what the public heard. Commoners didn't need to worry about political affairs, after all.

"There... are no recorded traditions for royal weddings. Not at the level of Emperor. Shao Kahn had no use for them."

The concept that he might, someday, die and need a proper heir hadn't really crossed the mind of the dead Kahn. There was no question now that all future Emperors needed to actually go through with a formal marriage and have official heirs.

"Kotal Kahn, however, wishes to use Oshtek traditions during the ceremony. Including a sacrifice."

That they'd watch the portals Outworld only made sense. A high profile wedding, especially one for royalty, would certain attract all sorts.

At some point during their talk, the appetizer course was taken away, replaced by the main.

"Which makes the need for invitations all the more important." This was from Blake. "We'll invite one or two reporters, so atleast the word's out, but that's the lot. We'll also post security by our own portal to make sure no one tries anything on our side."

Sonya suppressed a grin. One of the more subtle reasons her daughter joined the military was to get away from the attention of the press-something she had a strong hand in.

The mention of rituals came: this was part of why they insisted on talking this all out. Sonya noted that the mention of sacrifice caused a few of the men to suddenly become fascinated with their dishes. Sonya couldn't say she was surprised, but it did get her thinking.

"Would the victim be chosen by the Emperor, or should we provide?" She ignored Flagg's glare.

"Blade, I know what you're thinking. We don't have the authority to end someone's life, no matter their crime." Once more, she brushed him off: he continued. "Something the General should've asked is 'is there anything of note we need to especially be aware of for the ceremony. Last thing we need is to start a fight because of something being 'lost in translation."

"We will inform the Kahn that you wish to invite reporters."

His tone made it clear that his Emperor wouldn't be happy about this, but Ermac would only be the messenger. Reporters could always be detained for 'questioning,' anyway. They could always be seen as a potential security risk.

"He will choose the sacrifice, but will welcome your opinion."

He gives Flagg a hard stare.

"The Emperor, his family, and his court do have the authority to end a life."

A power that had to be excercised carefully, of course, but he felt that went without saying.

"We don't wish to." Sonya clarified. "But if we don't invite atleast one or two, news of this wedding will get around and the press will make up all kinda of bullshit stories. It's happened before."

The implication that she'll soon be part of the Emperor's family made her stiffen. If someone told her twenty seven years ago that she'd be setting up to marry the Emperor of Outworld, she'd punch them out before committing them to electric shock therapy. yet here they were.

"I think what Flagg meant to say is that 'we' don't, and..flattered as I am that you'd consider it already,nothing's signed yet." Not yet, but they seemed close to working out the formal arrangements. "But I think we can all agree that this marriage..and alliance, will go forward?"

There were varying answers to the positive from the men. Inwardly, Sonya nearly dreaded telling all of this to Cassie.

Edited 2016-03-06 00:32 (UTC)

Ermac nods.

"Yes. Outworld and Earthrealm will be united, if only metaphorically."

He could hear Shao Kahn screaming now. Well. What was one more screaming spirit among thousands?

"We have been informed that American brides wear... white dresses. Is that correct?"

White would take at least a few days to find, possibly longer to prepare. Most tailors and tanners in Outworld avoided white, simply because it tended to turn a light brown the moment a sand storm even thought about happening.

"Atleast in terms of military and trade." Sonya wanted that to be clear-strange as it was for her to comprehend. She tried to rationalize that it was no different than England and the US, how the country started off as an enemy and eventual ally a century later. Granted, Earthrealm was never an Outworld colony, but it settled her mind a little.

The question almost got a smirk, but if they were going with Osh-tekk traditions. "First time brides, usually." And..this wouldn't be her first wedding. "Second time, it's either white or some light colored dress."

In all honesty, she'd hoped to get married in her Dress-A's, especially since this was to merge the two military powers, but she would no longer be a commisioned officer by the time. "I was planning on wearing my dress A's for the ceremony."

That earned her a few looks, all of them aware of the regulations for army gear. "Look, if I'm leaving this post, I'm leaving it on my own damn terms-unless it's completely against Oss-tekk traditions, of course, but only than."

Not because it was against army regulations: what were they going to do anyway-kick her out?

"As you wish."

Formal outfits in Outworld tended to take inspiration from warriors' attire, anyway. Even the silk robes Ermac wore tonight, while useless as armor, were just loose enough to allow him to fight if he needed to.

"You will require some Osh-tekk ornamentation, and there will be blood."

With Kotal Kahn, there was always blood. Ermac plucks a piece of unagi from his bowl.

"We recommend taking the time to choose your servants wisely. They will be expected to give their lives to save yours should anyone attempt to launch an attack during the ceremony."

Sonya opened her mouth to respond: whatever 'ornamentation' she required, they could be sent over some time before the wedding, but then there was the mention of blood, and not as par sacrifices. The mention of servants also made her take note. While she was aware there would be servants within the palace, she wasn't aware that she suddenly had to pick them herself.

"First things first..what'd you mean 'blood', and..servants..is this from the Outworld court, or those from ESD that I wish to bring with me?" Inwardly, she hoped it was the latter. Much as she didn't like the term 'servant' atleast she'd trust the female personal that were selected. "Ornamentation could be delivered via portal, I'm pretty sure."

"There may be a ceremonial blood union, much like a blood oath. It should not require more than a few drops from both of you."

He takes a sip of the green tea, and decides that he likes this drink. It was bitter, but nowhere near as bitter as many Outworld tea blends. He would have to see about taking a box of it with him.

"You are free to choose your own servants. We believe that their equivalent in Earthrealm would be... bridesmaids?"

He hoped that was the correct term. He'd tried to research Earthrealm wedding traditions prior to this meeting, but it wasn't a subject that appeared in many of the texts in Outworld.

Flagg looked a little uneasy. "You'll excuse us, Ermac, but blood exchanges usually bring on diseases.."

Sonya rolled her eyes. "I won't bore the entire table with details, but after everything I've experienced, I think my blood stream's tough enough to deal with a few drops of osh-tekk blood." Seriously, between being stabbed, bitten, burned, electrocuted, sliced and giving birth, she wasn't going to get squeamish now.

The 'translation' of what he really meant did allow her a sigh of relief. "Ohh..bridesmaids, they're not servants exactly.. their role is only until the day after the wedding. I'll see who I can get assigned from the ranks."

And Vera, come what may, she wanted the woman who was more 'sister' than 'sister-in-law' to be part of the bridal train. "And they'll be suitably armed."

He treats Flagg to a very cold stare.

"Do they? We were led to believe that blood exchanges were common in Earthrealm medicine."

He looks back to Sonya.

"We will see to it that there are proper supplies to clean the wound afterward."

That used to mean letting D'Vorah take care of it, but Outworld had taken care of small injuries perfectly well before she swore her allegiance.

"They will be expected to perform their role until you dismiss them."

He didn't expect them to be needed for long, though. From what he had seen of her in combat, she wouldn't need much in the way of bodyguards. Even Cassie would need more of a supervisor than a guard.

He nodded. "Common, yes, but not without medical history of either patients. If a person has the wrong blood type or a blood borne disease, then transfusion isn't possible."

Sonya used the excuse of eating to cover any eye rolling she might've done. They were not having this conversation now.

"Would it be possible for a book or some reference material on Outworld law, to read before the wedding?" If she was going to play the diplomat, she'd rather go prepared. "It could be delivered along with the ornamentation you'd said I'd need, while we'll had over plans for an Earthrealm embassy?"

She figured that for the wedding, the important guests would be housed within the palace. Still, for others, an embassy would be a place of security. "..Just..how long would the celebrations last, anyway? Most in this country only last a day, but..some cultures have them last several days?"

Guests especially would need to know how long they'd be expected to stay. With the differences in how time measured between realms, it wasn't like they could suddenly go back home for an overnight bag.

"We will ask our Kahn to provide a sample for testing, if you wish."

Given how many people's blood Sonya had been exposed to over the years, Ermac couldn't help but wonder why they would be so concerned now.

"We will gladly provide translations when we send the ornamentation."

He didn't expect her to understand any of Outworld's written languages yet. Fortunately, Ermac housed a few Earthrealm souls, and had been able to act as a translator when Earthrealm texts were brought into Outworld. Translating to English would be no problem.

"Three days. One before the ceremony, to celebrate and confirm that the wedding will, indeed, go through. One for the ceremony and to celebrate the union. The third day is for the families to bond and 'tie up any loose ends,' as you say."

In theory, anyway. He was aware that festivities from the second day often spilled over into the third. And sometimes a fourth day. And a fifth. Outworlders didn't often have much to celebrate, so they tended to take full advantage of any possible occasion. A royal wedding would likely see parties lasting an entire week.

"There's no need." She answered. For one, she wasn't about to give them the chance to experiment, and two. "After the first netherrealm war, I think my blood's tough enough."

Really, if there was any sort of blood to fear contamination from. Sonya didn't feel anything else should be of a concern.

A smirk crossed her face when he went over the 'itinerary' of the wedding, though that was mostly because everyone's expressions seemed to light up at the mention. With everything that's been going on, a celebration lasting several days sounded like a vacation.

"We'll have to assign a skeleton crew for security then." Because anything involving soldiers and alcohol was bound to get ugly.

"We will provide security, as well."

If nothing else, it would help to prevent rumors that this wedding was an Earthrealm takeover, and it would make dealing with unruly Outworld guests much easier. Ferra and Torr were idiots, but even Ermac had to admit that they were excellent as guards and bouncers.

"We would like to speak with Cassie before the ceremony, as well. There is much that she needs to know."

And a lot that needed to be sorted out beforehand, such as who her tutor would be.

Sonya didn't have to remind minds to know his logic (nevermind she probably couldn't with him even if she could). Outworld security would put the people at ease more than Earthrealm military.

Though she inwardly groaned at thinking of all the men that might get drunk after the third day. She wouldn't have them under her command at the time or course, but that didn't mean she didn't feel bad for the officers that would.

"I would need to speak speak with her first." There was no 'like to'. If Cassie were to hear of this from anyone, it would have to be her. "It's true, Outworld will need an heir, and I'm honored that the Emperor would have Cassie for the role, but I also confess, I'm not sure she'd see it the same way. She's worked hard to get where she is within the army..would this mean having to give it up."

Sonya never wanted Cassie to enter the military in the first place, didn't want her to be exposed to the constant stress and danger it required. Yet to go from commissioned officer to princess of Outworld, Sonya wasn't sure that was any better.

"Outworld royalty leads their armies into battle."

He could see to it that Cassie was given a high rank, if need be. While charging into battle was risky, it inspired confidence and trust in Outworld's people. Their leaders risked their very lives to preserve the kingdom or to increase its power; the least civilians could do was repay that with their loyalty.

"However, she will still need a tutor. Military experience is inadequate for ruling an empire."

"I'm aware." Sonya looked to the other generals, most of them seeming aware that this was between her and Ermac. "But it's as you said of experience, and leading armies is a big difference from leading a small squad."

This was why not all NCOs became commissioned officers. Even as a lieutenant, the rank was still a junior one and in terms of experience Cassie was still green.

"Let me guess, you'd propose to be said tutor." Seeing as how many souls were within Ermac, to say nothing of him being the 'longest serving' member of Outworld's court, he'd have experience and then some. Between him and Cassie, Sonya wasn't sure who she should feel sorry for more. "Once again though, I can't force her, and even if she agrees, she won't be happy."

She couldn't make any calls on how the conversation would go, but all signs pointed to it being messy.

A relieved sign came when Blake took over. "Inhertance issues aside, I think it's safe to assume that this marriage will go on?"

Sonya watched as a majority of the table agreed, herself included. Her own reservations about marrying again were just those: this arrangement would benefit both of their realms, and she'd be lying if she said Kotal Kahn wasn't agreeable.

All she had to do was convince Cassie.

He doesn't even flinch at the suggestion that he be Cassie's tutor.

"Only if our masters wish it."

Which, if he knew his Kahn at all, they would despite Ermac's personal history with Earthrealm's champions and their descendants.

"Indeed. Our Emperor will be pleased with this news."

Sonya recalled the rare times she was able to attend parent-teacher conferences at Cassie's school. The general consensuses was that her daughter was good in her school work, but had a difficult time controlling herself around other students. Basic and the military helped rear that tendency in, but even Sonya knew it was still there.

She still didn't know how Cassie would take this news at all. There was the chance that whoever ended up as a tutor would have to stock up on headache medicine.

Looking around, she noticed a visible sigh of relief from Secretary Blake. This whole arrangement was going to be tricky, and no one was sure how it would play out, but atleast there was a plan and they were all in agreement. Sonya would worry about the rest when it came to it.

"I propose a toast." Blake raised his cup. "To General Blade and Emperor Kotal, and to finally settling the conflicts between Earthrealm and outworld."

Sonya raised her glass along with the others. Whatever her reservations were, the bigger picture still had her wanting this to work out.

He nods and raises his own glass, relieved to have some good news to bring home. The marriage would be good not just for his Emperor, but for Outworld as well. They needed some real stability to consolidate their resources and prepare for the next inevitable war. The Netherrealm was a constant threat, after all, and there were still factions within Outworld that threatened to upset the precarious balance of power.

And if it all failed, well, he'd already helped unseat one ruler.

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