Claustrum institution

[Darth Hades]

A storm was brewing as a Royal transport was flying over the vast sea towards an island of terror. This island only spoken through whispers and only known through rumors, feared by every living thing on Terra. In the island held Claustrum institution, the reason behind all the whispers, rumors, and fear. Its long history of torture and unholy methods made it ignored by the rest of Terra.

As the transport traveled, within it held a handful of Nobles and Royal members, those who were brave enough to acknowledge the island. Among them was Varro Malone wearing a simple button black suit which was not as elegant as those worn around him but was a cut above of that of commoners. All were around the large table avoiding the reason as to why they were all here.

Varro stood up addressing the room with a cough “Shall we begin?” He looked at around the room as they were all uncomfortably, even Varro was a bit uneasy but the people have spoken and the island, more the importantly the Claustrum institution was to be finally dealt we. “Our purpose of our travel is of course to evaluate the institution for cruelty beyond necessity. Should it be found guilty of inhuman crimes we are reform the institution. Also and more importantly to find those innocent of the crimes they were accused of. A difficult task, I know but it must be done. Now before I continue are there any questions?”

[Ragsmire]

Flying quaintly through the rocky storm the Eddicus-class planetary shuttle carried well over a dozen royals' and nobles' as it bolted along high above the wild sea below. Its path was set after several negotiations were ran pass the council set to temporarily govern in place of a King or queen while in transit to a new political system.

In the shuttle these Terrain figureheads all crammed together each trying harder then the next to stuff their own ego and further their own ties and career to the next party of leaders. most of them were elderly having played the game more then once and picked up on many tricks during that time. Anthony Milo-Malone was one of these men.

As Varro opened the forum as it were to the matter at hand several of the chairmen and woman opened with it. Some starting with the state of the prison and how reform was impossible the best solution being the destruction of the institution. Anthony could tell the few who brought this possibility up were only seeking a way to prevent their own names coming down with it.

A couple of others were ranting on about how it was utter madness to attempt and sort the filth from the clean and they all should remain only with improved conditions. Anthony identified these individuals as the ones whom wanted minimum effort with maximum reward. Anthony shifted in his seat getting ready an actually question as the young Varro asked for, not complaints.

"Have you any plans regarding how we should go about this, Varro." He questioned raising his voice high above the others bickering all fell silent with one figure in the corner holding the still air she brought with her on the flight. Real Malone had not spoken a word thus far.

[Darth Hades]

Varro completely ignored everything that was said after he spoke. He fully expected such an outburst but it was better in the beginning then consent bickering by the entire group. Varro stood tall awaiting for things to settle down. After several minutes of pointless debate, Varro noticed Anthony Milo-Malone began to raise his voice and out came an actual question.

Varro raised his hand to silence everyone in the room. At first, they did not heed. Slightly agitated by the lack of response, Varro coughed a few times with an A-hem until everyone settled down. "Now as to answer Anthony's question. I have gave great amount of thought as to how we should deal with this." Varro paused for suspense before continuning.

"Before we do something radical, we must remember what our goal is for venturing this far out. There are innocent people in that god forsaken island. We must bring them back. I suggest all those that were imprisoned there for the past five years be set free. Of course first reviewing thier record, which is kept by the Warden. It may be hard to separate the criminals we must try our best. So mostly we will be cooperating with the Warden to solve this dilemma."

[Ragsmire]

The ideas suggested were again met with a flurry of discontentment and accusations pointing fingers and placing blame, one going so far as to say Varro was a war monger looking to build an underground arms force. ultimately they were still playing politics few of the vessels passengers looking out for the better of the people.

Varro's mention of the prison warden sparked an old memory in Anthony that triggered a mix of both delightful ecstatic, and sorrow filled reverence thoughts of his past. At one-hundred twenty Anthony was one of the oldest serving members of the royal family and served under the former queen before Arrogus so he had a vast amount of experiences.

The warden of the prison was his own flesh and blood. Terra Vi Malone was named after the world that the seventh in line for the throne called home. After a long and assorted history with his kin Anthony lost touch with Terra with the death of his spouse the lose finding strong shoulders to rest upon, his. Terra blamed the father always known to be wise and warm as the loss was on the battlefield in an engagement he was commander of.

Pressing a finger to her ear Real listened intently for several seconds while something, some form of information, was fed to her through the earpiece. Raising from her seat this was another woman Anthony had history with taking her in as almost the child he lost Real was his student in the force, a path she traversed because the king her father wanted a son over a daughter and left her out of his life as much as possible.

"Varro we'll be landing in five." she sat loud enough to catch the attention of the room but made it clear she was only really relaying the info to him. "The warden as agreed an audience in the primary address chamber." Real added the chamber mentioned having long since been used to finally and recommission the punishments assigned to the prisoners.

[Darth Hades]

Varro was once again was met with complaints. He ignored them as Real stood up informing him that the ship would soon land. Varro nodded in reply. He had nothing more to say to these people and sat down waiting for the flight to end. The room continued to roar with shouts. He heard someone even calling him a war mongul. They did not understand him and so did not care of thier opinions.

The rain slowly began to drizzle as the Eddicus-class planetary shuttle was getting closer to the island. When they finally reached the destination, the sky was clear of clouds and revealed the island. To most that were looking out into the island were shocked when they saw the island. No one onboard had ever been to the island for going there meant you were being sent to Claustrum institution.

The island was surprising lush and green almost as if it was a resort. The tropical place had a certain glow to it enhanced by the recent rain which made it almost sparkled. Only one thing was out of place. Only one thing that made this place surreal. A gaint tall gray building that stood out, it had a ghost like feeling that it radiated to all that saw it, even just from the sky. As the ship landed on an open hanger bay, the people slowly began to escort themselves out.

As Varro and the rest of the Royal members and Nobles exited the ship into a wet soft sand of the beach, they were greeted by a large man with a group of men wearing gray uniforms indicating they were the guards. The large man stood out as a pillar of light surrounded by darkness. The large man wore a brilliant crimson garment with gold linings patterned with silver. He had black curly hair that was receding with a large face and a hooked shaped nose. Despite his obnoxious appearance, he wasn't overly gross.

"Greetings everyone!" The large man spoke with a unexpected high pitch voice. "I am LeQuan Kam, the Warden's assitant. He apologizes for not being able to greet you himself. He not expect such a turnout."

[Ragsmire]

"They've arrived." came the deliberately soft tone of Terra Vi from behind the stained wooden desk that served as the centerpiece of the oval chamber its white walls cold and barren possibly reflecting the demeanor in which the prison operated. Terra rose from the seat matching chair dusting off the dark uniform worn solely by the warden before falling into a smooth step pattern out the door.

A quick rhythmic pace was the steady steel beat that continued to draw the warden's foot steps ever forward the prison's soundtrack calm on the upper levels but deeper down something of a war machine pounding fear into it's occupants heart's and soul's. Warden Vi Malone kept that very beat deep within the heart the Titan hair harbored.

light flowing red hair was a fitting match along side the shadowy attire as Terra pushed passed the entrance hall it easily the best lit chamber in the institution several large stain-glass windows letting a rainbow of color through bathing the floor and surrounding walls in it's radiation glow.

What took many by surprise was the incredible amount of shear and undeniable beauty that Princess Terra Vi Malone of waves fifteenth in line for the throne and second warden of the Claustrum institution had. Considered truly blessed by many she was a rare sight and a treat to look at. Her eyes an offsetting Red to accompany her hair Terra gave a soft look with a matching voice but under it all she was hardened tougher then durasteel. She moved up to LeQuan Kam quickly enough that the man may have been surprised by her presence and addressed him with an easy tone.

"LeQuan, i think i will be able to make the time to meet our guest after all." She told him disengaging his pleasant excuse over her absence. She regarded most with a simple nod taking a unique moment to respond to the presence of only two in the group. Real Malone was a former classmate and at one point Terra had tried to win her brother's, First prince Tycen's, affections hoping to wed him. Tycen quickly crushed any remote thought regarding such actions,though related only by surname, Terra coming from a detached bloodline from his own, Tycen still considered it a disgusting act.

Terra offered a hand to Real which was taken as if the bad blood was now only water under the bridge. Anthony Milo-Malone was the only other she treated differently, more coldly then the rest putting a steely gaze on him while welcoming him with a warm tone.

"Father." simple and quick she now addressed Varro, the source of this problem. "And i do not believe we've met. Terra Vi Malone." She offered a hand.

[Darth Hades]

"A pleasure." Varro said with a slight nod taking Terra's hand. She had a smooth touch, her silky skin desired by many men to feel. Her beauty was highly spoken of and Terra’s fierily hair was very lushes as many of the Nobles stared dumbfounded by her presence. Not Varro, there was no good feelings behind his fake smile which he cultivated to perfection. An art he had to learn when dealing with the wealthy.

“Ah my Lady.” LeQuan said with a bow, his high pitched voice annoying some of the people around him. As he straighten himself he stepped back a little awaiting her orders. Varro was already anxious to get to business but knew that pleasantries were in order as always for meeting.

“This place almost seems like a paradise. All except for the institution. You must be proud.” Varro said trying to start a conversation that may lead to the reason why they were here.

[Ragsmire]

Terra nodded solemnly to Varro's comment's regarding the prison, yes it was her own personally paradise. Terra however was not one for idle chatter and therefore pushed ahead to the rout of the visit, a fact she sensed he too was getting at.

"How about we move into my office were this discussion can go into greater detail, I'll have LeQuan give a tour to some of the others if it so pleases your company." She offered assuming Real would ether stick it close and stay with Varro through the meet or attend the tour in hopes of exposing some corruption within the institution.

[Darth Hades]

Varro's smile still lingered in his face. This time it was real, he was glad that he didn't have to wait so long to get things done. The other that were accompany Varro were eager for the tour, hoping to expericense the pleasure of the seemly paradise island. Varro turned his head to them with the joy of killing thier happiness. "She meant a tour of the Institution."

Quickly the smiles of the Nobles vanished as it was the last place they wanted to be in. Lequan intervene by saying "Nonsense I would be honored to show all we have in our wonderful island."

Varro didn't like Lequan Kam. For many reasons, one for thinking this place was wonderful. Varro shifted his attention once again to Terra Malone. "To your office then. The first thing we need are the records of the prisoners."

"Records?" Lequan intervened once again "What to you need records for? The prisoners that came here are sentenced to life. No expections. That is the rule of the Institution decreed by the King many years ago."

[Ragsmire]

"Wonderful!" Terra declared happily at both LeQuan's graceful avoidance of detailing the institution's more gritty areas, and at Varro's desire to go to her office right away, She was cut short however by LeQuan whom objected to records being viewed, she did have to agree but playing along would probably work best Terra thought.

"Now, now. LeQuan do not concern yourself with matters of my keeping. Varro here may view all the records on the island if it is his content." She waved him off indicating to begin the tour of the facility before turning back to Varro leading him along. Real and Anthony keeping pace behind them, to Terra's grave dislike.

"To my office, What records would you like to see?" She asked in advance hoping to get an idea as to what he was in search of.

[Darth Hades]

Varro Malone walked with long strides followed behind by Real and Anthony. He had anticipated thier presence for this important meeting. Varro walked beside Terra, lagging a few seconds so she could lead the way. Varro turned his head towards her, his emerald eyes meet with her crimson pair. "First, I would like to have the records of the prisoners of war sent here by the Bastion's civil war. I would like to examine their crimes. I believe they were wrongly sent here."

As the group continued on, Varro could sense they were near to their destination as they turned a corner. "Furthermore, I would like to review the majority of the inmate's crimes, to see if they truly deserved their punishment."

Meanwhile LeQuan lead a large group of Nobles to a beautiful building which had a light tan color complementing the island's variant bright colors. He brought them to a bar where he invited the guests for refreshments as he talked about the island's importance to the planet Terra. LeQuan swayed the Nobles, telling his audience that the Institution was better off left alone under Terra Malone's supervision.

[Ragsmire]

though an initial spark of doubt and fear coursed through her being Terra quickly reassured herself that if they were here, they were wrong. "i cannot offer full disclosure of records you see, its a safety enactment engineered to keep the victim's identity secure."

Real stepped up to pace with the other two cutting in at that point. "I don't think we could be of any danger to these 'victims' Terra, I'm sure it will be fine." she offered a clear challenge to the other female's control over her facility. Terra quickly countered moving a finger in Real's face.

"I think we should stick to protocol, Real, It would not be a good idea to-" "Anger the king, That's not who things operate any more Terra."

A long silence hung in the air leaving room for Anthony to pipe in.

"Why not let Varro have a say ladies." They had made it into the office by this point Terra moving behind her desk pulling out what she was willing to give them and dropping it on the table for them to review until their heart's content.

[Darth Hades]

Varro quickly reached for a file and opened it. He was quiet, not wanting to say anything for the moment. He flipped through pages as his green eyes scanned every word recording it in memory. The crimes in that specific folder indicated crimes of treason against the government. Bastion's government. Varro stared below at the signatures of those who signed the death sentence to Claustrum institution.

Varro put down the folder, setting it aside from the other records and picked another one up. Varro opened it and read what was inside. Repeating the same steps several more times. Varro seemed to be looking for something that should have been among those records. Holding unto the fifth folder he found what he was looking for. Without telling the others what he was searching for, Varro looked up.

"Well, it seems most of these crimes which under Bastion's orders are invalid. Since these were prisoners of wars and we all know Nobles can get a little carried away especial at war time, these set of prisoners should be released from the care of the Claustrum institution."

The way Varro spoke, he was not suggesting it be done but demanded it. Stilling holding unto the fifth folder, Varro heartbeat slowing began to beat faster. In the pages of that folder laid one of Varro's greatest act inhumanity. He sorely regreted what he had to do. Within the pages was Varro's signature which sent fifty-two people to Claustrum institution.

[Ragsmire]

"I concern entirely." interjected Real the moment after Varro had finished speaking. Anthony scuffled through the folders after Varro had finished inspecting them, the elderly man having taken notice of the much younger and well defined Varro's apparent interest in one specific folder. Anthony however ignored it as he continued through ones Varro had not looked passed.

"There is no telling who was sentenced under whom, not without extensive searching, and even with computerize filing it would be a task." Noted Terra scoffing several of the psychical documents away as Anthony was still pouring over them. Real returned that argument with one of simplistic means.

"I'm sure records are detailed and kept according to date, its as easy as returning two years or more and starting from there."

"there is a reform present in the royal family and this is one of the many steps we are going through to finalize that."

[Darth Hades]

"Real is correct. Further searching will bring us to our goal." Varro said as he held the folder by his side. He looked at Anthony and Real as they also died through the papers. Varro at a concerned look on his face. Terra would be very diffecult to persuade her to cooperate. He then turned his attention to Terra Malone in hope to sway her to his way.

"And what do you think should be done Terra. The reformation will be changing everything. Should not this island also? To rid the past of its inhumanity and into an era of peace and prosperity. Do you not wish to be part of something new, something better?"

Varro was hoping that by having Terra vioce her opinion, it would better help him understand Terra. Her response would be crucial into turning her idea's into his. Varro had done this a few times before. The technique usually failed to those who were to stubborn to be persuaded or had no interest at the topic at hand which Terra could possible be both.