[center][b][color=lime][sup][h1]C H E S H I R E[/h1][/sup][/color][/b][/center]
[COLOR=lime][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]'Eth Alth'eban[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][INDENT][sup][color=darkgray]January 8[sup]th[/sup], 2052  |  4:43pm | Talia al Ghul's Chambers [/color][/sup][/INDENT][/INDENT]

Jade Nguyen glared at the two guards in their traditional black garb, hands on the hilts of their blades at the Emerald Assassin's approach. It was amusing they thought they could take her on. What irked her was that these "soldiers" in Ras al Ghul's little army of assassins were just cogs and pawns in the game of those with more ambition. People like Jade... and Talia. [color=lime]"The daughter of the Demon is expecting me. I suggest you step aside."[/color] The two guards looked at each other for a moment before removing their hands from their blades and moving to flank the doorway.

Jade pushed open the giant mahogany doors to reveal Talia's chambers, a lavish living space designed around a circular study at the center. On the far end of the room was a four post bed with a canopy, and along the walls were various weapons and trophies fastened to stands. The center of the room had a mahogany desk, finely carved with an intricate trim. Sitting at the desk, with various books and sheets of parchment lining it, Talia al Ghul was scratching away in a book. She didn't look up from her throne-like chair, instead motioning silently to one of the two chairs before the desk. Jade silently took her spot, setting a passport on the desk.

After minutes of awkward silence, Talia slammed the book shut. Her brown eyes scanned Jade as she nimbly reached for the document Jade provided. With a quick look over, Talia gave a small smile. [color=gray]"I apologize for sending you on such a simple assignment... but a certain enemy of his paid a lot of money for the best service. You're someone I knew would get the job done, no matter the cost."[/color]

Jade gave a small nod. [color=lime]"I appreciate the confidence, my lady. I felt you would appreciate that the death looked like a suicide. The police will find a note as well."[/color]

Talia smiled. [color=gray]"I am quite pleased. Now... we will express our darker purpose."[/color] Talia got up from the chair and stepped around the desk, leaning against it to get closer to Cheshire. Jade leaned forward in her chair in response, her interest piqued. [color=gray]"My father is considering retiring. This is something only a select few within the League are aware of. Given your resourcefulness, I believe you came to that conclusion as well."[/color]

Talia's eye contact was unbreaking, and Jade felt uncomfortable for the first time in years. Talia's voice went from sweet and airy to bitter with a threatening edge. [color=gray]"The skilled members of our League are going to be fighting for supremacy when that time comes. And I know you well enough that you are one of those few who would fight for power. Of course, I know that you would never gather enough support to win on your own... so I'm willing to offer you the next best thing."[/color]

A small flicker of recognition flashed in Jade's eyes. She knew where this conversation was going. [color=lime]"So let me guess... you want me to work with you and give you my support so you can take your father's role, while I get to lead the warriors as your right hand?"[/color]

[color=gray]"Am I really being that obvious?"[/color] Talia gave a small nod, leaning backwards slightly and giving a knowing smile. [color=gray]"You are correct, as always, Jade. With your support, our victory is almost guaranteed."[/color]

[color=lime]"And what about those who don't fall in line. What's to stop Nyssa or the others from attempting to split from the League and form their own?"[/color]

[color=gray]"We'll handle them in due time. For now, I want you to keep working with the Legion. We need to keep up appearances if we want to have any outside support."[/color]