Post-Battle of Bastion
The clock was ticking. Just a few minutes till the ceremony. However, Elpsis' thoughts were elsewhere. In her bunk, she wrestled with a most tenacious enemy. One more frustrating and dangerous than any Sith - or Jedi, not that there was a huge difference between those two these days, as depresssing as that was. Alas, said foe seemed immune to any strategem she could devise.
Perhaps there was a special course to overcome this foe at the General Staff Academy. Who was this abominable enemy, the dear reader might ask? Her olive green uniform. In all fairness, the coat was very stiff. Alas, she had not gotten far. The amount of time this task had consumed thus far was a cause of great irritation for her. In all fairness to her, one hand was broken and in a sling, and she needed crutches to stand. Her bad leg and foot had taken a huge beating from, especially after a certain Sith Lord decided to transmute her armour. Besides, she was blind.
It had not been long since Bastion, and her fight with that Sith Lord, whose name she had learned was Darth Aurum. She had prevailed - barely. He had been powerful and fought bravely, assailing her with techniques unknown to her. Her body had been broken by the end of the fight. Still, he was dead and she was not. His Sith warblade hung on the wall. She would have gone back to the Forge, but the Arx was closer and better equipped to provide specialised care. And now she was supposed to be awarded a medal in a fancy ceremony. Hopefully there would not be any cheesy music. It was all just about Firemane celebrating itself anyway. They wanted a poster child, and they were in danger of running out of Kerrigans.
"Oh, for frak's sake, come on," she cursed irritably.
"Let me aid you," Mara offered softly. The Tephriki clone had been helping the Lieutenant get ready.
Fortunately, the Tephriki was used to dealing with Kerrigan stubbornness. "I'm not a bloody invalid. I can manage this," Elpsis insisted, despite all the evidence to the contrary.
"It's not about being strong or weak." That said the clone walked over to her and gently helped Elpsis into the stiff uniform coat. Then she helped her button the many fiddy brass buttons. "There, all done. You look like straight out of a recruitment poster."
"What will the tag line be?" Elpsis wondered. "'Join the army, we'll give you crutches." That made her chuckle a bit. This soon turned into a cough. Mara looked a bit concerned at the sound, but said nothing, seeing that Elpsis was not in obvious pain. Instead she helped her up and handed her the crutches. "Thanks. Think we're good to go."
"Not yet. One thing's missing. Your...," at that Mara paused a bit dramatically, "hat." Elpsis groaned in response.
"Oh, that, think it got lost," she shrugged dismissively. "I guess I'll just have to do without it." It may have gotten lost under the bed.
Mara held it up. "I think I recovered it."
"I look silly in it," Elpsis grumbled, but accepted it. She was not overly fond of the scarlet beret. Helmets had a purpose - they protected the head. But all a hat did was squish her already unruly hair down.
"Now you're like the girl on the poster."
"Just a hella lot more scarred."
"Grizzled," Mara corrected. "Shall we?" Walking to the door, she opened it for Elpsis, who gave her an appreciative nod and limped out.
"Time to get a piece of tin," Elpsis muttered, then in a louder voice said: "By the way, do they give you lot medals in the Dominion or is that 'bourgeois Sith tradition'?"
"It used to be, I think. I think they wanted to set us apart from the Vaderites, where every general and Sith Lord has a uniform packed with medals. But they changed that a long time ago. I don't think I've ever seen Mahtara wear any, but there are marshals whose chest is as bright as a - what do you call it again? - Life Day tree."
Elpsis snorted. "Funny that, since they hate it when you're an individual."
"If you forget you're just a cog, the harmonious inquisitors are always there to enlighten you," Mara remarked as they walked through the corridor. "So what does having a medal mean in your Firemane? Do you get any special privileges?"
Elpsis shook her head. "Nah. You get a bunch of benefits if you receive the Galactic Cross, but I'm not getting that. Not that I mind. I'd have to wear that damn thing all the time."
They reached the turbolift and the clone pressed the button. The doors closed behind them. "If you were declared a Hero of the Dominion, you'd be more equal than anyone else. Better housing, medical care from a Jedi healer instead of waiting in line in hospital. And you'd get paraded around as an example..."
"Till you get purged for pissing off a bigshot." Elpsis finished. She picked up on the bitterness in Mara's tone and remembered something the other woman had told her after her rescue. "Your template?"
"She was a Hero. Then suddenly a 'traitor'. When they took her away, I thought if I told the inquisitors the truth, they'd set things right. I didn't know any better, but that's no excuse."
Elpsis gave her the mental equivalent of a pat on the back. "When you grow up in a machine, it's hard to tell you're trapped. When you got the chance, you saw the truth and acted on it."
Mara looked doubtful, but seemed appreciative. "When you have once gained sight, it is impossible to feign blindness."
"And you saved my arse on Tephrike. Makes you a Hero of Tephrike in my book. More than any of the bootlickers they threw ribbons and tin at." One day they would burn. The fated day when she would return was drawing closer. She could feel it.
Mara smiled slightly. "Thank you."
"Just the truth."
"Did you get anything for Tephrike? I know there was a ceremony, while you were unconscious. Natalie got an award, as did Vykaris and the others."
"Nah. I got a commission. After Mother threatened to court-martial me," Elpsis shook her head. "I ain't complaining. Means I skipped being on telly."
"You don't want to be rewarded?"
"The squad earned it. I don't want fanfare for myself. As it is, we're already gonna have more of that than an Lt. who's last name isn't Kerrigan would get."
"Then don't wear it for yourself, wear it for us. The little people on the ground, not the leaders."
The turbolift ground to a halt and they walked out of the doors. Here and there, they passed Firemane service members. Some stopped to look at Elpsis for varying reasons, others went about their business. Nyssa was standing close to the hall. Upon seeing Elpsis, she approached them. "Red, computer girl. Tiger lady just shooed me off to fetch you," she stated. "Love the hat, Red." She knew Elpsis did not.
"Don't you start."
Mara looked just a bit uncomfortable around the Pureblood. "Hello, Lieutenant Vykaris," she said nervously, fidgeting slightly.
Nyssa slapped her on the shoulder. "Not that I mind people bowing and scrapinng before me, but no need to be formal, computer girl. Eyes up. I'm not going to shoot laser beams."
"You're in a good mood," Elpsis remarked. It was...strange.
"So? We gave some so-called Sith a good beating, our squad of whiny Paddies is actually becoming somewhat useful and you're getting an award. Of course, if you hadn't charged off without me, you'd be getting it with all your bits intact."
"I did what I had to do. You and Vagt led the Paddies and cleared out the tunnel. I dealt with the Sith Master." Elpsis said bluntly, but then added in a softer tone: "I read your report, and Vagt's. About what went down while I was, you put it, getting my bits messed up. Nice work clearing out that tunnel."
For just a moment Nyssa's yellow eyes seemed to light up a bit, then it was gone. "I am a Pureblood and a Vykaris. I have standards to uphold. It would be a stain on my honour if my minions were an embarrassment. The Order would do well to recognise my wisdom," she declared haughtily. "The squad's learning. Still got a way to go, but they're not blindly fumbling in the dark anymore."
"No, they're not," Elpsis agreed quietly as they stepped into the hall.
She could hear Nyssa talking to Mara behind her. "So, computer girl, have you cracked any bank accounts lately? Made some bigshots poor?"
Mara looked perplexed. "No, of course not. That would be illegal."
"But you are great at slicing things with that big brain of yours?"
"Well, yes. My friend Natalie has been teaching me about your cogitators..."
Much of the rest of the conversation was lost on Elpsis. As her milky-white eyes travelled across the spacious room, she perceived familiar auras. Inferno Platoon was assembled, chief among them the Champions of the Flame. Rhea, Diona, Shikoba, Zhaleh, Vagt, Tahoka and all the others stood in full uniform. She was certain that she had felt Natalie's presence somewhere in the shadows. Among the crowd, she spotted her family and, more annoyingly, Royal. Inevitably, the press was there. Elpsis took her place at the head of the platoon. Vagt her a curt nod.
Standing on the stage, Brigadier Leonina Varkathras presided over the ceremony. She was dressed in a green uniform looped with gold braid and silver epaulettes. She wore the Order of Fire symbol on her chest. The Cathar stood tall and ramrod straight. "1st Squad, 5th Platoon, Alpha Company, 40 Commando Battalion, also known as the Champions of the Flame, has not been with us for long, but since their humble beginnings in a boot camp on Arkas, they've risen to the occasion when duty called. From a hostage rescue on Kriselist to an infiltration mission against Imperial warlords on Varonat to facing the Sith on Bastion and many engagements on our frontier, the squad has never shirked. Its members have gone beyond the call of duty, displaying valour and initiative. It has the qualities and the people we need. For their gallantry under fire, the Champions will receive the Superior Unit Cross."
There was applause and all that as Sergeant Vagt Bwi'kat stepped out of the ranks and walked towards the stage. Elpsis was receiving an individual award and the Bothan was the squad leader under her. The one whole squad would wear the award on their dress uniform, but he would be the one handed it on stage. The rest would be quietly given theirs later. Once he had reached the general officer, he snapped to attention, saluting her with bonecracking efficiency. She returned the salute and he was handed the impressive looking decoration, which Leonina pinned to his uniform.
"Soldiers, I'm man of few words, so I'll keep this short. I've seen you grow from a bunch of misfit trainees to a well-oiled a band of sisters and brothers who have each others' backs when it counts. We've been through some crazy times. More dangerous ones lie ahead. Keep up the good work, work together. And when the day comes when one of you gets dragged into the Nether, make sure you take the guy on the other side with you." There was more applause and he stepped away.
Leonina took centre stage again. "For her leadership of the soldiers under her command, and her actions during the battle of Bastion, Lieutenant Kerrigan will receive the Phoenix Cross, First Class. For suffering severe injury in the line of duty, she will receive the Wounded Badge, Silver Class. Lieutenant, do try to rein in your maimings, if you would."
That was the cause of some laughter in the crowd. Elpsis took it in grace and stepped forward. "You can manage, Red?" Nyssa grunted.
"I got this." Gaze resolute, she walked towards the elevated podium. Royal had suggested trumpets. Elpsis was very grateful that this had been shot down. She was no one special who should be singled out and get honours no one else in her position would. Besides, it would have been cringey. There was applause though.
For all that it felt like participating in a school awards assembly and for all her disdain for pomp and fanfare, in this moment she could not help feel proud. Don't wear it for yourself, wear it for us. Mara's words resonated with her. Even though each step seemed to hurt, sending a stab of pain through her leg. Then suddenly, she heard a child's voice from within the crowd. "Hey sis!" Little Adril called out excitedly, waving at her. Needless to say this earned her many looks and probably a rebuke from Royal. "What?"
Elpsis suppressed a smile and limped onward. It hurt, but she persisted, and eventually came to a halt before the brigadier. One set of milky-white eyes met a pair of yellow ones. Once she stood before the general, Elpsis leaned on a crutch and attempted to salute. This did not go well. There was a yelp when she nearly toppled. Leonina caught her in time. Elpsis' skin colour now matched that of her hair. "Sorry, ma'am. Lieutenant Kerrigan reporting as ordered."
"I appreciate your determination to follow protocol, but I won't have you injure yourself at an awards ceremony of all occasions."
"Yes, ma'am."
The Phoenix Cross came with a ribbon and the cross itself, which showed a stylised phoenix. The Brigadier pinned it to Elpsis' chest, then affixed the Wound Badge. "Congratulations, Lieutenant," she said quietly.
"Thank you, ma'am. And thanks to everyone attending, especially my platoon." Elpsis' voice was naturally quiet because speaking loudly hurt her throat. However, there was a microphone. "It's been little over a year since you came together as a unit. Been an honour leading you and watching you grow. We all bear the scars of battle. We've suffered hardship; we've endured; we've overcome." She paused for a moment.
"We've seen the suffering war can cause. Some of us saw it at Tephrike. We saw it at Varonat. But but we also saw something that's even worse: inaction. Cowardice. All it takes for evil to win is for good people to do nothing because they value their halo more than people's lives. The warlord we fought wiped out his own city to 'make an example' after we'd destabilised his hold. He wanted to cow us, and anyone chained by him. You could have thrown the towel after that. But we're not like that. War's hell, but someone needs to be the flame that burns tyrants and lights the path for the oppressed. May the Lifeweb surround you." She stepped down from the stage.
The clock was ticking. Just a few minutes till the ceremony. However, Elpsis' thoughts were elsewhere. In her bunk, she wrestled with a most tenacious enemy. One more frustrating and dangerous than any Sith - or Jedi, not that there was a huge difference between those two these days, as depresssing as that was. Alas, said foe seemed immune to any strategem she could devise.
Perhaps there was a special course to overcome this foe at the General Staff Academy. Who was this abominable enemy, the dear reader might ask? Her olive green uniform. In all fairness, the coat was very stiff. Alas, she had not gotten far. The amount of time this task had consumed thus far was a cause of great irritation for her. In all fairness to her, one hand was broken and in a sling, and she needed crutches to stand. Her bad leg and foot had taken a huge beating from, especially after a certain Sith Lord decided to transmute her armour. Besides, she was blind.
It had not been long since Bastion, and her fight with that Sith Lord, whose name she had learned was Darth Aurum. She had prevailed - barely. He had been powerful and fought bravely, assailing her with techniques unknown to her. Her body had been broken by the end of the fight. Still, he was dead and she was not. His Sith warblade hung on the wall. She would have gone back to the Forge, but the Arx was closer and better equipped to provide specialised care. And now she was supposed to be awarded a medal in a fancy ceremony. Hopefully there would not be any cheesy music. It was all just about Firemane celebrating itself anyway. They wanted a poster child, and they were in danger of running out of Kerrigans.
"Oh, for frak's sake, come on," she cursed irritably.
"Let me aid you," Mara offered softly. The Tephriki clone had been helping the Lieutenant get ready.
Fortunately, the Tephriki was used to dealing with Kerrigan stubbornness. "I'm not a bloody invalid. I can manage this," Elpsis insisted, despite all the evidence to the contrary.
"It's not about being strong or weak." That said the clone walked over to her and gently helped Elpsis into the stiff uniform coat. Then she helped her button the many fiddy brass buttons. "There, all done. You look like straight out of a recruitment poster."
"What will the tag line be?" Elpsis wondered. "'Join the army, we'll give you crutches." That made her chuckle a bit. This soon turned into a cough. Mara looked a bit concerned at the sound, but said nothing, seeing that Elpsis was not in obvious pain. Instead she helped her up and handed her the crutches. "Thanks. Think we're good to go."
"Not yet. One thing's missing. Your...," at that Mara paused a bit dramatically, "hat." Elpsis groaned in response.
"Oh, that, think it got lost," she shrugged dismissively. "I guess I'll just have to do without it." It may have gotten lost under the bed.
Mara held it up. "I think I recovered it."
"I look silly in it," Elpsis grumbled, but accepted it. She was not overly fond of the scarlet beret. Helmets had a purpose - they protected the head. But all a hat did was squish her already unruly hair down.
"Now you're like the girl on the poster."
"Just a hella lot more scarred."
"Grizzled," Mara corrected. "Shall we?" Walking to the door, she opened it for Elpsis, who gave her an appreciative nod and limped out.
"Time to get a piece of tin," Elpsis muttered, then in a louder voice said: "By the way, do they give you lot medals in the Dominion or is that 'bourgeois Sith tradition'?"
"It used to be, I think. I think they wanted to set us apart from the Vaderites, where every general and Sith Lord has a uniform packed with medals. But they changed that a long time ago. I don't think I've ever seen Mahtara wear any, but there are marshals whose chest is as bright as a - what do you call it again? - Life Day tree."
Elpsis snorted. "Funny that, since they hate it when you're an individual."
"If you forget you're just a cog, the harmonious inquisitors are always there to enlighten you," Mara remarked as they walked through the corridor. "So what does having a medal mean in your Firemane? Do you get any special privileges?"
Elpsis shook her head. "Nah. You get a bunch of benefits if you receive the Galactic Cross, but I'm not getting that. Not that I mind. I'd have to wear that damn thing all the time."
They reached the turbolift and the clone pressed the button. The doors closed behind them. "If you were declared a Hero of the Dominion, you'd be more equal than anyone else. Better housing, medical care from a Jedi healer instead of waiting in line in hospital. And you'd get paraded around as an example..."
"Till you get purged for pissing off a bigshot." Elpsis finished. She picked up on the bitterness in Mara's tone and remembered something the other woman had told her after her rescue. "Your template?"
"She was a Hero. Then suddenly a 'traitor'. When they took her away, I thought if I told the inquisitors the truth, they'd set things right. I didn't know any better, but that's no excuse."
Elpsis gave her the mental equivalent of a pat on the back. "When you grow up in a machine, it's hard to tell you're trapped. When you got the chance, you saw the truth and acted on it."
Mara looked doubtful, but seemed appreciative. "When you have once gained sight, it is impossible to feign blindness."
"And you saved my arse on Tephrike. Makes you a Hero of Tephrike in my book. More than any of the bootlickers they threw ribbons and tin at." One day they would burn. The fated day when she would return was drawing closer. She could feel it.
Mara smiled slightly. "Thank you."
"Just the truth."
"Did you get anything for Tephrike? I know there was a ceremony, while you were unconscious. Natalie got an award, as did Vykaris and the others."
"Nah. I got a commission. After Mother threatened to court-martial me," Elpsis shook her head. "I ain't complaining. Means I skipped being on telly."
"You don't want to be rewarded?"
"The squad earned it. I don't want fanfare for myself. As it is, we're already gonna have more of that than an Lt. who's last name isn't Kerrigan would get."
"Then don't wear it for yourself, wear it for us. The little people on the ground, not the leaders."
The turbolift ground to a halt and they walked out of the doors. Here and there, they passed Firemane service members. Some stopped to look at Elpsis for varying reasons, others went about their business. Nyssa was standing close to the hall. Upon seeing Elpsis, she approached them. "Red, computer girl. Tiger lady just shooed me off to fetch you," she stated. "Love the hat, Red." She knew Elpsis did not.
"Don't you start."
Mara looked just a bit uncomfortable around the Pureblood. "Hello, Lieutenant Vykaris," she said nervously, fidgeting slightly.
Nyssa slapped her on the shoulder. "Not that I mind people bowing and scrapinng before me, but no need to be formal, computer girl. Eyes up. I'm not going to shoot laser beams."
"You're in a good mood," Elpsis remarked. It was...strange.
"So? We gave some so-called Sith a good beating, our squad of whiny Paddies is actually becoming somewhat useful and you're getting an award. Of course, if you hadn't charged off without me, you'd be getting it with all your bits intact."
"I did what I had to do. You and Vagt led the Paddies and cleared out the tunnel. I dealt with the Sith Master." Elpsis said bluntly, but then added in a softer tone: "I read your report, and Vagt's. About what went down while I was, you put it, getting my bits messed up. Nice work clearing out that tunnel."
For just a moment Nyssa's yellow eyes seemed to light up a bit, then it was gone. "I am a Pureblood and a Vykaris. I have standards to uphold. It would be a stain on my honour if my minions were an embarrassment. The Order would do well to recognise my wisdom," she declared haughtily. "The squad's learning. Still got a way to go, but they're not blindly fumbling in the dark anymore."
"No, they're not," Elpsis agreed quietly as they stepped into the hall.
She could hear Nyssa talking to Mara behind her. "So, computer girl, have you cracked any bank accounts lately? Made some bigshots poor?"
Mara looked perplexed. "No, of course not. That would be illegal."
"But you are great at slicing things with that big brain of yours?"
"Well, yes. My friend Natalie has been teaching me about your cogitators..."
Much of the rest of the conversation was lost on Elpsis. As her milky-white eyes travelled across the spacious room, she perceived familiar auras. Inferno Platoon was assembled, chief among them the Champions of the Flame. Rhea, Diona, Shikoba, Zhaleh, Vagt, Tahoka and all the others stood in full uniform. She was certain that she had felt Natalie's presence somewhere in the shadows. Among the crowd, she spotted her family and, more annoyingly, Royal. Inevitably, the press was there. Elpsis took her place at the head of the platoon. Vagt her a curt nod.
Standing on the stage, Brigadier Leonina Varkathras presided over the ceremony. She was dressed in a green uniform looped with gold braid and silver epaulettes. She wore the Order of Fire symbol on her chest. The Cathar stood tall and ramrod straight. "1st Squad, 5th Platoon, Alpha Company, 40 Commando Battalion, also known as the Champions of the Flame, has not been with us for long, but since their humble beginnings in a boot camp on Arkas, they've risen to the occasion when duty called. From a hostage rescue on Kriselist to an infiltration mission against Imperial warlords on Varonat to facing the Sith on Bastion and many engagements on our frontier, the squad has never shirked. Its members have gone beyond the call of duty, displaying valour and initiative. It has the qualities and the people we need. For their gallantry under fire, the Champions will receive the Superior Unit Cross."
There was applause and all that as Sergeant Vagt Bwi'kat stepped out of the ranks and walked towards the stage. Elpsis was receiving an individual award and the Bothan was the squad leader under her. The one whole squad would wear the award on their dress uniform, but he would be the one handed it on stage. The rest would be quietly given theirs later. Once he had reached the general officer, he snapped to attention, saluting her with bonecracking efficiency. She returned the salute and he was handed the impressive looking decoration, which Leonina pinned to his uniform.
"Soldiers, I'm man of few words, so I'll keep this short. I've seen you grow from a bunch of misfit trainees to a well-oiled a band of sisters and brothers who have each others' backs when it counts. We've been through some crazy times. More dangerous ones lie ahead. Keep up the good work, work together. And when the day comes when one of you gets dragged into the Nether, make sure you take the guy on the other side with you." There was more applause and he stepped away.
Leonina took centre stage again. "For her leadership of the soldiers under her command, and her actions during the battle of Bastion, Lieutenant Kerrigan will receive the Phoenix Cross, First Class. For suffering severe injury in the line of duty, she will receive the Wounded Badge, Silver Class. Lieutenant, do try to rein in your maimings, if you would."
That was the cause of some laughter in the crowd. Elpsis took it in grace and stepped forward. "You can manage, Red?" Nyssa grunted.
"I got this." Gaze resolute, she walked towards the elevated podium. Royal had suggested trumpets. Elpsis was very grateful that this had been shot down. She was no one special who should be singled out and get honours no one else in her position would. Besides, it would have been cringey. There was applause though.
For all that it felt like participating in a school awards assembly and for all her disdain for pomp and fanfare, in this moment she could not help feel proud. Don't wear it for yourself, wear it for us. Mara's words resonated with her. Even though each step seemed to hurt, sending a stab of pain through her leg. Then suddenly, she heard a child's voice from within the crowd. "Hey sis!" Little Adril called out excitedly, waving at her. Needless to say this earned her many looks and probably a rebuke from Royal. "What?"
Elpsis suppressed a smile and limped onward. It hurt, but she persisted, and eventually came to a halt before the brigadier. One set of milky-white eyes met a pair of yellow ones. Once she stood before the general, Elpsis leaned on a crutch and attempted to salute. This did not go well. There was a yelp when she nearly toppled. Leonina caught her in time. Elpsis' skin colour now matched that of her hair. "Sorry, ma'am. Lieutenant Kerrigan reporting as ordered."
"I appreciate your determination to follow protocol, but I won't have you injure yourself at an awards ceremony of all occasions."
"Yes, ma'am."
The Phoenix Cross came with a ribbon and the cross itself, which showed a stylised phoenix. The Brigadier pinned it to Elpsis' chest, then affixed the Wound Badge. "Congratulations, Lieutenant," she said quietly.
"Thank you, ma'am. And thanks to everyone attending, especially my platoon." Elpsis' voice was naturally quiet because speaking loudly hurt her throat. However, there was a microphone. "It's been little over a year since you came together as a unit. Been an honour leading you and watching you grow. We all bear the scars of battle. We've suffered hardship; we've endured; we've overcome." She paused for a moment.
"We've seen the suffering war can cause. Some of us saw it at Tephrike. We saw it at Varonat. But but we also saw something that's even worse: inaction. Cowardice. All it takes for evil to win is for good people to do nothing because they value their halo more than people's lives. The warlord we fought wiped out his own city to 'make an example' after we'd destabilised his hold. He wanted to cow us, and anyone chained by him. You could have thrown the towel after that. But we're not like that. War's hell, but someone needs to be the flame that burns tyrants and lights the path for the oppressed. May the Lifeweb surround you." She stepped down from the stage.
