Denouement (Tygaran Alliance, Firemane and Friends)

[Elincia Alanis]

There was an awkward pause that the two stared at each other with Elincia's arm extended towards her. Fortunately, Elincia was not awkward and "patiently" waited for her to take her hand and stand up. She knew a few icy Eldorai from here and there, however attacking someone with such rage and blindness, and someone who couldn't get the chance to react and attack back even... Now that was something else. They had to contain this situation before it got worse, else it was going to be such a pain. Meanwhile, the girl finally took her hand and once they were out of the awkward zone and the girl spoke, Elincia smiled at her.

Even though she didn't seem to care about the world that much, she liked helping people. Though, that was probably because she liked being in the spotlight and of course, getting praises.

"No problem! That will be a million credits, and I accept cheques." And now back to our regularly scheduled program. However, this was probably a bad time for a joke. "That was a joke." She clarified afterwards.

She examined her for a second, it felt like the girl was out of this world right now, probably still shaken because of the recent events. Even though it would be the best to give her a little time before moving on, this was still a "battlefield", and dangerous. So, Elincia cleared her throat to get her attention.

"Do you need any further assistance? I kinda need to go help the Angelii beat up people."

If she wanted to join the fight, there were a few weapons on the ground ready to use right now.

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Tempest"] [member="Alize Rosenheim"]

 

[Six-O]

Just like that, the Droid and Xerrzyk departed from [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"], the flame-curtained woman being left behind as the two Free Contractors marched onward for a new objective, and most importantly, another pay day. "Wa Keueketka Shag, ua gee woy wa cahwapkeu bo, cha uba canta?" The Slaver propounded, barking a pained, deep-voiced laugh.

Yes, [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] would make a stunningly good Warrior Slave. Of such magnitude, in fact, she'd undoubtedly elicit a large fortune in profit.

But of course, that was neither here nor there. Very impertinent, actually. She had welcomed them in quite favorably. Of course, when they were left to their own devices, Six-O and his endless supply of the Galaxy's Most Hated Reprobates always reverted to their natural slimeball state.

Luckily it seemed their decadently depraved hunger would soon be given it's proper nourishment.

But before they endured this new mission, Six-O required a brief intermission with the on-board Mechanics to briskly apply a few band aids, duct tape and bubble gum. Get him functioning without a limp, or the sudden--and often---bloom of spark clouds glimmering like summer time sparklers in some old Corellian Suburb.

Fast was just what he got, expedition to the head of the pack. A few zaps and welds, some wire caps to keep the frayed electrical veins of his shoulder from flaring when they touched, and finally he was off.

By the time he and Xerrzyk, whom now strode forward fully geared, both still reeking of the vicious battles they'd faced on Kaeshana, roughly forty minutes had vanished. But alas, the two Contractors were in view of their new mission leader, [member="Tempest"].

"Kaa, wa kouuice bo. Mah chawaheke." Xerrzyk growled to Six-O, Tempest was the exact shade of human he quite preferred.

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Elincia Alanis"], [member="Alize Rosenheim"], [member="Tempest"],


Kaida was in a bad mood. This was not an uncommon occurence, but in this case she was particularly vexed. Others might have felt empathy for the rioters, but she only felt contempt. How many had actually fought on Kaeshana? How many knew what it was like to climb over the bodies of dead comrades? Civilians! Like sheep.


The charging phalanx of police and Angelii had largely broken through the ranks of rioters. Fists flew, shock sticks were swung, here and therr rioters were pinned to the ground with ice or their weapons were blown up. They were being cornered, and getting desperate.


But still had fight in them. "It's a coup! The Queen has been captured by Firemane! She's been forced to name Kerrigan Chief Minister!" one rioter yelled with an impassioned voice.


"They're deploying savage Xioquo troops to slaughter good Eldorai!" another joined in. An expression of rage and pure hatred was written across his face. Whether he actually believed this or had been paid to stir things up was another question.


"Death to the First Order! Monkeighs out!"


Amidst all the chaos, a woman dressed in the grey robes of mourning stepped forward. She calmly sat down and took a meditative position on the ground. As if she were without a care in the world, she rotated a series of prayer beads while chanting "Ashira is the Greatest. In her name I offer worship. May the Goddess' protection cover me. May the Goddess' light illuminate me. May the Goddess' wisdom enlighten me."


Heat surged across her body and she looked up, expression solemn. "Before closing my eyes and moving towards the vision of Ashira, I respectfully plead with the Star Queen to fill her heart with compassion and turn away from the dark path that has brought ruin to our people. It is not too late for her to repent and save our people from Illyria's seduction." Then her body burst into flames.


"Ma'am...should we intervene...help her?" one nervous, junior Angelii asked, looking shocked when the cleric's body began to slowly whither and shrivel up as the fire consumed it. The smell of burning flesh was in the air. Some rioters wailed, though many just kept clashing with the security forces.


"No," Kaida snapped icily. "It's not our duty to save idiots from their own idiocy." You'll be disappointed when you wake up in the Netherworld. "Coral the rioters. Block the streets." Her voice was harsh, like the crack of a whip. It was needed to focus her soldiers.


"Uh, yes, Seraph!"


Yazgid IFVs were moving into the streets, their launchers belched smoke grenades and knock-out gas. However, then Kaida spotted a rioter in the distance. This one was not participating in the chanting or fighting, rather he stood aloof. He also held a comm device. Then he began to run, seeking safety in the crowd.


"Get him! Askari, clear the area," she shouted to make herself heard over the cacophony of sound and took off. Bolting, the fugitive elf drew a disruptor pistol and shot a policewoman in the knee, disintegrating part of it. A blast of lightning burst from his free hand as he tried to cover his escape. The scalding lightning washed over Kaida, engulfing her in heat and scorching her armour, but she kept running, undeterred. Kaida called upon her Sciia as she ran, dashing after him. Her Sciia manifested in a cloak of invisibility as she bent light and sound, vanishing from sight.


xxx


Meanwhile, the rioter who'd tried to persuade [member="Farryn Loragwyn"] to join the righteous crusade did not take her rejection well. "You coward! You dishonour your heritage and your own blood," she shrieked like a madwoman.


Soon afterwards she would be taken out by a stun bolt. The Cadalthor estate was so close...yet so far. The guards had been put on high alert due to the disturbances and the gates had been closed.


Moreover, even if she had not done anything illegal per se, Farryn had acquired the attention of the police. The cordon was tightening. As the disgraced noblelady tried to make her exit while all hell broke loose, one policewoman would be on her trail. "Freeze! Put your hands where I can see them and turn around. Now," she commanded imperiously, like about every police officer in a cop holovid, holding a blaster.


xxx

Askari shot Elincia a very cross look when the Wing Leader once again joked around on the battlefield and tried to make herself the centre of attention. Service was its own reward, an Angelii did not crave something as pedestrian as credits.


"Wing Leader, remember the Seraph's tigers," she snapped harshly. However, no was not the time for lecturing. "We have healers who can see to your injuries," she spoke feelingly to Alize, feeling sorry for the human. Hurting the innocent was a sin in Ashira's eyes, no matter the blood that flowed through their veins.


"Wing Leader, take her away from the frontlines," she ordered. However, in this moment three things happened: First the cleric immolated herself, then Kaida dashed after a rioter and then there was a flash and an unarmed woman close to them fell to the ground, dead.


Shortly thereafter, a young boy got his skull blown off. "Sniper!" Askari yelled, realising what was up. She was about to order her troops to take cover, then she realised the two victims had been civilians. Agent provocateur.


"See, the regime murders civilians!" one protester yelled. A random soldier who happened to be carrying a sniper rifle and was probably monitoring the situation was pushed from a roof.


Askari grit her teeth. The sniper would probably try to retreat now. Something seemed to be blocking her from tracking the attacker. Perhaps an amulet of some sort. But she could sense heat emanating from the blaster. It directed her towards a building that was close to them. Upper level.


"I'll keep the queen occupied. Alanis, cut her off and take her out. If you can help, grab a weapon. Otherwise take cover," she added to Alize. She could sense the Sciia emanating from the young woman, but would leave the choice to her. Askari burst from cover and dashed towards the building. A wave of flame burst from her hands and swept towards the window of the room the sniper had sought refuge in.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[member="Elpsis Elaris"]


Message would type back out to Elpsis.


[Ha, I knew I was right. You can pay me next time we meet. Best of luck with the refugees.]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Six-O"], [member="Nima Tann"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


It was time to face the music and force certain people to get their chit together. As Siobhan stepped onto the station, she saw Elpsis run off after having a melodramatic outburst. The Countess did not quite understand what the girl's problem was and did not particularly care right now. She felt more than a little vexed about the fact that Elpsis had insisted on having her tantrum in public.


Some of the Eldorai blue bloods were clearly revelling in seeing the human monkeighs bicker. She'd show them. Siobhan's foul mood improved when her scarlet-maned wife stepped out of the crowd.


This was not the moment for hugs and kisses. They did not need to express their love by constantly saying how much they loved one another. Their lives were not fairy tales. So Siobhan only gave her shoulder a soft squeeze "Ok, love. Hold the fort. Nedia's been coordinating things for me. Get in touch with her. I'll go whip the lot of them into shape," Siobhan declared with a thin smile on her face, sparing Nim a glance and a polite nod as the Twi'lek was led away from the throng.


An Angelii fell in line alongside the Countess. "Your Ladyship, please follow me. I shall escort you to the council chambers," she said politely. Young for an Eldorai, she was still older than Siobhan and Tegaea combined.


Siobhan frowned slightly, feeling a sense of familiarity before the metaphorical light bulb was switched on. "Diyan Ankali, right? You helped me unmask Alesia's plot."


The junior Angelii smiled, as if happy about being recognised. She bowed her head slightly "Yes, my Lady. At you service. I'm glad you remember me! It may not seem that way...but not every Eldorai has forgotten what Firemane did for us. Or where the real enemy is. Not by a long shot."


"I never thought otherwise. Now let's get this show on the road." Her cane moved in rhythm with her boots, making little noise on the ground as she limped towards the hallowed halls. Despite her disability, her stride was persistent and determined.


xxx


Meanwhile, back on the Phoenix, [member="Taryc Ap'Irae"] would not have to wait for instructions for long. While she was admiring the prowess a group of soldiers was displaying at unarmed combat, a Firemane soldier in an olive green uniform approached her.


"Warrior Taryc Ap'Irae?" the trooper asked, trying to get her attention. "I've got orders for you from the Countess. You're supposed to join Major [member="Tempest"] on the Ashira's Light station. General Kerrigan has given her a very important mission."


Clearly it was a need to know basis assignment. The trooper seemed to notice that Taryc was only in her sweats, though she carried a very imposing sword on her back. "Expect combat. If you need gear, I can direct you to the quartermaster." Assuming she wanted more stuff, the Firemane minion would lead Taryc to the quartermaster and then take her to where Tempest and Six were congregating, so that they could go kick butt and punish the wicked.

 

[Tempest]

[member="Nima Tann"], [member="Six-O"], [member="Joza Perl"], [member="HK-36"], [member="Alize Rosenheim"], [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"], [member="Taryc Ap'Irae"]

Tempest felt bad, but at this moment she was angry and not thinking rationally.
“I have a job to do as well, Elpsis, a job which also helps people,” she said stiffly. “We’ll talk later, when things have settled down a bit.”

With that she turned away. She had no more time for bantering. She felt bad, but it was not time for getting lovey dovey. They had rebels to hunt.

Unfortunately she had a droid and a growling creature under her command. Still, she’d heard from Siobhan that these two didn’t have many scruples and were completely independent from the Game of Stars on Tygara. That was good.

“I don’t understand what he said,” she said gruffly. She had a translator in her helmet, but she didn’t have that on right now.
“I want you two to come with me. We’re looking for the leaders of the rebels on the surface. We are to take them alive. Avoid civilian casualties at all costs. Enemy combatants can be disposed of.”

Once [member="Taryc Ap'Irae"] had her gear she was led to where Tempest, Six-O and his partner were preparing to blast off.

“Welcome. Thank you for coming.” She repeated the terms of engagement from before – avoid civilian losses, capture leaders alive, terminate enemy combatants.

“Let’s go.” She put her helmet on, so she could understand the droid’s companion, and so she could reach out to Kaida who was on the hunt far below.

A gunship was ready and they swiftly departed.

 

[Anya Venari]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

The Committee for the Oversight of Alliance Resources had been created with the intention of harmonising Firemane and the Eldorai’s relationships, making it easier for them to work together.
That was not the case today.

Today it was called to emergency session to meet in the High Council chambers. The Committee had both human and Eldorai members, but the humans in it were all obviously supporters of Siobhan, and so they had been somewhat isolated. The hawks in the Council and COAR were determined to have their pound of flesh.

The Queen entered the chamber. She could tell instantly how much one individual or another supported her by how much they bowed. Those who did so more than 45 degrees did so because they actually believed in her or respected her.

The Duchess of Caladan barely bowed an inch. The ancient Eldorai looked as though an entire plantation of lemons had died just to make her this sour.

“Where is Kerrigan?” she snapped.

The Queen’s face did not change. “The Lady Countess will be here momentarily. I will trouble you, Duchess, to use her titles properly, the titles she has earned.”

“Yes, your highness,” the Duchess said. It was clear she had no intention of addressing a monkeigh by any title in the Eldorai peerage. Siobhan would probably get ‘Director’ if she was lucky.

Anya nodded. This would be a difficult meeting. However, she had in her ear an almost invisible earpiece which fed her status updates from the surface.

-----------

[member="Judah Dashiell"]

To Judah Dashiell, Siobhan’s aide sent a quick reply;

“Mr Dashiell, that would be appreciated. Many of those who lived in the western reaches were farmers before the cataclysm, so they would be best for this resettlement.

Once your ships arrive at Tygara we will load those who wish to resettle with you. Thank you again.”

 

[Farryn Loragwyn]

"Freeze! Put your hands where I can see them and turn around. Now," a policewoman commanded, her blaster pointed at Farryn who ignored the order and continued to run. She could see the Cadalthor Estate in the distance now - all she needed to do was to somehow get over the closed gates.

"Stop running Farryn!" Calix yelled frantically. He did not want to see his twin shot.

"I can't," Farryn replied. "If I get caught, you know Faith will try to ensure that I endure a fate worse than death if she should find out."

Annoyed by his sister's recklessness, Calix frowned. She was the only thing he had left so he had to - no needed to protect her. Motivated by his deep love for his twin, the ghostly apparition moved towards the policewoman as a dark aura gathered around him. "Stop," he ordered her as he glared at her with his empty eye sockets and grotesquely mutilated body.

It caused him much anguish to take on and maintain this form. Every second he spent in this grotesque form would be paid for in the form of a minute he would not be able to watch over Farryn while he rested. Consumed by his desire to protect his beloved sister, Calix, attempted to fling the blaster from the policewoman's hand before taking on an even more horrific form in an attempt the frighten the woman.

Flesh peeled from his body unevenly and blood poured out of all orifices as a disturbing creature took form. "Leave her alone," the creature's voice boomed as he hoped Farryn would not pause to look behind her. He could feel his strength wavering. His time was almost up. Please be safe, he thought before allowing the darkness to temporarily reclaim him.

[member="Kaida Taldir"] - [member="Elincia Alanis"] - [member="Tempest"]​

 

[Alize Rosenheim]

Still in shock, Alize stared blankly at the two Eldorai. Their lips were moving but she could not understand a single word of what they said.

“Sniper,” the Epicanthix-hybrid heard someone call, snapping her out of her state of shock and fell to the ground. Like a pathetic creature, she assumed the fetal position once more. Her body hurt and she was scared.

"I'l keep the queen occupied. Alanis, cut her off and take her out. If you can help, grab a weapon. Otherwise take cover," the higher ranking Eldorai ordered followed by the sound of footsteps rushing away.

Barely able to stand but with the determination to be strong, Alize uncurled herself and quickly snatched up a weapon from the ground. Unsure of how she could contribute, she held the blaster close. She needed to get home. She needed her mother’s strength.

[member="Kaida Taldir"] - [member="Elincia Alanis"]​

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


And then Elpsis was alone. [member="Tempest"] had gone on her mission, while [member="Nima Tann"] was probably being debriefed. Elpsis hoped that things would not be too unpleasant and awkward for the Twi'lek.


So Elpsis had taken off. Selfish? Perhaps, but the young firemane just felt lost and alone. The Ashira's Light station was a vast, enormous structure. But there were so many crowds. The mood here was more restrained than in Santaissa, but still grim. Firemane soldiers and Eldorai warriors were out in full force.


Crowds of protesters had gathered, but they were more controlled as they railed against the First Order and its Sith allies. Still, all the noise and emotions hurt Elpsis' head. She heard music coming from the Church of Ashira, where a service was being held to honour the dead.


Eventually, after having ran for goddess knew how long, she found a quiet spot. Her head hurt, she was angry and sweating. Who was she angry with? Herself, Tempest, the First Order, the traitors, the Eldorai and their idiotic political games? Perhaps all of them.


She looked out of a viewing-port, looking down upon the beautiful, blue-green orb that was Tygara. Elpsis could see it through the Force. She felt the world was teeming with life, but there was great distress. So much anger, hatred, fear and pain - the work of the Dark One. She winced when the flood of emotions hit her like a beskar wall. Her mind reeled and her head felt like it was spinning. But there was beauty on this world, too. Embers of light in the darkness.


Like all things, it had been fashioned by the Creator before she departed this universe when it was her time to go beyond the stars, leaving the White and Black Wolves, her children, as guardians to reign over the young races here in this galaxy.


But the Black One grew arrogant and greedy, believing he alone deserved to rule. He placed power in the hands of males, as they were easier to manipulate. Hers was the hellish realm Elpsis had visited when she'd been whisked away during Akala's rampage, where she'd encountered and beaten her demonic father.


But the path of goodness and righteousness, that was that of the White Wolf. She had shown her the way once. She would do so again if she opened her heart to her. It was she who'd guided Elpsis to her birth mother. Her breathing slowed as she cleared her mind, looking towards the stars that dotted the endless void.


"Great White Wolf, blessed mother and guardian, whose voice I hear in the winds, and who gave me the breath of life, hear me.
You, whose fur warms me and whose teeth protect me from evil.
You, from whose loving care I receive nourishment and who endows me with the great gift.
You, who raised me from great distress and made me see the divine feminine.
For I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me see the beauty of your creation and never think myself above it.
Make my hands respect the thing you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Help me seek pure thought and act with the intention of helping others.
Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelmning me.
Make my wise so that I may understand the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
Make me strong, not to be greater than my sisters, but to fight the evil wrought by the Black Wolf.
So when life fades, as the fading, my spirit may traverse the void and find peace in your eternal forest without shame."

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Anya Venari"]


"Siobhan, a word please?"
"Tarissa, what do you want?" There was more than a hint of a challenge in her cool voice.
"Why, just a moment of your time, if you would, friend. I'm sorry it came to this. Kaeshana was a blow on many levels. It is like an open wound that will not heal," Tarissa spoke feelingly with a grave, solemn expression.
"Indeed. You were very hasty in your exit from the battlefield."
"No more than Selene or Aeda. We had our people to evacuate - and I had to perform damage control. Undoubtedly, you've heard the news. New Santaissa is in turmoil."
"Naturally it had nothing to do with putting yourself in an advantageous position because all the xenophobic, small-minded clamour doesn't tally with what you've believed for years," her words dripped with sarcasm. "I'm no fool, Tarissa. I didn't bed you because I was blind to what you really are. You're cut from the same cloth as your mother."
If looks could kill, Siobhan would have been vaporised the moment she compared the Duchess to her mother. The Countess felt a stab of smug satisfaction, as petty as it was. "I'd advise you to mind your tongue when you address the Peerage, Siobhan. That attitude will not win you win any hearts and minds. The council is in uproar."
"That attitude's won wars, dear. You lot want your pound of flesh. I'm afraid I won't oblige."
"If you saw reason, this would be the right moment to gracefully...bow out and leave the stage before events get more out of hand."
"Are you threatening me, dear?" Siobhan hissed menacingly.
"No, I'm offering you an exit, with your dignity and titles intact. Firemane can continue doing business with us, even get privileged treatment. But no longer can we suffer a foreigner to wield the power you command. It's time to face reality. You commanded the liberation army and failed. Your minions stabbed us in the back. The Eldorai will take their fate into their own hands."
"An exit until you stab me in the back. You framed your mother. Yes, I suspected that all long. I went along with it because it was convenient for me at the time and she was a racist queen. You think I'd ever trust you? Fool. I'm Firemane. I do not yield to petty, jealous harpies and cowards who were too frightened to oppose me while I was on top. Now get out of my way. I have a speech to give."
"So be it, dear," Tarissa stated flatly, watching Siobhan go. "Ashira is my witness, I gave you the opportunity to retire without a blemish on your honour but I see you cannot comprehend your place in things. You were a great ally in the past, but now you selfishly cling to power even as it eludes your grasp. I shall do right by my people."
With that Siobhan approached the High Council chambers. The hall was suitably grand and baroque, appropriate for the assembly of the most important Eldorai clergy, nobles and officers.

At the one end stood a throne for the Queen with a smaller one for her consort. In front of it was an area where the speaker, be it Queen or other high noble would stand. The hall was not full, as it was not a full session of the council. Moreover, some nobles had not had time to arrive, but it was still an impressive assembly of highborn. Many looked angry, some confused, others wore an expression of calculated neutrality.


There were no Qadiri or Xioquo representatives, which was a point of contention in the Alliance. On the flip side, many Eldorai nobles and Firemane officers argued that the natives would be free riders since the burden to defend Tygara fell upon the outsiders.


If I go, the Sith will strangle all of you like the litter of blind kittens. Siobhan entered with her head held high. Her eyes blazed with defiance, daring another anyone to toss the first stone. It was not the stance of a defeated woman who thought she'd forfeited her place in the sun.

 

[HK-36]

[member="Joza Perl"],

The reply Joza would receive from the HK would be,

"Alright, let me know what their answer will be, I will still be on my way to Kathol since Abregado is so far, at the very least I will speak with them and turn it into a publicity stunt or something along the lines, remind the Outback they always have friends in the Core."

Although so far the Outback and HK seemed to be on the same side, fighting together in Silvers territory against Blonde's raid on Voss, in old One Sith space where the Iron Giant and Kimiko went in to try and capture some Sith remnant ships, and now on Kaeshana when one of the Greycloaks teamed up with Joza's snipers to help them, saving Ivan's life in the process.

"And it is no problem, their strength and the strength of Outback will be my strength again should we face our common enemy once more in the future."

He didn't wanted to say it outright but if he could get more organics to fight his battle for him then he was all for it!


[member="Caerys Argente"],


Caerys would receive transmission from HK as well,

"The Greycloak Steel-Borne is currently enroute to Arkas and will be there shortly, I am still in the process of finalizing our agreement for cybernetic surgery operations with the Outback representatives, I will keep the Firemane updated as this moves along. Whether our efforts with the Kathol will fail or not the Greycloak will assist in conducting these complex operations and reconstructions as well as go over the details and martial capabilities of the components with your representatives."

Iron Baron confirmed and explained, considering the shorter distance between Abregado and Arkas when compared to Outback space the Greycloak should arrive there before HK did in the Southern Galactic Space, so hopefully Arkas Firemane were ready to greet the droid in style!

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza almost snorted to herself. It seemed that her interests tended to co-align with those of [member="HK-36"] as of late. Still, there was a stinging reminder that she’d dragged the Outback into this. They didn’t resist, but some of these men and women had gotten their first taste of battle with the First Order who’d proved to be an aggressive expansionist. She was impartial to that sort of thing, but given their military might and what they’d done to these soldiers, she was incredibly wary and found their manner of militarism distasteful.

“I’ll speak with them shortly, thank you for traveling far to see us. Admittedly they’re in low spirits after what happened, but it’s worth a shot. I’m sending some healers and clothing for refugees to deal with the civilian aftermath, too. What a mess.”

Cleanup was always messy, but Kaeshana had a lot of loose ends. Sinking back down into her chair, she let out a heavy sigh as if her body were trying to unburden itself of the guilt. She’d lived through the One Sith razing of Zeltros as a child, and at the time vaguely understood that a lot of work had to go into rebuilding.

The door opened, and Ivan walked in with Alan cradled in his arms. The toddler was bracing one hand on the man’s chest, the other wiping at his eye.

“Ivan, he’s supposed to be asleep.” Joza’s brow furrowed as she murmured, trying to smother the negative feelings from her person. She’d yet to discover for certain if the child was an empath and didn’t want to set a bad example. Still, she held her arms out as the pilot passed the baby off to her.

“I know, but he was crying for you.” He responded back softly, watching as Alan settled into his mother’s arms and rested his head against her chest. “It was annoying.”

She sighed lowly, pressing her lip to Alan’s head for a few moments, muttering against the child’s hair. “Did the healers leave from Lianna yet?”

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Farryn Loragwyn"]


Calix was successful in his attempt to frighten the policewoman. Too successful! An ethereal, ghostly apparition manifested. The ark aura was smothering and she recoiled. Then she beheld his grotesquely mutilated, hideous body. Flesh looked like it was being peeled away, blood seeped out of his orifices.


"By Ashira, what sorcery is this?" she exclaimed in shock, dropping her blaster. She seemed paralysed as it fell to the ground. Fear, confusion and terror gripped her like vices. Surely, this creature had to be a malevolent demon of some sort, who'd been summoned from the darkest abyss.


What then did this say about the rioter she'd been trying to arrest? Farryn was not a Force-user, but the simple policewoman, who was as Force-sensitive as a plank, did not know that. To a woman who was deaf to the Force's call and more than a little superstitious, they were only one logical conclusion. "Dashdae Sciian! Witch! Angelii, help me. She summoned a daemon!"


The police officer's call was heard, and two fierce warrior women rushed towards the scene. Being of noble blood, Farryn would have probably encountered Angelii before, say during the time she might have spent at the Royal Court.


Clad in ornate scarlet armour, each of them carried a gleaming Sarix, a blade that was emblematic of their holy order and was almost equal to the legendary lightsabres Jedi and Sith alike favoured so much. The power of the Goddess writhed inside her and their auras burnt with a bright passion, like the avenging angels of Ashira. "Stand down, Dashdae Sciian!" one of them commanded fiercely as the pair ran towards Farryn, a ball of flame manifesting inside the paladin's hand.


xxx

[member="Tempest"]


Meanwhile, the fugitive renegade was running as fast as his legs could carry him. He ran past rioters clashing with police officers and Angelii, drawing upon his Sciia to strengthen his muscles and amplify his speed beyond the Eldorai norm. He was panting, but maintained his stride. Soon the clamour of battle became more distant and the noise quietened somewhat as he gained ground. Briefly, he stopped, gasping for breath, certain that he'd shaken off his pursuers after vanishing in an alley.


But then he suddenly stiffened, as if a sixth sense had kicked in. His Sciiac senses prickled, warning him of imminent danger. He spun around, noticing an oscillation in the air, then a vague shape. Quickly, he brought up his disruptor and fired. There was a muzzle flash and a beam of light erupted from the gun, just as his pursuer manifested as if out of thin air.


His armoured opponent, holding a burning yellow lightsabre in one hand, moved in a blur. The beam of doom missed. He did not get the time to react, for suddenly a superaccelerated icicle was rammed into the back of his leg. It moved faster than sound. A cry of pain leapt from his tongue and he fell.


As he tried to get one more shot off, an invisible grip yanked up his gun hand so that the beam pierced the sky. Ice crystals wrapped around his fingers. The sort of cold that caused rapid frostbite. It crawled across his entire arm. In desperation, he let loose a blast of lightning with his free hand. Lightning coiled around her lightsabre like a snake as she advanced. He could feel it caused her pain as some bolts got past her defence, but she advanced.


Then cut his hand off in a clean, precise slash. As the severed appendage fell to the ground, leaving him with a stump of an arm, she aimed the tip of her blade towards his throat. "Who do you work for? Where are those communications coming from?" her tone was frosty.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Elpsis Elaris"]

In the silence after the muttered prayer had finished, a voice spoke from behind her.
“That was beautiful, Elpsis.”

It was Tegaea. The older redhead approached to stand beside her niece and look down at Tygara far below.
“It’s bad today, isn’t it?” she asked uncertainly. “All the emotions. The grief, the anger, the disappointment. Not much light to balance the gloom.”
Obviously Tegaea was not a Force user, but she had experienced the mood in the air in a metaphorical sense. She knew Elpsis experienced it in a very literal sense.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there. There wouldn’t have been much I could have done, and my work here was necessary, but still. We lost a battle we should have won, that we needed to win. But we’ll come back. We’ve evacuated almost all the Eldorai who could be saved. One day we’ll get justice for what happened.”

“But you, Elpsis, I’m concerned about you. Since Castameer you’ve barely stopped, and no one can go too long without a break. If you want to help the civilians settling into their new homes, I advise you not to overtax your body. Your wounds to the body might have been light, but your wounds to the mind and spirit have been worse, it’s been bad for us all.”

She gently laid a hand on Elpsis’ shoulder. “I will be giving Tempest the same advice. The two of you are both tired, angry and upset. Go to her once this incident is over and I know she will be happy to see you.”




[member="Nima Tann"]

To see the purple Twi’lek Jedi was someone different from the usual debriefing officers. Instead, a rather senior member of Siobhan and Tegaea’s staff, Major Franna, sat down opposite Nima. The Major was a youngish woman, but a Force user and an experienced soldier.

“Master Tann, please sit down, I will not take more of your time than necessary. I just wanted to extend my thanks from the company, and our employers that you fought with us on Kaeshana.”

The pleasantries soon concluded she launched into the debrief.
“Could you please give me a brief summary of your actions on Kaeshana and also your thoughts on the campaign as a whole? Also, did you have any contact with Major Laveli, Symarra Tariq or any of the other…deserters?”

 

[Anya Venari]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

As Siobhan and Tarissa entered the voices gradually quietened and all were staring at her.

Finally, the Queen rose to her feet. The assembled peers also got to their feet as she did.

“Before Almighty Ashira, I call this session to order. May the Goddess bless these proceedings and punish any with malice or deceit in their heart,” the Queen said. The traditional opening to these sorts of meetings.

“We are here to discuss the unfortunate matter of Kaeshana. An expedition force furnished by the Tygaran Alliance was defeated. Since war with the First Order and their Sith allies is now open, we must know what went wrong and how to prevent this in future.”

“The Duchess of Caladan wishes to open proceedings. Countess Kerrigan, as commander of the expedition, will provide her report in reply. Members of the Council was cross-examine the reports, and I will ask questions or move the topic on when required.”

“I warn all present that questions are to be kept on topic, without petty insults or backbiting.”
A brief glance at the elderly Duchess.

 

[H3xle]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Tempest"]

Taryc turned as the Firemane agent approached her.

"Warrior Taryc Ap'Irae?"

"Aye." She replied, her back leaning against the doorframe as she looked the agent over with a wary eye.

"I've got orders for you from the Countess. You're supposed to join Major Tempest on the Ashira's Light station. General Kerrigan has given her a very important mission."

"Will I need to be armored?" She asked, looking down at her sweats.

"Expect combat. If you need gear, I can direct you to the quartermaster."

"Excellent. I have my armor in my quarters. Once I armor up, I should like to get a ranged weapon, is that amenable?" At the nod from the agent, she led the way back to her quarters. Without a drop of self-consciousness that she had felt and shown with Elpsis in the room, she stipped down, then donned her armor, moving and stretching into the form fitting armorweave before putting on the plates. She attached the helmet to the plate at the small of her back, then followed the agent to the quartermaster. There she picked up a pair of Mk II Bolters. She'd used something similar before, and felt good with them and her sword. The agent then walked her to where [member="tempest"] waited.

“Welcome. Thank you for coming.”

Taryc listened attentively, and nodded along. A small portion of her mind compared the terms of engagement to what she had had before, in the Primeval. Then, she wouldn't have worried overmuch about the collateral damage, but the distinction here felt good. That distinction, avoid civilian casualties, was the line that marked the difference between her then and her now.

"Understood." She said while nodding. She retrieved her helmet and donned it.

“Let’s go.”

Taryc followed Tempest onto the gunship, and held on as it left at combat speeds.

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Joza Perl"]


The Durasuits and Heartbeat Healers would be gratefully received by Firemane once they arrived on Tygara. In the absence of her bosses, Siobhan's chief of staff would send a message to Heartbeat, voicing Firemane's desire to purchase DuraSuits in bulk on the behalf of the Eldorai refugees the Tygaran Alliance would be sheltering.


Likewise, Firemane would hire a few teams of Healers, if possible. The Alliance would provide accommodation and see to their needs during their stay. This would give Joza another contract and plenty of fake money.


[member="HK-36"]


The Greycloak Steel-Bone would receive the coordinates to Firemane's military outpost on the lovely beach and ocean planet of Arkas, not far from the appropriately named Freetown, a settlement composed of freed slaves.


Tropical Arkas was beautiful this time of the year. The sky was sky blue, the oceans cerulean and there were lots of sandy beaches. On another note, while HK-36 had been asleep in his coffin, ARGH had constructed an outpost on Arkas to help bring some progress to the planet and expand.


Siobhan might have told him about that. Or perhaps not. She'd done a good deal with his company and did not always remember to tell him everything. So now he had a bunch of outposts he might not have heard about. Fortunately she'd never gone through with her plan to expand into the Vong Galaxy...


Anyhow, when the Greycloak's shuttle touched down on the landing pad, he'd be received by a Firemane welcoming committee, headed by Captain Aurangzeb. Yes, as surprising as it might seem, Firemane did actually have some male officers. He was a Mon Cal, continuing the trend of them being named after Mughal Emperors.


Aside from an appropriate escort, he was accompanied by Doctor Osway, the stern, iron matron of Firemane's medical division and an expert in bionic implants and cybernetics. Often it was her job to put senior Firemane personnel back together after they got limbs blown off. Her lekku was well cared for and, unlike the common Twi'lek stereotype, she was fully clothed.


xxx


Meanwhile, stuff was happening on Atrisia...


The Jagged Fel Air Base had not seen use in a long while. Indeed, it had been abandoned during the strife that engulfed Atrisia after the attempt on Empress Madeline Kahoshi's life. The power vacuum had caused civil war to break out. Atrisian fought against Atrisian, oppressed aliens and Force-users exacted their revenge on their tormentors.


All in all, it had been a fairly grisly time. Then, when it looked like things would finally get on track again, the Sith came. The rest is history. The planet was still quite crapsack, especially since Jar'kai was a massive darkside nexus and an ash cloud blotted out the sun.


In theory, its obscurity amde the abandoned base the perfect place for a secret rendezvous. Night had fallen upon the outpost as an armoured speeder approached it. The vehicle's free occupants had long discarded their Firemane uniforms and dressed in civilian clothes, though they kept their weapons close on their person.


Captain Willia Joyce was certain she had not been followed, but she could not help being cautious. She knew who vengeful her former boss could be. Word of what had transpired on Kaeshana had spread like wild fire, now it was time to make an exit. Her handlers would extract her and reward her handsomely. It would be a great blow for Firemane.


The thought that she'd sell out former comrades did not trouble her, for they were blind. One day they'd understand. Her decadent bosses were not worthy of her loyalty. "Move out. Our shuttle is close," she said quietly to her companions in a commanding voice as the speeder came to a halt.


Together with her two confederates, she disembarked the vehicle and quickly entered the base. It was as quiet as on a graveyard. Moving with purpose, she quickly approached the hangar. The silence was eerie, but they had to make haste.


"I have a bad feeling about this," one of her comrades muttered and she shot him a dirty look, glowering at him. This was not the time to act like a wet hen. The doors to the hangar did not block them, they stepped inside and...


Saw that it was filled with dead bodies. The shuttle had been thoroughly wrecked. Fear gripped her heart. "It's a trap. Get out of here!" Then the metaphorical Cylix pounced them.


Before she could blink, her two companions had crumpled to the ground like sacks of potatoes, struck down by hypervelocity projectiles that moved faster than the speed of sound. It was accompanied by a whirring noise, one that was the trademark of a Magnetic Revolver.


As she ran, their attacker stepped out of the darkness: A tall, statuesque woman with Eldorai features. On one half of her face, the skin had been peeled off, revealing metal that identified her as an HRD. Kerrigan's pet robot assassin. An abomination.


Her heavy blaster pistol unleashed bolts of scarlet fire. These pushed the metal abomination back, but did not stop her. A superaccelerated metal pellet tore through her shoulder and she howled in pain, dropping the gun. Adrenaline surged through her and she gripped a concealed frag grenade, pulled the pin and hurled it at the machine.


She did not wait to see the effects of the explosion, she simply ran. She could hear the machine gaining ground. A bullet missed the fleeing traitor by the inches and connected with the hangar wall.


She dashed out into the darkness, and found herself staring at the barrel of a gun when her second assailant suddenly manifested right before her eyes. Joyce felt like she was frozen in place, like an unnatural power was paralysing her limbs and deadening her senses. The woman confronting her was ann Atrisian, wearing an immaculate gray uniform. Her short dark hair was tucked beneath a black beret. Agent Mikako Kuwahara, Combined Operations And Security. Formerly of His Imperial Majesty's Inquisition. Her eyes were mismatched, for one was a human brown, the other a fiery scarlet that glowed in the dark.


"Good work, Agent Argente," she hissed icily. "Captain Joyce, you're under arrest for high treason, conspiracy and theft of Company property. Resistance is futile. You will be taken to an undisclosed location and questioned about your co-conspirators. If you refuse to cooperate, we will make you." Then everything went dark for Joyce when the robotic abomination seized her and her head vanished inside a black bag with a zip tie.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


The young firemane was caught off-guard when a voice spoke from behind her. She'd been so absorbed in her thoughts that she had not noticed the older redhead's arrival. It was Tegaea. Elpsis' sightless eyes glanced towards the Firemane matriarch when she moved to stand besides her. The Firemistress took a breath when her aunt spoke. Tegs' words struck a chord with her. Her aunt could not feel the Force, but the White Wolf had blessed her with wisdom and insight.


Elpsis wanted to protest when Tegs claimed that she'd been pushing herself too hard, but at the same time she was touched by her concern. "I...thank you, auntie," she fidgeted a bit, uncertain of how to respond. "I'm, uh, sorry about my outburst. It's just been like a big crushing weight on me. You've all given me so much. I don't want to disappoint anyone. I just want to do my best and use my gifts for good." It was not easy when your mother was [member="Coryth Elaris"], and your aunts were Siobhan and Tegaea.


"I'll...talk to Tempest when things are less crazy. I just don't want her to get hurt and she's being so freaking stubborn and angry," she took a breath, composing herself. It was time to quit moping. "I'll go down to the camp and I promise I won't push myself too much. You're a very wise woman, auntie. I pray for you, too," she pulled her aunt into a hug.

 

[Nima Tann]

The ambiance of the room has reminded her of an interrogation chamber, however, it was probably her anxiety speaking. Her headache didn't help the situation as well. When an officer, a young Togruta she didn't think she's met however seen her here and there before, welcomed her and invited her to sit down, she nodded and moved towards the chair in front of her, thus placing herself right opposite of the officer. It, of course, didn't help her anxiety at all. And then, it started. "Thank you." She said simply as she placed a soft smile, then it was the time to answer her question.

"I... have been assisting Firemane forces in the Citadel of Dawn. We managed to get the upper hand and First Order soldiers were retreating from their positions... before some of our soldiers turned traitor and attacked our own... We didn't expect such a low act, and had to retreat. I haven't heard from them in the battlefield, however before Kaeshana, I considered some of them as... friends."

"As for the campaign, I have seen what First Order can do, and how much damage they can cause to the planet. This fact alone makes it necessary." She took a breath, and waited for the next question. It was going good so far, or was it?

[member="Tegaea Alcori"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]