Lightening Your Burdens (Tegaea/Mei)

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

@[member="Tegaea Alcori"], @[member="Meidolaon"]

Only a few weeks had pased since the failed Dark Eldorai revolution had led to the death of Queen Silaqui and the ascension of Anya, Siobhan and Tegaea's mutual friend and occasional lover, to the throne. The rubble at the great ziggurat had been mostly cleared away, the insurgency had been routed. There was still much uncertainty on Kaeshana, but for now at least their friend was unchallenged.

On the surface at least. Not all scars healed easily and though Silaqui was declared a martyr many an Eldorai resented being ruled by a queen who had been in exile for so many years and was so close to the foreigners.

Probably more importantly from Siobhan's perspective was that the Queen's death and the mortal peril Tegaea had been placed in drove home the fact that she could not always be the protector. As much as it rankled her.

Tegaea had successfully defended herself against the attacking rebels...but she could have died. She was no longer a combat master and Siobhan could not bear if it something happened to her wife, something she would have been able to prevent if she had been there. Especially when she was off fighting Sith and force pulling space stations - Siobhan was dimly aware how selfish she was and felt some guilt about it.

So it was with that in mind that she entered Tegaea's study, with houses the latest in terms of holoprojectors and communications equipment, allowing her to continue her work as Firemane Industries CEO from home, when it seemed she was taking a break.

"Hey, how're you feeling?" Siobhan asked softly. "I've been making some, uh, enquiries. About an assistant...and a bodyguard for you. Someone full time. Stumbled upon a woman called Mei Dolaon. Thinks she might fit the bill. Got good references. Served as an aide for senators and a Jedi for many years, received training in Teräs Käsi," she spoke as she gently rubbed Tegaea's back, massaging it as she applied her skilled fingers. A datapad containing references was lifted from her pocket by her mind and levitated into the grasp of Tegaea.

"Invited her to come to Kaeshana for an interview," she added as she worked out a particularly tense knot in her wife's shoulder, fingers working their magic.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

@Meidolaon @[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
If Tegaea was feeling especially suspicious she would suspect that Siobhan was being cunning in getting another assistant into their midst who might offer...special assistance. However, she knew that Siobhan was not the most cunning type out there, so she took it at face value. Siobhan was worried about her, afraid that something might happen to her!
Tegaea ruefully touched her scalp, which had been covered with a wig while her real hair regrew. Of all the injuries sustained in the plot, this was the one that hurt her ego the most. Still, the firemane would be back soon!

"Sure, bring her in when she arrives. Thanks, love."

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

@[member="Tegaea Alcori"], @[member="Meidolaon"]

Siobhan was indeed not particularly cunning or one for playing double games. If anything she was open and direct in everything she did, which had sometimes come to bite her back in the arse! "I will, she should be here soon," she responded, further massaging Tegaea's shoulders before she gave her a kiss on the cheek.

The battle had left Tegaea far from unscathed, but Siobhan, who by now had an entire hospital wing named after her due so often gracing it with her presence, still saw only her beauty. "Just doing my wifey duties. Well, my other ones!" she said with a thin smile. "You were magnificient when you gunned those traitors down, you know that. Showed 'em not to piss off a redhead," she spoke softly.

From what had been arranged a ship would take Mei to the landing pad near their villa, where she would be greeted and then taken in, with Siobhan awaiting her.

 

[Meidolaon]

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

Mei stepped off the ship, luggage in hand, shortly after its landing at the platform near the villa, just as arranged. She was greeted and shown inside, where upon seeing Siobhan, Mei set her luggage down for a moment as she gave a polished, polite curtsey. Mei had been invited for an employment interview after all, and even had she not, she was still a guest at the villa. It would be rude of her not to pay her respects to her host.

"Thank you for the invitation," Mei spoke up mid-curtsy before rising to continue, picking her luggage back up as she spoke. "It is an honor to be here."

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

@[member="Tegaea Alcori"], @[member="Meidolaon"]

Not so long ago seeing someone bow to her - outside of certain situations that were a great deal more interesting but not for kiddies to see! - would have made Siobhan a bit uncomfortable, having come from down in the gutter and intensely dislliking the formality, bowing and scraping aristos demanded. Now she had gotten used to it. A part of her probably enjoyed it as well.

"Thanks for accepting it and coming here, Ms. Dolaon. I hope we can come to an arrangement and you'll like your stay here," Siobhan responded with a friendly smile. "I trust your flight was pleasant? Do you need help with your luggage?" If she did a servant girl would help carry it for her. "My wife's inside in her study, please follow me," she continued on politely, leading the way as Mei was guided inside the villa, which could be described as being tastefully opulent. Tegaea and Siobhan might no longer be ruling the Protectorate, but they had made it from deepest poverty to the very top and this reflected in the decor and furniture of the place they called their home now. There was a time when this had made Siobhan, at heart always a soldier and plagued by various insecurities, uncomfortable, but over the years she had grown to like the the perks of living on top.

 

[Meidolaon]

@[member="Tegaea Alcori"], @[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Mei nodded in response to the question of whether her flight was pleasant, then shortly afterwards responded to Siobhaan's other question regarding her luggage. "Thank you, though I should not require any help. I brought a relatively light amount of luggage, after all." 'Relatively' might have been an understatement, since Mei had only brought a single case of clothing with her, but Mei had never held any real attachments to any of her possessions in the past, only keeping what she needed out of necessity, which had mostly been clothing.

As Siobhan guided Mei through the Villa, something about the lavishness of the furnishings caught Mei's eye. Something about the refined state of the villa felt... well, how it should be. Where others might have been intimidated, Mei relaxed, feeling something akin to what she gathered was comfort.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

@[member="Meidolaon"] @[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

Tegaea was waiting in the study, and rose with a smile to greet their guest. With the handshake complete she sunk back into her seat and pushed some errant strands from the wig from her face.
“Welcome, Ms Dolaon, I’m glad you came. I’ll get right down to it. My wife uncovered your name whilst looking for professional bodyguards and attendants. As you can see, we have no small amount of influence and have acquired many enemies who wish to take that from us. What I wish to know is whether you have the skills or the abilities to provide protection for me, as well as performing the duties as my personal attendant. Those duties will include cleaning and tidying, preparing and tasting food, and reading correspondence and taking notes also.”

 

[Meidolaon]

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

Mei listened as Tegaea went through the description of the role Mei was to have if she was hired. She imagined that the 'professional bodyguard' part was the main reason she was being considered, especially considering the recent failed revolution; Mei didn't know about the actual politics involved, but whenever war broke out in the Galaxy, it was rare that it would go unnoticed. The other roles, however, were all roles that Mei had either had training in or first hand experience, when not both.

"I am absolutely certain that I can perform the duties that come with the position of personal attendant," Mei responded. "While I have never been in the position to protect someone as important as Mrs. Alcori before, I have had experience in bounty hunting in the past and know how they think, and have training in Teräs Käsi. I am confident that, in the case of an attack from an assassin or a bounty hunter, I will be able to protect you." Even if it cost Mei her life, she was certain that she could at least ensure her would-be client's safety. "However, I would need to know more about any other kinds of threats that may be an issue before I would know if I can ensure protection against them... No, rather, before I would be able to implement countermeasures against them."

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

@[member="Tegaea Alcori"], @[member="Meidolaon"]

"Aside from assassins corporate rivals and the Eldorai nobles jealous of our influence with the Queen could send, there's a homegrown insurgency on the planet, the Dashdae or Dark Eldorai. Couple weeks ago they launched a revolution, murdered the Queen. It was suppressed and they've gone underground, but they're still a threat and...hate us a great deal," Siobhan spoke, gaze briefly flickering over to her wife. Tegaea had valiantly held off and killed four traitorous Angelii with her bolter, but had come far too close to death, far too close to harm's way.

It was not that Siobhan thought Tegaea weak, but she was not a combatant anymore. More to the point, if something were to happen to her Siobhan would not be able to bear it. "A number of them are force-users. Very few are high level, but they have dangerous elemental powers. We also can't rule out Bando Gora leftovers or even Sith who went underground. We...have a history fighting both." Mei might have heard about the terrorist attack by an unknown group of Sith on Fondor. Given the beating one of them had taken from Siobhan, they feel vengeful. More of a long shot compared to the local threat of insurgents, but after what had happened with Kaelin Siobhan was not taking any chances.

Moreover, Shadow was still out there.

 

[Meidolaon]

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

So in total, Mei counted assassins, the insurgency, Bando Gora remnants, and possibly Sith... A rather wide variety of threats that she would have to worry about as Mrs. Alcori's bodyguard. She doubted that any insurgents would make a move so soon after their revolution failed, but any of the other groups would likely see the immediate aftermath as a prime opportunity to make a move, while the current government was still recovering- especially after the previous queen's death. Mei figured she could deal with run-of-the-mill assassins well enough on her own, though she didn't know whether she could take on any Bando Gora, let alone a Sith.

Of course, Mei expected that it wouldn't be just her defending Mrs. Alcori, either- even if she was the only living bodyguard on staff, she imagined there would be some sort of security system set up to protect Mrs. Alcori as well. After all, most people who were enemies with the Sith employed armies to combat them when they showed up; She doubted anyone with those kind of enemies would hire a single bodyguard and assume that made them safe, whether that bodyguard was a simple Bounty Hunter or a Jedi Master.

"May I ask, what other security measures are already in place?"

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

@[member="Tegaea Alcori"], @[member="Meidolaon"]

"Security detail of Firemane guards, some Angelii on loan on certain occasions - that's Eldorai forcers - to secure the premise. Latest in home surveillance. Also got a well-stocked panic room, an armoury with anti-force user weaponry," Siobhan responded, handing a datapad over that would give information on what exact arrangements were in place, partly because this writer does not precisely know them. After the civil war had ended Siobhan had been quite determined to 'upgrade security systems' by booby-trapping the place. She had found great ideas on the holonet! However, Tegaea had shot these ideas down, which had not lessened Siobhan's concern. She still thought a shield was a very good idea.

"And me. I'm a Master level force-user specialised in force combat, focus on telekinesis. If hostile forcers make a housecall I'll take them," she said without false modesty. "Only I'm...not always here and even if I am and assassins come in full force I need someone I can rely on to make sure my wife's protected." Also someone more stable than the notorious ceiling dropper Kerrigan.

 

[Meidolaon]

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

Mei listened to Siobhan's recollection of the other security measures, among which Siobhan herself was included, as she read over the datapad containing the other measures in place. There were a few things that Mei thought could be added down the line, but it was certainly a good amount of security against anything short of some of the more clever assassins and, save for Siobhan's presence, most force-users. Mei would certainly be of use as far as the former came in.

"Under these conditions," Mei started, handing Siobhan back the datapad, "I can with good conscience say that I would be indeed able to realistically protect Mrs. Alcori if an attack was made."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

@[member="Meidolaon"] @[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

Tegaea smiled. “That is good news! Siobhan was wise to seek you out I see. As you have worked as a professional bodyguard, we will welcome your input into the existing security setup. If there’s anything which needs improvement we would like to hear it.”

She reached into her filing cabinet and withdrew a sheaf of documents. “Here is the employment contract with the terms of service, remuneration package and other miscellaneous items. If you’d like time to consider our offer you may do so, or you may sign now if you are happy.”

The money was quite generous, and the terms were quite broad too. Aside from being expected to live in the villa and be on call even on her days off there was nothing too arduous. There was a privacy and non-disclosure clause however, forbidding Mei from discussing anything in her job with anyone not approved by Tegaea or Siobhan. They valued their privacy a lot.

 

[Meidolaon]

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

Mei was rather relieved with the terms of the contract- Being expected to live in the villa covered her room and board, and the money was more than enough to cover Mei's needs. She didn't particularly mind being on call on her days off, nor did she believe the non-disclosure clause would be an issue with Mei's lack of social contact outside of her own work. After a moment of reading the documents over, she signed them and returned them to Mrs. Alcori.

"If any additional security measures come to mind that can plausibly be implemented, I will be sure to speak up," Mei said, returning to the issue of the current security setup before asking one final question. "By the way, should I refer to you as Mrs. Alcori, or Mistress Alcori? Or would you prefer something else?" From anyone else, the question might have sounded sarcastic or insincere, but Mei was completely serious. She wanted to know how her new employer wanted to be addressed in the future, since she was going to be working there for some time.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

@[member="Meidolaon"]
Tegaea shared a look with @[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]. This was the slightly awkward part of proceedings. The part where Mei found out her two employers were slightly obsessed with non-PG-13 things. It was enough to drive some away, and attract others. But, it was best to come clean now rather than risk unwanted surprises.

"That depends on you, Mei. Siobhan and I have an...active...social life, and you may see some fairly interesting things going on here. Some of them are going to involve...well...sex. We won't involve you or include you though, and you shouldn't feel pressured to participate. Unless you want to, that is," she added. She coughed.

"So yes, Lady or Miss Alcori is fine, but if you're interested in more than that, you may call us Mistress."

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

@[member="Tegaea Alcori"], @[member="Meidolaon"]

This was the 'your employers are Mistresses of the Order of the Torch' part...its educational mission somehow intersected with bondage. Siobhan looked a bit amused at Tegaea. A rather petty, childish part of her, which seemed prone to delusions of grandeur, felt like saying that addressing her as 'Goddess' or 'Great One' was fine as well. After all, the Bando Gora had decided the Kerrigan was a Chaos Goddess, though their idea of worship left much to be desired.

"What my wife said," Siobhan spoke, giving Tegaea's hand a squeeze. "We don't force the way we do things on others, certainly not employees. Just like having...a great deal of fun. Hence why we like our privacy. So we're fine with either."

 

[Meidolaon]

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

Mei listened as her new employers explained their more adult social interactions, her reaction oddly neutral- neither enticed nor repelled by what she heard. Rather, Mei simply believed that what Mrs. Alcori and Mrs. Kerrigan did behind closed doors didn't matter so long as no one was hurt. She was glad to hear that they didn't "force the way they did things" upon the staff, as Mrs. Siobhan put it, though that was less because she didn't want to do it and more because she felt such behavior would be a major breach of professional ethics.

When the explanation was over, Mei simply nodded as she responded, "Well, I'm not sure whether I would want to be included in such activities or not. I've never felt much of an emotional connection towards..." The words escaped Mei for a moment as she grasped for a less crude term and failed. "...Well... Sex. Most people from Kuat tend to be like that. Regardless, I would be most comfortable referring to you with the 'Mistress' title."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

@[member="Meidolaon"] @[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

“Mistress it is, then. If you change your mind about being involved, let us know. Otherwise, welcome about, Mei.” She held out her hand to their new employee with a smile.
“Mistress Kerrigan can show you to your room. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. You’ll start tomorrow morning. Any other questions?”

 

[Meidolaon]

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

When Mistress Alcori held her hand out to Mei, it took her a moment before Mei shook her new employer's hand, accepting the welcome. "No, beyond where my room is, I have no more questions. I do, however, thank you for the opportunity, and will see you in the morning."

Once the handshake ended, Mei turned to Mistress Kerrigan, simply waiting patiently to be guided to the room that Mei would be staying in while employed at the villa.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

@[member="Tegaea Alcori"], @[member="Meidolaon"]

"Excellent. I'll take you there," Siobhan said warmly, gesturing to their new employee and guiding her down a corridor before she was finally brought to her new room. It was located close enough to the couple's bedroom for the simple reason of expidiency. If something happened, she would have to be close by after all.

While the room was not the height of extravagant luxury, it was well furnished and the bed was comfortable. Mei would have a good view of the Eldorai capital city of Santaissa, which could be overlooked from the villa. Tegaea and Siobhan - well, especially Siobhan - were quite demanding of their staff, but they compensated them well. Perhaps the fact that both of them had come from the gutter played a role in this. "There we are. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. I'll leave you to it for now. Welcome aboard, Mei."