Private Teaching Resilience (Elpsis)

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

"They are rebels of rebels," the Kar'zun rumbled. "Their history of persecution is a strength and a weakness. On the one hand it makes them work together in a way they never would otherwise. On the other they become insular, narrow, paranoid. I have no interest in staying there. For now I am happy staying outside their orbit."

Amara's cheery voice came through a speaker. "Hold on, we're jumping...now!"
Star lines rushed past the ship and it sped into hyperspace.

The Kar'zun seemed content to stand there, but he seemed to have exhausted his talking. Perhaps he too could eventually join the Laconic Society.

xxx

"I see her pride and resentment. It is curious that she follows when Elpsis leads," Javana commented. "Let us hope she can contain that. They go now for a talk, perhaps they will find understanding. Or blood."

Phylis, not knowing the hidden discussion, headed from the house, Diona behind.
"This might be, hmm, a bit of a complex situation. Please follow my lead. We have to try and, hmm, bluff them a bit. I don't like being deceptive, but in cases like this pay deception to the deceptive. Hmmph, or similar."
Phylis dropped off a report with Spire at the embassy. She carefully stuck to the wording Elpsis wanted. After a few moments they were on their way again.
They would approach the ship shortly after, by which time the Xio had cleared away the remains of the droid, but had not removed the signs of battle.
"Would you like a lightsabre, Diona? I have materials to make one if you so choose at some point. I know you are most trained with the blade, but I am happy to instruct you in the construction and use if you so choose?"

xxx

Karou smiled. "I know many good places. We used to store food, weapons, other things there. The Mistresses didn't know, it was too mucky for them to go. Come."
She would lead Nyssa with Zotik to deep caves, one of which was essentially a cell blocked with iron bars. The captive had enough room to lay down but little more. One of Karou's friends promised to watch over and feed the prisoner once a day.

Then she'd let Nyssa lead her to the armoury...it would be an experience for Karou that was certain!

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

When Elpsis and Hazani emerged from Lalax' office, both looked grim. Hazani's features gave nothing away, but she looked alert and serious. At least they had managed to have a discussion without blood being spilt. "Alright, let's get moving. Hazani, Zhaleh, you fill in your people. Lalax," she glanced at the priestess and apparent sister in spirit, "take me to the high priestess. Xilae, you help Zhaleh and Kalou keep an eye on things here."

xxx

For her part, Natalie flopped on one of the seats in the ship's galley, and pulled off her boots. "Right...so any drinks? What does a girl have to do to get some whiskey here?" she asked casually, glancing at the Cathar and the Eldorai crew members.

xxx

Diona remained stoic while Phylis dropped off her report to a minion at the embassy. She stuck to confirming what the Jedi Master had had to say. Finally, the pair could depart. The other Jedi's question caught her off-guard. "It is...the dream of every Windian Jedi to prove herself worthy of bearing the blade of Skywalker, Kenobi and Windu. After I left for the stars, I was closer than ever to holding one in my grasp, but I never thought of it. Maybe because they are so common in the stars it is ridiculous," she confessed, frowning. "I would be...interested, but I must check with Elpsis first."

xxx

Nyssa was...good at tying people up. And making sure they were secure and unable to escape. So suffice to say Zotik was appropriately restrained and then locked away in the cold, damp cell. "Time for you lot to get some proper guns!" she declared cheerfully to Karou, leading her back through the tunnel. "So...Karrigan, yes? How many of you are in Tlaxqui?" she suddenly asked. "Any of you make it to the top? How many would answer if the Heir called the banners?"

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan
Lalax looked relieved that Hazani and Elpsis returned and if not happy at least not killing each other! "Yes...of course," Lalax said. She was fiddling with the hem of her robe, but now let it go and hastened to the door.

Xilae meanwhile was more used to his boss' tempestuous ways, and so nodded with a brisk salute. "Yes, ma'am." He didn't often salute since Elpsis couldn't see normally. She might perceive the luminous being doing so, but in this case he knew it was wise to do the formalities. The LT was not in the mood and placating difficult females was something a good Xio boy learned early on.
He looked to Zhaleh. "Come on, let's get things tidied here in case it's needed."

xxx

Faelar went to a small cabinet and produced a rather dusty bottle. It had a good seal though so she poured out a shot into a plastic glass and walked it over to Natalie.
"Boss found this sometime, but we don't drink it. So it's only if guests are on board."
Natalie would find it was a good but rather strong Corellian brandy.
"Boss doesn't drink," Shoshary put in. "We do now and then. Even Zar'kahn does occasionally."
"Our drinks are not for you. Your insides would melt," the Kar'zun commented matter-of-factly.

xxx

"Hmm, yes, that's wise. Maybe ask her when this is all over. There was a time when the knowledge of lightsabre construction was almost lost. During the Galactic War which ended with the death of Darth Sidious there were only a handful of working lightsabres in operation. However, in the aftermath there was a resurgence. Though I am of course curious of the mysticism of it all, the construction is relatively simple. However, only one attuned through the Force will make a weapon which is mastercrafted. Hmmph, otherwise you'll get a toy no better than a cutting laser."

As she approached the ship she passed her hand over certain places on the hull. These areas flared for just a second for Diona to see through the Force, and then the hatch opened.
"Hmm, make yourself at home, Diona. I'll get things ready."
Six-Nine would cautiously appear and peer at Diona. However, he seemed to settle down and beeped curiously at the former Jedi.
"No, she's human. From Tephrike," Phylis said absently. Another string of beeps made her frown. "Hmmph, that's not right. Not all Tephriki are like that. Diona, this is Six-Nine. He's very curious but also very rude sometimes," she said sternly.

xxx

Karou walked with the Flayed One. "I don't know. Hundreds. Thousands most likely," Karou replied with a shrug. She didn't seem like a cultist or a worshipper for Sio or Elpsis. "For many reasons we might choose it. Many of us were slaves and had no family name. Many want to forget a family which abandoned them. And some...just seemed a good idea at the time. Me it was a bit of all three."

"How many would fight? Depends. For money or a threat or if she asked? Many. How many would march far from here into the stars? Few are trained for that, and few would want to leave...but there would be some."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Elpsis suppressed a sigh. "Lalax...uh, sister," she said a bit awkwardly. "I'm not angry with you, okay? You've been very helpful and I appreciate it." She couldn't see the priestess fiddling, but she had noted the disturbance in her aura as they walked out of the door into the darkness along with a grim looking Hazani.

She looked at Kalou, who unbeknownst to her was known as Mistress Viper in certain social circles. Or rather in the general direction of the militant sister since Elpsis never really looked at people she was talking to. "Right, lead the way. Since I'm meeting your, boss, I guess, anything I should know?" Atzi, the other militant sister, seemed to be on guard duty.

Zhaleh gave Xilae a simple nod. "We should also check on the children. They'll have questions after what happened...and vile people may try to trick them." The thought made her shudder. But the world was cruel. But that means Kashara's candle must shine all the bright, she thought. Mother Snow, watch over these poor souls. "I also need a machine to contact my people."

xxx

"Noted. I'm quite attached to them," Natalie commented dryly. Taking the glass in hand, she brought it to her lips and knocked back a shot. "So...what's your deal with the robotic angels?" she asked with seeming nonchalance. "It's real clear for me when it comes to your boss...but not you."

xxx

"I am aware of the process in...broad strokes. We had pictures, descriptions. I can't say how accurate they were," Diona admitted. "I must admit it's deeply disappointing to see how...commercialised lightsabres are in the stars." In the Dominion a select few owned everything and the people had nothing, but in the greater galaxy everything seemed to be for sale...which just resulted in the rich hoarding things, and the common people chasing desires they would not have without the media creating the need for them in their minds.

Diona's attention was drawn to compartments on the ship that blazed with the light. She frowned at the sensation, but before she could ponder this further or enquire she was suddenly confronted by a mechanical occupant. Diona looked at the droid a bit curiously. "Oh, it's your R2-D2," she declared.

xxx

"Makes sense. You don't want to mindlessly throw yourself into the jaws of death," Nyssa remarked. "She respects stength and determination. But I don't think she's understood the potential of your sisters...yet. No doubt certain people in Firemane have obfuscated it from her. But, hey can correct that. When she herself a target, she's like a Yazgid on a trail. Never slows down, never lets go of her prey, no matter what," she looked at Karou. "She'll fight for you if she has to...but she'll need help."

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

"Of course," Lalax said, sounding a bit more resolute. She then headed for the door with a calmer intent.
Kalou meanwhile moved calmly and purposefully beside Elpsis. "Priestess Ziru is not to be underestimated, Lady," she commented. "She is very ruthless when needed and more so she is strong willed and powerful in the spirits. She may seem serene and tranquil but when she is angered she can be terrifying to behold. But you are not going there to fight her, so she should be a powerful ally. Be honest and straightforward with what you say, she despises those who wheedle words and play with half-truths." She paused. "Not that I think you would, Lady, but it is something to note."
Her accent was quite mild and she spoke very good Basic.

xxx

There was an awkward pause in the ship. Shoshary and Faelar looked from one to the other, not sure how or what to say.
"They do not bother us, we do not bother them," Zar'kahn rumbled. He was lucky, AA had practically no uses for Kar'zun and indeed might think they were amongst the most superior of all organics for being made of near imperishable silicon rather than weak carbon.
"Yes, we keep out of their way. Boss knows what she's doing," Faelar added.
As if on cue Amara skipped in. "Right, we're on our way! Should be three hours in hyperspace then a couple hours more to landing. Oh, I see you've found the liquor, good job."
She looked around, frowned. "Everything tickety-boo?" she asked.
"Natalie asked about the, ahem, robotic angels," Shosh commented, like a student telling the teacher.
"Oh, yes, well, don't worry about them, Nat. Sis has better things to do than chase me. Besides, if I find weird tech I send it back to her. Don't worry, I won't tell her where I let you go."

xxx

"Hmm, yes, lightsabres have become very common. True masters of them remain rare, which I suppose is something. There was a time when blasters were incredibly rare...on Tephrike as well I believe. There are some who would say that certain weapons like shatterguns or disruptors are superior to blasters, which may be true. However, hmm, blasters are easy to use and make. Lightsabres are harder to use and make but very powerful, providing both defence and offence in one easy to carry weapon. I'm happy to show you the process though."

As Diona spoke, Six-Nine let out an indignant and huffy sounding squawk.
Phylis covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Oh dear, be nice, Six-Nine, she didn't mean it like that." She looked at the Tephriki. "He's very upset because R2-D2 is an ancient model...even though he is now over 500 years old." She ignored the rude beep she got. "Anyway!" she said louder over the droid. "I am sure Diona means it in the sense that he is a loyal and useful companion. And through that she is giving you a compliment!"
Finally the droid tooted a little bit calmer.
"That's better. He apologised for calling you...well, hmmph, doesn't matter what he called you."

However, all of this furore had attracted a large rat to ran over to look up at Diona with his weirdly golden flecked eyes.
"That's Nibbles...my Jedispawn! He's very friendly and doesn't bite, but if you want him to go away he will. He likes cuddles though."

xxx

"We will fight to defend her if she is as determined as the Karishzar," Karou commented with a nod. "We respect strength and comittment, and I see she has the loyalty of the warriors who follow her. This is good. Many leaders command through fear or money or other threats. The best command through loyalty and strength of will."
As they walked, soon approaching the ship she looked at Nyssa. "These weapons from the stars. They are like a regular firearms. They fire many shots of the red fire, but otherwise seem like a rifle?

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Elpsis listened to what Kalou had to say, nodded. "Got it. I'm not here to screw anyone over, stake a claim to the throne or some rot like that. If she wants to help purge evil scum...that's enough for me." She glanced at the Xioquo warrior woman. Or rather vaguely stared into her general direction since Elpsis never looked at people directly. "And you don't have to call me 'Lady', you know. My name's enough."

Hazani walked alongside them, silent but wary as they got closer and closer to what she could only describe as a den of heathenry. She mentally steeled herself. Mother allied with the barbaric Khaimari to defend holy Krolis, she reminded herself. She silently hummed a prayer to Azali to shield her kin from the machinations of the sky people.

xxx

"I'm sure she appreciates the extra toys," Natalie said dryly. You mean you're a coward, little girl, she thought. Too 'moral' to stick around robo sis while she runs a mechanical slavery business, not moral enough to not be pals with her. How fitting that of your crew, two are too mousy to speak up, and one's a skinjob. "They're always making new ones over there. Archangel has become so good at replacing and processing organics that someone might be a droid and not realise it." At that she glanced towards Faelar, and raised her glass. "Cheers," she finished it. "Ah, well, at least Kar'zun are safe. Would be a waste anyway."

xxx

At first Diona looked rather taken aback at the sight of a small rat radiating light side energies. Then she smiled slightly and gave the little creature a wave. "A Jedispawn? A light side analogue to the fell beasts of the Sith. That is...intriguing. On Tephrike we've experimented with many forms of Ashlanite alchemy...but I don't think we've modified life," she frowned. "At least not without distorting it. Little Nibbles is obviously not suitable for that, but have you thought about military applications for this art? It would be a boon if we could unleash a creature of Ashla on fallen Jedi and Sith."

xxx

Nyssa's eyes lit up. She liked talking about weapons. "Mostly correct. Those are blasters. They shoot beams of red fire, but you have two magazines - energy cell, and power pack. But we have guns that fire bullets like your firearms. Just bigger ones and faster. We'll take those."

Accessing the hatch, she input a code so that they could enter the freighter. One wondered what Karou would make of the vessel. For someone who had never been in space or aboard a starship it would no doubt be an interesting experience. At the same time, it looked a bit banged-up and was devoid of the luxuries one might expect the 'Heir' to have.

There was, however, a pungent odor, like sweet roses and lavender, in the air. "It always has to smell like you're rolling in fermented roses, or she starts sulking," Nyssa remarked. Sweet-smelling scents aside, the freighter had a look of ordered chaos about it. However, as they passed the medbay Kalou would notice it was scrupulously clean. Elpsis' bedroom, by contrast, was clean but chaotic. Nyssa briskly led her to the armoury. After she typed in a code, the door slid open...revealing an awful lot of guns.

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

"That is agreeable...Elpsis." She did not resist saying the name, but did pause a moment. Her tone was very calm and collected. "Your dedication to fighting evil is well known. It is mainly for this reason many are willing to listen to you, rumours have reached us even here of your battles on distant worlds."
Fortunately she did not mention the movie. Kalou did not notice or react to Hazani's humming as they entered the shrine. For being a cult headquarters it was both quite utilitarian and rather common. There were statues of course and the walls of the cavern were set with mosaics, but it was nothing a nice school or government building might not have.
Their arrival turned heads. Two of them were clearly not Xio, and the red hair of Elpsis stood out even further. However, with Kalou leading them no one challenged them as they headed through a warren of tunnels. At one stage they passed a large chamber where fungi grew in ordered rows, workers harvesting pieces of it.

Finally they game a heavy door guarded by two Daughters. They bowed to Elpsis and opened the doors.
Quas'Ziru was inside. Her eyes swiftly fell on the visitors.
"Heir, I greet you. You have come at last to us," she said. Her voice was accented, but understandable. "I hear of much disorders. Kalou sends word of machines with the faces of Xioquo which roam. Also of betrayers and false-women who seek to lure the unwary. Grim is the time you come. Speak, heir, what is it you bid of us."
Her piercing eyes were set on Elpsis, and though blind the human would feel the gaze upon her.

xxx

Faelar looked a little surprised, shocked even. She looked down at her hand. "I'm not a...am I? Amara...?"
Amara sighed. "Of course you're not, Faelar. Stop trolling her please, Natalie," she grumbled.
Though she nodded Faelar continued to examine herself. Shoshary glared at Nat.

A deep grinding noise came from the Kar'zun. Zar'kahn was chuckling. "We are stronger than metal and gears anyway. We cannot be so easily processed. We are also immune to vampires," he added rather unexpectedly.
"Don't remind me," Amara grumbled. "Anyway, Nat, you promised me a show with some tricks."

xxx

Nibbles peered up at her and then scampered up her leg, coming to nestle by her ear. True to Phylis' word he was very gentle and did not scratch or bite but nuzzled her.
"Hmm, you've found a friend! I have considered making beings to fight the Sith. However, I have had limited success. Partly due to my desire to not hurt the test subjects, and partly because it would likely require resources and materials even I cannot easily access. There is also the issue of consent...if I build a sentient creature for war...should not it get a say in it? Hmmph, I would be a poor Jedi if I fought against enslavers with the enslaved creations I made! I did make a golem I suppose you might call it, a machine of metal infused with the Light as a prototype. It both showed it could be done...and the issues involved. He was...hmm...very independent minded. In the end I allowed him to be his own being and he works as a skilled mechanist for a friend of mine. I could have brought him under control but...well...that wouldn't be right."
It would likely still be strange to Diona to find a Jedi who didn't just delude herself or make excuses and expedients. If the Dominion had this golem they would have had no regrets in enforcing their will upon it.

xxx

Karou stared open mouthed into the star ship. It was something she had never seen the insides of before. And yet...she was not sure what exactly she was expecting. She was rather cynical and grounded but perhaps expected something more...magical.
"This looks like the ironclad ships I served on briefly. But with more machines and lights. Is that all the travel between the stars is? A metal box with engines which burn...something...rather than coal?"
She looked slightly disappointed. And then sneezed.
"My apologies. This smell of flowers is strong and I am not used to it being so...strong," she added, sniffing.
However, there were a lot of guns and Karou smiled slightly. Disappointment about star travel aside this looked like a lot of boom!

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

It was...unnerving to stand in the priestess' presence. Elpsis could see in the conventional fashion, but she could feel Quas'Ziru's eyes boring into her. In the Force, she resembled a dark shadow. Still, she didn't feel threatened. "I'm here to ask for your help to hunt down and kill slaver scum," she said bluntly. "The machines work for a group called Archangel. I don't know if my mother mentioned them to you, but they're very evil, very dangerous. But that's not all. Foreigners and local stooges have been trying to trick your people into slavery. I don't know how far it goes...but some Firemane officials are involved."

xxx

Natalie looked incredibly unimpressed when Miss Amara 'I'm a good and noble hero but friends with a mechanical slaver who processes innocent people into killer machines' Zarides tried to reprimand her. The sharp look from Shoshary also left her cold.

One day someone will force you out of your bubble, and the three of you will be in for a rude awakening, she thought. Elpsis would've called Amara out on her cowardice and hypocrisy and told Shoshary and Faelar to woman up. However, Natalie was goal-oriented. Amara was performing a service that cost the Essionian very little. Whatever else the wilfully naive clone did or failed to do wasn't her problem. At least the big guy's not a fanboy. Wonder how long he'll stick around. Not like he needs the fearless leader.

"Right, moves. Look good in holovids. Probably the only place where Mandos still look cool although the plot armour does get old, but I digress." While Natalie was speaking she had refilled her glass and raised it. Held in her left hand, the glass was held in Amara's field of vision as she raised it, brought it to her lips and back again. "First rule - pick your fights, weigh your options. Matters more than the tech, the fancy moves." As the human's gaze followed her, she suddenly flung up her left elbow. Her right hand was raised and she had a revolver in hand with near blinding speed. "And time things the right away."

xxx

Phylis' response gave Diona pause. The paladin frowned. "I hadn't...considered that," she admitted. "On Tephrike...such concerns don't exist. Clones are treated...the way you refused to treat your golem. Programmed from birth for a certain role. Some raise themselves and their lineages to become aristocrats in all but name, most live and die as drones. The Dominion would've lobotomised your golem if that was what it took to make it obedient."

xxx

"Be grateful, this is what the crazy woman calls mild," Nyssa commented with a laugh, and gave the Xio warrior a slap on the shoulder. "Space travel is, all things considered, pretty dull. You sit for hours in a metal box while it burns fuel so that its engines can travel through the void very fast. This is more fun." Stepping into the spacious armoury, she picked out a shotgun and handed it to Karou.

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Ziru's gaze did not relent, and her words had no mirth in them when she spoke in reply.
"Your first words fill me with hope, for I am ever to be seeking vengeance on slavers. I know of these heretical machines, but had not known they were amongst us until now. They must be found and purged. Your tidings are grim though, for the humans have come with beneficences, but always I knew there would come a cost. Woe that the glorious Karishzar was given great injury by the accursed Sith and is not capable of purging this corruption. In her stead, Heir, you must do. What is to be done with these malefactors? Have you knowledge of who and where they lie?"
Her gaze left Elpsis and she looked to Kalou. "Kalou, your efforts please me, but more is required. You will remain with the Heir and guard her. Provide her every assistance, on this I command."
"As you wish, Priestess," Kalou replied obediently.

xxx

Amara either did not notice or care about Natalie's judgement. One day doubtless she would reflect on her behaviour and the way she interacted with her companions. For now though the clone valued her freedom and the ability to be an agent of her own whims and not another. Situations might change though and the wisdom of Natalie might be reflected on then.

She watched Natalie's trick with excited interest. She clapped her hands. "Very good! I'll have to train that. A lightsabre's good, but a blaster at your side gives you versatility. I read a lot of Jedi and Sith do not carry them because they consider it to be primitive or beneath them, but I bet more than a few of them have regretted not having a sidearm when the time came.
Zar'kahn meanwhile headed over to the armoury and produced a massive hand cannon of a weapon. For the humans it would have to be held in both hands and even then the recoil would likely break a wrist. However, he offered it to Natalie.
"We call it Kar'vatuzankar - I guess 'Stone which breaks all stone'. You want? I have several."
The massive weapon used a revolver mechanism and each of the rounds in it were a good 10cm long and half as much round. It seemed a genuine gift, though how useful to Natalie it would be was up for debate!

xxx

Phylis nodded sadly. "Hmmph, I suppose that when you discard morality and ethics things are a lot easier. I will say I was always troubled by the way clones were used in the Clone Wars, and since then they have too often been the cannon fodder. This, I obviously do not agree with. The Unchained have a good goal and though I do not necessarily agree with some of their methods the ambition of freeing all the clones on Tephrike is one I support. You may be one, Diona, but you are far better, far stronger now. You are your own person, hmm."

A moment of reflection before she stirred. "Well, we'd better get going, hmm. This meeting won't have itself. You want me to take Nibbles back? He's a good boy but very excitable at times."

xxx

Karou's eyes lit up as she took the shotgun. She examined it closely, frowned. "We had weapons such as this. But they were clumsy, firing only a single shot before needing to be reloaded, a lengthy process. This though looks deadly. I will need some instruction on how to load this weapons, but I believe this will suit me well!"

"it seems like travel in the stars is boring like sea travel. This is disappointing...but not unexpected. The people in the stars are much like us though they look different they often act very similar. Technology and machines make a greater difference to success it seems."

She sneezed again. "My apologies, the scent is quite strong."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Elpsis was struck by the intensity of the high priestess. There was something very unnerving about her...yet another part of her welcomed it. "The guilty must burn," Elpsis declared firmly. "The one thing scum like this fears is exposure. We need some alive to confess their crimes. But they'll only live for as long as we need them to talk." If she had to throw everything she had once served into the fire, so be it.

A melodious voices echoed inside her mind. "A wildfire you are, but a much needed one. To wash away the vile and decadent, and promote new growth by burning away the old. In the fire of creation, all life is unmade and remade. You will burn out young, but when your light fades, know that death is not the end."

This was who and what she was meant to be. Not Firemane's ridiculous dancing monkey; not a 'project' for Tegaea and Siobhan to 'mould'. She was the righteous flaming sword. Never slowing down, never compromising. Compromise with evil was cowardice; compromise was complicity; compromise was weakness.

"Jedi Alince is looking into the corp that's been making the deals so we can get more intel. They have many sites. I don't know all of them, but I know they've been luring Xio to a place on Arkas. Figures, it's sunny there. I'm gonna go there to scout out the place, then burn it to the ground. Once that happens...all bets are off. It's important we don't draw attention to us until then. How many people can the Daughters spare? Alince has informed the Seekers and the Queen that there's killer droids in Tlaxqui. The Queen's sent for one of the Seekers and Xalda." She glanced vaguely in the direction of Lalax in case the more personable priestess had something to say.

xxx

For her part, Natalie couldn't give a damn about Amara's delusional opinion. The former agent was no stranger to moral compromises. She had worked with terrorists who didn't care about collateral damage to kill Sith. She had spilt drinks with slavers to bring down Imperials. But...she could look herself in the mirror and admit to herself she was no hero. There were none in her business.

The clone, on the other hand, lived in a fairy tale world of make-believe. But as far as the Essionian was concerned, she was the taxi service, and that was it. Useful idiots were just that. "I prefer kinetic weapons," she remarked with a glance towards Amara and her naive fan club. "If the velocity's high enough, glowsticks won't help much. Always fun to see Forcies arrogantly strut around one moment, and then the next there's a bloody hole in their skull and their lackeys run around like headless chicken." Doubtless this would go over Amara's head and that of her spineless groupies.

When the Kar'zun marched back to them, Natalie gave the truly massive hand cannon in his grasp a curious look. She took it in both her hands, weighing it, and tried to aim. "Frak, that's heavy. But really well-made. I bet you can really break stone with it," she declared. "Doesn't fit my style though. Can't hide that in a coat. But I know someone who'd like it."

xxx

Diona said nothing in response to Phylis' earlier words. She was a sinner...but perhaps not damned. But all she could do was her duty. She gave the older Jedi a nod. The flight to Santaissa would take a while, after all. "Yes, that would be for the best," she patted the little rat a bit awkwardly, gently took him into her hands and handed him over to Phylis. "By Ashla, I vow that I shall not fail and will defend you should the worst come to pass," she said solemnly and earnestly.

xxx

Nyssa laughed. "If you want to spread her, best don't do it in her bedroom or you'll suffocate," she leaned forward conspiratorially. "Would be a fun way to go out though. Come on, let's grab some guns and ammo." It was a very well-stocked armoury, after all. "Should be a floaty sled somewhere."

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Ziru clearly was not the sort to give messages about the need for moderation and the pursuit of a fair trial by an impartial jury of peers! Instead, the smallest of smiles tweaked the corners of her mouth.
"Heir, we will smite these enslavers such that their allies will ever be a-feared of trying such again. Kalou will go upon your command, and I will find more whose devotion and righteous fury will burn away the web of lies. How many do you seek, for your hope is not in hosts of warriors, but swift attacks to punish the wicked. With this in mind I can spare you nine of my best warriors to accompany Kalou. I shall ready our defences here and prepare if more are needed. Ensure that you keep me informed, Heir."

She paused a moment. "This Yedi, she is to be trusted?" When she received confirmation, Ziru nodded. "I have heard of this one, she works with the Seekers." It was unclear how good or bad this was to her as her tone was flat.

Lalax coughed slightly. "Yes, this message was delivered with due haste," she commented. "The Queen has our support in case the demons of metal trouble us more."

xxx

The Kar'zun took a step back. "Keep it if you like for them. Or if your friend is passing close we might deliver it." Delicately for such a massive hand he produced and handed over a datachip. "Ammunition specifications."
His words exhausted he headed over to a specially reinforced bench and sat.
"I've seen him blast through a door, two people behind and the wall behind them with it," Amara put in. "Sounds like a cannon and makes a mess like one."

The rest of the journey would pass uneventfully and soon they would be approaching Dac.

xxx

Nibbles wriggled unhappily in her grasp, sad his new friend was going away. But he did not resist being handed over to Phylis. The Jedi petted him kindly and put him back in his run. The rat went over to have some food, still giving Diona sad looks as he did!

Phylis meanwhile smiled. She did not disdain the former Jedi's pledge. Instead, she bowed her head. "And I shall not fail to, hmm, return the favour if needed, Diona. We should be getting close, hold on, we'll come in to land."

xxx

Karou did not quite understand Nyssa's innuendo, but got enough of the gist to smirk. "I think the sneezing would make it a little awkward as well!" she added.

There was indeed a rather battered hover-sled nearby which they could load up with boxes of weapons, ammo and power cells. Most important of all though were some melee weapons which despite being more advanced were similar enough to regular swords, spears and axes that anyone could use them.

"The Heir is well armed, does she expect a whole host of warriors to need weapons often?" Karou asked in shock. Easily enough to equip twenty fighters was here.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Well, that went...well, Elpsis thought. She hadn't expected the Daughters to have an issue with killing slavers chaining their people, but she had expected...more ranting about Siobhan and her glorious destiny. Maybe some weird rituals. She thought back to Xalda. The Xio was undeniably weird...and yet people like Purity, Sidhe and Nadia liked her somehow. It stood to reason she could do more than praise Siobhan.

"Ok, great," she said awkwardly, coughing slightly. Were they expecting her to say something inspiring? "These scumbags threaten all free people on Tygara. Doesn't matter what race you are, doesn't matter what...," she almost said 'cult' but swallowed the word on her tongue, "religion you belong. But if we work together we can destroy them and burn them all." No one could accuse of Elpsis of being a great wordsmith.

"Yes," Hazani said after a long moment of indecision. The first words she'd spoken since entering the temple. "My mother, Azali bless her name, fought the sky people when they came to us with baubles and honeyed promises. There was...some honour among them then, mayhaps. Saobana Karrigan was a...," she paused, searching for the right word that would be diplomatic without making her a sycophant, " worthy foe. But now it is plain their beneficiencies mask chains."

xxx

The rest of the journey was uneventful. Soon the ship would drop out of hyperspace. Natalie checked her chronometre. "Well, it's been fun, gang. I'll just need a moment in the 'fresher. See you soon," she said and got up. After splashing some water on her face and freshening up, she ran into Zar'kahn in one of the corridors. Fortunately, not literally.

"Hey, since you gave me a nice gun I've got something for you," she spoke to get his attention. "Besides, you're the one person on the ship who's not in blondie's fanclub or a killbot. Just in case you're looking into broadening your job opportunities," she scribbled two numbers down on a piece of paper and offered it to him.

xxx

The gleaming city of New Santaissa loomed before them. The first thing they could see of the city of marble was the massive ziggurat. Diona could feel Javana stir in the deepest recesses of her mind. She wondered what the Qadiri spirit made of the sight. Your Eldorai kin dwell here, she mentally communicated to the spirit. I haven't had much dealings with them. They are often haughty...and some remind me more of home than I would like. I understand this city's modelled on the capital of the homeworld they lost.

xxx

"Girl, Red can't even go shopping to buy her overpriced perfume without ending up in a fire-fight. You should see what she' packing at home," Nyssa said with a laugh, giving the Xio veteran an appreciative one-over. "Come on, cutie."

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Ziru nodded in response of her words. "Burn them we shall, Heir. The wicked will be identified and destroyed, in the name of the spirits and the Karishzar I pledge this. We shall not allow the chains to close about our limbs, though they are veiled with lies. No, we shall break the chains and the chainers."

Her eyes fell upon Hazani. "A knight of the flames? Through many paths we come to truth. The Karishzar enabled us to see truths hidden before. Now it seems her councillors and viziers usurp her dream and make it a nightmare. Heir, you should take your rightful place when the time is right and purge these people."

xxx

Zar'kahn was not a pleasant being to run into literally! Fortunately Natalie only did so figuratively.
The Kar'zun took the paper and studied it carefully. There were no names attached, but he nodded slowly. "I thank you. Go in peace and find blessings in the stars."
This benediction completed he plodded away.

The ship would come in to dock and Natalie could depart. Doubtless there would be many adventures ahead of her!

xxx

"They chase lost glory, or seek to reinstate it?" Javana asked curiously. "It is beautiful though...I have never seen any buildings so large!"
Tall skyscrapers pierced the air. Gleaming metal, white marble and grey permacrete were much in evidence. There were however a lot of green spaces, including a large central building with a whole grove of trees atop it like an elevated forest plateau. Speeders and space ships crisscrossed the sky.

They did not head for the palace, but to a commercial area further down the main plaza. There a large, white building had a landing pad extended from it. Phylis sent ahead to them and was directed there.

The Jedi headed from the cockpit. "Right, hmm, we're going in there as ignorant academics. Hmmph, ignorant of their plot anyway. It is possible some of these people might be HRDs...not likely, but possible. Can Javana, hmm, communicate with them telepathically? It might help as there are some questions which need to be asked where they cannot be overheard."

The hatch opened. It seemed they had a welcoming party already....

xxx

Karou raised an eyebrow. "Does she have a private army to hand all those weapons out to? Or does she just like to collect them?"
Nyssa's flirting earned a small smirk. "Right behind you, flayed one." This allowed her to get a good view of Nyssa's shapely rear. It was a good distraction from the perfume which occasionally still made her sneeze.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Elpsis coughed slightly. "Let's focus on killing the scum and freeing the slaves first," she stated. Glancing vaguely in Kalou's general direction, she added, "how soon can you get your people armed and ready? How well-equipped are you folks? I'm distributing some of the stuff on my ship to the militia in case there's trouble, but I've got more at my place on Arkas." Gun nut Elpsis confirmed.

xxx

Their welcoming committee consisted of a beautifully dressed, photogenic Eldorai woman with dark hair and a winning smile. "Welcome to New Santaissa, Mistress Jedi, the new star in the constellation of Tygara! We have prepared the Scholars you have requested. I hope that you find they fit your needs fully," she said warmly.

"We understand your time is important, so we have prepared some proactive assets with proven track records in the core competency to take your engagement to the next level and provide you with a dynamic and empowered portfolio. New Horizons believes in agile project management!"

For her part, Diona looked rather lost when confronted with this flood of marketing buzzwords. She stared at the PR rep as if she were some kind of strange alien speaking an unknown language.

xxx

"You're in it now," Nyssa quipped, giving Karou an appreciative wink. "We get all the cute girls, sometimes cute boys too, not that she notices what they can do for her."

xxx

Meanwhile Zhaleh had seen fit to check up on the kids after making sure things were in order at the shelter. Presumably Xilae had tagged along. "And then the Flayed One ripped her dress off and everyone saw the scar and the red dragon!" Ixzuma declared dramatically, gesticulating while she spoke. "Mistress got all scared, and Miss Heir barged in and hauled her off to the dungeon!"
"Squiddy and me warned Zhalah!" Feather pointed out.
"Yeah, but I showed everyone she was an evil liar," Ixzuma insisted, a bit put out by her retelling being interrupted. "She almost got away."
"Zhalah wouldn't have let her," Squiddy retorted.
"No, but lots of people were being dumb!"
"Where's the witch now?" Maz interrupted. "And Miss Heir?"
Ixzuma shrugged. "Don't know. Hope they lock her up, make her pick mushrooms, and only feed her the real bad ones."
Glint meanwhile looked thoughtful. "Think more of the fancy tossers will come? Betcha she had friends in the city."

Zhaleh knocked on the door. "Kids?" she asked. "You up?"
In that moment the kids scampered, the door was flung open and Zhaleh suddenly found herself surrounded by a small horde of excited little Xio children. "Snow! Where's Miss Heir? Did you lock up the mistress?"

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan



Kalou shared a glance with Ziru, probably unnoticeable to Elpsis.

"The warriors of the faithful can be ready within half an hour," Ziru said firmly. "The weapons we have are older, less powerful, but blades never lose their place. We wield righteous wrath...but some more modernised weapons would be welcome regardless."

Kalou nodded. "I concur with this. If we work together we will bring the order demanded."

"Then where next, heir? What would you have us do?"



xxx



Phylis stared at the Eldorai, blinked.

"Hmm, those are words. I understand all of them individually, perhaps in groups, but together...."

The Jedi shook her head. This was a distraction. "Hmmph, show me in, if you would."

The Eldorai smiled, nodded. "Of course, please come this way." She spared a glance at Diona. "Is she your…"

"Temporary Padawan," Phylis said quickly. "Missions like this are a good way for her to learn how to conduct business," she added.

Phylis would follow the Eldorai in. The Jedi would give Diona an apologetic look when the Eldorai was not looking.

Javana meanwhile was wary, on edge. "This one looks like a predator. Be wary of her…."



xxx



Karou frowned slightly. "I…see. Well, I guess I'm honoured to be in her retinue. I do hope there is more to it though than that."

They had gathered the boxes and Karou helped stack them. However, she paused and looked under it.

"There are no wheels? Is this star magic?" she asked. Unadvisedly she reached her hand out to the space under the anti-grav field of the trolley.



xxx



Xilae watched the kids with a smile. He stepped forward beside Zhaleh.

"Yes, she's all safely locked up. Miss Heir is with the Daughters – making sure everyone is safe and looking out for more bad people. If any more bad people come they'll be ready! Oh and Karou is getting weapons with Nyssa…the Flayed One."

Hopefully the kids wouldn't want to play with the weaponry!

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Elpsis briefly shared a look with Hazani. Normally she would be more hesitant about handing modern weapons to a radical cult...but needs must. "When you're ready, I want to meet your people. I can't lead folks into battle I've never met and they can't be expected to have much trust in me just on a name. The Queen said Xalda and a Seeker should be on the spot tomorrow to help us. If there's more, good. Either way, we make sure you got the gear. And tomorrow we leave for Arkas. We scout out the slave camp, and hit it hard."

xxx

"On my world, she would no doubt work for the Ministry of Enlightenment, deceiving peasants and Padawans," Diona thought with a trace of bitterness. She just gave Phylis a curt nod. "Yes...I am here to learn from the Master Jedi," she said.
The Eldorai looked at her. "Oh, interesting. I mean no offence, but aren't Padawans usually...younger?"
"It is no matter of titles or age, but insight and self-awareness," Diona responded primly. "And my past Master was...unsuitable. He distorted the Jedi tenets to suit his personal vanity."
"Ah, I see. Of course. Anyway, do follow me, let me present your portfolio. You will no doubt find it is varied and versatile..." While the Eldorai prattled on, Diona blotted out the storm of agitprop buzzwords as they were led into the New Horizons HQ.

Everything about the building looked shiny, clean and professional. Inspiring posters showed people from various species working together or informed employees about new educational opportunities. They would be led into a room with four Xioquo - three females, one male. These had to be the interpreters.

xxx

Reacting quickly, Nyssa grabbed Karou's hand. "Don't do that. It's dangerous. It moves because...look, it has tech that lets it float. You put your hand down there, you won't have one anymore and you'll need where we're going," she pushed the trolley forward.

"Is there more other than cute girls? Strife, bloodshed, glory. The thrill of battle, and the satisfaction of crushing fools who think they're better than you beneath your heel. You want that, sign on."

xxx

"I want a weapon, too!" Squiddy insisted.
"Don't be daft, Squiddy, boys don't get weapons. Everyone knows that," Glint countered.
"Says who? The mistresses?" Squiddy retorted, pointing at Xilae. "He has one!"
"Boys do indeed get weapons, just like girls. But you need proper training and to be old enough...which you're not," Xilae stated firmly.
"I want one. What if more bad people come?" Squiddy insisted nervously. "Don't want to hide in the tunnel again."
Zhaleh bent down and rubbed the boy's hair. "Understand you're afraid."
"Ain't."
"Told mother so when she go on hunt and I have to stay because too young. Fear no shame. Can only be brave when afraid. Fear tell you when duck, when hit harder. But lead you to peril when become master. You strong warrior one day. Not today. Leave to Flayed One," she sat down on the side of the bed. "I tell you stories of home?"

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Ziru gestured and Kalou headed to the door. Leaving the group out they came to a courtyard open to the 'sky'. In it several dozen Xioquo were assembled. All were armed. Most wore light armour of modern design, but others wore antiquated or no protection at all. Some had weapons, mostly blades at their side. All of the women were adults, many bore the marks of war or cruelty. Every one of them looked determined.
As Elpsis emerged a hush fell upon the group. The reaction was perhaps not not what Elpsis might of expected. There were no chants or praises to the Heir, no grovelling or abasement.
Instead, one by one the Daughters bowed their heads for a moment before looking back up.
Ziru walked forward. "The Heir of the Karishzar comes and will lead us to battle against the wicked. Every one of you is expected and demanded to do her part, for we go to break those who would once again bind us. We go to war and battle, not just for us, but for all Xio. Heir, we stand ready," she said, stepping side to let Elpsis speak.

xxx

Phylis huffed slightly at the mention of age. "Hmmph, it was once the practice of the Jedi to recruit children to learn in the role, a commandment we have long abandoned. It is better for one to be, hmm, motivated, rather than forced. Wouldn't you say?"
"I quite agree, Mistress Jedi," the Eldorai said with no trace of irony.

As they walked the Jedi's eyes looked at the building, the entrances, the security guards 'casually' off to the side. It looked almost normal.
Inside a meeting room with a picturesque view of New Santaissa were the four interpreters.
They were all well dressed and looked up with smiles. The overwhelming feeling in the room though was anxiety. Fear coiled around all of them, though in analysing it the Jedi found different variations on it.

Phylis stepped forward, eyes scanning from one to the other, to the next. "Good morning," she said in Xio. It was unclear if the Eldorai spoke it or not. "I have requested you be here so that I can enlist your aide in, hmm, difficult works. Please introduce yourselves and your specialities."

Javana meanwhile surveyed the four. "They are frightened. But one of them holds deceit in their heart, but I cannot see which of them. Be warned, Diona."

xxx

Karou looked grateful for the save, but also because Nyssa was holding her wrist. The hands were not smooth and soft, they were the hands of a warrior. Karou's hands were likewise calloused and marked.

"That does sound worthwhile. There is little for me here now...so I might take your offer. The pay is good, I trust?"
A good soldier always needed to know they were going to get their money!

xxx

The kids crowded around. Even Squiddy, whose desire for a weapon had been forgotten.
"Please tell us a story of the cold outside!" Glint said, unexpectedly enthusiastic.
It was unclear if any of the children had ever been outside the gates of the Underealm.

Xilae for his part watched and smiled. "It's not all cold out there. Some places are hot. Have have great trees, some just have sand dunes."
"What's a tree?" Maz asked.
"I don't like sand," Feather said firmly. "It gets everywhere!"
"It's also coarse and rough," Xilae added, because it was expected.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"Greeting, sisters," Elpsis said in bad Xio, then coughed and switched to Basic. "Sorry, my Xio's crap. I'm learning, but we don't have much time." Presumably Ziru, Lalax or Kalou would translate for her. "I don't know how much you've been briefed, but we've got intel on a foreign company that's been luring Xio and other Tygarans into slavery offworld. So we're going to go to one of their facilities, kill the scum and free the slaves. We leave tomorrow. The target's on Arkas. It's a very sunny planet, so you all need protective gear. We're gonna stop at one of my mother's villas on Arkas on the way so we can kit you out properly. I sense some of you are...blessed by the spirits. I won't tell you how to use your abilities. You know that better than me, but I need an idea of what you can do."

Hazani said nothing while Elpsis spoke, stoically scrutinising the Xio cultists. Her obvious place would have been as a team leader under Elpsis, but these Dark Ones were unknown quantities and would likely resent being being under a holy knight of Azali. What she would not give to have a squad of Sistren at her side. She noted with some satisfaction that the Dark Ones had not prostrated themselves before Elpsis. Idolators they were, but they seemed to have some dignity.

But she refused to be shrink beneath the human. "The sky people will likely not expect an attack, but they will be well-armed. You must strike as ferociously as a Yazgid, but with the cunning of a serpent. Elsewise they will murder their slaves," she spoke.

xxx

The first interpreter stepped forward. Well-dressed and demure, she bowed her head. "My name is Arza, Mistress Jedi! I am fluent in Common, High and Ecclestical Xio. My mistress was a priestess. She taught how to understand ecclesiastical texts. I'll complete my tasks to your full satisfaction!"

The next came forward. "My name's Quitaz, Mistress Jedi. I specialise in engravings. I apprenticed under an artisan. New Horizons has...helped me expand my skills." For a moment she looked nervously at the Eldorai before brightening. "I'm very happy for this opportunity!"

"Zara. I'm quite good with art. Xioquo and Khajwari," the third introduced herself, hands clasped in front of her. Notably she did not call Phylis mistress, Jedi or otherwise.

That left the last interpreter. When he stepped forward, he kept his chin down, not looking Phylis straight in the eye. "I'm honoured and humbled to serve you, Mistress. My name is Mazar. I specialise in history and religious studies." Diona watched the display stoically, face hard and expression inscrutable.

xxx

"Sure, Elpsis is rich. Don't remind of her of it. She gets cranky," Nyssa remarked. "Better that way honestly. I wouldn't stick around for a useless parasite who just lounges about in her couch eating grapes all day."

xxx

"Me not like it much either. A tree is...," Zhaleh paused. There were not many trees in the Northlands either. "Tall plant that live for long time. Has long branches with lot of green leaves," she made gestures with her hands to show branches up in the sky. "Vash live in tree."

Deciding that there was a better way to showcase things than through her limited linguistic skills, she fished out her datapad. Fishing through her series of pictures, she settled on a holopic of a couple palm trees on Arkas. "There, that a tree," she frowned, then amended, "one type of tree. Not like that in Yarkul. I have pictures of home also."
"Why isn't it on fire under the burning light?" Ixzuma asked curiously.
"Sun is hot...but doesn't cause fire. All live under it. It can make you very hot and you need water."
"This sun sounds horrible! Why can't everyone live in here?"
"Do you want everyone to live here?" Feather elbowed her friend lightly.

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan





Lalax covered her mouth to hide a smile at Elpsis' first admission. However, she stepped in to translate. Very few, if any, of the assembled Xio spoke Basic, but they all listened to Lalax's words carefully. The talk of different worlds or locations or starships meant little to most of them. Few had left the Underealm before, and none save perhaps the leaders had been into space.

Still, there was murmuring, resolute looks. Ziru's apparent agreement seemed to calm any hesitation. Instead, one warrior stepped forward.

"I, Navor, am blessed by the spirits to strike the enemy with ice and cold."

Another joined her. "I, Alziva, am blessed to summon the lightning of the endless sky on my enemies."

More and more came forward, speaking over each other in their enthusiasm.

"Enough!" Ziru said, and the hubbub settled. "Those who are blessed will be recorded so they can be assigned their tasks in battle. All must be prepared to depart in one-half cycle, or thirty minutes. We travel under the burning sky, so prepare yourselves for trial. And at the end, battle. All shall know the name of the Daughters!"

"To arms!" Kalou called.

"To arms!" was echoed by all the Daughters. Those with the Force clustered to relay to Lalax their skills. They then joined the others in gathering their weapons, gear and rations. Some said farewell to family, others came forward to clasp hands with Elpsis. They spoke in Xio, likely too fast to understand, but she would understand words.

"Comrade" "Battle" "Conquest" "War" "Sister" "Victory"

They seemed motivated. Hopefully it would be enough.



XXX



Phylis peered at each in turn. It wasn't that she was unprepared for this moment. More, she was hoping she might be able to make her words convincing to the Eldorai who even now watched everything like a hawk.

Even the Jedi, as blind to subtext as a brick, noticed the unsettling amount of fear in all of these present. The variation between them was interesting, there was much which demanded further study here. The fear was what got to her though. Even without knowing this company was a front she would be gravely concerned.

"Yes, hmm, very good. I am pleased to see your skills are proficient," she said. "I would like to do some testing with each of you to ensure your skills are up to my expectations." The reactions she got via the auras and expressions told a story in a language she did not fully understand. There was pain here, wounds not of the body. "Hmmph, I mean…written tests," she added quickly. She chalked it up to an innuendo thing which everyone seemed to understand but her.

"Oh, you wish to perform a broad-based competency analysis of stated skills using conventional metrics?" the Eldorai helpfully put in.

Phylis frowned. "Yes…a test," she said slowly. "Hmmph, Diona, the materials please."

As they had left the ship she had provided the former Jedi with a small bag containing some paper scans of reliefs or texts, along with some engravings or pictures of items. She doled them out to each of them.

"Have a go at translating or interpreting these. There's no rush. I'll be here if you have any, hmm, questions." She eyed the Eldorai, wondering if she'd spout even more jargon at her.



XXX



Karou nodded. "What is a grape?" she asked. "Many of the mistresses were like that. They were quite capable of doing things, but had a servant or slave to do it for them. Among some of them it was considered the height of fashion to not ever touch the ground, so they would be carried from place to place on a sedan chair…even inside their own house!"

She grinned a bit ferally. "Heard one of those got caught during the downfall. All that lazing about meant she couldn't run fast enough to get away from her slaves." She made a chopping gesture with her hand to indicate that Mistress' fate.



XXX



"When it is night outside, it becomes dark and the white face is in the sky," Xilae added. He seemed to relish the role of explaining things to the children.

"So…sometimes it's burning and sometimes it's dark?" Feather asked sceptically.

"That sounds scary, how do you know when the burning light is going to come?" Maz added anxiously.

"Half the time it is bright, half the time it is dark," Xilae explained. Even though it was more complicated than that it was easier to explain.

Squiddy made a face. "Outside is weird! All these tall things and sky changing. I like it in here!"

"Tell us a story, Zha-la," Maz said, getting closer.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

To her surprise, Elpsis found she was a bit touched by the Daughters' words. Doubtless few would've understood her without Lalax stepping in to translate, and she suspected she understood the Xio even less. But she could feel their enthusiasm, their commitment...and how they seamlessly tried to include her.

When Xio warriors came forward to clasp hands, she reciprocated. The whole mission had been arranged on short notice. This couldn't have been a fancy gesture Ziru had put them up to. It was, dare she use the word, a sisterhood. A weird one...but honest. She shook their hands - with flesh and metal - smiled at them, and stared intensely into the direction of any warrior who came forward. Her Xio was terrible, but she made an effort to repeat those few key words she understood. War, Battle, Sister, Comrade.

Don't fuck this up, Elpsis, she chided herself. She'd faced worse..and yet at the same time she hadn't. Firemane's wars had sent her to horrible hellscapes...but for the most part she'd still had the resources of a megacorp at her back. This wouldn't be the case anymore. They'd succeed or be crushed on their own merits alone. Having enemies like that means you've stood up for something, she thought grimly.

Suddenly her comm beeped. Fishing it out, she spoke tersely, "yes?"
"Oh, it is working. It was arduous to get...a signal," an uncertain, female voice said in accented Basic. Naxi'Xiarda.
"What's up, Xiarda?"
"The Queen has been alerted to the threat posed by the demon-machines. Navae'Zada will be of greater value guarding the city, and protecting the vulnerable. It has been divulged to me that there is another insidious threat walking among us. I've volunteered to aid you in battling it. You are with the...Daughters?" there was a short but notable delay until she said the word.

Elpsis ran her calloused flesh hand through her hair. "Getting a squad together. Better not say more over comms. You know, machines," she added, assuming Xiarda would get the hint.
The paladin didn't disappoint. "Wise. I am at Priestess Lalax' poorhouse. Karrigan'Xalda had been recalled, and is expected momentarily."
"Good. Where we're going...it's gonna get very dangerous. And...I'm not showing mercy to scum, just so you know."
"I'm a warrior of the light. I will not break my code, but I won't value the fate of oppressors above that of the innocent. The greatest atrocitiy is inaction in the face of evil. Do you understand?" Xiarda stated sternly.
"Got it."
"Then we shall join together in battle. May the spirits be with us."
The line went dead, and Elpsis put the commlink away, and headed over to Lalax, who seemed to have finished recording the talents of the martial Daughters. "Right, let's get this show on the road. Figure you're gonna stay...sister," she said a bit awkwardly.

xxx

The Eldorai smiled. "Here at New Horizons, we utilise the most state-of-the-art e-learning software for skill-building and the enhancement of employee productivity. Agile learning is vital in today's environment. We can always provide a demonstration later."
"New Horizon's learning programmes are very beneficial," Quitaz said very quickly. "My knowledge has expanded under the supervision of Ms Kearis."
Arza, meanwhile, took the materials, studied them carefully, head down. "No questions from me. I thank you for the opportunity, Mistress Jedi," she said demurely, and sat down.

Diona, meanwhile, had blotted out the marketing jargon that at this point put her teeth on edge. Instead she watched the interpreters after passing out the paper scans and pictures. Zara pushed ahead of the others a picture, and sat down, setting to work. Arza glanced at the Eldorai first before sitting down. Mazar was the last to take one of the scans, meekly waiting for the rest. They behave as slaves. Their shackles are gone, but there is more than one way to chain someone, Javana spoke in her mind.

While they worked on their translations or on identifying the carvings, Diona began to pace. Every once in a while, she would cease her stride and bend down as if checking their work. Or simply loom over them and stare down at the Xio. Her features, rigid and impassive, gave as much away as stone. Zara met her gaze defiantly when Diona suddenly stood right in front of her.

Mazar never looked up, shifting awkwardly and averting his gaze. He struggled to focus under her scrutiny. When she passed Arza, the Xioquo bowed her head as if on autopilot, but kept working. Her feet didn't shift, her breathing remained regular. The moment she heard Diona's footsteps, Quitaz paused, looking anxious. Beads of sweat ran down her neck, and her heart beat intensified. Diona stood above her for a few seconds, while the Xio frantically wrote something, then crossed out the words and started again. Finally the former inquisitor left her and began pacing again.

xxx

"Pathetic, effete weaklings, though not unique. I had some family who were like that. Degenerates." For a moment Nyssa broke her stride. As if unpleasant memories threatened to surface. Then she seemed to shake it off, and laughed darkly. "You only know someone's true strength when everything's been taken from them and it's their backs to the wall." Leaning in close, she ran a hand down Karou's back. "I think you and I are going to fet on just...fine." The dwellings of the poor loomed ahead of them, and amidst them the poorhouse. "Right, need to get this stuff distributed - to reliable people. If some idiot shoots up the place, Red's going to get mad, and not in the fun I like."

xxx

"A story? Oh, sure," Zhaleh said enthusiastically, wrapping around Maz' shoulder when the little boy scooted closer. Her first thought was going into space, but that might be too unnerving for the little ones. Same with tales about battling world-destroying marauders and Sith. Something closer to home was better, but not something that involved fighting Xioquo. "I shall tell you the tale of how I proved mineself. Amongst my people, all who are strong and big becomes huntress. Or hunter," she added with a nod towards Maz and Squiddy.

"Snow Mother care for us, but we must respect the land, respect the beasts that dwell in it. The land was white," she began, "columns of snow as far as mine eye could see. I was far from my tribe, hunting for a great beast we call a bear. Little me was careless."

At that she stood up. Pulling herself to her full height, she bared her teeth as if they were fangs and stabbed the air with her hands as if they were wielding claws. "Big, clothed in white fur, and...," she paused dramatically, "hungry."