The Sin of Pride (Siobhan/Firemane)

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Tegaea clearly had been about to say something, but when Siobhan squeezed her hand she relented. If Siobhan had a plan or was using this, she was happy to hold off and discuss it in private. So she put on a slightly fake smile.
“Yes…we would be honoured to dine with you,” she said.

And so they were led to something very different perhaps from what Siobhan and Tegaea might have expected. There were no tables and chairs as was normal for the galaxy, but comfortable cushions lower towards the ground. Reclining on these couches, servants and slaves could provide them with choices of dishes and assist them.

Semiramis bade Bashiyra take Sahal to another area where the nobles and lower guests would be eating. Then she relaxed, with two beautiful ladies to serve her. Siobhan and Tegaea received one each, both of which had about a square foot of clothing and some very exotic perfume.

For her part Tegaea tried to look happy and relaxed for her wife, but was not comfortable with this sort of atmosphere. The girls were very pretty, but she was more concerned about spilling over herself than looking at barely covered cleavage.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Sahal Jai Azal"]


Well, this was certainly an unusual way to dine. Truth be told, while the cushions were comfy it took some getting used to for Siobhan, as she was not quite comfortable. Perhaps sensing that her wife was experiencing a good deal of discomfort, she decided to try out a more mundane use for her space magic powers. Mundane utility of magic was a thing, after all.


Glancing over towards Tegaea, she gave her wife an encouraging smile, then drawing upon the Force she manifested what amounted to a telekinetic table. Tegaea would suddenly find that her plate and glass would be perfectly stablised and standing in the air as if there was a solid surface beneath them, even though she lacked a physical table.


"There you go, love," Siobhan whispered to her, while sipping a glass of wine. Needless to say she was making no attempt to hide the fact that she was oggling the servant girl's barely covered cleavage. Reaching out with her hand, she fondly stroked across the girl's exposed tummy and fondled her belly button, before beginning to eat. Perhaps she could have some fun with her later.

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
The servant made a carefully schooled purr of contentment at the touch and looked demurely down.
“Thank you, Lady Mistress for your attention,” she said respectfully.

Tegaea did take advantage of the invisible table to eat and drink a little more comfortably.
When her servant knelt down to take her dishes away she sat up slowly.
“What is your name?” she asked the attendant. She was extremely pretty.
“Zilana, Lady Mistress.”
“I trust my choice of attendants pleases you both? Would you like them to attend upon you tonight?” Semiramis asked generously.
Tegaea had to bite down on her natural inclination to snap back. She saw the collar on Zilana, she knew the girl had no choice in the matter.
“She is extremely pretty, Semiramis. I would like that, but only on the condition I might take her with me if she pleases me,”
Semiramis looked dubious, but then shrugged. She had many slaves and if pleasing the powerful off worlders just took a couple of girls then she was happy to oblige.
“It shall be so. I hope Zilana lives up to your expectations,” Semiramis said.
The implication that failing to do so would be most unfortunate was not lost on any of them, especially Zilana. She looked anxiously at Tegaea. “Thank you for selecting me, Lady Mistress. I hope I can please you, Mistress.”
“Do not fear, dear, I think you will be just right,” Tegaea said, smiling. She had a little mission now; emancipation one slave at a time!

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Sahal Jai Azal"]


On the one hand Siobhan despised slavery in principle and had made a career out of slaughtering slavers. On the other hand she was addicted to being worshipped, pampered and fawned over. A psychologist might speculate why she felt such a deep craving for submission. Suffice to say she had pretty much embraced a philosophy that proclaimed her might made right and had manifested a strong sense of entitlement.


This was also why she had difficulty accepting contrary opinions from people she didn't like, but this writer digresses. Anyhow, Tegs' words seemed to shake her out of her daze a bit. Her wife might be less prominent in leadership now since Siobhan had moved past her phase of just being a battering ram and enjoyed being a decadent aristo, but she was a lot more morally grounded. So she looked at her wife and gave her a nod. After all, she had seen the collar. "I like you, girl. You will pleasure me tonight. If I am pleased with you, you will come with you. What is your name?"


Having no choice in the matter, the slave girl nodded demurely, trying to hide the anxieties she must be feeling. "Aisha, Lady Mistress. I will do my best to fulfil any desire you have." Well, she could not do anything else!


Siobhan gave her a smile, which was perhaps not that encouraging. After all, the girl was used to cruel mistresses. "I know you will, dear," she said, giving the girl a bright smile. "Start by massaging my shoulders. I am feeling sore." Well, presumably wearing beskar armour would do that to you. So while the slave girl did as was commanded, Siobhan took a sip from her wine and glanced over to Semiramis. In between moans of pleasure, she spoke.


"You have a very exquisite selection of girls, Majesty. I was wondering whether you'd be interested in experiencing the pleasures offworld girls can offer you. I, like you, love female beauty and I'm sure I could find some ladies who'd be eager to service you and submit to you. Under the condition that they're paid for their services and not enslaved." Suffice to say that she and her wife knew many kinky girls. If Semiramis agreed, Siobhan felt like asking [member="Mirien Valdier"] whether she had an attractive, kinky spy who'd be suitable for the task.

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Semiramis was immediately interested. “Whilst I do contend that my girls are the most beautiful in all creation, some variety would be welcome. I have seen strange creatures with different coloured skins; green, blue, purple, I would wish to encounter these strange and beautiful creatures. They will be free to leave whenever they will it, of course,” she said, the last seemingly coming out of her daydream.

Tegaea nodded. She knew it was a chance to put a mole in place. If it wasn’t for her indispensable talents she’d have suggested Chesna for the role.
Instead she gently manoeuvred Zilana to sit beside her and put an arm around her shoulder, but nothing more for now.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Sahal Jai Azal"]


Siobhan had very briefly thought of Eyrecae, but immediately dismissed that idea. While the elf was beautiful and good in bed, this was a finesse job that would require tact, discipline, good acting skills and common sense. The white-haired elf had none of these skills. Moreover, her superpowers were bound to be revealed at some point and that would undoubtedly create suspicion! This one would suggest Naamah, but [member="Mirien Valdier"] had not (re)enslaved her yet!


"I can arrange that, Majesty. We call these aliens Twi'leks. They have a variety of exotic skin colours and beautiful headtails that are...very responsive. As a species, they're naturally compliant. My wife and I have several who willingly submit to and service us." Bit of racial stereotyping going on here! Pity Sio had murdered Shari in the Netherworld.


Somewhat following Tegaea's example, Siobhan gestured to Aisha to cease massaging her now very soothed shoulders and sit at her feet. Here and there, she petted the girl. "I shall arrange a selection of girls for you to choose from. Rest assured I'll chose only the best."

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
“Splendid! Then we have a deal. Feel free to spend the night in my guest wing. Each room has a cord which connects to the servant’s quarters and will summon them for anything you desire,” Semiramis said indulgently.
A bell on a string was hardly the height of technology, but the Qadiri were trying!

Tegaea rose, offered the slightest nod of acknowledgement, and led Zilana from the room.
The guest quarters were luxurious, with wide beds, silk drapes and hangings. Food was available.

Tegaea and Siobhan had a bedroom each if they wanted, though Tegaea was not feeling too well disposed towards too much enjoyment. She’d seen Zilana’s collar and the faint scars on her back from punishment dealt to her. She was not going to do anything to her which would take advantage of the girl.

Thus, to the relief of kiddies everywhere, the curtain of PG-13 did not need to descend on Tegaea’s room at least. She ate, had a light massage and slept beside, though not with, the harem girl.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Sahal Jai Azal"]


Unlike Tegaea, Siobhan was less moral about things! "I will service you in any way you desire, Lady Mistress. Would you like me to undress you?" Aisha asked timidly, meekly after leading Siobhan into her bedroom. Doubtless the obvious lust of her potential new owner did not escape her.


Probably sensing the fear the girl was feeling, Siobhan reached out to gently pat her on the head and stroke her cheek. At first the girl seemed afraid about whether she'd strike her, but then relaxed and leaned into the touch. She made a show about purring in contentment, though she probably did that mostly because she believed Siobhan expected her to! "Don't be afraid. You'll do fine. I won't hurt you." This was probably what everyone said. There was a gentle tug of the Force, then suddenly the collar sprang open and clattered to the ground.


As if on cue, Aisha's hand went to her now free and bruised neck, as she gasped in surprise. The cool air kissed her exposed, swollen skin. "Lady M-Mistress...you can't...it's forbidden to take off the collar," she stammered, then realised that openly disagreeing with her Mistress was a clear faux pas! "I'm sorry, I was out of line, but please...I will be punished..."


Siobhan placed a finger on her lips. "Shh. Don't be afraid. I will protect you. The Shahbânu has given you to me and I take care of my own. You will not be beaten. Now lie back on the bed. There's a good girl." Gently and with care, she guided the still frightened girl onto the bed. Stepping back, she removed her boots and then took off her uniform.


"Do you not want me to pleasure you?"


"We'll get to that, but it's not about me now," Siobhan said gently, as she crawled onto the bed and pulled Aisha into a deep, surprisingly gentle kiss, while her hand stroked across the woman's back. Taking advantage of the girl? Probably. And so the scene faded to black in order to protect the innocent minds of kiddies. Bizarrely, the slaughter at the start of the thread would not upset them at all. Suffice to say everything was quite soft and vanilla.

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
When the sun poked over the distant horizon and passed through the elegant arches of the room’s windows.
Tegaea stirred and woke, giving Zilana a kiss to wake her.
“Morning, dear. Let’s get ready.”
The soon to be emancipated slave bustled around, eager to show she was enthusiastically serving her Mistress and wouldn’t be sent down the river.

Pulling on a silk robe, Tegaea went next door to see how her wife was.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Sahal Jai Azal"]

And so on the next morning, Siobhan awoke. Or rather her slave woke her up with a kiss. "Good morning, Lady Mistress! Did you...sleep well?" Whether she was being this sweet because she liked Siobhan or thought it was expected of her, was another question. In all likelihood she had simply decided that Siobhan was a 'kinder' owner than the last one and that ergo it was best to stay on her good side.

Yes, this one is a very cynical person. "Yes, I did. Thank you, sweetie. Did you have a good night?"


"Yes, Lady Mistress. Very much. I...enjoyed last night. You were...different," Aisha spoke, confusion was evident over her features.


"I am. Come on, dear. Let's get ready." Needless to say, much like Zilana Aisha bustled around, since she was eager to prove that she was a sound investment and should not be sent back and punished! So she helped Siobhan get dressed, since for some reason the aristo needed minions for that.


Outside Siobhan ran into a wild Tegaea! Well, probably not very wild, but whatever. "Hi, love. Slept well?" she asked sweetly, giving her wifey a hug and a kiss.

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Tegaea gestured and Zilana obediently trotted forward. “Yes, Mistress?”
“Some breakfast, I think, and then you can help me dress. We want to look and feel good for when we go to see your Mistress,” Tegaea said with the slightest of emphasis on the words, enough to motivate the pair.
Tegaea abhorred slavery…but on the other hand from her other profession she was very used to dealing with it. Her solution was simply to free the slaves and pay them to carry on much as they had before. This might not be thought terribly progressive but Tegaea was by now accustomed to giving orders to most people and having them obeyed. Since Zilana was clearly capable of this, she fit in well.

And so, after Sio and Tegaea had presumably eaten and Tegaea had dressed they were ready to see Semiramis.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Sahal Jai Azal"]


Tegaea's attitude, while not particularly progressive, was probably the reason she meshed so well with Siobhan. After all, the latter had gotten used to being obeyed by most people without question and, moreover, had a psychologically interesting fixation with being worshipped that the former lacked. You could not rise to power without it affecting you in some way and giving you a sense of entitlement.


Anyhow, the two slave girls diligently fulfilled their duties, they were led to the Shahbânu, with their two pleasure girls in tow. This writer apologises for the short, not particularly complex post. Presumably the slaves fulfilled the proskynesis, our ladies addressed Semiramis politely. "A pleasure to see you again, Your Majesty. I hope you had a pleasant night. Our slaves were very satisfying," Siobhan said politely.

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
“Ah, Lady Kerrigan, Lady Alcori, I did indeed! I am glad to hear my pets were adequate. And, of course, they are now your property. I take it you do not need me to rebrand them?”

Tegaea concealed again the urge to punch the woman. Just the brief catch of breath on Zilana’s part, as well as the scar on her lower back told Tegaea how much of a torture it had been.
“That is not necessary,” Tegaea said flatly.

“Excellent! Your new Companion Sahal will await you by your craft. Do not hesitate to return after settling matters in Lakish.”

Bashiyra came forward with an ornate scroll. On it was the orders giving Siobhan and Tegaea authority (as if they needed it) to settle the succession as they saw fit.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Sahal Jai Azal"]


Getting authority was always nice. Then again, Siobhan expected pretty much everyone except Tegaea, [member="Coryth Elaris"] and Mirien to obey her orders without question. After all, she was magnificient!


Regardless, having received the ornate scroll, she politely inclined her head slightly and said her goodbye to Semiramis, then they departed from the throne room. Aisha, who had looked alarmed when branding was mentioned, quickly moved after Siobhan. Looking sympathetically at the girl, her new owner took her hand. Outside of the palace Sahal awaited them at their craft. Siobhan made a mental note to induct the girl into the Order. "Sahal, good to see you. I trust you slept well. We're off to Lakish to set the succession in order."

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Sahal had not had the best night, and certainly had not acquired any concubines! She had eaten and slept in the barracks of the royal guard, but they had hardly been welcoming to her, so she had ended up in a corner with her hands on her weapons. Fortunately, it seemed like the royal guard disdained her so much she was not attacked or interfered with.

However, she put that aside. She was leaving Zeheb with Siobhan and Tegaea, and complaining would not help.
“Yes, Lady, I am ready when you are,” she replied obediently.

And so soon they were off. When they were airborne Tegaea looked around at their small posse.
“Should I get us some backup? If they decide to resist, fancy scroll or no, there are only three of us who are able to fight.”
And for Tegaea that was a pretty rare occasion these days. Certainly Siobhan was worth a hundred warriors, but what if they brought five hundred?
“I can have Freya and some troops ready and here in an hour.”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Sahal Jai Azal"]


Truth be told, Siobhan was a bit sceptical about Tegaea being much of a fighter these days. Her wife was no fragile flower, but not a tough mercenary with rock-hard abs anymore. She wouldn't want her to be exposed and in harm's way. Regardless, if hundreds of Qadiri warriors tried to kill them, even Sio would be in trouble. Especially if they were Sciians.


So she gave Tegs a nod. "Agreed. Give Freya a call. Semiramis is sending troops of her own, but I'm not inclined to rely on them," she responded as the gunship took off into the sky. She glanced over to Sahal. Whether she had picked up on the fact that Sahal's night had been unpleasant was another question, but in any case she did not pry.

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
By calling ahead and slowing their own speed they arrived at the same time as Freya’s party. Descending to land before the gates of Lakish, the gunships, walkers and soldiers formed an imposing sight. Clearly most of the people had not seen the offworlders, and so many were huddled together on the walls watching them.
A force of soldiers watched also, some carrying bows, others muskets, others just spear and shield. None of them had these weapons aimed at the newcomers, but such a thing might happen.

Tegaea stepped forward, using a microphone to make her boom out.
“We come as agents of the Shahbânu Semiramis. We bring news from her, and of the defeat of your army against the Xioquo and would speak with the leaders of your city.”
The whispering and murmuring grew from the crowds. Some of them looked unhappy, some afraid.

Finally a female guard captain stepped forward. “What truth can we put in these offworlder stories? Might these not just be lies to trick us?”
Tegaea tactfully didn’t mentioned that her fifty soldiers and assorted war machines could lay Lakish low and did not need tricks.

Sahal though took the initiative. “I am Sahal Jai Azal, Anusiya of the Mirza. I only survived because of the offworlders, none of us would have lived but for them. The Dark Ones slaughtered many of our warriors. The Mirza is…gone…and they bear orders from the Shahbânu as they say!”

There were many mixed emotions and Tegaea thought for a moment that someone might order an attack, but finally the gates were opened and they were invited through to meet the nobles of the city.
“Freya, guard the gate and watch the gunships. If you get the signal…unleash hell,” Tegaea warned the Sergeant.

At last they were brought before the daughter of the Mirza and the nobles, and Siobhan could take charge in negotiations….

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Sahal Jai Azal"]


And so Siobhan was led into the royal presence. "I am Lady Siobhan Kerrigan. Called Kariszhar by the Dark Ones. I wiped out their fleet at Mansura." Well, she'd had a lot help, but whatever. Go cult of personality! "I come here to bring news of the battle at Underrealm and carry out the Shahbânu's orders. Your army fought bravely against a viel foe, but was slaughtered. I myself came to their aid to rescue them. The Mirza is the one responsible for this debacle. She is a traitor and has been removed from the throne. She's to be considered a nonperson."


Wow, totally catching up fast on Stalinist rhetoric. "But Lakish continues. It is a great fiefdom and deserves a responsible ruler. Someone who will modernise it, strengthen it, rule in council with the nobles." The latter she did not even remotely care about, but she was saying it as a sop to the assembled aristos.


"And who is loyal. Firemane will provide new technologies to help develop this land and make it even greater - and create an army that will avenge this tragic defeat and deliver punishment to the Dark Ones. The rewards will be bountiful, but further treason will not be tolerated. I demand access to Lady Mazari. It's the Shahbânu's will that she take the crown." All depended now on how Surana, the Mirza's daughter, reacted to the news that she was being passed over in the succession. Siobhan doubted that she would go quietly.

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
The question of how Surana would take the news was answered swiftly: poorly.
Striding forward with her retainers and courtiers she pointed an accusing finger at Siobhan.
“See the offworlders and their lackeys. What proof we have of their claims other than that of a slave? My mother was the legitimate ruler, and for her to be taken down in such a way is an offence! This is nothing more than an attempt to annex these lands directly, rather than take our ancient laws and rights into consideration. Mazari is a traitor and a serpent my mother has harboured for too long. She must be put to death at once!”

She looked around, expecting eager support. Rather she found only uncomfortable silence.
“What treason is this?! I am the rightful Mirza of Lakish, and I will strike down anyone who dares claim otherwise! Captain, give your warriors to order to level weapons! Offworlders, you have ten minutes to evacuate the city before your truce expires. Go!”

No one moved, not on her side, and certainly not on the Firemane side.
“Will no one do their lady’s bidding? You, soldier, present arms!” she shouted at an unfortunate soldier.
Reluctantly she aimed his musket at Siobhan, the barrel wavering.
“Fire!”
The gun fired, but harmlessly in the air as the soldier aimed straight up, then dropped the smoking weapon and walked over to stand by Siobhan.
This broke the spell, and soon soldiers, nobles, even Surana’s own people were defecting from her. Soon she was left with only a couple of followers, surrounded by those who had turned against her.
“You are all traitors, cowards, criminals! If you will not do what is needed, I will!”
She drew a flintlock pistol and fired it at Siobhan. Presumably even if Siobhan didn’t bother to exert the fraction of her power to divert the lead ball it would bounce off her armour like pea against a wall.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Sahal Jai Azal"]


Boom!


Siobhan did not bother to deflect the lead ball that leapt out of the flintlock pistol. Like a pea against a wall, the primitive projectile bounced off her armour.


Exerting a fraction of her power, Siobhan simply crushed the pistol with her mind. "I find your lack of vision disturbing," Siobhan said somewhat plagiaristically. Surana would find herself being gripped by an invisible hand and pulled to the ground as Siobhan literally made her kneel. To add further insult, a telekinetic hand slapped her as if she were a disobedient child.


"She has forfeited her right to the crown, to her titles and lands. Put her in chains, but don't hurt her," she ordered the guards. "Captain, take me to Mazarani."