Private A Meeting of Minds (Elpsis)

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

It was a chill autumn day in Yastoida, new capital of the Vashyada. The year was reaching near its middle, and the cold winds coming from the south were growing.
On the city on the lake, all was abuzz. Vashyada moved about amongst visitors as starships and water boats came in to transfer cargo or people. The city's layout was orderly, and from above seemed to represent the spokes of a wheel passing towards a central Spire. It was there that the defence shield for the city was housed, and also where the most important meetings took place.

Atop the spire a small group of persons had gathered. This was no formal meeting, not yet, though this may come.
"Ma'am, a call for you," a tall blonde haired Vash with an impressive build and tribal tattoos over her arms. She held a commlink in her hand.
Tylania, Lady of the Vash, and informal spirit guide to her people, took it. "Thank you, Yara. I believe this will be our guests. Please escort them from the landing pads to here if you would." As Yara nodded and departed, Tylania activated the commlink. "Tylania here." A pause. "Yes, please grant them priority access to the landing pads. I have sent an escort down to meet them. Thank you."

As she disconnected the call an inner door opened and Phylis Alince emerged, her robes looking a little untidy. "I've done it! Hmm, I think so anyway."
"Slow down, dear, what have you done?" Tylania asked, a delicate eyebrow raised.
"Hmmph, I've solved the power generation feedback problem from the crystal!"
"Excellent, I never had any doubts," Tylania said, putting a gentle hand on the Jedi's shoulder. "For now, put aside that, we have visitors. Elpsis and Shazora, plus perhaps some others."
Phylis frowned, blinked. "That's today? Hmm, okay. I..." she looked down at her robes, covered in grease and light scorch marks. "Hmm, I'll go change."
"Feel free to use my quarters within. If you need clothing I can have some brought for you."
"No, no, I have, hmm, spare robes. Thank you." The Jedi swiftly headed back where she had come.
Tylania smiled and set about laying out places at a conference table. She could have had an aide do this, but some things she liked to do by hand without the Force either. It helped one focus if they used their hands.

The 'Docks' as they were so called, had an area for diplomatic ships set apart from the standard. Yara approached with a small contingent of Vash guards in her wake. These were all experienced and trusted soldiers, employed to protect the Spire and its important functions.
As the first ship came in to land, Yara turned to her squad. "Look presentable, you lot!" she barked. She adjusted her armour slightly and waited.
The door to the hanger opened, and Queen Vondra'Lia of the Xioquo emerged with a small retinue about her.
"Ma'am, welcome to Yastoida," Yara said with a salute. "Lieutenant Yaravaya Highpeak. We're just waiting for a couple more ships to come in and then I'll lead you to the spire." She spoke in perfect Basic. Despite having fought and thrown out Firemane it remained the common language for many.
Lia wore only a simple silver gown with a circlet on her brow to betray her rank. She nodded. "Thank you, Lieutenant. Is there somewhere in the shade we might rest?" Her Basic was good, but accented.
"Yes, ma'am, just over there we have some chairs and some refreshers. Was your flight uncomfortable?"
"Just long. Long for me, anyway. I'm feeling fine, though it is the first time some of my companions have flown. It is an experience for them." Some of her Seekers and attendants still looked a bit unsteady on their feet.
"Understood, ma'am. Let me know if you need anything."
Yara took up her post by Hangers 1 and 2 to wait for the next ships to arrive, they would not be long.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

The ship shuddered and the lights above her flickered, but Shazora calmly looked down on the shuffled papers on her desk, even when there was a knock on the door. She barely noticed the disturbances, running a slender finger with a delicately manicured fingernail along a neatly written note in one of the margins. They had electronic documents now, but there was something to be said for paper. It felt familiar, in a world that had been turned upside down. 'Future Majiles Candidate?', the note said, next to a grainy picture of a smiling woman.

Farzi's first elected head of state nodded to herself. She would be a good choice. A merchant who had opened her stocks to provide for people who'd suffered from Firemane bombings. And she just so happened to be an Ajustran, married to a Farzian. A signal to the foreign invaders across the sea. Another name was added to the ever-growing list she was assembling. Another person to contact, to fund, to align, to add to the coalition that had been formed to get the republic up and running.

She placed the list to the side, and looked absently at the now cold cup of coffee that lay forgotten on the other side of her desk. Her gaze flickered to a rather thick memorandum. 'Towards a more prosperous, sovereign economy'. The culmination of weeks of research, drafting, committees. All of it - all of this - served one goal. A free, sovereign nation, safe from the tyranny of humans, slavers, Eldorai and Khaimari. A government dedicated to the well-being of the republic, above else.

There was another knock on the door. This one was more insistent. "Come in," she said, rubbing her eyes. She spoke in her native Zandri.
A tall Qadiri male with the martial physique of a veteran soldier and wearing a Farzian dress uniform, confidently strode into the room. As a sign of his rank, he carried a blade in his scabbard. There was a mischievous smirk on his lips. "My Lady, we're inbound to Yastoida!"
"Good, good."
"Your most leal subjects await your presence with bated breath," he announced dramatically and with no small amount of camp.
"Citizens," she corrected primly, "they don't owe personal fealty to me...and there are none in this city."
"Oh, but there's the pilot, and the mechanic and the scribe and the rest of the crew. They've all lined up for you. And, you see, they have a present for you. Your crown. You can hardly sit down with the Lady of the Vashyada and the Queen of Tlaxqui without a crown."
Shazora made a face. "I do not find this funny, Tarzar."
"Oh, but my Lady, you will change your mind once you've seen it. Shall I describe it? You see, it's an open circlet of hammered bronze, with the ancient runes of the goddess Nanshe engraved upon it."
Shazora rolled her eyes, but despite herself had to bring her hand to her mouth. "Enough," she said with a huff.
"It comes with a set of sea dragons in the centre."
The Lady raised an eyebrow. "Sea dragons?"
"Why, yes, it came to my mother in a vision. The sea dragons are hungry for Khaimari, humans and Eldorai. That's why they're snarling."
Shazora suppressed a chuckle. It was so utterly absurd it was almost endearing.
"I know that sound, I know that look. You're about to laugh."
"No. I'm. Not," she insisted, ineffectually.
"You found this funny."
She felt his hand gently rub her shoulder. "I found it silly. Hey, this is not fair," she added with mock indignation when she felt him kiss along her neck and gently stroke her ear.
"You could admit it was funny."
"A little bit," she frowned. "Bronze?"
Abruptly, Tarzar's hands had ceased their ministrations. She registered this with a feeling of annoyance, but ere she could reproach him the strong arms those hands were attached to had spun her chair around. No sooner had she realised this than Tarzar dropped to his knees like a supplicant. "Oh, I beg your pardon, my Lady. We wanted gold...but, you see, the treasury is empty. We could either purchase fuel for the flight or get you a crown of gold, sorry," he said, making a poor attempt at looking contrite. Gently he took her right foot in hand. "I shall endeavour to atone by serving your every whim." He planted a sweet kiss on her ankle, then her toes. The smirk on his face could only described as triumphant when Shazora failed to contain her laughter. "I win. Again."
"You're incorrigible," she managed to say when she had composed herself. He was a good man, a brave man. He made her laugh. Their marriage was the fruit of clan politics and practicality. She didn't love him, but she was content. Comfortable. Safe. "Utterly incorrigible."
"Thank you, my Lady. I endeavour to please."
She sighed in contentment while he continued his ministrations, until his first words fully sunk in. "How soon until we land?"
"Oh, ten minutes or so."
Abruptly she shot up from her chair. Her eyes darted to the paperwork on her desk, then she looked at the mirror, checking her hair. "I must've...lost track of time," she said with a slight flush, a bit embarrassed.
"And that, my lady wife, is why I'm here." He tilted his head to the side, as if in thought. "You know, that crown would actually really look good on you. I have a friend who..."
"Goddess protect me. Not another word, husband," she growled, though there was an undertone of fondness. Satisfied with her hair, she smoothed her skirt, and slipped her feet into her shoes. Shazora wore a simple but elegant sari of red and green. It had been made by a local weaver back home. Her right arm hung limply at her side.

As she was about to look for her cane, Tarzar handed it to her. "My Lady, shall we?"
She took the cane. "You've never been to Yastoida, have you?" she asked, though she knew the answer.
"Can't say I have. Looking forward to it. You have."
"At the opening even." A sigh. "Representing Firemane."
"Those times are past." His tone softened, and he gently cupped her cheek. "We're building a new world now. A better one."
Shazora tensed slightly, but unconsciously leaned into the touch. "Yes, we are."

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

It was as Tylania had just set the last place at the table that there was a knock at the door.

"Come," she called. She was aware that someone in her position should have servants and bodyguards, but it was not something she felt she needed. She had aides to assist her, and advisors to inform her, but having people waiting on her hand and foot…was not for her.

A male Vash, Captain Tarvos, entered. He was head of security for the city, and in Tylania's estimation, a good man. He bowed slightly.

"Captain, tell me what troubles you," Tylania said, returning his bow. She could sense his unease and worry.

"My apologies for disturbing you, Lady. I know you have a meeting soon, but there is a matter of grave importance." When motioned to continue, he did so. "We have captured a wanted fugitive, a smuggler. She was caught obtaining payment for several rare species from one of our own. We suspect that there is a wider criminal network operating for poaching, but they are not cooperating."

"I commend you for your work, Captain, but what would you have me do?"

He cleared his throat. "Well, I have heard tell you can see the truth in someone's mind, perhaps you might compel them to reveal their confederates?" He seemed to sense something in her expression. "And perhaps save more of the animals and prevent these criminals stealing more?"

Tylania frowned slightly. "No, Captain, I will not do that. Only if the court requests it in a matter of direst urgency would I do such a thing. You see, Captain, I could do as you request. Easily. I am not boasting, I am stating a fact, but it is not right for me to do this. Of course, the plight of these creatures hurts me, but we have laws and codes for a reason. I know in many places ruled by tyranny, that confessions are extracted from suspects, real or imagined, by force."

"But you would not hurt them, Lady," he argued.

"But I would be taking from them unwillingly what they did not wish. Suspect or convicted alike, that is not right. What I will do for you though is send one of my adepts after the meeting. She is excellent at weaving the strands of power and knowledge together. She will aid you in finding those who may be involved."

"Thank you, Lady," Tarvos said, perhaps not fully happy, but content as he left.



When he had departed, Tylania sighed. "You are extremely bad at stealth, Master Jedi. I dare say even the Captain could hear you."

Phylis bustled in, straightening her robe. "Well, yes, I was not trying to hide, you know."

"I am sure. What did you think of that discussion? Would you approve as a Jedi?"

"Hmm, yes. What would you do if there was a person in danger?" Phylis asked.

"I would look at the evidence and see the path before me. If requested, I would do so to learn only what was needed. To use them frivolously or without great need is a path I do not care to tread."

"I would agree. Anyway, hmm, I'll get things ready."

"Yes, and send word to Shikoba. I dare say she knows already, but her former commander is about to arrive."



xxx



As the second ship touched down, Yara moved into a respectful posture as the doors opened. She saluted.

"Welcome to Yastoida, Lady Jai Vahal," she said. They had perhaps encountered each other in an informal way before, but Yara's face gave nothing away. "We are awaiting one more arrival and then I will escort you to the Spire." Yara spoke in Basic.

Meanwhile Lia moved closer. "My greetings, Komharasi Jai Vahal, and companions," the Queen said with a little bow. Her Zandri was a little patchy, but conversational. She was making the effort at least, though would likely need to switch to Basic later.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Elpsis Kerrigan.
Failed Jedi apprentice.
Corpo thug.
Insurgent leader.
Now...queen.

It all sounded so utterly absurd, and yet here she stood. Sovereign ruler of Suqua. Almost forty million souls looked to her for leadership. It was humbling, and daunting and overwhelming. What did she know of governance, of trade deals? Better, smarter women than her had failed, or been corrupted by their power and privilege.

But she could only do her duty and strive for the best. The small ship rocked slightly, while she paced up and down the room, gears and servos whirring, and one of her advisors read out this or that petition. Both were priestesses, though of different species and faiths. Elpsis liked it that way. Balance was important, spiritual guidance was indispensable if one wanted to be just. The spirits were not abstract concepts, their presence in this world was real. The priestesses wore the handwoven robes of their respective orders, whilst Elpsis was dressed in a tan coloured military uniform devoid of insignia of rank. Save for the Wounded Badge pinned to her chest, no medals or decorations adorned her uniform.

"We have staved off the worst in Suqua, but there are many villages where the people hunger still," Izana Jai Azali was saying. "With so much farmland destroyed by the Great Adversary, and so many stout women and women drafted to fight, the harvest has suffered."
"What are our options?" Elpsis asked, suppressing a sigh. Her jaw was set.

"Three companies of merchants from the stars offer us their beneficences," Lalax said in her sweet, melodic voice. Brave Lalax, the priestess of the Daughters of the Destroyer who had stormed Fort Kerrigan with her with the banner of rebellion held high. Lalax her sister.
"Offworlders," Elpsis muttered. "Well, what do they have to say?"
"One demands a most low tribute, but it is Eldorai pulling its strings, I am certain of it."
"Unacceptable," Izana muttered. "Another scheme, no doubt."
"Agreed."
"Another is a charity upon whom the Yeedai have bestowed their blessing. The tribute they ask for is acceptable," Lalax said, pausing.
"But?"
"They depend on what others gift them, and they have few transports. They may not be able to give succour to as many of our people."
"In that they are like the travelling healers of Myrkash," Izana remarked. "Noble in intent, but they have scarce resources."
"Yet their open palm does not conceal a dagger," Lalax countered. "Their intent is honest, and they shall not lay chains around our necks."
"You said three. What's the last?" Elpsis interjected.
The Xioquo priestess shifted uncomfortably. "A company of avaricous merchants who will look upon starving children in the streets and proclaim a bounty is to be had. The tribute they demand is a queen's ransom."
"They have the resources. I have made enquiries, and they can provide us with bountiful supplies within days. They even offer to deliver it directly to the settlements in need," Izana stated, her hands placidly folded on her lap.
"If they deliver. I mislike it. I do not trust them. They look at us and see prey to be collared."
"I'm not fond of it either, but our options are few, however much we mislike them," Izana said insistently.

Elpsis rubbed her temples. "The Eldorai are right out, the Jedi are the ones I'm most comfortable with...but a charity can only help so much. Can the corpos get the job done?"
Lalax sighed. "Yes, if they speak true."
"How about this? They land in Suqua, offload the supplies, then go. No concessions, nothing. We take their stuff, that's it. And if the supplies are found to be faulty..." she let those words hang."
"Their captain is our 'guest' while we inspect?" Lalax asked.
"The army and the Temple can organise the shipments to those in need, starting with those where the situation is at its direst," Izana said thoughtfully. "It shall take a bit longer...but we will provide for far more than we could on our own. I can have the message sent now."
Elpsis nodded. "Do it." She ceased her pacing, and her white eyes darted towards Lalax. Or rather stared vaguely in her direction. "Are you alright with this?" sh asked, voice soft.
"I mislike it much," Lalax said after a moment. "But...I mislike it less than the innocent starving."
"Thank you." Elpsis ran her flesh hand through her long red hair. "Next?"

Lalax shuffled through her papers, cleared her throat. "There was a thought I had to provide aid to our people, especially those bereft of land. It shall not bear fruit for a while, but reap a bounty in the future."
"Continue," Elpsis told her encouragingly.
"Izana speaks true, much fertile farmland was despoiled by the enemy, doing great injury to the innocent. Many Xio heeded your call...Alpsis, and wish to remain. Relations between them and the Qadiri are not easy. Now that the enemy has been vanquished, there is little commonality. I propose a way so that both mayhaps may find commonality in the shadows once more."
"Alright, so what's the plan?"
"There is land in Minya, to the south of Suqua along the great stream we could reclaim. With the machines of the Kar'zun, we could clear away the damage, and farm again. The Qadiri could toil in the daylight, and us Xio at night. Each would unite their strengths and resources for the greater whole. They would choose their leaders, who would give an accounting of their deeds to the crown."
"So a production coop, basically. I like it. Izana, any thoughts?"
"I have no objections. Care must be taken that they are not wastrels."
"Aye, I disdain the wasteful. They shall not grow idle and lazy, they shall toil and through their bounty give hope to others."
" If they are organised, they have the means to acquire the tools and education they need to make a living. Mayhaps we can provide them with loans with low interest rates," the Qadiri priestess checked her notes.
"Alrighty, let's get that on track as soon as possible. Good idea, Lalax."
The Xio priestess...her sister smiled broadly at her.

Izana checked her papers. "There is a serious matter we must discuss ere we land. A matter of faith."
She looked at Lalax, who nodded. "It is grave."
"Can't it wait?" Elpsis asked.
"There has been unrest. A priestess called Neshat Jai Nanshe has been causing turmoil with her heterodox preaching. Her fellow priestesses bid that she be defrocked and expelled."
"That's...drastic. And what's the Daughters' beef with her?" Elpsis asked.
Lalax looked a bit perplexed. "Beef? Sorry. I gather that is a sky-word for meat?"
"Sorry. What's your problem with her?"
"Oh, I see. I have no quarrel with her...but her tenets disturb you. She claims to unify the faiths of Xio and Qadiri, but she distorts and twists both, robbing each of their meaning."
Izana nodded gravely. "She proclaims that the deities of the Qadiri and the spirits of the Xio are one. Each deity has a spirit that inhabits their element. Take for example, the Mother of Flame. Her power, she says, is split into fragments that house the Xio spirits of the volcano, fire and forge," she grimaced. "It's unacceptable. Azali is not Kashara and Kashara is not Iskur. Each goddess or god has their own personality. Their essence cannot be broken up and vaguely lumped together."
"No more than the spirits can be grouped together into lesser pieces without a name, without identity," Lalax argued firmly. "They are infinite, and found everywhere in the world, if we are only wise enough to listen to their whispers."
Elpsis looked towards Izana, then Lalax. "Sounds like she's doing a good job bringing Xio and Qadiri together," she quipped lamely.
"The spirits do not take kindly to disrespect. Prayer, ritual - they are powerless if the forms are not obeyed. It is known," Lalax said fervently. "Her words distort and cause much upset."
"There have already been scuffles. Unity is difficult to achieve as is, and she makes it harder," Izana said, tone firm. "There is much our people have in common, but for there to be unity, we cannot be robbed of our identity, the essence of who we are."

Elpsis frowned. The soldier in her sensed that she might be walking into a minefield. The spirits were real. She had beheld them in her dreams, felt their power in this world and in the Nether. A being that spoke for Azali had aided her. "Look, I'm speaking as an outsider. I'm still receiving instruction on the faith...for which I'm grateful to the both of you. Before that I was lost...confused," she said sincerely. "You do realise though that I keep to both the spirits and Azali? It's my sworn duty to protect the faith, and the public peace, regardless of my personal feelings. That said, there are many paths to the universal truth. What matters is that a faith's teachings and practice instruct people to be moral, to be just, to do their duty. I want her brought to the palace. As a guest, no irons or anything. Just some monitoring. I'm not exactly equipped to judge the finer points of theology, so we'll hear her out together when we're back."

There was a knock on the door. "Come in!" Elpsis barked.
The door opened slightly, and Sahmara Jai Alpsal peeked inside, saluting in the Qadiri fashion. "Sister, the pilot says we're approaching Yastoida. Warden Hazani Jai Bysara is waiting for you."
"Well, let's not keep them waiting. I'll be there soon," Elpsis declared. She perceived Lalax' expectant aura, and momentarily stiffened a bit. "So...I guess, we gotta do the...official diplomacy thing, right?" she said awkwardly, then coughed. Stepping forward, she extended her flesh hand. "My dear sister, I feel so clumsy among queens and high ladies. Will you grant me the honour of being escorted and counselled by you?"
Lalax took her hand in hers, smiled. "I will grant this most willingly, my great sister! This new stage we have is one of mystery for us both together. If you see fit to be guided by me, I shall guide you!"

xxx

Shazora stepped down the ramp. Her posture was straight, her bearing regal, followed by guards and scribes. "Greetings, Yaravaya Highpeak," she said politely and greeted the Lieutenant and her soldiers in the formal manner of her home. The traditional greeting would have been for bo palms to be pressed together with the fingertips facing upward. But that had been robbed from her. She improvised with one palm. "You have a beautiful city, and I hope to see more of it."

Her lip turned up every so slightly when the Queen of the Xio moved closer. But her features shifted so soon into their calm, placid expression that the slip of the diplomatic mask was barely perceptible. "Queen Liavondra, greetings," she said and felt just a bit smug about the fact that her Xio was more fluent than the Xioquo's Zandri. She repeated the gesture from earlier and returned the bow.
"I hope your journey was not troubled. You have the longest flight of all of us. May I introduce my husband, Sartip Tarzar Jal Azmon."
"A pleasure to meet you, Higheness," Tarzar responded in Zandri. "Pardon me for not following my wife's example, but I'm afraid I'd embarrass her otherwise. I can count the Xio words I know on one hand and I'm afraid they're all very rude!"

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

"A welcome to you all," Yara said with a nod. She certainly did not have the look of a courtier, so she did not have all the diplomatic niceties that others might.
Some of her soldiers moved forward and saluted, leading Shazora and the Queen to where they might meet the third ship's passengers.
Yara meanwhile had turned her attention to the final hanger, from which individuals were emerging. She saluted. She knew Elpsis informally, but also a little more practically from the war, but now she was all business.
"Welcome to Yastoida, ma'am," she said, then nodded to Elpsis' attendants. "I am sure you know the other two guests well."
Leading them over so all three groups could mingle, Yara cleared her throat. "Please follow me, the King and Queen would like to exchange greetings."

Queen Lia knew of Shazora's bad experiences with her people, indeed agreed with her. So she did not mention it, instead she turned to one of her bodyguards, Naxi'Xiarda and whispered a few words. The Seeker nodded and whispered back.
"An honour to meet you, Sartip," she said. "I can fully understand, given our people's history. My bodyguard here knows Zandri fluently, so she will translate for me when needed. I have endeavoured to better my skills in your language, but they have not come to full ripeness yet."
As Elpsis and her party emerged, Lia approached and bowed slightly. "Lady Karrigan, you look as formidable as ever. I am pleased to see you again! Lalax, I am pleased to see you as well. And Lady Jai Bysara, likewise," she added in a friendly tone.
Yara waited patiently for the diplomatic side of matters to be settled before leading them on.

xxx

Down by the water docks a small passenger boat was coming in to dock. Assorted passengers would soon disembark. Waiting on the quayside was a Vash priestess. It had been many years since Calana had first entered the stars with Tylania to meet Siobhan. In the years since she had trained and become a promising nature speaker, priestess and apprentice of Tylania.
She now waited for another Vash in particular aboard the boat; Shikoba. She'd been told that her fellow Vash might recognise her anyway, but she had been shown a picture.
Now Calana moved forward to the visitors, looking for Shikoba.

xxx

As Phylis headed into her workroom and was setting about tidying it up, she heard the whirr and click of mechanical joints behind her. She turned quickly, finding herself facing her...creation?
Plates of alchemised metal connected to form the approximation of the effigy of a person. The eyes glowed blue.
"Ah, hmm, how are you feeling?" she asked.
The blue eyes focused on her. "This is a complicated question, Phylis Alince. On the one hand, I do not feel sensation in the way an organic being does. However, if you mean it as a general question about my capabilities, I would consider myself to be feeling 'well'."
"Hmmph, yes, well, a more concise answer would suffice. Have you thought more on your name?"
"This matter has been considered eighteen times during the last three cycles. I have decided on Raindrop."
"Raindrop? Hmm, a curious name. Might I ask why?"
"There is a 99.9% chance you will, considering you have asked permission."
Phylis wasn't entirely sure if the golem was trolling her. It would be her luck. "Why did you choose raindrop?"
"I find them interesting. Is that not how organics assign their names?"
"Hmm, not usually. Usually one's parents give the name to their child. However, since you are not, hmm, that, I wanted you to choose. And now you have, very well, Raindrop."
"I may change my name later if it suits me. The crystal casing is more stable today."
"Excellent, I've worked on decreasing the power flow where needed. Hmm, I have a meeting I have to attend, but I shall be back soon."
"I await the time you will introduce me to others besides yourself and Tylania."
"That day might have come...we shall see."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Elpsis came across Hazani on the way to the hatch. The Sister of Flame was well-dressed in red and gold robes, her enchanted sword in a scabbard decorated with the symbol of the blazing cauldron. She was accompanied by some fellow Sistren. One was a young novice dressed as a scribe, another an old, weathered woman with a scarred face and a commanding aura.

To Elpsis' surprise, Xalda was there, and she and Hazani seemed to laughing about something. "Am I missing a joke?"
"I've been teaching Hazani some of our songs. She has taken well to them," Xalda said, smiling a bit impishly. "She may soon know our words better than you."

"Low bar, everyone's better with languages than me," Elpsis countered.
"You've got a Xio wife," Hazani pointed out, feeling a bit smug.
"My sister has manifold other talents," Lalax remarked loyally.
"I imagine," Hazani said dryly.
"Shall we?" Elpsis said, a bit impatiently, as the ship slowly descended.
"By all means," Hazani looked her up and down, raised an eyebrow. "You're dressed like a grunt."
"And I know Lalax is beautifully dressed, and I imagine so are you, and that's enough for me. Any thoughts on what to expect?"

"Pleasantries, a feast, with neither the Amikarese nor the Eldorai in attendance mayhaps something useful to justify the journey," Hazani commented. The older woman leaned forward to whisper something in her ear. Izana frowned, as she strained to listen the hushed whispers spoken in Zandri. "Has there been word on the Krolis dispute?" the Warden asked.

Taken aback by the question, Elpsis nonetheless managed to retain her composure. "The boundary commission's working on drawing lines on maps. I have Zabhara on point."
"Good. We don't want this to get out of hand. Krolis is important to us," Hazani said firmly, sparing her advisor a glance, who silently nodded. "Flawed as she may be, the Saoshyant is the Saoshyant."
Elpsis crossed her arms. "Didn't you lot hold a Saoshyant hostage and in irons once?" she asked innocently.
"An embellishment," Hazanis aid primly. "We kept her under guard for her own safety, and continually furnished her with wine, bread, and all the necessities."
"Who can say what truly transpired?" Izana spoke, lips quirking into a small smile. "Alas, so few who lived through those days are still with us."
The ship landed in the hangar. "Indeed," Elpsis spoke, feeling a sudden tightness in her stomach. Her whole body felt tense. She felt the soft squeeze of Lalax' hand on hers, and was grateful for it. "Showtime," she muttered to herself. When she stepped down the ramp, and beheld Yara and her soldiers, she had to clamp down on the instinct to be casual and informal. "Lieutenant Highpeak, you're looking good. Please lead the way."

"Well, Highness, I was told that on the day when Kashara blessed new-born with the skill to speak in many tongues, she took a look at me and skipped to the next," Tarzar joked, a small smile on his face. "I've been known to make my Lady smile on occasion though, so I can count that as an accomplishment."
Shazora was not sure whether to chuckle or facepalm slightly. In any event, she was liberated from this dilemma when Elpsis and her party emerged with a Vash escort in tow. The whirr of gears and servos was audible when Elpsis walked. She returned Lia's bow somewhat awkwardly. "Good to see you, Lady Liavondra, and under better circumstances than last time. Fewer explosions, too."
"Majesty," Lalax said softly, bowing a bit more deeply than was needed. Old habits died hard, after all.
"Queen Liavondra," Hazani said diplomatically. "High Mistress Caspara Jai Azali sends her regards and wishes you good tidings." The old woman in her entourage remained stone-faced, with an expression that looked like it had been carved out of granite, and said nothing.
"Lady Jai Azal, it has been a while. I hope you are well," Shazora said, her tone laced with warmth. Not all of it entirely faked. It was quite deliberate that she called Elpsis by her Qadiri name.
"Well enough for duty...Lady Jai Vahal." Elpsis stumbled over her words before settling on the neutral 'lady', since she was not confident that she could avoid mangling the pronounciation of Shazora's actual title. "How's Farzi faring?"
"Acceptably, considering the circumstances," Shazora said, then added innocently, "and the neighbours."
"I get that," Elpsis said darkly. "Well, let's not stand on parade. I figure the Lieutenant's got places for us to be and people to meet."
"Yes, indeed. Our world is still wounded from strife with the invaders from the stars...and amongst ourselves. Many scars will not heal easily. But it is my hope we can lay the groundwork to leave things in a better spot when we pass," Shazora spoke softly. She walked with a slight limp.

xxx

Waves splashed against the ferry, and the small passenger boat shuddered while the skipper steered it towards the waiting embrace of the dock. Aboard were various Vashyada from the mainland, who had come to Yastoida to trade, to see friends and family or simply to take in the sights of the town upon the silver lake.

Shikoba moved with purpose, heedless to the wind whipping her long, dark hair or the commands of the skipper that everyone stay put. Her gaze was not upon the wondrous sights that made so many Vashyada gasp, for she was not impressed nor did she care. There was, however, one specific sight upon the boat itself that had her attention.

She came to a halt before a red-haired Vashyada female in a blue coloured tunic, dark breeches, and boots. Her long hair was braided back. "Welcome, sister of the forest," Shikoba said without premable or introduction, "the one you treasure is near. Dark of body, but light of mind, and now coming with the inferrno embodied."
The 'sister of the forest' in question looked up, perplexed. "Uhh...yes? What is it to you? Who are you even?
"The spirits show me your bond, it is strong. The acolyte awaits us on the shore. I am named Shikoba."
"Shikoba," the woman mulled over the name, then suddenly the metaphorical light bulb was switched on. "Shikoba! You speak to ghosts!" she flushed slightly, seeing the odd looks some people were giving them. "Sorry...that was a bit too personal. Uh...she mentioned you. Lalax, that is. My name is Yaritha Greatpine, which I suppose you know," she flushed slightly.
"'Tis known," Shikoba stated, as if there was nothing strange about the conversation.
"You have me at a bit of a disadvantage, I'm afraid. Do...you greet every stranger that way?"
"Yes. The spirits guide me to whom I should bestow my attention," Shikoba sat down next to the woman.
Yaritha looked at the odd woman. "So...are you here as a delegate or to see the city?"
Shikoba snorted. "The city? Hardly. Beneath the mask of life, it hides cold metal. As for the conference, the spirits care not for the babbling of those with funny hats and in fancy costumes, only light, life and darkness. I gather the High King and High Queen shall be there. I shall ignore them and they're free to ignore me back."
"How could they possibly bear the burden of being beneath your notice?" Yaritha asked sarcastically. Her blue eyes took in the dock. "Must be vindicating for the Queen. She always argued against trusting the humans, and was called a fool. Mayhaps she was the wisest of all the queens."
"Mayhaps. Or just a fool who had the sense to open her eyes for once while all other crowned fools slept."
Yaritha drummed her fingers on the boat railing. "So...how well do you know Lalax and Elpsis?"
"I know the paths they have walked, I know the souls the Inferno has purged, and the souls Lalax has bestowed beneficences on. They're a bit less foolish than most."
"Hey, watch your words," Yaritha said in a low, fierce growl. "That's my love you're talking about. Ghost whisperer and war heroine or not, you're not calling her a fool. Understood?"

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

"As are you, ma'am," Yara said with a nod. "Please follow me."

As they joined the others, Yara said nothing, waiting until the pleasantries had been exchanged. If she had thoughts about the veiled words being said, she said nothing. Despite being a soldier she was very much used to being embroiled in political dealings of one form or another.



Lia nodded graciously. "And mine to her, thank you, Lady Jai Bysara," she said with a nod. As they walked, Lia glanced across at Elpsis and Lalax. "I am heartened that some of our people are settled and integrating to Suqua. I hope it is a tiding for the future where we can form new bonds of respect and friendship between those who deserve it," she added. The Eldorai came to her mind for this, as it had for the others.



XXX



Meanwhile, back in the Spire, Phylis was engaged in some maintenance on Raindrop.

"Okay, hmm, is this the place?" she asked, applying a light application of a grinder to smooth down a plate.

Raindrop moved its leg. "I believe this has corrected the issue I was having. I am thankful for this act on your behalf."

The door opened, and Tylania entered. "Good morning, Subject 1. We do need to change that name at some point.

Raindrop's bright blue eyes fell on her. "I have been informed already that it is a good morning by Phylis Alince. I have updated my designation to 'Raindrop'."

"A lovely name," Tylania said with a smile. "However, our guests have arrived, Master Jedi. We shall not be long, Raindrop."

"I shall continue to read, in expectation of your return."

As they exited, Phylis glanced at the Vashyada. "Hmm, I am still undecided about this. Raindrop is a new being, not a droid or a machine, or even a Shard. I'm not sure how we proceed?"

"When you came to me with this idea, I understood why you had not proceeded earlier. However, I think so long as we treat them like their own being, but with the understanding that they are skipping the organic process of growing up naturally. It would be wrong to constrain them with protocols and codes to make them do as we wish. I know what it feels to be created for a purpose, and I do not want that for them," Tylania said firmly.

"Yes…I agree. Hmm, should we introduce them later to the guests?"

"To Elpsis, perhaps. I do not want their existence to be widely known just yet. It is better for us all if people believe they are a droid for now. Under no circumstances should their presence be known by those we do not trust. Of those coming today, I trust Elpsis and Lalax more than the others. That is not to say I suspect ill-will from Shazora or Liavondra, but that they have other considerations to make. Anyway, come."



XXX



As Yara led the party from the docks towards the Spire, they were met by a procession coming from the base of the Spire. One might have expected trumpets and banners, but the Vashyada were by and large pretty low-key.

King Erevan and Queen Vadania approached the group. To those not used to the way the Vashyada dual monarch worked, it might look odd. They walked forward, arm's length apart, their hands clasped. Yet behind each was another spouse and their family behind. This was because the King and Queen were symbolically married, but in reality, had their own families and bloodlines. A cumbersome and symbolic system, the origins of which were mostly lost to the mists of time.

Yara saluted; she did not seem like she bowed to anyone. "Their Majesties, King Erevan and Queen Vadania, I present these visiting dignitaries," she spoke in Basic. An aide whispered translations into the monarchs' ears if they needed them.

Yara turned back. "Honoured guests, I present you the King and the Queen of the Forests,"

Naxi'Xiarda stepped forward. "I present Queen Vondra'Lia, Lady of Tlaxqui and the Xioquo under the mountain. She presents her greetings."

The chance would be now given for Shazora and Elpsis to be introduced…or introduce themselves if they so wished.



XXX



Down by the docks, as the boat reached the pier, Calana moved forward. She saw her target, seated with another Vash, and approached them.

"Excuse me for interrupting, are you known as Shikoba? Lady Tylania's greetings, she wishes me to guide you to the Spire." She glanced at Yaritha, frowned. "Are you Lady Yaritha? I believe another of my sisters was looking for you as well, please come with me as well, if you will."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Tarzar Jal Azmon came forth. "Your Majesties, I present Lady Shazora Jai Vahal, Komharasi of the Most Serene Republic of Farzi and High Liberator of the Isles. She presents her greetings, and wishes good fortune upon the people of Yarkul," he said most solemly. Shazora would have rolled her eyes, but she was too disciplined, so her features retained their diplomatic mask.

Lalax was about to take a step forward when Elpsis gently placed her flesh hand on her shoulder. The priestess gave her wife a questioning look and though Elpsis could not discern her expression, she felt her puzzlement through her Zari. "I got this," she said quietly. Then she stepped forward herself, walking with a slight limp. "I'm...Queen Alpsal Jai Azal, Karrigan'Alpsis, Lady of Suqua. I greet you in the name of all under my protection."

The last one to take the step was the old, weathered but still fierce looking Qadiri woman who had accompanied Hazani. Her name was Mahsa Jai Nasrada, and she was a veteran of many of the great battles the Sistren had fought over the past century. But despite her age, her body was trim and taut and she carried her manifold scars like victory matches. "I present Lady Warden Hazani Jai Bysara of the Sistren of the Eternal Flame, daughter of Sahali Jai Bysara. She speaks in the name of the High Mistress of the Sistren, Lady Caspara Jai Azali and conveys her blessings."

xxx

In the face of Yaritha's fiery rebuke, Shikoba remained unflappable. "I am fond of your beloved and the Inferno," she said calmly. "That is why they are less foolish than most." Before Yaritha could respond, Shikoba had hopped onto the quayside. This was, of course, frowned upon, but she clearly didn't care.

Equal parts annoyed and bemused by the odd woman, Yaritha stepped onto the pier, just as Calana reached them. "Don't call me Lady. I'm no one special, priestess," she said firmly. "I'm Yaritha Greatpine. I seek Karrigan'Lalax. I understand she is at a big meeting, but I was assured I could see outside of the official business."
"And your eyes do not deceive you sister. Some call me other names, but you may name me Shikoba," the ghost whisperer declared.

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Lia was too diplomatic to let her amusement show, but she did glance across at Shazora for a second. It seemed cheeky consorts was a common factor.
Queen Vadania stepped forward first and spread her hands wide. When she spoke it was in a clear, strong voice. She spoke in Vash, which Yara translated for those who needed it.
"Welcome, guests from afar, rulers of lands beyond the seas and skies. I welcome you on behalf of the House of Brightstar. I trust your visit here will be both helpful, and enjoyable. If ever you are in need of anything, request it, I bid you."
She stepped back, and King Erevan stepped forward. "I welcome you on behalf of the House of Strongbow. I bid that you enjoy your stay, and that we might meet later to discuss more of your lands and people."
"We shall be holding a feast tonight, and we bid you join us," the Queen added.

XXX

"My apologies, Yaritha. Ah yes, she is here, and you will be welcome to see her," Calana said with a smile. Turning to Shikoba she said. "Please come this way."
She led them up through the docks and then on and up towards the Spire. Along the way they'd see all manner of people going about their lives.
"I am told you speak to the spirits, Shikoba. Have they told you anything about today's meeting?" Calana asked with genuine curiosity.

XXX

As Tylania and Phylis emerged out into the courtyard where the introductions were held, they stood back and almost out of sight, though not hiding. As the diplomatic introductions and discussions went on, Phylis glanced at Tylania.
"Do they, hmm, mind that you do much of the diplomacy?" she asked.
"They delegate it upon me," Tylania said softly.
"So you serve them?"
Tylania paused a second, looking over the scene. "I serve my people, and their interests."
"Hmmph, that is not very convincing an answer."
"No, I suppose not. Where I am asked to assist, I do so. I suppose I am like the prime minister of a monarchy which no longer has the instruments of total power. I help guide the Vash, but if the people or the monarchs no longer wish me to serve, I will step aside. I am not perfect, Phylis, and not every decision I make is right, I just trust that I can make more right than wrong decisions. Once, I was afraid of power because it corrupts those who take it, but I am not afraid now I know what I can and cannot do."

XXX

Below, once the pleasantries had been exchanged the King and Queen's retinues would part and allow the guests to approach the terrace where Phylis and Tylania stood.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Elpsis stepped towards the Vashyada dual monarchs. To her the Vash system was truly odd...but she could make an effort at least. "Your Majesties, greetings," she said formally, speaking in Basic to avoid embarrassing herself. "I think it's the first time we've met. I wasn't there when Firemane first arrived at Yarkul. Queen Vadania, as I recall, my mothers sulked about you a lot. Both of them. Clearly you were in the right."

While Mahsa and Hazani exchanged some words in Zandri, Shazora approached Lia, her husband in tow. There was still a limp in her gait. "Queen Liavondra, it has been a while. How fares the Underealm?" she asked politely. Whatever her feelings on Xio - and they were very negative - they did not show on her smooth, delicate features.

xxx

"I have not queried them," Shikoba replied with a dismissive huff. "It does not matter."
"Yes, it does not matter whether we're at war with foreign people or friends with them. It does not matter whether there's peace. You are truly radiant and wise," Yaritha said sarcastically.
"War and death are inevitable, constant. The living pick up the pieces, and then commit the same folly over again. The spirits watch, and I shepherd them into the otherworlds when they are trapped in the folly the living wrought. Mayhaps fewer people will suffer if those in the Spire show mildly more wisdom than they might. That would be good."
"Since the spirits are not forthcoming, have you heard anything, priestess?" Yaritha asked.

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

There was a pause as the words were relayed to the King and Queen. The Queen had the faintest suggestion of a frown, and queried her interpreter softly, and received an affirmative.

She turned back to Elpsis and nodded gravely. "I expressed concerns about their intentions all those years ago. I claim no credit as a seeress, but I saw they came to offer us great gifts, but no bargain comes without costs. We of the Vash do not take dominion lightly, even as Queen my power is limited by the will of the chiefs, my consort, and my folk. I saw no such limits on them. Alas, their mask was revealed and led to such suffering."

The King now looked to Elpsis. "Yet we do not see the same avarice and lust for power in you. One can only be defined by their own actions, not those of their family. Be well, and may the sun and moon shine upon your path," he said with a nod.

Yara, who had translated both of them quite faithfully, stepped forward. "Shall we go, ladies?" she asked



Meanwhile, Lia smiled slightly. If she felt any wariness or unease, she did not show it. "It goes well, Komharasi Jai Vahal," she said, her accent making the title sound a little cutely awkward. "Things progress," she said neutrally. "We have many challenges, but also opportunities. We are expanding our tunnels deeper under the mountain to provide more living space, expanding food production, especially fishing, and working on establishing colonies on Arkas and elsewhere. We will find a way through. How about you?"

The unspoken framework of all of this was that in ages past, the Xio had turned to piracy, slavery and raiding to supplement wealth and food, whilst bleeding off excess population. The inherent problems of limited space and sunlight weakness had not changed, but the solutions had.

Lia started to walk with Shazora and the others, following Yara up the ramp.



XXX



Calana looked curiously at the two's argument. She did not say anything in answer however to that.

"Only that these leaders from foreign lands are coming to meet with the Lady Tylania to discuss important matters. I do not judge the validity of these actions or not," she added.



XXX



As the visitors approached, Tylania looked away from Phylis and at the newcomers. She would greet each person in their own tongue with a linguistic skill borne of one who had centuries to study…and in the case of Prosbia had helped create the initial archaic form.

"Welcome, Elpsis Jai Saobana, I am glad to see you again. Few have had the journey you have had and yet still stand.

Greetings, Shazora Jai Vahal, you have travelled far across stars and seas in your path. I hope that path continues long and successfully for you and your people.

Vondra'Lia, it fills my heart with joy to see you again, welcome to Yastoida. Out of the shadows, the Xioquo have come, and I hope your destiny is to lead them to greater things still.

Hazani Jai Bysara, my fondest greetings. The Sistren I consider a most worthy order, and I trust your stay is productive."

She then gestured to Phylis, and spoke in Basic. "You may know already Phylis Alince, a Jedi of great skill and integrity, who has been aiding me in matters here."

Phylis looked a bit awkward. "Ah, yes, hmm, welcome," she stumbled out.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"Arkas has many caverns and inert volcanoes that can provide habitats for your people. Much of the land is genuinely empty. Curious how the Eldorai, who claim they so desperately needed living space, did not settle it...but came here. To a land where people had put down roots, but I digress. My apologies. My mind wanders sometimes."

Tarzar suppressed a smirk at that. He knew all too well that Shazora's mind never wandered. She was far more likely to become so hyperfocused on a pursuit that she forgot everything else...such as sleeping, eating and staying hydrated.

"As for ourselves, as you say, things progress. We've initiated a reforesting initiative. Our colonial mistresses carelessly felled old growth forests to build pipelines and mine for gems, so we're doing what we can to alleviate the damage. Likewise, we've taken measures to ensure fairer representation for our Ajustran siblings, and expand trade with Karahamor. That aside, we've expropriated all non-Tygaran businesses and are improving our defences. As much as I'd wish otherwise, ridding Tygara of Firemane has not disposed of every threat to freedom."

"We've been doing some salvaging," Tarzar chimed in. "Much of what Firemane built is beyond us, but there are technologies that are easy to maintain and relatively suited for our situation. We've got some foreign specialists, engineers and the like who've...stuck around. The Komharasi has a way with words."
Shazora just smiled enigmatically. "Let us not keep the other delegations waiting."


xxx

This was the first time Yaritha had set foot in Yastoida. She had never been on the Arx or visited the cities of the Eldorai. But her reaction was not one of awe, but confused, stunned and a bit intimidated as she beheld lots of white metal and stone, but with a lot of plants and features.
"What is this place?" she exclaimed, shaking her head as if trying to clear it and awake from a dream. "It is...strange."
"'Tis an abomination," Shikoba said, tone laced with disgust.
"I...wouldn't go that far. I don't begrudge those who make an honest living here, but I wonder how long it will take before they look down on us in the forests. Before our voice is no longer heard, only that of the merchants and bureaucrats in the city and we're paid for our goods with baubles."
"Mayhaps one day they shall tear down the forests to build more cities of metal," Shikoba said bitterly.

xxx

"Thank you, my Lady," Elpsis said respectfully, though she didn't bow. Her head remained high. She didn't bow to anyone - not anymore. She had started the uprising. Not the Queens, not the Dahomian Clique, not the Generals, not Shazora, not Tylania, her. Her and her companions. She hadn't won the war on her own - far from it. But everyone else had followed in their wake after they lit the fire. I am fire, I am iron. "This is Karrigan'Lalax, priestess of the Daughters of the Destroyer and my dear sister in war and now in peace."
"I bid you good tidings in the name of all Daughters," Lalax said respectfully, speaking in Xio.

"And my dear sisters Karrigan'Xalda and Sahmara Jai Saobana." The two soldiers gave Tylania a respectful nod, "and last but definitely not least, Izana Jai Azali, priestess of Azali and one of my most trusted advisors."
"My Lady," the cleric said simply, inclining her head slightly.

"I thank you for your people's hospitality, my Lady," Shazora spoke next. "I hope we can usher in a new beginning for our people - for all of us. This is my husband, Sartig Tarzar Jal Azmon. He commands our soldiers with gallantry and skill, when he is not preoccupied making terrible jokes."
Tarzar suppressed a chuckle at that.

After Shazora had introduced a few more people, the last one to speak was Hazani. "In ages past, my Sistren and the warriors of the Vashyada met as foes on the battlefield. We came to respect the Vashyada rangers as skilled warriors." Someone else might have apologised whether sincerely or not. After all, the Qadiri had generally been the aggressor.

However, that was not who Hazani was. "And now we have fought together against a common foe alien to our world. May we meet as friends in the future." She gestured to her companions. "I present Agha Mahsa Jai Nasrada, advisor to the High Mistress and renowned commander of the faithful. And," Hazani gestured to the slight, hooded woman in scarlet scribe robes, "is Ruksana Jai Azali, honoured scribe and Sachiv of the sisterhood." Based on the name, the woman was either a bastard, very devout or both.

"Right," Elpsis said once all introductions were over, crossing her arms. One made of flesh, the other of enchanted metal. She didn't bother with gloves or synthflesh to hide the metal. "Everyone's been thoroughly introduced and greeted everyone at least once. Time for business, isn't it?"

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Lia nodded to Shazora. "Yes, the weather is unfortunately a little hotter than our folk prefer, but the extinct volcanoes and continental mountains of some of the island chains have proved most beneficial for us."

She seemed to consider whether she should say something diplomatic about the Eldorai. She decided not to. "The Eldorai took the opportunity after the war against Myrou to pressure Firemane into letting them keep some islands we had once held. Of course, the way my people had used those islands is reprehensible, but I fail to see how the Eldorai needed them once there was peace. Either way, I am glad to hear we are not the only ones troubled by this new arrival."

"I am glad to hear you are making progress, Lady Jai Vahal. I wonder if we might not discuss inside some more matters regarding trade later? Timber – properly and sustainably harvested – is of great worth to us since we have limits on how much of our fungi we can harvest. In return we have an abundance of stone and metals from the mountains which might interest you."



XXX



Calana frowned, but nodded. "I understand your worries," she said. "I do not know the future, but I trust the King and Queen and Lady Tylania to do their best to prevent such things."

It was an optimistic, probably naïve hope, but Calana had not seen what the others had.

"I don't look down on either of you," she added with a smile. Certainly nice, but she was only one person.

"Would you like to come in? Yaritha, I believe Karrigan'Lalax is at the entrance, along with Elpsis."



XXX



Tylania greeted each guest in turn in their language. She bowed politely to each in turn, welcoming them and saying a word or two about each.

"My hope for this meeting, Lady Jai Bysara, is that old enemies might reach an understanding. Not friends, for this is politics and our people's interests come first. At the least though, a mutual agreement about matters, and charting a better way forward."

"And to all of you, welcome. My congratulations on your marriage, Lady Jai Vahal. But, as you say, it is time for business. Please, follow me."



Inside the Spire was the meeting room Tylania had set out before. A round conference table of polished wood, and chairs made of the same sat on tiled floors. Water and paper had been laid out for everyone along with pens and a small microphone on the table. All of the chairs were the same, and people were free to sit where they wished and with whomever they wished.

Phylis handed Elpsis a small blackboard tablet on which had been neatly written the agenda using an infused chalk dust so she could see it with her Force sight. "Hmm, see how you find this, and let me know. I based it from an old technique used by the Miraluka to teach their children."

Tylania took a seat on the far side from the door. Phylis meanwhile ended up hovering a bit late and ended up sitting next to Tarzar on one side and Sahmara on the other side. She smiled to them both.

"Hmm, a pleasure to meet you both. Hmmph, I'm really here just because there was a spare seat. I'm not really a politician."



When everyone was seated, Tylania rose. "I am not expecting immediate decisions today, but to start talking. You will all have an agenda, but feel free to discuss what is important to you. We have no time limit, no deadline. With that in mind, I would like to welcome whoever of my honoured guests would like to speak first. We are all learning in the aftermath of war, and we all have our own challenges, interests and intentions. What problems do you have, how might these be helped, what is your threats, and how might greater communication with others help that?"



She sat, opening the floor for one of the guests to begin.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Shazora considered the Xio Queen's words. In truth, she believed the Xioquo's territorial losses were fully justified. The trouble was that it was the Eldorai who benefited. They are alien to Tygara. Even the Xio are of this world. I wish it were not so, but they are. The Queen's grievance was a welcome lever. "We have five hundred thousand citizens who experienced the greed of the Eldorai first-hand. I believe it would be worthwhile to discuss your proposal in more detail in a more private venue. As well as other matters that might be of mutual interest," she said diplomatically.

xxx

"I don't think you do, but you're one person, priestess. A kind one, but you don't have any say on this. Power is shifting here, and those without are going to be left behind," Yaritha said frankly, though without rancour towards Calana. "Life in Tlaxqui was very different from home. I came to like it after I was freed. But I've always treasured home. So much has changed in the past twenty years, more than in centuries. Change...is a constant. Nothing stays the same in the nature. But I wish the winds of change won't sweep away my people's home."

"You have spent all your life in Tylania's light. 'Tis bright and radiant, dazzlingly so. But there is darkness in all lands," Shikoba spoke. This was her way of saying that she found Calana a bit naive.
"Let's go inside," Yaritha said before the druidess could go on a tangent. "I want to see Lalax, if she has time."

xxx

Thus the Jedi found herself sitting between the two Qadiri. Sahmara looked at her curiously. "And I'm just a soldier, Mistress Yeedai. I guard my sister the Queen and advise her where I can."
"And guard my lady and try to keep her from getting buried in paperwork. Literally, sometimes," Tarzar said with a chuckle. "She read your book. 'Lands and Features of Tygara', I believe it's called."

xxx

Elpsis looked around once Tylania had said her piece, white eyes darting from one conference participant to another. She frowned, then on impulse suddenly arose. Immediately all eyes were on her, making her feel self-conscious. She cleared her throat. "Suqua's issues are..." Foolish little girl, the voice sounded like Siobhan, whether she had actually said that to her or not. Unfit for leadership. You cannot show initiative, you cannot take charge. Your conduct is unbecoming of a Kerrigan.

Siobhan was dead. And her end had not been glorious. She'd spent her last moments chained to a bed in coma, a prisoner in her own body. Before being betrayed by those she'd empowered. Even her own beloved wife hadn't cared about her. Too busy partying and growing rich off the backs of the oppressed to spare a moment's thought for the woman without whom she would've never obtained her wealth and privileges. And then pathetic, greedy Tegaea had lost everything and vanished. Elpsis was the last one standing, and Firemane had been turned to ash. By all rights, she'd won. Yet she couldn't silence the voice in her head.

I smashed your legacy, mother. Burnt it all down. It's all dust in the wind. And you, Tegs, you're nothing. Nothing. Just a coward, a failure and a leech. I'm pointing the way. Her jaw tightened, and she found her voice. When she spoke, her voice was strong and firm. "Suqua's issues are the damage to our infrastructure, food security...and Amikaron. We bore the brunt of Firemanne's attacks, suffered the heaviest casualties." Hazani looked like she was about to say something in response, but then held her tongue when Mahsa gave a barely perceptible shake of her head.

Fewer would've died if you'd been stronger, smarter. But you're not. You're just a girl playing at war, and you have no idea what you're doing. "We're through the worst of the famine, but there are several communities where people struggle to get basic necessities."
"It is of great fortune that Firemane could not fulfil its designs to poison the Zayandah," Lalax added softly. "In time as farmers return to their homes and rebuild farmland, we will be able to reap a bounty. But not all have time."

"We're settling our border issues with Krolis. The Sistren were nice enough to help mediate." A wary glance towards Hazani, who exchanged a few hushed words in Zandri with Ruksana. "But that leaves Amikaron. There's been some border 'incidents', and they've been making loud noises about 'historical claims' dating back to..." she briefly looked towards Izana.
"Shahbânu Amira II," the priestess helpfully supplied. "Absurd and irrelevant, of course. Yet it is difficult to demobilise the army while Amikaron makes thinly veiled threats of invasion."
"We'd win," Elpsis said firmly, "but it would cost." There was a pause.
I am fire, I am iron.

"My goals are simple. I want to rebuild Suqua after all it's been through. I want self-determination." Her stare was icy and cold. Her viciously scarred features twisted into a flat smile. "And I'm not done fighting oppressors." You're not among friends here. Tylania, Shazora, Lia, that stuckup little hatchling Hazani. I remember when I was queen of all of them. They all want something. It sounded like Siobhan's disembodied voice. You were a useful hammer to them, that's all.

"Just to be clear, I'm not begging anyone for aid," Elpsis said firmly. Perhaps she was overcompensating, but it was a point she considered important. "Everyone has their own grave problems, and geographic distances are large. Our challenges are serious, but we can overcome them. As we did during the war. What do I have? A good army that's familiar with the problems that come from working with different groups, different races. We can't keep it all permanently mobilised, but we don't want to lose valuable experience, so we're exploring the creation of a new conscription system that suits our needs. As well as the possibility of hiring out elements of the army to other states, both on Tygara and offworld, once the present crisis has passed. And our military-industrial complex is strong, considering the technology galaxy people take for granted was unknown to Tygarans until recently and we had to rebuild practically from scratch after Firemane started carpet-bombing. As we've discovered, there are lots of unexploited resources beneath the mountains. We just have to dig deep enough."

Of course, there were limits on what Suqua could manufacture. Its arsenal was a wild hodgepodge of traditional armaments, galaxy ones and their knockoffs. One could not seamlessly move from the age of gunpowder to the space age, especially not while much of the country had been under occupation. But a combination of guile, tenacity, improvisation and foreign backers had allowed them to manufacture armaments. Firemane and its allies had never managed to destroy the rebels' tunnel infrastructure, only degrade it. Deep beneath the Zamoxian mountains lay factories furnishing the munitions for the revolutionary war.

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Calana nodded soberly. "There's a lot I don't understand, it's true," she said. "It is not my place to discuss what my Lady and the royals wish. However, if you take what I say as just my own views I will say I do not wish my family's ways to be made worthless and forgotten. When I first went to the stars, and now war and this city, I see we have to change. We cannot stay as we were forever, even in years past the Xio and Qadiri used new weapons against us we struggled to defeat. I have seen images of different worlds, and I do not wish for the forests to be felled and replaced with machines of iron and brass, and smoke and fumes to choke the air."

"So what I wish, I think, is what you want, Yaritha. I would have, if it availed my desire, to mix the old with the new. To have the old and the new ways mix. I think this city is a way this can be done. But…what you said does ring true also. In time, the people living easier here, who do not need hunt and survive in the forests might grow apart from those who do. It is a difficult question, and one I have no answer for myself. The sky people came and entranced many with baubles and trinkets…but their promises were hollow. I hope we can prevent the same happening again. I trust my Lady's judgement, but I know she is not perfect. If one person might bridge the divide, it might be her."



She seemed to realise she'd given a longer than intended reply, blushed. "My apologies, let us get to there now. You did not come to have me chatter."



As they approached the doors, the guards at first hesitated, but then opened the outer doors. Calana conferred with them briefly.

"Would you wish me to see if Lalax can emerge? Or would you wish to wait until they take a break?"



xxx



Phylis always appreciated when people had read her works. "Oh, well, hmm, I am pleased to hear this," she said in the lull after Elpsis' speech. "I have done all I can to make it accurate, and also to expand the work further where needed.

"You both seem very dedicated and loyal," Phylis said with a nod. "I would be interested to, hmm, interview you both at a later stage. Obtain some more information about your homes and backgrounds for my research."



xxx



Lia nodded her head to Shazora's words as they processed inside.



As Elpsis finished there were nods, perhaps a few murmurs around the table. Lia rose next, her long white hair and ashen skin glinting in the light.

"Well spoken, Lady Jai Saobana," she said with a polite nod in Elpsis' direction. "To be it sounds as though we suffer some similar issues, but also different as well."



"I do not need to recount history here, for everyone at this table intimately knows what happened in the past. Instead, I will discuss the now and the future."

"Firemane's crimes against my people were exploitive and predatory. People were lured away to slavery in a different name. Many perished or are lost still. And yet, for all this, it has opened our eyes to potential. One thing my foremothers understood, for all their cruelty and evil, was that the Underealm was limiting. Every metre of tunnel and room must be cut through the bones of the earth. Nothing can be wasted, no space left unused. For every residence, our amount of space for food, for services, for anything else is reduced. Our food production is limited, our living space is limited. Our ancestors chose to deal with this by exporting terror and death across the world to 'bleed' off the population, and to steal what others had. This, though, is a new era. Whilst I have not forsworn violence against oppression or aggression, I am committed to ensuring that we will not again wage a war of conquest, plunder or enslavement on this world."

"So what is to be done? There are three paths forward for new space which neither infringes on others, nor hurts my people. The first is to excavate deeper into the mountains. With the aid of the Kar'zun and using technology brought from space we have dug more tunnels and chambers in five years than the fifty before then. Yet, progress is slow, and much of the tunnels has been for ores and gems to pay for our endeavours."

"Second, settlements on Arkas in the northern islands continues apace. Not all the planet is tropical, and these islands are warmer than the Underealm, but bearable, especially in winter. Further, there are mountains and forests we can settle in. Our initial investigations into this real have been fruitful, and we have put forth a claim on them to those on the planet, but I believe there are no sentient inhabitants nor prior claims. This offers us considerable opportunities…though not without risks."

"Finally, space is a final frontier for us. Space stations and worldships are an option we are trialling. There is much to do, and my people are still unsure of space. As am, to be honest, I. However, it offers us great potentials. A small group of my people have taken to living aboard an orbital station to demonstrate the challenges we must overcome."



Lia took a breath, a pause. "It is not all bad, however. The Underealm remains difficult to assault, as Firemane found during the war. The Eldorai are a concern as their power grows and they seek to advance their cause of dominion over the world. However, my people are inured to hardship, and we are patient."

"Their patience is not infinite though, so I work to ensure that action is taken to help them. Technology assists; whether it be food replicators, electric lights or space travel, I am bringing in trustworthy off-worlders to help train and equip my people with knowledge. This is not universally popular, and strains my resources…but it must be done."



"As Lady Jai Saobana before me, I come not to beg aid – though I am happy to negotiate with those here and abroad. I come here instead so that you might understand what we want, and how we aim to get it."

She bowed to the assembled table, and sat.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"No, no, it's fine," Yaritha said quickly when Calana grew self-conscious. "I liked hearing you speak. If things could work out as you say, that would be nice...though I'm not as hopeful."
Shikoba had looked like she was in a bit of a trance, staring at a white metal wall. But when she spoke, her voice was clear. "Be wary, priestess, for hope is a fickle thing. Those who rely on it seldom receive their wish, and those who inspire with it can find it turn on them. Those who build their foundations on solid footings need not rely on hope, for hope is the bastion of the helpless."

The two waited while Calana chatted with the guards. Yaritha frowned. Rather than brash and fiery, she looked uncertain, even a bit self-conscious. "I can wait. She helps people with her work, I don't want to interrupt. Is there some place we can go to?"

xxx

"Oh, we can chat," Tarzar said, casually crossing his arms behind his head. "Obviously I can't talk about anything to do with national security and all that. Or give you answers on government policy that won't be anything but dull. But anything else is fine. By the way, what kind of reception has your book gotten? Do offworlders want to visit now or has it scared them away?"
Sahmara looked at the Yeedai curiously, but also sceptically. "Why are you so interested in Tygara, Mistress Yeedai?"

xxx

There were some murmurs across the table when Lia took her seat. After a brief moment, Shazora rose. "I thank Queen Elpsis and Queen Vondra'Lia for their insightful and frank words. Both shoulder a heavy burden. I won't belabour this panel with an in-depth elaboration of Farzi's internal situation. We rebuild, we progress. Farzi suffered during the war, though our geographic location meant we escaped the worst of Firemane's crimes, unlike some others here." A nod to Elpsis and Lia.

"There are ample opportunities that can be fully harnessed now. Sustainable logging, supervised tourism, fishing, shipping. Trade from Yarkul to the north and vice-versa will inevitably pass by our island. However...however, all this takes place under a dark shadow that looms not only over us, but all free Tygarans. The Eldorai Matriarchy." She paused for a moment.

"The Lady of Tlaxqui has so eloquently described that the Xio are peacefully building homes on Arkas to overcome their lack of dwelling space. I don't begrudge the Eldorai for seeking a new home for their people after the tragic events on their homeworld. But I wonder, if that is all they sought, why did they not colonise Arkas, a world whose islands are still largely devoid of sentient life? Instead they came here. Instead, they and their human mistresses drove almost a million Ajustrans, men, women and children, from their homes. Those who refused were beaten, tortured, shot. Farzi is now home to roughly five hundred thousand Ajustrans, just as we've welcomed Kar'zun and a colony of Vashyada."

"Some would say a million victims is just a grain of sand by the sea. After all, we've proved quite adept at being terrible to each other. But the Eldorai claim to be superior to us, our elder, 'civilised sisters'. So civilised they almost completely exterminated the only other species native to Kaeahana, the Kar'zun. I dare say their actions reveal what they truly think of us. They call us 'Asurans', but what does that word truly mean? It means they consider us inferior. Our goddesses and gods are lesser aspects of Ashira to them at best, heresy at worst. Their Queen spouts platitudes of friendship and sisterhood, but what value do these words have when she could not even be bothered to give even token protection to those Qadiri her minions forced from their homes? The truth of the matter is that her personal beliefs aren't relevant because she will go along with the consensus. Her word is worthless. Those Eldorai leaders who treat us as equals are isolated voices. Farzians, Xio and Zaldrani are obvious targets for Eldorai bullying, but not the only ones."

"But it is not all grim. The Eldorai are still new to this world. For the time being, they have numbers and more advanced technology...but they are stagnant, divided and bereft of true leadership. Their birth rates are low, both for biological reasons and societal stigma. I don't like the Shadow Knights for numerous reasons, but they impose a check on the Star Queen. The Matriarchy's present state of lethargy is a grace period for Tygarans to prepare and catch up. Hence why Farzi's arming itself. We don't want war, we have no delusions about a reclamation of Ajustra or anything that naive. But the only way to safeguard our sovereignty is through deterrence."

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

"Hope is only a cage if it is your only foundation," Calana retorted to Shikoba. "Hope can be blind and naïve, but it can also be tempered and give purpose to one's aims. When I say I hope, I do not mean we should sit and pray for what we wish to happen by magic. No, hope is a belief in better times to come, to expand our ideals and show courage when determining the future. I have not seen as much of the galaxy as some, and perhaps I am naïve, silly even, to think there is a path to a golden future. I know nothing is perfect, but we can at least try…rather than settle for a cynical, grim future…can't we?"



She coughed, realising she'd given a speech.

"Of course, there's a nice place nearby I know." She glanced at Shikoba. "You're…welcome to come as well, if you wish?" she asked hesitantly. She didn't know if the taciturn spiritualist would be much in the mood for her optimism anymore!



Regardless, she led the way down to a tea house on the water near the Spire. This place was made all of timber over the city's metal superstructure, with many hanging plants and flowers. One sitting in there would not know there was a city around save for the distant hum of distant traffic and speech.

As they entered, a young Vash man approached. "Welcome, Priestess. A table? Would your guests care for some tea?"



XXX



Phylis nodded to Tarzar. "Splendid, perhaps when I next visit Farzi we might have a private discussion, hmm?" She pondered his next question. "So far it has been, hmm, positive for the most part. Hmmph, some people have made ignorant comments, or asked foolish questions. I do not mind answering genuine questions, but some are the domain of people seeking to cause trouble or, hmm, imbeciles. I had one person accuse me of being a 'species traitor' and 'going native' when I should be covering human matters. Hmmph!" Phylis looked actually a little put out by this. "But the response from those on Tygara or know it well has been positive, as I hoped. I trust Lady Jai Vahal enjoyed it?"



"I have had inquiries come in for people wishing to visit, and I have forwarded them to the relevant authorities. Not all places are able, or wish, to have outsiders visit at this time. Hmmph, I have firmly dissuaded any who wished to visit the Isle of the Beasts!"



"Hmm, why am I so interested? Well, hmm, I'm a historian and lore seeker in the service of the Jedi Order. I'm not a great warrior, though I can defend myself, and I'm no 'Jedi General'. I came into the attentions of the Kerrigan family many years ago and I became fascinated by Kaeshana, and then Tygara. I'm the only scholar in the galaxy I know of who has made the study of Tygara their focus. An obscure branch of knowledge, but full of surprises none the less! And having learned all the languages and deciphered so many texts I might as well make use of it. I'd hate to have to start again from scratch from somewhere else, hmm."

The Jedi gave a small smile to Sahmara, a chuckle.



XXX



Tylania rose, nodding to Shazora. "My thanks, Lady Jai Vahal, for your words are incisive as always. I also wish to thank you and your people for the hospitality shown to the Vash who have moved to Farzi. Though they are far away from most of your folk, I have heard nothing but positive news of these interactions. Unlike your northern neighbours…" she added meaningfully.



"Your words on the Eldorai are sadly not unique. A good number of my people live in Ajustra on the eastern shore, and though the areas they live in have not been appropriated like the Qadiri, they have been encroached on. Monthly I hear reports, both before and after Firemane, of further settlements, further felling of groves, greater fishing. Treaties are routinely ignored. The people of Talski have taken themselves further into the mountains and high forests, but are feeling pressured."



"For us here in Yarkul, we thankfully escaped much of the devastation of war, though through our efforts we were able to repel what incursions did happen. The more lasting result of this has been ecological damage. Despite my best efforts, Firemane sought to extract all they could from Yarkul, often in secret, and some places are still damaged and will take years or decades to recover."



"We are overseeing an ambitious program of building and expansion of this city and surrounds, with the aim of expanding eco-friendly technologies to everyone. In this we are working with galactic partners who are both more conscious of our goals and are survivors of their own purges by evil forces. The Wookiees, Ithorians and Mon Calamari, supplemented with certain other species are teaching my people how to use technology which does not replace their old ways…but enhances it."



"Yet challenges remain as I am sure you know. Though we face no serious external threat, funding this change is a difficult task. Various measures are being proposed, but we have rejected offers which would destroy too much of our homes, or leave us in debt to a galactic corporation. We all know where that can lead us…."



"The Vashyada are still disunited, scattered…and I have no mind to change that," Tylania said with a small smile. "Greater political unity does not always come with greater freedom. It is not my intent to make the Vash conform to the wills of the galaxy if they do not wish it. Instead, to offer them the opportunities, being mindful of the pitfalls there as well."



"If any of you are interested in meeting the off-world delegates, I would be happy to introduce you." She sat, allowing Hazani to take centre stage if she wished.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

xxx

Shikoba gave Calana an odd look, cocking her head slightly. Without blinking, she just stared at her, as if she was trying to analyse some kind of exotic species. "Very well," she finally said laconically.

Yaritha looked around when they entered the tea house, smiling slightly when she saw the timber and greenery. This looked more like homely. "Herbal tea please," she said politely.
"That is sufficient," the taciturn druidess added.

The three were led to a table and sat down. Yaritha glanced out of the window towards the sea, looking unusually pensive. "If I dared to hope, I would wish that one day Vashyada, Qadiri and Xio could see each other as equals, and not threats or slaves," she said at long last. "I loathed the Xio with every fibre of my being...and I'll grant many deserved it. Then I met Lalax."

xxx

"Oh, she did! She had some comments," Tarzar said with a laugh. "You're an all right sort. It's nice to chat with a human who's not terrible."
"Where are you from, Mistress Yeedai?" Sahmara asked curiously. "Corus-cant?" It was doubtful that the young Qadiri soldier had ever been there, or even left the homeworld.

xxx

Lalax leaned over towards Elpsis, whispering a few words. The human responded quietly, then spoke. "We'd be interested. We've got a lot of ecological damage from Firemane mining operations." The Xioquo priestess gave her flesh hand a gentle squeeze.

Hazani arose. "I thank the Vashyada people for their hospitality. I speak in the name of the High Mistress of the Sistren of the Eternal Flame," she began. "The Sistren faced the human invaders in battle for freedom, just as we marched against them under my mother Sahali Jai Bysara...whilst many who rule on Tygara chose the path of appeasement."

"Our land and our people were scarred. Many brave warriors were martyred. We shall rebuild, and we stand ready to resolutely protect our interests...from threats to the west or the north." To the west could be interpreted as the Amikarese Empire...or Suqua. It was not difficult to infer that to the north could mean the Eldorai.

"At the invitation of Her Holiness the Saoshyant, a force of our warriors shall remain in Krolis to ensure the protection of the holy sites.
Elpsis frowned. "Don't they hate that one?" she whispered to Izana.
"The Sistren do not wish war with any nation that respects the rights and customs of the faithful," Hazani continued. "Alas, the past three months have seen a surge in piracy. It's the doing of Firemane remnants, rogue Xio corsairs and Khaimari raiders. The Sistren intend to create a task force to ensure the safety of the pilgrims' path and trade. Other parties are welcome to join our efforts."

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Calana nodded eagerly. "Exactly. Once we see we are all people, things can happen. Now, there are bad Vash, bad Qadiri, bad Xio. In the past the bad Xio were often in power due to their exclusive powers, but that has changed now. Nobody and nothing is perfect, but improvements are being made. I think our ideas are not too dissimilar, but perhaps mine will take a little longer to accomplish...if at all. Do you plan to return to Tlax, or go to Suqua, or remain here?"

Tea was delivered for all. It was very good quality when left to steep for a while. Calana poured out a measure for her guests first before herself.

"Shikoba, forgive my ignorance if this is a foolish question, but do you see spirits of the departed as well as nature spirits, the spirits of the wild?"

xxx

"Hmm, yes, well, there are a lot of humans in the galaxy. Some, I grant you, are frightful. Others are not bad though. It is just that those who work for enterprises like Firemane are the ambitious, the greedy. Hmmph, probably should have seen that. Well, I did, but I did not realise the harm they were causing."

"Oh, no, hmm. I'm from Naboo. A long way away." The Jedi vaguely gestured, knowing that distances to the Qadiri would not mean anything truly. "A very different world to here. It is more like Naboo here in Yarkul, but a bit warmer. Lots of water, forests, swamps, plains." She sighed slightly. "It is a world where humans settled many thousands of years ago, sometimes cooperating, sometimes fighting the native Gungans. My home has been fought over many times, but is currently free. I do not even know who is currently ruler of Naboo...it seems to change so often. I think a young Queen named Inara. We have a habit of electing young queens for some reason. I wonder what she even rules now, with so much ruin and destruction having been visited on my home." The Jedi looked a little melencholy for a moment before looking back. "But, hmm, Naboo is well studied, and Tygara is not. So that is why I am here."

xxx

Lia rose. "I know of these pirates and corsairs," she said. "There are several wanted individuals from our justice who we believe to have joined with them. We will send information to you with what we know. We do not have much more we can do to aid currently, but this information may help you." Once, Xio and Khaimari working together would have been laughable, but circumstances made the last pirates enemies of convenience in a world now empowered against them.
Lia sat.

Tylania waited to see if any others had offers on that before moving the conversation forward more.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Yaritha looked a bit uncertain. "I've...yet to decide. I was helping our kin get settled in Tlax. Not all wanted to leave. They'd made connections, friends...and more despite all the darkness. Like me, I suppose. I wanted to show Lalax my home. Then the war came and I fought. Now it's all in flux. Lalax has to split her time between Suqua and Tlax, but I don't think she wants to do that forever. We're going to take a few days to talk about what we want." Tea was delivered, and the three savoured its taste. It was well made. "Now that's one thing I missed during the war, I'll say. Proper tea. You wouldn't believe the stuff we had to drink back then," Yaritha said with a chuckle.

Shikoba's eyes seemed to close, and when they opened they were a startling white with no iris or pupil. Yaritha looked deeply unnerved. Shikoba's voice was distant, remote. "I see dead people, priestess. I see those who have not passed on to the otherworlds. I see the spirits of this place, the essence of the swirling power. Some are bodied, some not, some are the echoes of former strength, some are brazen and untempered. I see them in this room, some cry for justice for sins long forgotten on foes lost to time. Some wait for that which will never come. Some swim betwixt worlds, and their destination is never a straight path. And some are ancient powers, ones which predate the Vash, that remember the ancient creators they speak not of. And some, Priestess, have been here since the dawning of the world, and pay no more heed to us, than you might to the rushing ants in a distant tree. I see them all...and they see me. Sometimes...they speak."

"What...do they say?" Yaritha asked, uncertain.
"They speak of woe and torment. They ask for a last message to be delivered to their loved ones...who themselves may well have perished ages ago. Thus speak those who are still lucid, those I can still understand."
"And...the ancients?"
"Forbidden words. Eldritch tongues that would be the ruination of an unprepared mind."

xxx

Sahmara looked deeply puzzled. "You elect a child as queen? I do not think this is wise, as a child is prey to regents and greedy councillors."
"You have the right of it," Tarzar said in affirmation. "I feel sorry for a child thrust into such a position. You have my sympathies for the destruction that has been visited upon your world," he said empathically. "I would know more of these...Gungans. Is there much strife? Do they have their own lands? Do they look very different from humans?"

xxx

"Farzi has its own history with the Khaimari raiders," Shazora spoke, her voice laced with uncharacteristic disdain. "Firemane, in its greed, empowered those of them who were quick to bend the knee. I suppose having servitors who enjoyed holding the whip suited them. We'd be amneable to offering basing rights for the duration of the campaign. "Joint patrols, too."
"That's agreeable," Hazani spoke. "We can discuss the technicalities in a more private venue."
Mahsa said nothing, but smiled thinly.
"Perhaps we can use this as a springboard for cooperation against other hostile parties," Shazora suggested vaguely.
"Maybe." Hazani said, not agreeing but also not turning down the offer. "It seems like a good test."

Elpsis looked thoughtful for a moment, before she finally rose. "We can't spare much. Our own borders demand our full attention. But we can provide some soldiers to assist in the sweep, in return for payment."
"We can provide a base fee, and they can take their fair share of the spoils. Under our command, of course."
"Of course." Elpsis locked eyes with Hazani.

Lalax cleared her throat. "Sister Alpsis, I know of many our sisters who would wish to join this holy war against the slavers and raiders. Many who suffered at their hands when the Mistresses reigned still seek for justice and wish to have this tempered in battle against them!"
Xalda raised her hand in affirmation. "I seek to wet my blade with their blood."
"There is a priestess of Nanshe I know of who has great skill in navigating seas. Fareshteh Jai Nanshe," Izana said. "She is providing aid to the needy but could be recalled by the Temple."
"Good, good," Elpsis nodded, then an idea came to her. "Priestess, wasn't there a priestess of Nanshe who's offended her sisters a bit?"
Izana frowned. "Neshat, yes, she speaks blasphemy."
"Well, no better way to show her good intentions than by fighting pirates. Anyway, the campaign details are best left to strategic discussions after the conference. Moving on."