Private Ancestral Shadows

[Makai Dashiell]

"An excellent plan. One I agree with, I am unsure if I would release this algae on just any planet. I would like to build it at our cost with your oversight. At our cost because of the experimental nature. Sinking credits into the initial set-up for it not to work or need massive overhaul seems possible in a pivot, I'd rather bear the burden. Simply because this is one experiment that will continue to benefit Aina in the future."

With that clarified, it seemed Alpsis was interested in touring the mines and ores herself. Not impossible, many passages were already naturally open. He could explain in detail where veins were or they could easily bring portable maps to give ideas. Although this was a first for him. A first for a client to actually want to see the mine first hand. Most governments and places were very disinterested in the entire process. So long as the credits from their cut came their way.

"Of course. This facility is connected to one of the caverns. I can bring the maps with us to show where the proposed lines of expansions are based on where veins are. I can also so you examples of what a finished tunnel system looks like."

Elpsis Kerrigan

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

Alpsal looked momentarily surprised when Makai made the offer to construct the facility at his own cost. A momentary break to her stoic facade, albeit brief. "I appreciate that a lot. We can work with this," she said firmly. Zabhara pushed the agenda along, clearly wanting to inspect the mine herself, and Alpsal couldn't help agree with her...wife. So she was on her feet, amidst a whirr of mechanical servos. "Lead the way."

"The maps would be appreciated," Navandra Jai Suqua added. She picked up her small notebook, where she had already been making plenty of notes during the back and forth a moment ago.

"I wish to witness safety measures," Karrigan'Narzan declared in halting and accented Basic. Of course, a worker's representative and a Xioquo one at that, who had experienced the lashes of cruel mistresses both Xio and human, would be interested in that. Izana followed placidly, hands folded behind her back.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"Each of you have the maps from the beginning of the presentation. I'll bring along the same to make annotations that will be available. There may be ideas we come across during the tour. Please come along and watch your step as you do so."

Leading the group out of the conference room, it was only a short walk to the entrance of the small experimental tunnel. The group was to stop and put on hard-hats for their safety. Makai knew it wasn't an active site but the entire point was to ensure the group was at ease. Plus, there was the potential for insurance nightmare if one of them actually did get injured.

A small hiss and the tunnel was revealed.

Covered in duracrete, the tunnel was massively tall. Surprisingly the space was clean and well lit. Scaffolding in place remained as progress further down the tunnel had slowed. For now, this space was merely for show-and-tell it seemed. Makai walked backwards, facing the group as they moved further in so everyone can get a look.

"This is the tunneling space. Reinforced with a proprietary grid system and blown-in duracrete. Obviously this is a larger tunnel due to the fact it is a main throughfare. Smaller branches are never this impressive yet they all are built with the same grid reinforcement and duracrete. Costs are higher initially but we save credits on the backend via insurance and quicker mining times. Less chance of collapse, more stable given any environment. "


Elpsis Kerrigan

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

When the hard-hats were handed out, Karrigan'Narzan looked a bit sceptical, frowning. As a helmet it seemed a bit...inadequate to him. The colour was far too bright. Shaking his head, he nonetheless put it on and followed the others, taking careful note of their surroundings as the half-Galan launched into a detailed elaboration of the tunnel system.

Alpsal glanced at Karrigan'Narzan. "Brother, thoughts?" she asked crisply.
"Tunnel construction's sound. Firm," the Xio male commented laconically.
"His people live underground, so take that as high praise," she told Makai.
"I don't praise, I speak facts. Some pleasant, many not," Narzan retorted.

"'Tis cleaner than I'm accustomed to," Navandra Jai Suqua spoke up. Doubtless she was used to mines being incredibly narrow, dirty and dangerous. "The lighting is better as well. I would like to examine the grid design."

"I assume your geologists are aware that these mountains are on a fault line. When there's an earthquake, will the grid be able to sustain this tunnel?" Zabhara asked. Her tone was not unkind, but firm as the rock they walked beneath.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

With the revelation that Narzan and his people lived underground, Makai's eyes immediately lit up. Anything involving geological marvels - including living underground - always caught his attention. Underground living was wise for multiple reasons. Little weather worries, consistent temperature and humidity, excellent coverage if enemies were an issue.

"Really? I would love to hear more then. Perhaps you have pointers that will make time underground more palatable for those not used to it. We can speak later if ideas come to you, I would appreciate it."

Makai moved towards the unfinished portion of the entrance. Duracrete had not been blown in yet, raw flexible mesh was on the wall. Beyond that was raw rock, akin to many more primitive mining sites he had come across in the past. Some that were still in use now. It certainly increased profits but in his opinion not long-term viably.

"Take a look, its a woven proprietary polymer system. On its own its not available to hold back an earthquake. Maybe a small cave-in. Once the duracrete is blown in, it bonds to the woven polymer grid. It should withstand earthquakes but I would ensure there is some inspection system in place post-earthquakes. Preferably a local who is familiar with the strength of these earthquakes and can judge the aftermath to past quakes."

Locals would be the only one who could judge damage adequately.

"Plus there would be cave-in rooms off the tunnels so there would be safe places in the event of a cave-in. Those are fairly common in any mining system. Nothing is guaranteed. It will be safe as possible but mining is dangerous. There is still the potential of injury and death."

Elpsis Kerrigan

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

Karrigan'Narzan glanced towards Makai, looking him right in the eye. "I would like this," the Xioquo said at last, suddenly looking very enthusiastic. His accent was thick when he spoke. "Many ideas brim in my head. My people would favour living underground if possible. If not in the mine workings, then underground in the land outside. Dwellings can be dug in the bedrock. Key thing is, living underground doesn't mean it has to be dark, dirty and squalid. Sanitation is most important, you see! Never let the shit accumulate in pits, it poisons the water. Right way is to burn it and push the smoke through high chimneys in the mountainside with bellows! Excacating them is arduous, yes, but tunnels are far more durable than free standing buildings on the surface. I have a notion for how to arrange sleeping areas-"

Alpsal raised her metal hand. "You two can have a one-on-one session later and nerd out about underground living, okay?" she suggested wryly.
"'Nerd'?" Narzan gave her a puzzled look. "I am not familiar."
"Give him a breather before you give him the full speech."
Narzan looked a bit deflated, but nodded. "That is fine. I shall pen my ideas." He glanced across the tunnel section they were in. "There's always risk of someone getting hurt in the mines," he admitted, looking sombre. "But prevention and training is key to reducing it."

Navandra Jai Suqua bit her lip. "In the olden days, a slave who lived a year in the mines was called blessed and accursed. Blessed because they lived, cursed because they had endured for so long and there was no end in sight." She and Narzan shared a knowing look.

For her part, Zabhara was examining the flexible mesh on the wall Makai had indicated. "Your polymer ought to suffice, unless there's a great quake. Like the one on Mount Arash."
"Lived through one?" Alpsal asked.
Zabhara shook her head. "My mother did. In our tongue, our tribe calls it the Great Maw that swallowed the mountain. It shook Mount Arash apart, leaving small fissures in its wake."

"Its effects were felt far and wide," Izana Jai Azali spoke up, looking thoughtful. "Many tribes had to migrate, many lives were lost. Suqua was all but razed. There has not been a quake on that scale for many moons, but it pays to be prepared. This 'dura-crete' of yours, how do you hold it in place? It is wet when it is put in? Is there a mould which stays in place until the material is dry?" the priestess asked curiously.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Elpsis Kerrigan

"Oh, how would you arrange sleeping areas? I feel a dormitory underground for workers..."

Makai tried not to look disappointed when the talk of living underground was brought to a halt. If Myra Arceneau Dashiell was here, no doubt she would be rolling her eyes, agreeing with Elpsis that there was entirely too much talk of caverns and how to live properly underground. In his eyes, there was never enough geological talk.

"I am not sure the reinforced mesh would survive a quake of such magnitude. To be fair, it does not sound as if much would. Much smaller events I feel more confident the structures will be stable."

Moving towards duracrete, he did his best to describe the process.

"Duracrete is nothing special. A specialized sand, more sand, gravel and water. It creates a semi-solid that can be sent through pumps and sprayed while it hardens. The design of the mesh really allows for the duracrete to bond easily to the natural cavern stone and the mesh itself. Some reinforce with metal rods or metal fencing. It can depend on the application."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

"I have plans on hand. Can reveal later," Karrigan'Narzan, who was himself a bit disappointed about being so rudely interrupted, told the half-Galan. The Azalian priestess acknowledged Makai's description of the duracrete with a pleased nod.

"I'm quite curious about your mesh. It sounds to me like we could use it to better protect other underground facilities and dwellings. Or areas that have been tunnelled into a mountain. It's as unfortunate as it is predictable that Firemane's defeat hasn't ended all of Suqua's troubles. Today's relative peace isn't going to last, so this would be useful," Zabhara said, with a glance towards Alpsal.

"It would be," Alpsal spoke grimly, her jaw clenched. Peace was an interval before the next conflict, this she knew. Life was struggle. "I need to introduce you to one of the Kar'zun. Stone people, basically. They and Narzan's people live underground, in mountains and so on. Both were really helpful during the war. Firemane would bomb any town that resisted, herd civilians into camps. So...they had to flee into the mountains." A dark shadow seemed to pass over Alpsal's face, and she turned away. "You three can exchange engineering ideas when there's time."

"Is there anything to see in the mining face?" Navandra Jai Suqua said thoughtfully, referencing the area where the processing would happen once the facility was operational and actually had staff and workers. "I reckon you're not going to use picks and shovels," she commented. That had been the usual Qadiri way of mining.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"I'm excited to view those plans."

Finally, someone excited about geology on this trip. Not that he wasn't enjoying being scrutinized by various Priestesses who were skeptical of his every move. The distant Hapan in him let it roll off his back and thought it wise to continue with business. It was the purpose of the trip, to see if the locals would allow him to continue. So far progress was slow, but incremental. It was more than he could have hoped for at this point.

"I have some rolls of the mesh laying about. I can supply a rudimentary recipe for making duracrete on any planet, no special equipment needed. If you wanted to experiment on a small scale with the product."

Makai shook his head, unable to complete the request to move to the mining processing area.

"It has not been complete. We wanted to continue but realized there would be issues potentially with the local population. There was no sense in completing this project without getting a go-ahead and some arrangement in place - such as sharing a percentage of the profits in exchange for mining rights. If that wasn't to be secured, this would be turned into an outpost or waypoint for other projects in the area."

No need to sink credits in places where he wouldn't be allowed to work in some from or fashion.

"Mining processing would happen in a vast space like this. Some automatic with drills and droids and machinery. Some by hand. I've often found a mixture of both is most efficient without breaking down a workforce. By hand - picks and shovels - would age anyone quickly."

On one hand, he was concerned about locals. On the other, it was pure business sense. Using droids and machines plus sentient labor only extended the amount of time a sentient could work at an optimal pace. By hand would lead to a host of arthritic issues.

"You're more than welcome to tour any of my facilities off world to get an idea."

Elpsis Kerrigan

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

"The labourers aged fast, and saw little of life in the olden days. It was a profession for slaves for a reason," Navandra Jai Suqua said frankly. "The practice was abolished years ago. But for centuries they were the lowest among the slaves. Their only hope was that their owner would free them or they'd somehow scrounge up enough funds to buy their freedom, but there was scant chance of that for a mine labourer. Unlike a mamluk," she said with a nod towards Zabhara.

A Mamluk was an unfree soldier employed by various rulers of Tygara for many centuries. They were essentially slave soldiers, but usually better treated than labouring or house slaves. However, they had been used in battles frequently.
"We were an investment," Zabhara said flatly. "But there was always 'more of them'."

"Investments were treated more carefully," Navandra commented.
"And we were sent to die in battle, what is your point?" Zabhara retorted frostily.
"Enough," Alpsal said firmly. "Not the time or place."
"Agreed," Zabhara spoke. With a haughty expression, she examined the mesh, getting a feel for it in her hands. Evidently pleased with the design, she glanced towards Makai. "I'm interested in the recipe for the dura-crete, thank you for the offer."

"I have seen some of these dr-oids you speak of," priestess Izana Jai Azali spoke. "These metal machines have their purposes. But sky people who came here in the past used them to displace native workers so they could force them to toil in even more wretched conditions. I presume this shall not happen here, for it cannot be allowed."
"Indeed," the geology enthusiast Karrigan'Narzan said laconically.
"Their utility shouldn't be dismissed either," Navandra pointed out matter-of-factly.

"The majority of the workforce's going to be organic," Alpsal said, voice firm as rock. "But with better tools than a pickaxe. Tools we shall set up workshops to make. Droids are best restricted to roles that are very dangerous because they're better equipped to handle environmental hazards or where you need someone to make advanced calculations. That's a sensible balance that utilises their skills best and doesn't leave a worker on the streets because their job got automated away." That, and they also simply lacked the industrial base to manufacture droids in large numbers. Becoming dependent on an offworld supplier flew in the face of the new regime's tenets. "Anyway, is there anything else to see in this facility?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"I agree, I've always preferred a balance of droid work and organic work. I suggest leaving the droids to the heavy lifting as well, as mentioned the workers won't age as fast. Droids, even with advanced sensors, still have issues deciphering certain minerals. Sentient labor is often much quicker and can pivot easily between tasks. Decision making is important."

From the looks of it, things were solidifying. There would be more discussions along the way and small tweaks to the decisions made today. Makai was confident sharing of the mineral rights was beneficial, it gave a foothold in the area with the potential for more work. Importantly it also allowed for Tygara to reshape its own future.

"There is nothing more to see. There is about it.....oh, there's a hangar bay but its a large open area. Eventually we will need to talk on where we can make a landing pad for the mining vessels - even if its just gravel. I will let your people decide on placement and potential impacts. "

Hands slid into his pockets.

"Anything I should know?"

Elpsis Kerrigan

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

"I imagine there's going to be an exercise room? The workers and staff can share with the guards. It's important the staff sets an example and uses it as well. A bloated sloth with a beer gut isn't fit to lead," Alpsal's words were laced with disdain. "All the food offered to the workers should be locally sourced. No McYoda's garbage." The company was banned in Suqua for, among other crimes, food code violations, and bulldozing threatened animal habitats for beef production.

"Arrangements will be made with nearby villages, Mirza," Navandra Jai Suqua assured her, making a note. That would hopefully also incentivise the mining staff to take care of their waste in a sustainable fashion in order to avoid arousing the ire of the people providing them with food.

"Good. Think we're done here. You'll hear from the people we've got in mind for staff and security," Alpsal spoke, then Karrigan'Narzan cleared his throat, and she suppressed a sigh, "and, yes, you can two can nerd out about geology."
"Thank you," the Xioquo male said laconically.

"How long are you staying anyway, Makai? Fancy a trip to Suqua?" Granted, the capital was far from a tourist attraction at present. The war had wrought devastation upon the city, and so reconstruction was still ongoing.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai wasn't sure what business outsourced their food to McYoda's. Obviously it had happened to the point where Elpsis Kerrigan felt the need to make a note of it. Given how far out they were, local foodstuffs seemed best to begin with. Makai had never been a fan of ration bars and the like except under extreme circumstances. So he merely nodded in agreement, not wanting to open up an entirely different discussion about McYoda's a corporate food conglomerates.

"I can stay a little while longer."

Did he ever visit Suqua? Difficult to tell and he certainly didn't remember the names of the cities from his ill-fated surfing trip. Turns out he had been in the middle of a war - just his luck.

"Lead the way and I'll be happy to join, might even be able to squeeze in a little geology talk."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

"All you want to talk about is geology?" Alpsal mock huffed.
"Very interesting subject. Important as well," Karrigan'Narzan opined. "You led the war from a base below a mountain. So one might say you owe your success, in part, to having geologists."
"Not how I'd put it, but fair."

In any event when the group made their way out of the mining facility, they would find that the Suquan guards had successfully managed to herd the Yazgid away from the workers. Doubtless the Aina Holdings staff appreciated this. At present, the huge lizard beasts were sinking their dagger-like teeth into some nice, bloody meat the guards had presented them with.

"Little time has passed since Firemane and its lackeys razed most of Suqua. Not everyone is going to be welcoming. No harm will come to you, you're under our protection. But many locals will be suspicious, resentful. Preciously few outsiders have been deserving of trust," Zabhara informed Makai as they stepped out.

Taking note that her mistress had returned, Mirza, the largest of the Yazgid, raised her head from her meal, hissing in acknowledgement. Her very long and sharp teeth were quite bloody. Her yellow eyes seemed to gleam. "Fancy a ride on Mirza with me, Makai?" Alpsal asked him, pointing at her mount. A Yazgid matriarch could grow pretty big, and so carrying two normal-sized humanoids would not put too much strain on her.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"Geology can win wars. See? I'm glad someone feels it equally important. You should try convincing my wife sometime."

He wasn't going to let geology talk consume the trip though. One, only Narzan was interested. Two, he imagined the trip into 'town' would be filled with important backstory. Backstory that would be critical to ensuring his mining operations would be successful. Given it seemed Elpsis would be ensuring a hand in his operations each step of the way.

"I don't expect anyone to trust me but duly noted. Thank you for the warning."

As they approached the large creature it hissed. Maybe in greeting. Maybe in warning due to the food. The half-Galan paused a moment but Elspis kept moving so he did as well. Reaching Mizra's side he carefully patted the large creature, trying to reassure it he was friend and not foe. The offer of a ride together was great, allowing the pair to catch up on a more intimate level.

"Of course, I'd love to."

He moved near the saddle, making a little basket with his hands as he interlaced his fingers. A sign for Elpsis to put her foot in so he could boost her up and help her on the mount.

Elpsis Kerrigan​

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

When Makai patted Mirza, the large Yazgid's head turned on her long neck to him, and one venomous eye narrowed slightly. She licked her teeth, then looked away with a snort. Alpsal had been watching every movement very carefully and made sure to stand at Makai's side when he approached Mirza. "A Yazgid never domesticates fully like a kath hound. A kath hound will protect your kids like their own pups if they've been properly trained and know them. You wouldn't leave the kiddos around a Yaz," she told him.

With slow, deliberate movements, she put her foot on the little 'basket' Makai had formed and with the push from him climbed on top of Mirza. She quite deliberately did so with her flesh and blood leg since the mechanical one would have made the whole motion deeply uncomfortable for him. Having settled on top of Mirza's back, she offered him her hand. "Mirza's not going to eat you now because I'm here and she's just fed."

Zabhara, meanwhile, approached and mounted her own Yazgid, her armour creaking with every step. Her Yazgid was called Zarik and was a bit smaller, but older than Mirza, with some big scars down one flank. "My wife has become a half-decent Yazgid rider," she commented.
"For a human?" Alpsas asked rhetorically.
"You're not going to win any archery competitions on Yazgid-back, but she hasn't bitten your hand off."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"I think kids might run away screaming from a Yaz."

Makai chuckled as he boosted her up, giving a leg up. He wasn't sure if it was protocol or something she should do on her own, but no one said anything. If Elpsis Kerrigan was their leader, or co-leader, then Makai would suspect it was a show of reverence or humility before a ruler. Instead of assuming or letting her struggle.

Placing a foot in the stirrup, he grabbed her hand and joined Elpsis on the Yaz, sitting behind her. Suit jacket was adjusted slightly as he looked around from his perch.

"Don't bring Phoebe along for a ride, noted."

Zabhara soon pulled up next to them on her own mount, ribbing Elpsis about the beast. Apparently they had the inclination to chew off the limbs of the locals. Or their 'owners' although it was becoming clear to him one could truly ever own a Yazgid.

"Given her eyesight, I doubt she'd win any contests standing or on mount."

A risky joke, but still, it was worth making.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

From her own mount, Izana Jai Azali shot Makai a most cross look. "You would do well not to unwisely insult your host, offworlder, she can perceive you well enough to immolate you if she chooses," the priestess informed him sternly, her Zandri accent thick.

"It's just a joke," Alpsal brushed off the comment. "Who's Phoebe?" For her part, Mirza hissed commands at the other Yazgids to get them going, which they did soon enough with some grumbling. The 'matriarch' of the pack trotted across the mountainous terrain. For a being that large, she was quite quick on her feet, but careful. After all, undue haste could easily lead to an unpleasant fall. Narzan had donned his cloak and his features were obscured by sunglasses, though fortunately the sun was less of an issue now than it had been during their arrival.

At the back of the troop lay the mountains, leading down a rocky scrub. From their vantage point high up in the mountains, Makai would be abe to see a broader scrub. They would see a great river and badlands plains stretching from the horizon. The plains alone stretched for hundreds of miles. A river descended from the cataracts of the mountains, forming a green ribbon along the plain with fields, oases and small settlements. Several of those settlements, of course, bore the scars of war.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai thought of being set on fire by Elpsis Kerrigan .Easy, he supposed, and he was aware she 'saw' with the Force. Or something similar. Not having the Force he just had to kind of guess as to what happened on that front. Elpsis didn't seem overly worried about the joke so he brushed it off as little concern. Given Elpsis was their leader ,the group would naturally feel some type of way.

"Phoebe is my daughter."

The Yaz they were riding on seemed reluctant to go. Or move quickly. Again, if Elpsis mentioned they were only trained so far due to their nature, then it made sense the creatures moved at their own pace. A small bit of respect that the actual animal is in charge and this was merely part of the journey. A beautiful journey too, the lands stretched out far and wide, untouched by development.

From their perch in the mountains, several villages could be made out, ones scarred by war. Even the landscape was marred, lasers or some type of bomb by the looks of it. In true fashion with nature, vegetation was already growing in these marred sections, trying to reclaim the land.

"I've noticed little in the way of technology. This is by design or because there are no resources for anything better? I am aware what Firemane brought, for the worse...A rejection of what went too far to begin with?"

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

"Twenty years ago these villages were as advanced as anywhere in Suqua, before the sky people came," Zabhara remarked a bit caustically. "The sky people only 'developed' the land insofar as it made it easier for them to strip it of its resources. Easier to hold onto power if the people think your technology is magic and stare at you in awe."

"Worked out well for a while. Wine flowed from fountains," Alpsal said in a tone laced with bitterness. "Until...it didn't." Her lips curled into a thin smile that could only be described as feral. "All that wealth, all the privilege, made them soft. They didn't earn any of it through struggle, so it made them weak. And now their sky-palaces are ruins. These people here and in a hundred villages like it, they may look like nothing, they may not have electricity or speeders, they may think spaceships are magic, but they won the war."

"The land will develop, advance with the times as some would say," Izana Jai Azali spoke up as her Yazgid mount trotted towards the pair. The priestess' cloak billowed in the wind. "But in a fashion that doesn't spit upon our culture, and make a mockery of our traditions. Without them, we're left to be drifting sand in the wind, rooted in nothing and with no cause to drive us."

Eventually, as they descended down the mountain, the group would pass through one of the villages Makai had spotted from on-high. The houses and most other buildings were made of mudbricks. Only the grainery and a small temple were made of stone. There were no speeders, though Makai would see a plastic water tank and a leaky pump. From a wooden watchtower, a sharpshooter armed with slugthrower rifle scanned the horizon. The militia that guarded the outskirts of the village was armed with a hodgepodge of weapons - spears, bows, muskets, with the occasional slug gun or blaster.

As they heard the commotion, people came out to see the interlopers. Smelling newcomers, Mirza sniffed, but plodded onward. Some of the Yaz bearing the party gave small hisses if people got too close. Catching sight of Makai, a Qadiri woman spat on the ground, no doubt thinking he was human. "The Yaz needs a meal!" another Qadiri called out in Zandri, though no one made any move to make good on that idea. A scarred Qadiri male veteran who was missing his right arm gave Alpsal a salute.