Private Ancestral Shadows

[Makai Dashiell]

"I think that is a fair assessment. I figured it had something to do with Firemane, as most problems on this planet can be sourced back to that cause." Makai paused his speaking to survey the land. Had he been on Tygara before? No, he was certain that was Kaeshanna during his surfing adventure gone awry. "If I had to estimate, perhaps two generations of work ahead. Depending on how the locals feel and what revenue could be brought to the planet."

He could see the vision if the locals took control of the entire process. Leasing for mining rights, as he was doing. Responsible hunting excursions for wealthy off worlders. The building and then leasing of a massive space station in orbit. Manufacturing of various items. It just depended on what types of industry they wanted to leverage to their advantage. Many companies wouldn't want to give up large chunks of control but others would - such as forestry - just to get on the ground floor.

As they entered the more populated areas, Makai leaned in closer as their Yaz lumbered along.

"Something tells me I'm not popular with the locals." A pause and wry grin. He was now teasing her once again much as a little brother would. "Feel free to slap me as needed to assert dominance, don't want you to look bad in front of all your friends."

Elpsis Kerrigan​

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

Alpsas chuckled slightly. "They know if you are here riding on my Yaz that you are worth keeping alive...or they know you'd be dead right now," she remarked. Raising her metal hand, she returned the salute the one-armed Qadiri veteran had given her. "Goddess' blessing on you and your clan, Qobad Jal Panahal," she called out in Zandri.

"Our boat awaits us at the docks. From there we must sail down the Mehran," Zabhara spoke, mainly for Makai's benefit so that he was not in the dark about their means of transportation, "there's enough room for the Yaz and we're stocked with provisions, though I wouldn't approach them on your lonesome if I were you," she informed him matter-of-factly. "We shall have to make a stop on the way so that they get the chance to hunt. Too much time spent idle vexes them."

As they passed through the more populated area of the settlement, Makai would be able to catch an initial glimpse of the boat. It was a large sailship with a long, thin hull, and clearly built to carry a heavy load of cargo or personnel. In contrast to the typical sailship, it had triangular sails and two masts. Smaller boats could be made out as well. Locals were loading up or unloading cargo, hawking their wares, and engaging in other activities.

As they approached the vessel, Zabhara wasted no time, and began barking commands. "Get the Yaz into the hold, make sure they're muzzled," she ordered the guards and assembled crew, who had brought some Yazgid handlers with them, sternly. Mirza hissed in irritation, displaying the multitude of very sharp teeth in her mouth. Alpsal petted her head. "It's just for a short while, you'll soon get some game to sink your teeth in, Queenie. Maybe even some stray humans," she said in Zandri.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Alpsas chuckled slightly. "They know if you are here riding on my Yaz that you are worth keeping alive...or they know you'd be dead right now,"

"I could be the honored prisoner. A grand warrior you knocked down in his prime and will be publicly executed. You keep diminishing my importance, beginning to wonder if you hate me."

Mind you, this grand warrior was in a suit and tie. Although he didn't expect to be taken on a massive journey. If he knew they were going far he would have just suggested taking one of the Aina Holdings vessels. Even the beasts could have fit in the cargo hold. Given how they felt about 'sky people' though it may be wise they went this route. When it came time to get picked up he would call the vessel to pick him up.

Very carefully getting off the Yaz, he held his hand out to Elpsis Kerrigan to take should she want to in assistance down.

"I have a sailboat but it is nothing like this. It runs off the wind only? How many crew aboard to handle the sails? How long did it take to build? It looks to be made out of a true labor of love, definitely a skilled shipwright was in charge. I can't wait to see more of the deck."

Clearly he had found something else to 'nerd out' on.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

"I've got to see to the sails. Talk to you later," Alpsal declared. "Navandra, can you handle this?"
"Yes, Mirza."
"What does the sky-devil say?" the Captain asked suspiciously in Zandri. A Qadiri male, his hair was starting to grey, but he was strong. He had a tough, weatherbeaten face and wore a turban, trousers and a tunic.
"He is asking about your vessel," Vizier Navandra Jai Suqua replied in a clipped tone. She related Makai's words.
The Captain snorted. "It is no sky-ship, but it is a good vessel. My family has made ships for the Mirza for seven generations. Tell them we have oars to go up the river, sails to come back down, twelve crew to handle the ship, and it took two seasons to make by hand. I placed the keel by hand, and I affixed the figurehead too. Let him see the rest, though mind he does not go below deck. The Yaz are muzzled but they could still kick out his belly if he got close." The Vizier faithfully translated his words into Basic.

While Makai was satisfying his curiosity, Alpsal was making herself useful by helping hoist the sail. This was, needless to say, not really a task for a Mirza. But she felt like it. She was not decadent, not a degenerate. Not like Siobhan, not like Tegaea. She near seamlessly joined the crew, hauling a heavy rope which ran through a pulley. One of the crew shouted orders, and she, the Mirza, followed them without complaint. No one seemed to treat this as odd. The work was a strain, and sweat dripped down her face, her muscles bulging. But it was honest work.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"Two seasons? That time frame is impressive."

He ignored the other translations of getting killed. Being aware he wasn't exactly the favorite or welcome was fine and he had zero intent of going anywhere near a Yaz. His type of animals were Loth-cats, not giant lizards one rode around on - not that they weren't fascinating. Just something he was going to go up and willingly pet.

Makai felt a little left out he didn't get to hoist the sails but this seemed more something one required knowledge of the local language. He knew by experience communication and teamwork were key in these situations - he had been on the sailing team in university. Plus it was a personal hobby of his since he was a young boy.

So he moved to the aft and watched the entire process, head craned up to watch the mast and sails.

Elpsis Kerrigan​

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

Makai did not remain at the aft alone for long. After discussing some matters with the Captain, Zabhara headed over to him. She walked with the air of someone who had spent her life commanding men and women at arms, her armour creaking with every step. Tall, strong and heavily muscled, she had the physique of a wrestler or boxer. Older than Alpsal, she was the Qadiri equivalent of middle age. Not far removed from Siobhan before the latter's very unlamented and humiliating demise. Similar to Alpsal, her black hair was pulled back into a tight, single braid.

Her brown eyes darted towards Alpsal, who was still busy working with the crew getting the ship prepared for departure. "My wife does have a flair for the dramatic, doesn't she? What do you think about the Mirza hauling ropes and behaving like a common crewer?" her own tone was neutral, giving little indication as to what she actually thought. As the ship began to set sail, and departed the docks, it would pass by some fields, where Makai would see lots of people busy toiling, sowing the fields.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Head was craned up, focused on the work going on before him. It wasn't until he heard the groaning and squeaking of armor did he truly focus his attention back to the happenings on deck. In front of him was Zabhara, coming to speak to him. The half-Galan was mildly surprised, not expecting the woman to mingle with the likes of him. He didn't take the treatment personally, knowing there was more at play than what could be learned in a single day.

"She's been dramatic since I've known her, yes."

Introduced when he was still a boy, when Firemane had been the security force for Salacia Consolidated.

"I feel it is fine for the Mizra to be involved. It is no different than say....a King going into battle...or a King sending his sons to battle with the common army. A psychological necessity to forge bonds and inspire patriotism in the homeland. For the leader to be seen as one of the people. I only admit I'm a little jealous I didn't get the chance to join. Maybe on the return trip."

Elpsis Kerrigan ​

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

Zabhara looked thoughtful at the half-Galan's words while the village and the docks faded away behind them. "A leader cannot be soft and flabby. Certainly not here. The desert takes the weak. A leader must be prepared to defend what is hers, with sword in hand. But nor must anyone forget who commands. Otherwise every vassal, every mistress, every officer will think it is they. Of course, some might say my motives aren't that pure either," she chuckled at that.

"If it were me, I'd direct the crew, taking a hand where absolutely needed, and otherwise command, with the counsel of the navigator and the master of the ship. But then I'm a salt of the earth Suquan. I was a mamluk, a slave-soldier. I share their blood, I know their struggles. I have nothing to prove in that regard. She is a human, and the Tyrants' daughter at that. It is a thing she will confront head-on, time and again."

"You've known her for a long time, I take it?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Turning his gaze away from Elpsis Kerrigan , attention was on the horizon as they pulled out of port. Splendid landscape which was best seen at these types of speeds and angles. Unfortunately the landscape had some recent terrible history and hard truths, but like anything in the 'verse with enough time and care things would eventually bounce back.

"Proving herself will keep her on her toes though. Senses sharp. Maybe that is what the planet needs."

Makai couldn't be certain - he never had to rule a planet or people. Didn't want to. Although running a company was somewhat similar in many ways it was also inherently different. It was easy to switch jobs and find somewhere else to go. Moving? Living and making a life? That was tricky and expensive. People became tied to where they lived.

"I've known her since I was a young boy. Her parents company was contracted by my father to provide security for our company. At one point even a joint facility. Times were much different then. Much we didn't know either. Not until recently and by then we were no longer conducting business. More concern with their looks than securing our employees."