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 dark-haired Qadiri male, he was well-built and 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."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

Privately Zabhara doubted that this outsider and his father had been as ignorant of Siobhan and Tegaea's practices as he claimed. She also didn't care. She was no moralist. As a warlord, she had been a slaveowner like anyone on Tygara. What she loathed about the Firemane duo was not their lack of morals, but their arrogance, their moronic, narrow-minded bigotry and openly displayed contempt for her people's customs and traditions. For all their power and technology, they had been weak. Slaves to their urges.

"When the sky people descended from the stars, many at first hailed them as heroes who drove away the slavers and would build a new order of plenty and freedom. It didn't take long for the veil to be lifted. They thought the 'sand babies' and 'darklings' could never challenge them. So why bother make much of an effort to hide their true nature? Siobhan, tyrant that she was, was respected for a time for her prowess. But her consort? Her viziers? Pfft. Never."

xxx

Time passed, Zabhara eventually left to handle some matters with her officers. Dusk descended upon the river. With only a little light left in the sky, the small ship approached the shore. There lay another village, a bit larger than the one they had last passed through, and with a crude docking area. "Trim the sails!" the Captain ordered his crew, taking the tiller to steer the vessel into the small port.

As they approached the dock, and the Captain had sturdy lines connected to the jetty, Makai would be able to see two dozen people already gathering, apparently eager to catch a glimpse of the royal visitor. One of them was an older Qadiri male with white hair and leaning on a stick. Evidently he was an elder of the village. He wore trousers and a bright tunic.

Alpsal suddenly appeared at Makai's side. "That's Dahur. We're going to stay here for the night. Letting the Yaz sleep on a cramped ship would be a bad idea. I'm going to greet the elder, then take the Yaz hunting, and pay my respects at the local shrine. You're welcome to come. You had a good chat with Zabhara?"

The various members of the crew had assembled on deck. The Captain walked up and down, affixing each of them with a deep scowl. "Alright, shipmates, listen up, each and everyone of you is going to return before dawn or I'll have you flogged," he declared in a booming voice, speaking Zandri. "Don't start fights, just finish them. And if someone is foolish enough to jump one of your shipmates, you better be in there alongside them. You're sailors of the Mirza, so act accordingly. If you get into trouble, call me and I'll get you out of it. Most of you are from villages just like Dahur, so you know hard they have it. Those of you who are from Suqua - who's been providing your families with food? Villages like Dahur. Do not take a single needle or thread without payment. Dismissed, and collect your pocket money on the way off deck, courtesy of Her Highness."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"Hmm, definitely. Zabhara has some strong opinions. After that I got to enjoy my time on deck by myself, which suited me just fine. I watched the work of the sailors handling navigation. Can't say I can complain....I guess I will come along. I am unsure what else I would do."

Makai didn't exactly have a bedroll to set up for camping. He could lash together a small shelter, build a fire. Camping had been a hobby of his as a teenager, often sailing to small islands on Mon Cala and then spending the night. Tropics were a little different though, one didn't have to typically work on not freezing throughout the night. With several mountain ranges it told him the weather was going to be cooler than usual.

Patiently waiting to exit the vessel, once he did so there was a bow to the elder. Makai didn't know the greetings around here and went with the safest option in his opinion.

Stepping to the side, he stayed well away from the locals. Considering how long this excursion was taking, next time be would suggest a solo trip in a vessel with Elpsis Kerrigan . Right though he needed to seal trust to operate the mine so patience he had to exercise.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Makai Dashiell

Alpsal gave Makai a light slap on the shoulder and ruffled his hair a bit. As a big sister, she was required to do this. "Come on, it's going to be fun." A small group of locals, children among them, was waiting for the newcomers at the docks. "The Mirza and the Ghazi," she heard a few of them mutter, and when she descended the gangplank, a couple were bold enough to press forward to shake her hand or that of Zabhara.

Alpsal seemed at ease among the crowd. She grasped the callused hands of a scarred veteran firmly, and bent down to gently hug a teenage girl who had lost her left leg and stood on a wooden peg leg. Zabhara's demeanour was more aloof. She looked upon the settlement and the townsfolk with a soldier's eye, looking for dangers, and moved to oversee the crew unloading the Yazgid.

The crowd parted when the Elder approached his liege lady. Despite his advanced age, he was relatively quick on his feet and needed no support beyond a walking stick. He gave her a light bow, proclaiming in Zandri, "Welcome, Mirza. May the Goddesses and Gods speed."
"Thank you, good people. Well met, Jal Baheri," she responded in kind.
"Dahur is yours, Mirza. You're welcome beneath my roof and at my table," the Elder Jal Behari said. Alpsal took his wrinkled hand into her flesh hand. His grip was firm, strong. He shot Makai a questioning look, frowned, but said nothing. "How can we be of service?"

"My companions and crew need quarters for the night. They'll be on their way by dawn and they'll pay for anything they need. I don't want to impose on your stocks and my Yaz is feeling tetchy, so I'm going to take her hunting in the wilds. After that it's my wish to pray at the shrine of Azrana the Eternal Flame."
The Elder nodded. "Good, good. Is the outsider going with you?"
"Yes. I'm showing him how we hunt game. He'll only enter the shrine if the priestess will have him. I follow her judgement."
The Elder considered this, then nodded slowly. "Very well, Mirza. My word holds true for your guest as well."

While this exchange took place, Javandra Jai Suqua was there to translate for Makai so that the half-Galan was did not feel totally out of the loop. "Dahur's a hub for villagers and farmers for fifteen kilometres each way. They come here from afar to trade on market days, and deliver their taxes. Abbas Jai Baheri," she indicated the Elder, "sits on the council as their speaker. Many bloody skirmishes were fought here during the war, but the folk are pulling through. The Elder says you are a guest beneath his roof. The laws of sacred hospitality have value here, unlike in the lands to our north."

The settlement itself was simple, though more developed than the village they had passed through on the way to the ship. Makai would doubtless notice the rusted remains of a Firemane patrol boat on the river. The boat had sunk, but some of the hull still protruded from the water. It had long ago been cannibalised for parts. Closer to the centre of the small town there were still a couple ruined buildings. For the most part, Dahur looked like a collection of mudbrick houses, which had been coloured white to reflect the sun during daytime. Roads and alleys had been laid out over time, and there were enclosures for livestock. Fields stretched off among irrigation areas.