Awkward Arkas Assembly

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Elpsis Kerrigan-Alcori"] [member="Laira Darkhold"]

Tegaea waved a hand dismissively. “You needn’t worry about overcrowding, Laira, our ship is nearly two kilometres long with the capacity for 5,000 passengers. Less if Siobhan wishes to add an army corps to the on-board garrison, but certainly enough to manage everything we need. So give me a list of those you wish to take, we’ll do background on them and there should be no problem.”

It was slightly amusing to see Laira and Elpsis so tangled up. She had to remind herself that the pair were barely adults in age. Young love could be overpowering and the source of the most irrational decisions possible. It made her feel very old again.

The memory of the auction was still a little embarrassing. She’d rushed in and nearly paid the price.
“We’ll take the tanks, and an artillery company,” she said to her wife finally. She’d put up a bit of a fight so that now Siobhan would feel like she had gained a victory, when really it was a minor concession.

“It always pays to be prepared,” she added.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Laira Darkhold"]

"If Mother says she wants the army corps-sized, on-board garrison to have Space Marines in Heavy Phrik Power Armour, can you say no, Mum?" Elpsis' tone made it difficult to discern if she was serious or not, but she would not be surprised if Siobhan tried to force that.

"Elpsis, don't be silly. Besides, the Factory told me no. Some nonsense about limited production and reserved for special task forces. Numbskulls with limited vision," Siobhan muttered. Factory was the Firemane nickname for the Bureau of Production. Siobhan's mood on it was...variable.

"You just don't like the director's music taste," Elpsis snarked, nuzzling Laira's neck a bit. "She's into teenie pop music," she whispered into the other redhead's ear. "Mother hates it. Mum is into it, but gets embarrassed when you say that."

"I'd barely call it music," Siobhan spoke haughtily. "Anyhow, as my wife said, if you want to bring some companions, just work something out with her. A liaison officer from GRU will be assigned to carry out background checks." Siobhan's opinion of the company's in-house security service was also variable. She'd sacked most of her intelligence team after the Serenade fiasco. "I understand you have the Force, Laira. What skills do you have?"

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Laira was enjoying being a part of the conversation and being nuzzled and tangled up with Elpsis, it seemed like a fairly innocent family talk. The little tension between Elpsis and Siobhan added a little dynamic to the talk but otherwise seemed to be over. The redhead grinned at Elpsis's whispered secret about the Director of the Bureau of Production.

"I'll have to make a few calls, but I wouldn't expect more than few extras." She considered who all she could ask, but an Intelligence Officer from RESINT and maybe someone else from the Resistance. A science officer or so, perhaps a small detachment of elites. Nothing outrageous. Laira personally preferred to explore light, a small frigate and maybe a company of armed escorts so the Firemane style of exploration was going to be a completely new experience.

"Oh, um, my Force abilities." She was a little distracted by Elpsis's nuzzling, and it showed as her voice changed pitches and her back arched suddenly with a wide grin across her face. But she didn't try to prod the witch away or press her to stop. If anything her constant wiggling and touching likely encouraged the blind redhead to do more. Obviously the subtle Zeltron Pheromones she was producing were doing their job, she couldn't wait until the two of them made their way off to the beach once the talking was over. "Well, I focus on Force Speed and reflexes, they help me fly and get the edge up on other pilots, but I've got some skill with Fold Space, Pyrokinesis, and Terramancy. Just a little with those. Nothing special, I can't make pretty firebirds or shape fire, just redirect and generate it. My family can't use Telekinesis so I have to improvise a lot of otherwise simple things."

[member="Elpsis Kerrigan-Alcori"]
[member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Laira Darkhold"] [member="Elpsis Kerrigan-Alcori"]

Tegaea was more than a little distracted by the couple wriggling and kissing all the time. Her sense of decorum was a little offended. There was plenty of time for personal moment when this meeting was done, until then she considered it a little rude. After all, she’d not called in Harmony and started kissing her!

Still, there was no point causing a scene, so she merely coughed pointedly.
“I’m sure your skills will prove useful,” she said briskly. Reading off a list of abilities like they were spells or ingredients never ceased to puzzle her, but she admitted full ignorance to the Force for the most part.

“If there is nothing else we need to discuss I think we can take a break until dinner? Any last things you need to add, love?” she asked Siobhan.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Laira Darkhold"]


"Firebirds look pretty, but aren't that useful, dear. Relying on tossing fireballs in general isn't practical. Unless you're dealing with primitives without proper armour and Forcers who don't know tutaminis. It's best to have a well-rounded skill set and have conventional skills to utilise. After all, you may be deprived of the Force in battle." Obvious barb was obvious.


"I think we're done. I'll see you two at dinner. Oh, and Elpsis, Laira, separate seats from now on please. I believe it's not too much to ask for you to keep your hands to yourselves outside of the bedroom," she added. Her tone made it clear that this was not a polite request. Arising, she presumably left the room with Tegs in tow.


"Yes, mother. Sorry." Elpsis looked part embarrassed and contrite because she felt Tegs was annoyed, part angry with Siobhan. Remind me, mother, how much good did pulling down that SD do for you? Or are you just bitter because you can't lift a pebble? Laira might sense some of the emotions swirling from her, but the empath tried to keep a lock on them. Anyhow, she wiggled her way out so that she was no longer beneath Laira. "I can show you around the place. Plenty of stuff to see. We should be less handsy when my mums are around. We'll have a lot of time for ourselves later on," she said.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"I hope so Miss Alcori, but I would prefer we not need to use any of them, or the army and fleet. Better to be safe than sorry. I have an X-Wing I'd like to bring if possible." She cuddled Elpsis, "Its a Two-seater I use to show off for people I like."

Laira would have tried to defend Elpsis a little more, but that hadn't gone over very well the first time she had. Instead she decided to stick to her fawning over the other redhead and at least respond to the barb a little. "I've seen it prove pretty useful in our adventures," She said, but even Laira had to acknowledge against tanks and walkers, pyromancy probably didn't hold up as well as well-refined telekinetic bursts. A thermal lance wasn't always as effective as a quick yank to the right wires or pressure to the right arteries.

Then the redhead blushed pretty hard, her cheeks turning almost bright crimson. She could have ranted about how she was just getting used to the lovey feelings and had a strong desire for closeness and touching, however all the princess could manage through her embarassment was a nod. Not that Laira was apologetic or had any intention of calming down her hugging and wiggling, but she could at least nod as though she would consider the request.

Plus it might be a little weird for Elpsis. Next time she'd stick with saddled up beside the blind witch perhaps. For now the princess could survive with just a little hugging and closeness. "A tour you say? I saw a beach on the way in, and I could use some sun after a while in hyperspace. You could show me around, then we can get changed and hit the beaches." The redhead leaned a little close to whisper, "Besides, I think I owe you for being so understanding."

[member="Elpsis Kerrigan-Alcori"]
[member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Laira Darkhold"]

Tegaea was quite cynical, and the X-Wing comment almost made her reply ‘I dare say you like to show things off a lot’, but restrained herself. She was acting far too much like the grumpy mother who was upset with her daughter’s partner. In reality she wasn’t, though she couldn’t help but judge the pair just a little because they didn’t conform to her standards of etiquette. That too was silly.

She rose and took Siobhan’s hand, leaving the room. When they were alone she looked to her wife.
“The Princess Organa, huh? A bit surprising, but at least she’s getting out and seeing things. And getting hands on experience with our daughter. Though we probably did the same things when we were that age. Though I don’t remember the flopping all over each other like we were being bitten by fleas. Oh well, so long as they can contain themselves in public I’m not worried.”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Laira Darkhold"]


Siobhan was a very cynical woman. Especially where Elpsis was concerned. "Laira seems needy to me. Addicted to attention," she muttered. "And Elpsis is....Elpsis. I will send an experienced knight along to supervise her and the trainees on your shakedown cruise. Someone who won't coddle her. Elpsis will sulk, but without someone making sure she doesn't screw up, she's bound to make a mess of things and get people killed. Silly child."


It was probably quite clear that she did not take Elpsis seriously. That silly girl was not her daughter. "Anyhow, once you've departed, I shall pay the construction site of the Arx Aeternae a visit. I've heard too many excuses. I shall inspect their progress and motivate the construction team to proceed with alacrity."


xxx


"Yeah, I'll show you around the place. Beach sounds nice. And I've got a lion you can see. He's fun," Elpsis spoke quietly. "Separate seats when my parents are there. We got a lot of time to get handsy when we're not having a chat with them," she emphasised again, with a slightly commanding tone in her voice. It was clear she'd insist on it. "Siobhan doesn't like me. Never has. Tegs does. Never measured up for Sio. Whatever, I'll show her what I can do. And if she still doesn't approve of me then, that's her problem," she spoke before she began to give Laira the scenic tour.


What hurt her more than Siobhan's scorn was the fact that she still yearned for her approval. It would be easier to deal with if she did not want the matriarch to be proud of her. Outside the villa, the sun was shining, there was a clear-blue sky and cerulean waves crashed against the sandy, but Elpsis did not feel very upbeat.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"Sorry, I'm still a little new at this you know." Laira said with a little bit of a grin. She was close but not all over Elpsis anymore, and Siobhan was right, the princess was a being clingy with her new favorite friend with benefits. They weren't exclusive, but that didn't mean Laira was detached and aloof about it.

The Princess however didn't know what it felt like to be the disappointment for her parents. Yeah, she was a rebel and she and her mother argued often about the future, but she was still loved and cared for. Even after all her running through the galaxy and learning she was loved and always welcome, even after all the disagreements. "I'm sorry sweetie." Laira said, squeezing the blind girl reassuringly. "Even if she doesn't come around, there are plenty of people that you measure up for." It wasn't much, but it was all she could say, and it was fairly truthful.

Laira then turned her attentions to try and pull the redhead into a better mood, take Elpsis's mind off the meeting with her adoptive parents. As they walked along the crystal blue waves softly lapping up against white sand beaches, Laira began pulling off her shirt and unbuckling her belt. "Come, come swim with me babe. It'll help you relax." She however did not have a bathing suit.

[member="Elpsis Kerrigan-Alcori"]
[member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Laira Darkhold"]

“They shall double their efforts, I expect, or more likely triple!” Tegaea said to the last with a grin. Her wife’s methods of motivation were a good mix of carrot and stick. Mainly stick though.

“I think that’s a good move, but I think you’re too hard on her sometimes. We’ll see if this expedition makes a woman out of her.”
Tegaea was naturally more positive towards Elpsis, but she saw it was a good idea to ease the girl into things by having a steady, elder hand.

“I think I could do with a swim you know.” She paused. “Hmm, don’t want to get in the way of the lovebirds though, I’ll use the north beach. Want to come?”
She wasn’t sure if her wife was up to swimming in the swell yet, but she might enjoy a walk on the beach with the water caressing her.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


"I am not being overly hard. If I was being overly hard, I would have cut her allowance, demoted her to Padawan and given her menial tasks. And made her take orders from a maleling. Instead I am giving her the chance to exercise responsibility and become more than the aimless, needy child she is now. I've even allowed her to bear my name. If I am being harsh, then it is to push her to grow strong and self-reliant," Siobhan could not resist retorting.


Tegaea's offer made her frown slightly, then she nodded. "I'd...like that," she said, suddenly sounding hesitant and a bit embarrassed. "I cannot go far in the water though," she admitted after a few seconds. She hated being this dependent and weak.


xxx


The nagging words of doubt remained in Elpsis' mind. They are right, you know. You haven't really done anything. You just wander around. Sooner or later they'll realise you're not worth the effort. Like the Kallikoras, like Coryth. Least you're being given a chance. The others just ran off. she tried to put on a brave front, not wanting to ruin the moment. I saved Sio's life. I lost my eyes fighting for her damn company. She's walking because I asked a friend I made during my 'aimless wandering' to help her. All she does is belittle me.


"Yeah, let's get wet!" the smile plastered on her face was more than a little feigned. She seemed to sound enthusted. Over the years, she'd gotten good at pretending to be perky. Sometimes to the point when she deceived herself into thinking that all was well. They approached the blue waves of warm water, and Elpsis began to strip out of her clothes.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Laira wasn't all that good with the mental aspect of the Force. Even confusing or using simple mind tricks weren't easy for her, as the princess had never practiced such abilities until her adolesence. However, like many of the modern Organa women, she had some empathic abilities. She knew, at least some what, that all was not well with her compatriot.

After they got into the water, the redhead snuggled up against Elpsis, squeezing against her in the cool tropical water. Blue waves lapped against her bare skin and dampened her fiery red hair, ocean spray filling her nostrils. "Its okay sweetie." She said, batting shimmering grey eyes. "I know how it is with parent's like Siobhan. My dad was kinda like that growing up, especially when it came to training." Sure now she was her daddy's little girl, but growing up had been a demanding experience. Many times in her life she had preformed her heart out, left it all in the sand pit against larger, tougher opponents years older than her only to look up and see her father's arms crossed in disappointment. He had pushed her and Theo very hard when they were coming into themselves, and though he was encouraging and kind at home, when it came to training them he was cold and dispassionate. Things were different now, and after years it seemed he'd decided to be proud of his twins, even encouraging her and supporting her as she prepared for the crown.

"Parent's can be like that I suppose, and I know you really want her to be proud and everytime she isn't it hurts because I've been there." Laira planted a kiss on Elpsis's cheek, "But they aren't the only people in the galaxy that care about you if you'd just let others in."

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
[member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Laira Darkhold"]

Tegaea made no comment to her wife’s first comment. She felt her wife was going too far an extreme from her indulgence of their previous children to chilly contempt of Elpsis. However, she held her tongue, she knew that Elpsis would soon be with her for a considerable period of time, and she would be able to put her methods to the test.

Perhaps what she understood better even than Siobhan is that seeking approval from one who disdained you could only go on for so long. On the other hand, Elpsis and Tegaea had a good rapport, and in cases like that a gentle word or disapproval could be so much more effective than blanket hostility.
Possibly. Time would tell.

“I think it’s too choppy to go in too far anyway,” she said tactfully. “Let’s just walk and stand in the lovely water.”
She would get dressed into a fairly conservative swimsuit, a straw hat and no shoes. It was a good look, and was comfortable too.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Laira Darkhold"]


The irony was that Siobhan's treatment of Elpsis mirrored the way her own mother had treated her. It had not been effective and ultimately self-defeating On the bright side, Siobhan kept her liquor consumption moderate and was not tied to the bottle. But indulgence had not helped Siobhan with her previous children.


Anyhow, Siobhan quickly got dressed. She'd progressed enough that she was able to dress herself without help again. Like Tegaea, her swimsuit was quite conservative. Her fashion sense had become less revealing since her stroke. She saved the stripperific outfits for...special occasions.


That done, she met Tegaea outside. "Looks good on you. I like the hat," she chuckled, apparently in a better mood. "Come on love," she took her wife's hand, though not before running her hand down her back and appreciating her shapely butt a bit.


xxx


"Your Dad loves you, doesn't he?" Elpsis asked rhetorically. Laira's words were enough to confirm to her that while Papa Draco had been stern, he did love his kids. "Siobhan doesn't love me. She loved her previous kids. They ran off and turned their back on the family, I stayed. She loves the two little ones with her, not me."


She sighed slightly, trying to pull herself together and banish her sour mood. "But thanks for saying this. You're right. I'm not the only one who has to deal with this. And she's not the only one in the world. There are people who appreciate me. Come on, sugar, let's have some fun," she said, getting some of her fire back.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"Well, yeah of course he does." Laira said, not realizing exactly where Elpsis was going with the conversation until after she said it pretty bluntly. Elpsis felt unloved, as though she was an extra just around but not appreciated or truly cared about. The redhead managed a weak smile, "Well, she's missing out because you're amazing."

It could be said Laira was getting Elpsis at her more vulnerable setting, which the redhead certainly enjoyed the bit of openness and honesty that came with it. It made the princess feel like she was seeing a different side of Elpsis than the confident, and maybe arrogant, witch she had met. She squeezed Elpsis tightly, hugging the girl in the water. "You can always find me if you need to feel appreciated or cared about."

"Yes, lets." The beach would have to pan away so Laira could get her groove on.

[member="Elpsis Kerrigan-Alcori"]
[member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Laira Darkhold"]

The sea was cool and clear in the shallows on the western side of the northern tip. There was no appreciable swell there and Tegaea and Siobhan could walk with the water washing over their feet and legs in the pleasant afternoon sunlight.
“I have a meeting with all my staff tomorrow. I’ll make sure everything is prepared for those two. Princess or not, Laira will have to follow my orders.”
No hereditary monarchy was going to order her around.

“The scout drones will start reporting soon, that’ll give us an idea of where to head.”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


"Good. I'm confident you'll get her to fall in line," Siobhan remarked. The sunlight shined down upon them and cool water washed over her feet, while the sun kissed her tanned skin. "There was no real beach back where I grew up on. The sea was too contaminated to go in. But there was no clean water so people drank it anyway - and got sick. Always wanted to see a real beach. Now I own half a dozen," she chuckled, sounding a bit melancholic.


"We've accomplished a ton haven't we?" she asked rhetorically. "I'll miss you when you're gone. Promise me you'll call me every day," she sounded emotional and more than a little anxious. The idea that something might happen to her wife frightened her.


xxx


Overcome by emotion, Elpsis pulled Laira into a big hug. For a moment or two she just held the other redhead, resting her head on her shoulder. She looke more than a little embarrassed when she pulled away. The hue of her skin matched the colour of her flaming red hair.


"Thank you, Laira. That...means a lot to me. I know you care for me. Never doubted that. I care for you, too," she said a bit awkwardly, then smiled. "Let's get wet. Race you to the water?" Elpsis would probably lose because she did not Laira's super Force speed, but not Sonic the Sith level skills.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Laira didn't mind the hug, and she was polite enough to keep her hands from wandering in the process. When Elpsis pulled away, Laira smiled at her warmly, brushing the hair out of her face. "Good, just keep remembering that when I get too clingy." The princess knew herself well enough to know she only had two modes. Flirting butterfly that bounced from place to place, and clinging to an individual. For now she was trying to keep from getting too involved with Elpsis, but she wasn't succeeding very well.

"Um, I'm hardly dressed." Laira glanced down at her attire or lack there of while she paused, "For a race." But before she could finish Elpsis was off for the water, "Wait!" she called, much more softly "You were supposed to keep me covered." The redheaded princess didn't exactly take off at a full sprint after her companion, trying to remain modest while she made for the water after Elpsis. Dang woman, running off while Laira was trying to pass the time.

[member="Elpsis Kerrigan-Alcori"]
[member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Laira Darkhold"]

Tegaea nodded. “All we had was crumbling cityscapes and grim skies…when we saw the sky. Feels strange that it was me, so much has happened in that time.”

She glanced at Siobhan. “Sure we have. We’ve built one of the biggest companies in the galaxy from nothing. We’ve gone from small-time soldiers and drifters to having the money to purchase planets. And we’ve got this,” she waved a hand at the idyllic scenery.

“I’ll call you if I can…if not I’ll use Enlightenment to send you a message. I’ll spare you the mundane details, but I’ll give our relative positions so you can trace them.”

“Looks, I know that it’s a bit of a risk, but I’ll be fine. I’ll have a whole fleet with me.”

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Laira Darkhold"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


"I know. Just be careful, ok? Please." Tegs probably knew better than anyone how rare it was for Siobhan to say please. Outside of certain non-PG-13 situations that the kiddies cannot know of. "You're my wife. I love you. If something happened to you...I could not bear it." Siobhan looked a bit embarrased by the sudden outpour of emotion, then impulsively she kissed Tegaea.


xxx


"Oh, c'mon, sugar, don't be like that!" Elpsis called out to Laira, who was lagging a bit behind. To motivate the girl a bit, the empath drew upon the Force to direct some water her way. Not big enough to flood her by any means. Just enough to get her a little wet.


There was a light breeze in the air and the cool water kissed her skin, contrasting strongly with her higher-than-average body temperature. Assuming Laira caught up - and did not get to pull a retaliatory prank on her - Elpsis would pounce and kiss her.