Doomsday Clock (Siobhan/Galina)

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]

Chesna cuddled close to Galina, using her powers to gently calm and soothe the anxious girl.

Now apart from the others, Tegaea spoke to Siobhan alone. “We need to take action quickly. One of us needs to stay here and help the Queen and get our resources off world and stay with Galina too. One of us needs to go with Chesna to meet up with Kaida and investigate these other Eldorai, follow the trail to the homeworld. I don’t mind which of us does what, but we need to do it swiftly.”

Oddly, and it sounded terrible, but Tegaea looked almost excited to have a purpose. She enjoyed their semi-retirement and leisure, but she clearly relished having a mission and purpose again.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Siobhan thought for a moment, then nodded. Her first instinct was to suggest she go, but then she saw the look on her wife's face and relented. "Agreed, I can stay here and coordinate things with Anya. I don't have your organisational skills, but I'm good at cutting through red tape together with Mirien and I can take care of Galina. OP is a fething corpse on life support, but I'll squeeze what resources out of it that I can. Not like they have an actual government left that's worth the name. We may also get help from [member="Judah Dashiell"] when the time comes."


Little did they now that very soon [member="Coryth Elaris"] would be Exarch! Sio's empathy was fairly weak but she did pick up what came close to a surge of excitement from Tegaea. It sounded terrible, but was understandable. Truth be told, Tegs had been fading a bit into the background as they enjoyed their semi-retirement. Them working together on something felt...more like the old days. If only it had not been under such horrible circumstances. There was a pause before she continued. "Free Space gets dangerous, do be careful. I suggest you...brush up on your combat and self-defence training a bit," she said gently.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]
Tegaea gave her wife a look, but followed it with a kiss. “I’ll have Chesna with me, I’ve got nothing to worry about!” she declared. However, she was indeed thinking back to her personal armoury. Her old armour and weapons could use an outing. Time to show the galaxy that Firemane’s founder did more than hold prayer meetings and do paperwork.

“We’ll keep in touch. I’ll meet Kaida and Coryth on Etti and we’ll start the search from there. Perhaps Nantaris or Tempest might help out too. I’ll call in at Judah’s too and see if I can get him involved. He might want his mind taken off his tadpoles.”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Siobhan just smiled at her wife and gave her shoulder an affectionate squeeze. That said, if Tegaea felt the urge to go into action again, she would probably be well-advised to get some training first. After all, she had been out of action and lived a very comfortable aristo life for years, so it was unlikely that she was in combat shape anymore.


But then practice makes perfect! Siobhan had always liked her muscles in the old days and Tegaea could show that you did not need fancy, overpowered space magic to kick arse. Seriously, did anyone chuck walkers in the movies? And let's not even get started on forcers flying as if this were Matrix. Who comes up with this nonsense? Well, this writer. Yes, this writer just deconstructed their own over the top writing.


"I know, just be careful, dear. You're supposed to be the smart one after all! Maybe I can persuade Aeda to let you have one of the new Angelii cortosis suits. You'd look good in it," she said sweetly. Well, once they entered actual production, in other words once the tech sub has been completed. "Last I heard, Taldir and Coryth will be taking the lost Eldorai to Tabaqui, so you can meet them there." This one understands that Tegaea's writer is a bit forgetful. Firemane had a base on Etti, but there were far too many prying eyes there, since it was run by stereotypically corrupt megacorporations.


"I'll try streamlining operations here a bit, cut away the fat so that we can focus on the exodus and get the necessary funds. I'll make Mirien my deputy to help coordinate things. Bespin's lost and Gehenna's turned pretty untenable since Fringe controls the main spacelanes and in any case we've plundered much of the diamond mines, so I'll probably be closing operations there. I think I can have Galina help out on the company side. She's good with numbers and the responsibility would do her good."


Siobhan in charge, nothing could go wrong! Well, plenty of things could, but there were always Mirien and Sergeant Solveig! With her disability standing seemed to be difficult for Siobhan, even though she had her cane to lean on, and so she reluctantly settled down on the couch, wincing slighty.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]

This writer is indeed forgetful and unobservant at times, but has observed the digs in the above post and will not forget them! Probably.

“Alright, I’ll head for Tabaqui, and I’ll take Freya with me to get back in shape and to give me backup. Now Aeda’s back I’ll get her to send you someone to help out if you want. I know the Queen will be happy to oblige if I ask.”
This writer needs to borrow Ms Solveig for a while for training purposes. She will be returned unharmed at the end!

“Good ideas about Dahomey and Mirien. Do whatever you need to do whilst I’m gone. I’ve got a plan to move the Skyport, but I’ll need to do some more research first.”

“I better tell Galina,” she said softly. “Take care of yourself too, Siobhan. I love you.”

They shared a kiss, then Tegaea went back into the sitting room.
“Galina…I have to go away for a while. I’ll keep in touch over the holocom and Siobhan will be here all the time for you,” she added. She gave her a daughter a kiss and a hug.

“Chesna, get your stuff, we’re heading out now. I’ll see you at the ship in 15 minutes.”

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina looked to Tegaea as she came back into the room, and the young woman quickly released Chesna to grab Tegaea into a tight hug. "You're leaving us?" She asked softly. The idea of being separated from either parent for long, was not one that she liked in the least. Not after what happened most recently. "You promise?" Asking if Tegaea really would keep to keeping in touch with her and Siobhan. The young woman entirely more worried than she should have been, but with the disaster on the horizon and the hellish Netherworld events... She didn't feel it safe to let either of her parents far from her sight.

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

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Perhaps she was getting a bit soft, but personally Siobhan thought that Tegaea's goodbye to Galina had been a bit too...abrupt. So she gave her wife a reproachful look. But her daughter needed reassurance and, though every step seemed to pain her, Siobhan walked over and likewise hugged their little angel.



"Everything will be ok, Galina. Tegs is gonna lead the search for our new home together with Auntie Tempest. We'll be in touch every day," at that she gave Tegaea a meaningful look. No, this was not negotiable. Her wife would stay in regular contact. She was putting her foot down on that. One of her feet was made of metal. "I'll stay here with you and work with the Queen to organise the evacuation. You can help me out with running Firemane. We will get through this together. As a family."

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"] | Ceto , Late Evening



"That doesn't go there."


A matter of a fact tone came from the boy 'sitting' next to him. Shaggy curls fell in an unruly mess as the boy pulled his feet under him to get a better look at the objects scattered across the kitchen table. His ice blue eyes searched wordless instructions that laid out like a map written in an ancient unknown alien language. A hand reached out and grabbed a long plastic piece with interlocking bumps. Aqua colored lips silently counted the little bumps before the boy came out from his own little world, staring back at Judah.


"Sixteen. The 'structions say fourteen. Thats why it wont fit." Makai's scale speckled hand reached with the plastic piece and laid it against the emerging structure. It was supposed to be the Rebels' Hoth base of yore. Way back when Vader stormed it. Judah was fairly certain the toy company had taken quite a few artistic licenses with the thing. Wasn't like a ton of records remained after the Great Darkness anyways. "See?"


"I see now. I think I need glasses when we build these things." Judah removed the offending plastic piece and replaced it with the proper one. "Alright, next step....is....building this gun turret." The salvager turned CEO started to rummage through all the plastic pieces laying out on a baking sheet. Comm chimed on the table, screen lighting up and vibrating. "Find the rest for me son and see if you can't start working on that."


" 'Kay. Is that Momma? Did she shoot any bad guys?"


Judah chuckled. "With your mother, she probably liberated the whole planet with a half-charged blaster and Sparky." Yet it wasn't [member="Thessa Kai"]. Tegaea had sent him a message. Kaeshana was in harm's way and resources needed to start flowing off world. A monumental task....especially given the volume of people and any valuable goods folks felt like saving. Helping would at least be a drop in the bucket.


Miss Alcori,


Of course I will assist in any way possible in the transfer of goods and citizens off Kaeshana. Is there a specific task you had in mind for myself and my resources? How quickly does this need to happen? I could have transports and crew there within hours if needed. I am not sure what planet you are off-loading to, or if your citizens have started their own evac. Given my relationship with Firemane, would you care for me to focus my resources in that area? Please let me know what to focus on and it will be done.


-Judah



"Nope, wasn't your Ma. Now, lets get back to building this turret so we can continue on...."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Judah Dashiell"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]

Tegaea noticed the reproachful look, and did feel bad. For a moment she wanted to go back to Galina…but she kept walking. Galina was her daughter, yes, but often times she felt more like the step-mother, a little detached. Besides, she had things to do, an emergency to prepare for. Plenty of time later for her daughter.

Going to her bedroom she fetched her secret armoury and packed it up. Then she grabbed her comm, dialled a number.
“Yes, boss?” Freya’s voice came through on the other end.
“Code Red, I need you up here as soon as possible. We’re going to Tabaqui immediately. Get your gear, meet me at the shuttle in twenty minutes.”
There was a second of surprise, then Freya replied. “Got it.”
Tegaea killed the link and turned to find Chesna watching her from the doorway. “You ready to go?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be, Mistress,” Chesna said.

At the landing pad Tegaea got aboard and cycled the engines. She’d learned to be a good pilot for non-combat situations, and Chesna likewise was competent as well.
Soon Freya had come aboard, dropping her pack in a locker before heading to the cockpit.
“Here, boss,” she said. She didn’t ask why they were leaving. All would be made clear in time…or it wouldn’t. Either way, she didn’t worry much.
“Right, let’s get going.”
The shuttle lifted into the air, received authorisation to leave from starflight control, and headed into space.
Before jumping to hyperspace Tegaea sent too messages.

The first was to Siobhan.
Sio, I’m just about to jump for Tabaqui. If anything comes up, I should be available. Take good care of Galina, my love to you both.
Tegs

The second was rather more formal, and to Judah who had replied to an earlier message.
Mr Dashiell,
Thank you greatly for your reply. It gladdens my heart to have such a friend to turn to. The danger is not immediate, but it is coming unstoppably. I am heading to Tabaqui to make preparations and do some research into a possible solution. Is it possible to either meet you in person or have a holo-conference to discuss this matter securely?
Thank you, and best wishes to your family as well.
Tegaea Alcori

That done, the ship jumped to hyperspace….

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]




Comm buzzing on the table once again, Judah secured the gun turret in place before picking up the communication device. Brow furrowed at the message, finding it mildly confusing. Must be one of those 'explain in person' messages, either sensitive in information for one that was confusing.


Miss Alcori,


I already have plans to be in Tabaqui in four days standard time for a business meeting. If you need to speak to me sooner a holo-conference could be had at your convenience. Please keep me informed with this situation as you see pertinent. I hope to see you groundside in four days.


-Judah

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Judah Dashiell"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Coryth Elaris"]

Tegaea checked the chrono when she received the message. By the time she arrived and questioned the lost Eldorai, that would be perfect.

Mr Dashiell,
That sounds perfect. This is my personal commlink code for when you arrive. I will see you then.
Regards,
Tegaea Alcori

As they entered hyperspace, the message was sent, and she looked next to Freya. "Right, I'm going to need your help with some training, Sergeant." Showing a teacher's 360 degree vision she spun around and looked at Chesna. "And you, stop sniggering!"
Chesna looked innocent as ever. "Me, Mistress?"
"You. Let's get started, Freya."

And so offscreen training montage began! Chesna had little to do but stare lustfully at them. There were worse ways to spend a day in space!

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Coryth Elaris"]


Four days later on Tabaqui......


After hearing the status update on the space station and latest projects being up on by Salacia Consolidated, Judah dug out Miss Alcori's personal comm number. There had been no status updates on the situation at hand on Kaeshana. Judah didn't know whether to take this as a positive or negative sign. He hadn't heard much on HoloNet News, so maybe it was a positive thing indeed.


Miss Alcori,


Done with business meetings for now. Where do you wish to meet up?

-Judah

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Judah Dashiell"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Coryth Elaris"]

A training montage later, complete with inspirational music, and they had arrived at Tabaqui. Receiving Judah’s message, she sent a reply.
“Somewhere private would be nice. I have some confidential things to tell you. Other than that, you know this place better than I, so choose and I’ll see you there.”

To Kaida Taldir, who she knew was on-world with the lost Eldorai, she sent a message.
“Kaida, I’ve arrived on Tabaqui. Bring them and meet me at the co-ordinates about to be sent. Chesna will try and learn something from them.”

And with that the ship came to enter the atmosphere, heading for the location Judah would hopefully soon provide.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Coryth Elaris"]



Judah pondered a secure location. There were the offices and conference rooms in the various buildings he held here on Tabaqui. It wasn't exactly private however. Anyone could walk in or stick their ear up to the door if they so desired. If the information was that confidential he didn't want to leave anything to chance. Already on the move, he quickly typed back to Miss Alcori.



I understand. The only place secure is my home here on Tabaqui. I have attached coordinates for you. Its tucked away along the coast and I don't have any real neighbors. Hopefully this will work for the information you have. I will meet you there.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Judah Dashiell"] | [member="Kaida Taldir"]

Tegaea nodded as she received the message and directed their ship in to land near the Dashiell house.

“Thank you, I will be there soon. Kaida will be bringing a couple of refugees with her. I hope you don’t mind, as there might be those actively out to hurt them. See you soon.”

She next passed the message onto Kaida with the location.

As the ship came to a stop Tegaea headed for the boarding ramp with Chesna. “Stay with the ship, Freya, and let me know if there’s trouble.”

“Got it,” the Sergeant said. Besides, Freya had a new copy of ‘Babes and Bolters’ to read.

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Judah Dashiell"]


And so Kaida teleported into the thread. She was, you might have guessed it, in a frosty mood. It also seemed that she was supposed to take orders from 'Lady Alcori'. Well, she had been instructions to do things she would probably have done anyway, but still. Then again, at least Alcori was more tolerable than her insufferable, pompous wife.


No, not even the threat of imminent apocalypse for Kaeshana would make Kaida give up her Kerrigan hatred. However, unless something had happened off-screen Kaida would not know about the asteroid that would wipe out Kaeshana - unless the writers suddenly decide a deus ex machina solution - since Anya had not told her. That said, Kaida had her suspicions. Anyhow, upon having received the message she would order the 'lost cousins' to be loaded up on a transport and then take it to the coordinates Alcori had sent.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"] | [member="Kaida Taldir"]

Judah had arrived at the Tabaqui home shortly before his guests. The house was located just an extremely short walk from the beach but hidden in the jungles of the Tabaqui coast, the thick vegetation that was found near the warmer and more tropical equator. The L-shaped home surrounding the pool was quiet and quite different than the main residence on Ceto and more tailored to his wife's and son's tropical loving nature.


Comm buzzed and Judah quickly replied.


The refugees will be welcome as long as they want. This place is empty half the time.



Setting down his datapad in the kitchen, Judah set about opening several of the windows onto the courtyard/pool area when he heard a vessel arrive. He quickly exited the house, going to meet them on a meandering path.At least that was the plan, hopefully Miss Alcori and company had seen the house from the air and figured it out.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Judah Dashiell"] | [member="Kaida Taldir"]
Shortly after two transports arrived, the first with Tegaea and Chesna, the second with Kaida and the lost Eldorai.

Tegaea stepped out and headed for the villa’s door, coming upon Kaida along the way.
“Good morning, Seraph Taldir. You are well?” she asked politely.
Chesna meanwhile smiled sunnily at Kaida, knowing it would annoy the frosty elf.

The lost Eldorai were an interesting collection. Five of them were much more tanned than Eldorai normally were, almost bronze, with dark hair and eyes. They looked afraid, but even so they pointedly stayed away from the sixth of the lost ones. This one had grey-black skin and bright white hair and pale eyes. She was very different from the others, but she too looked fearful.

Tegaea knocked on the door whilst she waited for Kaida’s reply.

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Judah Dashiell"]


Kaida ignored the smiling trollop. "Yes, you are as well, Countess?" she responded politely to Alcori. Kaida's opinion on her, when you overlooked the fact that her wife was a pompous queen who slept her way up, was neutral. Which might mean something since she intensely disliked most aristos.


"I'd appreciate knowing what makes this a matter of such importance that you came here personally. And what the Queen had to keep secret from me. I doubt it's all about a family reunion with lost elves," she said dryly. See, Kaida was the only person in the thread who had not been told that Kaeshana was doomed!

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"] | [member="Kaida Taldir"]


Hearing the knock, Judah opened it to find the assembled group waiting to enter. Taldir, as usual, seemed a little upset about the entire situation. It didn't surprise Judah any at all. In his very limited experience with Taldir it seemed the woman thrived on complaining or being in a foul mood. Should the woman crack a smile various hellish underworlds would freeze over throughout the galaxy.


"Miss Alcori, Miss Taldir. Miss Taldir, did you ever think that perhaps Miss Alcori needed to stop on by? Firemane does have a presence here and Tabaqui isn't exactly filled with luxury hotels. Or hotels of any kind really."


Judah offered a smile and stepped aside. The group in the back of Alcori and Taldir looked scared or about to faint. They must have gotten a taste of Taldir's winning personality. Force help them.


"Please, come on in."