Four of a Kind

[Anya Venari]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Calana nodded eagerly, though she was a little intimidated by the pair of attendants. Casting an uneasy eye at the Xioquo she sidled forward slightly towards the Vashyada.
“Greetings, I am Calana of the Whiteleaf Clan. Uhh…” she stammered slightly. She wasn’t sure what these attendants did. Were they bodyguards? If so, where were their weapons? Those dresses and tops were very short and tight too….

Meanwhile Tylania was much more composed dealing with Siobhan.
“Now we are both here together, I hope we can discuss matters candidly. I've been given thought on what you said and I would like your honest analysis - can Tygara be sustained? My people are scattered but they are not numerous. I would be willing to move some...even all...of them into space if you have the means and assistance to do so. As mentioned we will provide what payment we can."

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Anya Venari"]


The Vashyada attendant took Calana's hands and gave her a reassuring look. "Welcome, sister. I am Vessa of the Redleaf Clan."
"Have you come here to join us in worship of the Karishzar?" the Xioquo interjected. "We can show you just the way she likes it."
"Iuitl, do not jest. You're making her nervous. The Karishzar will be cross with you."
"I hope she will be!"
"Do not mind Iuitl. She means no ill."

xxx


Siobhan frowned slightly. "I'm getting a feeling of deja vu. All we're missing is an asteroid crashing down from the sky," she muttered to herself. "Can Tygara be sustained? Short-term, yes. Its defences suffice to deter pirates and slavers. I'd reckon the Kraal would get a bloody nose if they attacked in earnest. Long-term? If it catches the eye of a big power, it will fall," she shrugged.


"The Sith of these days are just a pale imitation of the One Sith. Cowards who only pick a fight with weaklings. But they've been swallowing up worlds across the Tingel Arm and will continue to do so until they implode like all empires do. Tygara cannot be held against them. The Silver Jedi ran away and would be useless protectors anyway."


There was a pause. "Firemane has space habitats. Enough room to transport and sustain a tremendous amount of people. All of Tygara, theoretically. I'm sure you understand that there would be strings attached if you choose to go down that route." Someone as empathic as Tylania would probably sense that Siobhan was reluctant to get too involved. Not out of malice or callousness, but simply because she was weary and less trusting than she used to be.

 

[Anya Venari]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Calana narrowed her eyes at the Xioquo. “She is deceptive and malicious, like all her kind,” Calana said tersely in Vash.
“And you are naïve and ignorant, like all your kind,” Iuitl replied in the same language, though without any seeming heat.
“One thing you’ll learn pretty quick, Calana, is that the people up here in space are the ones who’ve let go of the old rivalries. We serve the Lady Kerrigan because she is strong and wise, so don’t think everyone up here is the same as down here.”
Duly chastened, Calana nodded. “My apologies.”
“It’s alright. We also serve the Lady Kerrigan because she has magnificent ti…”
“Iuitl! You’ll make the girl blush.”
“I was going to say ‘titles’,” the Xioquo said innocently.
“Sure you were. Come on, Calana, let’s get you something to drink and we can sit by the fountain and you can tell us about yourself.”

“I understand this puts you in a difficult position, Siobhan. On the one hand you have business interests, and on the other you don’t want to let the planet be overtaken by these ‘Sith’. I will consider your conditions carefully and after consideration if I deem them fair we will accept.”

“But what of the others on Tygara? Will you make this offer to them? I suspect it will be easier to convince some than others. The Qadiri are divided and lack firm leadership. Semiramis would love to lead them all, but there will be resistance. The Xioquo are led by Liavondra…but will her commands be heeded? The Eldorai I know least of, but their queen seems sane and reasonable.”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Anya Venari"]


Siobhan shrugged. "The Queen is, her people aren't. They'd cling to notions of racial superiority even if New Santaissa was burning down all around them," she said airily. "I suppose it's unfortunate to be in their shoes. But the other leaders know where I am and how to reach me if they want to be smart like you."


They came to a halt before a red orchid bush. "Beautiful, aren't they? Love them," Siobhan remarked fondly. "My conditions are quite simple. My crew, my rules, any stations or ships used for evacuation remain my assets. No fighting. Only authorised personnel are allowed to carry weapons. Troublemakers will be excluded. If they have the money, they can buy a ship from me, go on their merry and build their little utopia. But I'm not having them on my stations. Even if they're royals. And I want slavery gone. It's high time." It was probably not rocket science to figure out against whom many of these clauses were directed.

 

[Anya Venari]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Tylania glanced slightly to the side at her, concealing a smile. She knew well who Siobhan meant.
“Slavery is something we only use for criminal sanction, indentured labour might be a better term. However, it can be easily removed as it is not important for my people. For the other terms, I have no complaints. My people are not warlike in that way, though they will have to be found productive work. I do not want them succumbing to idleness and corruption. I suggest alcohol and drugs be banned at least to begin with.”

She reached out, stroking the nearest flower. It seemed to grow before her eyes, becoming even more glorious.
“If I suggest a council meeting, will you meet with them? If they do not know the danger, it is my duty at least to tell them and then for them to negotiate with you. I have to try.”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Anya Venari"]


Siobhan nodded. "I can see some value in making criminals work off their debt to society by putting them to work. But chattel slavery as an institution must go," she frowned slightly. "The habitats don't feed or maintain themselves. Productive work will inevitably be found for the occupants. I reckon your people would do well in agriculture and taking care of the animals. Probably for the best to keep spice and liquor away. I don't think those are the kind of spirits you need," she joked.


Before their eyes, the flower grew. "Pretty," Siobhan remarked happily. There was a pause before she spoke again. "If a council convenes, I shall meet them. I can even host it here," she said after a pause. Of course, she was not just being generous. The Arx was her power base, whereas she felt vulnerable on Tygara. "But my conditions are not up for negotiation."

 

[Anya Venari]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Tylania nodded. “Fair. If I might have use of your communication device, I will contact them. It’s about time I met my ‘nieces’.”

Whilst Tylania made her calls, Calana was unexpectedly enjoying herself with the two ‘maidens’. Even the Xioquo was being nice to her.
Thus when Siobhan returned the two girls rose respectfully and Calana followed suit.
“Welcome back, Lady Kerrigan,” Vessa said. “Will Lady Tylania and Calana be joining us for dinner?”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Anya Venari"]


"Do be a good aunt and ask them all sorts of embarrassing questions," Siobhan joked and handed the communicator over. While Tylania made her calls to arrange a family reunion, Siobhan made her way back to Calana and the two 'attendants'. She liked the curtsey. Especially since her two maidens wore low-cut dresses that showed off their cleavage.


"I'm certain they will be. And it looks like we will get the opportunity to welcome more guests," Siobhan remarked, eyes falling upon Calana. "Hello there, my dear. I trust my attendants have been good to you?" she asked sweetly.

"We were just telling sweet Calana how wise and strong you are, Karishzar," Iuitl interjected. As every 'attendant' in Siobhan's employ soon learned, one had to strike a delicate balance between puffing up Sio's ego and teasing her.

"Oh, really, were you?" Siobhan raised an delicate eyebrow. Reaching out, she caressed the Xioquo's ear fondly, before running her hand down her back.

 

[Anya Venari]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Calana watched the exchange with a mix of amusement and wariness. She has a pretty good idea what the two were there for, but didn’t want to make the wrong comment and be undiplomatic.
“They have been very kind to me, thank you, Lady,” she said politely.

Tylania was meanwhile working out the communicator and was soon making calls. It would take some time though, so Calana was available for whatever the maids and Siobhan wished to do with her.

Vessa smiled and came closer to Calana. “Lady Kerrigan, may I show Calana around before dinner?”

Iuitl seemed very happy with this idea, and was starting to get a bit frisky from all the ear petting her Mistress was doing.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Anya Venari"]


"I'm pleased to hear that, my dear," Siobhan said jovially. Iuitl whimpered slightly when the Lady ceased her petting, withdrawing her hand from the ear. For a moment, Siobhan's eyes lingered on Calana's bust, before she gave Vessa a nod. She was pleased with how the wood elf was adjusting to the modern world.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, my sweet. Do give dear Calana a tour, but do not take too long. I shall attend to some matters with Iuitl."

"I am completely at your disposal, Great One," Iuitl declared loyally.

"Of course you are, my sweet."

 

[Anya Venari]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
As Siobhan led the Xioquo away for a ‘performance review’, Calana and Vessa were left in the somewhat awkward aftermath. Or at least it would have been awkward if Vessa was not fully aware of it, and Calana was clearly a bit unsure as to what had just happened.

Finally Calana looked across at Vessa. She seemed about to say something, looked down, blushing, then out at space.
“Are there other places like home in the stars?”
“Yes, though I do miss home sometimes, especially when the spring sun would filter down. It’s not a bad life, you know.”
“It is a lot to handle, but I hope I can understand it.”
“You will, it only took me 3 years from when I left to now. You’ll do fine.”

At that moment Tylania returned. “Lady Kerrigan and Iuitl have gone?”
“They have gone to discuss matters,” Calana said earnestly.
“I’m sure…” Tylania replied with a knowing look at Vessa.
“Would you like to come on a tour, Mistress?” Vessa asked, smiling shamelessly.
“Lead the way, dear. I am very interested in this metal behemoth.”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Anya Venari"]


"Lady Mistress...Great Karishzar, please," Iuitl pleaded for...something.
"Hush, my sweet. Did you make my guest feel welcome?"
Iuitl looked a bit sheepish. "Yes! Well...I teased her a bit. But only a little. She said mean things about my people, at first."
"Sweetling, it's up to you to set an example to dispell such notions," Siobhan lectured her sternly.
"Yes, Mistress, but...I made her feel welcome. Vessa can confirm it! Please..."
"What you desire is mine to grant or to withhold," Siobhan declared haughtily. They had reached her personal recreation suite in the Firemane Tower. She was a diigent CEO and often worked long hours. So she needed a place where she could relax. Especially if she stayed the night in the office. The suite included a meeting room, dining area, bathroom, secret emergency lift and a bedroom.


Speaking of the last room, the bed was queen-sized. Sitting down on it, Siobhan pointed to her feet. Immediately Iuitl knelt before her and gently removed the high heels. A soft, pleasured sigh escaped Siobhan's throat when the harem girl proceeded to lick, kiss and massage the top and bottom of her feet. "Tell me how you feel about your Queen, girl."
"I...worship and adore you. You are the Unconquered Flame. You are the Karishzar. A goddess of war, a luminous being made flesh. Beautiful beyond measure. Your name is a prayer on my lips..."

 

[Anya Venari]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Fear and awe were written across Calana’s face as she was led around the behemoth. Her village had housed barely 500 people, but it had been to her a metropolis. Now she was seeing that many people a minute, and all of them different. When she looked out an observation window she swooned and would have fainted were it not for Tylania’s attention.
“Calm, peace, my dear,” the Paragon said softly, laying a hand on her brow.
Calana started back from the edges of consciousness and stared at the scene. She was…looking at great arms stretched above and below her. Some of them were upside down to her…how did the people not fall off like dirt from a spade?!
“This…this is impossible.”
“No, my sweet, merely impossible to explain. Vessa, let’s go somewhere less…confounding.”
“Yes, Mistress, I understand. It was a long time before I could see it without feeling the same.”

Soon enough they would be led to a cosy dining room where a table for four had been set. Vessa was not one of them, and nor was Iuitl, indeed they were setting about the table with dishes and refreshments. The Xioquo looked rather quite…but also quite pleased with herself.

When Siobhan entered she took one seat whilst Tylania and Calana took two more. Who was the fourth one for? They would soon find out.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Anya Venari"]


Finally, Siobhan arrived. After enjoying herself with Iuitl, the Lady had showered, made some business calls and checked on her little ones. She gave Vessa's shoulder a fond squeeze and gave Iuitlt a pat on the well-rounded booty. Siobhan was nothing if not blatant in her affections. Both maidens wore revealing dresses that showed off their cleavage. In other words, their large frontal assets were rather in your face.


She gave her guests a polite nod and sat down on her seat, at the head of the table. Presumably she knew who the fourth one was for. The dishes being laid on the mahogany table were ample. The two wood elves would probably recognise a few, since Siobhan had made an effort to tailor them to what she understood to be more typical Vashyada food, though some foreign stuff had been added.


"I was not certain what your tastes were, so I had the cooks prepare a selection," Siobhan declared with false modesty. "I hope you managed to see a bit more of the station. I'm told sweet Vessa offered you a glimpse of the place. It really is a lot of ground to cover. There are sections even I have not visited. I understand if the experience was a little...disorientating. It is never easy having a reality you held dear turned upside down," she said tactfully, glancing towards Calana. Her tone was rather warm.

 

[Anya Venari]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Calana shuddered slightly. “The buildings, the people, they hang in the air. This is some powerful magic…science….”
The image was clearly haunting her.
Tylania raised an eyebrow. “Don’t think too much on it, dear. Have some food.”

The spread was expertly prepared, and Calana eagerly was helped to a selection. Tylania took on a rather smaller portion and ate daintily.
“My compliments to your chef, Lady Kerrigan, this is excellent.”

“Why thank you, have never tried making Vashyada food before,” a voice said from behind. The maids curtseyed as Tegaea Alcori entered, removing an apron. She gave her wife a kiss and took the fourth seat.

“Lady Tegaea Alcori, a pleasure, Lady Tylania, Ms Calana,” she said with a smile.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Anya Venari"]


Seeing Calana's discomfort, Siobhan gave Vessa a brief look. She prided herself on being a good hostess, who looked after her guests and their needs, after all. She smiled broadly when her wife entered and returned the kiss. "Tegaea is the love of my life and a phenomenal chef," she declared proudly. Laying it on a little thick? Mayhaps. Finally she got around to helping herself to the meal. "So, Lady Tylania, how did your calls go?"

 

[Anya Venari]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Vessa nodded understandingly. She would ‘help Calana settle in’ later.

Tegaea meanwhile smiled slightly. “Thank you, love. A pleasure.”

Tylania smiled. “The calls went well…eventually. Queen Tirathana was easy enough to convince, the others had some issues with technology. Both have agreed, if somewhat tentatively. I sensed fear in Semiramis, which is not surprising. Liavondra seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. They await your convenience.”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Anya Venari"]


"I see. Well, I am prepared to host the summit," Siobhan responded smoothly, taking a sip of her wine. It gave her a few seconds to think. "It will take some time to make the necessary preparations. The entire Arx will have to be on full alert. The last thing I want is for some madwoman to sneak in and plant a bomb." She was certain that there were duplicitious aristocrats or rebels who'd jump at the chance to cause mischief.


"I imagine the ladies will not come without escorts, so we must take that into account as well. I'd like a full guest list in advance. In the light of this, I believe it is fair that we convene in two weeks' time." She would inform the Board, of course. Inform being the key word. The Lady Kerrigan did not have to play coy with by-laws and shareholders. Nor did she let diplomats dictate communiques full of platitudes to her.

 

[Anya Venari]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Tylania nodded. “All fair precautions. If I might ask you a favour, if I could have a pilot and transport assigned to me, I will see to that myself. I can vet the guest list and uncover any potential dangers. Obviously your people will run a second scan, but I have a good understanding of my ‘nieces’. Two weeks is a fair amount of time.”

She continued. “My compliments to you both for an excellent meal, don’t you agree, Calana?”
“Oh yes, very much, Lady!” Calana said, focusing back on the table. Her gaze had drifted towards a distant porthole.
“With your permission, Lady Kerrigan, might we stay a few nights? Perhaps it might help Calana become acclimated to this new place?”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Anya Venari"]


"I can spare one. Same pilot as the one who brought you here?" Siobhan asked, after some brief consideration. She did not know that said shuttle pilot had been a bit of a racist jerk. She dug into the food a bit. Her lips curled into a smile. "The two of you are very welcome. Come to think of it, why don't you stay at our place? There is more than enough room. It is also quite close to the gardens." The couple often entertained visitors, so their residence had several guest rooms. Some guests never used those because they ended up sharing a bed with the couple. "Vessa would be delighted to help Calana adjust."