From the Ice Inside Your Soul (Kaida)

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Eldorai Outpost near the Xioquo Border

Today was a new day for our favorite young and sheltered redhead. In the past couple of weeks so much had changed. Her heritage had come to light and well, Galina wasn't just ordinary. Or so the claim went, of her being of royal blood. All from a bloodline that hadn't ruled her homeworld of Sigma in nearly a thousand years. Rightful heir, or some nonsense. That part, she wasn't sure about. Not at all. The only thing she had been certain about was the people on Sigma desperately needed help. Even before knowing about her bloodline, she'd wanted to go back - to do something that could help throw the Rahls from their throne and somehow restore things to the way they had been.

Her parents, in part she understood their hesitations. It wasn't like Galina had any combat experience at all, no knowledge of strategy, and certainly no idea how to lead anyone. The girl was just a bookworm, a scholar, who still greatly lacked in maturity despite being legally an adult. She'd been sheltered, protected from just about everything. Even learning that she had the Force came at great surprise to her, and training in such skills, she'd resisted, trying to run away from that simple reality.

The fact was now, Galina had to train those talents. There was no room to run anymore. If she had any desire to help her people, she was going to have to step up and completely embrace what she could become, completely embrace powers that frightened her more than she wanted to admit to. And her parents had set in motion her training on the front. She was going to have to learn and learn quickly what life really was like outside the sheltered walls of the villa, where she'd been safely protected from any and all harm for a long time. Out here there were real risks, and dangers that she couldn't predict. It was time for her to open up her eyes.

Standing outside the gates, she waited anxiously to meet her new mentor. A one [member="Kaida Taldir"], an Eldorai who was gifted in the same skills that Galina had shown promise in. If only she knew Kaida's reputation, though without a doubt she was bound to learn quickly enough just what kind of trainer the Ice Queen was.

Looking undoubtedly a bit like a deer caught in the headlights, she glanced around, wringing her hands slowly to try and calm her nerves. Beneath all of it, the nerves, the fears, there was something else. Something didn't feel quite right to the young redhead. But what it was exactly she couldn't place her finger exactly on it. Perhaps a warning of something to come, that she hadn't quite pieced together. That and she'd yet learned to trust her instincts, and feelings within the Force. In time whatever it was, would undoubtedly reveal itself. For now though, Galina brushed off the feeling as nerves and nothing more.

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


All in all, the outpost was quite basic. This was no surprise since it was largely meant to keep watch on the border with the Xioquo, whose technology was far behind that of the Eldorai, though they were not to be underestimated. A wall with towers surrounded it. Inside there was a barracks, a chapel that had a house of healing attached to it, along with a command centre. Disregarding the hightech here and there, it looked like the fort on an untamed, primitive frontier.


Here the Angelii stood watch, drilled and sometimes launched incursions into Xioquo territory. Defences were in place in form of turrets, e-webs and shattercannons. Galina would probably see Eldorai soldiers on patrol on the wall or standing sentinel at the gates.


The young Kerrigan-Alcori would not have to wait long, for soon the gates opened and Kaida stepped out. The woman's imposing battle armour clung to her body like a second skin. One might be forgiven for thinking that she'd been born in it. She'd foregone the helmet, exposing an attractive but severe face and blonde hair tied back into a ponytail.


"Recruit Kerrigan-Alcori," she started. Tone was clipped, authoritative, bit like the crack of a whip. Not 'Galina' or 'Lady Kerrigan-Alcori'. The style of address had been deliberately chosen. It was tradition among Eldorai noble families that their Force-sensitive daughters should spend some amongst the Angelii. In many cases this had less to do with patriotism than with a desire to give them some discipline and because it looked good on your resume.


In Kaida's experience these children always had a massive sense of entitlement and so they got a rude awakening when they realised that firstly they would not be coddled because of who their mother was, and secondly the life of an Angelii was a lot less glamorous than you thought. Of course, the situation was a bit different with Galina, but the point still stood.


The girl had lived a sheltered, pampered life. Now she would need to be broken in. The girl was wearing her heart on her sleeve and looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Alas, Kaida didn't care about that! "I am Seraph Kaida Taldir. You will address me as 'Lady Seraph' or 'Ma'am'. Come with me. I will take you to the barracks, you will get your gear and change. Then we'll start drilling." The young firemane's room would be very spartan - and she'd have to share it!

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

For a moment, Galina did wonder what she was getting herself into. Had she willingly volunteered to go back to war on her homeworld, without much of a second thought? Yes, yes she had. She had, and had done so with good intentions. Alas the road to hell was paved with such intentions.

Kaida's voice seemed to snap Galina out of her thoughts. She spun around quickly looking to the blonde Eldorai. The way the woman addressed her seemed a bit strange and unfamiliar. She'd just been Galina to everyone else. Still, she didn't feel the need to voice any protest on this, and let it go. Things were different now, and well she assumed this was just one more thing she was going to have to get used to.

Taking a deep breath, Galina nodded. "Yes, Ma'am." Looking at Kaida now, the redhead couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated by her. "Of course." She said quietly, before following Kaida's lead into the barracks. Undoubtedly there would be much for Galina to adjust to. Sharing a room would just be the start.

Moving through the complex, she glanced around looking through just about everything she could, curiosity mostly. Though if truth be told, some of it reminded her a little too much of her days as a child soldier. Admittedly things were different now, Galina wanted to do this. As a child, she'd had no option but to serve the Rebellion. The choice being hers now, made all the difference. Still, the memories weren't the most pleasant. There were too many things she'd like to forget. Conflicting emotions and ideas, were likely to be the hardest thing for Galina to deal with, with this new training. There was much she'd have to come to terms with and fast.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Kaida turned on her heels and guided the little firemane through the complex. Here and there, some of the Angelii shot Galina curious glances, but no one bothered her or made snarky comments. The barracks were a large, foreboding stone complex. Inside the halls were quite clean and soldiers were up and about. "Cantina is over there," Kaida spoke, indicating a corridor as she guided the young redhead. Another corridor, a salute from a soldier to Kaida, and then they walked down some stairs. A few inspirational posters hung on the walls. Some of them were of a religious nature and depicted Eldorai Goddesses.


"Refreshers are communal. We take turns in cleaning them and the hallway. There's a roster pinned to the wall. You'll find your name on it." Yep, there were no servants here. Likewise the firemane would have to share the shower with several lovely, amazonian elves.


"And this is your room." Having said that the Seraph opened the door and showed Galina her new living space. Spartan was certainly a good description. There was a bunk bed, table and chairs, a closet, along with lavatories and sink. That was it. Right now Galina's roomie seemed to be absent, but that would probably change soon.


"There's your gear," Kaida pointed towards the lower bunk. On it Galina would find a suit of duraplast armour, a sarix, a bolt pistol and the Eldorai version of BDUs. Army boots stood in front of the bed. "You will be responsible for keeping your equipment in good condition."

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina made a few mental notes as they moved along, trying to make sure she remembered where the important things were. Though, one thing gave her some pause. "Communal?" She'd still not really gotten comfortable within her own skin. The idea of bathing around others, being without clothing in front of others was a slightly daunting thought. She was quick to brush aside those thoughts, trying not to think too much on it. "Right." Now cleaning, it had been a while since she'd had to do anything of the sort. Not that she was incapable. "Not a problem." Adjustments, small though they were, still left a stark contrast against the way things were at the Villa.

Stepping into her room, the redhead looked around. Spartan yes, but she'd gotten by on much less in her life. This seemed it would be an easier thing to manage. Her eyes soon fell to the gear, and curiously, inquisitively the redhead stepped forward to inspect it. Slowly she ran a hand over the armor, not even sure in the slightest how to put it on. Armor hadn't been common place on Sigma, and never had held any place in her life, until today.

While Galina was lost in thought, a certain familiar redheaded Eldorai walked in, still damp from a shower and wearing absolutely nothing but her birthday suit. Not even a towel. "Oh, I see we are bunking redheads together. I'm sure that's for convenience, since we all know how you like them, Taldir." Ah, a spot of trolling in the morning. The usual for Elayne. Without a doubt there'd be some punishment for that, but it wasn't like Elayne minded .... much.

Galina spun on her heels to look at her new roomie and soon found herself flushed red, as red as her hair. The young human was quick to avert her eyes, and turned back to her bed, anything to avoid the awkwardness that came with the situation. "I ... uh, um ... Surely you want to put some clothes on. I imagine you're a bit cold." Galina managed to say. Clearly, seeing another woman without a stitch of clothing was more than a little uncomfortable for Galina. Sheltered? Most definitely, and in this moment it showed so obviously for the world to see.

"Awww, she's adorable.... A wee bit shy, are we?" Twice the people to troll, twice the fun! Nonetheless Elayne decided to at least slip on the most basic of clothing to help ease some of the Redhead's discomfort. Even if she did rather enjoy seeing the girl blush.
[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Kaida raised an eyebrow when she saw Galina's reaction to the idea of communal showers. "Yes, communal. Get used to the sight of naked soldiers. Don't let it interfere with punctuality." Oh, and yes, she'd probably end up seeing her superior naked at some point.


Regardless, they entered the room, Galina took it in and then her roomie Elayne waltzed in. It must be admitted that Kaida did turn her attention towards the woman's lovely body for just a brief moment. Her gaze remained as cold and severe as ever though.


"Talon Saedaris, for lack of decorum you'll be running three times as many rounds as everyone else today. Likewise, you'll be given twice as many cleaning duties," she said flatly. Punishing Elayne was one of Kaida's favourite pasttimes on the base. The other was quality time with Coryth when the redhead came to visit.


Galina was being adorable and blushing, which showed her sheltered life. "Show Recruit Kerrigan how to put on her armour. Then head to the barrack grounds. You two have ten minutes." With that she turned away and headed out of the room without a further word.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina nodded, looking every bit incredibly uncomfortable by the idea. "Okay. I'm sure I'll adjust." Someday. Though one couldn't be sure about adjusting to her new roommate. After all, Elayne was a bit of a shock to most folks sensibilities, never mind a teenager who could be more than a little prudish, naive and sheltered about her life and body.

Elayne pouted as she turned back to look at Kaida. "Oh, come on ... It's nothing she isn't going to see on a daily basis. I just figured we might as well get the new recruit used to it." The redheaded Eldorai sighed, knowing she was going to be stuck with the punishment either way. So she might as well make the most of it. "Well, I suppose running won't be all that bad."

Galina turned looking back to the partial dressed redhead, and then to Kaida. "Oh, she's got to kidding." All she could do was watch was Kaida left the room and left her to Elayne. Easily Galina was more than a touch uncomfortable around Elayne. The woman seemed to be an odd duck, for sure. "She isn't...." The young human sighed heavily, sounding a bit dismayed.

Elayne shrugged, giving the girl a once over. "She never kids. You'll get used to it. Hopefully." Stepping forward, she picked up some of the girl's new gear. "Now, let's get you into your armor. And for the record, there's nothing to be shy of, it's not like I haven't seen it before." The elf said with a smile. Perhaps she was enjoying this, a little too much.

"Oh, yes ... That totally makes it better." Galina mumbled beneath her breath. It seemed there was no escape to this part of things, despite just how awkward and uncomfortable it really was. Stripping out of her civilian clothing took some effort on her part, flushing a brighter shade of red as she did so.

"Oh, sweetie ... So sheltered, yet so adorable. And also, word of advice, mumbling under your breath, doesn't mean you aren't heard by our keen ears. It's bound to get you in trouble, darling." Elayne spoke softly as she helped Galina into the armor. It took a few minutes and some awkward pauses as the young human squirmed in the foreign feeling gear, trying to get it to settle right on her body. Finally though Galina looked presentable to Elayne, and well for her it was a much quicker process to step into her own gear. "Let's get a move on, kiddo." Elayne said before heading out the door, and up to the barrack grounds.

Galina, fidgeted for a second, not exactly liking how the armor and weapons felt on her body. In more than one way it felt restrictive to her, which only left her feeling a bit anxious to have to do much of anything in it. Without further hesitation, Galina followed Elayne up to meet with Kaida.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Outside a unit of fully kitted out Angelii was standing on the parade grounds in front of the barracks. "Company, attention," a Talon bellowed. The ranks of amazonian elves snapped into formal poses like machines and stood straight awaiting further orders. Each of these Angelii was clad in battle armour with visored helmets and heavy boots. Some of them carried a Taegis shield on their back, all of them carried a sarix and a bolt pistol.


"Company, left face," the NCO barked again and the soldiers turned in unison. At this moment Kaida appeared on the spot. The Talon immediately turned to face the Seraph and snapped to attention, saluting her. "Lady Seraph, Red Company, First Legion reports as ordered. There are no unusual events to report."


Kaida returned the salute with her right fist over her heart. Her face was obscured by her helmet and her voice modulated by an electronic speaker, which gave it a mechanical quality. "Thank you, Talon. Today's programme is a six miles run, live fire drills and patrol on Xioquo territory." Totally not arduous at all. "One last word. We have a new member: Recruit Kerrigan. You'll treat her as you would any other battle sister." Otherwise there'd be consequences. Kaida was a supporter of corporal punishment.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

This might have been the point that Galina would normally have vocalized just how out of place she felt. Though, she didn't image that would win her any favors. I am so in over my head. Not that I'm telling my mums that. Ever.

Elayne had already slipped into place, and drug Galina along with her. "Stay. There. Like that." The Eldorai whispered. Though Elayne soon found herself cringing internally. Eighteen miles, today's going to be fabulous. A thought she was smart enough to keep to herself.

Galina suddenly had the feeling that today, was going to be nothing like what she had expected. After all she had hoped to ease into things. It wasn't like the young redhead had been particularly athletic this last year. And sure life on the island had required a level of skill and athleticism, but Galina had let much of that slip when she was no longer required to catch her own dinner, and fend off lethal animals. Which, now that she thought about it, might have been a small error on her part. Too late to remedy that now, she was just simply going to have to suffer the consequences of having lived a more sedate life.

Of course when the group took off running, Galina found herself rather naturally at that back of the pack. And Elayne it seemed was there with her at least for a little while. Though Galina suspected that had more to do with the need to pace herself for a much longer run than the rest of the company. The first half mile didn't seem that bad. Until Galina started to realize that the distance between her and the others was already growing. And at the mile mark, she already was getting quite winded and worn. The armor, so wasn't helping. In fact, Galina was starting to loathe it. To her it was just extra weight which made an already difficult run, that much harder.

Unfortunately it had not quite dawned on Galina that the run was just the start. There was likely to be no breaks between the run and the other planned exercises for the day. That and well, there was always bound to be a surprise or two when Kaida was around.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


And so the group took off running. It would be a long, arduous journey over the grasslands of Tygara. Officers and enlisted soldiers would both run. Angelii did not tolerate slacking and none of their officers were expected to sit behind the desk all the time.


Where a soldier slacked, she would soon be gripped tight and told to get in line. There would be no breaks until the Seraph said so. At this point at least the terrain was not that punishing, but it would over time become a bit mountainous. Up here in the north close to the lands of the Xioquo, it was also a good deal chillier.


Unfortunately for Galina, the fact that she'd fallen back to the end of Red Company would not go unnoticed. "Recruit Kerrigan, get a move on! You're not at home with your rich mummies anymore, you're in the Angelii. So get your tits in gear and move your fething arse!" Kaida's sergeant voice was as sharp as a whip.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina was already panting, her legs aching, burning already from the expended efforts in the run thus far. Perhaps it was a slightly foolish notion, that she'd go unnoticed as she lagged further and further behind the others. But the girl had hoped.

So much for that whole going unnoticed thing ... The girl thought as she heard Kaida's voice cut through the air. Galina did have a slight urge to reply with something snarky to the Ice Queen, but for the moment the need for air in her lungs overruled her snarky teenaged urges.

And at least the young redhead made an attempt to pick up the pace. Not that her attempt actually lasted long before she slowed down once more.Internal grumbling was about all she could manage as the terrain started to shift. Things were bound to get a bit more rough before this little run was over. Who knew? Maybe Galina would manage to hold herself together without some smartass comment that was only bound to get her into trouble. Only time would tell.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


The arduous trek continued on like this for a good while. Shirking was not tolerated. The same applied to slacking. However, then things got more dramatic. From concealed hiding spots in the mountains, mortars belched out shells!


Boom. Of course, they would not be directly targeting the unit of Angelii. As a matter of fact, the shells would impact far away from them at a safe distance. This was something the older veterans would know, but not necessarily new recruits such as Galina.


As harsh as Kaida was, she would not try to kill her own minions. Give them a big scare? Definitely. The first shell impacted with a bang, throwing up earth and dust. Smoke rose up into the air. "Move it! To the caves! Double time!" Here and there, a recruit froze under the bombardment or sought cover in the bushes, but they were roughly grabbed and ordered to go in line. It would not be an easy path to the caves.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina was doing her best, just trying to keep moving. The terrain was growing steadily harsher and the air nippier by the moment. The redhead hadn't really thought the run could get much worse. She was, of course, wrong. So very, very wrong.

Mortars was the very last thing she ever expected. And rightfully so! Who expects those on an ordinary run? No one! Galina yelped, startled and frightened as the first shell impacted throwing up dust and smoke into the air. It might have dawned on her at this point, being at the back of the pack, and alone was not the best place to be. No, not at all. Still, catching up would be a chore with already aching muscles.

The second mortar went off, and Galina ducked for cover. But she didn't stay down for long, just long enough to make sure she was okay, and ready herself for any more that were sure to follow. At least she thought things through enough that she used the force to help give her a burst of speed to allow her to catch up with the others. Admittedly she couldn't use that too often, it just expended too much energy that she didn't have to spare at the moment.

Now the challenge lay in keeping up with the rest, without relying on her gifts. "The woman's bloody well trying to kill us." Galina muttered ever so softly. And soon the next mortar struck, naturally sending Galina ducking for cover yet again. At least the caves would offer them some cover, safety and protection. Well, that was Galina's thinking. Staying put just seemed like a really bad idea, to the young human.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


There was a reason older veterans were paired with younger recruits. Some of the latter went into shock or got frightened when the mortars hit home. But with more experienced soldiers in the group, order was quickly restored.


"Move it, girls! To the cave! Then to the top of the mountain and we'll take them out." To her credit, Kaida would be the last inside the cave. Seemingly unflappable and unaffected by the artillery barrage raining down all around them, she was there barking orders, directing recruits and here and there grabbing one who'd gone into shock.


Suddenly the Seraph roughly grabbed Galina by the shoulder and forced her up. There was another explosion as the mortar fired once more. In actuality the explosion was a good distance away, but it would certainly be loud enough to appear close. The detonation would throw up earth and rocks, possibly peppering the young firemane a bit. "Get up, soldier! On your feet! Now go!" Without further ado, she pushed Galina forward into the direction of the caves.


Little did the recruits know that a horde of droids was lying in wait in the shadows inside the caverns.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina for a moment seemed to have disappeared into her own mind, no longer quite hearing what was happening around her. Memories were a queen like that, drawing her under, reminding her of the uncomfortable, horrific past that she carried with her.

The redhead yelped, startled as Kaida grabbed her and pulled her to her feet. She gave a quick nod to the Seraph and took the push to the cave for what it was, and tried to focus her mind in the present. The last place she could be was wrapped up inside her own head at a time like this. That just seemed like a way to get injured or worse if it happened on a true battlefield.

As she finally reached the cave, something felt off to Galina, and already she was reaching down towards the bolt pistol at her waist. She couldn't really place the feeling beyond a sense of danger, that the cave wasn't the safety it appeared to be. If anything at this point, Galina was extremely on edge, but at least she was listening to her instincts and to the Force.

Elayne seemed to be having the same feeling, or perhaps it was just that she knew Kaida a little better than Galina did, and didn't trust the cave to be any refuge at all. The redheaded Eldorai, stuck close by to the young recruit. After all she had a responsibility to help look out for the girl and at east make sure shock or fear didn't get the best of the little human. "Keep your eyes open. There's bound to be something unexpected in here. Be ready." Elayne whispered. And at that point, the only thing Galina could do in response was nod quickly, trying not to let her concerns, and the memories that kept trying to creep up show outwardly.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"], [member="Valiens Nantaris"]


The cave was not safe. Not at all. Kaida was the last of the Angelii inside, for she had waited at the entrance while the last of the recruits filed in. Whatever else might be said about her, she was thorough and so she took the time to make a full headcount until she was satisfied that every soldier was there.


Then she discreetly pressed a button on her comm, passing on the order. The caverns were long, narrow and also rather dark. Of course, the Angelii's helmets would be equipped with vision modes such as infrared and night vision. If they were smart, they would use them. And they had the Force.


No sooner had she pressed the button, than the assault begun. Droids came from seemingly everywhere, guns levelled at the soldiers, and fired. The Angelii would suddenly find themselves bombarded with sonic waves.


Naturally these were set to stun instead of cause lethal damage, but it was very difficult to dodge sound and, moreover, the sonic boom would disorientate and make focus extremely difficult. Other droids fired rapid-firing, built-in blasters, spewing a hailstorm of crimson bolts. These were set to sting a lot and stun, though not kill.


Anti-Force-user Concussion grenades, primed to unleash a stunning sonic shockwave, were lobbed in. If an Angelii tried to toss the grenade back with her power, it would just blow up in her face. Modified Ssi-ruuvi blaster rifles, which emitted long beams that would paralyse upon contact with a limb, rounded up the arsenal. How would the Angelii fare? That was the question. The strategy of the droids would be pretty simple: Surround and pin the soldiers down and overwhelmn, then close in to strike them in close combat, for some had been equipped with electrostaffs.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Sonic weapons, what a heartless evil queen they were to force users. And our little redhead had never experienced such a weapon. Talk about a harsh introduction. The girl didn't even get a single shot off, before the sonic weapons took their toll. With both hands she instantly attempted to cover her ears, not that it exactly helped the situation, at least not with a helmet on. The ringing in her ears, the pain, made it virtually impossible to concentrate on much of anything. Some where between that and her senses being completely overwhelmed in the mix of emotions, weapons discharge, advancing droids Galina had frozen.

As for Elayne, this was just an ordinary day with Kaida. The usual. Always with the Sonic Weapons.... It's a wonder half of us aren't completely deaf by now. At this point, perhaps anything metallic should have been the Talon's favorite enemy. It almost made it too easy. Almost. Though the thought did cross this writer's mind to simply hyper-magnetize one droid and use it to collect all the other droids into one massive and useless ball. Force based Magnetism, via terromancy is absolutely overpowered.

The Eldorai perhaps hadn't paid close enough mind to her charge and hadn't noticed the girl had frozen, as she twisted one droid into a crumpled pile of scrap metal before launching it down the cave, as fast as she could manage. The effect, several more droids fell to the scrap ball as it tore through them at an extremely unnatural speed.

Now it seemed she had enough time and breathing room to pay some mind to Galina. Grabbing the girl by the shoulder, she roughly shook her to bring her back to her senses. "Not the time to space out kid! There's ass kicking to be done! Now get with it!"

Galina jumped, startled from her stupor by Elayne. Fearfully she glanced around the battle scene and tried for a moment to make sense of it and what she needed to do to help, and not be a hinderance to the others. Admittedly taking too long to think, and not taking the time to truly react. And well, the droids weren't waiting.

One nearby took aim at the human, it's Ssi-ruuvi rifle in hand as it squeezed the trigger. Galina yelped as she felt her right arm grow numb, and fall limply at her side. Her eyes widened for a second, taking in what exactly had happened. And finally she reacted, a telekinetic blast was unleashed towards the offending droid throwing it backwards into the cave wall, effectively shattering it. But she didn't stop there, after all at this point she might have been just a small bit pissed. The cave grew noticeably colder as a chill descended upon the cavern. And soon enough a small ice wall formed in front of her and Elayne and the others, offering them some measure of protection for the moment.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"], [member="Valiens Nantaris"]


Sonic blasters, Ssi-ruuvi rifles shooting paralysis beams, a mass of droids! No, Kaida was not nice at all, but there was a method to her bitchiness. Angelii training and tactics were very different from Jedi ones. Well, in Kaida's opinion it would be an euphemism to call Jedi tactics lackluster, since in her opinion they did not go beyond blindly death charging across the battlefield and swinging your lightsabre. Or simply trying to talk your enemy to death.


No, Angelii tactics emphasised discipline, teamwork and combined use of conventional and elemental powers. Sonic blasts would blow the lightsabre out of her hand, the energy beams unleashed by the Ssi-ruuvi rifles could not be deflected by one, so Kaida did not even bother to try and block any incoming rounds.


One Angelii had gone down, having been blasted by the paralysing beam. Quickly Kaida grabbed her and pulled her to the formation. Out of the shadows a battle droid came firing at her and the blast grazed her shoulder, making it feel numb. Reaching out with her Sciia to pull and wring the ambient moisture from the vapour in the cooling air, she manifested an icicle and propelled it at tremendous speed and velocity to impact upon the power centre of a droid with the force of a railgun shot. Sparks flew as the droid was rendered nonfunctional. Through her power she picked up a boulder to make it come crashing down upon a bunch of machines.


Her ears were ringing badly from a sonic blast, but she pushed through. "Angelii, shield wall! Lomasi formation," she ordered aloud, having to shoot to make herself heard. The words seemed to pull some recruits, who had initially frozen or thrown into shock just like Galina, back to the present and they assumed formation. A high-tech phalanx came into being as the soldiers formed a wall with their Taegis energy shields. Each Angelii was paired with a battle sister, one of the pair shielded both while the other used her Sciia. Sarix and sarzmigars polearms would hew down droids that managed to get close.


"Lightning salvoe! Saedaris, rocks on the right flank. Kerrigan, with me. We're freezing their weapons!" Projectiles and blasts splashed against the shield wall and the elemental barriers that had risen up. Finding that it was difficult to penetrate, the droids began lobbing in concussion grenades, but then strong blasts of lightning tore through the air and struck into their ranks and blasted them to scrap. Other machines were ignited by the flames of the pyromancers. Kaida's eyes turned an icy, crystalline blue and cold steam emanated from her gauntlet as she focused her Sciia.

 

[Elayne Saedaris]

Seeing Galina not moving quick enough to Kaida, the redheaded Eldorai gave her a bit of a push in the right direction, trying to hurry the girl up. After all, Elayne had a job to do, and with the redhead human pushed in the right direction, she had her own task to focus on. One which required a certain level of care. After all it wouldn't do anyone any good if she ended up bringing the entire cave ceiling down upon her fellow sisters.

Focus was admittedly difficult with the sonic and concussive weapons going off around her. Extending her Sciia out into the the stone walls and ceiling around them, she looked for weakness, looked for just the place she needed. Eventually she found her mark. Unleashing a small portion of her power, she helped shatter a fracture line in the stone allowing a storm of boulders loose upon the droids, just as she had been asked. Easy enough, a bit of a smirk formed on her lips as she surveyed the damage, pleased with her efforts. A good chunk of the droids on her side were down. Now it was a simple matter to use smaller fragments of rock, as hypervelocity missiles towards anything still moving among the droids. Of course there were still plenty left for Kaida and Galina to play with.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina's body had already grown colder with the exertion of her powers. She still wasn't that used to using the cryomancer abilities that she had. They still felt somewhat new to her, difficult to fully control. The sonic blasts certainly didn't make any of it easier. Not at all.

All around her people were moving, following the commands issued. Soon enough they at least had the protection of the shield wall to try and keep some of the machines out. She heard Elayne's name, and hers soon after. Feeling hands on her shoulders push her forward towards Taldir. No words needed to be spoken, there was a job to do and others were relying on her now.

A part of her was nervous as she stepped forward, not so much afraid of what could happen, but afraid of letting others down, of failing them. The chills she had at least come to know as normal spread across her hand as she extended her powers out, pulling what moisture she could from the air. Weapons were easy enough to jam and destroy with water, ice in the right places. After all water when frozen did expand. And that would in theory help rid some of the droids of those annoying weapons.

A deep breath in and she focused as much as she could under the tense circumstances. Her attention drawn to nearby droids as she exerted her powers drawing water into weapons and working quickly to crystallize it into ice, letting that pressure alone from the inside, splitting some weapons apart with relative ease. Some exploded as they did so, leaving shrapnel flying, damaging others and battering the shields of the Eldorai.

Only a few pieces slipped past the defenses. Galina felt something hit her right should, though it felt something like a bit of pressure against her skin, so it was ignored. For the moment having forgotten that arm had been numbed by one of the Ssi-ruuvi weapons. Only a small piece had managed to pierce her armor and into her skin below. It still, was bound to be a nuisance later on when the young woman realized her injury, minor though it was.

Her attention quickly turned to any other droid left standing. Her hands already frigid and ice cold, she once more pulled on the tangled web of infinite power and settled back into drawing moisture from the air and focusing it on any droid left standing, as she worked first water then ice across and through their vital systems, doing her best to finish those that she could.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]