The Great Outdoors (Sio/Galina)

[Tegaea Alcori]

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

As the desert zipped by they came at last to the Oasis. Lush palms and grass covered the hollow and under the trees it was much cooler.

Tegaea, as any good parent with special forces training, carefully spied out every piece of the surroundings, memorising the terrain so that she could recall it if needed.

Presumably whilst this was happening Siobhan was setting up the tent. Tegaea never had much luck assembling them, so she left that to her wife, and possibly the Force, to setup.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


"There we are, sweetie. I'll go set up the tent," she said brightly to Galina. Suffice to say if anyone or anything interrupted their camping trip with hostile intent, Siobhan would brutally slaughter them. Roast them with lightning until they were nothing but charred husks of flesh. You did not hurt her family and survive. Such a sweet mother! Anyhow, they had arrived at the lovely oasis. Lush and beautiful palm trees, grass and such covered the hollow, the water was as blue as the lake of Theed.


All in all, it was very idyllic, but nonetheless Siobhan was on her guard. This day and the coming ones were important and even the most idyllic place could suddenly harbour dangers. Especially if quantum tunnelling Sith were involved. Or fools who randomly dropped space stations for no apparent reason.


Anyhow, whilst Tegaea played scout Siobhan was busy setting up the tent. Telekinesis came in handy because it meant she could carry all the tools rather easily. At first she tried to assemble it naturally, but then had to use her powers to keep the tent from blowing away! Finally, with some space magic handwavium aid, she set it up. Fortunately if a desert spliter erupted Siobhan had overpowered telekinesis and thus could simply will the tempest to stop.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Once out of the speeder, Galina had the brightest of grins on her lips. Looking over the oasis, she seemed so happy and the stress of the trip forgotten completely. Water certainly always made her feel more comfortable, and calmer.

While Tegaea scouted around, and Siobhan setup the tent, the young redhead wandered down to the water's edge. Kneeling down at the water's edge she dropped a hand into the cool waters, seemingly content for the time being. Feeling a little more comfortable in the area, she then headed back to Siobhan.

Her eyes moved to the now setup tent, "So this is what real camping is like?" It seemed she was a little uncertain on the topic. "At least it's nothing like the island."

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

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

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

Tegaea had placed some movement sensors on the perimeter, and now returned to the campsite in time to hear Galina’s words.
“Camping is meant to be fun, just a few people away from civilisation and enjoying the wild. I used to like it a lot, but after I got higher up it was…well…less easy. But I’d like to share it with you again, Galina.”
She looked at the tent approvingly. This one was the product of space technology so it was rigid and waterproof and even had power if needed.

Wondering if this was now a good time to take Galina aside she looked at Siobhan. “Did you want to go for a walk with me, Galina?” she asked.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


After Siobhan being quite upset about Tegaea not being their daughter much attention, yet moping about complaining no connection, she was happy to find that she was clearly making an effort now. Of course, things could not be magically shiny and happy. Doubtless the onus also lay on Siobhan. A relationship took more than one person to make it work, after all.


Anyhow, the tent was finally set up in all its waterproof glory, and Siobhan looked proud at her accomplishment. She had not used that much space magic to get it done! Baring a tornado, they should be ok. She gave her wife and Galina a smile. "Yep, that's camping, darling. Feel free to go for a walk with your mum. I'll make a fire. If something happens, I'm close and Tegs has a big gun," she said warmly, patting her daughter on the shoulder. After how nervy she had been before, she was glad to see their little girl finally relax.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina smiled warmly seeing Tegaea return. "There's not been many things like this in my life. Not that I mind, it's just different." And at least this wasn't for survival or anything of the sort. This was with her family for fun, and relaxation. "I'd like that."

Galina nodded to Siobhan, "I'd love to go for a walk mum." With that she set aside the book she'd already picked up, and walked over towards Tegaea. "Shall we?" She asked, letting Tegaea lead the way on this one.

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

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]
Tegaea walked with Galina to a space about fifty yards away from Siobhan, under the shade of some large trees.
“So, Galina, Siobhan says you’ve been doing well with Tempest’s training. How do you think you’re going? You can tell me anything you want. I can’t use the Force, no, but I think I understand more than a little about how it all works. I can give you a second opinion, hmm?”

She placed an arm around the younger girl’s shoulders, holding her close.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina sighed quietly as they came to a stop in the shade. The girl then nodded slightly. "It's okay, I guess." She said with a shrug. It wasn't her favorite subject to discuss by any means. "If I'm honest Mum, I don't like any of it. I'm not comfortable with it. I get it's something that I had to deal with regardless. I just liked it better when I wasn't aware I had it. Oblivious, you know?"

Shifting she rested her head against her mother's shoulder. "I don't know. I'm still quite unsure on it. But I suppose training is going okay. I still wish I didn't have to, didn't need to train any of it." Galina still hadn't exactly been the most accepting of her talents. Though she was getting better about the Force being a part of her life, and with it a need to train it to keep not only herself but others safe from any mishap. "I guess ... maybe in the end, I'll just know how to use it but choose not to do so." Maybe her opinion would change in time. At least one could hope.

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


While her wife and daughter were a good bit away, Siobhan was still at the centre of the oasis close to the tent. It went without saying that she was still keeping a watchful eye on both of them, though to her credit she was not trying to eavesdrope or anything like that. Force knew Tegaea and Galina needed some time together and so she did not want to intrude.


Outwardly everything looked so peaceful and the oasis was beautiful, but she was still on her guard. While here and there a tiny lizard crawled over the sand, Siobhan occupied herself with making a fire. Obviously she had taken care not to place it too close to the tent, bushes or palm trees Tinder , logsand dry wood had been gathered, a fire pit created and after setting up the tepee and everything else, she lit the fire with a few matches. Soon sparks flew and then orange-reddish flames blossomed to life.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

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

Normally this was the point when Tegaea would put her hands up and shift things back to her wife. The Force was something she couldn’t use, and was almost the only one of their close friends who couldn’t, so she usually just passed it on.
This time though she wanted to make an effort. Like a blind person discussing vision though, her view was probably not the most informed. It would be better, she felt, to simply go the route she knew; to support her daughter.

Gently stroking Galina’s hair she held her close.
“Well, I don’t know much about the Force. I used to think it was magic, I used to think if I wished really hard I could do it too. Back home when I was a kid I’d hear stories of Jedi and I was sure I could be one. I’d put a screw on the bench and stare at it until I was cross-eyed and wave my hand, but nothing ever happened.” She smiled slightly.

“Of course, when I grew up I learned the truth. You on the other hand have gotten my childhood wish, but you’ve seen the other side, the real side of it. The Force is a random genetic gift, like red hair or green eyes, it’s something which pays no notice to species or wealth or station. Some people consider it an entitlement and gift, some people think it’s a curse.

You’ve seen people abuse it when you grow up, but remember that the Force is no different from any type of power. Whether someone uses the Force or a gun to kill, they’re still a bad person. The Force doesn’t change someone’s morals, it merely lets them have another path to do good or evil with. If you’re a good person Galina, and I believe you are, then having the Force won’t make any difference.”

She patted her on the shoulder and gave her daughter a kiss.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina listened taking in her mother's words. She sighed quietly, content to hear her, to have her hair stroked so softly. Such a simple thing that went a long way to soothing her. It was a little hard for her to imagine anyone wanting this particular curse. But she could understand the desire. After all there was power in it, and security for some.

"It seemed like magic to me too, at first. It was so strange. I think, I may have suspected it was possible I had it with the weird things that would happen occasionally. But, denial is a powerful. Was easier to believe I didn't, then face the reality that the very people I fought alongside would turn on me."

She sighed again, scooting closer against Tegaea. "I hope you are right. I really do. I don't want to be anything like what I saw on Sigma, what I experienced. I just worry this power will change me into something I don't want or like." Perhaps she did worry too much on the future that had yet to arrive. Given all she had seen so far.... It was hard not to. And her own future, she still didn't know what she wanted or what her life would be like. Though that was bound to come soon enough. And of course there was always academia failing everything else. She did love her studies.

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

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


Siobhan had respectfully given her wife and daughter some space and not tried to eavesdrop on the conversation. However, she had been keeping watch on them, just in case some sort of animal tried to pounce them, though thankfully nothing of the sort had happened.


The fireplace was set up and crackled, so she got up and walked over to them. Well, it was more accurate to say that she limped over with a cane. "Hey, you two. You both look so cute together right now, you know that?" she said cheerfully, ruffling Galina's red hair a bit before kissing her on the forehead and then planting a kiss on Tegs' lips. "Fire's all set up." She was curious about what they had been talking about, but did not want to pry, so instead she pulled both into a hug.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

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

“Well, you’ve got Siobhan and Tempest to help you, and Coryth too. They’ll all be able to help you with the Force. Don’t forget that I can help too. I might not be able to wave my hands and make things move, but maybe because of that I can help give you a second opinion. I can’t use the Force, but I can use my head.”

She hugged Galina tightly to her as Siobhan returned.
“Of course we do, that’s why she’s your daughter and you married me!” Tegaea said with a grin. She didn’t divulge the conversation – if Galina wished to do so that was her choice.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina nodded. "That's true." After all she was surrounded by force users for the most part. But she hadn't quite considered the second part. "I hadn't really thought of that. But I'd much rather like that. Even if it might be a bit odd, I would appreciate it. Might help a lot to have an outside perspective on it all."

The young redhead was quick to return the hug from Tegaea. Then soon wrapped her arms around both Siobhan and Tegs for a moment. "Awww, mum!" Stepping back, Galina looked at them both for a moment. She wasn't terribly sure whether or not to tell Sio what they had been discussing. But she gave a shrug, finally deciding to do so. "We were just talking about the force a bit."

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

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


Siobhan smiled brightly. Truth be told, she had been very upset by the fact that Tegaea had seemingly taken no interest in Galina's Force training or how hard this was on their daughter. So this clearly changing made her rather happy.


"Ok. Tegs' is a very smart and wise woman. She can give you an outside perspective and show you how you can make it far without fancy space magic. Being a redhead helps, of course!" she said cheerfully, hugging wife and daughter for a moment before letting go. "So what do you two want do now? It's still early. It's not gonna get dark for several hours." So there was enough time to find an exotic animal for Galina to adopt.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

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

Tegaea had an idea, but it wasn’t one suitable with their daughter there! So, trying to remain the good and dutiful mother, she smiled.
“Why don’t we have a look around? It’s already getting less hot.”

The area of grass and trees extended a fair way around, and in a rocky hollow they found a pleasant and cool area.
“This will be perfect if the wind does pick up,” Tegaea commented.

However, at that moment they heard a rustling in the bushes, and Tegaea reached for her weapon, motioning Galina to stand behind her.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

"Of course, the hair totally helps." The wildling said in a typical teen-aged fashion as she followed alongside her mothers as they walked.

The rustling in the bushes instantly had Galina on edge. An instinct in the wild that had more than helped her to survive. Though, taking a cue from Tegaea, she moved back behind her. She did stand just a little on her toes to get a look at whatever creature might come stumbling out. In this case, it was a tiny baby Yazgid! "Awww, it's cute!" The girl just had to comment. To her the little beast was adorable in an eat your hand off kind of way, as every dangerous creature was to her!

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

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

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


Siobhan tensed when she heard the rustling in the bushes and immediately stepped in front of Galina along with Tegaea. She was ready to smite whatever creature might be lurking in the bushes...then it turned out to be a baby Yazgid! Siobhan suppressed a sigh when Galina declared how cute the little thing was.


Rolling her eyes, she turned to Tegaea. "I guess our little angel found her new pet," she said. She had a big lecture prepared about how dangerous the creature was, but she kind of didn't have the heart for it. "I blame her Auntie Cory. She got her hooked on dangerous animals."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

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

Tegaea let out a sigh when the little Yazgid appeared. It was cute, in the way almost all baby animals were cute. The problem was that this one would eventually grow to be nine foot long and be able to bite a man’s head off!
“There must be a nest nearby,” Tegaea commented. The little beast looked thin and wobbly on its feet, and was letting out a little keening noise like it was distressed.

Moving up the slope Tegaea eased through the brush to where an area had been scooped out under some rocks. There she found the nest, but the other eggs were smashed or gone, and the mother Yazgid lay dead.
Coming back down she looked at her wife meaningfully. “The baby’s the only survivor of the family I think. It’s up to you I guess.”

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

It was just so cute in her eyes. A lovely creature, in need of a home and someone to care for and train it. "Aunt Coryth just has good tastes in pets." Galina just had to defend the tiny redhead. After all, not many people saw what she did in dangerous creatures. There was Mia, and Coryth. It seemed everyone else had a fear of such things, or at least the awareness of how deadly such creatures could be. One that for whatever reason, the redhead seemed to lack.

Galina watched for a second as Tegaea headed up to look for the nest. It didn't take long for the little Yazgid to get her attention. That poor pitiful noise it made. "Aww, the poor thing needs help. Surely we aren't just going to leave it here to let it die are we?" She asked as she worriedly glanced back to Siobhan. "Can we keep it? Please..." If only she knew what she was getting into there.

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