Private The Shadows Coil

[Kaida Taldir]

The Defiance was not the Arx. It was not a temple of consumerism, materialism and submission to the humans of Firemane. Nor was it like the worldships the humans had doled out to the Eldorai Queens and Qadiri Shahbânus in order to sweeten said servitude. True, there were tradeoffs. Goods were rationed, and the shops would not offer the latest products. Life on the frontier was dangerous. Those who lived here could only rely on themselves. But their lives were self-determined. They had not become effete and indolent.

A monorail screeched across the tracks, a seemingly endless number of warehouses and storage bays flashing by in smears of grey. The monorail dipped under a massive, reinforced bulkhead, entering the centre of the sky-city. The train came to a screeching halt, Kaida Taldir packed away the datapad she had been studying and stepped out into the station.

The former Angelii moved with purpose, exiting the station in the direction of the government district. She wore a dark blue uniform. Darker blue patches were sewn to the shoulders and upper sleeves, and a patch bearing the emblem of the Shadow Knights and the ship she was assigned to on her upper left shoulder. Short dark hair framed a harsh, scarred face. Her lips seemed to be drawn into a permanent scowl.

The buildings were utilitarian, but there were green spaces. In almost all cases these, along with sports areas, were located on the roofs to assure economic use of space. One time a tide ball match had ended with a player kicking the ball so hard it hit the dome. If one looked up one would get a brilliant view of the stars. Billboards and posters hung from the walls, advertising anything from pan-Asuran plays, local goods, citizen assemblies to the various ways a resident could serve the state. The language on the street was Eldarai, but posters were also in the languages of the cousin races.

There were Solidarist-Realist images of Kar'zun and Xioquo engineers working together in harmony while repairing starships, with slogans such as 'Work is Strength, Honour the Worker'. Or other images an Exodite Asuran could readily sympathise with, such as the grand depiction of an idealised commoner smashing a palace with a giant fist and sending a grossly deformed throne flying while decadent, cowardly looking aristos fled in terror into the arms of a greedy Firemane capitalist: 'Smash Reaction - Stand with the People!'

Kaida walked beneath a poster showing an Eldorai soldier shaking hands with a Qadiri soldier, declaring: 'Our Nations as One Resist Slavery and Reaction'. Another showed a mixed force of Asuran soldiers bravely holding the line against animalistic caricatures of Imperial Stormtroopers and Firemane marines, who were depicted as giant man-apes. The caption read: 'Destroy these Mad Brutes! Enlist! Ensure your citizenship today!' and 'defend your motherland! Only citizens are eligible for state benefits!'

Service guaranteed citizenship. Not birthright, not the ability to ingratiate yourself with imperialist, slaveholding foreigners, not wealth. Service. That was the theory. In practice, there was stupidity, corruption and ineptitude, like everywhere. People were fools who only did their duty when forced. But was an improvement, however incremental.

A large number of soldiers was in the streets, all dressed in uniform. They were as diverse as the regular citizens: women and men; Eldorai, Vashyada, Xioquo, Qadiri, and even a few Kar'zun. But other than the guards, none were armed. The streets were wide and clean, with uniformed Custodians sweeping sidewalks and cleaning windows. People sold food from street carts. But the streets were not tranquil. Angry protesters were out in the streets, matching under the watchful eye of soldiers and Justicars.

"The monkeighs abandoned us to the Long Night, then to Imperial tyranny! Now they enslave our sisters and brothers! Good people, will you let this sin go unpunished?" an Eldorai woman shouted. Kaida noted that while she was dressed in the robes of a priestess, she wore the a military badge on her lapel, showing the unit she had once served in. To Kaida, that made her a bit less nauseating than the typical cleric.

There was a chorus of 'no's!" Kaida noticed that several of the people in the crowd were holding effigies of Siobhan Kerrigan, Queen Tirathana VII and Shahbânu Semiramis. Painted blood ran down the face of Siobhan, making her look like a bloodthirsty ogre. The effigies of Semiramis and Tirathana had exaggerated, haughty features with crowns so big they'd fallen to their heads to look like golden collars. They also had golden puppet string chains leading to their arms and legs.

The acrid stench of smoke filled the air when the first effigies and Firemane flags were burnt. "It's not enough that we condemn these foul crimes. We must strike Firemane!" the priestess raised her staff into the air. "We must grant shelter to our lost siblings - all of them! - before the monkeighs chain them! To that end I call upon you to add your voice to mine when we present our petition to the Council!"

Kaida pushed her way through the crowds towards her destination. It was a large, blocky structure that was largely made from salvaged materials and projected an image of austerity. But simple did not mean shoddy, or poorly guarded. Imposing Sciiac Guardians, each so tall they towered over her and fashioned from formidable metal, scrupulously studied her credentials before letting her through. Instead, headquarters was the very image of hectic activity, with numerous uniformed beings going hither and yon.

Kaida was about to figure out which direction to go in the labyrinthian building, when she suddenly heard a familiar voice call out to her. "Hey, Angelii!"
She turned on her heels, facing the interloper. "Yes?" she asked...irritably. Or perhaps demanded would be the more accurate phrasing. She hadn't sensed the other woman's Sciiac presence...because the interloper was spiritblind. Force-Dead, as the Yedi would say. It didn't make it any less disconcerting, even after all the time fighting together. A uniformed, redhaired woman with a lean build, a scared face and mystical tattoos stood before her. Siona Vaerum, reaver and Harbinger of the Death Goddess Illyria. "I'm on business," Kaida stated, hoping that would shut down any attempt at small talk. But sadly the universe seldom granted her this luxury.
"So am I," the Harbinger said firmly. "Your business is my business. Come on."
"I'm here to see the High Seraph, not your Fatebringer," Kaida corrected her caustically.
"Change of plans. Archon, Fatebringer, High Seraph, Strategos - half of the goddess-damned Shadow Court's there. They're waiting." Without waiting for a response, the Force-Dead warrior took off, breaking into a purposeful stride down the grey corridor. "So you heard what happened? Monkeighs herding our people like chattel."
Kaida's jaw was set, and her expression was carved in ice. "Yes."
Siona snorted. "That all you have to say?"
"First, they shackled us with baubles. Our people were too stupid to see it. Now they use chains." It was not that Kaida did not feel any anger or hatred towards the humans. She felt it deeply. But...no righteous indignation because that would mean she'd expected better of her people's foreign colonisers.

She had left it all behind her for a reason. Her vows and honour as an Angelii, her battle sisters. Because none of it mattered when she was not fighting for her nation, but simply the enforcer of foreign mistresses and their aristo lackeys. The Shadow Knights were foolish, annoying and naive in their own way, but a step up. Occasionally they even made sensible decisions.

"Maybe it'll make our sisters wake up," Siona said thoughtfully. "I have little hope for the Eldorai. The royalists sold themselves to the monkeighs because they're weak and effete. They would rather sell their soul than blacken their hands with toil. But the Xioquo and Qadiri? Maybe."
"Has the Council made its stance clear yet?"
"Why we're here. People are calling for us to strike back."
"Good. Long as it's not done stupidly." That was always the big if with people.
"I am ready, blade and claws. If we face the monkeighs head-on they will destroy us, but that has never been our way. We're the hidden dagger. They're spread across the stars, we can strike them, grab everything we can carry and retreat into the void. They can't send their whole fleet after us or guard every installation as they would their precious Arx."

Of course, none of this would be sufficient to liberate Tygara. "All they need is one good blow to destroy us. Completely," Kaida remarked. The nomad fleet was large, but vulnerable. Its ships were old. Ancient derelicts salvaged in deep space; hand-me-downs stolen from corporations, pirates and failed governments.

But nonetheless, they had to do their duty. Low or high, all had to do their duty. Even if they had to be compelled to do so by force. Because no one else would. The turbolift came to a halt.
"We Harbingers know how to avoid being caught," Siona asserted confidently. "Would be helpful if we had somewhere safe we could hide some of the citizen fleet at. Keep them out of harm's way, replenish our resources. Does that planet you surveyed show any promise?"
"Some," was Kaida's laconic response. She was already tiring of this conversation. The pair descended in a turbolift protected by a retinal scanner and guarded by armed sentinels.
"Could you conjure up a little more vague?" Siona huffed. There was no reply forthcoming, making her look more annoyed. "Any details?"
"Later." In Kaida's opinion, she was only being logical. She would presumably be asked about her findings at the meeting, and it seemed the Harbinger would be there for some reason. Hence it was wasteful to tell the same story twice. Furthermore, all this smalltalk was exhausting.

They soon reached another checkpoint. Stringent and redundant security was the order of the day. A low hum of working computers could be heard amidst the buzz of conversations between Shadow Knights, and the sound of boots on the floor of the austere, grey corridors. Finally they had reached the heart of the building. Kaida noted with approval that the pair of sentinels who rigorously scrutinised their credentials was composed of a dark-skinned Qadiri Caerith Tyari with a powerful Sciiac aura and a lightsabre on her belt, and a towering Kar'zun clad in heavy armour. Mechanically, they moved to the side to open the huge doors.

The chamber was far less opulent or well-lit than a Firemane boardroom would have been, but filled with practical holomaps and displays. Senior Shadow Knight leaders were seated around a circular table. "...in summation, the evidence points to a crisis of leadership in Firemane. They're burying the allegations, witnesses are being intimidated, but their leaders have yet to agree on a common line," Archon Naesala Faethyra was summing up. The middle-aged, dark-haired Eldorai was easily recognisable on account of the fact that she wore the blandest uniform in the room. It was dark blue Private's uniform devoid of any adornments, fancy insignia or flummery. Her rank had simply been stitched to it.

"Didn't even put their pet Qadiri on that farce of an investigation commission," Strategos Yseult Faerin threw in. Her face was viciously scarred and she looked strong and robust for an Eldorai. Her uniform looked a lot more...proper than that of the Archon's.
The Archon gave her a curt nod. "We can't verify this yet, but word is she's...discontent with the situation. And we've got reports of workers' strikes. Not that the galaxy element's showing much sympathy. They've already sent in their thugs," she added, causing the Strategos to snort.

"The tyrants from the stars are behaving as their kind does. They came to my homeland with lies of freeing slaves, so they could force an even tighter collar on them," Lakami Jai Jhansal remarked caustically. Once a crown had adorned her head, but now she was dressed as a Councillor of the Shadow Knights. She had a scar down her brow. "We always believed demons came from hell beneath us. But they came from the sky."
"No one can doubt your people were among the first on Tygara to awaken to their threat, Councillor," the Archon said diplomatically, then glanced towards the newcomers.

"Seraph...Captain," she spoke. The latter was more of an acknowledgement of the fact that Siona had a band under her command. The Court of the Reaver wasn't standard military. In Kaida's opinion, they were an undisciplined lot.

Kaida saluted Eldorai style, hand placed over her heart. The Seraph spotted her boss, Daymana Thael, among the assembled officials. The High Seraph's intense yellow eyes stared back at her and she acknowledged her subordinate with a curt nod. A scarlet cloak trailed behind the commander of the 'Shadow Angelii'.

"At ease," the Archon said. "Seraph Taldir, we've been awaiting your report with a good deal of curiosity. I trust you've been appraised about recents events on Tygara."
Kaida's jaw was tight, her eyes cold. "Yes, ma'am."
"It doesn't take us by surprise, truly. We've long had reports from fugitives about such horrible crimes, but they didn't make waves because they were easily buried. Not anymore. It does make our mission to find a haven for our people even more crucial."
"Yes, ma'am."
"The floor's yours," the Archon gestured towards a projector in the centre of the table. "Summarise your findings. Briefly."

Stepping forward, Kaida slotted a datapad into the projector and pressed a few buttons. Abruptly a holographic image of a planet appeared. Much of it looked like an ice ball. One could also make out a very dense asteroid field. "Barakur," she began crisply. "Navigating the asteroid field's difficult. Requires specialists."
"That's where we Qadiri come in. Pity I wasn't there," Vashana Jai Garama, the Starseeker of the exploration corps, commented. For some reason she wore a flamboyant hat with a feather.
"It makes a good shield. Need some listening posts," the Strategos observed.
Nodding curtly, Kaida continued: "We spent a week carrying out surveys. It's still in an ice age, at six degrees of global average cooling maximum. The oceans are low," she indicated a narrow-ish band of land close to the equator.

"The climate's more temperate around the equator. That may be the only area suitable for colonisaton for the time being."
"Mayhaps, we can devise a means to melt some of the glaciers. By we I mean myself, of course," Yohara Taenasi interjected. As if to make a point, the Magister of the Court of the Mind didn't wear a uniform. However, the badge on her lapel showed she'd served in the medical corps. Kaida fixed her with an icy stare. It had no effect on the interruptor. "Do carry on Seraph."

"If only that narrow strip is fit for settlement, this planet's unsuitable for most of us. My people aren't meant for a life in such a climate anymore than Xioquo are for the heat of Khajwar and Amikaron," Lakami commented. "The strongest of us would endure...but many would not."
"Or maybe all us star Qadiri will just turn into Zaldrani. That'll be worth a few laughs," Vashana added.
Lakami looked annoyed. "Although," she paused, pointing at an area on the map, "what does this show? It looks like the ice is in retreat. Is that an active volcano?"

"Correct," Kaida confirmed. "Canyons are forming. We can drill and mine there. The science team estimates the planet will gradually heat up over the course of a few centuries." This caused murmurs among the group. Ignoring them, Kaida proceeded. "We found minerals. And traces of strange...biomass."
"Elaborate."
"The science team theorises it's a microorganism that survived below the ice, and evolved. It can be excavated. Based on their initial findings, it can be used to produce medicine."
Yohara's eyes lit up. "The minerals aren't that important. Asteroid mining is more useful. But the biomass really intrigues. It will have to be thoroughly studied before we use it, naturally. Send all samples to my laboratory forthwith," she commanded bossily.
"That does make the planet worthier of consideration," Lakami conceded. "If this biomass is safe. I won't have my people get sick because it wasn't tested properly."
"Fortunately, medicine and research are my battlefield. Leave the art of mastering it to me, Councillor," Yohara proclaimed.
Vashana rolled her eyes. "Did you come across sentient life, Seraph, past or present? Any indication of what caused the ice age?"
"Supervolcanoes. The ash blocked out the sun." Kaida highlighted a spot on the eastern half of the map. The projection shifted to a display of ancient ruins, featuring monuments of an alien design. "What remains of the original civilisation. No evidence of its continued existence. We did did find these aliens though."

The projection shifted to a small, furry being that looked a bit like a gibbon, but longer and with fully formed hands. "The Savarok. Sentient, tech level's roughly bronze age. Not strong, but good with tools. They were nervous around us, but non-hostile."

"Those little ape creatures? Maybe we should give them to the human monkeighs and tell them we've found their kin!" Admiral Trokana declared with a chuckle.
Kaida shot her an icy glare, mentally adding the Admiral to the list of people she needed to cane one day. "They're people, not beasts, ma'am."
"I'm sure they are, after a fashion. But not civilised people like us. They're not even fully formed, it's like evolution passed them by."
Kaida decided she needed to cane her out in the ice one day, and leave her fully exposed to the elements. Maybe also clip her right ear.
"Every being has a spirit, a place in creation. When the sky people came they called us Vash uncivilised. Not just the humans...but many Eldorai, too," Tykaesah stated sharply. The former chieftain was one of two males in attendance.
"And that was a crime," Trokana insisted without a hint of irony. "Vash and Eldorai share the same blood, the same heritage. We can't possibly see any commonality between us and these...creatures."
Unblinking, Kaida fixed the Admiral with an icy stare. "There was an officer under my command who maltreated them. I assembled the whole crew, then caned her until she was bloody. Then told her next time I'd shoot her. And make sure her family was denied her pension," she stated coldly. She hadn't stopped staring at the Admiral. "Ma'am," the delay was so long that there was no doubt it was a deliberate.
"Well...yes...if we settle this place they'll be protected. Perhaps we can set up a reservation or..."
"I remember being born in a reservation. Are we so wanting to repeat old mistakes...Admiral?" Arlk'Varz declared in a loud, booming voice that sounded like the the pounding of hammers. Being a Kar'zun, she looked like a huge, walking rock. Qual'Zyanya opened her mouth, seemingly about to say something, but then fell quiet.
"Enough," the Archon declared firmly. She rubbed her temples. "I swear, keeping a horde of Jesters from pillaging the larder is easier than running this fleet. Our policy regarding these beings has yet to be determined. But one thing's certain: we won't be creating reservations. Nor will I sign off on slaughtering them. Should we settle this planet, we'll establish diplomatic contact. The results of it will determine what form our relationship will have."

"Why are we even discussing this? Leave it to the philosophers. By all means, find out whether we can use the biomass for medical purposes. Our soldiers will need medicine. But every dati we sink into colonising a planet that won't be habitable for centuries is one less we can use to liberate our enslaved kin!" Yeana Kyrriar exclaimed hotly, throwing up her hands in frustration. "Archon, comrades, I urge you to take advantage of the situation on Tygara. The imperialists are weakened, the queens have been unmasked as the spineless puppets they are. Our sisters and brothers cry out for liberation. Let us be the spark that lights the fire."
"Our forces aren't equipped for direct confrontation with Firemane. Even if we strip the non-combatant fleet of any protection...and I presume no one in this room is stupid enough to suggest that," the Strategos said bluntly. Her tone indicated that she did think some were.
"We can raid them, we can stir up revolt. And send our agents after their officials and collaborators. If we have the courage!"
"I'm afraid it's more dificult than drowning royalists in the sea after breaking their legs. Don't lecture me about valour," the Strategos shot back hotly.
"I was there when the devil-machines and the First Order came to round-up our people like chattel. I took my place in the trenches!" Kyrriar declared hotly, pointing to a scar running down her cheek and her mutilated right ear. "Where were you then?"

Kaida looked frosty, as Trokana used the chance to regain lost terrain. "Councillor Kyrriar could've expressed herself more...tactfully. But she raises an important point. Are we so quick to abandon our lost sisters and brothers? Yes, we must find a new home. But our best should dedicate themselves to freeing Tygara. The queens have failed, we are the only ones who will fight for liberty. It falls to us to light the flame of resistance. War is the furnace of the revolution, where our metal of will is forged into blades of change. Councillor Councillor Jai Jhansal, I've seen the bravery of your people first-hand. I can't possibly imagine that they won't fight for their freedom. This is our moment."
"I know my people's yearning better than you, Admiral, thank you very much. They yearn for freedom...and not for not to be conveniently abandoned when it turns out Eldorai lives matter more," Lakami commented grimly.
"You know I had no part in that decision..."
"Let us not drag up the past...or indulge in fantasies of conquest. We can't free all of Tygara, but we can and must devote ourselves to freeing our sisters from Firemane's slave camps," Rabara Jai Karveta declared passionately. "No one else will speak out for them, no one else will fight for them. I don't trust Firemane's assurances one bit. Even as we speak, they may be moving them far away so that they can force them to toil in secret until their plight has been forgotten. Kashara wills that we act. Blessed are the martyrs, for their pathway will be paved in gold." In response Kyrriar and Thael thumped the table with their fists. Kaida found it ironic for Kyrriar to be in agreement with Rabara on something. After all, the Eldorai firebrand was a radical Illyrian.
"If we don't, no one else will," Thael said firmly. "The royalists are cowards."
"But I urge against rash action," Arlk'Varz cautioned in her thunderous, booming voice, "lest we deliver even more people into misery. If we're careless, we give Firemane and the puppet queens someone to rally against."
"The Xioquo will never be enslaved again. We have suffered more than any other Asuran race," Qual'Zyanya declared fervently. "Examples need to be made of the humans...and their collaborators."
"It's curious to see you so enthusiastic to fight slavers," Tykaesah pointed out, leaning forward. "Mistress Qual'Zyanya."
For just a moment, the Xioquo lady's delicate features were twisted into a scowl, before she composed herself. "My dear Tykaesah, you know that's not who I am anymore. I was a mistress once. I did...unconscionable things. But I'm not the only one here in this room," a glance at Rabara. "But like my esteemed comrades, I saw the error in my ways. That is why I rebelled against the Council."
"A snake is what you are."

"Enough. This bickering's pointless, and demeans you all and your office," Lialana Qilar declared firmly. She fixed the assembled councillors and officials with an unyielding stare. She was good at staring at people for ages without blinking or her facial expression changing one bit. For her soul was housed inside a spirit gem. Age and infirmity had robbed the Citizens' Council's Marshal of her flesh body, but not her forcefulness. Her HRD shell was made in the likeness of her former self as an Eldorai. The only thing to indicate her true nature were her glowing red eyes. "Archon, continue."

"Thank you, Marshal. I'm putting the matter to vote. Keep your responses briefly. And no interruption. Marshal, let's start with you."
"I shall abstain," Lialana declared, as she was wont to do.
"War," Thael said firmly. "For years we've preached about standing up to Firemane and its lackeys. Now's the time."
"Councillor Jai Karveta?"
"War...for the chained," Rabana spoke fervently.
"Not now," Arlk'Varz said in dissent. Councillor Kyrriar looked like she was about to say something scatological before Lialana gave her a long, hard look, and she closed her mouth. "Not while the fleet is vulnerable, not while it's so uncertain we'll have allies," the Kar'zun continued.
"Thank you, Councillor."
"If I may say a few more words," Arlk'Varz spoke up once more.
The Archon nodded. "Briefly."
"If the Council votes for war, I will follow the majority opinion and do my utmost for our success, though I disagree."
"It does you credit, Councillor. Rather an honest, loyal critic than a fairweather friend and braggart. Councillor Kyrriar? Stay on point."
"War. Let the tree of freedom be watered with the blood of tyrants."
"Strategos?"
"No to boots on the grounds on Tygara or Arkas. I can accept a limited campaign, anything beyond that is fantasy. And everyone in the fleet is going to have to tighten their belts," Yseult said bluntly.
"Qual?"
"Absolutely."
"Clarify that, if you would."
"Oh, I just wanted to express my complete and unreserved support for a war of...liberation," the Xioquo Councillor declared with a smile.
"Of course you do," Tykaesah muttered. "I vote in favour...but I wish for us to reach out and find allies. Credible allies. Not everyone the humans have antagonised is our friend," he said with a side-glance towards Qual.
"Valnoth?"
"A campaign in the void presents us with opportunity," Tynan Valnoth, leader of the Court of the Reaver, said simply, emotionlessly.
"Vashana?"
"I agree with Arlk'Varz. It's foolhardy. We've just reached the point where we have trade routes to benefit us, a new world to settle. We all left the motherworld because we knew she wasn't ours anymore. Raids, depending on target, but not much more or we'll end up in a storm. It clear we're in the minority, but I want it on record that the Starseekers can only provide so much. We'll do our duty, but our corps must remain functional if this fleet is supposed to have a home to go to."
Arlk'Varz slightly thumped the table in response, making it shake and tremble.
"Councillor Jai Jhansal?"
"Now is the time to strike. We can't flag or fail. I must insist that Tygarans representative take the lead in speaking to our kin on Tygara."
"Magister Taenasi?"
"With some reservations...war, but we must be judicious in our goals, our strategies, and clear about what we want out of it."
"Admiral Trokana?"
"We strike."

"Thank you," the Archon said when everyone had said their piece. "I would think it obvious that no one here believes we should abandon our sisters and brothers to their fate. But our concern them must be weighed with the need to protect to our fleet. We help no one if we deliver more of our people into Firemane slavery. Likewise it would be irresponsible to make promises we can't keep," the Archon said firmly.
"I request further information about our options, and what is feasible," Lialana declared firmly. "I can organise an emergency session of the Council out of the public eye, but we must be clear on what can and should be done."
"Strategos, the forum is yours," the Archon spoke. "I believe our fleet is capable of striking a blow against the enemy. Do you concur?"

"We can manage a series of limited strikes against tactical objectives in space. I'm ruling out attacks on the planet. We don't have the manpower or the ships. The same applies to the Arx and the arkstations before anyone gets grandiose fantasies" the Strategos stated. "I must emphasise that will greatly restrict the freedom of movement of our non-combatant fleet. We'll have to reassign our best ships from protection duties, and mount armaments on some non-combatant ships to make up for it. We've got fuel, and ammunition stockpiled...but that's our emergency fund. Before we fall back on that, everyone, citizen and civilian, will have to make sacrifices. We must strike hard, we must strike fast, and we must have something to show for it in the end."
"Advanced technology preferrably," Yohara commented. "These aging rust buckets won't keep themselves afloat through sheer will."
"I can allocate some ships and personnel. Mostly scouts," Vashana said after a moment, though with some reluctance. "But my corps must remain functional. Starseekers aren't soldiers; they're specialists who find new homes, boltholes and resources for us. Strip us bare, you wound the fleet. Never mind deprive it of some of the few people here who have the training to build bridges with alien cultures."
"The Caerith Tyari are ready and willing ready to lead the strike," Thael spoke, with a curt nod towards Kaida. "But they can't do everything without support. We'll need backup from the regulars...and Reavers," she added the last part with a brief delay.
If Tynan Valnoth, Magister of the Court of the Reaver felt slighted by that, he didn't show it. He didn't show much emotion in general. "We stand ready," he said simply. "When the enemy advances we retreat; when the enemy rests we harass; when the enemy tires we attack; when the enemy retreats we pursue. We have targets."
"Be advised, what you are about to see is classified, eyes only," the Strategos added sternly.

 

[Kaida Taldir]

Now Kaida had her answer as to why Siona was there other than to be an annoyance. With a glance towards the Fatebringer, the Harbinger walked over to the console, removed Kaida's 'pad and inserted her own. Immediately, a galactic map of the far rim manifested. Three locations were highlighted, glowing a dark red.

"Behold, the Ascendant Fire Dockyad, the Constellation Trade Station, and Facility 22754," Siona listed the three locations one after the other. The trade station was between Arkas and Tygara, while the dockyard was about twelve parsecs from Tygara. The final facility was on the far rim in a remote, uncharted system. It appeared to be an asteroid.
"What's the last? A clandestine outpost?" Lakami asked.
"We suspect a prison, Councillor."
"For 'illegal combtants'," Thael said grimly.
"Yes, High Seraph," Siona pressed a button and the map was replaced by three holographic projection. The images were accompanied by technical readouts, some more detailed than others. "The dockyard's mostly crewed by monkeighs and other aliens. Well-defended though. Likely has an Enlightenment connection to Fleet HQ. It mostly builds attack craft and corvettes. A bunch of Nests are in the drydocks."
"Their carrier corvette," Kyrriar observed.
Siona nodded. "Old, but good. There's lots of Asuran workers on Constellation. It's all run by a lackey. But only has a moderate security presence. The prison's the least protected. But there's a wrinkle - it's not far from a black hole."
"How did you come by that information?" Arlk'Varz queried.
"Sliced intel. Verified by a source."
"From inside Firemane?"
"That's classified," the Strategos interjected. "Operational security, you understand."
"Of course," the Kar'zun accepted gracefully.

"Thank you, Captain," the Archon said, eyes fixed on the assembled councillors and officers. "You've been brought here because of your expertise and role on the war council. Many of you command important cliques in the fleet. The final decision's mine, but I ask for your counsel. These are our options."
"Weigh them carefully," Lialana spoke gravely.
For a while there was silence while the assembled Shadow Knights studied the readouts. Finally it was broken by Zyanya. "The mistresses of Firemane care about one thing: their profit. If we strike the Constellation, we can diminish the flow of revenue, and fill our coffers with money we need for the upkeep of our fleet...and colonisation," she gave Vashana and Yohara a significant look. "The presence of many of our sisters...and brothers," Kaida noted that Zyanya said the last word almost as an afterthought, "on the station will no doubt give some of esteemed colleagues pause. But I view it as an opportunity. We expand our flock by recruiting the righteous who were just...misled and exploited by Firemane. And make an example of those who fight for the slavers."

Rabara shook her head. "We shouldn't start our campaign by killing so many of our people. If we fight a war of liberation, the righteous will recognise the nobility of our cause and the reactionaries will be forced to show their true colours. We should strike the prison. Goddess willing, we shall free the enchained."
"You're aware that there will no doubt be many reactionaries among the prisoners, Jai Karveta?" Zyanya pointed out. "Not everyone collared by Firemane is our ally. Who knows what for unwholesome ideas they will spread in our fleet."
"It's telling that your first thought is that the prisoners are all reactionaries. Even if, sometimes people change. You've been very eager to tell us how you've reforged yourself,Qual," Rabara countered. "Whatever else they may be, they are Asurans. They shouldn't be left to suffer under the humans' yoke. If any are vile, we judge them ourselves."
"Just send anyone we don't want back to Tygara. Make them Firemane's problem," Tynan opined pragmatically.
"As unorthodox as it is for Asurans, maybe we could cease all this talk about purging anyone, and focus on practical benefits for the fleet," Yohara interjected sharply. "The dockyard. Those blueprints will be most valuable."
"It's the toughtest target, but the most worthwhile. We need ships - and fuel," the Strategos spoke.
"I thought you wanted us to be passive, and just stay idle while our people are whipped," Kyrriar couldn't resist pointing out tartly.
The Strategos glared at her. "I want us to be smart, not stupid. Pick up a rifle and take your place in the first wave you want to throw against the Arx, and maybe you'll learn the difference."
"Both of you cut it," the Archon stated firmly.
"Ships are all well and good, but we need money for our war chest," Trokana opined. "As the Strategos has pointed out, we don't have the resources for open battle...for now. But, as I'm sure my Tygaran and Illyrian comrades will confirm, there are many among the oppressed who would rise up if we gave them the right guidance and tools. The Constellation is a sweet Saanberry ripe for plucking. We expropriate the oppressors and open the eyes of our misled siblings. We put some of the money aside to fund our comrades on Tygara. Let our revolution be a beacon of hope for all Asurans who yearn for liberty; let us lend some of our strength to those strong enough to throw off the yoke."

Kaida found this speech awfully long-winded and regarded Trokana coldly, hoping the Admiral would shut up. She'd never been keen on these navy types.
"What of our chained comrades?" Kyrriar demanded.
Trokana looked irritated, as if she'd expected the firebrand to back her up. "They would want us to continue the struggle with greater vigour. We will free them in due time."
"If we're not careful, all the humans have to do is shut off the safety measures, and our comrades will be swallowed by the void," Lakami pointed out, looking genuinely troubled.
"And they may do that anyway to silence them forever," Rabara countered.
"Listen to my sister admiral," Zyanya declared. "My friends, I still have many agents in the Underealm. The Xio are in uproar. The Seekers, the Daughters, the White Queen - they've all failed them. I'm willing to act as an emissary to build up a network for us, and make sure our funds aren't wasted. Of course, some would also be allocated to our Qadiri and Vash sisters," she said most graciously.
"How many of those agents would be lashing slaves with whips if the old order hadn't fallen?" Tykaesah muttered to himself, though he knew that Zyanya would hear him given the Xio's sensitive hearing.
Through the Force, Kaida felt a sudden surge of anger coursing through Zyanya. Disdain was written across the Xioquo lady's flawless features. She seemed on the precipice of an explosion. Then suddenly the burst of white-hot rage was replaced by absolute calm. "The only ones lashing slaves with whips are the humans and their lackeys," she said flatly.

Kaida wondered why the hell people were still...talking. It was pointless, wasteful and getting in the way of doing things. Couldn't someone just make a damn decision? Her teeth ground side to side.
"All paths present opportunities and each is fraught with perils," Arlk'Varz said thoughtfully. "We need ships, we need currency, and we have a duty to free the lost. The dockyard offers the greatest risk...but also reward. This may be our one chance to take it while Firemane's attention is elsewhere. The bounty from a successful attack would enable us to strike them with greater strength."

"I know the Constellation," Lakami pointed a finger at one of the locations highlighted in the holographic projection. "There, the bazaar. When Firemane invaded my home, they took everything of value. Religious artefacts, cultural heirlooms, gold. Gwalior's wealth is being sold off to the highest bidder. And we're not the only ones," she looked across the room. "To my shame, many of my people partook in this instead of retain their honour. They must be reminded of the price of treason. I'd be willing to donate anything that's not part of our heritage to keeping the fleet afloat. Provided someone honourable manages the money."

"I have comrades who may be imprisoned by Firemane in that facility. No doubt they're being starved, tortured, humiliated. We owe it to them to free them." Thael spoke, jaw set and eyes flaring. "But war's about making hard choices. My Caerith Tyari will lead the charge. Unleash us on the dockyard. Show Firemane that the Asurans remember."
"The Harbingers will go where they are needed," Tynan said with a shrug. "As long as their operational autonomy is respected. Let the Shadow Angelii be your Sarix; we are the hidden dagger."
"Caerith Tyari," Thael corrected.
"Yes, naturally."
"Firemane robbed my people, too. They pilfered our heritage, put them on display in their 'museums' for humans to gawk at or in the villas of their mistresses. But we need more weapons," Tykaesah said. Glancing towards Lakami he added: "You have my support when it's time to reclaim our heritage...from the humans and false friends."
"Currency, ships, recruits - we can use any of that," Vashana remarked. "Whatever course we take, the Starseekers are going to build a foundation on Barakur and a few other worlds. Setting up infrastructure on that iceball is going to require some serious capital investment. If you don't raid Firemane's treasury, the money will have to come from somewhere. Steal their blueprints, hold their bigshots for ransom - whatever."
"I will not state a preference," Lialana spoke, expression impassive. "But, Archon, I urge you to recognise that once we have crossed the river, there is no turning back. Firemane will turn its might towards us. We must consider which moves will not only benefit us in the short term. Our people have suffered hammer blow after hammer blow. They need a spark of resolve."

The Archon drummed her fingers on the table, staring at the holograms there as she weighed her options. "We're going to cross the river. Strategos, you will direct our forces to assault the dockyard...and the prison." Kaida noticed Trokana purse her lips in annoyance. Rabara looked satisfied, smiling slightly. "A broad-scale assault on the 'yard will draw Firemane forces away. A commando unit should be able to slip in and free our people," the Archon continued. "Or failing that avenge them. Anything we can't take from the dockyard is to be destroyed. Can you do this?" she glanced in the Strategos' direction.
"Give me three weeks," Yseult grunted.
"High Seraph, rally your troops. Fatebringer, I trust your Reavers can take the prison." It was phrased as a statement rather than a question.
"Yes. This is not a battle where fleets and armies will avail, only an elite and motivated force. We move in the shadows. The humans do not know what they are up against. They hide near the eye of the void, but we are the chosen and hardened of it, it is Illyria's void. We will make our strike and destroy them."
"And I shall be at your side, Fatebringer. We shall pile up the bones of the unclean for Illyria's throne," Siona spoke fervently.
Rabara leaned towards him. "I am no warrior or commander, unlike many here. But you'll need the best pilots to brave that void. My people would be all too eager to assist." Tynan inclined his head slightly.
"What are our rules of engagement?" Thael asked.
"We have to send a message," the Archon replied. "No mercy to the humans. But...Asuran collaborators who surrender are to be spared. If they won't join our cause, they can take an escape pod. What happens to them afterwards is in Ashira's hands."
"Does this apply to Asurans who were part of prison staff?" Rabara asked grimly.
"No. Only civilians, guards and such on the dockyard. Moving on, Councillor Arlk'Varz, you're very experienced in making the most out of scarce supplies. The unions trust you. I want you to put together a task force to handle rationing. Liase with the Court of Providence and the Strategos' staff. Likewise, you'll oversee the distribution of loot."
"Yes, Archon."
Lakami shot to her feet. Kaida expected a word of protest, and found herself surprised when the Qadiri instead spoke: "Archon, though I have my misgivings, let it not be said that when the drums of war sounded, Gwalior stood aside. I request permission to return to the colours and join the assault on the dockyard."
"And I volunteer to join the prison assault," Kyrriar added. "Should the void swallow my soul, I will give my final report to the Dread Mistress."
The Archon frowned. "Appreciate the gesture, but I can't risk Councillors dying on the first day of the campaign. You're needed here."
Lakami's expression was unyielding. Kaida decided she respected the Qadiri a bit more. "As queen, I led my warriors into battle. I am no queen anymore, nor do I yearn to be. But I'm still a warrior of my people. Deputy Councillor Adesh Jai Kumar is more than capable of filling my seat in my absence, Archon. I'm not asking for overall command. I'm content to lead a task force under the High Seraph."
"I have debts to repay," Kyrriar said darkly.
The Archon leaned forward. "And there'll be plenty of opportunity for that in the future. Your noble spirit does you credit. But you're more useful planning the operations behind the line."
"Understood," Lakami conceded grudgingly. "Though I want it on the record that I'm ready and willing to serve. Put me on the shortlist."

"Done," the Archon said a bit tiredly. "There's one final matter I would like to address briefly before we go into recess. For a long time, the humans have been able to hold our people in bondage by dividing them against each other. We can't fight this war on our own. To win we have to split them from their puppets."
"Surely you're not saying that we should forget the crimes the queens have committed against the people," Trokana threw in. "I bet most of them are in on the slaving."
The Archon made a gesture. "We forget nothing, nor do we forgive, Admiral. The queens are reactionaries. But we can't be so naive to expect every progressive Asuran to flock to our colours the moment we go to war. Most only know us from reactionary propaganda. Our goal must be to identify those native rulers we can work with, even if they don't fully measure up to our ideals, and split them from the arch-collaborators."
"I assume diplomacy with the traitor Tirathana's out of the question. Nothing good can come from that," Thael stated, voice laced with disdain.
"Naturally, it's a criminal puppet regime. Nor will we negotiate with the Amikarese. Only the Xio, Vash and minor Qadiri rulers who haven't disgraced themselves."
"Good. Semiramis is a devious snake," Rabara muttered, voice full of disdain.
"The Sistren of the Flame have promise, Archon," Lakami opined. "I know them as honourable warriors. They chafe under Firemane's yoke. They bent the knee under duress, but in their hearts they never submitted. I curse Kerrigan's name, but the Tyrant had enough wits to give them honourable terms. Now she's gone."
"The Sistren?" Zyanya asked suspiciously. "Isn't their princess the ward of the Great Tyrant? That Hazani girl. She wears their colours, fights their battles. Who knows how much she's been tainted."
"Not by choice," the former queen countered firmly. "She's a hostage in a gilded cage. Nor is she a princess. Their commanders choose their leader."
"I had dealings with the Sistren in the past. They're brave and renowned for their devotion to the Goddess. If they have half the spirit of Sahali Jai Bysara, they would be strong allies," Rabara added.
The Archon listened attentively, nodded to the two Qadiri. "Thank you for insights. I'd like to speak you more about the Sistren in private. Councillor Tykaesah, can you shed some light on the Vash situation?"
"My people want nothing more than to be left alone, Archon. Most want to live in a Yarkul unspoilt by the predations of imperialists, queens and Shadows. If you come there with proclamations of revolutions, you'll be turned away. If you don't back off, you'll be killed," he said bluntly. "But...they've suffered as well. The foreigners' industry poisons our rivers, and their drugs degrades our youth. Recruitment is a viable path among some of the chieftains."
Again the Archon didn't interrupt him. "I confess the Vash system is a bit difficult for an Eldorai to figure out. It's...very different from what we're used to. What role does this...Lady Tylania play?"
"She is not like your Star Queen. She doesn't wear a crown, she doesn't govern. She's a...symbol. She suggests...insinuates, and most chieftains listen. But she keeps her own counsel. I can't say whether she'll help or hinder you. I do know that attacking her will be a sure way to make all of Yarkul your enemy. For the short term, your best path forward is to encourage my people to deny Firemane the right to set up industry. Or sabotage it."
"The Vash of Yarkul are not the only ones of their kind," Lialana pointed out. "They have colonies in Ajustra and among the Khajwari. Firemane colonialism has affected them too. The Magister of Healing has connections there."
"Correct," Tykaesah. "Our relations with our distant kin are...complicated. They've suffered from Qadiri raiding, too," he glanced Lakami.
The former queen frowned. "I'll admit it, actions of past Qadiri rulers played a part in pushing them into the arms of the humans. But we face a common threat now."
"It's worth a shot," the Vashyada Councillor said.
"And we Eldorai didn't cover ourselves with glory when we 'relocated' Qadiri and Vash communities that happened to be 'in the way' for our settlers. As if massacring the Kar'zun wasn't enough of a crime," the Archon remarked bitterly. "We can't sweep away the past, but we must find a way to look forward. Anyway, we'll look into these groups. This leaves the Xio. Councillor Qual'Zyanya?"

"The White Queen is a puppet, Archon," Qual said, making a dismissive gesture. "Her light and dark lackeys are no better. The Daughters worship the Great Oppressor. While the Seekers don't engage in such travesty, they lack the resolve to do what's needed. Too conservative, too wedded to compromise. The enslavement of so many Xio has caused much anger. Force will not avail you - the Xio would rally around their mistresses because they don't know any better. But if you could discredit her, we stand a chance of replacing the queen with a more dynamic figure."
"I don't think they'd accept you as their Queen," Tykaesah snarked.
Qual regarded him with a seemingly placid expression, though beneath it she was seething. "I wasn't thinking about me."
"It seems you have it all figured out, who's your choice?"
The Strategos slammed her fist onto the table. "If we look to do that any choice we suggest will be agreed on by the entire Court of Shadows."
"Indeed," the Archon stated before things could escalate further. "Thank you for your contribution, Councillor. We'll examine all our options. Our first course action should be to attempt diplomacy with the regime. In secret, of course. We need a clearer picture of what's going on. Your knowledge of the political scene will be valuable, of course." She let those words sink in.

"There are some other matters to cover. Contingency plans for a Firemane counteroffensive will have to be made, accommodations prepared for fugitives. But this meeting has dragged on long enough. We will reconvene in an hour. Dismissed." While the Councillors and Trokana started to file out, the Archon sank back into her chair. Now that she wasn't distracted by the constant back and forth, Kaida noticed there were dark circles under their leader's eyes. The Archon ran a hand through her dark hair before taking a deep gulp from her glass of water.
"Still got a few years to go before the next election," the Strategos said teasingly.
"And I'm going tp nominate you. It's an appropriate punishment for your inability to be diplomatic," the Archon retorted. "Seraph, Captain, thank you for your presentation. I won't keep you any longer. You're dismissed," she looked up at Kaida and Siona.

Kaida saluted in the Eldorai style. "High Seraph, Starseeker, I request reassignment to dockyard assault. I've done all I can on Barakur. The expedition needs a builder, not a soldier."
"I have no objections," Vashana spoke. "I've got someone in mind."
The High Seraph gave her subordinate a look. "I'm glad you're volunteering, Seraph, because you're going to be in it like it or not."
"Do we have any intel on Elpsis Kerrigan's whereabouts?"
Thael furrowed her brow, caught off-guard by the question. "She's gone off the grid. What's your interest, Seraph?"
Kaida's steely grey eyes never wavered. They looked like ice under a cloud sky. But there was a momentary flicker of something on her face. "Professional."
The High Seraph looked at her a bit suspiciously, then shrugged. "The Kerrigan heiress is not our problem. If she causes trouble for Firemane, good. Beyond that we don't care. Our sole concern is making this campaign a success."

Kaida nodded curtly, then turned on her heels and walked out.
"Wasn't she in a relationship with the mother once?" Vashana asked while she watched the taciturn soldier depart.
"The birth mother, not Kerrigan. A Yedi," Thael clarified firmly. "Passed away many years ago, I believe."
"She'll do her duty. As reliable as clockwork. Or as the Council getting into a pissing contest," Yseult commented, fishing out a cigarra to light, only to be met with a glare from the Archon. "Oh, come on."
"Not here," the Archon told her sternly.

Kaida heard Siona following after her, but didn't pause her stride. For a long time they just walked down the corridor in silence. "I thought they'd never shut up," Kaida stated caustically when they reached the turbolift.
"Not tempted to run for a Council seat?" Siona asked teasingly.
The turbolift doors closed. "No."
"There's going to be a by-election in your ward."
"Irrelevant."
"Heard some folks have asked Lavina to run. Your big sis could be a Councillor."
"Silly."
"I think she'd be good at it. She went through hell...and came back. I'd help her campaign. She's very...talented, you know. In more ways than one," suddenly the Harbinger smirked and batted her eyelashes at her. Kaida said nothing. "You know, I really enjoy your sister's company."
"Fine."
"You can't freeze the connection we have!"
"You don't have anything."
"Just keep telling yourself that..."
Kaida wondered how annoyed Lavina would be if she punched the irritating Harbinger. Mercifully, the turbolift doors opened. When Siona opened her mouth again, Kaida was prepared for more thinly veiled innuendo and annoying jokes. But instead the Harbinger looked at her with an expression of utter seriousness. "So it's really happening. Didn't think I'd see the day."
"We have work to do," the Seraph said gravely.
"We'll do our part, you do yours. And should you die, make sure you take many monkeigh souls with you into the void."
"Do your duty." There was nothing more to be said, and so Kaida walked onward, not pausing until she was out of the building.

Outside, the crowds were dispersing. The smell of burnt effigies lingered. Her eyes fell upon the Shadow Knight banner that stood tall and proud. An Eldorai eagle upon a red field. Red like the blood the Eldorai, royalist and Dashdae alike, had shed. Like her cousins had shed.

Like the blood of the millions who had been abandoned on Kaeshana. An image flashed before her mind. Blood on the streets, dead civilians. Dead women and children. All because they'd lost out on the lottery and hadn't the means to simply themselves a ticket for the exodus fleet before the planet died.

She should've have...She clamped down hard on that feeling. No regrets, no regrets. Regret was self-pity. Self-pity was selfishness and dereliction of duty. There was no point to dwell on roads not taken. There was no doubt, only duty. Kaida would not bow to an Archon anymore than to a Star Queen or a human conqueror. She would never pray to Ashira, Kashara or Illyria. But she would do her duty.