Near Objective II
Arceneau Trade Company
Eden Bio Dome - Quesh
Agri, Pharma, and Plantary Detox Research and Development Facility
Tags: Open to Interaction
Alisha'ven stood at the edge of the observation deck, her lekku twitching with the tension in the air. Beyond the domed glass of the Arceneau Trade Eden Bio-Dome Research and Development Facility, Quesh's toxic landscape stretched out in a yellow haze. The facility was quiet --
too quiet. Inside, the researchers buzzed with an undercurrent of panic. They were used to dealing with the volatile mix of adrenals and medicines their work revolved around, but this...this was different.
The Imperials were on Quesh.
Alisha's mind raced. The reports from the Arceneau Trade Headquarters on Lianna had been brief but clear: the Imperials had arrived, and they were already engaging the Three Hutt Families. Quesh venom, so valuable, so dangerous, was at the heart of it all. The Hutts controlled the mines, and the Imperials saw an opportunity. Arceneau Trade had always maintained neutrality -- an alliance of convenience and credits with tributes with the Hutts allowed them to continue their own research and development, free from meddling. But the winds were shifting, and the odds were favoring the Empire.
"Alisha, what do we do?" Chiko Pitt, a Nautolan researcher with wide, worried eyes that swirled like stars -- looked at her, clutching a datapad like it was a lifeline.
Alisha turned away from the window, her posture firm despite the anxiety gnawing at her.
"We follow protocol," she said, her voice steady.
"All research projects are to be locked down. No one accesses the labs until further notice. And a full report's already been sent to headquarters."
The researcher hesitated, glancing around at the others who milled about, clearly unsettled.
"But what if the Imperials come here?"
Alisha's lekku twitched again. It was the question on everyone's mind. The facility wasn't aligned with the Hutts, but that didn't mean the Imperials would care.
"We're not a target," she said, though she wasn't entirely sure.
"We're just a research facility, not a military installation or a threat. The Imperials are focused on the Hutts, not us." the Rutian paused, reading the uncertainty on the Nautolan's face
. "If anyone does come our way, we'll try to negotiate. We're not looking for a fight."
She hoped that would be enough. The security measures had been enacted, and while the defenses could hold for a time, they weren't meant to withstand a full Imperial assault. They were researchers, not soldiers. They had protocols in place to protect their work, to protect themselves, but when it came down to it, they were at the mercy of whatever was happening outside their walls.
The comm panel on the wall chirped, pulling Alisha's attention. She crossed the room, her heart beating a little faster, and opened the channel.
"This is Alisha, go ahead."
[ Alisha, this is Captain Veris from the security team. ] His voice was low, clipped, as if he were trying to keep calm.
[We've just received word that a small Imperial scouting party has been detected a few clicks out. They're not heading toward the Three Families -- they're moving toward us.]
Feth! Alisha's chest tightened. So much for staying off the radar.
"How long do we have?" she asked, her voice quieter than she intended.
[ An hour, maybe two. We're not sure how big the force is. It could just be a sweep, but we're preparing just in case. ]
"Understood. Keep me updated." She cut the comm and turned to the others. The room seemed to shrink as they all looked at her, waiting for orders, for answers she wasn't sure she had.
"What now?" the Chiko asked, voice tight with fear.
Alisha swallowed hard.
"We stick to the plan. Lock down everything. If they come, we'll negotiate. We're not the enemy."
But even as she said it, she couldn't shake the feeling that it wouldn't be that simple.
With swift motions, she began issuing commands, instructing the staff to secure the labs and prepare for whatever came next. As the facility's systems locked down around them, a hum of machinery filled the air. The researchers, once scattered and disorganized, moved with purpose, securing data and storing away volatile compounds.
Alisha stood near the entrance of the facility now, watching the preparations with a careful eye. Her mind drifted to the stories she'd heard -- of what the Empire did to places that stood in its way, of what they did to people who were considered 'unnecessary.' Then again, Arceneau Trade had managed to continue their work on Lianna and other worlds within their space. Perhaps that would work in their favor. They paid the tariffs and followed all inspections as requested -- but things could turn sideways, just like with the Dark Empire's recent decree not long ago.
She clenched her fists, feeling the cold metal of her communicator against her palm. If it came to it, she would talk her way out. She had to. But just in case, her other hand rested on the blaster at her side. They were researchers, yes, but that didn't mean they were helpless.
As the clock ticked down and the horizon outside grew darker, she tried to steel herself. The Imperials might be coming, and their intentions were unclear. But Alisha was ready. If there was a chance to avoid bloodshed, she would take it.
But if not -- well, she wasn't about to go down without a fight.
T'zarna Khab
