Chrome Dome
In the Market of Madness
Batuu
Tags: Open
"Of all the plagues and pathogens that have infested our galaxy, none have brought more fear than the Blight. Effects were instant, calcification was severe, survival was all but impossible. It is not often a disease leaves such a profound effect on the masses, but the sight of petrified organic sentients turned to stone, their final moments captured with haunting perfection... Well, it's no wonder why such a plague remains in our mythology."
Zel walked on the planet of Batuu, venturing off the beaten path away from the shady marketplaces and into the wilderness, locating a system of caverns. His partner, the droid 'Heath,' hovered just behind him, serving as a flashlight. The spark recorded him as he spoke, taking in every word as they ventured into the darkness.
"Shrii Ka Rai... Eaters of the Force. The scourge of the Nameless took its tole on the galaxy. Lo, even the weakest found themselves prey, as the Force moves through all living things, even those who do not hear its call." Zel crouched down, brushing back dust to reveal a stone face, that of an insectoid Verpine. "It was in the heart of this cavern that such a beast was released, escaping from its Nihil captors. A local band of pirates had set up in the caves, hiding from Republic law. It is here where they met a grizzly end, their faces preserved to show us the conclusion of their lives. Yet even so, their misfortune is our goldmine. A rare opportunity presents itself, as a lone Jedi warrior long ago stood their ground and slew the beast. Over a thousand years later, there is no doubt in my mind that the conditions have presented themselves for the skeletal remains of the Nameless beast to be recovered: A perfect holotype specimen!"
"Gee, Zel," Heath began with a mechanical sigh. "You don't imagine there's anything still living here, do you?"
The Mandalorian shook his domed head, crossing his arms. No, such a thing was not very plausible given the length of time and the slaying of the beast. Most importantly, there was one detail that had changed this place.
"The disturbance caused by the Nameless has killed off any life that was in this cavern," he relayed. "The scars here are so deep it's wounded the very ecosystem. Should anything have actually survived that fatefull day, the creature would no doubt be beyond recognition."
He shook his head, continuing onwards.
"But we cannot waist time speculating on the matter. We have spelunking to do."
And further in he went.
