Public Secrets Beneath the Surface

[Liin Terallo]

I give Karl a moment as he had requested. And as he gave his commands, I could not help but draw my eyes skyward. There was a hightened buzz of activity both within the dome, as well as high above it. If we weren't careful we could be overwhelmed by visitors. I just hope that Prime Minister Laan was ready for it.

Once he was finished I led the way into the old NCBC Headquarters. I did not want to use the old museum entrance that was somewhat highlighted in the leaked video if one could piece it together. No, I knew of another point of entry. All of the senior members of the Board of Directors were aware of it, but not quite of what it led to. The only notes passed on from generation to generation was that it led to an ancient shelter if the domes failed. Now I am certain that it was much more than that.

I watch the droids and drones surrounding us while we walked. It was a strange thing. Their footfalls in unison, their hovering and movements were in sync with my own. It was like they were reading my mind, but such a thing is impossible, is it not?

My thoughts are interrupted as Karl asks me about carrying a weapon. I give him a slight nod and bring up the fan which dangled from a cord at my hip beneath my coat. "I have a dagger hidden in the handle. It's blade is made with biomolecule-infused steel. Tests have shown it to be very sharp indeed which can cut through most metals. I had a bit of training with it so that I at least know how to wield it if need be. I have not yet fired a blaster, so I am not so sure that my aim would be true."

Down and down we go. And with each new corridor we enter, my biometrics are needed to allow us entry. One could easily suspect that we were well beyond NCBC Headquarters by now and instead we were somewhere else. The final corridor showed it's age. There was not any rust, but you could just smell how old it was. Another panel flickered to life as we approached. The whirring of an old system starting up was heard. I place my hand on top as I had done so to all of the others. But this time it hurt! "OUCH!" I pulled my hand back to see two fingertips bleeding. I step back from the panel as the grinding of metal and stone can be heard. It was loud!

--CRACK--CRACK--CRACK--

A door slid slowly open revealing a bright light behind it. And nothing else that I could see. Just a big bright light in a large empty space.

Karl Von Strauss

 

[Forse Dirum]

The submersible surfaced in a grotto, bobbing on the surface as it's repulsor engines powered down, relying on the submersible's natural buoyancy to keep it afloat. The submersible's hatch popped open, and Forse stood out of his lying position, hopping onto the nearby rocky ground, pulling the submersible over to the side with him. Reaching into the open submersible, he pulls out a few storage boxes and places them on the ground. He highlights each box on his HUD, and focused on them. A progress bar fills as he retains eye contact, culminating in a check box appearing over the storage container. The lids on all the storage boxes are opened, and Forse begins to strap on his loadout.

First was his E-11 Blaster rifle. An antique by modern standards, Forse kept a modified version for himself. It lacked the power cycling problems and misaligned sight picture the original was plagued with. With a flick of his wrist, the rifle's collapsible butt stock swung out to it's full length. Forse switched on its power pack, and the E-11 began to softly whirr as its internal systems booted up. Seconds later, a reticle appeared on his HUD, corresponding to where he was pointing the rifle. Forse could accurately fire from the hip now, but he preferred to shoulder the weapon, not wanting to develop bad habits were his armor systems to be knocked offline by something.

Next, Forse took several emp grenades and fragmentation grenades and strapped them to his belt. The emp grenades were designed for tackling war droids, but Forse didn't know what he'd find in these caves, and wanted to be prepared. The bioluminescent light stretched along the walls of the cavern, leading into a tunnel from the grotto. Forse dragged the submersible onto dry land, and stowed it along the side of the wall. He'd possibly need it to exfil if the operation went south.

Forse cycled through different visual spectrums as he made his way toward the illuminated tunnel. Even though it seemed like he was alone, the lights pulsed with the rhythm of, what appeared to Forse as, a heartbeat.

 

[Reicher Vax]

Location: Operational Zone: Zulu, New Cov.
Equipment: Standard Issue Sith Trooper Armor, Vibroblade, Standard Issue Blaster Rifle, Datapad.
Tag: OPEN

The twin Muur-class Transports hummed with the steady rhythm of repulsorlift engines as they broke through the atmosphere of New Cov, descending toward the sprawling jungle city of Ilic. Through the thick transparisteel viewports, Reicher could see the city's unique blend of natural beauty and industrial sprawl. Towering skyscrapers rose like steel obelisks above the dense canopy, their surfaces shimmering with energy conduits and vibrant lights. Between the structures, the lush greenery of the surrounding jungle was threaded with rivers and bio-organic conduits that glowed faintly with the same unnatural luminescence as the Heart in the holovid.

Inside the transport, the mood was tense but controlled. The soft hum of the engines was punctuated by the occasional clatter of armor as troopers adjusted their gear. Reicher sat near the front, his helmet resting on his lap, his eyes scanning the briefing data displayed on his datapad. The map of Ilic City highlighted key locations—the excavation site, NCBC headquarters, and the perimeter zones they were to secure.

The voice of the transport pilot crackled over the comms. "Approaching the designated landing zone. ETA five minutes."

Reicher stood, his armor's servo motors whirring softly as he addressed the men of his triad. "We hit the ground running. Secure the AT-OT, establish the perimeter, and lock down our section. Stay alert—this isn't a backwater planet. Expect complications, and handle them with precision."

A chorus of affirmatives echoed through the transport. These were seasoned soldiers, hardened by campaigns across the Empire's contested territories. They wouldn't falter.

Theven's voice cut in through Reicher's helmet comm. <Vax, you'll be taking the northwestern perimeter near the Heart's site. My squad will reinforce the corporate security along the southern sector. High Command's made it clear we're not to overstep unless necessary. Keep things quiet, but don't hesitate if someone steps out of line.>

<Understood,> Reicher replied, his tone calm and deliberate.

The transport shuddered slightly as it touched down on a reinforced landing pad on the outskirts of Ilic. The ramp hissed open, revealing a humid jungle breeze mixed with the acrid tang of industrial exhaust. Around them, NCBC corporate security personnel moved with hurried purpose, their black-and-silver uniforms gleaming in the artificial light of the landing zone.

Reicher descended the ramp first, his crimson visor glowing faintly as he scanned the area. The AT-OT was already being offloaded, its heavy legs planting firmly on the duracrete. The walker's turret-mounted blasters and reinforced plating were a reassuring presence, a symbol of the Empire's might.

The Sith Diplomat, a hooded figure flanked by a pair of Legionaries, approached briefly to acknowledge the squad before heading off toward the NCBC headquarters. Reicher barely spared the diplomat a glance; his focus was on the mission.

"Move out," Reicher ordered, gesturing toward the AT-OT. His triad climbed aboard, their movements precise and efficient. The walker rumbled to life, its engines thrumming as it began its slow march toward the northwestern perimeter.

As they moved through the city, the contrast between Ilic's gleaming towers and the ancient jungle that encroached on its edges became more apparent. The conduits that ran along the ground seemed alive, their faint glow pulsating rhythmically. Civilians watched from a distance, their expressions a mix of awe and fear.

Reicher's comm crackled again. <"Legionnaire Vax, this is NCBC Security Control. You'll be coordinating with Sector 7's head, Overseer Talmek. He'll brief you on the local situation.">

"Copy that," Reicher replied.

The AT-OT came to a halt near the excavation site, its bulk towering over the small temporary command post that had been erected nearby. Reicher dismounted, his boots crunching against the dirt as he approached the command tent. Overseer Talmek, a tall man with a sharp, angular face and the polished demeanor of a corporate officer, greeted him with a curt nod.

"Vax," Talmek began, his tone clipped. "The situation here is… volatile. We've had reports of unauthorized movement in the jungle—scouts believe mercenaries or independent operatives are probing the area. And there's been a spike in communications traffic suggesting potential Jedi involvement."

Reicher's visor tilted slightly as he processed the information. "Understood. My triad will establish a secure perimeter. Any hostile movement will be neutralized."

Talmek hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "The Heart… it's unlike anything we've ever encountered. Some of my men are uneasy. There have been… incidents among the excavation crew. People speaking of whispers, strange lights in the conduits. Superstition, perhaps, but…"

Reicher's tone remained cold and steady. "The Sith Legion doesn't deal in superstition, Overseer. Maintain discipline among your people. We'll handle the rest."

With that, Reicher turned back to his triad, gesturing for them to begin setting up the perimeter. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the city in a dim, otherworldly glow, Reicher couldn't shake the faint sense of unease that had been with him since seeing the holovid of the Heart.

Whatever lay beneath New Cov, it wasn't just another resource for the Sith Empire to exploit. And as Reicher watched the glowing conduits pulsate faintly in the darkening jungle, he wondered if they were prepared for what they might uncover.

​

 

[The Heart of New Cov]

Bioluminescent tendrils pulsed throughout the cavern that Forse found himself within. With each step he took the pulsing took shape, changing their intensity and pattern to match that of his own heartbeat. His footsteps barely made a sound, for as though the terrain appeared to be rocky, it was in fact densely packed moss and lichen. This made it more difficult for anyone to know if they were being followed. The sheer abundance of life amongst the cavern walls and floor also made it more difficult for Force Users to discern one life signature to the next.

But Forse's HUD would be able to pick them out. The deeper Forse went through the twisting cavern, the more that his HUD would be able to pick up. Stagnant pockets of unknown life could be detected up ahead until finally the cavern opened up revealing a large bioluminescent synthesis chamber, with walls that pulse gently with bioluminescence. Inside, vast tanks contain an array of genetically engineered creatures and plant life, each contributing a different element to the biomolecule synthesis process. The air inside the chamber is dense with the scent of various plant species, and faint hums from the machinery suggest the operation of a complex, organic system.

The chamber seems to be powered by a unique energy source, derived from the planet's own core and linked with an interstellar energy resonance tied to the Force. It is rumored that within these chambers, scientists or technicians of the ancient civilization could manipulate genetic material to create biomolecules far beyond the capabilities of current technology, producing highly potent compounds that could alter biology, extend life, or even manipulate the Force.

The synthesis chamber may seems to be operational, though in a dormant state, just waiting to be reactivated.
​

---

Legionnaire Vax could see the faint glow through the trees as the day's light faded. However beneath his feet there grew a hum of energy. It vibrated through the ground. The very air around him seemed to pulse with it, as though just having him there awakened something.

A pulse of energy brushes against his mind, almost like a dream or a half-remembered memory. A whisper slithered into his thoughts, a soft voice, rich with promise, vibrating with something ancient. Something that knew him and those like him.

~You feel it, don't you? The power. There is power down here, beneath the depths. And it is yours to command. It is yours to wield should you take that first step towards a far greater destiny than you imagined.~

Visions of an ancient civilization on New Cov were interlayed with the whispers. Flashes of a select few people commanding and manipulating an entire planet to serve their needs. A neverending power source fueling technologies long forgotten, yet surpassing those of today. Following that were visions of a current map of the Galaxy showing a cloud of influence moving beyond New Cov, encompassing all that lay in it's wake.
​

Tags: Forse Dirum Reicher Vax

 

[Forse Dirum]

Forse found himself in a vast chamber deep within the caverns beneath the surface. Bioluminescent veins ran along the walls, emitting a pale blue glow that illuminated the space. The first thing Forse noticed was the presence of large vats filled with plants and animals, all displaying the same bioluminescent patterns as the cavern itself.

Forse had an instinctive reaction to what these tanks contained, but he didn't spend much time pondering it. As a soldier, he felt out of his depth when it came to understanding the advanced science that must have taken place inside the lab. There were three tanks: one held a quadruped creature, another contained a collection of plant material, and the third housed a large black rock. Forse activated the recording function on his helmet, blinking twice at a circle in the bottom left corner of his heads-up display.

He slowly made his way around the lab, examining every inch of it to ensure he recorded enough data for the scientists who had hired him. He unfastened a small device from his belt and placed it in the center of the floor. The device unfolded four spider-like legs that dug into the mossy surface. The top of the octagonal device lifted slightly. To the naked eye, nothing seemed to be happening, but Forse could see the true situation through the various visual spectrum analyzers on his HUD.

Pulsing waves of energy emitted from the device, mapping the entire room and analyzing everything within it. The data was downloaded onto a datapad stored in Forse's pack, which he would hand over to the scientists upon completing the job. The process didn't take long, and once it was finished, Forse retrieved the device and secured it back on his belt.

He paused for a moment as he approached what seemed to be the entrance to another winding set of corridors. He briefly considered using a thermobaric grenade to ignite the entire room, hoping to deprive some madman of the scientific treasure inside. However, he pushed down the impulse. As a bounty hunter, he knew the job wouldn't pay out if everything was destroyed.

Checking the charge pack on his rifle, he exited the room, heading deeper into the underground complex.

 

[Brakkus]

With confirmation from Laan, Brakkus' surroundings became a hive of activity as preparations for the exploration into the ancient city began. Survey teams were being assembled, while equipment and supplies were loaded onto smaller transports in the bustling hangars. The operation was progressing swiftly, and soon the teams would be ready to deploy. From the safety of his transport ship stationed at the spaceport, Brakkus planned to oversee the mission's progress.

"Of course, Ms. Laan, I would not have it any other way," the Aqualish replied smoothly, his tone polite but measured. The dialogue between the two remained firmly professional, their words deliberately guarded, as neither party wished to divulge too much too soon. "I assure you, I have no intention of overstepping in such a delicate situation."

Though her reservations about Brakkus were apparent, he genuinely harbored no intent to exploit Laan or her planet. Any potential discoveries within the ancient city, while undoubtedly valuable, were unlikely to align with the Ando Mining Collective's core objectives as a mining enterprise. The Collective's focus was on extracting resources, not delving into the intricacies of biomolecules. However, building a relationship with New Cov's first Prime Minister? That was an opportunity worth pursuing.

"Perhaps," Brakkus began thoughtfully, "a security detail from New Cov could supervise my survey teams? It might alleviate any concerns you have and provide me with reassurance as well. Uncharted regions can often be... unpredictable."

The suggestion was a calculated gesture. By inviting New Cov's forces to oversee the operation, Brakkus hoped to demonstrate his transparency and loyalty to Laan while also ensuring the safety of his largely civilian workforce. He understood, however, that with tensions high and resources stretched thin, she might find it difficult to spare personnel for the task.

Nora Laan​

​

 

[The Heart of New Cov]

The tanks lay dormant. Even the chamber itself seemed to be in a hibernative state. All except for the pulsing veins of bioluminescence.

As Forse continued further through a twisting corridor, his foot triggered something. The floor dropped an inch, as though he had just stepped on a sensor pad and the pulsating bioluminescense now rushed further ahead as though they were hurrying off somewhere. Darkness soon enveloped the corridor.

A slithering sound could be heard behind Forse as a bunch of vines protruded from the walls nearest the synthesis chamber and began weaving themselves into an elaborate six-foot thick vine wall at the entrance he had passed through earlier.

Further ahead of him there came a light clicking noise. At first it ticked like a clock, but then there were more clicks added to it. A lot more. Seconds later an enormous swarm of small beetle-like creatures became flying towards him. Their bodies were a mix of metal bone, yet made of a black color so dark that it absorbed most of any light that happens to shine on it.

Tag: Forse Dirum​

 

[Nora Laan]

Nora's expression softened a little more as Brakkus agreed to her terms. That had given her at least one less thing to worry about.

A read out on an adjacent holoscreen had made her aware of the sheer numbers of vessels awaiting access. It was a logistical nightmare for the space ports command, yet she was certain that they could handle it. At least for a while. Perhaps in time the spectacle would all die down and they could return to normal functioning levels.

Her eyebrows rose at the request of a security detail for his team. And although Ilic City's resources were being stretched thin, she knew that their resources were being bolstered by allies to New Cov. She only hoped that tensions between them all would remain low. However the presence of Imperial Walkers were bound to cause a bit of a panic among some citizens.

"Your request is granted. Let us hope that this venture proves to be successful for the both of us. I shall send a security detail to your team upon their arrival to the main site. Is there anything else that you need before they start?"

Tag: Brakkus

 

[Nyles Kote]

​

Friendly Units:
NF-01 Nano-flares loaded in countermeasure launchers formation wide.

• SB-01 Darasuum Morut-class Super-heavy Battlecarrier Darasuum Morut (flagship) 100 | 100

Subvessels

• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Morut Me'sen'ika Solus 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Morut Me'sen'ika T'ad 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Morut Me'sen'ika Ehn 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Morut Me'sen'ika Cuir 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Morut Me'sen'ika Rayshe'a 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Morut Me'sen'ika Resol 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Morut Me'sen'ika E'tad 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Morut Me'sen'ika Sh'ehn 100 | 100

• HB-01 Adenn Kyr'am-class Heavy Battlecarrier Gra'tua 100 | 100

Subvessels

• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Gra'tua Me'sen'ika Solus 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Gra'tua Me'sen'ika T'ad 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Gra'tua Me'sen'ika Ehn 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Gra'tua Me'sen'ika Cuir 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Gra'tua Me'sen'ika Rayshe'a 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Gra'tua Me'sen'ika Resol 100 | 100

• HB-01 Adenn Kyr'am-class Heavy Battlecarrier Verdyc 100 | 100

Subvessels

• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Verdyc Me'sen'ika Solus 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Verdyc Me'sen'ika T'ad 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Verdyc Me'sen'ika Ehn 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Verdyc Me'sen'ika Cuir 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Verdyc Me'sen'ika Rayshe'a 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Verdyc Me'sen'ika Resol 100 | 100

• B-02 Ara'novor-class Battlecarrier Ara'novor 100 | 100

Subvessels

• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Ara'novor Me'sen'ika Solus 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Ara'novor Me'sen'ika T'ad 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Ara'novor Me'sen'ika Ehn 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Ara'novor Me'sen'ika Cuir 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Ara'novor Me'sen'ika Rayshe'a 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Ara'novor Me'sen'ika Resol 100 | 100

• B-02 Ara'novor-class Battlecarrier Burenaar Ga'yaim 100 | 100

Subvessels

• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Burenaar Ga'yaim Me'sen'ika Solus 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Burenaar Ga'yaim Me'sen'ika T'ad 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Burenaar Ga'yaim Me'sen'ika Ehn 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Burenaar Ga'yaim Me'sen'ika Cuir 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Burenaar Ga'yaim Me'sen'ika Rayshe'a 100 | 100
• HC-03M Kyramud-class Heavy Multi-role Corvette Burenaar Ga'yaim Me'sen'ika Resol 100 | 100

• HMB-01M Tracyn'buurenaar-class Heavy Missile Battlecruiser Tracyn'buurenaar 100 | 100
• HMB-01M Tracyn'buurenaar-class Heavy Missile Battlecruiser Buurenaar b' Surhaai 100 | 100

Units in Reserve: The entire might of Strill Securities' naval assets. All too far to respond.

Ally Tag(s): Nora Laan | New Cov and Allies

Neutral Tag(s): Rackham

Enemy Tag(s): None yet.

Equipment

• Armor:
  • Verd'jurkad'gam
    • 'Sapan'got Sur'haai' Combat Suite
      • 'Manda' Battlenet Bridge Module
    • 'Verd b' Jorad' Communications Suite
  • 'Ysalamiri Birikad' Nutrient Frame
  • Vambrace Weapons:
    • TBP-01V Tractor-Pressor Beam Projector
    • PC-05V Plasma Caster
      • Plasma Gas Medium Cannister (1)
    • MML-01V Miniaturized Missile Launcher
      • Cretanr'ika-class Guided Plasma Micro-missile (4)
      • Striilir'ika-class Brilliant Micro-missile (4)
    • CP-03V CryoBan Projector
  • Back-mounted:
    
    • A-03S Verpine Shatter Autocannon
• Implant(s):​
  • 'Alr' Pilot Enhancement Package
  • 'Gar Tkiriyr' Neural Interface
• Melee:
  • B-01M Beskad
  • K-02M Kal (2)
• Sidearm(s)
  • LRH-5A Verpine Shatter Pistol w/ 'Kyrayc Sur'haai' 1-4x Short Range Optic
• Rifle(s):
  • RR-04B Ripper Rifle w/ 1-12x Medium Range Optic and UGL-02 Underbarrel Grenade Launcher
• Explosives:
  • AWCGG-02 Anti-Energy Weapon Countermeasure Gas Grenade (2)
  • NGG-02 Nagnol Gas Grenade (2)
  • Flash-Bang Grenades (2)
  • BG-02 Baradium Grenade(2)

​

Sometimes, Strill was late to the party. Never could it be said, however, that it came underprepared. Nyles had pushed as much as was possible to push for an orbital defense package to be stationed over New Cov. That would take a renegotiation of the contract, which given the threat to New Cov was a given regardless. Still, if this job was easy, he wouldn't be raking in credits. Now it was time to earn that paycheck one more time. Besides, wasn't that the point of the SuperCommando codex? That every other aruetii shabuire had enough conflict to go around without the need to start one?

Just as he had during gathering that had been organized not too long ago, Nyles had spread the entire formation's complement of stealth, stealth-detecting RP-01S 'Sur'ulur' Recon Probes were spread out with minimally overlapping sensor fields to cover as much space as was possible. The slack was picked up by the long-range detection stealth-detection suites on the Morut, Gra'tua and Verdyc. Unfortunately for any stealth ships, hostile or otherwise, having a number of advanced, long-range anti-stealth networked, fused sensor and scanner systems looking for stealth ships was a tough thing to avoid being detected by.

 

[Forse Dirum]

"Aw, hell." Forse muttered as his foot sank onto the mossy switch.

Forse raised his rifle to the ready position as the light in the cavern tunnel sped down it's length. Forse heard the sound of stretching branches, and visually saw them seal off the lab he had just exited via a small window on his HUD, triggered by the sound behind him. Forse didn't turn, instead focusing on the darkness ahead of him. Sensors in his helmet compensated for the sudden darkness in the tunnel, adjusting his sight picture.

He didn't see the swarm of insectoid creatures first. He heard the incoming buzzing first, and saw the movement of the incoming creatures on his HUD. Taking his left hand from the forward rest of his weapon, he reached to his belt and primed a thermobaric grenade. He quickly tossed it 20 meters ahead of him. As the grenade left his hand, he toggled his suit seals, which were normally meant for being used in the vacuum of space. As in all Imperial-spec stormtrooper armor, he had 20 minutes of clean oxygen within his suit. Cold, fresh oxygen flooded his helmet.

When the grenade exploded, a concussive blast wave shot down both sides of the tunnel. The oxygen in the area surrounding the immediate 10M area was snuffed out as a vacuum was created. The sun-hot fuel in the grenade flew out in all directions, melting into the tightly packed Moss bricks, causing a near immediate inferno in the confined space. His visor automatically tinted at the explosion of the grenade, but not quite fast enough to avoid him seeing spots from the inferno he had created.

Forse's HUD began painting the hostile insectoids in an upside down red triangle. Some of them had been dropped by the sudden explosion, having been deprived of oxygen. The rest continued to approach, covered in flame.

Forse raised his rifle, thumbing down the fire selector from it's active lethal setting down to it's stun setting. The reasons for this were twofold. On stun, you could get many more available shots due to its lower charge requirement. The second reason was that the stun bolts erupted from the rifle as ionic circles, giving a much wider spread on a target. Forse had made the snap decision to use the stun setting owing to the small size of the incoming insectoids. He was banking on his hypothesis that whatever passed for the insectoids' nervous system would be overloaded by the stun bolt.

Forse swept his rifle across the incoming bugs, blue circles of ionic bolts crackled into his enemies, while an inferno spread in both directions from the epicenter of the thermobaric grenade.

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

​

As Liin let him know that she was armed, he let out a breath of air he wasn't aware he was holding as his body slightly relaxed. "Well, if you find yourself needing a blaster, Circe is never far from me."

"That is correct Lady Terallo." A disembodied voice would say from slightly behind the both of them.

He followed her farther down and what he assumed was further away from the old headquarters. As they made more and more progress, Karl found himself stifling a few sneezes and coughs as the air grew, older and less recycled. Still, that's how he'd describe it, still. He watched as Liin approached the oldest biometric panel they had seen by far, and watched her recoil in pain as she pulled her hand back.

"Liin, are you okay?" He said, his voice raised as the sound of the door echoed loudly around the hallway. "Anton, have one of the Arba..."

His voice trailed off as the light cascaded into the hallway. Blinded, he held up his arm and walked over to Liin. He placed his other hand on her shoulder and with a joking tone said, "Lights are good right?" He lifted the hand that was blocking the light, signed the letter "B" in BSL (basic sign language), and pointed toward the door.

Understanding his intention, Bertha, the second queen, had her drones quickly file through the door and take a circular defensive position around it in the next, blinding room.

"Would you like to go first Liin, or should we go in together?" Karl asked repositioning his arm to block some of the light.

Tag: Liin Terallo
Entourage: 2x Queen Bee/L (Anton and Bertha), 24x PB Worker Bees, 12x Arbalesk Droids, and C1RC3.

 

[Liin Terallo]

A blaster. I am unsure of how well I could use it. But the same could be said about my wielding a dagger as well. I did have one lesson with Darth Malum of House Marr , but that was all and it was some time ago. I have not needed to use it ever since. I can only hope that I can remember what I had learned if it came down to it. But then again with all of this protection around me, the odds are in my favor that I should have no need to have to draw my dagger out at all.

Thank goodness that I am not here alone.

The blinding light is enough to make anyone feel isolated. However Karl's hand on my shoulder gives me both comfort and reassurance. "Let us go together." I shield my eyes from the light like he does before stepping forth through the door. I cannot see the little drones due to the light, but I do hear them. Nothing seems to impede us as we continue to walk. "I wonder how big this chamber is." I say it more as a statement than a question.

--CLICK--

I feel as though my foot had stepped on a large button. And just like that the lights go out completely. First we were blinded one way, only to become blinded in another. I quickly place my hand on top of Karl's as though to reassure myself that he is still there. "I stepped on some sort of trigger. I'm sorry. Should I lift my foot? Perhaps the light will come back on?"

Tag: Karl Von Strauss

 

[The Heart of New Cov]

One would expect a loud shrieking to come after the explosion caused by the intruder. However there was only silence.

The vines furthest from the fire were the first to retreat in order to save themselves from the burning. Inside the chamber, the air suddenly became far more humid. A rush of air flowed in from previously unnoticed vents, forming clouds at the ceiling which then began to produce rain to protect the tanks and equipment below them. The vines that had retreated instead protruded out from within the synthesis chamber covered in wetness to once more seal off the route.

The insectoids on fire continued their approach, until they were hit by the stun rings.

Once the fire dissipated, there followed only silence. A faint bioluminescence began to glow along the tendrils along the cavern walls. It did not pulsate this time. Instead the light remained steady.

Further ahead lay another chamber. Along the floor was not moss, however. Instead it was tiled. Each tile was lit in a different color than the next, and perfect two foot squares. There were hundreds of them. On each of the three walls adjacent to the entrance flashed various patterns of colors in rows of eight.

Tag: Forse Dirum​

 

[Brakkus]

The operation was in full swing as Brakkus orchestrated the efforts of the Ando Mining Collective with precision. The transport ship above served as a bustling command center, its communications hub lighting up as data streams poured in from the survey teams below.

The smaller vessels scattered like leaves in the wind, each with a specific mission. Teams heading to the excavation sites quickly established base operations, their Aqualish crew members working with practiced efficiency. The advanced equipment they carried was being unpacked and calibrated to gather precise readings of the subterranean structures. Above ground, others worked tirelessly to secure stable vantage points for mapping. The thud of explosions echoed through the cave walls underground, enabling the geophysical imaging to reach unparalleled clarity. Unknown to Brakkus and his team, these detonations were not part of the Ando Mining Collective's efforts but were the courtesy of Forse Dirum .

Brakkus' holodisplay lit up with a detailed, evolving 3D map of the cave systems. The artificial construction of the caves was apparent, their symmetrical pathways and intricate layouts unlike any natural formation. The city's location was unmistakable—nestled deep within the earth, shrouded by layers of rock and mystery. Yet, no imaging could penetrate its boundaries.

Brakkus' brow furrowed as he activated the commlink.

"Prime Minister Laan," he began, his voice calm but tinged with urgency, "I am transmitting our preliminary geophysical scans. The scope of this subterranean system is... extraordinary. This is unlike anything we have encountered before."

The data transfer completed, and Brakkus allowed a moment of silence as the Prime Minister and her team reviewed the intricate model.

"As you'll see," he continued after a pause, "while our surface teams have mapped the surrounding cave system, we are still unable to scan within the boundaries of the ancient city itself. To proceed, my survey teams need access to the excavation site. They are currently waiting at landing points A and B for your security detail."

Meanwhile, at landing points A and B, the surveyors were finalizing their preparations. The Aqualish workers moved with the steady rhythm of professionals well-versed in such expeditions. The equipment—everything from portable drilling rigs to specialized scanners—was ready to be deployed at a moment's notice.

Each team was outfitted with personal holomap devices linked to the updated geophysical data, ensuring they could navigate the caverns with relative ease once the security detail arrived. Brakkus had emphasized the importance of caution; while the scans were invaluable, they were far from complete, and the risks posed by the ancient tunnels—and whatever secrets they concealed—remained unknown.

Back on the transport, Brakkus leaned closer to the holodisplay, the flickering light illuminating his expression of deep concentration. The answers he sought were tantalizingly close, hidden just beyond reach.

"Prime Minister," he added, his voice steady but insistent, "we are at a pivotal moment. The city holds answers we need. My teams are ready, but time is of the essence."

Nora Laan​

​

 

[Saltare Dothon]

Saltare sat in Inferno's briefing room aboard the Obsidian Phantom as it traveled deep beyond the Empire's borders in search of something Saltare barely understood. Not barely, just plain did not understand. He continued reading the briefings passed down from the ISB about this "Heart". Some bio-molecular studies were put into the briefing, along with information about harvesting and other scientific methods that he again, did not understand.

Saltare cared about what Inferno would have to deal with when they landed. Resistance from the locals to an Imperial warship in orbit, boarding actions if need be, strength of the potential defenders if it came to a prolonged battle. Most of this information was sorely lacking in the briefing he was reading.

Nonetheless, Saltare gathered what information he could from the report and prepared for hyperspace entry to New Cov.

He logged out of the terminal he was sitting at and left for Inferno's war room.

His squad was busy preparing for re-entry into normal space as well as Saltare walked into the war room. They were gathering gear, doing quick maintenance on individual items, and just idly passing the time waiting.

The war room had a large table and briefing area at one end, and on the other had multiple tables for weapons and gear maintenance. It also had personal storage cages for each member of Inferno to store their gear. Each cage was a little piece of home for each squad member, and it showed as each squad member had customized each cage to their own needs.

"Whats the gig Salt?" Logan asked as Saltare entered the war room.

"Same as always, we're the hammer." Saltare walked to his storage rack and started taking his gear out and checking over everything. "Might be the scalpel this time actually," he called back over his shoulder at the squad. He continued to take his gear out of the rack and begin to meticulously
lay it out and double-check everything as he continued to talk.

"I'm not going to pretend to be familiar with this situation; the briefing talks about science-based stuff regarding New Cov that I don't quite understand. All I know is it can benefit the Empire, and we're here on request from Rackham to help him get what he needs. That's enough for me, and it's enough for Inferno."

Saltare grabbed his blaster rifle from the storage rack and glanced at it before setting it down on a nearby table to give it a once-over.

"When the Colonel gives us our final orders, be ready for anything. We're far outside the Empire, so keep your head on a swivel, and don't get hasty when we're downstairs. Continue to prep your gear. I want everyone ready in 20 minutes. Clear?"

The squad nodded or gave an affirmative.

Saltare leaned against the table his gear was on and took a deep breath. This mission was...different. He could feel it. Almost like a cloud hanging over his head. He wasn't sure why, but he wouldn't let it affect him. He continued to prep his gear, waiting for the final word from the bridge.

 

[Nora Laan]

Nora's gaze flickered to the holofeed. She appreciated the moment to reflect and absorb what it was that she was looking at. The tunnels leading towards the underground city were almost too perfect. At least from this vantage point. Whether or not there was others underneath the city was a complete unknown to them. Thinking back on historical records, there was next to nothing in regards to details. It was as though everything was erased.

Oh how much Nora longed to be down there to see everything with her own eyes. Yet she was needed here, above ground to try to maintain control of and over the situation. It wouldn't take much for it all to spiral out of control.

Taking a breath, Nora turned her attention back to Brakkus as he drew it. "They will be with your teams shortly."

And indeed they were. Even at the risk of spreading themselves too thin, Nora had sent a dozen members of her security forces to both entry points A and B. They were armed with their blaster rifles and detonators.

"If it gets too dangerous," Nora 's eyes flooded with determination while she spoke, "then they must leave at a moment's notice. We can always regroup and try again. Not all hidden mysteries need to be discovered in one day."

Whatever was down there, Nora couldn't risk it threatening the Covie if it proved to be a threat. The lights underground, the odd feeling that this whole situation gave her almost put her on edge. It was as though the threats of the jungles had come to get them from underground to bypass the domes. It was as though there lay an unknown predator baiting them all for some terrible fate.

If need be, she would have to make the call to collapse the tunnels. Yet she hoped that it wouldn't have to come to that.

Tags: Brakkus Nyles Kote Saltare Dothon Rackham

 

[The Heart of New Cov]

{{ Two months earlier }}

Within the hidden labyrinthine catacombs where even the bravest adventurers dared not linger, there lay a secret. The Heart of New Cov. Ancient, forgotten, and alive in ways the galaxy had long since abandoned. It was said to have been there long before the first settlers arrived, pulsing deep in the heart of the city, a malignant force waiting, watching, patient.

Not long ago, a lone Jedi, Elara Kaen, ventured deeper than any had dared for centuries. Her lightsaber hummed faintly, its glow the only familiar thing standing between her and the consuming darkness speckled with bioluminesence. She had been tracking an anomaly, a disturbance in the Force that drew her to this mythical place. She had felt its pull, its hunger, the promise of something older than time itself.

The air was thick with an oppressive weight, pressing against her skin, filling her mind with whispers. Strange, distorted voices called to her from the shadows—soft at first, like a breeze stirring in the distance. But as she ventured further, they became clearer, coiling around her thoughts, slick and inviting.

"Elara… Elara… Come closer…"

Her breath caught. The voice was familiar, yet wrong. It was not her name it spoke, but her mind twisted it into something else, a promise of something she couldn't quite comprehend. Her feet carried her forward against her will, each step heavier than the last. The Force pulsed with an undercurrent she couldn't resist, as if the ground itself was tugging at her.

Suddenly, the walls of the tunnel shifted. They were no longer stone, but living tissue, writhing and twisting in an organic dance of ancient malice. A low hum filled the air, vibrating her very bones, and before she could react, a series of bioconstructs emerged from the darkness. Their forms were alien, grotesque—a fusion of flesh, fauna and technology, limbs like tendrils that curled around her, restraining her movements with an iron grip.

She struggled, but the Force seemed to bend away from her as if recoiling from the presence of the Heart itself. Her lightsaber dropped from her hand as a vine-like tendril wrapped around her wrist, pulling her towards an enormous tank embedded in the ground. The tank pulsed with bioluminesence energy, a sickly glow radiating from its depths. Inside, there were others—animals, soldiers, explorers—trapped in a silent stasis, their eyes wide in terror as they floated, drained, their life force siphoned into the machine.

The bioconstructs lowered her into the tank, their cold, unfeeling hands holding her in place. Her limbs went numb as the Heart's dark energy surged around her, sinking deep into her bones. Her connection to the Force flickered, and in that moment, she realized what the Heart was. It was not just alive. It was feeding. Drawing upon the Force of those who entered its domain, using their very life essence to fuel its power.

The whispers grew louder, more insistent.

"Elara… Elara… Become a part of us…"

Her vision blurred, the Force flickering like a dying flame. She reached out, trying to call upon the Light, but the tank's grip was suffocating, crushing the very essence of her being.

The last thing she heard was a final, triumphant pulse—an ancient, otherworldly heartbeat that echoed through the very depths of New Cov.



And then, nothing.

Tags: Forse Dirum Reicher Vax OPEN​

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

​

As Karl began to walk into the room with Liin, he began to wonder how long this light would last? Should he have brought some welding goggles, or something similar so he would be able to see even only slightly ahead.? Little did he know that an answer would be stepped on not moments later.

--CLICK--

The light's went out immediately and he felt Liin grab onto his hand. He heard the arbalesk droids quickly followed suit, taking what Karl assumed to be a defensive perimeter. While he and Liin may be blinded for the second time this day, the droids he had brought had better vision than them in most situations.

"I stepped on some sort of trigger. I'm sorry. Should I lift my foot? Perhaps the light will come back on?"

"Keep your foot firmly planted for now, use me if you need to lean." He widened his stance and pulled out his pistol, "Circe, are there any threats around us?"

"No hostiles detected Karl." she responded, her voice several feet ahead of them both. "Shall the arbalesks turn on their flashlights?"

"Yes, turn them on so Liin and I can see please." he responded, his voice confident as ever. "Liin, once they turn on their lights, lets get a bearing of the room, then gently lift your foot."

There was a high-pitched whiiiiiir as Karl charged his blaster, a small blueish glow emanating around it. He took in a breath before speaking, "Now."

Just as fast as Karl said the word, the arbalesks turned on their lights, cones of light shot out from their weapons highlighting areas of the room. NOw they'd be able to see even if it was in small areas.

​

Tag: Liin Terallo
Entourage: 2x Queen Bee/L (Anton and Bertha), 24x PB Worker Bees, 12x Arbalesk Droids, and C1RC3.

 

[Liin Terallo]

I close my eyes in anticipation of anything as I stay perfectly still. Only my hand gently squeezing Karl gives him any sign of movement. Even my very breath is held. I listen to his instructions and quietly respond under my breath "Understood", trusting him to have the correct suggestion. Afterall he had been through a number of battles and no doubt he had been in a similar situation as this.

It is only moments after the drones turn on their lights that I open my eyes again. Thank goodness Circe did not detect any threats. But that did not mean that we were out of danger. My foot was on some sort of trigger, afterall.

I look around at what could be seen. A floor in from what I could see is a very large room. What was curious was that neither of our voices made any sort of echo. But I could not see what the walls were made of. Ever so slowly, I lifted my foot from the trigger.

No sooner did I have it up in the air, that I heard a strange sound. Light caught my attention as the trigger lit up in a perfect square. Not only that, but more of them took shape in the dark until the entire floor was a kaleidescope of lit up squares ahead of us. I can only assume that they were all of different colors, for some of the shades were darker than others. And then the walls began to light up too, however their pattern was different in that it appeared to be arrows pointing ahead, however they were all in different shades as well.

"Karl, I do believe that we are in some kind of a puzzle. Are those all different colors?" For the moment I had forgotten that he is not aware of my colorblindness. My attention instead is upon the room. I could hear a sort of humming noise from underneath the floor. I can only hope that it was due to the lighted tiles and not anything else. I hoped that it was not anything else.

Tag: Karl Von Strauss