Public Stronghold One: Six Levels of Hell (PvE, PvP OPEN)

[Liin Terallo]

​

The afternoon had come so quickly. Just yesterday I had signed on a small crew for an expedition. But what they did not know was exactly where this expedition will take them. Yet I know. Just the mention of the name Stronghold One might be enough for them to change their minds.

Or perhaps not. That all depends on what they know about Isotope-5. I know so very little about this crew, afterall. Just as they know so little about me. And I keep to that strategy on purpose. No one needs to know that I am here. Only Mr. Usher knows as he had helped to bring me here in the first place. Everyone else; including my former employer Tertius C. Nargath and my former bodyguard Balun Dashiell are unaware of my whereabouts. Neither of them had responded to my messages for them. So either the messages were not read or they were not accepted. Or it could be a matter of both. Afterall, in the grand scheme of things, I am just one tiny, miniscule cog in a massive machine that can be easily replaced if broken.

Last evening I had found myself experiencing a small amount of joy while I practiced doing what I would never do in my former life. Secluded under the night's sky, I first tried on the skirted variety of Mustafarian Armor. The lower gravity here on Makeb has enabled me to jump and leap far higher than normal, much in the same way that a Force Wizard could do everywhere else. It was an incredible feeling to do something that normally I would not be capable of doing. And I was very glad that there were no eye witnesses to my small moment of happiness given that the very act of leaping about is not dignified or lady-like at all. However on Makeb I am not Liin Terallo, former Director for N&Z Laboratories or of NCBC. I am only Tera; an enigma in her own right and a complete stranger to everyone. She is calm, cool and collected. She has nothing to lose and nothing to live for. That in and of itself is also very freeing.

I wait next to a small freighter for my hired team to arrive. This freighter and it's pilot will be taking us to the volcano meca where our destination awaits. The Mustafarian armor that I wear is covered in that same heavy cloak that I wore yesterday, so that I will be easily recognized by the newly hired team. At my waist is a personal shield device, as well as my dagger. Crated up inside of the freighter are a bunch of supplies, including extra pieces of Mustafarian armor; blaster rifles, detonators, personal shield devices, extra energy cells, empty cannisters, drills, backpacks, coils of rope with grappling hooks attached, pre-packaged meals, water, and medical kits. It is a lot to carry, but with the lower gravity makes the added weight feel lighter.

There is the rumor that Isotope-5 is all but gone on Makeb; however that is a lie. The lower gravity, coupled by the electrical interference in the upper atmosphere say otherwise. And after a lot of research, I know just where to look for it.

The problem is getting there. The journey alone will feel like going through hell. But I am prepared for that. The question is; are the rest of the team ready too?

Tags: Eivii Mr. Usher Draven Eterena Darth Imperius Razmir Tezhyn (OPEN to others as well)

 

[Darth Imperius]

Makeb | Stronghold One | Gatehall

Makeb was probably one of the prettiest planets he had ever visited. Its 'surface' and cities were of extraordinary architecture, the climate and vegetation beautiful. And yet, the many times he had been here, it had never been for the views or the rays of sun on his face. Makeb was unique in the Galaxy, a term that was rarely used in a collection of millions of inhabited worlds and an almost equal amount of civilisations, species and races. But Makeb was. Or maybe it was only to their knowledge. But it was unique nevertheless.

The only known world to harbor the precious Isotope-5. A substance that could remedy the effects of poor engineering quality by providing an energy source so potent, it can overcharge almost anything and make it a viable competitor for higher levels of technology. He had learned to hunt the Isotope-5 ships back in the war, when they were the only ones capable of outrunning the ships of the Eternal Fleet. Nowadays it was an almost forgotten craft and substance with very few able to refine and extract it. Makeb was afterall not exactly welcoming the prospect of falling apart.

Imperius had previously ran extraction efforts through various companies and industries over the years to get his hands on as much of the substance as possible, never amounting to too much, but plenty to make a different when it mattered. Yet he would never come himself, he was not a miner nor geologist, even if he understood their trade. Stronghold One was the original mining facility and while it was destroyed almost immediately after the beginning of the war on Makeb, it apparently had made a return. Volcanic activity probably had revealed the once formidable Hutt fortress and its once lava-washed interior. They had definitely built it right, those abominable slugs.

Now he was standing on the other side of its front gate. His fully enclosed power armor protecting him from the effects of the heat and gases, a shield generator clipped to his belt to prevent any ambers and splashes of magma to burn it and a gravity belt keeping him firmly placed where he wanted to be, together with magnetic boots.

Behind the knightly helmet visor, his black eyes were looking around. He felt that there was something coming, the Force announced it, even if he did not yet see or hear it.

Liin Terallo | Eivii | Mr. Usher | Draven Eterena | Razmir Tezhyn​

 

[Draven Eterena]

Location: Makeb, Landing Pad Outside of Town
Purpose: Rendezvous with Expedition Team prior to transport to Strong Hold One
Allied Tags: Eivii Mr. Usher Liin Terallo Razmir Tezhyn
Noteable Tags: Darth Imperius

Draven normally was a minimalist in some fashions of the word. In this case. Protective Robes and Pants. Heat and Radiation Resistant Material to cover himself with... including boots. (Ugh.. He Hated Footwear) His Lightsaber. Personalized Sasori Survival kit. The Force. What was in the survival pack was where things got weird. His former mentor had gifted him a Kit which had an assortment of utility tools, supplies, weapons, rations... and well. Draven wasn't completely sure anymore the full extent of what all it kept. He didn't use a fair bit of the current inventory. Though it was always reassuring to know he had plenty of options for plenty of different situations. What supplies Draven did use he tended to restock, or find alternatives for. Still the point was made. Draven didn't like to pack more than what was necessary.

Draven wasn't happy that he was wearing as much as he did this date. The boots in particular left a foul taste in his mouth. (Though comparatively he was dressed much lighter than the average individual might be.) Draven wasn't going to take chances, he wasn't foolish to understanding his limits when it came to using the force to protecting him from elements.. He didn't know what awaited them at their destination, and therefore he had to assume his abilities might be better utilized towards matters beyond not boiling alive. Especially, when he had others lives at stake. If it was only himself on the line. (While he was a survivalist and would put up a challenge to any perceived threat to not make himself easy prey.) He probably would of completely forgone the boots and the gear to shield him from the heat of the magma and the radiation of the materials.

Draven had taken the previous day for rest after departing from the initial meeting in the restaurant. Normally, Draven would undergo a vigorous work out routine which his former mentor had him undertake which he kept in practice with. Meant to force him to gradually push beyond the boundaries of whatever the current limits he had were physically, mentally, and within the force.

Draven instead rested. Woke up, ate a small meal of left overs from the restaurant he received following the meeting with his new employer, and engaged in a 'light' workout to loosen up. Light for himself at least... His mentor would have probably just laughed about it and insisted he complete a Full workout... short of a Heavy workout but it still would have left him feeling the strain. That would have likely been viewed as 'light' by her standards. Ironically, most individuals would see Draven's light workout routine as a full or heavy routine... if not down right impossible... or ill advised to attempt. The unique thing about being trained under a Matukai practitioner was the Matukai practice valued Power... Though unlike power the darkside user might appreciate. Power for them consisted of Power over Yourself and Your limits. Seeing your limits as not absolute, but instead something to push beyond and take control of. There was much more to the cultural practices. Draven wasn't an expert of the subject because his mentor didn't truly wish to indoctrinate him into their ways. Though that was some of the basics from what he understood. Which is why there was so much emphasis on physical training and 'perfecting'. So, much emphasis on survival and an approach of 'Succeed in your training and trials... or die valiantly trying.'

The teachings from his old mentor felt like they happened a life time ago... Before the crazy time slips, and departures from the known universe started increasing in frequency.. Draven was realizing he had a bad habit of reminiscing about the past. At least when left to his own devices, and in an environment he was safe enough to do so. Draven snapped out of it when it was time to depart towards the launch pad to meet up with 'Tera', Eivii, and whomever else his employer managed to pull in for this expedition. Draven had freely given his first name. He doubted there was any notable record of him other than some MIA data in some jedi archive or something. If even that.

When Draven was outside of town limits he gazed upon Tera and glanced around to see if anyone else on the team had yet made it. Before he shrugged and approached where she was at. Draven wasn't even sure if he wanted the payment of credits, whether he wanted to just accept the adventure as it's own reward... or whether he'd go for a 'A Favor Now for A Favor Later...' type of agreement. He never fully worked out the terms of employment. Other than he was happy to join on. In his 'old' life it would have been an experience is it's own reward. Back then though he didn't have a concern for resources, or potential allies.

Draven did enjoy broadening his understanding of things around him. He was a quick enough study in most things. Especially, at things related to combat. Though he aspired to know more then fighting so... this was an opportunity to accomplish many things with a single pitch. When Draven was close enough to Tera, he presented a simple wave and then spoke a small greeting.

"Good afternoon... Looking forward to working with you. Have you any idea when the others will be arriving?"

 

[Razmir Tezhyn]

The armor they'd been provided with chafed uncomfortably against his shoulders. It was a far cry removed from the tailored clothing he'd become used to. Cut for someone a little shorter than himself by a hair, but enough to make wearing it uncomfortable. Not as uncomfortable as the sensation of lessened gravity, however. His stomach turned and twisted with every step with no sign it might stop anytime soon.

"Right now," Raz said as he walked past the meek kid who'd, probably, still overpower him in a head-on confrontation to their expedition leader. She seemed to take the shift in gravity a lot better than Raz did. Both of the others did. Or perhaps they'd already gotten used to it.

Raz had gotten the call to join this expedition only yesterday, at the behest of a worried informant who held a metaphorical blaster to his temple. He wasn't sure why his informant was so keen on getting that isotope, but Raz hardly had any room to question their wants. An overnight flight and two cups of caf later he'd barely memorized half the details of this expedition when the shuttle driver unceremoniously dropped him off at the landing pad.

He gave the other man a brief smile and a nod, then turned to their expedition leader.

"You approve of our arrangement, then?"

The arrangement he was negotiating was a small cut—30/70 he'd thought was quite fair—of the Isotope-5 they were to recover on their expedition. On the condition they'd survive both the volcano-spelunking and the ancient fortress along with all the security systems it housed. A fortress which had Razmir more than a little worried. He didn't trust anything assembled by Hutts as far as he could throw one, especially when it was stuffed full of a powerful rare mineral that might power Force-knows-what kind of terrible machines.

Liin Terallo Draven Eterena Darth Imperius Eivii

 

[Liin Terallo]

​

It took a bit of time before the first member of the team had arrived. That is to be expected. Not everyone is the type of person that is always punctual. And given how unique this world is; I can only suspect that it provides plenty of challenges and distractions for them.

The young man was the first to arrive. And thankfully he wore boots instead of having his feet bare. I had packed up some extra pairs of boots once just in case, but thankfully it seems as though that precaution was unneccessary.

I give him the smallest of nods in greeting. And just as I was about to answer his question in regards to the rest of the team; the newest recruit had arrived. He appeared to be just as uncomfortable in armor as I am.

After my meeting session at the restaurant with the Chiss lady and the young man, I was approached by a masked individual that had me take a holocall with his employer. I could not see his employer's face either and his voice was distorted by a modulator. And as I had expected; my conversations in the restaurant were overheard quite well. In light of that I am relieved in the fact that I had given out so little details about myself. Yet still, I was informed that they were going to send someone well equipped to join my team. All for a price of course. Instead of credits they wanted a cut of the Isotope-5 that is found. A part of me did not want to take the deal; for there is so much that could go wrong with it. Yet I needed the extra help. In trying to hide my reluctance; I had agreed to it. And a Terallo always keeps their word.

"Approve is a very strong word. I think that it is better suited to say that I merely accept the arrangement."

I do not see the Chiss lady yet. Yet there is still time to wait. Not a whole lot, mind you, but some time nonetheless. "I am sure that Eivii will be along shortly. We will wait a little longer."

"Tera, a word."

I look over to my hired pilot that stood at the ramp of the freighter. His arms were crossed and the look on his middle-aged and well weathered face clearly showed that he was not amused. I glance over to the two hires, and then quietly excuse myself to see just what the pilot wanted. "Yes, what is it?"

"Did you send anyone up ahead to scout the mecca?"

"No....Why do you ask?"

"I ask because it seems that another ship has been reported in the vicinity. Clearly someone else must be aware of your little expedition. Hell, they might even be beating you to it. Now remember our deal. I take you in to the gate, I take you out through the gate. There's no middle. I won't be going in that heated furnace of a fortress to rescue you. I'm not going to join in on some blaster fight and put my life on the line for you. I'm not your hero. That's what you hired them for. Got it?"

His voice was not exactly at the level that one might expect for a private conversation. And I am certain that he spoke loud like that on purpose. I clench my jaw for the briefest of moments. "Yes...Understood." Turning on my heel, I return to the recent hires and give them the news. I can only hope that we will not be split up, for as anyone could guess; I am not exactly well prepared to try to defend myself in a fight. "Well, it seems as though we are not the only ones reaching our destination. I have packed some extra shields and blaster rifles for us, just in case. However if we are lucky, we will not see anyone else at all and will not need them. But it is better to be safe than sorry."

Tags: Eivii Draven Eterena Mr. Usher Darth Imperius Razmir Tezhyn

 

[Eivii]

Outfit: Durasteel Armor
Weapons: Slugthrower Rifle | Blaster Pistol

Eivii sped through low altitude, below the electrical storms at a frankly reckless pace, but the precision and finesse of her maneuver as she tilted and counter-thrusted the jets of the Shadowkiss to a smooth landing, besides some junker that seemed glued together with red stuff.

Moments later the chiss emerged with her own envirosuit adaptations to her armor, geared for war just as much as for spelunking. She nodded to her employer, who sported an environmentally protective armor that was also stylish.

Eivii wasn't jealous. She wouldn't be jealous of fashionable armored skirts. That would be silly.

She saw the young man from the restaurant as well as other helmeted folks. Another force user was present, but hadn't yet left their shuttle It seemed, a vast dark presence if even she could sense it.

It seemed everyone else was finally prepared - Eivii had arrived right on time from her own perspective. If this material was as valuable as they claimed and was, in fact, still accessible, this could be a pretty big payout.

Liin Terallo Draven Eterena Darth Imperius Razmir Tezhyn​

 

[Mr. Usher]

MAKEB, PREP AREA
TAGS: Liin Terallo Draven Eterena Darth Imperius Razmir Tezhyn​

Spoiler: Mining Suit

---

Liin Terallo may or may not have anticipated Mr. Usher's accompaniment, but he stepped from the biomass-packed shuttle in an old, piecemeal enviro-suit - sized large enough for a Houk. He could classify this drone as a hulk, but the amount of organic material pressurized into the suit made it appear almost the size of a normal sentient creature.

Maybe a bit stiff in movement, however.

The meat-packed miner-suit approached the group, sizing up the crew that Liin had assembled. The Chiss stared at him, clearly sensing some of his presence - but there was no indication of nature of the Ego yet. No need to draw attention to Ms. Terallo by proxy.

"Are all contractors accounted for?" He asked broadly to the group.

---

 

[Liin Terallo]

​

Another ship had arrived and I watch as it descended next to our freighter. Moments later the Chiss lady exited, upon which I returned her nod. And then came another figure. I recognized the biomass straight away; Mister Usher. My expression softens slightly when I see him. I am both surprised and not surprised at him being here. For out of everyone that I had notified of my exile; only Mister Usher came to help me with it. And now it seems that he is keeping a close eye on me; which is something that I very much appreciate. He truly is one that I can consider a friend.

But there is time to focus on that later. Right now I need to focus on the task at hand. And so I put myself into a position to address them all. "Well, I do believe that everyone is here. I have a variety of supplies in the freighter. So let us go inside and I shall inform the pilot that we are ready for departure." That is as far as I intend to go in my speech. There will be no briefing until we arrive at our destination.

I turn on my heel and make my way up the ramp, allowing myself to be the first inside. And once everyone is inside, the freighter would lift off.

---

A short while later, the small freighter makes it's way into the volcanic mecca. The strain of the additional heat can be heard on the freighter's hull as the metal creaks with the warping caused by excessive heat. During the journey I had packed my backpack with the essentials. I tie a blaster rifle and drill to the pack with a knot and a bow (I did not learn any other style of knot to make) and I do hope that they hold well enough.

The pilot lowers the ramp for us to exit the freighter. His voice rings out over the ship's comms: "Well we're here. You've got two minutes to disembark before I close the ramp and fly outta here. Now MOVE!"

Slinging the backpack onto my back, I am thankfull for the lessoned gravity. I slip on my helmet and exit the freighter.

The gate to the Stronghold is not what I expected. The metal is not warped at all. And the entire area glows red and orange from the lava flows. The gate stands in front of a corridor that I can only imagine will lead us to the lower levels. And just as the pilot had stated; another small ship was parked nearby. I did not recognize it at all, which I find to be not entirely surprising. "It looks as though we have some company. Let us just hope that they are of the friendly sort." I am only thankful that the ship is small, and not one large enough to hold a platoon. The last thing that we need is to encounter an army on top of the security forces within the Stronghold. Maybe if we are lucky, they will do all of the hard work for us.

Tags: Eivii Draven Eterena Darth Imperius Mr. Usher Razmir Tezhyn

 

[Mr. Usher]

MAKEB, CALDERA
TAGS: Liin Terallo Draven Eterena Darth Imperius Razmir Tezhyn​

---

"It looks as though we have some company. Let us just hope that they are of the friendly sort."

"They had better be"
The hulk spoke, stepping off from the shuttle a few feet before it landed.
"Or else they picked a bad time to explore." The sheer weight of biomass tilted the shuttle when it stepped off, falling softly, landing unharmed - partly due to the lower gravity, partly due to a new trick he learned upon consuming a Starweird.

The hulk inhabiting the mining Suit stepped forward as a bulwark to interpose and interrupt hasty action from this other party, should it erupt.

Ms. Terello's expedition would not be halted before it had even truly begun - the greater Ego would ensure that.

---

 

[Darth Imperius]

Makeb | Stronghold One | Gatehall

He stood merely for seconds, the omen of something coming looming at the back of his thoughts. But then the large figure started moving, one step, two steps - deeper into the fortress. Only to be stopped by the ringing of his sensors. Not his own armor's sensors, but the ones of his ship. Apparently another ship was incoming and swiftly setting down at the outside, several lifeforms leaving it before it would leave the volcano again.

Was that what was coming? Who knew he was here? Or was this a coincidence? He did not believe in coincidences and chance, therefore it was the first thought that set root. Someone had followed him and now gave chase for one reason or another. His mind was working on who and how, while also analysing the gatehall for its defensibility. For once, his black armor seemed to help with some sort of stealth as it was quite dark, especially higher up where some maintenance walkways were.

And yet, he did not move. His tactical acumen battling with his knowledge of strength and skill. Yes, he could amplify his chances, but did he need to? Something felt odd, strange about this encounter. It was a perfect, unmarked grave, this Stronghold One. Nobody would search for him here and yet, the Isotope and its history made it quite the enticing object, especially since it is accessible. No daring tracker and assassin would make the cardinal mistake of being spotted by ship sensors and do a drop so oblivious to stealth.

The large figure simply stood, having turned towards the main gate and looked towards it. Curious who would walk through that gate.

Liin Terallo | Eivii | Mr. Usher | Draven Eterena | Razmir Tezhyn​

 

[Razmir Tezhyn]

"Approve is a very strong word. I think that it is better suited to say that I merely accept the arrangement."

Razmir smiled and bowed his head. As long as the arrangement stood, and the bond of words was kept, he was happy. Part of him doubted he would ever see any of these people again. Force knows some of them might be dead by the end of this.

He stepped away to give their expedition leader some space and half-heartedly listened to the warnings their pilot began with. Folding his hands behind his back, he nodded in acknowledgement of the other arrivals, and waited with his hands clasped behind his back.

---

Raz fidgeted with the hilt of the knife strapped to his side after stepping off their transport. He preferred having his weapons concealed precisely because fidgeting with them was one of the most obvious tells when he anticipated something going bad. The unexpected presence of a second ship, likely a rival crew, and the intense heat that lapped against the heat shielding of his armor from this far away from the lava flows had him fidgeting.

Had his own employer sent a rival crew to hedge his bets and make sure the isotope was recovered? Or was this a setup to get rid of a tool that knew too much?

"It looks as though we have some company. Let us just hope that they are of the friendly sort."

"They had better be"
The hulk spoke, stepping off from the shuttle a few feet before it landed.
"Or else they picked a bad time to explore."

Razmir was content to stay behind the tall miner after he interposed his hulking frame between the group and the rival crew's ship. It didn't look as though anyone lingered by the ship, which struck Raz as something of a rookie mistake, but he'd heard of traps and failsafes that prevented theft and intrusion that could even foil an experienced shipjacker. He considered a moment, eyes lingering on the ship, if it was worth the risk to circle back and take a look inside, but ultimately decided against it. There'd be time for that later, perhaps he'd have the chance to confirm who the owners of that ship were.

Perhaps the other crew has failed and I'm the fallback option, Raz thought.

He closed his hand into a fist, changing his focus to coming up with their next steps to distract himself from the fidgeting. They had work to do.

"So, what's our point of entry?" He asked finally. "Barge in through the front door and hope for the best?"

Liin Terallo Mr. Usher Eivii Draven Eterena Darth Imperius

 

[Draven Eterena]

Location: Makeb, Landing Pad/Transition/Strong Hold One
Purpose: Aid team in gathering Isotope-5... Hopefully.
Allied Tags: Liin Terallo Razmir Tezhyn Mr. Usher Eivii
Noteable Tags: Darth Imperius

Draven took note of the first newcomer that swept past him. Answered his question... and then proceeded to mostly engage with the contractor. Eventually, the rest of the team joined in on the gathering. Draven's curiosity was momentarily peaked at the latest addition. Whomever, or whatever joined them at the last moment drew a peculiar response from 'Tera'. As well as Draven had the impression there was things intentionally being left in the dark from the newest entry. Luckily, there wasn't much time to dwell on things. Draven also naturally chose to shrug off indicating that he may or may not know anything. It's never a good thing to reveal to anyone what you might know, unless invited to do so. Even then it was best done with caution.

As quickly as they got onto their transport. The group was rushed to the entry. Before giving the boot off the ship. Two minutes was overly generous in his personal opinion. While he was glad they weren't being urgently rushed. A part of him wanted on the ground and ready to go. Deciding it was best to keep on the down low he waited his turn to drop onto the scorching hot surface below. The heat was uncomfortable, however considering his training up until now; it was tolerable.

"It looks as though we have some company. Let us just hope that they are of the friendly sort." I

"They had better be"
The hulk spoke, stepping off from the shuttle a few feet before it landed.
"Or else they picked a bad time to explore."

"So, what's our point of entry?" He asked finally. "Barge in through the front door and hope for the best?"

The main context of mission relevant conversation to this point which Draven soaked in. At least relevant to him. Draven decided it was in his best interest to actively suppress his signature within the force. Something he'd gotten started on back before they took off. As it was just a precaution he was being nudged to do. Normally, Draven would go the opposite route and reach out using the force to scout and surveil his surroundings. If the force was nudging him to be cautious towards opening up. Then Draven was going to heed the warnings.

In a calm manner Draven decided to respond to the inquiry the latter pitched. Regarding how they should best tackle this problem.

"As amusing as a guns blazing, fists flying straight forward approach would be... I'm not sure that's our best approach in this operation. Just a hunch I have."

This was Draven being wary... He wasn't afraid of a fight. In fact 'aggressive negotiation.' was a specialty of his and the rush was thrilling. Though when the force told Draven to be on guard. Draven knew that meant they'd need to be more calculative upon their approach, not jump the gun, and to not make assumptions. He only hoped his suggestive statement. Simultaneously portrayed the strong need for everyone to be mindful of whatever was ahead to face them, while also not giving away too much.

 

[Liin Terallo]

​

Everyone disembarks, and I can only assume that the Chiss lady does as well. The countdown is ticking and right on cue, our transportation departs. Now we are on our own. At least until we call him back. Only the promise of the rest of the credits owed is enough to bring him back. Other than that he just would not care. The pilot is not exactly one that I would classify as a caring individual.

I see Mister Usher positioning himself in front. I am thankful for that. For out of anyone else here, he would be able to respond to an ambush all the better than the rest of us.

"This gate is the only way inside the Stronghold. So we walk in with caution. Our destination is six levels down. If we are lucky, the security measures have run out of their power sources. And if we are really lucky, then the unexpected company will of encountered those security measures first to better alert what those measures are to us. So let us press forward."

I move on ahead, keeping close to Mister Usher. I do have a personal shield attached to my belt, and I keep one hand poised over top of it in order to activate it quickly if need be. My other hand remains empty and at my side.

The atmosphere here, even within my suit is extremely hot. I am lucky to have been born and raised on a hot and humid planet, however even this is uncomfortable for me. And it is a far cry from the board rooms, laboratories and luxurious events that used to make up my days. Now I walk in a claustraphobic suit of armor deep inside of a volcano. Only the lower gravity makes it bearable as it makes it easier to move around.

The gate up ahead houses a large set of double doors; well suited for large machinery to be transported both in and out of the facility. The doors are shut. However an access panel glows with bright lights that indicate that it still holds power. I turn to Mister Tehzyn and gesture to the panel. "It is time to put your skills to use now to let us in, if you please."

A rumble beneath our feet is heard as the volcano reminds us that it is very much active and awake. Bursts of lava spew upward, as well as clouds of acidic gas. I can only hope that inside of the fortress is safer. But deep down I know that that is not very likely.

Tags: Eivii Draven Eterena Darth Imperius Mr. Usher Razmir Tezhyn

 

[Eivii]

Outfit: Durasteel Armor
Weapons: Slugthrower Rifle | Blaster Pistol

True to Tera's suspicions, Eivii had also disembarked, though she elected to remain hovering by way of jetpack and repulsor-boots, especially with the minimal charge expenditure thanks to the lowered gravity.

She kept her rifle drawn - just in case - and flicked the visor of her helmet to scan for biometric signs and infrared spectrum.

She remained above and to the rear of the group, activated her personal cloaking device, and vanished from the visible light spectrum.

*<<In position, ready at your signal.>> * She spoke softly into the comms as the others examined the shuttle and the gates.

Competitors, she could deal with. But the biometric data readings coming from the thing that seemed to serve as Tera's guard-dog - that concerned her deeply. She was almost relieved that the Draven fellow was here - whatever she detected at the restaurant was... not that. The man concealing his itchy trigger finger wasn't bad to have around either. Or to look at.

While they explored and carved the path, she would secure the rear and drop beacon, small gadgets that simply sent a ping with the detection of motion - and would serve as breadcrumbs to find their way back should they get separated or lose their way.

Draven Eterena | Darth Imperius | Liin Terallo | Razmir Tezhyn​

 

[Mr. Usher]

MAKEB, CALDERA GATE
TAGS: Draven Eterena | Eivii | Liin Terallo | Darth Imperius | Razmir Tezhyn​

---

"So, what's our point of entry?" He asked finally. "Barge in through the front door and hope for the best?"

"If we don't care for the door remaining intact, that can certainly be arranged."
The mining Suit spoke distractedly as what appeared to be a small crimson snake slid from outside a gap in the patchwork repair job. Even though it sizzled in the heat, the probing serpent quickly slithered from the hulk to the parked shuttle, slid upon the surface, pressed itself flat, and infiltrated the vessel, leaving a small trail of moisture from thermally protective slime it coated itself with.

Just a precaution, nothing more. Insurance if the shuttle's owner proved hostile.

"As amusing as a guns blazing, fists flying straight forward approach would be... I'm not sure that's our best approach in this operation. Just a hunch I have."

"Hmm" was the hulks low, grumbling reply - agreeing with the boy for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which being giving up the element of surprise or forcing a hostile encounter without knowing the prey.

"It is time to put your skills to use now to let us in, if you please."

"Sounds like you're up next" the mining Suit patted Razmir Tezhyn forward on the back - perhaps harder than intended but not maliciously, though the creature within did rumble a low chuckle.

It wasn't frequently he got to indulge in packing so much biomass into a single form, the strength of it was refreshing.

"Is the suit sufficient?" The creature in the vessel of the mining Suit asked Liin Terallo in a low grumble. He thought he could hear an ounce of discomfort in her voice.

He hadn't yet sorted out how to decipher the strange dimensions that the starweird could percieve. The reflections of each explorer were visible, patterns that he hadn't fully deciphered, not with the small sample size, but that was a hunt for another day

---

 

[Razmir Tezhyn]

Razmir agreed with the young man raising his concerns. That one had good instincts. He was about to ask whether someone had a recon probe or similar, when their expedition leader explained the details of the Stronghold while leading the way right toward the front gate.

Something about walking in through the front door didn't sit right with him, though he did consider it might simply be that he was out of practice with the concept by this point.

The sight of something moving on the miner's suit broke his train of thought, and Raz's hand immediately went to one of his knives. A red snake, sizzling in the intense heat of the volcano, slithered about the miner's suit down towards the ground. Razmir was about to toss one knife at the thing, but the snake moved away from them and toward the landed shuttle, disappearing somewhere atop its hull. The miner seemed entirely unmoved by the events.

Surely he must have noticed the snake? It crawled out of his suit, Raz began to think.

But a large hand on his back shoved him forward, denying him the time to consider that sequence of events further.

"It is time to put your skills to use now to let us in, if you please."

"Sounds like you're up next" the mining Suit patted Razmir Tezhyn forward on the back - perhaps harder than intended but not maliciously, though the creature within did rumble a low chuckle.

Razmir stumbled toward the panel. He caught himself on the panel and smiled to the rest of the expedition as he righted his armor.

"Of course, I'll have it open in a moment," He said.

He knelt down next to the panel and activated his environmental shield, having purposefully conserved its charge. The intense heat immediately disappeared, and he could take in a breath without it singing his nose and lungs again. He rummaged through the small backpack he'd brought and retrieved a small device resembling a datapad. It could have likely withstood the temperatures they were operating at, the door panel certainly seemed no worse for wear, but this tool was special built by a slicer he knew. She'd told him it was sensitive equipment back then, and he didn't want to test quite how far he could strain its systems before it ceased functioning.

He drew one of his vibroknives and wedged it into a thin opening on the bottom of the panel. With a bit of effort, he managed to slice through the screws keeping the panel closed and dropping it open with a quiet clank. He fished around inside the panel for one of the exposed wires, and hooked it up to the device. It flashed to life displaying various letters and numbers he couldn't keep up with until it finally settled on a specific combination and turned green.

"Let me get that for you," Raz said as he tapped the button to open the door.

The doors opened up with a loud hiss.

"Your cue, big guy."

Liin Terallo Eivii Mr. Usher Draven Eterena Darth Imperius

 

[Darth Imperius]

Makeb | Stronghold One | Gatehall

He waited. In the middle of the hall behind the gate he stood, unmoved, like a statue carved from black and gold marble. A warrior god incarnated in the heart of a volcano. No bars could have sung a better song, spun a better tale and came up with a more fitting setting.

All the presences outside were muted, minor and not noteworthy aside from one. A confirmation of sorts for his theory that it was not an intended encounter, some cheapish attempt on his life by honorless murderers. The presence though was special, different and certainly belonged into the category of better being prepared than surprised.

Imperius drew one of his lightsabers, not igniting it, but it's hilt extending, becoming a staff long weapon which promptly was clanked as one end calmly hit the floor. It was equally rich in decoration as his Armor. Black and gold, with intricate designs running across the edges. Having abandoned his usual red cloth due to the heat and unpredictable nature of the lava fountains, his appearance was slightly more muted.

As the gate opened, the outside light revealed his physical presence, red lenses staring at the group. His aura was shockingly calm and cold, in an oddly overwhelming manner, making it difficult to look away from the knightly figure. For those attuned to the Force, his metaphysical presence was even more cold and pitless, like the void, a gaping hole threatening to consume anything and everything.

He did not say anything and simply waited, his eyes taking in the details on each of the group, their equipment, stance, size and whatever he could see of their expressions. But ultimately it came to rest on the large figure that was Mr. Usher .

Liin Terallo | Eivii | Mr. Usher | Draven Eterena | Razmir Tezhyn​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I hear the Chiss lady through the comms in my helmet. At least she made it out of the freighter before it took off. The last thing that I want is to lose a member of the crew so early on. ~Understood, Eivii. Watch our backs please.~

My attention turns to Mister Usher; both while he gave Mister Tezhyn a rather hard pat on the back, and also as he checked on my well being. Just how he picked up on my discomfort so quickly, I am uncertain. I had been doing my best to hide it as I do in most situations. But it seems as though my efforts have not been strong enough. "It will take some getting used to. But I will manage. Thank you, Mister Usher." I place my free hand on his forearm for a brief moment in a bid to reassure him, while all the while I see the small snake-like creature disappear from view. It is a precaution I am sure; something that will give us information from the outside while we go in.

I then turn to watch Mister Tezhyn work his little techno-magic to break the lock. It took but a minute or two before success was made and the door was opened. It creaked and groaned in a low rumble, yet moved all the same.

My breathing stopped as the light revealled a lone and armored figure standing poised with a staff of some kind. If I was elsewhere, I might of assumed that he is a statue of a warrior prepared to strike. But the lights in the eyes suggested otherwise. He is alive. And he is looking straight at us.

I find my breath and with it my voice. "Does anyone here recognize him? He does not look like a friendly sort." The same could be said about Mister Usher, yet appearances can be deceiving. But for some reason I just cannot feel anything but unease and tension. He must be one of those Dark Force Wizards. I have rarely come across one of those. Yet it seems that I am about to now.

Tags: Eivii Draven Eterena Darth Imperius Mr. Usher Razmir Tezhyn

 

[Mr. Usher]

MAKEB, ENTRY HALL
TAGS: Liin Terallo | Darth Imperius | Razmir Tezhyn | Draven Eterena​

---

"Force user, dark-aligned. Strong one at that."
The creatures voice warned out for the others as the hulk lumbered forward, each step heavy, despite the low gravity.

He observed the large presence as it observed him in turn. This one had a deep and dark connection - while the presence of Mr. Usher in the Force with closer inspection would reveal a myriad of small intertwined connections working in tandem - here in the hall, the serpent in the stranger's shuttle, and many, many more that trailed off towards the stars beyond Makeb.

The Mining suit stood before Darth Imperius , its insides shifting to reinforce the structure with adjustments in bone and muscle density. Precaution. Anticipation like a compressed spring.

"I think we'll have a little chat, Tera. Don't hold up on my account."

If Mr. Usher were confined to this sole body, perhaps his instinct for self preservation would change his methods, but he interpreted the man's posture as a challenge and an invitation. One he would meet with his own.

The biomass did not adopt an outwardly hostile demeanor - it was more akin to standing for a medical examination. He stood prepared to act as a bulwark for the others, should this dark presence decide the expedition was an intrusion.

It was posturing, but not provocation.

---

 

[Eivii]

Outfit: Durasteel Armor
Weapons: Slugthrower Rifle | Blaster Pistol

Eivii was ready to be anywhere but here. The massive thing stood before some other dark thing like aak dogs growling at each other through a fence.

She hovered slowly, giving the pair a wide berth, instead trying to secure a path onwards while observing how the stranger would react. She didn't care too much about that thing coming to harm, but things could get nasty for everyone nearby if Force Users started slinging things around or shooting sparks everywhere.

<<What's the big fella doing? Do they know each other?>>

Liin Terallo | Darth Imperius | Draven Eterena Razmir Tezhyn | Mr. Usher​