Faction The Midnight Hour [DCN]

[Sovereign Echoes]

​

Ektos - 903 ABY

Preparations for the First Order Day parade were in full swing. Neon lights painted the humid air of Vizcanyo Bay, casting vivid colors across the shimmering water. Towering skyscrapers loomed against the sunset, their steel-and-glass exteriors reflecting the buzz of life below. But beyond the bustling city, to the southeast, the Calusa swamps spread like an ancient curse. Here, tangled roots and mist-shrouded waters held secrets far darker than any could imagine.

Deep in those swamps, a shuttle carrying a variant of the Rakghoul virus crashed into the muck, miles from its intended destination. The virus, lethal and volatile, began to spread through the marshes. The Dark Wardens, elite operatives from the Commonwealth Medical Service and Military, were dispatched to contain and quarantine the outbreak before it could breach the city limits. The race against time had begun.

Meanwhile, tensions in the city were rising. High Representative Ivalyn Yvarro was set to address the public, formally accepting her nomination for High Commissioner. Still recovering from an assassination attempt, she had more than just her health to worry about. Her presence in Vizcanyo Bay attracted more than political allies—it drew those who wished to see her fail. To complicate matters, she was also set to work with Judah Dashiell of Salacia Consolidated to push forward a groundbreaking energy project—a project threatened by rival corporations who had their own plans for the future of the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth was committed to sustainability, but not everyone shared this vision. Sabotage, betrayal, and danger lurked around every corner, and the heroes of this city would need to rise to meet the challenge.

​

The Dark Wardens are racing against time to contain and quarantine the Rakghoul virus before it can spread from the Calusa swamps to the city. Armed with advanced tech and an iron will, you must battle the infected and survive the perils of the swamps. Failure means risking the safety of Vizcanyo Bay's citizens. Will you be able to stop the outbreak before it's too late?

Areas of Interest:

• The Calusa Swamps and surrounding wilderness are under siege as the Tercios of the Tide and Dark Wardens fight to contain the Rakghoul virus, while a massive outdoor concert draws crowds near the danger zone. Key areas include:
  
  • Calusa Marshes: The eerie wetlands are teeming with infected creatures. The swamps become even more perilous as the noise from the concert disturbs wildlife, making containment efforts more difficult for the Tercios and Dark Wardens.
  • Tocobaga Ridge: A strategic high ground within the swamps, vital for monitoring and containing the infected. The concert venue nearby amplifies the urgency as the Tercios try to protect the civilians.
  • Tequesta River: A slow-moving river that cuts through the Calusa Marshes and runs near the concert venue. Securing the river is essential to preventing infected creatures from reaching the crowds.
  • The Tidebreaker Stage: The outdoor concert venue set up dangerously close to the Calusa Marshes, where local bands entertain massive crowds. The music and festivities mask the imminent danger from the infected swamps.

Additional Support:

• Specialized Response Teams
  
  • Dark Wardens (Quarantine Unit): An elite unit of the Dark Wardens specifically trained for containment and quarantine missions involving biohazard threats like the Rakghoul virus. They carry specialized gear, such as biohazard suits, flamethrowers, and containment fields, ensuring that the infection does not spread to the surrounding area or the nearby concert crowds.
  • Tercios of the Tide (Containment Force): The Tercios of the Tide can use their environmental manipulation abilities to create natural barriers (e.g., raising earth or directing water flows) to slow or redirect the infected Rakghouls. Their Force-based healing abilities also help in treating infected individuals who haven't yet fully transformed.
• Medical and Scientific Support
  
  • Commonwealth Medical Service: A rapid-response medical team that sets up field hospitals near the containment zone. They specialize in treating the infected and developing potential antidotes or vaccines on-site. The Corps can also help with triaging concertgoers who might have been exposed.
  • Rakghoul Specialists: A team of virologists and xenobiologists from the Commonwealth's scientific community, specifically brought in to study the virus. They work alongside the Dark Wardens to develop containment protocols and provide guidance on how to neutralize the threat.
• Technology and Equipment
  
  • Droids for Containment and Scouting: Specially designed droids equipped with bio-scanners, decontamination capabilities, and defensive measures to help contain the infected. These droids can be deployed in the swamps to scout for infected individuals and set up temporary containment fields or sonic barriers.
  • Portable Shield Generators: Field-deployable shield generators that create temporary quarantine zones, allowing the Dark Wardens and Tercios of the Tide to safely isolate infected areas. These shields can also be used to protect civilians at the concert venue from potential infection.
• Environmental Support
  
  • Tequesta River Control: The Tercios of the Tide use their abilities to influence the Tequesta River, controlling its flow to prevent the spread of the virus downstream. This environmental manipulation can also be used to divert Rakghouls away from populated areas and towards quarantine zones.
  • Terrain Traps and Defenses: Writers can incorporate natural traps, such as quicksand pits or dense foliage, that make it difficult for Rakghouls to reach the city. These environmental hazards can be utilized by players to slow down infected creatures and give containment teams time to respond.
• Local Civilian Support
  
  • Volunteer Groups: Local volunteer groups from Vizcanyo Bay, such as park rangers, hunters, or even concertgoers who are willing to help, can assist containment efforts by providing information, setting up barricades, or guiding civilians to safety. These volunteers may lack formal training but offer crucial on-the-ground assistance.
  • Local Wildlife: Writers can introduce local wildlife that could play a role in aiding or complicating containment efforts. For example, certain predators might instinctively hunt infected Rakghouls, inadvertently helping to control their numbers, or migratory birds could unknowingly spread the virus, requiring intervention from the Tercios.
• Distraction or Evacuation Teams
  
  • Crowd Control Units: Specially trained units tasked with managing and evacuating the massive crowds from the concert venue. They use a combination of non-lethal methods, such as sonic pulses or flashbangs, to quickly disperse the concertgoers and prevent panic.
  • Concert Organizers: Coordinating with the concert organizers could provide an opportunity to control the crowds more effectively. For example, organizers could discreetly direct concertgoers to safer areas without causing a stampede.
• Military Support
  
  • Fort Ribas's Mobile Infantry: A tactical unit capable of rapid deployment into the swamps, providing boots on the ground to assist the Dark Wardens and Tercios in containing the outbreak. They're equipped with heavy weapons designed to deal with large numbers of infected creatures, and they serve as backup when things get out of control.
  • Starfighter Base Auñón Air Patrols: Aerial patrols from the base offer eyes in the sky, relaying information about infected movements and providing potential airstrikes if the situation escalates beyond control.

​

As High Representative Ivalyn Yvarro prepares for her press conference, hidden forces conspire against her. Political rivals, assassins, and dark agendas threaten to derail her nomination and destabilize the Commonwealth. Whether you're part of her security detail, an undercover operative, or someone with their own motives, you must protect Yvarro and uncover the truth before the enemies in the shadows make their move.

Areas of Interest:

• Political intrigue heightens in the heart of Vizcanyo Bay as the Commonwealth navigates potential sabotage, with chaos from the nearby containment efforts spilling into the city. Key locations include:
  
  • Vizcanyo Bay Corporate Plaza: The central hub for corporate and government officials, where the press conference takes place and deals are made. Sabotage attempts and political maneuvering intensify as tensions rise in the city.
  • Miccosukee Park: A lush tropical park filled with hidden paths and scenic views, now a hotspot for covert meetings and ambushes. The Tercios patrol the area to prevent any threats from reaching the public.
  • Osceola District: The commercial heart of Vizcanyo Bay, where neon-lit streets and vibrant night markets thrive. It's a center of political intrigue, as rival corporations and factions compete for influence.

Additional Support:

• Specialized Security Teams
  
  • Commonwealth Security Services (CSS): A high-end security firm that specializes in political and corporate protection. They can assist players with discreet protection, counter-surveillance, and escorting high-profile individuals. Their presence provides peace of mind during sensitive negotiations and conferences.
  • Tercios of the Tide: Although focused on environmental protection, the Tercios have a branch dedicated to urban defense, providing Force-based security, especially around key political events. Their ability to sense disturbances in the Force allows them to detect hidden threats before they materialize.
• Technology and Equipment
  
  • Jammers & Countermeasures: Writers could utilize high-tech jamming devices to prevent corporate sabotage via hacking or surveillance drones. These devices can be deployed discreetly in conference rooms or areas with sensitive information exchanges.
  • Drones for Surveillance: Deployable drones can be used for reconnaissance and surveillance of potentially compromised areas. These drones could have features like stealth capabilities, long-range scanning, and the ability to track saboteurs across the city's intricate urban environment.
• Informants & Allies
  
  • Local Informants: Members of Vizcanyo Bay's underworld or corporate insiders could serve as informants, providing crucial intelligence on sabotage plans or rival corporate movements.
  • Corporate Allies: Not all corporations in Vizcanyo Bay are antagonistic. Some may align with the Commonwealth's sustainability goals and offer help by sharing resources, information, or even temporary manpower to secure key assets.
• Emergency Response Units
  
  • Emergency Medical Teams: In case sabotage attempts turn violent, EMT units with rapid response capabilities could be on standby. These teams are trained to handle both conventional injuries and any exotic dangers that arise from sabotage (e.g., chemical agents or biological threats).

With the future of the Commonwealth at stake, the Salacia Conslidated energy project must succeed. But corporate sabotage, environmental dangers, and old rivalries threaten to derail the entire operation. Your mission is to ensure that the project stays on course, despite the rising tides of opposition. The Commonwealth is dedicated to sustainability, but not everyone in Vizcanyo Bay shares that vision. Will you be able to secure the future, or will sabotage bring it all crashing down?

Areas of Interest:

• As the energy project faces potential sabotage, Commonwealth forces and the Tercios of the Tide work to secure key sites and protect Vizcanyo Bay's sustainability efforts. Key locations include:
  
  • Chokoloskee Flats: The sprawling marshland where Judah Dashiell's energy project is set to begin. The area is difficult to navigate, and rival corporations are eager to disrupt the project's operations.
  • Apalachee Outpost: A remote research facility on the fringes of the Calusa Swamps, vital to the success of the energy project. The Tercios of the Tide monitor this outpost closely, as its isolation makes it vulnerable to sabotage.
  • Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Habitat: A nature preserve just outside the city, symbolic of the Commonwealth's dedication to sustainability. However, it's also a prime target for corporate espionage and environmental sabotage.
  • Starfighter Base Auñón: This advanced starfighter base serves as the region's main military air support hub. Pilots stationed here are on high alert, ready to deploy at any sign of a threat to the energy project or the city.

Additional Support:

• Engineering & Environmental Teams
  
  • Salacia Consolidated Engineering Corps: Specialized engineers and technicians from Judah Dashiell's company can be brought in to maintain and repair the energy project's infrastructure. They have unique expertise in sustainable technology and energy generation, and they're equipped to counter sabotage efforts on a technical level.
  • Environmental Sustainability Experts: Ecologists and environmental experts working alongside the Commonwealth to ensure the project doesn't harm local ecosystems. They can be used to assess and mitigate any environmental damage caused by sabotage, ensuring that sustainability remains a priority.
• Specialized Units
  
  • Tercios of the Tide (Environmental Task Force): The Tercios' environmental task force can assist with protecting the project site and its surrounding natural areas. Their ability to manipulate the environment (e.g., water and earth) can be crucial in defending against attacks while minimizing damage to nature.
  • Commonwealth Rangers: An elite group of rangers skilled in wilderness survival and environmental protection. They're familiar with the Calusa Swamps and can track intruders, defuse sabotage devices, and provide additional security in hard-to-reach areas like the Chokoloskee Flats.
  • Military Support
  • Fort Ribas's Rapid Response Unit: Deployed in case of significant threats to the energy project, this unit is trained in both combat and containment, ensuring that any sabotage attempts are swiftly neutralized. Their air and ground units provide quick reinforcement when needed.
  • Starfighter Base Auñón Air Patrols: Starfighters from Base Auñón can provide aerial reconnaissance and defense, particularly for remote sites like the Apalachee Outpost and the Chokoloskee Flats. Their presence is a strong deterrent to rival corporations attempting any large-scale sabotage efforts.
• Local Community Support
  
  • Indigenous Community Leaders: Writers can incorporate local indigenous leaders who are supportive of the sustainability goals. These leaders can offer guidance on how to protect sacred lands and provide local knowledge of the terrain that could be vital in stopping saboteurs before they strike.
  • Vizcanyo Bay Conservation Corps: A local volunteer group focused on protecting the environment. They can serve as additional eyes and ears in the area, alerting players to any unusual activities or providing support during crises.

​

More About:
Tercios of the Tides

The Tercios of the Tide are a formidable Force-sensitive group dedicated to protecting the people of Vizcanyo Bay and preserving the environment. Their name, "Tercios," is a nod to their structured, tactical approach, reminiscent of historic military formations. The Tercios use their connection to the Force to maintain balance between civilization and nature, defending both the city and the surrounding wilderness from threats.

• Mission: To act as defenders of Vizcanyo Bay, ensuring that the city's growth does not harm the delicate ecosystems around it. The Tercios also focus on combating dark side influences and environmental threats, using their abilities to protect both the people and the natural world.
• Abilities: Specializing in water and earth manipulation, the Tercios use their Force abilities to shape the environment and defend against dangers. They also practice advanced healing techniques, aiding the natural world in regenerating after damage.
• Leadership: The Tercios are led by a Captain-General, supported by a Council of Elders, each of whom brings a unique perspective and area of expertise to the group.
• Base of Operations: The Grove of Spirits, a hidden sanctuary within the Calusa Swamps, where the Tercios train, meditate, and monitor the balance of nature and civilization around Vizcanyo Bay.

First Order Day

• First Order Day is a reflective holiday that examines the Commonwealth's imperial past. It provides an opportunity to explore and discuss the legacy of the First Order, including its influence on current governance and society. The day encourages historical analysis and a balanced view of the Commonwealth's past.

TidalRave Concert

• Annual TidalRave Synthony Concert is an energetic outdoor music festival set against the vibrant backdrop of Vizcanyo Bay. The large stage, adorned with neon lights and holographic displays, is surrounded by lush palm trees and the distant view of the Calusa Swamps. Synthwave beats pulse through the humid air as massive crowds dance under the glowing skies, illuminated by laser light shows and visual effects that merge retro aesthetics with futuristic vibes. The festival draws in a diverse crowd, celebrating music, freedom, and the tropical nightlife of the city, creating an electrifying atmosphere of excitement and movement.

Fevris Derzelas | Ygra | Icam Solace | Judah Dashiell | Allyson Locke | Makai Dashiell | Kurayami Bloodborn | Taeli Raaf [Merryn] | OPEN [DM First/Ask]


​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Location : The Tropique , Vizcanyo Bay, Commonwealth Territory​

Judah had been looking for a second residence. His son had been building a family compound on Joiol, which was great. He was eager to get his feet on the ground more often and out of his space station. In fact, he hadn't been back on the station in ages, which he considered a sign of progress. Having spent more time than not in the Commonwealth, working on an intensive energy project, this sector of the galaxy seemed fitting. Mentioning his problem to Casteel Mer'taal over their monthly dinner together, the young blonde banker put him in touch with a cousin related to the Mer'taal family. A cousin involved in the property development business with an eye turned towards the Commonwealth territories.

Which is how he found himself inside the bedroom of a massive penthouse, speaking to Cedric Archambeau , distant nobility and property developer. The man, smelling a potential sale after talking with his cousin, personally came to walk Judah Dashiell through the penthouse, calling out the features he hoped would seal the deal.

"...six bedrooms, five bathrooms. Chef's kitchen. Expansive patio space. Close to both of the corporate districts. Optional boat slip for a small yacht or other vessel..."

Cedric spoke in a clipped, high-core accent, his sharp blue eyes watching the potential client in front of him intently. Judah's back was turned as he looked out the massive windows, observing the stretch of ocean that could easily be seen from all angles of the penthouse. His hand touched his cufflinks lightly in a nervous habit until Judah turned around once more.

"I think we have a deal, Mister Archambeau."

The men exchanged handshakes, each congratulating one another on the deal. Cedric felt his chance to push even further, to further expand the reach of his property development arm.

"Perhaps we can discuss my company building a regional headquarters nearby for you in one of the districts? I am disposed on this planet for the time being, perhaps we can have dinner in a day or two and discuss furthering our relationship in this portion of the galaxy. I predict great things for us, Mister Dashiell."

"Salacia has been looking to build a more permanent foothold in the Commonwealth, Mister Archambeau. I have other engagements and am unsure of my schedule due to an energy project taking place, but we will be in touch."

 

[Ivalyn Yvarro]

​

Oceanfront District, Vizcanyo Bay - Mephout

Taeli Raaf [Merryn] ​

Ivalyn had finally felt strong enough to show Merryn just how much she appreciated her. The appreciation had stretched long into the night, leaving them both tangled in each other as the warm Mephoutian sun began to crest over the horizon, casting golden rays across the sleek lines of the penthouse. It was a rare reprieve from the whirlwind of politics and responsibility, one that Ivalyn cherished more than she could express in words.

The Oceanfront district was coming alive beneath them, the city's energy palpable even at this early hour. But for now, in this moment, Ivalyn allowed herself the luxury of stillness. She lay with her head gently resting atop Merryn's abdomen, her thoughts drifting between the soothing rhythm of Merryn's breathing and the pressing obligations that awaited her. Slowly, she began to stir, dragging herself upward until she was eye-level with Merryn, who gave her a sleepy but adoring smile. Ivalyn leaned in to press a soft kiss on Merryn's lips, savoring the warmth that radiated from the simple act.

"Good morning, darling," she murmured, her voice soft and unhurried, a rare sound in contrast to the composed, authoritative tone she usually wielded. "I suppose it's time to face the world again."

Merryn's hand reached up to brush a few stray strands of hair from Ivalyn's face, her touch gentle and affectionate. "You could always stay here a bit longer," Merryn teased lightly, though they both knew that wasn't possible. The responsibilities of the day were already calling, loud and insistent in the back of Ivalyn's mind.

"I wish I could," Ivalyn replied, her gaze lingering on Merryn's features, committing every detail to memory. "But duty calls. A press conference, meetings with Judah Dashiell, and more of that infernal paperwork."

She sighed, reluctantly pulling herself away from the warmth of Merryn's embrace and sitting up on the edge of the bed. The penthouse's panoramic windows offered a stunning view of the bay, with the sun reflecting off the water like molten gold. It was a view that always gave her a sense of clarity, of purpose. She needed that today.

As she moved to get ready, her mind wandered to the press conference ahead. She had fully recovered from the assassination attempt, but the scars, both physical and emotional, were still fresh. Today, she would face the public for the first time since the attack, speaking not just about her recovery, but also formally accepting the nomination for High Commissioner. It was a momentous occasion, one that would shape the future of the Commonwealth.

Her thoughts turned to Judah Dashiell and the energy project they had been working on. The test sites needed evaluation, and there were important decisions to be made about the project's direction. It was a crucial step toward the sustainability she envisioned for the Commonwealth—a future where their nation could stand on its own without being beholden to anyone.

Yet, as determined as she was to get on with the day, Ivalyn allowed herself a final moment of indulgence. She glanced back at Merryn, who was still lying in bed, watching her with a fond smile.

"Promise me you'll still be here when I get back," Ivalyn said with a playful smirk, though there was a touch of sincerity behind her words. Merryn had been her rock through all of this, a constant source of strength and comfort. Knowing she would return to that at the end of the day made the challenges ahead seem just a little bit easier to face.

"Of course," Merryn replied softly, her eyes shining with affection. "I'll be right here."

With that, Ivalyn made her way to the closet, slipping into her sleek, tailored attire—something that would strike the perfect balance between elegance and authority. The soft hum of the city below filtered into the room, a reminder of the life that awaited her beyond the penthouse walls.

As she finished dressing, she paused for a moment at the window, gazing out at the sprawling cityscape of Vizcanyo Bay. The ocean stretched out endlessly, and the sun's rays bathed everything in a warm glow. It was beautiful, in a way that only Mephout could be, and it filled her with a renewed sense of determination.

Today, she would stand before the press, before her people, and she would do what she always did—lead. But for now, she allowed herself to bask in the last remnants of morning serenity, knowing that whatever the day threw at her, she would face it head-on.

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

Calusa Marshes, Vizcanyo Bay- Mephout

Loadout- XC-86 Assault Commando Armor, Modified TL-50 Repeater, Modified SE-44C heavy blaster pistols, Viridian bladed lightsaber

Kurayami had heard about the shuttle during some downtime he had taken on Mephout. He had always loved the vibrant nightlife of Vizcanyo Bay and the sheer diversity of people that passed through. It attracted everykind from the more questionable and seedier elements looking to score a few easy marks gambling, all the way up to the elite of the galaxy passing through. Now was even more true on both fronts as First Order Day was fast approaching and a concert was being setup as part of the festivities. While he couldn't care less for that side of things, it was still interesting to people watch, yet it seemed that was not to be the case this trip. Indeed it had been a good thing he had brought the Bulwark, though the opulent ship still needed a name. He was in the onboard workshop, making a few fine adjustments to the TL-50 and was just reaching for the panel to put it back in place when he heard something about a shuttle going down. It wasn't on the major news networks yet, and something told him that given the channel encryption it might not be anytime soon.

He sent back a message identifying himself and that he would respond to the Calusa Marshes as soon as he could be suited up. If it was on these channels on Mephout it was something that they didn't want people to know about, and given the world's past with bioengineering...well that was just terrifying to think about. So he tried not to as he finished tightening down the final panel on the TL-50, and then moved quickly to his quarters to grab his armor, of which he had a few options. There was one that he knew was the best choice though and would blend in the most, at least visually to the average citizen. The XC-86 Assault Commando Armor had been meant to be a prototype for a new age of jet trooper armor, though he wasn't sure if any of his design elements or other suggestions ever made it into production versions. It didn't take him long to put on given his familiarity with the suit. Making his way back to the workshop, he grabbed the TL-50 from the table, along with the SE-44C's and made sure they were all securely in place before clipping the lightsaber to the left side of his belt and walking over to the rack of speeder bikes.

Pulling one of the 74-Z's off the rack he eased the throttle forward down the ramp, locking in the last known position of the shuttle as he exited the hangar and gunned the engine. The less time wasted the more time he had to contain what would surely become a nasty bit of PR otherwise.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Kurayami Bloodborn
​

While she understood the need for the studying of the Rakghoul virus and various mutations of it, there was a significant part of the Lady of Secrets that was trying and failing to have a form of disappointed contempt for the Dark Wardens of the Commonwealth. Transporting samples of the virus via shuttle near inhabited regions? Clearly not having adequate containment measures around the samples when the shuttle crashed to keep them safe and away from environmental contamination? All of it just contributed to a sense of restrained frustration and resentment.

It also might be because she was currently sweating in a swamp in knee deep water with members of the Dark Wardens and her own Ravenscar Adept, her hair frizzing out and her shoes being waterlogged.

She did not do humidity well. Not at all.

But Taeli had volunteered, or rather had offered her services to the soon to be named High Commissioner, to help handle the situation. Ivalyn did not need a rakghoul outbreak to undermine her ascension to her new position and if it could be contained and squashed before it spread further such as to the nearby concert venue, something Taeli did not understand because who wanted a concert in a swamp? Regardless, it could be a feather in the cap of the new High Commissioner. A dangerous situation handled swiftly and yet another indicator that the Sith were serious about the alliance.

She had openly scoffed though when she was offered a biohazard suit to wear from one of the Dark Wardens when she arrived at the base camp. She wasn't one of the most prolific biomancers in the galaxy for nothing and she had no fear of the virus.

Plus, the amount of sweating those in the suits had to be going through, and the smell, had to be worse than a Hutt in the summer on Tatooine.

She was, however, intrigued about what mutations might be in this strain and to see how it might be altering the local wildlife beyond just the local lizardfolk in the Calusa Swamps.

​

---

Ivalyn Yvarro
​

Merryn watched as Ivalyn moved around the penthouse, and every time she neared a window, her heartbeat increased just ever so slightly. It was a reflex, she knew, from the attempted assassination and her worrying that her girlfriend was a continuing target. Lord Carnifex wasn't a target today, and there were stirrings in the Force that worried Merryn.

Not that she could tell Ivalyn any of that.

Her position under her Master was conditioned on her keeping the secret that she wasn't anything other than a corporate executive that had risen up the ladder of the IGBC and Aurora Industries to take a high-ranking leadership role. Her Master had finally promoted her to Paradox Adept, and while she had been reveling in that and just enjoying her position and vastly enjoying her time with Ivalyn, the worry remained.

She didn't like worry. She liked certainty.

So, even as Ivalyn left the penthouse and asked she be there when she got back, she would slip on a Neahtid earpiece and send some orders out to a security detail Ivalyn wouldn't even know existed that was watching her. Three Geist Infiltrators were tasked with protecting her, both by Ivalyn and Lady Arcanix, and Merryn herself would be taking a role, masked and hidden, to protect her girlfriend. She refused to have a repeat occur. And woe be unto those that would attempt to harm her beloved...

Beloved...

She would pause as she was slipping into her armor and the helmet that she had discreetly hidden in the apartment by her team while she had been... otherwise engaged. Did she? Yes, she thought she did. Well, that was something to unpack later and when celebrating the official ascension of Ivalyn. Until then, as she slid the helmet in place over her head, she would make sure that she would remain safe.

 

[Sovereign Echoes]

Kurayami Bloodborn | Taeli Raaf
​

The wreckage of the Commonwealth Medical Shuttle was still smoldering when Aeliana's transport roared overhead, casting fleeting shadows over the swamp below. The moonlight glinted off the broken hull, twisted metal still sparking in places. The shuttle's crash had turned an already dire situation into a full-blown crisis. Medical personnel, vital to containing the Rakghoul outbreak, were either dead or stranded in the heart of the infected swamps, and the risk of the virus spreading had just multiplied tenfold.

As the Dark Warden's rotorcraft hovered for a landing, Aeliana Thane stood at the open hatch, red eyes scanning the swamps below. Her grip tightened on the safety rail as the shuttle touched down on uneven ground, the sensation of sinking into the marsh creeping through the soles of her boots as she disembarked.

The crash site was about 200 meters away, partially obscured by the dense trees and thick underbrush of the Calusa Swamps. The swamp's usual symphony of buzzing insects and croaking amphibians had been replaced by an eerie quiet, broken only by the occasional unsettling rustle of something moving in the murk. The oppressive heat clung to her armor, but Aeliana barely noticed it. All she could focus on was the smell of burning metal and something far worse — the sickly-sweet stench of death.

She activated her commlink as she motioned for her team to spread out. "Alaric Voss, this is Warden-Lieutenant Thane. I've arrived at the crash site. Commonwealth Medical Shuttle Bravo-Four down. Multiple casualties. We're moving in to secure survivors and prevent further contamination. Status on your end?"

Alaric's voice crackled through the comms. "Tocobaga Ridge is barely holding. The Rakghouls are swarming. Every minute we hold them back feels like ten seconds. We've got casualties, and this concert is drawing the creatures in like flies to a karking light."

Aeliana cursed under her breath, her jaw tightening. The concert was a disaster waiting to happen. Every blaring note from the Tidebreaker Stage made her muscles tense, as if the music itself was an unwelcome reminder of just how fragile their situation was. "We're moving to secure the survivors and reinforce you as soon as we can. We can't afford a breach."

She moved swiftly through the thick swamp, her team close behind. The moonlight filtered down through the dense canopy, casting an eerie glow over the treacherous terrain. The ground squelched beneath their feet, each step sinking into the mud. The crash site loomed closer, the wreckage now visible in broken pieces among the trees. The shuttle had torn through the swamp on impact, leaving a scar in its wake — and blood.

"Aeliana, I'm at the Tidebreaker Stage," came the calm, almost clinical voice of Vesper Ryn over the comms. "The infection is spreading faster than anticipated. I'm handling containment here, but I need time. Make sure nothing leaves that crash site."

Understood, Ryn," she replied.

As they approached the wreckage, Aeliana signaled for her team to hold. She scanned the area with practiced precision, her eyes sharp as a hawk's. The faint sound of groaning came from the shuttle's twisted hull, a sign that at least some of the medical crew had survived. But her senses were heightened, her connection to the Force prickling at the back of her mind.

"Move in quietly," she ordered, voice low. "We're not alone out here."

Her lightsaber hilt was cold in her hand, and she gripped it tightly as she advanced. The swamp felt alive around them, the thick, oppressive air making it hard to breathe. Every rustle, every distant screech of an animal, made her blood pump harder in her veins. Then, she saw it — a shadow moving through the trees, hunched over, its silhouette unmistakable.

A Rakghoul. Worse, a Rakghoul-infested Brevi.

Aeliana's instincts kicked in. With a snap-hiss, her lightsaber ignited, casting an eerie red glow through the swamp. She moved with the deadly grace of a seasoned warrior, her blade cutting through the creature before it could react. The stench of burning flesh filled the air, but there was no time to dwell on it.

"Contact!" she barked, and her team sprang into action. Blaster fire erupted, lighting up the swamp as more Rakghouls appeared from the darkness, drawn by the noise of the crash.

Aeliana moved like a phantom, her lightsaber carving through the night, every motion precise and deadly. But there were so many of them. The Rakghouls were relentless, their twisted forms moving with an unnatural speed and hunger. For every one they cut down, two more seemed to appear from the shadows.

The wrecked shuttle was a battlefield, a desperate fight for survival. The medics inside were barely clinging to life, some too injured to even scream. Aeliana cut down another Rakghoul as it lunged at her, its grotesque face inches from her own before her blade severed it cleanly in two. She felt the heat of the swamp, the weight of the mission, but she pushed it all aside. There was only the fight.

"We need to get the survivors out now!" she shouted over the commotion, her voice clear and commanding despite the chaos. "Contain this area and regroup! We hold this line until reinforcements arrive!"


"Bloodborn, Raaf, we need you, now!" Aeliana shouted, she looked over at the other wardens, "move, move, move." The last thing she wanted, was for Calusa to resemble the outskirts of New Laveau where steel domes dotted the bayous there.

Failure wasn't an option. The safety of Vizcanyo Bay — of the entire Commonwealth — rested on their shoulders. And as she fought through the night, Aeliana knew one thing with absolute certainty:

The Dark Wardens would not falter.