Borders aren't the only things expanding... [First Order T2 Dominion of Askaj and Subterrel]

[Hansen]

Agent Totallex
FIV Malice, Bridge
Objective: Orbital Security

A few crew members pause to stare at the Shadowtrooper as she uncloaks. "Being so close to Galactic Alliance space is a risk, though worth the prize based off of the prospector reports; Cobalt, Silicon and Osmium." Jaina's voice trails off and she saunters towards the transparisteel viewports with utmost confidence, although Carlyle might note that her right-hand looms over a DC-15A, Jaina's fingertips all but touching the trigger-grip. Ever ready to protect the Admiral from threats or assassinate a target even if they were to be one of the bridge crew. Jaina pivots in her boots after staring out over Subterrel for a good moment and walks towards Carlyle and stops about two feet from the man before bringing hand from blaster forward, offering to shake the Admiral's hand. "We've never formally met, I'm Agent Totallex or "Lex" Within Skull Unit I'm Skull-Two." Jaina's opaque black lenses face Carlyle's eyes. Jaina's other hand taps at the faceplate of her helmet; An offer to remove it so as to look the man straight into the eyes.

[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

Subterrel; Post 1​

​

Jarven fingered and rubbed the saber dart around in his hand as he mused quietly to himself. It was dry of its poison and his hand was armored, so, naturally, he was quite safe from its original purpose. It belonged to a Clawdite bounty hunter and a damn good one, at that. Jarven knew of him: Jhin Uzeel. Dude had a respectable and feared reputation in certain circles and he and Jarven had even met a couple of times, always in neutral conditions. They almost traded fire, once, but nothing ever came of that spat.

Now, Jhin had picked up a rather large, open contract left by the GA: to kill important members of the OS. Jarven knew it was only a matter of business and nothing personal. It was his personal hope to sway Jhin over to their side or, at the very least, remove him from the field. Jhin could be quite the asset, but that would be a large horse taming undertaking that could easily fall apart if something if things went sour fast.

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Desert Plateau, Askaj​

Objective: 3, Contract/Company Sponsorship​

In Vicinity: [member="Vitor Avendahl"]​

Post: 8​

--- --- ---​

​

The Major had figured as such, but as the test continued he was impressed. Even a 2/3rds rate of success was fairly good, given the fact that most of this equipment would be given to the Auxiliary. It certainly exceeded the minimum standards the military had set - and that was good enough for Rolf. Even though this was technically a controlled environment, the results were fair.

Rolf nodded. He knew very well that the field had a strange way of taking everything you knew and throwing it up side down in a hurry. The shatter beam cannon, now that was interesting. Unlike many long range support weapons, these had a significant amount of force multipliers - perhaps he'd stumbled upon something here.

Listening carefully, Rolf had an inkling of where the man was going - yet to be disappointed. He'd taken a moment to select another target, this one in range of countermeasures and passed along the commands, curious to see what would happen.

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Post: V
Objective BYOO

"The Galactic Alliance is no threat here," Carlyle said, "Kaeshana proved that they are weak, and we are strong," he added, "The only threat their inferior ships pose is swamping us." Carlyle added, "Given the data we now have on their tactics, we can safely point to the destruction of fighters and close range combat as our ways to combat their fighter swarms and heavier guns." The officer then turned, "Apologies for my rambling," he said, "But given the whole battle there, I have been hard pressed to devote my time to anything else." He accepted her hand, and shook it.

When the admiral saw that she was about to take off her helm, he gestured for her to continue, "I always like to know a bit about whom I'm working with." Carlyle said, "Plus it'd be best to know who sits behind the mask, security and all of that." Carlyle added with a wry smile pursing his dry lips. He waited with some anticipation to see what his new bodyguard looked like, and wondered if this set a precedent to see all of his new security personnel's faces.

[member="Jaina Ventor"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"]

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Tekkan Mining Facility, Subterrel​

Objective: 3, Clear Infested Tunnels​

Post: 9​

--- --- ---​

​

The request aired, the Knight of Ren gave the signal to continue, deciding that moving forward and bringing their group closer together would be the safest. They now stayed clearly within eyesight of each other, each trooper carefully watching for any sign of movement. They'd stumbled across a carcass, it must have been some unfortunate miner from when the facility had been inhabited, the only thing in tact was a small strip of fabric on a husk of what could have been a body long ago.​

​

Castor's careful footsteps led him forward, the jet of flame continuing to stream towards the outermost edges of the caverns, burning away web fibers and chewing through what looked to almost be curtains of web which separated the cavern into partitions. As they did he could feel that pang again, though this time it remained. They were getting closer to something but what it was yet remained a mystery to the Ren. Once more he called a halt, waiting, listening - seeking out through the Force what beast lay beyond the fringe of darkness.​

​

With little success, he grimaced. They should wait for assistance, to push forward would be folly, of that he was certain.​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Post 4 - Objective 3 - BYOO: Establish clandestine facilities in mine section​

Natasi followed the Major's report and nodded her head as she observed the deployment zones. "I don't want anything getting out about our true purposes here, Major. If we need to stage some sort of slaving ring here for the papers, then that's what we'll have to do, I'm afraid. Keep me updated on that as we progress, will you please?" She broke off when the signal officer approached.

"Ma'am," said the signal officer. "Priority signal from the Knight of Ren contingent. They're requesting additional flamethrower equipment and, I assume, personnel."

Natasi glanced over at [member="Fenix la Fortune"]. "You heard the man. I assume this is within your power?" When La Fortune had agreed, Natasi switched over to [member="Castor Ren"]. "We'll send what we have. Please advise of your location or the desired drop location. I'll connect Major La Fortune's frequency so you can update him directly as needed."

They received report from [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] about what his task force had with them. She opened a channel directly, and soon her face was broadcast directly to the Admiral, though she didn't look up at the camera; instead she looked down at the handful of notes she had just been handed by a passing ensign. "Admiral Rausgeber, this is Grand Moff Fortan. Prepare a force depletion report for deployment of eighty percent of your forces. I want twenty percent held in reserve as reinforcements should Major la Fortune require them for his assault. I will expect those numbers in a quarter hour. Please coordinate with the Major on deployment of ground troops; his mission here is paramount, so treat any order that he issues as if it is coming from this office." Finally, she looked up, her dark eyes piercing even across the connection. "Do you have any questions, Admiral?"

 

[Hansen]

Agent Totallex
FIV Malice, Bridge
Objective: Orbital Security

Jaina gives the nod of her helmeted head and after her hand is relinquished brings both gloves up to the sides of helmet. The Chin depresses against breast and hands pull the helmet down towards collar before giving it a gentle twist with the flick of wrists. Totallex notes the holographic visor cuts away a signal that it is powered down, Jaina then pulls it clear of her copper-coloured hair covered head and tucks helmet beneath the left arm and feels the end of her own ponytail tickle at nape. Jaina's Emerald Spheres sit in almond-shaped sockets and search for Carlyle's gaze, there is a bronze tint to her otherwise pale skin which suggested some affinity for the outdoors and even evidence of sunburn across the bridge of her nose in the form of a conspicuous red line. Full lips are pursed together and she breathes softly through narrow nostrils. Truthfully Jaina lacks the typical appearance of a 'warrior' lacking visible incidence of scars or blemishes. Though that was the point, she is an agent of FOSB after all if she looked like a Stormtrooper and couldn't conceivably be a Citizen she would not get very far. "The team are all very distinct in our appearance and I would dare say suggests our diverse origins." Jaina blinks, cocking head to the side whilst looking at Carlyle and awaiting his response. Also hinting that should could tell the Admiral more about each member of the skulls.

[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Tekkan Mining Facility, Subterrel​

Objective: 3, Clear Infested Tunnels​

Post: 10​

--- --- ---​

As if to allay his fears, he heard the comm come to life inside his helmet. He'd received confirmation that additional forces were in fact en route. Quickly using a small data pad, Castor sent the coordinates to the entrance as well as their current position, complete with path taken through the winding tunnels. The support should be able to find their way - the real question was how long would it take them?

Turning his attention back to the task at hand, his attention was drawn as he felt a shift in the air... no, in the Force. Sometimes it was hard to tell, the presence of the Force if not paid attention to also had the capacity to deceive. No - this was something alive, something malicious and cruel - a beast. He could sense it now, deeper in the tunnels. It was moving.

Was it coming for them? Was it simply plunging deeper into the caverns, hoping to remain elusive? It seemed likely the former. He could feel the warped tendrils of the Force, the creature on the prowl for food. He sense a primal hunger there, no doubt the creature was famished for what sustenance could one truly find in these caves? Steeling himself, he began once more to advance, one step at a time, one burned web at a time. Soon they would be truly in danger... the beast had awoken.

[member="Fenix la Fortune"]​

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Post: VI
Objective: BYOO

The officer studied her carefully. He examined all her features, he hair, her eyes, and her lips. For Carlyle, partly out of paranoia, but more so out of diligence. In his mind at least, this FOSB agent would probably die in the field, under Carlyle's orders or perhaps defending him. To the admiral, it was an important detail to know ones crew and officers in order to gauge an understanding of who they were, where they came from and other such details. The admiral was about to make a racy remark when the screen flickered on.

Feth. It was Fortan. "Grand Moff Fortan, a pleasure." The admiral greeted, he listened to her brief and nodded. And admiral, taking orders from a karking major? What was this? The Republic? The One Sith? He held back his reservations, perhaps this individual had knowledge, or better yet experience Carlyle did not know of. He listened to her, "Where shall we deploy our forces?" The admiral asked, "Or will that information be divuldged later along?"

[member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Jaina Ventor"]

 

[Zef Halo]

Obj 3
Post 7

One of the stormtroopers came back with the feedback from the countermeasure's failure to take the missile from the sky. The feedback clearly read it was able to hit the warhead midway but not to disable it. Why ?

"My favorite feature, Major Amsel - our missiles are shielded. Ray and particle shielding. Standard, nothing too special but certainly something new on the market." The acolyte clarified. "We developed the missiles as they are for one purpose - to deliver them to their target."

"Enough with the missiles. There is more to the vehicles defenses then what I already stated. It has active protection system which is sophisticated and a ray and particle shield itself. The Hailstorm would need more than just a few attempts on it before it can take damage." Vitor said and the spread his left arm at the artillery pieces again. "Let your man try to knock them out with common weaponry your enemies mainly use if you have with you now."

"After that, we will proceed with the under-barrel tensor cannons." The Sith acolyte declared and ordered to one of the Wraiths to begin unloading the tensor cannons.

[member="Rolf Amsel"]

 

[Hansen]

Agent Totallex
FIV Malice, Bridge
Objective: Orbital Security

Jaina pivots towards the screen, one hand hovers over the holstered DC-15A at right thigh while left-hand curls into a fist and presses against the reinforced duraplast black epoxy coated armour that sheathes her thigh. After listening to Grand Moff Fortan's orders Jaina makes a visible cutesy albeit brief bow. It was one of the privileges of being a member of the FOSB to have such contact with senior officers. Indeed, Jaina held the modest rank of Lieutenant in the Imperial Navy. But as an Agent there is resources and assets Jaina has a level of access obtainable previously only in the fancy of wild imagination. Jaina's spheres move back over to Carlyle. "Do you have any orders for your skulls, Admiral?" Jaina knees clap together and she stands at attention following the question. "I do find it odd that the Grand Moff would place your assets at the call of a mere Major. Although I trust she has her reasons. Alas, what would we be without the chain of command." Jaina's sly quirp brings a wry smirk across her full pursed lips. Subtly disapproving of the notion if only to galvanise what she could guess is resentment from Carlyle for having to stoop down for a Major. It is a test of loyalty of sorts to the chain of command, Jaina would study his response carefully.

[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]

 

[Garett Van]

-------------------------------------------------------------------​

Subterrel - Surface​

Investigate local Flora and Fauna​

-------------------------------------------------------------------​

​

​

Looking into the gasses outside the mining platform's landing area, Garett could hear the screeches of unknown beasts and terrors. Though not particularly wanting to go down there and investigate the noises, that was his task, and one he had to do alone. He was so scared to do it he had the most horrible case of cottonmouth, he kept thinking to himself, "thank goodness Sgt. Illerian isn't here to see how terrified I am right now." Now taking the final deep breath before stepping onto the lift that would take him to the surface.​

​

The life down to the surface was sealed so most didn't have to breath the toxic gasses, again the Captain was thankful for his armor being sealed and having an oxygen supply, it was short so his trips would have to be quick so he would suffocate to death, but Garett was okay with that. The less time he spent down on the surface the better.​

​

"Well this is it, time to earn that paycheck."​

​

The lift stopped and opened to the outside of the station, Garett stepped out onto the surface and started his mission.​

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

Subterrel; Post 2​

​

The shuttle was coming in on Sub City, the major hub spaceport and above ground city that greeted most visitors and permanent residents that came to Subterrel. All of this was just the tip of the iceburg; your last breath of fresh air before everything went downhill, literally. As much as Jarven wished it would be as simple as walking into the nearest bar and chatting with good ol' Jhin, he felt it in his gut that it was going to be far from that simple.

As he walked the fabricated "streets" of this hub city, he noticed how nice many of the non-tourists and residents seemed around here. It might have tricked most people into believing the naturally sweet environment, but Jarven had been around the honey comb once or twice. He could tell when people were putting on a show to sell you something. Maybe it was mercy; a way of making you feel good before your light became artificial for a long time to come. Maybe it was insincerity; an effort to lure you in until you can't get out.

Regardless, Jarven made his way to the nearest proper cantina where infochants were likely to frequent.

 

[Pharazon Draken]

[SIZE=11pt]Objective: 1[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Location: Askaj, Outside a Large Village[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Post: 1[/SIZE]

“How in the balance’s name does the sand even get in there?”[SIZE=11pt] Colour Sergeant Sandalphon carried on as he shifted in his armour, seemingly unable to stay still as they prepared for their upcoming excursion. Captain Pharazon Draken said nothing in response to this [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]puerile[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] attempt at humour, merely glowering darkly at his colour sergeant’s poodoo eating grin. Pharazon [/SIZE]knew he was talking about how it was getting into the gears of his as of yet robotic replacement left leg, which he had lost of Kaeshana, but he also had been listening to jokes in the same vein of this from the moment they had touched down on this hellish desertscape. They were here to impose order and effectively seize power from the tribal and criminal warlords that ruled, and Pharazon was happy to obey.

[SIZE=11pt]However, even he had come to the conclusion that he would sooner glass the planet and start over, the native parasite fleegs, and, by his Hapan standards, filthy, ugly, and [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]disgracefully [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]primitive native xenos left him with a strong desire to subjugate, and then promptly leave and be [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]reassigned[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]. Of course, as Pharazon looked over their encampment just outside one of the planet’s population centres, Pharazon knew some of his troopers had taken a liking to the ‘peculiar’ qualities of the natives. Shaking his head and dismissing those thoughts, Pharazon placed his helmet on his head and strode out into the square of the their camp, Sandalphon and the company’s sergeant major following closely behind him.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Signalling to his lieutenants and his assembled company of two hundred stormtroopers, Pharazon stopped in front of them in order to briefly address them. “Alright, this operation’s objective is unchanged from our initial attempt to negotiate, we are to make contact with the local Askajians, convince them to support us and then defend the village while we root out these scum..” Pharazon said firmly, briefly checking a readout in his helmet in order to get the name of their adversaries correct, “‘The Lady’s Harbingers’, for whom we shall be the harbingers of civilization and order, or should they demand it, ruin and death, am I understood?” Pharazon finished, raising his voice.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The response was loud and proud, smiling in his helmet Pharazon signalled again to his lieutenants to begin deployment. “Remember, no engagement without my express order except if you come under fire, now move out by company” Pharazon said as he took his place at the head of the disciplined if sand covered column of Imperial Stormtroopers.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As they marched from camp, Pharazon opened a command comm channel to annouce the commencement of his operation. “This is Captain Draken, TK-6850, Grenadier actual, commencing second contact with the villagers, please advise immediately should our orders or the situation change over” Pharazon said coolly and efficiently as they began their trudge into town, after they had been forced out the first time they had attempted contact, but they would not be denied.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Nor will I… Pharazon thought as he idly planned for various contingencies or developments in their annexation.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt][member="Tyr Helgryndr"][/SIZE]

 

[Zmej Ren]

Location: Askaj
Objective: 1
Post: 1


Lawlessness stalked the sandy plains of Askaj. Even the rare specks of civilisation could not escape the raider gangs seeking to expand their influence and steal more resources for bloody skirmishes with other parties. Hope became an alien concept and most hearts no longer saw a chance of brighter future lying ahead. When despair grows into complacency, surrender is inevitable and fiery flames of passion cannot be sparked as easily. As such, a lone, black shuttle bearing the First Order’s insignia signed a much needed change as it landed on the outskirts of Beskaga. The primitive, six breasted tribals were in dire need of law and order and the First Order promised just that as it took more and more planets under its strict, yet fair wing. Askaj, too, was destined to join the vast collection, which meant the First Order’s rules were about to make everyone play nice.

Wishing to make an example of the gangsters preying on the village, Zmej Ren walked alone, none else than her dangling lightsaber making her company. Others would join the party once she discovered the raider base, but for now she only had her own wits to rely on. Fine by her. Encased in armour and covered in a heavy armourweave cloak, the disciple of Ren approached the village walls. A curious combination of materials ensured the visitors of safety, though the intel she had received begged to differ. It was time to speak to the chieftains, even if one overly cautious man standing atop a watch tower situated above the bulwark’s makeshift gate intended to stop the strange, plated figure.

“Halt!” He aimed his primitive blaster Zmej’s way.

She made two more steps forward and grew completely still, silently watching the guard.

“Are you a friend or foe?”

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Desert Plateau, Askaj​

Objective: 3, Contract/Company Sponsorship​

In Vicinity: Vitor Avendahl​

Post: 11​

--- --- ---​

​

Rolf had seen more than enough to ensure that the brass would be happy, the results of the demonstration easily recorded throughout the process and quickly beamed to high command via secure and encrypted transmission. As an infantryman, Rolf knew all too well how important good support was and this weapon seemed to come with all the perks. Waving his hand off one more time, he smiled. The man was eager, but he supposed that was expected - the equipment he brought to the table had all the trimmings of a top tier product.

"I believe that should be sufficient for the brass - now these..." he said, pointing to the under barrel attachments. "...look quite interesting."​

​

Tensor Cannons. Rolf was unfamiliar with the weapon but just by look alone, he noted the small package. If applied correctly to their existing arsenal, it wouldn't add much in the way of weight, or profile - at least as far as he could tell. The few troopers he had with him grinned beneath their helmets as they looked onward. Any day a soldier got to play with new toys was a good day.

​

[member="Vitor Avendahl"]​

 

[Zmej Ren]

Location: Askaj
Objective: 1
Post: 2


“A friend.” Zmej answered, her distorted, monotone voice safely hiding all signs of sarcasm.

What would he do if she claimed to be an enemy?

The guard did not look much persuaded. Perhaps it was the absence of more breasts, perhaps the plate armour – either way, he needed more convincing. Giving him a closer look, Zmej observed the way he held his rifle. Unlike trained soldiers, the guard did not even bother aiming down the scope. He simply pointed it in her general direction. Perhaps it looked more intimidating to the planet’s natives, but the trained and experienced disciple of Ren wasn’t impressed by cheap show-off moves.

“Anyone could say that. Prove your friendly intentions before I allow you entry.”

She would have none of that. Wasting time with a guard wasn’t among the disciple’s priorities; therefore she capitalized on the guard’s uncertainty and lack of confidence.

“Open the gate and I’ll let you live – let that be a proof of my good intentions.”

Even without looking at him, she knew he was scared. The Force revealed everything, bringing the scent of fear to her nose. Despite holding a weapon, the sight of Zmej’s plated form robbed him of confidence. There was no doubt the teenager’s robotic voice intimidated him further, just as her promise to let him live. Letting go of the rifle, his hand reached a lever. With a screech, the entire mechanist lazily woke up. Shedding dust and sand, the gate slowly lifted towards the sky, revealing a hole large enough for caravans to ride through.

“Eh, alright, I guess. May I know what business you seek in our village?”

“Your chieftains.” She replied simply and continued through the freshly opened gate, feeling the guard’s gaze in her back for a moment.

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Askaj​

Objective: 2​

In Vicinity: [member="Pharazon Draken"] | [member="Zmej Ren"]​

Post: 12​

--- --- ---​

​

The towering figure of Tyr cast a shadow across the small divot in the crust of Askaj. It was more of a crack in the earth that had collected water at some point, now long evaporated. The object of his attention were a rat and a viper, his breath silent in the soft whistle of the wind. Even crouched the man was large, his bent form mimicking those behind him. It was the miniature spectacle of the viper and the rat that had drawn his attention - the experience quite surreal.

Askaj - it had been the very first excursion that the First Order had tasked him with, and by proxy the Supreme Leader. Why he'd been freed from the dungeons of Panatha he now knew. The Auxiliary. As a smaller empire filled with humans the First Order had done well in promoting it's 'Humanity first' ideal - but even now they saw that there was pragmatism in employing non-humans. Tyr himself was human, but maybe that's why they chose him to lead. As the First Order's hold on planets had expanded, so also had their alien population, a resource that could no longer go unused.

As it stood, there was little for those of non-human descent to do when it came to the war machine - though with the invent of The Auxiliary, that was liable to change. Even now the man commanded a spattering of Rodians, Humans, even a Bothan. The Auxiliary would feed the war machine of the First Order and with it they would thrive. For the time being, the man worked alongside a full company of stormtroopers led by a Captain Draken of the Stormtrooper Corps - as well, it appeared a Ren had been tasked with accompanying them.

He smirked as the Captain gave the order not to engage without the order to do so - such luxuries. Tyr was no stranger to war. War was savage, unforgiving - he hoped the Captain had the sense to give the order easily and while he would stay the course for now, if his life were in danger, he knew exactly what he'd do regardless of the order.

 

[Ria Misrani]

Aria DuSang arrived via a runabout she pressed her hands flat against her dress. Askaj was as bad as Tatooine some would say, and Aria might be inclined to agree. In all fairness, she'd never been to either one, yet anyhow. A novice alchemist at best the eldest child of Avicus DuSang had joined the Grand Moff's expedition out of curiosity and to further her alchemy studies. "We should be docking with the Concordia soon," reported the pilot as Aria took her seat, the blur of hyperspace would soon be behind them and the vision of the Concordia would be at their forward.

"Concordia this is Runabout Siren, requesting permission to land."

"Ten-four, Siren land at hangar one, runway two."

With the orders issued the Siren could be seen making its way toward one of Concordia's hangars. Meanwhile, Aria collected her belongings starting with the data tablets and stacked them together. Sliding her arms through a coat she flipped her hair out and tugged at the coat before grabbing her tablets.

The runabout now well within Concordia's hangar landed and was now in the process of lowering its ramp. Guards met with Aria DuSang as she disembarked, they would take her to @Natasi Fortan and [member="Fenix la Fortune"].

Objective 3
Post 1

 

[Samka Derith]

Location: Miner's cantina, Subterrel​

Objective: 2​

Post 1​

​

​

"I'm sorry can you repeat that last part again?" Samka asked the miner she was interviewing.

"It can see right through walls like they was never there, Miss!"

"I see," her voice oozed of scepticism. With all the insane things she's seen in the galaxy, Sam never wanted to completely write something off as impossible yet this paranoid miner, eyes wide with fear, wasn't the most convincing type. "And yet you claim you haven't actually seen the creatures in person."

"Oh no, no Miss." The miner shook his head rapidly. "If you gaze upon it, you'll be turned to granite! Just ask Ol' Carlt."

"Where can I find this Carlt? What does he know?" Sam queried.

"He don't know nothing now. He's been turned into granite."

Sam repressed an exasperated groan and leaned back in her seat. "Granite is awfully specific, why not simply stone?"

The miner shrugged and took a sip of his drink. "I didn't make this up."

"Then who did?" Samka finally snapped.

The scruffy miner put his drink down and audibly gasped. "You doubt the legend?! Don't you know, Miss? It gives the unbelievers a more painful death! And turns them into Rhyolite instead!"

She stared blankly back at the man. "Terrifying," Sam stated flatly.

She thought interviewing the locals would be the best lead to discover whatever it was hiding in the toxic smog outside of the world's surface but thus far all she'd received were the paranoid ramblings of drunken men without much excitement in their miserable lives.

"HEY!" The miner she was interviewing yelled out to the general crowd then pointed to her "She doesn't believe in the Smog Walkers!"

Silence briefly fell over what had been a bustling social scene before quickly picking up as everyone yelled out their 'knowledge' of the beasts.

"They have 5 hearts and can't die unless every single one is torn out of their body!"

"They're part droid since they upgraded their bodies with old mining tools!"

"My roommate's cousin saw one himself, bless his granite soul."

Samka stood upright and let a subtle wave of cold fear ripple from her across the crowd. Not enough to tell them she was Force Sensitive or shock them but enough to make everyone no longer feel like talking and the noise of everyone talking petered out.

"So has anybody actually encountered these things first hand?" She addressed the crowd. They looked to one another hopefully but no one spoke out. "I rest my case." Samka turned on her heels and made for the exit. There had to be a better way of getting information.