Bryn'adûl | Stowing Fire

[Tathra Khaeus]

​Progress. Progress was always necessary. The Draelvasier existed to push forward progression, the Bryn'adûl existed to push forward the progression of strength in the Galaxy. Tathra was the progenitor, the overseer of that progression.

​Thusly he, was required to do more than any other member of his species to ensure; that progression. Visits, meetings, discussions, training, battle. All of it and more encompassed what it meant to be Chieftain. His responsibility brought him into contact with every corner of the Bryn'adûl. This included their mutation research facilities on Draemidus Prime, more frequently than one would expect.

​Tathra had only recently learnt of the talent of Mutagen Expert Grendrada, and had seen the quality of his work on Eadu first hand. The Adjudicators would prove to be of tactical importance, allowing for tactical communications across the battlefield without reliance on technology or the force. The Superior Draeyde were impressive, when Grendrada had requested to primarily use Tathra's tamed Draeyde for mutagen exploitation, the Chieftain assumed he would have to return to the Draeyde breeding grounds to tame the beasts. Instead now, it seemed the Superior Draeyde held loyalty of even greater ferocity.

​All in all, this boded well for Grendrada. That was why when he invited Tathra for further discussion on Eadu, he eventually made time for it. Grendrada had earned a level of trust in his inventions.

Tathra stood tall, clad in glimmering silver & gold. Mighty & Gallant. Inbound for the lower levels of Xraeldrask, heading to the largest mutagen facilities on the planet. Perhaps Grendrada wanted the whole facility, or more resources allocated to his projects. Tathra could only guess, for now.

​| [member="Antarik Grendrada"] |​

 

[Antarik Grendrada]

"A moment, my liege, before I present the respect due your eminence, lest I forsake my concentration and destroy us both." Antarik said. His fingers were outstretched, moving unnaturally as he manipulated a stone with the force. The stone was shaken and was luminous with cracks of molten matter criss-crossing it. Above the stone was a vial of red fluid that had been brought to boil by the stone's heat. "If I release it too quickly, before it has had time to re-adhere, it will detonate. See the galaxy in this stone, master. As we pull at its edges, fracture its thick layers of apathy and comfort, we will expose it's power. It will be glorious and cataclysmic in a way no prophet can predict." The cracks in the rock sealed up and the rock fell to the ground, bouncing a few times and singing the floor. Antarik turned and bowed to Tathra, his forehead touching the ground. "Forgive me, my liege, for not immidiately showing you the respect you are so righteously deserved of. Know that it was for the sake of our peril only that I delayed." He stood slowly. "Though I may have erred to say you were in peril. Fire is not your concern. It is a sign of destiny. The fire we bring to the galaxy will be your red carpet." He took the boiling vial from where it hung using a thick glove. "The timing of your arrival is, as always, flawless. I have prepared an implement of purity the likes of which has not yet been accomplished, though we have known its shadow for some time." He gestured to an arena in which swarmed a mass of creatures with red and black skin, very much like the draeyde, but fiercer, imbued with a hunger much like Antarik's own ravenous madness. "These are your arms, my liege. The Superior draeyde. Stronger, faster, tougher. Worthy of acting in concert with your will. By nature, their loyalty is to you but, for today's purpose, I have concocted a solution that will blind these specimens' loyalty." He inserted the vial into a verpine shatter gun and fired it, in aerosol form, at the superior dreayde. "I could explain these creatures' merits, impress you with a thousand prose to describe a hundred terrible afflictions they can bring to the impure, but that is not my way, not the way of our kind, not your way. Go down there, my liege. Go down there and feel the worthiness of your arms."

Tathra Khaeus

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

​When Kraeldan had suggested that there was another expect that rivalled his own success with mutagen experimentation, Tathra had been sceptical. Yet, Kraeldan's own success with regenerative mutagens had imparted some small regard for his opinions.

The laboratory door slid open, allowing the massive form of Tathra to cast a long - scanning shadow. Upon entering the laboratory, Tathra was met with a familiar sight, a long rectangular room with dimly let crimson fixtures creating a sinister gloom throughout. Empty research beds and various ornamentals and vials acted as décor to an otherwise common research facility.

​In the corner, just beyond sight Tathra could hear a strange sound. Like marble against rock, fluid in transit. Tathra came to the turn of the corner, a strong flame illuminating the immediate area. Ahead, stood Grendrada. At work.

​Good.

​"Grendrada." ​A greeting, but one with a curious inflection. One inviting Grendrada's explanation, which he shortly delivered. The Mutagen Expert appeared to hold expertise in more than just the creation of beasts, but explosives as well. He also knew how to talk, extensively. Tathra mused at his educative rabble, observing the other peculiar trinkets nearby.

​Grendrada then lead him towards a small viewing port. One observing a Draeyde breeding ground, a low growl from his throat was the sole reply. Of course, the Superior variant had to separately breed from the others. The Superior Draedye had proven incredible difficult to tame and would likely kill their lesser brethren and cause more problems than they were worth.

​"I've already seen the Draeyde first hand on Eadu. I'm not here for them. I'm here for whatever else you can offer me Grendrada." ​​

​| [member="Antarik Grendrada"] |​

 

[Antarik Grendrada]

Antarik touched his forehead to the floor. "Forgive me, my liege." He said. "My intent was not to waste your time. Let me show you what your eyes have not seen." He rose and walked over to a table covered in spears. The heads of the spears were split into halves and a glass tube ran between them. The glass tube was full of small shadowy orbs.
"Know that this is but the start of the journey for what I intend this to be, but I consider it ready for field use." He picked up one of the spears and handed it to Tathra.
"Thrust this into the flesh of the impure, weather it be by your own hand, by integration into a trap, or by launching from a ranged apparatus, and be witness to double purification. The superior Dreayde are as close to perfection as can be hoped when fully grown, but their gestation leaves room for improvement. The eggs housed in this spear are coated in enzymes designed to consume and process mammalian flesh. The great majority of the impure in the galaxy are mammal. With the enzymes aiding them, the eggs will gestate quickly, reaching adulthood in mere moments. So I have purified the one flaw in the superior draeyde, by using the flesh of the impure, thus partly purifying them. Forgive me if I am proud of this duology."
He fell silent for a moment. "I must make a request of your eminence. These dozen spears I have made are all I can make for the moment. The enzymes I need for the eggs to consume matter grow slowly in what is available to me. I need living flesh. May it please my liege to capture a number of impure mammals for use incubating the enzymes? With sufficient number of prisoners, these weapons I have made can become common in our arsenal, and I can increase the production of the superior dreayde tenfold."

[member="Tathra Khaeus"]

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

​Left paw extended curiously, grasping one of the Spears as Grendrada explained their application. The turn of his wrist brought the halved spearhead up to eye-height, observing the glass container within. Tathra pondered on the particulars of obtaining the unhatched eggs as Grendrada continued.

The device was impressive, however Tathra doubted that combat effective variants would be so easily replicated. The titan remained unconvinced, placing the Spear down once again. The weapons required a controlled demonstration, Grendrada's pride was not misplaced but premature. Tathra needed to see results first, resource application would come later.

​"Innovative. But its just another way to kill something." ​Tathra responded frankly.

​Turning to Antarik, the Bryn'adûl Scientist was contemplating - silent. His form was miniature next to the muscle-bound mass of his Chieftain. Perhaps he was afraid, contemplating his next move whilst aware a mistake could cost him dearly. For only a split-second, Tathra dwelled on the thought of testing the Spear on Antarik. But the impulse faded as he spoke.

​He was confused, a half-sincere frown narrowing his brow.

​"Sraelvun test subjects are available to you. Could they not fulfil your needs?" ​Tathra responded with a guttural curiosity, lingering closer to the Spear decorated table.

​| [member="Antarik Grendrada"] |​

 

[Antarik Grendrada]

Antarik considered his master's proposal. He opened a large tome containing his notes and flipped through several pages. The exo-skeleton around his eyes constricted. He flipped through a few more pages before cocking his head to the side as if listening to someone. He clapped the book closed.
"My liege's suggestion can be accommodated, but at great cost to my revelation's intended function." Antarik said. "The enzyme will have to be modified to be more hazardous to our own biology. Indeed, I fear the repercussions of a dreayde swarm birthed from the blood of our own." He cocked his head again. "Though a new option comes to mind. Fielding Sraelvun incubators in battle would be an exceedingly subversive tactic."
He turned and set the tome down on its stand. He remained leaned over the book for a time. "The proximation of blade, blaster, and bomb is the same." He said slowly. "This is not. The use of this weapon is the mere primer to coalescence of our destiny. In the bowels of the impure, new assets are created."
He turned to face Tathra again, bowling low. "I know, I can feel that I have disappointed your imminence." He said. "I must beseech you to see this weapon used in all its applications, and then I must swear to you that, as I said prior, this is only the beginning of my plans in this direction. It is highly possible that I can induce a timing mechanism within the mitochondria of the eggs so that we will see victory even when our enemies escape battle with their lives. This is a blossom, my liege. Soon there shall be a flower."

[member="Tathra Khaeus"]

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

​Grendrada was studious and perceptive, he lacked arrogance - that meant he could learn, evolve, adapt. That alone made him worthwhile to be allowed to continue to serve, the potential of his labours was a bonus.

​"Your combat experience has served you well, Grendrada." Tathra nodded, his astute observations were correct. Both regarding the implications of what testing on their own could bring, and Tathra's general displeased feelings regarding the overall results of his experiments.

​Tathra had come to a decision - there was no time for second guesses. War was coming, and they needed every available tool at their disposal to destroy the Humans.

​"You will have your test subjects, Grendrada.. I want you to use Sraelvun test subjects as well, separately. Keep them contained, find out the extent of its affect on Draeyde behaviour." ​​Tathra's mind pondered the applications of the project as well, entirely present as he moved to the left of the lab, hands folded behind his back.

​| [member="Antarik Grendrada"] |​

 

[Antarik Grendrada]

Antarik fell silent and lowered his chin. Subtly, he started swaying side-to-side. Unintelligible mutterings left his mouth. His eyes seemed to pulse with an unnatural light. His head snapped up. He locked eyes with Tathra.
"Do you hear?" Antarik croaked. "The voice of the planet. It calls. It.... I can hear the voices of millions. Voices merging. Quieting. Breathing. I must write what I hear... I must make sound VISION."
Arms flying, he opened the pages of his tome and picked up tools for writing. Only his mind informed his presence. He disregarded all other stimulus. He wrote words at each corner of the page, then closer to the middle in a circular pattern. The words were in many languages and no two words combined to form meaning. But slowly, an image emerged...

[member="Tathra Khaeus"]

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

​Tathra stood over Grendrada as some strange feebleness possessed him, sporadic movement and rabble carried him to his notebook. Tathra's movements were slow, quizzical as squinted eyes fell on the scribbles slowly becoming discernible on the page.

​Tathra looked back to Grendrada for only a moment, his mind would've lead him to believe the Mutagen Expert maddened if not for the fact Tathra had experienced similar events in the presence of the Seers. However, this was different. There was no command, no intention in Grendrada to manipulate the cosmic energies. Instead, it appeared the opposite. He was some form of catalyst in this particular occasion.

​Eyes shifting again, Tathra pushed Grendrada aside as he lifted the tome - discerning perhaps three of what seemed like fifty different forms of literature. It was unmistakably some kind of stone, a strange vibrancy emanating from it for only a moment. But, indeed it was there.

​"Our stones.." ​For perhaps the first time in fifty cycles, Tathra was not one step-ahead, the feeling of loss was one that was almost alien to him. Anger was mixed with curiosity. Why did they not speak to him? Tathra turned to Grendrada, meaning to assess his state of mind. ​"Grendrada, get up."

​​| [member="Antarik Grendrada"] |​

 

[Antarik Grendrada]

Antarik steadied himself and turned to face Tathra. "Forgive me, my liege." He bowed. "The force can speak in powerful tones. I have seen a vision." He held his hand over the tome, setting fire to the ink and raising the flame into the air. The stars of the galaxy fanned out and burned around Antarik and Tathra, forming a shape that was at once a tree, a starmap, and a strand of DNA. It was bore an unnerving motion that made the depiction feel alive. It was rage embodied, consuming cowardice.
"The galaxy is a garden that has lain dormant for eons. We are the stock destined to grow. We must send out plant seeds of our power across the galaxy." He pulled a force stone to him and began to alter it. "These will break the ground. We will find the weakness of the impure and use it against them. Then we will gather their strengths and... the vision reveals no more for now. I can produce these soul mines en masse. They will be a boon to us until the vision continues. We only need to recover them after they have done their duty."

[member="Tathra Khaeus"]

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

​Tathra watched, moving slightly to the left as the burning lights encircled him. Grendrada's Zealotry perhaps rivalled his own, but the theatrics at play were not something that garnered Tatrha's favour.

​Yet, the grandeur served a purpose. Grendrada held one of the force imbued stone aloft as he configured it to act as a Soul Mine. Tathra cautiously approached, observing the stone as the Minister spoke of the potential of its use. Grendrada was the Minister of Genetics for a reason, his creations were impressive.

​Tathra curiously took the Stone from Grendrada, peering at it. The rocks would no doubt be harder to spot compared to traditional mining & demolition devices. He responded with a nod in regards to Grendrada's final comment. The stone no doubt had uility. Tathra returned the stone, giving the Minister his full attention.

​"Your research is promising, Minister. How soon until your Soul Stones can have active use in the field?"

​| [member="Antarik Grendrada"] |​

 

[Antarik Grendrada]

"They can be deployed within days, my liege." Antarik bowed. "The sooner the better."
He paced about the laboratory, looking at everything with something like new eyes. his fingers danced along the cylinders of several syringes, and the handles of a few knives. He took a moment to verify a few of his boiling concoctions were behaving as predicted. A smile formed on his insectoid face. He had everything he needed. Only time will tell when the vision would reveal the next steps. He felt a call in Tathra's direction. He whipped around to face his leader but saw nothing out of place.
"The force whispers to me about you, my liege. Perhaps greater things await the future than I had expected."

[member="Tathra Khaeus"]

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

​The happenchance of Grendrada's revelation occurring during his visit was incredibly unlikely. Rather, this was intended. This was meant to happen. It gave Tathra strange irritation, the edges of the room distancing themselves from him. Power zapped from his grasp. He preferred absolute control.

​Yet, at the same time there was a strange comfort in the unfamiliarity of it all. The Seers had similar precognitive abilities, perhaps Grendrada belonged among them moreso than within the confines of a research facility. For now though, his expertise was required. He nodded in response to the Geneticists affirmation of the productivity of his weaponry.

​Grendrada had the confidence of a Battle-Hardened Warrior, but implemented it into his studies - into the warfare of the Bryn'adûl. His resources were valuable. Even perhaps his insights as to the Chieftains fate as well.

​"Greater things will come to those who strive for them. It is a sign of our growing strength, Grendrada." ​Tathra responded, half-buying into his own rhetoric in that moment. In truth, regardless of what Heresy plagued the Draelvasier - they continued to prosper. His progeny, continued to prosper.

​Tathra had achieved all that he could here, Grendrada clearly needed time to think.

​"I have spent enough time here, Grendrada. A Marauder will be in contact with you to oversee the deployment of your creations to smaller raids. There we will see their worth." ​Tathra spoke, long and thoughtful as he left the premise.

​Today as another step towards a victory for the Bryn'adûl.

​| [member="Antarik Grendrada"] | ​