The Herald
Certified Account of Dungeon-mastery
[member="Jakkor Kess"] | [member="Joran Del-Finn"] | [member="Silas Miu"] | [member="Kevros Kovani"] | [member="Dax Fyre"]
[member="Sedge"] | [member="Jansal Corego"] | [member="Nicair Claden"] | [member="Singularity"] | [member="Aerin The Lost"]
[member="Jaster Starfallen"] | [member="Cathul Thuku"] | [member="Thresh Sken"] | [member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"] | [member="Rocu"]
[member="Jynx"]
EPISODE I
• • • ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- • • •
The Purgatory
- Location: Three Days from Nocrassol Orbit, Nocrassol System, Croke Reach Sector, Unknown Region
- Time: 09:32:75
- Destination: The City of Malia, Nocrassol
PLEASE READ: OOC Notes & Rules
[SIZE=14.6667px]Alright guys, we’re finally here and we would have [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]never[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px], not in a million years, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]ever[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px] have gotten remotely this far without your combined effort. All of the planning, the writing, the deciding - this was all you guys and now, at long last, you get to proudly see your combined effort come to fruition for our first thread![/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Foremost, I would like to specially thank a few who have contributed above and beyond to see this through and, hopefully, at the end of this story, will earn a little special something for their effort. Everyone’s helped in some shape or another, but these people, despite a life with work and family practically being dragged at the heels, have gone above and beyond to see things through.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]• [member="Kevros Kovani"] - Naturally, as someone I’ve praised endlessly throughout the duration of our planning thread, he’s not only the first to accept an antagonist position, he up and [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]ran [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]to Hell and back with it. Most of you have probably already read his solo development thread, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]The Birth of a New Mind[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px], which is just one of his many testimonies to his dedication. We wouldn’t have the same story without him.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]• [member="Joran Del-Finn"] - I personally vouched for Joran when he joined, hell, we go back a ways, so of course I did; however, he has done nothing but make me proud with the activity. We hadn’t seen each other in months, but when he signed on for the thread (only for us to find out our real identities o.o), he threw himself into the fray without any hesitation, despite other obligations. He concentrated all he had into our story and it wouldn’t be the same without him.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]• [member="Silas Miu"] - I wish I could go over all the stuff Silas did in the company PM, but I can’t, because I don’t understand it. He really goes hand-in-hand with Singularity, here; they both bounced off each other build crazy tech for the protagonist company, using real life knowledge to create all sorts of crazy stuff in there. I took one look at it and proceeded to burn brain cells, trying to understand it. It didn’t only stop there, but he also played a [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]huge [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]part in building our story; he was there from the very beginning, and our story would be the same without him.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]•Morty [member="Singularity"] - The guy who pretty much sparked the entire storyline we got with a his introductory post. No bull, I actually went back and read it, then it dawned on me this guy, right after saying hi, puts us all on the single track which led us straight here:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]So make sure to PM these guys and thank them for the thread you’re about to participate in, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]please[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]And with that said, time to discuss the actual thread we’re finally here for. Although I've largely addressed my concerns and whatnot in the planning thread, I will repeat them here, so please make sure to abide by them; they are not for my convenience, rather, they are intended to make sure no one inhibits each other[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Foremost, Posting Order:[/SIZE]
- If any changes are necessary, contact me via PM.
- If any changes are made, you will all be immediately tagged in a new list, found within the OOC thread.
- You are all individually responsible for maintaining up-to-date with this.
- If the person ahead of you is taking to long/isn't posting, contact me and they'll be put at the end of the que.
IMPORTANT:
[*]It's integral for other players (including myself) that you list your LOCATION and GEAR with each post; if you don't tell me that your character has a lightsaber out in the open, I can't make NPCs react to it. Furthermore, if you're in the same area as other PCs, tag them in it.
[*]Always tag the person next in your post as well as myself: @The Herald.
[*]There are NO limits on maximum posts, so feel free to post as much as you like per day so long as you follow the established post order. If you break it, I'll be very, very grumpy.
In addition, please note that though this character is OOC, it'll still be responsible for writing a cadre of NPCs; treat these as you would a PC, make your attacks attempts. Insta-kills or non-attempts can be considered God-modding and will not be tolerated. Meta-gaming, canon-breaking, and other actions will also make me hunt you down and beat you with a heavy bar of soap in a sock among other household weaponry.
Also, please do not write for environments without asking. This is excluded for your initial post, provided it does not undermine the story. (AKA: Starting out free and ju-jitsuing your way into the bridge, etc.) If you have a question about what lies behind a door, PM me or ask me openly in the OOC discussion thread, I'll either tell you or give suggestions, giving you the freedom to write it. But never, ever take the initiative; this isn't me trying to throw a brick into your plans - if you have a suggestion, I'll probably give you the go-ahead. However, without any input, it lessons my control over the encounters, which renders the DM position ineffective, which can, in turn, nullify the entire RP. Please, keep this in mind; small things, such as supply closets and so forth, are fine - I want to keep myself out of your decision making as much as possible - but keep me involved.
Furthermore, if there is any drama for any reason whatsoever - either you feel the person is ignoring you, cheating, and whatever, PM me immediately.
Note, do not use this thread for any tech or codex subs; it will go towards a factory submission for the Purgatory at a later date.
And finally, take your time and have fun. The thread, officially, ends once we escape the ship, so don't rush yourselves; explore, don't be afraid to talk to me - it might seem a little daunting, but remember we were all creating this in a thread together not a day ago; if you want to find the power core to the ship, let me know, we'll work things out. This is a sandbox once you step out the gate, so get immersed and enjoy; I'm here if you want to take yourself in a given direction.
To start off, I'm putting objectives in order to situate the different locations of the ship; please, feel free to pick one or create your own if not fully discussed - this'll be a one-time free ticket to do so before I put out a milieu/setting sanction.
If you have any general questions, post them in the OOC Discussion Thread; my inbox will probably be cluttered from now on, so it might take me some time to respond if you go that route.
[SIZE=14.6667px]Foremost, I would like to specially thank a few who have contributed above and beyond to see this through and, hopefully, at the end of this story, will earn a little special something for their effort. Everyone’s helped in some shape or another, but these people, despite a life with work and family practically being dragged at the heels, have gone above and beyond to see things through.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]• [member="Kevros Kovani"] - Naturally, as someone I’ve praised endlessly throughout the duration of our planning thread, he’s not only the first to accept an antagonist position, he up and [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]ran [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]to Hell and back with it. Most of you have probably already read his solo development thread, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]The Birth of a New Mind[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px], which is just one of his many testimonies to his dedication. We wouldn’t have the same story without him.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]• [member="Joran Del-Finn"] - I personally vouched for Joran when he joined, hell, we go back a ways, so of course I did; however, he has done nothing but make me proud with the activity. We hadn’t seen each other in months, but when he signed on for the thread (only for us to find out our real identities o.o), he threw himself into the fray without any hesitation, despite other obligations. He concentrated all he had into our story and it wouldn’t be the same without him.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]• [member="Silas Miu"] - I wish I could go over all the stuff Silas did in the company PM, but I can’t, because I don’t understand it. He really goes hand-in-hand with Singularity, here; they both bounced off each other build crazy tech for the protagonist company, using real life knowledge to create all sorts of crazy stuff in there. I took one look at it and proceeded to burn brain cells, trying to understand it. It didn’t only stop there, but he also played a [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]huge [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]part in building our story; he was there from the very beginning, and our story would be the same without him.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]•
[SIZE=14.6667px]Essentially, he’s to thank for the entire direction of the story thus far, in addition to his continued dedication to planning and effort with tech development; it would be safe to say our story [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]literally [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]wouldn’t be the same without him.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]It could be interesting to sort of combine your ideas. Something along the lines of "Purgatory" being an event that takes place once a year.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]So make sure to PM these guys and thank them for the thread you’re about to participate in, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]please[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]And with that said, time to discuss the actual thread we’re finally here for. Although I've largely addressed my concerns and whatnot in the planning thread, I will repeat them here, so please make sure to abide by them; they are not for my convenience, rather, they are intended to make sure no one inhibits each other[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Foremost, Posting Order:[/SIZE]
- [member="The Herald"]
- [member="Dax Fyre"]
- [member="Nicair Claden"]
- [member="Jaster Starfallen"]
- [member="Joran Del-Finn"]
- [member="Silas Miu"]
- [member="Aerin The Lost"]
- [member="Jakkor Kess"]
- [member="Sedge"]
- [member="Cathul Thuku"]
- [member="Thresh Sken"]
- [member="Kevros Kovani"]
- [member="Singularity"]
- [member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]
- [member="Rocu"]
- [member="Jynx"]
- [member="Jansal Corego"]
- If any changes are necessary, contact me via PM.
- If any changes are made, you will all be immediately tagged in a new list, found within the OOC thread.
- You are all individually responsible for maintaining up-to-date with this.
- If the person ahead of you is taking to long/isn't posting, contact me and they'll be put at the end of the que.
IMPORTANT:
- Minimum ONE post per day - everyone will be responsible for keeping the thread active; if you won't be able to post, please notify me. If it's an emergency, you will be excused; otherwise, you need to take responsibility for your schedule and accept a less-active position in the role-play or communicate with me directly; we can work something out. The official post "day" will begin with the first, IC non-DM post (e.g. Dax Fyre).
Thus, everyone has until 2:49 PM EST tomorrow to post.
[*]It's integral for other players (including myself) that you list your LOCATION and GEAR with each post; if you don't tell me that your character has a lightsaber out in the open, I can't make NPCs react to it. Furthermore, if you're in the same area as other PCs, tag them in it.
[*]Always tag the person next in your post as well as myself: @The Herald.
[*]There are NO limits on maximum posts, so feel free to post as much as you like per day so long as you follow the established post order. If you break it, I'll be very, very grumpy.
In addition, please note that though this character is OOC, it'll still be responsible for writing a cadre of NPCs; treat these as you would a PC, make your attacks attempts. Insta-kills or non-attempts can be considered God-modding and will not be tolerated. Meta-gaming, canon-breaking, and other actions will also make me hunt you down and beat you with a heavy bar of soap in a sock among other household weaponry.
Also, please do not write for environments without asking. This is excluded for your initial post, provided it does not undermine the story. (AKA: Starting out free and ju-jitsuing your way into the bridge, etc.) If you have a question about what lies behind a door, PM me or ask me openly in the OOC discussion thread, I'll either tell you or give suggestions, giving you the freedom to write it. But never, ever take the initiative; this isn't me trying to throw a brick into your plans - if you have a suggestion, I'll probably give you the go-ahead. However, without any input, it lessons my control over the encounters, which renders the DM position ineffective, which can, in turn, nullify the entire RP. Please, keep this in mind; small things, such as supply closets and so forth, are fine - I want to keep myself out of your decision making as much as possible - but keep me involved.
Furthermore, if there is any drama for any reason whatsoever - either you feel the person is ignoring you, cheating, and whatever, PM me immediately.
Note, do not use this thread for any tech or codex subs; it will go towards a factory submission for the Purgatory at a later date.
And finally, take your time and have fun. The thread, officially, ends once we escape the ship, so don't rush yourselves; explore, don't be afraid to talk to me - it might seem a little daunting, but remember we were all creating this in a thread together not a day ago; if you want to find the power core to the ship, let me know, we'll work things out. This is a sandbox once you step out the gate, so get immersed and enjoy; I'm here if you want to take yourself in a given direction.
To start off, I'm putting objectives in order to situate the different locations of the ship; please, feel free to pick one or create your own if not fully discussed - this'll be a one-time free ticket to do so before I put out a milieu/setting sanction.
If you have any general questions, post them in the OOC Discussion Thread; my inbox will probably be cluttered from now on, so it might take me some time to respond if you go that route.
Plot:
You are on the Purgatory, a massive prison transport that operates on the underground; every year, it departs into the galaxy and returns filled with heroes gather from across all known space - both alive and dead. Some of you are here as prisoners, others as personnel, perhaps security or otherwise, all unknowingly serving a malevolent purpose. Your goal is simple: survive the next three days. Where you begin is up to you, so is where you go; some of you may choose to play along with the system, others might attempt to escape. Regardless, beware, the odds are stacked against you; something greater has been set in motion here and the ultimate outcome could weigh heavily on the very decisions you decide to make.
OBJECTIVE I:
- Location: CELL BLOCK B
- Overview: Here, prisoners are injected with the prototypical stims and cybernetic modifications; not all survive the process. Held within suspended UECs (Universal Energy Cages), capable of reflecting force powers back onto the user while simultaneously projecting an internal repulsor field, holding the inhabitant still; additionally, the bars were outfitted with an automatic stun system, shocking any who touch it. Here, initially, escape is impossible, however, today you'll finally be tested for a new drug, IEV-12; its contents are unknown, but its effects clearly are - screams of pain echo throughout the corridors constantly. They say it'll increase your reflexes, only at the cost of a brief sensation of pain as its injected directly into your spine; but are they telling the truth? Additionally, you might be subject to receive a neural implant, one set to be implanted directed within the subject's amygdala which will respond to sonic pulses cast from an external, head-mounted device, in an attempt to control their survival instincts. The procedure seems harmless enough, but rumors among the prisoners claim that those who depart for the procedure never return.
PM me or post in OOC thread to discuss creating/using an alternative to the two options.
•-•
[SIZE=14.6667px] The cells lining the walls were large and spacious, this was the apparent benefit of the secondary prison wing within the ship’s bulk; two rows of expansive rooms, sixteen in total, each externally sustaining the suspended expectation of a leisurely journey to their destination. In reality, however, beyond this were walls slick with blood and wide trash chutes, dedicated to neat disposal of corpses mauled by prodding instruments. Cell B was notorious among the ship's inhabitants, prisoners and personnel alike; it was where the initial testing phases commenced. It was not an act of barbarity, rather, it lacked the rage it equipped. Cold, apathetic doctors and faceless droid servants toil within the cells daily; the prisoners confined to small, bud-shaped cages suspended from the ceiling until their 'initiation.'[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px] Cell Block B is primarily composed of sixteen individual cells, each externally pretty in appearance, but internally a nightmare. Always an operating room, usually covered in human waste and fluid, it houses a variety of disturbing droids and instruments lining the walls; in addition, prisoners are held fast within the aforementioned cages, making escape near impossible until procedures are complete, where they'll henceforth be escorted, en masse, to Cell Block A by a company of twelve security officers. The cell block is designed more as a passageway than a prison complex, serving as a large tunnel overlooked by the individual cells, with bridges spanning in between to provide transport from one half to the other; that is because, in reality, Cell Block B composes the central haft of the ship, and doubles as the main walkway between the frontal and rear ends of the ship.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px] Due to the popular nature of this walkway, numerous instruments have been supplied to decrease the volume of sound emitted from the individual chambers; thus, screaming patients cannot be heard by passersby within the tunnel; however, beyond this, each cell opens into a wide hall, flanked on either end by a turbolift elevator. Due to the disturbing nature of this activity, often only the doctors are permitted entry; beyond this, only service droids patrol the halls, observed over by security cameras flanking either end of the corridor. However, every night, at 21:00:00 (9:00 PM), the cells are sealed shut to prevent escape; anyone trapped within the block must, then, wait until morning to leave.[/SIZE] Beyond either of the two story prisons, on the lower floors on either end, there is a prison mess hall, overlooked by live security from a balcony situated ten feet off the ground, and additional security droids on the floor below.
[SIZE=14.6667px] Finally, security detail in the area is overseen by Lt. Vodnik, a siniteen officer with a sympathy streak; he often remains stationed within his personal quarters adjacent to the port side barracks. While security systems are automated, and personnel are often trained to react independently to situations, he oversees a small armory within his office, and only he knows the password. Additionally, he holds holds codes to provide manual overrides within the block, allowing access to wherever he pleases regardless of the time of day. However, he himself remains under constant scrutiny to uphold standards of efficiency and his room his guarded by two massive turrets, each independently powered by power lines feeding into the main power lines running throughout the hull. Getting him alone and vulnerable would be tricky, but breaking into his apartment would also be dangerous.[/SIZE]
OBJECTIVE II:
- Location: Cell Block A
- Overview: Once prisoners have been experimented on, they are promptly delivered to Cell Block A, where they'll be treated to standard living conditions and be freed from any obligation until the Purgatory reaches Nocrassol. Once delivered, prisoners are subject to a five-day period in solitary confinement to wait out any potential side-effects of the drug before being deposited within the prison population. Here, security is tighter than ever to confront the large body of Block B survivors, though many are too weak or crippled to effectively fight. Here, you could find yourself arriving, or perhaps you have been here for awhile; in such a case, you are free to develop your own stim effects, however, if you feel they might be questionable (or lore-breaking) please contact the DM beforehand. Once here, it would be easy to mingle among your peers, waiting out the inevitable, or you could attempt a daring escape.
Darkness permeates the corridors, a haunting scene from an unreal reality; you don't know why you're here, you don't know why they chose you - hell, you had only woken up a week ago, subject to cruel, humiliating experiments before being deposited here, cloaked in a rubbery, uncomfortable garb. You were forbidden from changing, it's not like you could do it in secret; your very rooms were exposed, a single sheet of duraglass between you and the outside world - strangers past, laughing at inaudible jokes, enjoying their lives, yet you, for reasons unknown, where here, on the other side. You used the bathroom out in the open, or not at all; you were free to eat with the others, or to lounge about in a recreational room, overseen by a small army of guards - it beet that other place by a mile, but it still made you feel subhuman.
Like you were an animal.
•-•
Cell Block A is the main living quarters of the prison population, where those who survive Cell Block B are deposited; living conditions have improved immensely, with each prisoner receiving a personal cell with proper living conditions, including a toiletries and table to dine alone, if they so choose. Even with its exposed nature, now shower curtains, no stall - a fact which left them exposed to any passerby - it was certainly an improvement from the past experience, except for the reality of all those empty cells around you. They were pre-made, each with a plaque of authentic designation deposited before them, like it was presenting them like some kind of specimen; every so often, some group of strangers would pass by, often in rich or foreign dress, and they would inspect you with intrusive, beady eyes, before passing on to the next survivor.
They were sizing you up for what was to come.
Despite its rather exposed nature, Cell Block A values the mental repairing of the survivors, offering continued therapy service, under heavy observation and a security detail to accompany you; in addition, they provide a wide array of basic recreational activities, music, and an open lobby where prisoners are free to socialize with automated surveillance. The wing is condensed, tucked away into the right shoulder of the ship; overseen by Lt. Authellia, a zabrak, it contains the densest security short of the bridge. A veteran of the Republic War effort, now turned-mercenary, she rules the block with an iron fist, tolerating neither disobediance from prisoners nor failure from one of her own flock. Her punishments are cruel, but rumors have it that those who particularly cross her never return.
The wing is square, with multiple blocks on two, heavily secured floors surrounding a single cafeteria and recreational room. Unlike the previous block, the more compact nature of this location has allowed a more condensed field of security to maintain control; near every exit, a platform controls a series of blast doors and alarms, including a set of wall mounted, manual-targeting turrets, in order to secure who accesses the hold; furthermore, constant patrols and cell checks from armored security squads are a constant reality. With the halls continuously occupied, the only moments of reprieve are brief moments in the cell, completely a matter of chance, since the durasteel supports flanking the edges of the window provide little, if not any, peripheral vision, and the recreational room, located at the center of the block.
In order to leave one's cell, one must use a datapad, fixed to the wall on either side of the room, and sign up for a scheduled cell-walk performed by a pair of security officers, named Dave and Crul, and a massive assault droid which tails them named DOX, heavily armored and outfitted to wipe out a small battalion. DOX is the more laid back of the three, often tagging along lethargically and taking detours due to an over-programmed personality matrix. It's not unoften one will spot DOX alone, or only D&C (as they are lovingly called), patrolling without their more capable, friendly companion. However, the rooms remain thoroughly inspected; maintenance shafts are locked by electrical seals - roof-mounted power feeds are, as before, attached to alarms. Finally, security cameras directly hook up to a display found within the barracks, located externally of the cell block.
OBJECTIVE III:
- Location: Cell Block C
- Overview: Here, you fight to survive; there's no way around it. Here, in Cell Block C, it operates more like a fight club than an actual prison. No one is really certain of the criteria to enter, some say you gotta really spit in the face of the authority, others believe you're just a prime example of stim research; others feel they're just really unlucky. Regardless, picked from among the ranks of Cell Block A, dozens of prisoners are ushered into an empty supply room, surrounded by guards and ilk. It's simple, really: you're pushed into the center and forced to fight one another. The winner gets to eat and a room to sleep, the other dies. No one knows if this is officially sanctioned by the captain of the ship or not, but most guards seem to be in on the game; bets are placed, lost - fights aren't exclusive to the prisoners. Here, security is at is toughest, but the ragged nature of it leaves plenty to be desired.
Crack! The room is slick with blood, the walls reinforced with all sorts of trash the guards could muster; vents, old blast doors, scrap - all fused into the wall like a junkyard hell. Perhaps that's what this was - they gathered people in their sleep and brought them here; you fight and win, you live better than the rest, that was the deal. They emptied out an old, unused barracks for that; you got three full meals, got to do whatever you want. They'd go easy on you, it was psychological, they thought once you tasted the fruits of your labor, that this is all you'd ever need. CRACK! Another strike hits him in the jaw, blood sprays, a tooth hits the floor, the root shattered. Maybe they're right, what else is out there? Crack! The guy goes down - damn, is he dead? His eyes rolled back; he's shaking a bit. Yeah, the world outside's probably just as bad.
•-•
If you asked anyone on the Purgatory about Cell Block C it doesn't exist and it doesn't, not officially. Part of the overall experiments running aboard the ship, this one is disguised as an underground fighting ring, run by the senior officers of the ship beneath Lt. Camimur, a bloodthirsty savage who thrives off the old concepts of honor and valor through combat. Here, those who have displayed potential combat efficiency are tested against their peers; pitted against one another, in the image of what was to come, they're given a simple object: fight or die. They are gathered to the center of the room and proceed to beat each other to death with their fists, those who resist are promptly executed and disposed of. However, those who oblige and succeed are promptly rewarded with superior treatment, further pressuring them to indulge in combat.
However, its often that some will disappear without warning; in prologue to the future event, the stress of combat needs to be tested. Not all survive the unpleasant effects as the body readjusts to the stress of its newfound abilities, such as in the case of those with advanced strength; the sheer force emitted from the blows are enough to rip muscle clean from bone and, rather than treat the individual, who has demonstrated an instinctual inability to control their power, are promptly disposed of, alive, within the garbage chute, to join the bodies of those killed in Cell Block B. However, rumors persist of survivors, cannibals, who live in the bowels of the ship, creeping up through the vents to feed on prisoners and security as they sleep . . . .
Regardless, what Cell Block C has in terror, it lacks in finesse. Officer patrol routes and structural integrity are never stalwart, the walls reinforced heavily with scrap due to multitudes of design flaws that inhabit the ship. Beyond this remains a variety of discarded machinery and equipment, which inmates are encouraged to utilize against their peers; however, should anyone turn their strikes against the personnel, a decimation will be incited, where the perpetrator will be apprehended and every other tenth inmate shot. Once the executions have halted, the perpetrator will be released to the crowd and abandoned, left to be ripped to pieces by his vengeful brothers. What remains is then collected and properly disposed of to maintain some standard of cleanliness.
"It's a battlefield, not a graveyard," said Lt. Camimur.
OBJECTIVE IV:
- Location: Make Your Own!
- Goal: Fell free to create your own objective, so long as it doesn't override the current pacing of the thread. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
MEANWHILE....
"I want a report," the captain snorted; "Someone get a hold of the lieutenants, we're going to arrive soon - preparations need to be made for a secure transaction."
"Yes, sir!"
Captain Llor Bel of the Purgatory, a gaunt man, with wispy, white hair; he looked like a ghost, the perfect impression of his own ship's namesake. He had the personality of a restless spirit, too, oft-seen haunting the bridge in the early hours, pacing back and forth, flicking his cloak about. He was a deathly fright to stumble into during those hours, he built up temper with motion, and, by the Force, did he move a lot. However, this inspired a frightfully quick and precise response from those he spoke to; he never once struck them, some swore he'd never killed a man, but regardless, he held a terrifying frigid chill behind his weary eyes, enough to make anyone want to avoid it. Perhaps he hadn't killed someone before, because everyone was so busy trying to stay on his good side.
However, if there was anything that could sour his mood, it was the chain of command; Talron, on one hand, was a whole different beast, but his lieutenants were fiercely independent. Of course, there was Vodnik, he'd never piss without permission; Authellia and Camimur, on the other hand, often openly challenged his decisions. You'd think he'd be bleeding red, Llor's cheeks would light up like a rose on fire and the words that came out were enough to shake the foundation of any Jedi's faith in all that was good. Regardless, they kept on inciting him; maybe they felt like he'd die faster that way. Maybe it was the opposite, that the more they incited him into an unbidden fury, the more he'd have to ultimately live for.
However, what came onto the screen was neither their likeness, nor that of any of the usual crew; a figure, draped in black appeared, a holographic representation of a lifelike shadow, one cut out of the solid void. He radiated nothing, not an overwhelming malevolence, nor good intent; he simply was a black hole in space. Simply looking at him might have dazed oneself, the voice enigmatic, echoing in a genderless sound, its language foreign - no, it was standard, but the accent . . . its very existence locked the entire crew in a trance as it spoke: "Captain," it spoke, its voiced balancing on a cadence of inquiry, "I trust you have experienced little trouble on your journey?" Rather than a fiery response, as the bridge officers had long since grown accustomed to, Llor knelt, wobbling on aged, arthritis-riddled knees and, all around, jaws dropped.
"Lord Talron," he replied. "No, sir; everything is proceeding as scheduled."
"It won't remain that way for long."
"S-sir?" asked Llor, watery eyes peering up, startled. He stammered, attempting to find his place again; by now, the crew had begun a silent retreat to the edges of the cabin, lest that dark figure take note of their presence. Garnering his attention would be death, cried instinct; they fled before him. "I said," responded the figure impatiently, "'It won't remain that way for long.' Must I repeat myself? Ah, I already did . . . Llor," the figure shimmered, "Have things not always gone according to my plans?" The captain shook his head vigorously. "You have always been right, sir. Your plans have what led us this far, without you we would have never obtained this-" He stiffened. "Where are my manners, sir? Please, forgive me for speaking out of place; what would you have me do?"
"Three days," replied the Lord; "For three days, utilize the information that I give you; understand what needs to be done and lay a foundation of trust in me, if you have not already."
And then, the figure discarded his robes, and portrayed the likeness of an elderly man, though one cast purely of ornate iron, with a beard of chainmail and crown infused upon a weak, ancient brow; eyes black slits, though peering out with a maintained darkness which was previously exhibited in his form. His presence was not that of evil, but of a deeper, carnal malevolence. He was primal horror incarnate.
"Then be done."