Public Lashes, Lies & Low Frequencies

[Andrew Lonek]

From within the rusted hallways, the first of the security droids lurches forward. Matte-black plating, shoulder cannons whirring to life.

Andrew: "Cover left."

The first blast flies—

 

[Kaelon Virex]

But Kael dives beneath it, slicing upward with a plasma-edged blade Andrew had stashed for him. Sparks fly. The droid's legs give out as Kael vaults over the wreckage.

Kael: "Did that one blink?"

 

[Andrew Lonek]

Andrew: "Try harder. That one was rusted."

Two more droids converge — flanking.

Andrew rockets forward, his right gauntlet punching one straight through the torso, his left repulsor melting the second mid-spin.

Andrew: "Three down."

 

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael: "Three left. Race?"

 

[Andrew Lonek]

Andrew: "Winner doesn't have to carry you home."

 

[Kaelon Virex]

They move in sync — a storm of fire and blade — until the final droid falls with a metallic wail, its body crumpling under Kael's knee-strike.

Kael (panting): "That... was satisfying."

 

[Andrew Lonek]

Andrew: "Don't celebrate yet. We haven't found her."

 

[Kaelon Virex]

They reach the freighter's command module — hollowed out, redesigned with Ghost's signature mix of ancient Sith aesthetics and assassin functionality.


Kael scans the screens, eyes flickering with dread.

Kael: "He's been watching her. This isn't a trap—it's a performance."

 

[Andrew Lonek]

Andrew tenses. "Then let's end the show."

 

[Mann Dawncaster]

Suddenly, the main display flares to life — Ghost's mask filling the screen.

Ghost: "You made good time. I was hoping to see you both before the curtain call."

 

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael snarls, "Where is she?!"

 

[Mann Dawncaster]

Ghost (calmly): "Walking free, for now. But if I die—she dies."

"There's a failsafe. Implanted at the temple. Pulse-triggered. My biometrics control it. You kill me, and her brain lights up like festival fireworks."

 

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael stumbles back, horror blooming.

"You bastard—"

 

[Mann Dawncaster]

Ghost: "You want her alive? Then don't get heroic."

 

[Andrew Lonek]

Andrew steps forward, voice low. Controlled. Boiling.

"Kael — go."

"I'll handle him. You find her. And if he's lying… disable whatever you find in her head."

 

[Mann Dawncaster]

Doors hiss open.

Ghost stands waiting — cloaked, calm, saber-pike in hand, the blade burning black with red edges — forbidden tech.

 

[Andrew Lonek]

Andrew steps in, armor gleaming, jets flaring behind him.

Andrew: "No more words."

 

[Mann Dawncaster]

Ghost: "Agreed."

The fight erupts.

 

[Andrew Lonek]

Andrew's gauntlets clash with Ghost's saber-pike — blow for blow, sparks flying across the dark metal walls. They move like gods locked in hate — each strike calibrated, each motion learned from war.


Andrew takes a cut across the shoulder — but counters with a crushing punch to Ghost's ribs.


Ghost's blade arcs in return, grazing Andrew's helmet. Blood sprays beneath. He staggers—

Andrew (growling): " C.E.R.A. . —online!"

 

[C.E.R.A.]

A voice chimes in. Feminine. Cold.

C.E.R.A.: "Synchronization complete. Tactical override enabled."

From the shadows behind them, a sleek drone rig drops into place — C.E.R.A., fully embodied in aerial-linked modules and emitter drones.

She matches Andrew's movements with algorithmic precision — projecting force fields at his flanks, blasting coordinated micro-pulses to intercept Ghost's swings.

C.E.R.A.: "Threat neutralization probability: 73%... escalating."