Mission Moon's Haunted || Haxion Brood

[A Brooding Muse]

M O O N ' S​

H A U N T E D​

As ever, the Haxion Brood was on the move.

With their aim being to have their fingers in every Underworld pie, the organization had its ear to the ground in many respects. They were always on the lookout for potential allies, opportunities to expand their operations, and new assets that could be...acquired. So it was that one of their operatives made contact with a strange individual in the Unknown Regions. He introduced himself simply as The Baron and shared a story that was all-too commonplace in the modern Galaxy. A lifetime ago, this figure served an empire that had come and gone. And in the wake of the nation's collapse, he found himself with access to a moon and the shipyard suspended in its orbit.

Over time, The Baron resumed the operations of both, seemingly creating an effective loop of harvesting the moon's resources to churn out starships. This was just the kind of opportunity that the Brood craved - thus, initial negotiations took place. It wouldn't do, of course, to simply take some stranger on the ass end of the Galaxy's word for their production capabilities. But after The Baron provided a modern warship with plenty of bells and whistles...well...suffice it to say the Brood was on ready and willing to put pen to paper.

So it was that an invitation to visit the Durace System was made.

So it was that the Haxion Brood prepared two parties, in accordance to the invitation's details.

The first was scheduled to meet with The Baron aboard the shipyard. There they intended to negotiate the finer details of working together. Meanwhile, the second was invited to inspect the lunar facilities below. Thus, when the two vessels reverted into realspace, they anticipated an open-and-shut kind of afternoon. That was not in the cards.

As soon as the station and its mining facilities came into view, there was something...out of place. It was easy to assume that, due to its remote location, the shipyard wouldn't always be churning out vessels...but the station seemed powered down. There were no lights. There we no crew ships. Nothing. The situation on the surface was identical. One would think that a mining operation would be working pretty consistently, especially with guests arriving...but there was inaction. There were some vehicles strewn about, but all of them were powered down. Once more, there were no lights. No nothing.

Obviously, the situation screamed "sketchy", and the some aboard the vessels wanted to turn right back around. However...some saw a golden opportunity. If the moon and station were derelict, why not simply take them? With this backup in mind, the Brood proceeded, intent on making lemonade if they were served lemons. When the parties diverged, there was justifiable tension in the air. What awaited the syndicate aboard the station? Who was this so-called Baron?

Were they walking into a trap? Or something worse?

Only time would tell.

Spoiler: Objectives

You are a member of the party that just landed on the orbital shipyard. Upon disembarking the transport, you'll quickly notice that the station is most likely running on emergency power. There is oxygen and artificial gravity, but the available lighting is very dim and far between. As you and your fellows take your first apprehensive steps, a screen at the far end of the hall snaps on. There, you are greeted by the raspy voice of The Baron who bids you a fond welcome to his abode. You are invited to join him at the Bridge, where formal negotiations will take place. Before anyone can get a word in, the communication is concluded...but not before the screen's light reveals the "finer" details of the hall to your eyes. The walls are scorched with evidence of blaster fire. Panels are smashed and broken. And worse...bodies litter the way forward.

How will you proceed?​

You are a member of the party that has descended to the lunar mining facilities. After disembarking, the first thing of note is that there is an artificial atmosphere in place - allowing all to freely breathe. The second thing of note is the entrance to the mines. Though the vehicles and other buildings are clearly powered down, there is clearly something active within this structure. Drawing closer to the entrance introduces you to the only "living" figure the group has witnessed thus far: a protocol droid designated The Baroness. She bids you a warm welcome to the mine and offers to be your guide through the facilities. Before any of you can ask for clarity, The Baroness heads deeper into the mines.

What will taking the "tour" have in store?​

You are a member of the Brood who has decided to go about their own way. Maybe you split up from the party on the shipyard to explore the station at your leisure. Perhaps you departed from the team at the mines to get a better feel for your surroundings. Whichever the case may be, the station and the lunar facilities are yours to explore...and exploit...as you see fit.

Do be careful, won't you?​

Spoiler: Tag

Tamsin Graves
Under Foot
Thayne Tameron
The Hyacinth
Syoh Pa
Countess Anétresya
IG-44
Torn Eskol
The Asphodel
Kyyrin
Kurayami Bloodborn
Tarasynora
Moot
Todblaz Graker
Liin "Tera" Terallo
Kuben Woods
Klavatora Verd
Darth Incitrix
Malok
Alluria Ivalice
Kittani Eris
Kyyrin
Leldra Kaar
Kira Vel Nath
Sabine Delacroix
Lyssara Talis
Jogon
Srina Talon
Valeria de la Vallée
Velda Nar-Donna
Jonah
Kaila Irons
Leven Jeyd

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

​

There was a strange buzz all around the ship once it had arrived at it's destination. I had caught wind of it. I myself was brought a long to help with the negotiating stage; given my vast experience in the corporate world. However catching word that the orbital shipyard seemed empty had caught my attention enough for me to observe through a transparasteel window. To my surprise they were correct! There seemed to be no activity that I could spot and it looked so very dark within. That in and of itself caused me to run through various scenarios in my mind as to why that could be. Our best bet was that eveyone was told to cease their tasks and line up to greet us like an Estate's staff. But right away I knew that that was highly unlikely. I am not familiar with this sector of space.

Still, I am not discouraged. Jonah had prmised that I would always be safe within the company of the Brood, and so I would not back away from this meeting due to finding the circumstances to be a little unnerving.

Entering the orbital shipyard, I listen to our footsteps on the durasteel floor. They sounded almost hollow and more tinny than usual. But that could be in part of the durasteel's metals in space, couldn't it?

The sudden projection of the Baron on screen caused me to pause in my footsteps and stiffen. The message was both formal and brief before it was suddenly cut off. After a moment my eyes adjust to the dark, now picking up on the clutter everywhere. Is this how shipyards always are? "Did anyone recieve a map of this shipyard to show us the way to the br--" my voice catches in my throat as I spot a body on the floor. Up above him was another tangled up in some cables and wires like a marionet puppet.

I reach for my folded feathered fan that was clipped to the belt of my dress, knowing that within the handle there lays a small dagger. Whatever good that will do for me here, I am uncertain. But nothing here seems right.

"I think that someone unpleasant got here first. What should we do now?"

Tag: OPEN

 

[Kaila Irons]

"We take it slow but we keep moving." Darth Anathemous addressed the group and Liin "Tera" Terallo 's question as she moved to the front, her voice deeply modulated by the sith war mask about her face.

It was a stark contrast to the usual suit and tie Kaila once wore while addressing the syndicate. Dressed in her battle armor and silken cloak, the newly risen Military Governor of Echnos and Underboss of the Red Ronin Clan was past the need for such subtleties, not among The Brood, not among her people. They knew what she was, now she was free to demonstrate who she was.

Nevertheless, even this dark lady of the sith was quite off put by the mysterious scene and it's implications.

She knelt beside one of the corpses, her palm producing a small flame to light her vision while she observed the body's condition, looking for signs of decay, the color of dried or fresh blood, anything to determine how recent the battle was, and to identify all parties involved.

Though she already suspected this "Baron".

"We should leave some forces here to secure our exit if things get... exciting."

She motioned for her team of Red Ronin Commando Droids to do just that, the droids kneeling or taking cover as they set up a defensive perimeter around the group's entry point.

In the meantime, she looked for dear Tarasynora and her de facto apprentice Tamsin Graves as she stood, concerned for both their safety.

"Tamsin? Synora...?" it was difficult to see them in the dimly lit station

"Please, stay close. I have a bad feeling about this"

Even under the oppressive interference of her vocal modulator, the hushed and worried tone in her voice towards the two bled through the electronic distortions. If anything were to happen to them, why she'd tear this whole shipyard apart looking for the baron.

They may have to yet, if they wished to uncover the truth.

OPEN: Liin "Tera" Terallo Tarasynora Tamsin Graves

 

[Tamsin Graves]

Theme: Bad Moon
Equipment: GL-13 blaster | Combat Knife | Multi-Tool
Tags: Kaila Irons | Tarasynora | Liin "Tera" Terallo

---

It was pitch dark as she made her way into the station at Kaila's side, with another one joining them Tarasynora a friend of Kaila's that Tamsin had just met. The most notable thing for the first time in Tamsin's life she felt tall, a good four inches taller then Tarasynora. Not a lot but enough to make Tamsin feel like she wasn't in the land of giants anymore. As Kaila pushed ahead she stayed next to Tarasynora, in an awkward silence. Tamsin didn't know what to say, it was the whole ambiance of the darkness that made the whole situation of talking weird to her.

I mean what do you say to someone in a dark room. You can't just say hey that looks cool what do you think, when you couldn't see a damn thing. As her eyes started to adjust she could start to make out the silhouettes of objects and shadows on the wall but nothing clearly. A small flame of light appeared, Tamsin could make out a hand holding the small flame of light, and it was being held over something. She squinted her eyes, was that a corpse?

Then she heard Kaila's helmet voice talk about securing exits and the next thing was the Ronin droids moving to guard the exits. She leaned to the side where Tarasynora had been. "What does she mean by exciting?" Part of Tasmin hoped she meant a surprise welcome to the station party. However, she had been with Kaila long enough to know that probably wasn't the excitement she was talking about. Her hand went to her side, and she grasped the hilt of the combat knife she had recently purchased.

Which as she did gave her an idea, not something for current situation. She should howl out the hilt and build a flashlight into it. "Over here." She called out as Kaila called her. Then there was the excitement Kaila had spoken of a bad feeling. "Sounds like a normal Centaxday, then." She said cheekily. Though she wasn't sure if it was Centaxday, the days had blurred together over the last few weeks always on the go with Kaila. "Was that a corpse over there?" She pointed in the direction of where she had seen what she now assumed was Kaila's fire. Granted her pointing couldn't really be seen by Kaila. It was also strange how the cite of a corpse and the darkness didn't seem to cause panic in Tamsin, but she had seen dead bodies before horribly mutilated ones at that, and being in dark holes was a punishment she had grown use to long ago.

 

[Tarasynora]

Location: Moon Shipyard - Durace System
Tag: Liin "Tera" Terallo Kaila Irons Tamsin Graves

A change of plans given the unexpected (albeit not unprepared for) shift in circumstances had seen Tara exchange the stolen luxury dress she had initially intended to wear for the negotiations for her bodysuit and its accompanying helmet. She had been compelled to arm herself as well, to which she had brought her familiar shock pistol, a vibroblade concealed on her left arm, and of course the armaments integrated into her boots. Still, while she was not quite armed to the extent of a professional fighter, with all of her weapons combined the Elzeri had enough lethality to defend herself and strike back at any assailants in turn.

And of course, she was her voice, as well.

Nevertheless, Tara regarded the area with a slack jaw and a glassy-eyed gaze, especially as her helmet’s optics lit up the darkness to allow her to see the bodies strewn throughout—all in varying stages of decomposition or gruesome mutilation. For a novice criminal, this amount of death was unsettling, and she was glad that her helmet was capable of filtering out whatever horrid smell the bodies would have otherwise subjected her senses too.

Fortunately, Tara took some comfort in the fact that she had Kaila and the commando droids with her. She anticipated that the Sith’s apprentice—who the Elzeri had briefly acquainted herself with during the trip—would be able to handle herself in combat as well, though her abilities in that regard were still unknown.

"What does she mean by exciting?"

“Umm...” Tara paused for a moment, before proceeding to softly mime sounds of blaster fire with her voice, followed by the motion of a swinging lightsaber with her arms. And then she regarded the apprentice with a soft smile, as if to say, you get the idea.

Tara turned around then, only to find herself greeted by the sight of the Sith holding fire in her hand. The Elzeri’s already large eyes turned into saucers. Even with the relative ubiquity of Force-users, it was one thing to hear of Kaila’s powers from the various Ronin and Clanlings who served under her. It was quite another to see them come alight with her own eyes.

"Sounds like a normal Centaxday, then."

Tara sighed and shifted her attention elsewhere. A normal Centaxday, indeed.

Spoiler: Loadout

• Pulsiva Bodysuit Mk. II - Aesthetic
  
  • Arms
    
    • Gauntlet Comp - R
      
      • Loaded with FAE/S-11 Universal Communication Matrix
    • FAE/M-02 Energized Gauntlet Vibroblade - L
  • FAE/A-14 Energized Foot Gear
    
    • Jetboot Thrusters Removed
    • Replaces “Greitis” Class Combat Boots
• Gun Works Shock Pistol
  
  • Attachments
    
    • 1-5x FAE/S-08 Electro-Sight
  • Ammunition
    
    • Power Cell (5)

 

[Todblaz Graker]

Outfit | Ranger Armor
Equipment | Z240 Revolver [Right Hip] | Kriin Sentinel [Cross-Draw Holster] | EL53-Max Knife | Miscellaneous Grenades | AM-67 Lever-Action Rifle
Tags | Liin "Tera" Terallo | Tarasynora | Tamsin Graves | Kaila Irons

Tod's instincts told him something was off. The darkness was didn't leave much to his eyes, letting his mind make up all the absurdities that could lay within it. He was about to shift his rifle from his right hand to a more ready position on his shoulder when a screen across the room flickered to life. The message displayed on it didn't concern him as that was for the others to handle. His job was to be glorified security.

As Liin "Tera" Terallo paused her speech, Tod let out a smirk. "Smells like home," he said, stepping forward. He tapped the side of his helmet, activating a small flashlight that sent a narrow beam illuminating the shadows he looked at.

Approaching one of the corpses, he illuminated the body and crouched to gently lift the wrist. The stiffness in the joints signified the body had entered Rigor Mortis. Well that's no fun, he thought with a mental sigh.

His eyes moved with the beam of light down the hall, but the darkness swallowed the weak glow before it could reach far. Definitely need to upgrade, Tod mused.

His attention shifted to Kaila Irons , who stood nearby with fire dancing in her hand. Neat trick, he thought. "Your Force giving you any info on the scene?" He decided to leave out his usual 'doll' he liked to add, knowing this wasn't the time for his antics.

Rising back to his feet, Tod shifted into a more relaxed, high-ready stance, his rifle shifting in his hands while he moved closer to the group. Lets see where this goes.

 

[A Brooding Muse]

Caution seemed to be the word of the day.

With the promise of warships loomed on the horizon, the team which set foot upon the shipyard took its first tentative steps. They were greeted by the Baron's missive: an invitation to continue on in their quest to better arm their organization. Yet, those who took advantage of the screen's pale light realized things were even stranger than they seemed. It was one thing for the station to be deserted. It was another for their point of entry to be littered with corpses.

Despite this, the Haxion Brood decided to advance. Cautiously of course, but forward nonetheless. A few droids were left by the entrance. A mighty wielder of the Force took point. If anything, they seemed prepared for whatever circumstances crossed their paths.

But were they...truly?

Sssscccchhkkkkrrrrttt!!!​

The cacophony of sound erupted across the entryway. The sound was more than just merely audible, it rang out across the open comm channels as well - filling every helm and ear with the noise. It wasn't loud enough to drive grown men to their knees, but it was certainly disorienting. But that was not the worst of it. Not by a long shot. The Red Ronin Commando droids, tasked with keeping watch over the Brood's entrance...

They began to seize.

Tremors gripped them. Their photoreceptors blared a wild variety of colors whilst crying out - as if they were in utter agony. One even reached out towards Darth Anathemous, as if it were pleading for help...before its limb went limp.

Silence.

The din which came and left as quickly as a lightning strike. But the storm had yet to pass. In but a few moments, the droids' photoreceptors flickered back on...only the color was off. Where once there was a clear white, each was tainted blood red. "FFFA-TH...zzz....THEEERRR...." cried out one of the droids, before its weapon was turned against its masters. The entire squad turned, moving as one efficient unit.

Blaster bolts rang out - some attempting to strike Liin "Tera" Terallo and Kaila Irons directly. Others were fired erratically in the direction of the rest of the host. Meanwhile, the very same droid which had reached out to Kaila now took off running in the opposing direction. Its mighty strides turned into a dive - one aimed squarely at Tarasynora . The strength of the automaton was more than enough to unseat the young criminal and cast her over its shoulder. Landing was another story. Its immediate footsteps showed intention to keep moving down the hallway, away from the direction bid by the Baron. Yet the sound of whining metal filled the air.

The very floor gave way, causing the droid and its victim to slide into the darkness.

Liin "Tera" Terallo , Kaila Irons , Tamsin Graves , Tarasynora , Todblaz Graker​

 

[Kaila Irons]

"Nothing yet," she bitterly replied to Todblaz Graker "Everything feels utterly dead far as my sense can reach. All I know for sure is that these corpses are from many battles, new and old... Something's been killing here a long time"

Anathemous had made a name for herself as something of a tactician and scholar, often delaying her foes and research until she had all relevant information and was prepared for every possible scenario.

To say that she was frustrated with the prospect of wandering blind into a ghost station would be an understatement.

Yet here she was, with people counting on her. Success of the Haxion Brood meant success of The Brotherhood, and success of the Brotherhood meant success for her. She needed to secure a future for herself in case her master ever discovered her true loyalties, and so she needed The Brood to thrive, something that could only happen if they secured those ships.

She had no choice but to move in.

As Tamsin Graves spoke up, she sighed in relief. Their mutual bond was enough to know where she was, but not enough to know that she was alright, it being a power they did not fully understand. To hear her voice soothed her pessimistic nerves.

But it was short lived.

The aforementioned something began screeching, or grinding or some ill omened sound that resonated through the ship. Even the droids began screaming in their simulated voices as Kaila turned to regard them in mixed intrigue and horror.


Her dear friend Saryn Zambrano had instilled a fondness of droids in her, and these were some of his finest designs which traveled with the Ronin. She knew they could feel pain in their own way, that these screams were very much real.

One of them even reached out, like a child reaching for it's mother, or a comrade in his final moments.

Kaila reached her own hand out to catch him, but it was too late. She stopped as it's eyes turned blood red and it's own hand was withdrawn, arms pumping as it ran elsewhere, opposite to the direction they were meant to.

Blaster fire rang out just as quickly, forcing the young darth to draw her lightsaber, it's violet glow lighting the way, soon followed by red plasma as she bat away incoming rounds, saber twirling with a violent grace as she began to draw upon the dark side. It was difficult to sense the murderous intent of droids and so more challenging to deflect incoming fire even as she employed the highly defensive Form III with tight, conservative movements, but it was from her passion to defend those she cared for which she drew power from, empowering her precognition and survival instincts, allowing her to redirect fire back from whence it came, taking out a pair of droids almost as soon as they'd opened fire even despite their precise programming.

Even so her focus was still on her companions. Unable to shake the feeling that Tarasynora was in danger from the back of her mind, her defensive footwork shifted the sith in slow, sidelong steps towards the Elzeri.

Even as the floor began to shift beneath her feet.

Todblaz Graker Tarasynora Liin "Tera" Terallo Tamsin Graves A Brooding Muse

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

​

I do not like this at all. Not only do I feel quite out of place amongst the others; but I really feel out of place within this station. It is derelect, it stinks, and I cannot help but get a sense that it is now a trap.

But who baited them? And why?

I have not been amongst the Brood long enough to learn who their enemies are. I only know of mine own. But that list is extremely small and surely their actions would have been stopped before they even began?

The words of the others give me little comfort. I barely know them and their own disdain over this situation isn't helping matters. I keep close to Tod, however while my eyes dart around at anything that moves and anything that doesn't.

A small scream suddenly escapes me as the screaching noise loudly within the hall. Red lights flicker to life and it takes but a few seconds for me to realize that our protectors have turned into our preditors. And we are the prey.

Blaster bolts fly towards me and I manage to fall behind some debris. I have no laser swords or rifles of my own to counter. All that I can do is hide. I try to keep myself as small as possible, though I can already smell burned hair as some of my strands are burned by a glancing blow of a blaster bolt.

Yet all of that didn't matter any more. Once the floor gave way from beneath my feet, I let out a loud scream while I frantically reached for anything to stop my fall.

Tag: A Brooding Muse Kaila Irons Todblaz Graker Tarasynora Tamsin Graves

 

[Tamsin Graves]

Theme: Bad Moon
Equipment: GL-13 blaster | Combat Knife | Multi-Tool
Tags: Kaila Irons | Tarasynora | Liin "Tera" Terallo | Todblaz Graker

---

One second, she was laughing at the motion Tara made to express what exciting meant and listening to Kaila before a screeching noise sounded. The next second, she felt like she just got hit by a speeder bike going mach ten as a droid shoulder rolled into her to scoop up Tara who was standing next to her. She fell back slamming into a nearby wall as blaster fire erupted around. Her head slammed against the durasteel hull, she slumped to the ground as she slid down the wall her butt coming to rest on top of a corpse.

Her vision blurred but she could see the fussy outlines of Kaila's blades coming to life. Deflecting the red blaster bolts at the droids that had gone nuts. Dark and blurry, he rhead pounding as she tried to pull herself together and piece together what the hell was happening. A stray blaster bolt buzzed by her head and scorched the wall behind her she heard it whiz and dissipate. Her head slowly turned to the side and looked at the scorch mark on the wall.

Her eyes went wide as the orange rings around her iris's instantly lit up illuminating the room for her. She saw Kaila staring off in the direction the droid that had taken Tara had run off in. She saw all of the destroyed droids, droids she knew Kaila had cared a lot about. She saw Liin "Tera" Terallo hiding behind cover. Then she heard it, the floor cracking and giving away beneath them.

Durasteel cracking and crumbling under the stress, buckling and folding. Things were going from bad to worse, and she couldn't help but think it was because of her. She was a the bad omen after all, an unlucky charm. On instinct and pure adrenaline Tamsin lurched forward pushing herself back to her feet. "Wait!" Her arm outstretched as if to reach out and stop Kaila. "The Floooooor!" As she said it the floor gave way under her and she found herself tumbling into the unknown beneath her feet. She heard Liins screams too as she fell.

 

[Tarasynora]

Location: Moon Shipyard - Durace System
Tag: Liin "Tera" Terallo Kaila Irons Tamsin Graves A Brooding Muse

Tara offered the apprentice a soft smile as she laughed at her rendition. However, it was only then that a loud, eerie screeching noise ripped through the comms, drawing a high-pitched scream from her lips as her ultrasensitive ears amplified the noise, causing a painful sensation to erupt within her skull. Fortunately, her helmet’s integrated sonic nullifiers kicked in to prevent permanent damage, but the loud ringing swiftly brought the Elzeri down onto her knees, the world seeming to whirl within her perception for a few moments.

And then, just as she was about to recover, it turned upside down.

Tara felt something hard and metal under her chest. The sensation of motion—being carried away by legs that were not her own—caused her eyes to bulge from her skull with equal parts terror and confusion, compelling the siren to resist with her most potent weapon.

“LET ME GO!” Tara cried out, her scream echoing piercing notes of compulsion which might have otherwise bound anyone else to her will. Instead, the Elzeri’s brows rose in confusion as the droid carrying her away failed to heed her command, instead pressing on as if her words were little more than a distraction.

And just as Tara realized why her words had gone unheeded, her world faded into darkness and a sensation of weightlessness came over her, a scream leaving her lips as in the process.

Spoiler: Loadout

• Pulsiva Bodysuit Mk. II - Aesthetic
  
  • Arms
    
    • Gauntlet Comp - R
      
      • Loaded with FAE/S-11 Universal Communication Matrix
    • FAE/M-02 Energized Gauntlet Vibroblade - L
  • FAE/A-14 Energized Foot Gear
    
    • Jetboot Thrusters Removed
    • Replaces “Greitis” Class Combat Boots
• Gun Works Shock Pistol
  
  • Attachments
    
    • 1-5x FAE/S-08 Electro-Sight
  • Ammunition
    
    • Power Cell (5)

 

[Todblaz Graker]

​

Outfit | Ranger Armor
Equipment | Z240 Revolver [Right Hip] | Kriin Sentinel [Cross-Draw Holster] | EL53-Max Knife | Miscellaneous Grenades | AM-67 Lever-Action Rifle
Tags | Liin "Tera" Terallo | Tarasynora | Tamsin Graves | Kaila Irons

As Tod closed in on the group, a deafening noise hit him, causing a brief stumble. He slammed his hand into the side of his helmet to kill all noise, plunging his world into silence. Around him, the droids were collapsing, their lights turning off as they fell. Now at the group, he watched the droids as they slowly rose again, their photoreceptor giving off a menacing red hue.

When the blasters erupted, Tod repositioned himself between the group and as many droids as he could, using his body as a shield. A second slap to his helmet brought sound rushing back, the familiar sound of battle came to him. He trained his rifle on the nearest droid, slam-firing shots at their heads, moving rapidly between targets with the confident in his marksmanship.

A blaster bolt struck his chest, leaving only a scorched mark on his beskar. He wasn't as lucky with the second bolt, grazing his unarmored outer thigh, sending a searing pain up his leg. Adrenaline surged through him, pushing the pain to the back of his mind and keeping him on his feet.

Tod swung his rifle to aim at the droid who shot him. But before he could pull the trigger, the floor suddenly felt uneven beneath him. In an instant it was gone, robbing him of his footing entirely.

His shot went wild, striking the ceiling, as he disappeared into the darkness.

 

[A Brooding Muse]

CCCRRAAAAAAAAAASH!!!!!​

The combination of many things resulted in the perilous fall that befell both man and droid alike. The age of the station. The amount of disrepair. And as Darth Anathemos had aptly pointed out - the amount of combat which had taken place within that very hall. The structural integrity was far from being sound and finally gave way when the compromised Commando droid attempted to escape.

Down into the darkness they fell.

And amidst the black did a cacophony erupt. The sound of the corridor giving way, only to plunge down to the floor underneath. And after the grating din subsided, those who survived would be surrounded by darkness. However, soon, their "former" allies would provide some semblance of a reprieve. Multiple sets of crimson photoreceptors would rise in the darkness. Then, another noise. The sound of rubble being effortlessly pushed off of metallic chassis.

Would this be the end of the expedition? Would another group fall victim and become a pile of corpses forgotten in the station's halls? Not yet.

Defiance came in the form of another screen. Its pure light illuminated the space the Haxion Brood now found itself within. And as the Baron's visage entered the frame, what appeared to be static erupted over the comm. The figure spoke no words - and like before, his appearance ended just as quickly as it had began. But this time, the noise returned the world to its before state. How? The crimson photoreceptors quickly blinked out of view, only to be replaced with their original hue. The surviving Commandos buzzed - their systems rebooting...

Those who survived were five in number. The rest had been shattered by the fall. The first to fully reset was the one who had captured the knife-eared woman. Fortunately, as she was a target, the Commando had seen to her survival of the fall. It lost a limb in the process, but Tara would be no further worse for wear. The Droid then looked upon her, then down to its hand, as if horrified by what had happened just moments ago. Was that possible? Was the automaton able to truly understand fear?

If it wasn't, it was certainly doing a good job of imitating. "We must die." it said, uttering in the monotone its line was so infamous for. "We must die. We must die." Its photoreceptors then settled upon Tara. "Or you will. F-Father wants..."

The Droid trailed off, opting to reach for the elf's face. It then tapped its frigid digit upon her brow, as if to illustrate its point. "Your mind. Minds. All minds. Your minds." The Commando then placed its hand upon its head.

"We must die. We must die. We must die. Wemust die. Wemustdie. Wemust-"

And as it fervently repeated this mantra, the droid's hand gripped with all of its strength. Metal screeched. Wires snapped. And soon, the Commando had ripped itself from the world. But it was not alone. The other four Droids joined it in this mantra. Only two paused. One who tried its best to "atone" by moving the rubble around the fallen Brood, as if to liberate them from anything that may have landed upon them.

The other looked to the man with the lever-action rifle. A fresh ping sounded in the man's helmet...

But before any words could be spoken about it. Before any context could be asked. The Commandos executed themselves one after the other. Some used the weapons they yet clung to. Others pried their heads clean from their chassis.

Now, the Brood were all alone, surrounded by nothing but darkness..

Liin "Tera" Terallo | Todblaz Graker | Tamsin Graves | Kaila Irons​

[/code]

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

​

Falling....

Falling....

....And then the inevitable end.I tried to brace myself for it in whatever manner that I could, turning my body in such a way to be flat so that I wouldn't break my legs in the landing. But I wonder how smart that is as the breath is knocked out of me and the back of my head hits the floor. For many moments, I cannot breathe; that is until my lungs relax enough to allow the breath in. My head hurts and so does my body. Is there even a medic on the ship they arrived in? Or a med kit?

More banging sounds, cause me to painfully wince, flickers of light and sounds are the only things cutting through the musty air. And what they represent offer me no glimmer of hope. Not in the slightest. Instead I am filled with a feeling of dread. The guards have killed themselves, leaving whomever is left alive to fend for themselves.

Including me.

But I do not know how. Not surprising to everyone else in the Brood, I'm sure. I was not prepared for this. It was supposed to be a simple business meeting.

Plunged in darkness once again, I allow my tears to fall. No one can see my pain, no one can see me at my weak moment. I quietly let it out, giving myself but a few dozen seconds of grief before I bottle it all up inside, rebuilding my emotional walls. None would care about them anyways or of myself. I need to try to survive on my own. And the best way that I knew how was to somehow get back to the ship we had arrived in.

Carefully I roll over onto my side, giving myself some time so that I do not get myself dizzy. My head begins to throb, but I try to pay it no mind as I move from my knees and up onto my feet. I can only imagine how ruined my dress is. And where is my fan? I can't see it. I can't see anything.

"Meeting's adjourned. Time to go home." I don't say those words to anyone in particular. It's moreso for my own sake than anything else. Battered and bruised, I slide my feet forward, one by one as I hold my arms out, searching for something to purchase them on. Maybe there was a way to somehow climb up where we had fallen? I doubt very much that I would come across a stairwell or functioning turbolift...

Tag: A Brooding Muse Kaila Irons Todblaz Graker Tarasynora Tamsin Graves

 

[Kaila Irons]

“LET ME GO!”

"I'm coming!" Kaila shouted urgently, her careful shuffle giving way to a sudden sprint even under fire, her graceful defense turning to powerful and violent parries even as she ran.

She leapt over corpses illuminated by her lightsaber, ducked under swinging vibro-blades in the hands of her own droids, refusing to give ground even as one of them made purchase across her upper arm, the skill of these droids such that even sith could not afford a lapse in concentration. Yet even as the warm sensation of blood seeped into her bodyglove, the sith continued, nearly barreling into Tamsin Graves .

She came to a skittering halt, saber held behind her in a shien grip so as not to skewer her own apprentice by mistake as she slid within arm's reach, shoulders rising with each heavy breath.

"Wait!" Her arm outstretched as if to reach out and stop Kaila. "The Floooooor!"

"The-?"

Her breath hitched as the structure gave way, droids sliding past her on texture less feet just before she and Tamsin both went falling down, down, down into the abyss.

Kaila fell faster than her smaller apprentice, her metal bones adding to the weight of her larger physique despite her graceful use of the force to mitigate this fact. She lost her footing quickly, planting her lightsaber deep into the steel deck to slow her fall, but it could only do so much. Instead she slowly cut a straight line downward as she held onto her saber with both hands, augments she had never asked for dragging her down all the same until she saw nothing-

Only darkness.




Moments passed her by in utter silence.

Then a light flickered through a tiny crack in her visor.

She opened her eyes, groaning in pain, her sleeve slick with blood, causing her to nearly slip as she pushed herself off the cold floor.

Her senses indicated that everyone was still alive, and so she approached the nearest living thing, that being Tarasynora . She could see the droids returning to normal as she stumbled forward at a newly relaxed pace, taking a moment to cauterize her wound by holding her own lightsaber blade to it, melting the flesh back together as she tried to hold back a scream, instead wincing through grit teeth.

From there she held the saber above her head, using it like a torch as she knelt beside the Elzeri woman and the conversing droid.

But the droid's revelation was far from comforting.

Or you will. F-Father wants..."

The Droid trailed off, opting to reach for the elf's face. It then tapped its frigid digit upon her brow, as if to illustrate its point. "Your mind. Minds. All minds. Your minds."

She watched the gesture carefully, and it was in this moment which the young but relentlessly trained sorceress realized that this was no mere technology which turned the droids. Already her mind was racing, trying to recall any such powers she had read of in the endless libraries of Malsheem, and the possession courses taught by the occult master of dead Yalara within it's nightmarish academy.

Knowing what she must do, she desperately tried to recall the use of a power that her master had employed during the Siege of Echnos, and which she had momentarily tapped into whilst learning to ward off demonic spirits.

Battle meditation...

But she would have to share her findings later, as she was left speechless by the mass suicide of her own robotic guard, the metallic crunch and self inflicted blaster wounds causing the young darth to flinch, hand clenching into a fist as her eyes shut hard.

And when she could hear no more, they opened, burning with a dark side infused fire that shone bright in the dark.

"...are you alright?" she asked Synora, tenderly despite vowing internally to destroy whatever had done this, and whatever unlucky freak had chosen to send her own droids after her companions.

"Meeting's adjourned. Time to go home."

"...miss Terallo is right, we need to leave..." she offered the Elzeri a hand up.

"But if I find whoever did this..."

Liin "Tera" Terallo Tarasynora Tamsin Graves Todblaz Graker

 

[Tamsin Graves]

Theme: Bad Moon
Equipment: GL-13 blaster | Combat Knife | Multi-Tool
Tags: Kaila Irons | Tarasynora | Liin "Tera" Terallo | Todblaz Graker

---

Kaila tumbled into the darkness past her, as well as debris chunks of metal, plaster, and insulation. It all seemed to go slow the fall into darkness. Your life flashing before your eyes because you didn't know what was at the bottom of the pit awaiting you. For Tamsin it was a very short existence that flashed in that moment, a hard painful one that only in the last few months had anything that anyone would consider good in it. No answers to the greater questions that still loomed over her like who was she really, and what was haunting her.

Her eyes closed tightly as she drifted downwards, it was only a few seconds, but it felt like a couple of lifetimes. Her small frame came crashing down on top of debris and the durasteel floor below. The wind instantly knocked of her with a heavy hard gasp of air exiting her lungs. The popping and cracking of ribs from the hard fall, she thought for sure she was dead as her orange ringed eyes opened staring up at the place she had fallen from.

She could just see the flickering of screens out of the corner of her eyes and the face of the baron on them. Her head rang from the noise and there was a pounding numbness as she tried to concentrate and focus. It was so oddly comfortably painful to her, familiar yet distant that feeling like this was meant to be normal in a frakked up way. She felt stronger for some reason not weaker like she should with cracked ribs and severe concussion.

"Kaila, are you alive?" cough**cough She called out hacking and wheezing as air returned her lungs though it was still hard to breath. God, she hoped Kaila was alive though something in her that weird connection they had told her she was. She slowly pushed herself up to a sitting position her head pounding. Just to see the droids going berserk and destroying themselves, a smile oddly creeping up her face. She wanted to laugh maniacally at the sight as a flood of strength went through her, but she stopped herself. She was in a mind fog going insane she thought to herself this was no time for laughter.

"Is Tara alright? Did we save her?" She said as she looked around and saw the cowboy and Liin. Liin who had been weeping, though she was clearly trying to pull it back and push it back inward that emotion of fear and lost hope. It hurt like hell but also felt exhilarating as Tamsin managed to get to her feet feeling wobbly as she did so her head pounding with dizziness.

She moved slowly to where she could see Liin as she reached the spot, Tamsin put her small hand on Liin "Tera" Terallo shoulder. "Give me your hand, I can see. I will lead you through this mess." Tamsin looked to her holster and pulled her blaster free with her other hand. "Also, take this is." She moved the Blaster towards Liin. "To protect yourself if we do get separated." Part of Tamsin wanted to run off into he darkness and hunt this Baron, rip him apart. She didn't know these people outside Kaila, she didn't owe them anything but the Baron had tried to kill her and something inside her stirred and did not like that one bit, selfishly wanting to hunt and kill that which had put her in harm. Yet their was the part that was truly Tamsin that though calloused by her past, could not leave these people and that was the side that was winning out. "You alright cowboy?" She called out to Todblaz Graker hoping he would answer back.

 

[Todblaz Graker]

​

Outfit | Ranger Armor
Equipment | Z240 Revolver [Right Hip] | Kriin Sentinel [Cross-Draw Holster] | EL53-Max Knife | Miscellaneous Grenades | AM-67 Lever-Action Rifle
Tags | Liin "Tera" Terallo | Tarasynora | Tamsin Graves | Kaila Irons

Tod fell for what felt like an eternity, mentally counting each second. He drifted out of reality, time stretching and bending until he crashed to the ground with a solid smack, snapping him back to the present. His rifle, still tightly clutched, fired off a shot that barely missed his foot, his helmet cushioning his head from any serious damage.

Lying there, Tod regulated his breathing, watching the droids with his eyes as they shuffled about, spouting nonsense and 'shutting down.' None seemed interested in finishing him off, which was a pleasant surprise as it gave him the moment to rest.

"...miss Terallo is right, we need to leave..." she offered the Elzeri a hand up.

"I second that," he said as he heaved himself onto his ass, sparing a glance down at his charred thigh. The pain hit him all at once. He reached into a pouch on his bandolier pulling out a syrette with a worn off label reading: Fun. Jabbing it into his thigh near the wound.

"You alright cowboy?"

"Been better," Tod started reaching into the same pouch to pull out a small bacta-spray canister. "My leg hurts." He finished saying, his light humor contrasting with the situation. The sound of the spray would be followed by the rolling of the tossed can, making a metallic clanging noise.

Earlier during the robots martyrdom his helmet had a ping, he hadn't paid attention to due to needing the moment to rest. Now he pulled it up and looked at it. "It appears we're in a place called, 'Foundry.' Whatever that means." He said as he got to his feet.

Pointing in a direction towards a route on the left, "That route appears to go to the Baron, though it seems they are advising against that way. It is the shortest." Turning to the rightmost path he said, "That appears to be the stereotypical longer but 'safe-ery' route."

Then using the compass in the helmet he turned to face south, "And in that direction appears to be 'Father.'" Looking at the paths and the map he silently made his decision.

Shrugging, he started to limp toward the shortest route, reloading his rifle as he moved.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

​

The body was a strange thing. When one of the senses was removed; another kicked in much stronger. And at this moment in time it is my hearing that I rely on, moreso than anything else. I hear footsteps approach and cannot help but tense up my body, just waiting to see if I will be shot next.

But instead it was a gentle hand touching my shoulder. Still, I flinch a little bit, yet the spoken words calm those fears somewhat. I reach for her hand and take it. "Thank you. Please do not move quickly. I am injured." I hear her speak of taking a blaster and blindly I fumble for it in the dark before first knocking it's barrel with my fingers. I wrap them aroubd it, not having the heart to tell any of them that I have never used a blaster before. The concept of it is simple enough. The only problem would be my aim.

Hearing Todd as he spoke, it was as though he was looking at a map or getting information from someone unknown. The alternative routes he described did not sound promising. In fact they were anything but. "Should we not be trying to get to the ship we arrived in? From there we can call for reinforcements." And call for help. I did not wish to say that part out loud, but as far as I am concerned; we are all in grave danger and outnumbered, despite the seemingly abandoned station. This was all a trap, it was all a ruse. Our best bet is to escape before it is too late.

Tag: Kaila Irons Tamsin Graves Tarasynora Todblaz Graker A Brooding Muse

 

[Lyssara Talis]

Descending into the eerie stillness of the lunar mining facility, Lyssara's steps were measured, her presence wrapped in the quiet confidence of a Nightsister. Raven-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, contrasting sharply with the silk band tied over her sightless eyes, embroidered with Dathomiri symbols that seemed to whisper secrets of their own. Though she could not see in the conventional sense, the Force painted the world around her in vivid detail.

The artificial atmosphere was a curious sensation, the air too still, too clean. Her focus shifted to the entrance of the mines, where the dark maw of the facility awaited. Even without sight, she felt the pulse of something deeper within, faint but undeniable a lingering echo of power.

As the group approached, the cold, mechanical voice of the protocol droid, The Baroness, greeted them. Lyssara tilted her head slightly, observing the droid not with eyes, but through the Force. Its aura was strange, almost too vibrant for a mere machine.

Without hesitation, The Baroness turned and glided into the darkness of the mine. Lyssara lingered for a moment at the threshold, sensing the unease that rippled through her companions. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she stepped forward, her voice soft yet commanding.

"Whatever awaits us beyond, it is already watching. Let us not keep it waiting."

With that, she followed the droid into the depths, her Force Sight illuminating the path ahead in ways no natural light ever could.

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