Private The Black Death

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Outside the Black Knight Temple - Khemost
Attire: Magenta and White Kimono
Tag: Nancy Io

The Swyftbreeze-series hoverbike came to a halt outside the main gate leading into the Black Knight Temple. On a day like this, the Temple was closed to outside visitors given the sensitive nature of the activities transpiring inside, namely the initial physical conditioning phase of Black Knight training, known informally as “Hell Week”. However, for Alessandra and Nancy Io, the Civic Nuetralizer she had been tasked with assisting for the investigation, circumstances were different. Both of the Nuetralizers and any immediate subordinates had been granted a Tier 1 Mandate endorsed by Percival Io and Cameron Crownwraithe , giving them the authority to bypass normal security restrictions and rank restrictions, so that they could conduct an unannounced investigation into the affairs of the Black Knights.

In recent months, there was an unexplained surge of citizens who spontaneously became Force Dead. This occurrence had led to the Black Knights gaining a record number of new recruits over the last two training cycles, since a majority of those citizens who suddenly found themselves Force Dead opted to immediately declare for the Black Knights of Io, due to the elevated pay and benefits members of the division received over other military units, including likes of the prestigious Siren and Stormtrooper Corps. Since only a tiny percentage of the natural organic population was Force Dead, any eligible candidates were highly-coveted by the Black Knights and as such, were offered elevated compensation.

In other words, bolstered by the support of the Matriarch herself, the Black Knights were rich.

As such, it went without saying that a level of suspicion had been directed towards the organization as to whether they were discreetly inducing a state of Force Death in select citizens, in an effort to bolster recruitment. While some believed that the Black Knights were innocent and were simply unwitting beneficiaries of the recent manifestations of Force Death in House Io’s citizens, there were many who believed that the Black Knights were deliberately inducing states of Force Death in select individuals, in an effort to boost recruitment. In order to settle the crisis, an investigation had been ordered into the affairs of the Black Knights, with one Nancy Io designated as the lead detective.

No matter the outcome of the investigation, there was a need for answers.

 

[Nancy Io]

Seated in an airspeeder flying at top speed through the skies of Khemost, Nancy blinked as her comm chirped unexpectedly. She thought she had silenced any incoming transmissions, as was her habit whenever she was on a case. But this call was from a special source, and therefore wasn’t blocked.

“Hello? Ned, is that you?”

“Hi Nancy,” Ned replied. “I’m not interrupting anything right now, am I?”

“Not really. What’s going on?”

Ned was an organic Citizen, a human from Formos. His parents had brought him into House Io when he was still a child, and he had grown up among the droids and biots created by Xiphos. Now in college, he was as comfortable around them as he was around his own kind. So comfortable, in fact, that he and Nancy were dating. It was nothing too serious yet, but she had found it an interesting experience thus far.

“I just heard on the news that a Neutralizer was completely destroyed,” Ned said.

“Completely destroyed?” she echoed. “As in, killed? Perma-death?” Such a thing wasn’t impossible, but it was almost unheard of. Neutralizers tended to be very resilient, and their regenerative capabilities meant that even the most serious wounds could be recovered from.

“Sounds like it.”

“How did it happen? Do you know who it was?” Nancy tried not to grill him, but the news was troubling to hear.

“There was some sort of incident that occurred on one of the moons of Iego. They seem to be keeping the details very hush-hush. But I do know it was a Chaplain who was destroyed… and it sounds like they haven’t been able to salvage anything.”

Had she been able to breathe, Nancy would’ve gasped. “Oh Ned, that’s awful! I can’t imagine just ceasing to exist like that…”

“It’s not something I’d like to think about either. But, I don’t want to distract you. I just thought you should know.”

She detected strains of worry in his tone. “Don’t worry about me. This case should be easy.”

“Well, if you’re that confident about it, I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

Nancy could see the Temple of the Black Knights straight ahead. “I’ll let you go. Bye, Ned.”

“Bye.”

After parking her speeder, Nancy stepped out of the vehicle. She was dressed in an all-pink ensemble, looking more like a windblown socialite than a police detective. As she walked across the snow, she spied a speeder bike parked a little closer to the temple complex, along with the diminutive figure of Alessandra Io.

“Sister,” Nancy greeted the Chaplain with a nod. “Have you just arrived?”

Alessandra Io​

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Black Knight Temple - Khemost
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Attire: Magenta and White Kimono
Tag: Nancy Io

Shutting off the engine, Alessandra floated out of her bike’s pillion upon registering her sister in the vicinity via the Io local network. Then, she opened the stowage area and fished out her OmniLink, along with a pair of sensor drones and a double-bladed energy sword. From there, the HRD attached the OmniLink to her wrist and strapped the weapon onto her thigh, before powering on the drones and calibrating their systems. By the time the Chaplain was finished, her sister had landed close by, to which Alessandra glanced in her direction, photoreceptors briefly taking in her pink getup, before shifting back to her sister’s gaze.

“Sister,” Nancy greeted the Chaplain with a nod. “Have you just arrived?”

“I have.” Alessandra began. “I must say, your outfit is lovely, by the way. Where did you get it from? Or did you make it yourself?” She continued, her voice taking on a gushing tone, which was meant as a genuine compliment, but also served as cover for an entirely different conversation.

<<Everything is ready, sister.>> The Chaplain transmitted via direct technopathic link. <<However, I must advise that the story is set to break next evening. That was as much time as they could hold it for us. When it does, our investigation may become more difficult, even if the Black Knights have nothing to hide.>> No doubt, when the story regarding the recent surge of citizens being spontaneously cut off from the Force broke the news, they would have a full crisis on their hands. Public speculation would only exacerbate the issue. As such, getting the bulk of the work done within the next two days, before the Black Knights had the chance to close ranks, would make the investigation that much easier.

<<That said, I am now at your disposal.>> Alessandra finished. Although she technically outranked her, Alessandra knew that this was Nancy’s area of expertise. As such, the Chaplain assumed a deferential position, prepared to assist where she could, without overstepping or getting in her sister's way.

With that, Alessandra followed Nancy as she led the way through the gates, which opened automatically upon processing their mandates through the network. From there, the two Nuetralizers would first arrive at the training courtyard, taking a scene of the Black Knight trainees performing an array of hard physical exercises inside of a pressor field which was calibrated to increase the strain on their physiques. All the while, instructors barked out orders, while others moved down the rows to ensure that the trainees adhered to proper form and technique.

Then, as if they had materialized from the shadows, a pair of Black Knights seemed to appear in front of the two Nuetralizers, one a Shinobi clad in light armor and wielding a kusarigama, while the other was a katana-wielding swordswoman in heavy armor that was painted a royal blue.

“State your business in our Temple.”

 

[Nancy Io]

“I made it myself,” Nancy replied, beaming at Alessandra’s compliments. “I can be quite handy with a sewing machine, if you ever need anything…”

<<Then we better skip to it. No time to waste.>>

Nancy entered the Temple, accompanied by Alessandra. They were almost immediately accosted by a pair of Black Knights, who demanded to know their business.

“I’m Nancy,” Nancy introduced herself and Alessandra even though the Knights hadn’t asked for their names. “This is Alessandra. We’re here to investigate some strange occurrences that may or may not involve the Black Knights. Hopefully not, but we won’t know for sure until we have a chance to see for ourselves. Considering that the story is set to break tomorrow night, and I don’t think you want the good name of the Black Knights besmirched by any scandal, especially when you seem to be doing quite well for yourselves these days... I don't recommend you hold us up.”

Her sweet tone belied her bold assertion. It was in the Knights’ best interest to clear their name before word got out that they may have had something to do with the deadenings.

Alessandra Io​

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Black Knight Temple - Khemost
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Attire: Magenta and White Kimono
Equipment: G1 OmniLink │ House Io Citizen Energy Sword, Type 4
Tag: Nancy Io

The Black Knights faltered, a brief, split-second micro-motion which might have gone unnoticed had the two Nuetralizers been human, but instead, was clear as day to their advanced sensory systems. Nevertheless, the swordswoman seemed largely unfazed, though it was immediately apparent that she knew what Nancy was talking about. The Shinobi however, was another issue.

“Tobave, leave us.” The swordsman said to her partner, who appeared confused for a split-second, before bowing and disappearing from the area in a small plume of colored smoke, just as stealthily as he had entered.

“Follow me.”

The swordswoman, who introduced herself as Izumi Io during the walk, led the pair of Nuetralizers into the central structure within the Temple. On the way, they passed one group of trainees engaged in a series of katas, then another working on velocities. It was clear from an immediate glance that the training complex was somewhat strained with the large groups of trainees, especially since the courtyards seemed small, given the density of students and instructors packed inside. Not to mention, there were a few instructors who carried themselves with a sense of malaise. These were veteran warriors who had been drafted from the active ranks of the Black Knights to assist in teaching the influx of trainees. For many of them, especially those who did not see themselves as teachers, this was the very last place they wanted to be.

Nevertheless, in spite of the crowded conditions, things seemed to be running quite efficiently. There was also construction occurring in the distance, indicating that plans were already underway to expand the premises.

Before long, the two Nuetralizers were led into the central building, which was undergoing limited renovation. From there, they were led up a few flights of stairs and into a hallway, before finally arriving at an office.

“I apologize in advance, but you will have to wait…” Izumi made a show of glancing at her datapad. “Three hours to see the daimyo. At this time, he is indisposed with other important matters. Of course, you are permitted to shut yourselves down for the duration.” The swordswoman said, as if such a ridiculous length of time were perfectly acceptable! Alessandra immediately sensed the unspoken lie, but the Chaplain held her tongue and outward expressions, confident that Nancy would handle the issue.

There was a part of her that was eager to see her sister in action.

 

[Nancy Io]

Initially, it seemed like Nancy’s appeal had worked. The Black Knights led them to an office, only to inform them they would have to wait three hours to be seen.

Well, that simply wouldn’t do. But Nancy played the part of the obedient droid. “Of course,” she said sweetly, reaching out to put a hand on the swordswoman’s shoulder. “We are happy to wait however long it takes.”

From her palm she emitted a blast of nonlethal electricity, hopefully enough to stun the swordswoman into unconsciousness.

Alessandra Io​

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Black Knight Temple - Khemost
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Attire: Magenta and White Kimono
Equipment: G1 OmniLink │ House Io Citizen Energy Sword, Type 4
Tag: Nancy Io

The swordswoman might have dropped like a bag of rocks…

If not for Alessandra’s sudden intervention, extending her hand out to catch the Black Knight’s fall with the tractor/pressor organ in her left arm, ensuring that Izumi did not break her neck on a nearby obstacle in the middle of her fall. Naturally-conceived organics—even those who were enhanced like the Black Knights—were extremely fragile, so much so that there were times where she wondered how so many of them managed to survive for so long. Alessandra had broken her neck three times, and yet, her age was a mere fraction of Izumi’s, who had seemingly survived gone more than 20 years without suffering an injury of similar nature or severity.

The Chaplain couldn’t begin to understand how it could be possible. Did they spend all of their lives inside of cushioned bubbles?

Gently lowering the swordswoman’s armor-clad form in the area behind the desk so that it was hidden from immediate view, Alessandra nodded to her partner, not letting her emotions show on her features in the process. However, Nancy would feel an aura of surprise radiating out from the Chaplain through their shared technopathic link. It went without saying that she hadn’t expected her to take the hostile option on the dialogue wheel so quickly.

<<You made her think we weren’t a threat.>> She transmitted, matter-of-factly. <<Her armor’s electrical capacitance shields weren’t activated.>> Had they been active, Alessandra might have needed to utilize her ARC caster organ to overwhelm the shield via sheer brute force, which was fairly easy for her to do, but also could have killed the swordswoman in the process. Not to mention, the crackling electrical noise and the smell of burning ozone could have attracted attention from the other Black Knights in the area. While a Civic Nuetralizer’s electrical organs were only meant for stunning suspects into submissions, a Chaplain’s ARC casters were battlefield weapons meant to take down armored troops, Force Adepts, monstrous beasts, and vehicles. If she was forced to use them here, they would be immediately compromised.

<<That should have her out no shorter than three hours. No longer than five.>> Alessandra continued, as she quickly searched the swordswoman’s unconscious form, before coming up with a security cylinder, which she tossed to the blonde detective.

<<Let’s go find the daimyo.>>

 

[Nancy Io]

<<Through this door, perhaps?>> Nancy suggested, catching the security cylinder. She inserted it into the control panel, where it successfully bypassed the office door's lock. Whether the daimyo himself was inside or not remained to be seen...

Alessandra Io​

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Black Knight Temple - Khemost
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Attire: Magenta and White Kimono
Equipment: G1 OmniLink │ House Io Citizen Energy Sword, Type 4
Tag: Nancy Io

Unfortunately, it wasn’t that easy to find the daimyo, but the office door did open!

Inside, the two Nuetralizers would find what was essentially a walk-in armory, complete with a full set of melee weapons hung up on the left side, while the right side had a quartet of energy crossbows, in addition to a rail cycler and a hunting rifle. At the far end, an oversized set of what appeared to be Black Knight Heavy Armor dominated the room, a suit that seemed built to accommodate a warrior the size of a Houk. Naturally, such things did not merit any alarm, as every House Io citizen was armed and extensive armories were not unusual by any means. Not to mention, the Black Knights were a military organization. As such, weapons came with the territory. However…

At a deeper glance, something about the suit of armor at the far end seemed off. Further investigation would reveal that the suit was in fact, not a suit at all, but rather, something more akin to a statue…

The device on its gauntlet, which had initially seemed to be a touch-operated microcomputer, was actually a touch-operated keypad, leaving only one question…

What was the password?

 

[Nancy Io]

Cracking her knuckles, Nancy peered down at the keypad, scanning it for fingerprints. Human hands contained their own unique patterns and striations, but that uniqueness wasn’t what she was looking for. She was looking for the oil imprint of the daimyo's fingers expressed in a pattern.

Within a few seconds, she pounded out the password, having reconstructed it based on which buttons had previously been pressed.

Alessandra Io​

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Black Knight Temple - Khemost
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Attire: Magenta and White Kimono
Equipment: G1 OmniLink │ House Io Citizen Energy Sword, Type 4
Tag: Nancy Io

Password correct! On cue, the massive armor statue opened in two down its sagittal plane, revealing a few flights of stairs that led into a network of underground passageways. While it seemed that there was nothing truly secret being kept in the tunnels, it wouldn’t take long for the two Nuetralizers to figure out that the area was intended as a secondary holdout in the event of an invasion or some other calamity. Naturally, it also led to hidden entrances to various rooms in the temple, including…

The office of the Daimyo.

With her advanced investigative and forensic analysis programming, it didn’t take Nancy long to find the entrance to it. The path would take them back up to the upper levels of the central building via an identical-looking flight of stairs to the one that had taken them inside. It seemed that the entire network was designed to confuse individuals who were unfamiliar with the location, but such tricks could never work on the two gynoids.

<<He’s inside with his lieutenants.>> Alessandra transmitted. <<I can hear him through the door. They’re arguing about…a nexus.>> She continued, photoreceptors flickering in confusion.

<<This is very weird.>>

 

[Nancy Io]

Having made her way through the maze with Alessandra, Nancy gazed thoughtfully at the closed door to the daimyo’s office. <<We should find a place to hide and listen some more.>>

Moving to one side of the door, she positioned her body behind a pillar so that anyone who came down the hall wouldn’t be able to see her. Adjusting her auditory sensors, she honed in on the muffled conversation inside the office.

In addition to eavesdropping, she ran samples of their voices through her databases, trying to see if she could identify any of them among House Io’s citizen records.

Alessandra Io​

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Black Knight Temple - Khemost
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Attire: Magenta and White Kimono
Equipment: G1 OmniLink │ House Io Citizen Energy Sword, Type 4
Tag: Nancy Io

It was the Daimyo himself, along with a small group of advisors.

“And this nexus…how much do we know about it?” Nancy’s databases would immediately recognize the voice as belonging to Daimyo Hayate. It was apparent from his tone that he was stressed, but the Black Knight made a valiant effort in maintaining his veneer of certitude.

“There isn’t much, my Lord.” A feminine voice answered. Unfortunately, Nancy’s databases would only return that the voice belonged to a General Purpose Nuetralizer. In all likelihood, she was not customized since her voice was still the default for Nuetralizers of her model. “As we understand it, the Siren Corps, Stormtrooper Corps, and the Tree Snakes ran a series of military exercises in the area a few months ago." She continued. “So far, we estimate that a small, yet distinct percentage of those who went inside the nexus exhibited midi-chlorian counts consistent with the parameters of Force Death a few weeks later. Unfortunately, there are no available timetables as to when exactly this state manifested.” She finished.

“What of those who entered the nexus and did not exhibit Force Death?” The Daimyo answered.

“No observable change.” The Nuetralizer answered.

“My Lord, if we were to…exploit this nexus as a means to create more recruits…” A second feminine voice spoke up. The detective’s databases would process it as belonging to Hayami Io, a high-ranking Black Knight Sharpshooter who had been promoted after Tython, reputed for accruing kills on multiple high-value targets during the battle.

“I would strongly advise against such an action.” The Neutralizer cut in. “It may not be illegal, but doing so would attract unwelcome attention for little gain in return.”

“I have no intention of exploiting it for those who are not already willing to become Black Knights. However, it is an option that we should consider after the losses we took on Tython.” Hayami answered. “Having more Black Knights will be nothing but a boon to House Io’s military capabilities.” She argued.

“The other divisions will not look fondly on us for what they might perceive as ‘stealing’ their recruits. We already had to deal with buying out the service contracts of the Sirens. What if the Tree Snakes and the Stormtroopers begin to demand compensation for loss of personnel as well? Or even the Fleet?”

“That will only be an issue in the short-term-”

“Enough.” The Daimyo said calmly. He felt no need to raise his voice.

“Tell me again, where is the nexus?”

 

[Nancy Io]

<<Well, looks like we know what the cause of these Force Death cases is,>> Nancy remarked to Alessandra. <<I wonder why they haven’t disclosed this information to the proper authorities yet…>>

As she continued to eavesdrop, the discussion between the daimyo and his associates made things clearer. Apparently some within the Black Knights’ inner circle hoped to use the nexus to create more recruits. While the daimyo shot the idea down, that didn’t mean Hayami might not try to go behind his back to get her way.

As the daimyo asked where the nexus was, Nancy focused her full processing capability on listening in to the answer. Once they knew where the nexus was, they could report its existence and the effect it was having on citizens—

Her hand brushed something loose, accidentally knocking it to the floor. It landed with a loud thud that echoed through the halls.

All conversation on the other side of the door abruptly ceased at the sound. Nancy glanced over at Alessandra. <<You outrank me, sister. Should we run and hide, or face them?>>

Alessandra Io​

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Black Knight Temple - Khemost
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Attire: Magenta and White Kimono
Equipment: G1 OmniLink │ House Io Citizen Energy Sword, Type 4
Tag: Nancy Io

“Tell me again, where is the nexus?”

“It’s in the-”

And suddenly, the room fell quiet.

Alessandra glanced over upon registering the fall object, but the Chaplain was too late to intercept it with her tractors before it tumbled down the stairs, making a racket of noise in the process.

They were made.

<<Face them, now!>> The Chaplain transmitted back within a nanosecond. <<We still need the location of the nexus.>> She added.

Without delay, Alessandra discharged a blast of invisible pressor energy at the door, a technological Force Push. On the other side, the large bookshelf which concealed the hidden entrance to the Daimyo’s office was blown open, throwing holobooks and other objects onto the ground as the Chaplain charged into the room in the wake of the blast, her photoreceptors emanating a threatening glow as the Black Knights inside recovered from the blast.

“Hello there.” The Chaplain said as she floated inside, the words leaving her lips with in an eerily sweet tone.

 

[Nancy Io]

While Nancy was hardly helpless, she could not compare with the combat capabilities of a Chaplain. Alessandra blasted through the door, floating above the floor, eyes blazing threateningly.

In comparison Nancy’s entrance was… subtle. She followed Alessandra through the door, blaster drawn, but otherwise without fanfare. The Chaplain’s repulsors caused the pink silk scarf tied around Nancy’s neck to billow as if tossed by the wind.

“Civics Officer Nancy Io,” she announced, her tone smooth and professional. “We’re here for information about the nexus.”

Alessandra Io​

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Black Knight Temple - Khemost
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Attire: Magenta and White Kimono
Equipment: G1 OmniLink │ House Io Citizen Energy Sword, Type 4
Tag: Nancy Io

Hayami Io immediately drew her energy sword at the intrusion, but a sharp glance from the Daimyo told her to back off. All the while, the Nuetralizer stood as still as a statue, her expression unreadable as she took in the two gynoids who had broken into the meeting. She hadn’t bothered with drawing a weapon, knowing that it would be quite unwise to challenge an agent of the law.

For his part, the Daimyo stood up, his piercing white gaze boring into the Chaplain with barely-concealed animosity, though it did not take him long to realize that the Civic Nuetralizer in the pink outfit was the true authority of the two. Nevertheless, with a deep breath, the Daimyo swallowed his pride. A refugee from Teth, it was the Black Knight who had allowed him to realize his dreams where the B’omarr Order had failed him. As such, he had dedicated his life to serving her, even as she fell towards insanity. He viewed it as his responsibility to serve as a steward of her children and her mission, a suitable payment for the debt he owed her for helping him realize enlightenment, even though it had not come in the way the B’omarr would approve of.

“What would you like to know, Sister Detective?”

 

[Nancy Io]

Nancy was somewhat surprised (and relieved) that the Daimyo did not resort to violence. This situation didn’t need to get any worse than it already was.

“First, tell me the location of the nexus,” Nancy replied. “And second, I want to know everything you know about the nexus’ effects on the Citizens of House Io.”

Alessandra Io​

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Black Knight Temple - Khemost
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Attire: Magenta and White Kimono
Equipment: G1 OmniLink │ House Io Citizen Energy Sword, Type 4
Tag: Nancy Io

The Daimyo looked to the General Purpose Nuetralizer, who had taken the name Astrid Io, and nodded, offering a silent cue for her to answer Nancy’s question.

“As far as we are aware Sister Detective, there is a small, but not insignificant chance that any individuals who enter the nexus will exhibit signs of Force Death upon leaving.” Astrid began. “The nexus is located in the Mammon Mountains, the site of a recent spate of war games held between the Siren and Stormtrooper Corps.” She continued. “With your permission Sister Detective, I will send you the exact coordinates.”

All the while, Hayami had a scowl laid bare across her features, but the Black Knight Sharpshooter levied no protest against what was transpiring.

“If I might add sister, it may be of benefit to your investigation to visit the nexus.”

 

[Nancy Io]

"Very well." Nancy turned to Alessandra. "Let's go at once."

Alessandra Io​