Public The Catalyst Protocol: Engineering Ascension

[Itzhal Volkihar]

| Location | Makeb, Mid Rim

Blue light bathed the interior of the Mandalorians' buy'ce, casting a faint glow on Itzhal's focused expression as he analysed the scrambled readings from the ancient sensor equipment attached to his rangefinder. Delivered in chaotic streams of mismatched information, the data flickered over his visor, overlaying critical details: distance measurements, atmospheric conditions, access routes and known threats with a dozen minor warnings of suspected hazards and uncertainties. All were useful, yet distracting, without the knowledge and expertise to understand what was worthwhile. Over the years, what had once been a hindrance, almost dismissed if not for the assurance of those more experienced than himself, had turned into a valuable asset that few could read. Some information, however, was easier than others to understand as he watched the profiles of the nearby stormtroopers roam across the landing pad.

Their armoured figures stark against the landscape, outlined in a faint, pulsating line of red that highlighted the sharp contours of their suit designs, recognisable across the galaxy, even if by now there had been numerous groups that would call themselves the 'Empire'. Their titles mattered not to Itzhal, only that they might be a threat as he continued to track their movements. Each time one of the soldiers moved out of sight—whether slipping past a rugged section of the weathered rock face or navigating the hulking silhouette of a nearby starship—the glow adjusted dynamically in response to their movement. A mixture of sensors designed to meticulously gather data and interpret the environment to track their positions, in a hunter's web that only he could see, faded as it was with outdated technology that had weathered the test of time far better than it had any right to do so.

Itzhal waited in tense silence, acutely aware that he knew little of the dangers that might be lurking deeper within the mine system. He knew only that it was a matter of time before those who had ventured within would be forced to return, unless, of course, they were already dead on the cold, metallic floor or deep within an underground system where their bodies would never be recovered. Instinct led him to dismiss the latter option as he watched the soldiers patrol below, their steps unhurried despite their meticulous check of the area, far too calm for any operation that had suffered a setback.

As they moved closer, Itzhal pressed deeper into the shadows, crouched down and out of sight as his hand reached behind his back. The firm yet comforting weight of his blaster rifle settled into place as he brought it around, aware that a situation like this would probably need more firepower than his preferred pistols. Information, though, was his greatest asset and hardest challenge as he reached down towards his utility belt and one of the spare commlink hidden within an assigned pouch.

Itzhal's purposeful stride guided him around the jagged cliffside, drawing him nearer to the entrance of the mine, even as the angle detracted from his view of the landing pad, where his former prey continued to roam free. Their presence was a constant reminder of the unknowns that lingered deeper inside, a threat that he was unprepared to handle. At least for now, though, he had a method to fix that as he approached a narrow ventilation shaft, covered by a thin layer of metal grating, corroded on the outside, and easily dismissed with the edge of his wristblade, even without the dangerous emissions of a vibroblade, it took only a moment as he placed the grate to the side. With his other hand, he activated the commlink on silent as it transmitted the muffled sounds to his helmet, then, with the connection established, he let go, allowing the small device to plummet down the ventilation shaft with a soft thump before he retreated to his overlook.

Tags: Liin "Tera" Terallo Balun Dashiell Imperius Indomitus Alina Tremiru Pel Grennin Raina Lordensek Odessa Djazit Mr. Usher​

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

W A R M A S T E R
INDOMITUS LEGION
Through war, we bring order.
Through strength, we bring unity.

Code of the Shroud - The Catalyst Protocol
The Force is a chain, thus I seek Freedom

Liin "Tera" Terallo
Pel Grennin | Balun Dashiell | Mr. Usher | Itzhal Volkihar | Odessa Djazit | Raina Lordensek

FIRES OF PROGRESS​

Makeb | Abandoned Industrial Complex | Main Laboratory

Imperius did take neither Mr. Usher 's words nor that of Liin "Tera" Terallo as reassuring about the presence of the Jedi. This was not a cafê for reunions nor a place for uninvited to gather and casually discuss the meaning of life. Balun was sent by the Force which for the Warmaster confirmed two things. Firstly, their experiments were on the right track. And secondly, he came here to stop them, even if he did not know that yet. The Starweird would most likely be able to dispose of the Jedi, but it was a chance that he would escape and come back with the reinforcements he mentioned.

"Inquisitor, order your Stormtroopers to find any nearby ships that are not yours - and destroy them, unless those that own it depart immediately."

It did not matter that they knew each other or vouched for anyone's presence. The damage was already done and now it was down to containment before continuing the research. With so many faces present and potentially more on the way, the results yielded so far are at risk to be compromised. While his mind did care little for the lives of those around, aside from the Inquisitor who was an asset to the greater causes, Imperius had what one could consider a shred of honour to see his partners life continue if possible.

"Tera, I suggest you start making backups and prepare to move the laboratory." It was a provocation to the intruders, they had backups, but if they threatened to leave or destroy what was present, then it might force the hand of those that came to disrupt.

The Imperial stood motionless while speaking, one hand still holding his sheathed sword, the other ready to draw it.

 

[Mr. Usher]

MAKEB​

Mister Usher, there are quite a number of individuals in and around the facility, including within the specimen room. Their intentions need to be known, if you please, so that I can determine the next course of action

"Tera, I suggest you start making backups and prepare to move the laboratory."

"I suppose that's my cue." The biomass external of the meeting room whipped into a frenzy of motion. Each husk was a muscle connected to the same mind from an invisible tether. Many forms, one mind — shapeshifting result of sith experimentation that turned on it's creator.

An alchemically reconstructed Mnggal-Mnggal from long since forgotten human host, to feed and replicate from biomass found in the galaxy, forced to accept the presence of a Nether Devil, becoming it's willing host many years ago.

Now, what humanity remained clung tighter to the Greater Ego with each sentient mind consumed. It anchored itself to any semblance of humanity it could hold onto. By luck and scientific curiosity, Liin "Tera" Terallo remained one of his staunchest anchors to humanity.

If 'you are what you eat' then Mr. Usher was entirely ecosystem seamlessly connected to a mind in the Nether realm.

"Apologies in advance for your troopers, Pel Grennin , I doubt they'll get the right impression. Smoke em if you got em"

With his other hand, he activated the commlink on silent as it transmitted the muffled sounds to his helmet, then, with the connection established, he let go, allowing the small device to plummet down the ventilation shaft with a soft thump before he retreated to his overlook.

A beat of silence after the thump from the device Itzhal Volkihar dropped. Then, a sudden influx of the sound of several thousand insectoid legs skittering up the shaft—crimson centipede-like creatures began ascending from the depths. Their minds were seamlessly connected to the greater ego of Mr. Usher. Atop the head of each was a reptilian head, already spitting acid from below towards the stealthy intruder.

Sorry pal, just business

Odessa looked down on those pesky insects, those annoying little roaches with a mixture of disdain and confusion. "Will one of you please explain why this facility still stands. Collectively, you have the power, but not the courage to ask the question....why a synthetic Force?"

The pin-striped husk turned to address the newcomer, arrived from an old pathway.

"Simple, sweetheart — nobody likes a monopoly. Or intruders."

He flicked off the cigarette, spitting out tendrils of biomass behind him like a web, forming a wall of flesh with enough presence to protect Tera for the time being. Unfortunately, that meant his suit was torn to shreds, and what remained was a constantly shifting husk of a person, skinless with incorrect biology, constantly assessing what form would serve it best.

As for Odessa Djazit — Mr. Usher didn't mind a little chat, but judging by her signature in the Force, he'd need a bit more than a few muscly barriers to prevent her from causing trouble.

"You're right about one thing. Sith love creating their abominations — love to bite off more than they can chew, too. Living proof of both stands before you. So this abomination asks, why not synthetic Force? Do you destroy what you don't understand, like the Jedi? Or would you rather keep the force out of the hands of those born without for control?"

"I know." Raina's eyes narrowed as she stepped onto the platform. "Which means someone else wants whatever's down there. And I'm going to make sure they never reach it."

Underneath the platform Raina Lordensek stepped upon, clinging like fungus, was a massive of meat, preparing to take shape. It split itself six ways, slithering from the underside, between the gap of the platform and the wall, and emerged as six skinless humanoids at the perimeter of the descending lift. Bone and Chitin-formed blades in place of arms.

They hesitated a moment to give the intruder a chance to flee — none wasted the biomass necessary for vocal communication — before they rushed with deadly intent.

For now she watched, currently golden eyes filled with idle amusement. What was going to happen, how it was going to happen, she wanted to see it for herself.

Sounds of movement and violence erupted from where Alina Tremiru observed. It appeared whatever had suddenly awoken, one massive network of a singular dark presence interwoven through the ancient structure, suddenly lunged like a trapdoor spider at the myriad prey inside. So far, nothing seems to be directed at her... Yet.

Draven picked up the comlink and listened intently. In case he was called over to assist. Whether for diplomatic reasons, or to help address a threat. Between the various force signatures, and the vast activity. Draven suspected he'd be called to the lab within the near future.

Draven Eterena would easily be able to intercept the Imperial SOS that emerged the moment Mr. Usher began to purge the building of intruders. As The Greater Ego anticipated, even in a Code Green, flesh monsters emerging from the vents warranted blaster fire. What had the Will of Mr. Usher curious, however, is whether the Lightside known as Draven would intervene. They had worked together to gather the Isotope, but he had seen slivers of precisely the monstrousity Mr. Usher was in the depths of Stronghold one. Would the Once-Jedi rescue imperials from a bio-engineered massacre originating from Sith Alchemy, or did the bond of past alliances extend beyond light and dark?

Either way, Mr. Usher had come to terms that a lot biomass would be lost today. The potential gain was well worth the cost.

Location: Underground Laboratory
Objective: Usher the guests out the Door
Tags: Itzhal Volkihar Odessa Djazit Alina Tremiru Pel Grennin Draven Eterena Raina Lordensek Imperius Indomitus Liin "Tera" Terallo and anyone else I missed​

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