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and interpret the environment to track their positions, in a hunter's web that only he could see, faded as it was with outdated technology that had weathered the test of time far better than it had any right to do so.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​

​

 

[Balun Dashiell]

THREAD TITLE: THE CATALYST PROTOCOL
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel, K-16 Bryar Pistol & Lightsaber
TAGS: Liin "Tera" Terallo | Pel Grennin | Imperius Indomitus
Raina Lordensek | Odessa Djazit | Mr. Usher | Alina Tremiru | Draven Eterena | Itzhal Volkihar

​

The first voice didn't come from across the room or down a corridor—it echoed within Balun's mind, projected through the Force, a telepathic whisper from someone nearby. The source was close. Hidden. And that alone made him wary. Someone else was in the room, shrouded in shadow, biding their time. Whoever it was, they had cloaked their presence well—until the Imperials, with their usual blunt tactics, rattled the situation hard enough to force them into the open.

Still, it wasn't the emergence that caught Balun's attention most. It was the name whispered into his mind. A name that clung to the back of his thoughts like a spark ready to ignite something long buried. He didn't understand at first—not until she stepped into view, and memory came rushing back like a tidal wave crashing through the present.

Liin Terallo.

Or now… "Tera."

He spoke the name aloud, though it was barely necessary. His eyes had already betrayed his recognition, laced with the weight of history. She was changed—clearly—but he knew her. Knew the woman she had once been. The scientist. The politician. The proud voice of New Cov's high society. And more than that, once upon a time, his charge. He had stood between her and danger more times than he could count, back when she was still trying to fix the galaxy with intellect and diplomacy instead of whatever path she now walked.

"Finding you here is more surprising than the Imperials," Balun said, his voice quiet but edged with disbelief. "This kind of place suits them. But you?"

He tilted his head, searching her expression for the person he once knew. But now wasn't the time for sentiment or questions—at least not yet. He let the moment pass with a small exhale. "A conversation for another time," he murmured, the unspoken promise lingering in the air between them.

That moment was shattered when Mr. Usher revealed himself. Or rather, what he had become.

He didn't appear as a man, not anymore. What emerged were clones—or constructs—formed of acidic black mass. Hulking silhouettes that barely resembled living beings, dripping and shifting like humanoid phantoms born from chemical nightmares. Each one pulsed with menace, controlled by a singular, conscious will. Not just soldiers, but extensions of a twisted mind—protectors of some hidden, ghastly science operating deep beneath the surface.

Balun's lightsaber flared to life once more with a sharp snap-hiss, amber light flooding the corridor as he surged forward—not to strike, but to protect. He moved without hesitation, weaving through the shifting tension between Inquisitor and Warlord, ignoring the danger they posed. His goal was singular: Liin "Tera" Terallo .

She might not have employed him anymore. Their lives had diverged sharply. But instinct, duty, and something deeper still drove him to her side. He positioned himself like a shield, body angled between her and the horrors spilling into the room, saber humming at the ready.

The time for answers would come. But not until he was sure she'd live long enough to give them.

"Speech".
'Thought'.​

 

[Raina Lordensek]

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.

Raina's eyes narrowed. She could feel it—the crude spark of cognition behind their stillness. They weren't mindless. They were efficient. Tactical. Controlled by something... or someone.


"I see now," she murmured to herself, one hand flexing slightly. "You're the welcome committee."


She took a step back—not in retreat, but in positioning—placing her at the center of the lift. Her breath slowed, grounding herself despite the sharp pulse of adrenaline.


"If I flee, I'm prey. If I fight, I'm a problem."


Her hand hovered over her saber again.


K-9z, quietly analyzing the threat from his lowered stance beside her, chirped low.
"Biomass readings erratic. No verbal cognition. High-speed burst movement likely. Recommend evasive maneuvering and targeting limb joints."


She nodded once. "I won't waste energy unless I have to. Not yet."


Raina exhaled and shifted into a low, meditative stance. The Force flowed through her—not like a storm, but like a tide. Calming. Controlled.


She lifted slightly off the platform, levitating just enough to keep her footing fluid. She wasn't going to strike first.


She wanted to feel how they moved—where they leaned, which would lunge first, and how to break them apart. Not with strength. With precision.


"Let's see what made you," she whispered.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I bow my head to the Inquisitor in return. Listening to him speak, I find his words to be polite and well measured. However him claiming that the Galaxy is under Imperial jurisdiction does not sit well with me. I prefer neutrality, and not one power over another. However he is quite correct. I do find myself in quite the predicament. So much so that I am feeling nearly claustrophobic. At least this facilty is not a tiny one. Otherwise we would rarely have room to move without knocking things over. "Yes, this is quite the situation. And I am not a threat to anybody. I am just a lady working at solving mysteries in her laboratory. Mysteries it seems, that others do not want to be solved. Once things are more settled, I will be open to having a conversation with you."

A woman's voice from above startles me for I am not used to any observers from up there. I am used to ceilings concealing the space, yet here there are none. But how does she know of what I am working on? Was she the one to steal some of my notes?

My attention then turns to Imperious as he offers me up a suggestion. But the tone of his voice and his stance gives the impression of it being a command. And it is a suggestion that I was planning on doing anyways. There are too many trespassers; there is too much danger here. This location is sadly compromised, and I must abandon it.

Mister Dashiel speaks up next. His expression is riddled with emotions and judgement, as are his words. I cannot help but feel a little ashamed at him finding me in this way. An abandoned mining facility is not exactly where I happened to spend my time in my old life. Instead it was always in luxurious state-of-the-art facilities, halls and homes. How I got here is indeed a conversation for another time.

Mister Usher is quick to act in my defence. The biomasses that break from him and form their own is both frightening and captivating at the same time. At least from a scientist's perspective. I am very thankful indeed that he is on my side. But that is something that Mister Dashiel is unaware of; for he is quick to draw up his laser sword and get in between us. And in that moment I reach out with my hand to touch his arm, if only to keep him from striking at Mister Usher. "I am not in danger by him. Trust me. He is protecting me, as you are now. If those Stormtroopers get that order from my lab partner, however, then your ship is in danger." I am used to Mister Dashiel having a pet with him, which could be on his ship now. I do not need to it's death on my conscience. "We will have our conversation soon. After I have gotten out of here." I lean in close to his left ear so that I can whisper to him; "I have a small residence two towns over with a symbol of a domed city on the door." I do not believe that I need to tell him to meet me there, for telling him my location is enough. And I figure that I can talk with him while I pack up my belongings there.

In the meantime I have things to grab here. I move over to where the isotope is secured and grab that cannister first, followed by my datapad and notes, tucking them all under my arm. I do not expect that anyone would stop me from collecting my things given the presence of Mister Usher and my lab partner, yet I am wary for it all the same. This whole situation is due in part because I was not careful enough. That will all be rectified in the future. But what that future looks like right now, I am uncertain. All that I know is that I need to get out of this facility safely.

Tags: Imperius Indomitus Mr. Usher Balun Dashiell Pel Grennin Raina Lordensek Odessa Djazit Itzhal Volkihar Draven Eterena Alina Tremiru ​