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and interpret the environment to track their positions, in a hunter's web that only he could see, faded as it was with outdated technology that had weathered the test of time far better than it had any right to do so.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

 

[Itzhal Volkihar]

| Location | Makeb, Mid Rim

Across the galaxy, there is a saying that has spread far and wide: "Plans never survive first contact."

Unfortunately, it is a saying proven true time and again, as countless failures brought low simple ideas and concepts that on paper should have succeeded but fell painfully short when faced with the reality of the situation. Itzhal's plan was little more than the sacrifice of a comlink for the sake of information; it was a simple exchange that was inexpensive and relatively low risk in contrast to finding an access route for himself.

Naturally, whatever creature scuttled within the vents rather quickly disrupted his scheme.

The first sign of disaster was foretold in the sound of skittering legs and numerous steps, echoing in the close confines of the ventilation shaft until they became a chittering mess of untold numbers—a racket barely adjusted in time for organic hearing. The second sign came shortly after as he retracted his hand, the comlink picking up the sound of flesh slurping into place, before there was the hiss of acid projected up towards the rim of the vent. The third was the metal covers pained rattles as the acid dissolved across its outer layers.

Aware he'd been noticed by this point, with creatures pushing up towards his position, Itzhal knew whatever was about to burst out of the passage was hardly going to be discreet. With one hand, he reached down to his belt and the thermal detonator clasped against a magnetic release, which deactivated as his gloved fingers wrapped around the grenade, a push of his thumb primed the device, set for a three-second detonation, before he threw it down upon the Imperial Stormtroopers below, who where going to notice his position regardless soon enough. An explosion might even the odds. At least, he hoped it bought him time to deal with the incoming threat as his other hand rose into position.

Flames gathered on the edge of his gauntlet, narrowed down to a small nozzle, which pointed at the enclosed confines of the ventilation shaft and whatever abomination was coming his way.

There was another saying that had spread far and wide: "Kill it with fire."

Itzhal wasn't inclined to disagree with the words of wisdom. With a snarled word of ancient Mando'a, he summoned forth a firestorm, its fierce flames roaring into existence, illuminating the shadows around him with an intense, flickering light as the air around his closed fist turned to smoke and brimstone.

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

 

[Mr. Usher]

MAKEB
​

Now the fun begins. Even an Eldritch abomination such as Mr. Usher could grow tired of slow steady growth. Sometimes, there was a joy in risk, in seeing what theoretical maneuvers work out in practice.

It might just be the memories of the swoop racers he ate. Regardless of the cause, Mr. Usher found a thrill at the edge of a life and death struggle, perhaps because the true vulnerability to the Greater Ego's mortality was safely aboard a nondescript freighter parsecs away. This was more like... It was like going into a casino with a pocketful of credits, knowing you'll lose them all but have fun doing so.

"If I flee, I'm prey. If I fight, I'm a problem."
...
"Let's see what made you," she whispered.

The intruder Raina Lordensek must have some precognition from the way she was deftly prepared the moment all six figures attacked with coordinated precision.

They focused on slashing and stabbing in rapid succession, like a synchronized dance of crimson figures diving and tumbling across from the edge, attacking at the center, before recovering at the opposite end and waiting for the precise moment when it was next in the order.

It became quickly apparent that the force user, a Jedi perhaps, or at least fought like one, wouldn't be overwhelmed by simple speed and coordination — he planned while the six figures' bladed dance was countered, juggling this conflict with the rest of the violence across the lab.

"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."

Mr. Usher, unable to help himself, turned back to the once Jedi — he did not shift from his readied stance opposite of Odessa Djazit , he simply twisted the visage around at the neck like an owl to give Balun Dashiell a green with too many teeth, each too long and too sharp.
Perhaps his response would have been more collected if the host presence wasn't captivated by the violence in the surrounding area. The husk radiated more darkside power.

"She speaks true. Strike if you dare, but if it wasn't for her,"
Its vocal cords aged intentionally, recreating the scratchy, elderly voice of the host human.
"You would have been the first to die."

Flames gathered on the edge of his gauntlet, narrowed down to a small nozzle, which pointed at the enclosed confines of the ventilation shaft and whatever abomination was coming his way.

There was another saying that had spread far and wide: "Kill it with fire."

The narrow shaft proved a fatal choke point as biomass sizzled and bubbles, blackening and sticking to the edges of the shaft like fat drippings burning onto a grill. It only took a few bursts of flame to dissuade the critters from pursuing... For a moment.

Perhaps it was long enough for the prey to retreat or a longer retreat if the flame-spitting armored figure pursued. Raw heat and flame was anathema to these soft forms. Those that remained backed up the shaft, retreating from the flame as far as necessary, before coagulating together to form a more resistant form.

The result was akin to a large slug, with armored chitin-and bone plating segmented along it's surface, oozing insulating slime at a rate that it could stay moistened as it boiled off - or so Mr. Usher planned.

After a brief period of shifting, the armored slug, nearly the circumference of the shaft itself, continued its pursuit of the last known location of Itzhal Volkihar , slow and defensive, and constantly sacrificing biomass by way of slime.

---

The greater Ego noticed something. It wasn't... Being hijacked, necessarily. The part of the collective consciousness, the mind of the whole, generally indistinguishable from every sentient being that was consumed was being influenced by the black speck that was original host. The one bound to the Nether realm. It seemed to encourage the violence despite the typical pragmatism of Mr. Usher. As he fought across multiple forms, he searched inwards. It was the desire of the Nether Devil — the being that formed the pact with the host. It kept its presence small, typically uncaring of the Greater Ego's actions so long as he fed. The growth in influence revealed to Mr. Usher what the Nether creature sought to gain, why it was so passive.

It was the same thing all Nether Devils wanted. To rend a wound in the force, to grow the nether influence, to spawn more devils. This discovery disquieted the Greater Ego, which was largely composed of the sentience of his own prey.

For a brief moment, every single husk on every single world that Mr. Usher had clawed his way into, froze. The realization sobered any bloodlust he had expressed in an instant.

Efforts suddenly redoubled. There was not nearly enough sentience here to render a wound - a fact that the greater ego was thankful for. Each action suddenly had urgency.

Location: Seemingly Everywhere
Objective: Dance the Tango
Tags: Itzhal Volkihar Raina Lordensek Liin "Tera" Terallo Balun Dashiell ​

​

 

[Pel Grennin]

"You had the fancy S-91, right? That seems like a Jedi's ship. Sorry, ex-Jedi. We're parked close to you, I don't see any reason to blow it up," Pel said to Balun Dashiell as he began relaying orders to the Stormtroopers, "Sergeant, new orders. I need you to take the squad and do a sortie-"

He listened as the chaos came through on the com. One of the intruders seemed to have dropped a grenade on their location, and now monsters were crawling out of the walls without warning. Well, Pel couldn't have warned them about the grenade but he had planned to tell them about the monsters. Pel was sure that they were grouping up into formation to open fire on anything that looked like a target, which was likely to be anything that moved. Pel waited for a moment as they did so before relaying the orders in full, stepping out of the Jedi's way as he took up a defensive posture around his...friend? Liin "Tera" Terallo seemed to be a fairly popular woman.

"Sergeant, whatever is throwing grenades at you is obviously hostile, but the monsters are just doing their job, they seem to be..." he looked over at Mr. Usher and cocked a brow, "Friendly? Non-hostile, anyway. He'll handle the intruder. I need you to take the ship and blow up any other vessels you find. Leave the Pegasus alone, its pilot is not a hostile at this time. Take whatever equipment you've taken back to the ship if you can, as a low priority."

"Jenkins was hit by the blast, sir."

"Well then all the more reason for you to get to the ship, we have a medical Droid, so either bring him with you, or if he's already dead let the monster eat him, either way, move it!" he ordered. Pel looked to the entity that Liin had called Mr. Usher, "I would rather you not eat Private Jenkins, but if you must, he is a good trooper."

With the order delivered, Pel set about identifying the rarest and most expensive piece of equipment, the sort of thing that couldn't be easily replaced - the sort of equipment he would like to have in his lab. He found a Organic Molecular Recombobulator. That was worth enough to buy a Starship with. A little bulky, but they would be grateful to have it rescued. He used the Force to levitate it into a metal box, which he stuffed with whatever he could use for padding to keep it safe, and willed it over to carry it himself.

"I assume we have an evacuation plan in place?" Pel asked Imperius Indomitus as he shifted the machine from one hand to the other.

 

[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 | Alina Tremiru

FIRES OF PROGRESS​

Makeb | Abandoned Industrial Complex | Main Laboratory

The massive figure of Imperius almost disappeared and reappeared as he moved between the Jedi and Tera. His blade drawn. It was an instinct, not to protect her person, but his research partner and it would be a bad start to this cooperation if she ended up dead at the hands of some dogmatic mongrel, friend or not. Only when she intervened on his behalf, offering some calming words, he did not start cutting down the eager youngling.

His sword remained drawn as Mr. Usher kept releasing his horrors at whoever else was around. Imperius did not really care who died and who survived outside of Tera and him. The Starweird was oddly useful, but also a wildcard that he did not trust further than the reach of his blade. Especially with the recent galactic events in mind, Starweirds were not exactly on the list of potential allies and exciting encounters.

The refusal of the Inquisitor to get rid of all ships, sparing the ship of the Jedi was a harsh pushback that he did not expect and subsequently shaped his response to the man. This was not an open project for any roaming fool to sign up and join, and while Tera was leading the effort, right now the situation certainly was not within reach of being handled with some convincing words and negotiating.

"I have our data. Get what you need and we depart. This is going beyond what we can contain and control. And we are not supplied for a prolonged encounter. We leave now - do you want to take any of these guests?" The question was directed to Liin "Tera" Terallo .

He had planned for an escape, even if it was a simple route and he had shared the procedure with her. Maintenance shaft, a staircase into the nearby mountains where Imperius' ship was standing, cloaked and hidden from view.

 

[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

​

"Ugh, this is madness," Balun muttered under his breath, the words gritted out between clenched teeth as he finally disengaged his lightsaber. The amber blade hissed into silence, its glow fading as tension still hung heavy in the air. Mr. Usher—whatever it truly was—had assured him there was no threat meant toward him, but Balun remained unconvinced. The thing was unsettling, far removed from anything natural. He might have been told he was safe, but his instincts screamed otherwise.

Turning back toward Liin—Tera, as she now called herself—he shot her a sharp glance, his gaze harder than his tone as he spoke. "Please don't make me regret leaving you here with these people." His voice was brisk, but the concern was plain beneath the edge. "They seem like friends of yours, so I'm trusting your word. But I don't know what the hell this is, or what kind of game you've found yourself in."

They had clearly fallen far from the days of New Cov—when she was a public figure of repute and he was her silent sentinel, always in step, always watching her back. That past now seemed distant, almost surreal in the face of this twisted underground facility, Imperial involvement, and sentient horrors crawling from lab-born nightmares.

The situation had spiralled. Too many players. Too many secrets. And far too many unknowns for him to feel anything close to safe. Whatever this prize was—whatever truth or power lay buried beneath this operation—everyone here wanted a piece of it. And Balun? He wanted distance.

He couldn't protect Tera here, not against so many forces moving at once. He would have to fall back, regroup, and watch from the shadows where the blade wasn't already at his neck.

"Inquisitor," Balun said curtly, stepping toward the lift but angling his approach with caution as he passed Pel Grennin. "This has been a first for me."

His steps slowed just enough to allow for one final glance at the black-clad figure. "Our people don't tend to walk the same path. But I won't forget your restraint today. Should we meet again, I'll return the favour in kind."

With a shallow bow of his head—a rare gesture, especially for an Imperial—Balun continued toward the exit. He never imagined he'd show deference to an Inquisitor, but circumstances had rewritten the rules.

Time to disappear.

He cast one last look at Tera, the tension in his jaw betraying the storm of questions he wasn't yet ready to ask. There would be time—if they both survived the days to come.

Without wasting another second, Balun stepped into the lift chamber, crouched low, and launched upward. The Force surged through his limbs as he leapt skyward, rising fast through the vertical shaft, back toward the surface. Toward the stars. Toward clarity.

For now, he needed space to breathe… and answers to chase.

"Speech".
'Thought'.​

 

[Draven Eterena]

Location; Makeb, Traversing Surface Of Old Mining Facility/Tera's Lab
Allied Tags: Liin "Tera" Terallo Mr. Usher Imperius Indomitus
Other Tags: Balun Dashiell Pel Grennin Raina Lordensek Itzhal Volkihar Odessa Djazit

Draven tensed a bit as he ran along and suddenly intercepted an S.O.S beacon from the forces down bellow the cliff edge of the old mining facility. It wasn't so much the distress signal that caught him off guard as much as the mass panic and confusion that seemed to spread like wild fire amidst the forms of the imperials. Draven cast a wary glance as he ran along to spot the source. As the anomaly he once worked beside seemed to have deemed it necessary to go on a devouring spree.

Draven was... Agitated to say the very least. This was a massacre, and a part of him was just not okay with the methods employed. However, he also understood that meant somewhere within the Facility Tera and the Sith must have in tandem with the anomaly. Determined circumstances had climbed to an extent drastic measurements were necessary. Draven begrudgingly resigned to trusting the entity would employ some restraint, and elect to spare those which made genuine efforts to evacuate instead of continuing to try and pry into the work.

Draven hoped the entity had an extension of himself close enough that it could hear Draven. The intel he might provide might help Draven assess where his presence was most needed.

"What's the situation, and who are the parties in play? Send me to the area most needed and I'll address it from there." He called out in both a loud and collected tone. Despite the confusion. Draven trusted the right party would address him. As only a trio of life forms here knew of him until the chaos erupted. Draven also utilized the Commlink he had to reach out to Tera and the Sith. In case the hive mind like entity was too busy to address his call out. That or perhaps either one of the other two might have their own thoughts on where Draven should direct his reinforcing efforts in ensuring the safety of the experiment and the main one putting in the effort of research.

Draven watched a figure suddenly shoot out of a ventilation shaft skyward. He hoped the individual factored in the naturally lowered gravity of the planet. Else, they'd be in for a fairly rough surprise. He didn't account them amidst the threat as it was clear that person was at least doing his best to get away. Draven might reassess that opinion if any of his colleagues told him elsewise.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

This is all quite overwhelming. Whereas at first everything was well under control, it is no longer. The more intruders that came into the mining facility; the more chaotic it got. And here I dwell in the center of it. This is not something that I could have foreseen, most especially at this stage in my research. The very beginning! Which means that I had either stumbled upon something amazing, or I had stumbled upon something catastrophic. Either way, I am not about to just let it go. I need to see this through.

I watch in surprise as the Inquisitor uses Force magic to take a cherished and valuable piece of equipment. I wanted to snatch it from him, however it would be rude to do so. And as he is not running away with it, I must trust that he's collecting it for me on my behalf.

Mister Usher, the Inquisitor and my lab partner seem well prepared for our departure. And as my lab partner asks me if I am bringing anyone with us and for a moment I hesitate, looking to Mister Dashiel. He gives me his answer and once more I feel overly judged. Yet I cannot react in the way that I feel, for I know very well that he knows so little of the situation at hand and is only acting on what little he has been presented with. My eyes follow him as he leaps into the air as though he had wings. The planet's lower gravity sure makes his magic stronger, it seems.

I return my attention back to my lab partner and respond to him in kind. "No other guests. I just need one more thing..." I take the few steps over to my main lab table and pick up my microscope. It may not look like much, but it is very special. I had it modified for this particular research in mind. So I just could not leave it behind. "...Now, I am ready." I then activate my commlink to allow one of our outside 'staff' know of the plan. "Mister Draven, a few of us are utilizing the emergency plan. Keep an eye on what is going on out there. Keep me informed of what you see. Someone has used explosives out there. See if you can find him and see who he works for. Thank you."
​

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

 

[Itzhal Volkihar]

| Location | Makeb, Mid Rim

The blistering heat warped the air around Itzhal, transforming it into a shimmering haze of evaporating gases, their final crackles barely audible underneath the roar of the initial ignition. As the Mandalorian's faceplate gleamed in shades of orange and yellow, reflecting the intense blaze emitted from his flamethrower, contained to the narrow opening of the ventilation shaft.

It had taken only moments, but that was more than enough time for the forces below to respond with their return fire, which came alarmingly fast. The initial shots were thrown off by his grenade and the ensuing chaos, but they quickly became more accurate as the attackers shifted from suppressive fire to target strikes on his position, unfortunately exposed by the miniature sun streaming down the nozzle of his gauntlet.

A necessary sacrifice to hold off whatever creature had stormed up the shaft, before Itzhal swiftly deactivated his flamethrower, releasing one final gasp of superheated air just before another bolt from the stormtroopers below slammed into the spot where he had been standing. His calm but hurried stride kept him ahead of the following shots as he ducked between blaster bolts, his pistol having found its way to his hand somewhere in the retreat, as the Mandalorian's years of experience were displayed with every potshot that followed.

Ultimately, the rugged, mountainous terrain—interspersed with deep crevices and towering outcroppings that loomed over the mines landing pad—granted Itzhal a glimmer of hope during his precarious retreat. Enhanced by the protection of his revered beskar'gam, which shrugged off a bolt that would have otherwise punched through his arm, as he tried to return fire with precision shots to arms and legs, aware every injured foe was another that the rest of his enemies might be tempted to focus on rather than putting a shot through his visor.

He would have preferred to convince himself that such a shot was improbable. Yet, in the grim reality of recent events, with no intelligence gathered and merely the unsettling whispers of deranged scientists medling with forces beyond understanding that had brought him here in the first place, even before he'd learned of Imperial involvement or nightmarish creatures that spat acid, Itzhal found himself increasingly persuaded that fortune was decidedly not on his side today.

Not even with the holocomm that had caused all this mess, blinking active in the corner of his HuD.

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

 

[Mykel Dawson]

Makeb was popular world, commercial traffic steady for the export of its precious minerals despite the ongoing Planeshift anomalies. Collapsing hyperlanes and stalking Starweird hordes be damned. That was on top of the dangers of the world itself, like fierce energy storms that could shear a starship to bits. All worth the risk - even one successful run for a shipment of Isotope-5 would set a man for life.

One such vessel on its way planestside was the Auric Venture, a nondescript heavy freighter seemingly unremarkable aside from its reinforced hull and new molecular shielding to contend with the global storms. With its beefed up defenses, the Venture punched through the storms without a hitch and then set off for its final destination at Talaos.

Well, almost without a hitch.

Even with all the precautions taken, the vigilant crew of the Venture couldn't stop a few containers from being ripped open by the extreme turbulence, fine screens of cloth like spider silks and wampa wools spilling into the eternally choleric sky.

Oh no! What a shame. (A local tailor would soon be due a refund.)

Amid the flurry of flying fabrics, a single stealth drone emerged, quickly separating from one of the self-sabotaged freighter containers with reactionless drives that left no external signature. While in passive sensor mode, the recon platform could largely remain invisible to both conventional sensors and Force detection as it approached its mission area while skimming just below the storm ceiling.

All the while, it communed with its equally stealthy mothership, KSV Nightshade, via quantum entanglement. Nightshade itself having originally emerged into the system under the cover of reversion wake from the contracted Venture it had closely tailed during hypertransit, the stealth frigate now drifting silently in high orbit.

Aboard Nightshade, Mykel sat at a sensor station following the progress of the drone while his master went over new details with the ground team still on standby. Soon, the joint investigative group would know if it was even worth it to venture planetside to verify the fragmented contents of the leaked data packet. To finally see if they were dealing with another case of quack science, or one of the greatest perversions the Jedi had yet encountered.

Liin "Tera" Terallo Imperius Indomitus Mr. Usher Balun Dashiell Pel Grennin Raina Lordensek Odessa Djazit Draven Eterena Alina Tremiru