Private The Catalyst Protocol: Motivations and Decoys

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

Location: Node Theta - Subsurface Lab Complex, Masterra

Ever since the incident on Makeb, I have been a little on edge. Or rather more than just a little. At one point I was beside myself and overwhelmed by all of the various individuals that intruded upon my laboratory. I do not know what all of their motives are, but some of them; I do. Balun Dashiell , Mr. Usher , those two's motives are ones that I am aware of with utmost certainty. Yet that is just a fraction of the interest that the leaks of my project has garnered.

I have secured myself some funding recently; calling upon an old debt by Diarch Reign . Even with him I could only say so much about my plans. I keep those close to my chest, not telling anyone about them. Even my lab partner does not know. But what can one expect when we hardly know eachother at all? Our only connection is the isotope and my project. We each require the other's intellect. And we each are silent in regards to other matters.

Right now I am far too busy setting up these decoys to be bothered with anything else. There is much to do. Each worker, slicer and engineer are only told that which matters for their department. They are in the dark about this lab's true intent. For them it is real. For them it is tucked away to hide something special. But the truth is; it is a trap; one of many that I hope to build. And all to bide me some time.

"Two more days and it should all be set," I proclaim to the living statue that is my lab partner. "Node Theta will soon be online." My eyes drift to one of Mister Usher's specimens as it moves about comfortably within it's tank that is outfitted with tiny plants, logs and dirt from New Cov. It is my connection to both my old homeworld and to him. It is somewhat comforting to have Mister Usher watching my back.

Tag: Imperius Indomitus ​

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

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

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Liin "Tera" Terallo

​

Masterra | Subsurface Lab Complex | Node Theta Nine

Imperius was, for once, not clad in his imposingly ornate or ornately imposing warplate but wearing a simple black uniform tunic, fatigues and boots. Yet that did not help with his physical presence at all, in comparison, it now seemed that the armor contained his physical presence and aura while without it seemed unleashed and unbent.

The Pureblood was working quite delicately on a datapad, his black eyes not leaving the screen, his four fingered hands running over it with high speed, despite all the information running through his retina HUD, interconnected and working through information faster than most supercomputers present in the Galaxy. His goal for this project was much more pragmatic and probably insulting than the more or less shrouded ideas that Tera thought to have.

He did not require or desire to invade her thoughts to learn what she wanted. Her surface expressions and disposition were more than apparent even to some back alley fortune teller. The Force confused and annoyed her, not the power in itself, but the disparity, the unequality. It was terribly naive but not far away from Imperius' ultimate, ulterior goals.

"Within the next rotation we will have further results from the genome I brought. The decoys should provide the distraction for us to actually move ahead - unless the secrecy of the locations and decoys has been compromised." He remarked absently with his rather deep, rasp voice, hinting at her potential spilling more intel.

"Your idea to use the Isotope in this way is remarkable, the preliminary results are intriguing. Though I would prefer to shift to a location that is ... less random and more dedicated to security and scale." His voice rarely had anything but pure factual intonation, it was the closest he got to a compliment and encouragement to a stranger.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

A part of me wants to look over his shoulder to see what is appearing on his datapad while his fingers run so feverishly on it. But I do not. Out of respect and perhaps in part through a bit of intimidation, I do not. I keep my distance from him in more ways than one. Something deep down tells me it is far better that way.

I listen to him speak, giving a hint of a compliment while also fishing for more information from me about my current plans. The decoys, the random locations, all of which I have yet to completely disclose to him. I may do so some day, or I may not. Right now I am finding it difficult to predict the future. I can only plan for what I hope will happen.

"It will take some time for all of the decoys to be discovered. And by then they will all be wondering if they are chasing ghosts, or some bizarre trick that will lead them to nothing." I turn from the specimen's tank, redirecting my gaze to my lab partner. "The isotope is an energy source. In the past it was used as a battery and fuel for machines, for droids. But organics like us are machines too. It is a spark of energy that brings us life, that powers our bodies. This isotope ensures that any DNA modifications we create do not break down. We just need to find the right composition to achieve the results we desire."
I shift my gaze again to the laboratory that is nearly complete. There are multiple levels for it, each serving a purpose. Security measures have been integrated in order to protect the laboratory and it's true purpose. Yet my lab partner is not entirely comfortable with it all. And in some part I do not blame him. "Where do you suggest that we go? Have you got somewhere in mind that will offer the right amount of scale, sanctuary and security that we require?"

Tag: Imperius Indomitus ​

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

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

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Liin "Tera" Terallo

​

Masterra | Subsurface Lab Complex | Node Theta Nine

It was of course not known to her - but Imperius fought the first vessels equipped with Isotope-5, as in, the first that ever existed. It was the only challenge the Sith and Republic could mount at the time against their Eternal Fleet, the only ships powerful enough to have a chance to compete with the might that Zakuul had brought to bear. Simplistic as it was, it was his intention to use the rare good to do the same. For some a droid with these capabilities was enough, for others a ship. His ambitions eclipsed those.

"With a year or two of time, the samples and specimen I could provide on Iokath would be entirely sufficient to find and improve on the product. Our facilities are flawless."

He lowered the datapad, putting it down and clasped his clawed hands while turning his attention towards her. It was a cold, calculating stare, even though it did not mirror the aura he intended to spread, which was not comforting but a strange honesty and directness. "You have quite the diverse collection of acquaintances. Do you believe one or more will return with their agendas of aid or interuption?"

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

"Iokath?" That is not the name of a place that I have heard anyone talk about in quite some time. In truth I had only read about it during my history lessons in school. And even then it was only touched upon. A giant sphere surrounding it's host star is almost unimaginable to grasp. The technological advancement of such a thing far eclipses that of anything built ever since. Is it thriving now? Or is it as empty as Masterra? "Perhaps after Node Theta is ready, we can travel to your facilities. Things can be set to begin there and then I can return to build more decoys." If he wanted to stay on Iokath, then he could. Who am I to stop him? I just do not feel entirely safe staying in one place right now.

And then he set down his datapad and turned to face me. There is never any kindness within his black eyes. There is always just a cold void laced with a clear and unpredictable intent. It is enough to run a shiver down my spine, yet I keep it all together. At least for now.

His question on my acquaintances caught me off guard. Most especially as I cannot be confident in my answer. Not truly. For I cannot predict their own motivations or intents. Except for two of them. "Mister Usher will for certain, if he suspects that I am in danger. Mister Dashiell does not agree with what I am doing. He may try to interfere, I do not know. Or he could respectfully keep his distance. As far as everyone else, I cannot be certain. And most that entered the lab on Makeb; I have never come across them before. Why do you ask?"

Tag: Imperius Indomitus

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

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

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Liin "Tera" Terallo

​

Masterra | Subsurface Lab Complex | Node Theta Nine

"The transferal to Iokath would depend on the complete transparency of the project, naturally. I am not offering my house, technology and credits to build expectations - only realities." He offered dryly. It would be much more difficult for any outlanders to even find the planet, its darkness was a protection on its own.

"Preparation and curiosity. You do not seem like you are an uneducated adventurer or crazed scientist gone rogue. You have a purpose and a purpose breeds obstacles as we have already seen. Your assessment might also offer some insight to your wariness and way of thinking, a promising prospect if our cooperation should extend and expand."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I dip my head in acknowledgement of his request for transparency in exchange for the protection and technology that Iokath can provide. I had no idea that it was where he called home. But it does make sense. If New Cov was still neutral, I would have offered that we go there. But sadly, that is no longer the case. He would be denied access to go anywhere near the planet, I am sure. And so to would I; given the extent of this project. The influx and sudden ownership of the planet by Force wizards ensures that.

"If we are to be transparent, then I believe that it should go both ways. I am looking into making a serum that gives everyone Force abilities, that is true. Yet that is the first step. I want to go even further, ensuring that once the serum is given it rewrites DNA, and enables the alterations to be passed on to future generations. It will take time; generations, perhaps. But then balance will be achieved and it will be fair for everyone."

If it comes down to it, I may use myself as a test subject and see if I could pass it along to any future children. However if lab results are too unstable or do not work; then my research can be reverse-engineered so that the opposite can happen and that Force wizards would no longer be born or chosen.

"What about you?"

Tag: Imperius Indomitus

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

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

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Liin "Tera" Terallo

​

Masterra | Subsurface Lab Complex | Node Theta Nine

Fair. It was a word spoken by many, used in a myriad of contexts and usually only uttered by those that lacked the possibility, capability or capacity to do or grasp the extent of its childishness. There was no fairness in life or evolution, it was not meant that way. The only parity that could be achieved was justice, and only through absolute order and control.

Yet it was surprisingly similar to his very own aspirations, even if fundamentally opposite and ridiculous. The Wardens did not desire to give the Force to everyone - but to take it from everyone. But that was not for her to know and far beyond her comprehension right now.

"I want to replicate an old Imperial program that uses common technology in conjunction with the Force to create artificial Force users. While your approach comes from that of one who lacks the Force, I think that using the Force and specific conduits, especially Crystals, will offer better results, even if less permanent."

"Clones are easily provided for live testing if you wish to do so. My cloning program is running since many years and I can request sample individuals."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I listen to his own research idea, or at the very least the idea that he wants me to know about. He had asked me for transparency, but not for full transparency. But this too leaves room for ideas to be altered once the results, either promising or not, are found.

The mention of using an old Imperial program made me think of Mister Dashiell's warning. He had told me of Imperials in the past once making a synthetic Force to create artificial Force wizards that were trained by Dark Jedi. It had all ended up in bloodshed. Was it just Jedi and the articifial ones that died? Or were there a lot of people like me caught in the middle? Either way; Mister Dashiell was quite insistant on my research not falling into the wrong hands.

And so I have to be careful. I must be careful. I would go out and conduct this research on my own, but I am still in need of my lab partner for his expertise and his clones.

But perhaps there Is another way. I can utilize the many decoy labs enough and hide my true research where even my lab partner would not know. Afterall, we will not be together at all times. Not with this current plan of mine. We will each be able to do our own thing in our own respective spaces. The only thorn in that plan is if he has me tailed.

"Yes, our research is quite similar. One could almost benefit from the other. And I will appreciate the use of some of your clones, when the time is right. Thank you." I turn my focus away from him and to my little soecimen from Mister Usher. "I was told that what we are doing is in a sense trying to play God. Or at least I am. You already have Force magic, so in a sense you already are a God. It could be why so many wish to interfere with it all. Do you agree with their assessment? "

Tag: Imperius Indomitus ​

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

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

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Liin "Tera" Terallo

​

Masterra | Subsurface Lab Complex | Node Theta Nine

"Your understanding of the Force is rudimentary, uneducated even." His tone did not shift, it remained neutral and was apparently not meant as an insult or offense, just a fact that he recognised and shared.

"The Force is not an ability to be faster or stronger, to do things a 'normal' being cannot do. To be able to feel the Force is realising of being part of a gestalt, of a hive that everyone is a part of but nobody can interfere with. We are not gods. The Force is a god, omnipotent, omniscient. It has a Will of its own and that is not balance. Whenever the scales move in one direction or the other, it will intervene and set it straight again. In essence, it is perpetual conflict. The appearance of your friend Balun Dashiell is a perfect example of an enslaved mind."

"And especially for its Light side adherents, like your friend, any creation that is not 'natural' is forbidden and against the Will of the Force. It is against nature they say, not understanding that it is merely against their dogmatic view. They worship the Force as a god of peace and balance, without even understanding the cost of balance and follow its call wherever it sends them to do its bidding. The Sith worship it as means for power and domination, and while closer to the core essence of the Force, their self-indulgent and destructive nature is retarded in its own right."

"You should know what you are aspiring to be a part of. It does not merely go against a multitude of religious fanatisms, it also will violate the power monopoly of the strongest sentients of this Galaxy. Yes, you may fail, be killed and your research go nowhere and ultimately not be a threat. But the risk is too high to ignore it. You do not trust me or my intentions, you may even aim to leave me in the dark - but I can assure you, the amount of people in the Galaxy who are not only able to contribute, but approve of your doings, is not more than a handful."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I return my gaze to my lab partner as he tells me that I lack knowledge in the Force. It is not stated in a manner that could be described as an insult, but merely the truth. And so I listen intently as he provides me with a little lesson on it. These kinds of studies are not things that one learns in everyday schooling, afterall.

What he describes about the Force reminds me of Mr. Usher and what I know about him. Could he be a Force entity of some kind too? I have done some studies on Mister Usher already. The specimen that I have here with me is a part of that. It is my way of keeping in contact with him, and to help him find me when I need him.

"Any ecosystem is like that too. When the balance between predator and prey become tipped too far onto one side, the ecosystem is changed and finds a way to correct itself. Even a planet has that ability. It is something that the Covie had learned long ago as we began to cultivate and harvest biomolecules.

But the hive mind that you speak of? Mister Usher is a part of one. You saw some if his abilities on Makeb. Some might consider him evil and a monster for how he consumes others. Yet there is a part of him that holds restraint, a part of him that chooses to protect me out of most others. Perhaps it is remnants of some of the good people that he has consumed; I do not know. Is it possible then, that the Force could be multiple entities and not just one? Each fighting through influence on others for control?"

His words on how very little people in the Galaxy approves of my research unnerves me. The target placed on my back is a lot larger than anticipated. All the more reason to set up an even more elaborate set of decoys in order to have them off my tail. I will need to be cautious with every movement. I will need to have eyes upon me that I trust whenever I am outside of the laboratories. One thing is for certain; my life of living on a singular world in comfort is over.

"I do not hold complete trust in you yet, that is true. But that is how it is with me and most people. Living in business/political circles causes that. It is nothing personal. I can imagine that you do not trust me entirely either."

Tag: Imperius Indomitus ​

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

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

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Liin "Tera" Terallo

​

Masterra | Subsurface Lab Complex | Node Theta Nine

"Do not take the meaning of hive mind too literal. Your Starweird companion is of a different kind than what I am referring to. The Force rallies those that follow its dictates, it pushes and influences their decisions rather than they make their own. It is a complex concept of deception and loss of individuality, tightly embraced by the Jedi Order. Visions of the future, bad feelings, ominous prophecies is what drives them while claiming benevolence and compassion."

"The Force is noone and everyone, it is a single entity and all entities. You are connected to it and yet cannot feel or hear it and yet are its pawn."

Despite his lacking idea and concept of natural empathy, his perception and understanding of psychology and biological reactions is flawless. His eyes observe her reaction to the last part of his revelation.

"You did not know this, were not aware of it." How naive.

"I ensure you, that I have much less to lose in this and have no reason to be afraid of you - even with your protector around. Therefore distrusting you is rather pointless. I understand the depths of deception, but there is little to gain for me from seeing you as an opponent."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I do not like the idea of something else controlling me. It only gives me doubt that every decision that I make was already made for me by something else. That is part of the reason that I do not trust Force Wizards to begin with. They can read minds and manipulate others through their thoughts, which is not ideal for anyone like me in a position of power. And those in positions of power that have those abilities should not be allowed to be in those positions to begin with. It should be outlawed. But in this day and age, nearly everyone in a notable position of power is a Force wizard.

"If I am a pawn for it, then why would it put me on this path of research that goes against what it is? To create balance? Then why have others try to stop it?" All of these questions are both hypothetical and not. They add another elemant to my research.

As he responds to my questions about trust, I listen intently. He connects trust to that of fear. It is a laughable thought for anyone to have fear of me. I have never even gone so far as to strike at anyone. There has been no reason to. But I know there to be some level of distrust that he carries for me. Otherwise he would be an open book. Yet I know so little about him.

"You say that you have trust in me, yet I do not even know your name...."

Tag: Imperius Indomitus

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

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

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Liin "Tera" Terallo

​

Masterra | Subsurface Lab Complex | Node Theta Nine

"Conflict is the only answer I can give to you."

Imperius did not know where his own will stopped and that of the Force began. It was part of the frustration and terror that those who sought to understand this had to face. The safest assumption was that there was a counter-plan to your own. That there was a force working against your own. In a Galaxy with the Force, free will was an illusion.

"I am Imperius." He simply stated, having actually thought that she knew or he had shared it somehow and some point. It was inconsequential for their trust, less so though for the relation and scope of resources. If she did not know who he was, she did not know his position. That was curious. Even more curious would be now if she recognised the name or not.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

Conflict.

There are people that I know of that thrive on conflict. It is as though they were only happy if they were arguing or fighting someone. A great number of politicians are in that category. However I am not one of them. I never have been. I look to avoid conflict more than I do to create it. Even with my lab partner, even with Mister Usher; instead of having conflict with them I choose instead to find some common ground between us. It is far better that way. Not to mention it ensures that I live a little longer too.

And at last he has given me is name. It is not as though I had asked for it before, but given how secrative I was about myself on Makeb and how quickly things had spiralled; there just had not been any time for proper introductions. And until today our conversations had been very, very brief.

Imperius, the Imperial. It sounds almost comical. But I would never dare laugh at him at his expense. That would be highly disrespectful. I do not know any names of Imperials or those from any other super power. The Covie had been isolated from them for a very long time. Until recently we had been largely left alone. Regardless, I hold my hand out for him to shake in what is meant to be a proper introduction. "I am Liin Terallo. The Inquisitor spoke of you being a Warlord or Warmaster. Am I to expect you to be called off to war from time to time? Or are you retired?"

Tag: Imperius Indomitus ​

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

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

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Liin "Tera" Terallo

​

Masterra | Subsurface Lab Complex | Node Theta Nine

Imperius offered a deep nod to her in recognition and greeting. He was commonly not around civilians, dealing with officials, military and industrials or even scientists. She claimed to be part or have been part of the political circles of some world or area, not knowing which, but now she certainly was not anymore.

"At this time, my duties extent beyond the limits of our partnership. But I do not require physical presence in either to pursue my duties and interests, that includes progress on this project."

The idea of retirement was quite amusing though. His age would probably cause her a coma.

"Our focus with the serum should be live testing as soon as possible. I will have to acquire a specific set of crystals for the alternative method from various places that probably exceed your adventurous vein. As well as old research data."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I lower my hand as he does not accept it. Instead he bows his head, upon which I follow suit. Different people, different worlds, different customs. There is no offence taken.

He responds to my inquiry in kind. If his physical presence is not required for them, then I visualize him standing before holographic maps, relaying orders to those under his command. I doubt very much that I would bare witness to any of that if it were to happen. Afterall it is none of my business. I can only be comforted in the fact that his involvement might ensure that other Imperials will not try to interfere.

And now he stresses the importance of the timing of our progress. Not only that but he quickly asseses that I am not quite the type to embark on some of his expeditions. For once I wholeheartedly agree with him. Afterall he was involved on the expedition to acquire Isotope-5 on Makeb. I was not fully prepared for what would happen there.

"You are right. I am ill equipped for the adventures that you are planning. And while you hunt for the crystals and old data, I will continue to build more decoys in between my work on the serum. Any adversary will be running in circles, I am sure."

Tag: Imperius Indomitus ​

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

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

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Liin "Tera" Terallo

​

Masterra | Subsurface Lab Complex | Node Theta Nine

She of course did not know that he was doing exactly that almost every moment, without the need of a map in front of him or a comms station to relay commands. Nobody bore witness to it, nobody ever would unless they planted some device into his brain - which was fairly unlikely all things considered.

"Adventure is a rather childish designation, but I digress as it is not important what it is called as long as it is done." He remarked, correcting himself. "I will maintain our compartmentalisation while including other elements into the hunt for more information and potentially support. This project will grow beyond the need for mere decoys and will require serious security measures once I return. A force in being usually discourages more than the prospect of finding nothing."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I was naive to think earlier that there would be only the basics of security needed for this. In the past my research on biomolecules was conducted in relative safety; with very little people interested in infiltrating the laboratories over the secrets that lay within them.

But now that threat is constant. Not only that but the risk of being killed for it has grown as well. Afterall the opposition to my research has been gained in unexpected places. It is difficult for me to know who to trust and I find that to be a little unnerving as well.

"I wish you much success on your venture. And hopefully the time will come when the need for decoys and doing research on the run is no longer necessary. Stability is a far better breeding ground for success."

Tag: Imperius Indomitus ​

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

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

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Liin "Tera" Terallo

​

Masterra | Subsurface Lab Complex | Node Theta Nine

"Such time will never come, Miss Terallo." He responded directly. "You have entered a game that knows no respite or retirement other than elimination. You have what I can only assume lived a reclusive and peaceful life, one that is quite far away from actual labor, sweat and blood of the Galaxy out there."

"But I will make sure that it is not our research that is being disturbed - only defences and security. If you are capable and willing to walk this to the end, you will have much blood and sweat to give, but it will be worth it. Your idea is invaluable." The pronunciation of the last sentence seemed somewhat off, indicating another meaning. The idea is invaluable, the mind behind it - is not. But Imperius was more than set on making her succeed, rather than taking anything. He had a sense of honour afterall, but it would not yield to pragmatism if it should justify success.