The City of Flesh and Bone || CIS Dominion of Kinyen

[Credius]

LOCATION: Kinyen, planet's surface
OBJECTIVE: Objective Three || Crush the Heart | BYOO
EQUIPMENT: Personal Armor see Signature, KRONOS AI

TAG: Pom Stych Tivé | Nim'Harra | Tess Valnora | Vytal Noctura

Post: 4

The Viceroy of Eriadu, Sith Lord and Member of the galaxy's high nobility could only stand still when those responsible for the electronic mishaps of earlier showed themselves. At first he noticed a little witch, one of those who had managed to be part of the efforts on Vylmira, a twisted and dark little thing, but nonetheless he had not remembered this twisted child's name. However, the other witch descending from the craft was another matter entirely, as she had been there when he had been confronted by the Exarch Adron Malvern, she had been there on Vylmira, this one was like a shadow he couldn't seem to get rid of, like some forcedemon riding his back.

"Hmmm, I thought it must've been someone of your disposition to dare such a stunt," The armored man looked down at the two witches, though he took a step back in surprise when [member="Pom Stych Tivé"] showed off one of the witches' talents in the form of some vile concoction being consumed and forcing the dark sister to turn into one of those beings of bloated flesh and gnashing teeth which scoured the planet's surface like a raging storm. "Interesting...well, I guess whil' you all will take your stealthy approach to be the scalpel in this undertaking, I shall be the hammer to draw in the attention of the singularity which we are hunting."

Viceroy, a woman's voice whispered in the Viceroy's ear, slightly surprising him take care not to perish here. I would not want to usher in another so quickly.

A chuckle could be heard from underneath the helmet, as the armored sith lord raised his hand to show how the crystal embedded within the man's gauntlet started to tremble and draw in large amounts of dark side energy of the force before black wisps and sparks of lightning danced around his fingers. "Do not fret such trifling matters, my dear. These creatures are but mounds of useless flesh before me...a source of knowledge and nothing more, you should be well aware that it is knowledge which sets apart the powerful from the weak."

Turning his attention towards the young woman who had decided to follow him rather than be transformed into one of those hideous, foul beings. Credius tilted his head and therefore his helmet a bit to the side, [member="Tess Valnora"] was already reaching for her weapon, which satisfied him. She was prepared to do what had to be done and seemingly unaffraid of the horrors that would arise from the depths of this world. "Very well...I will enlist your servitude. Stave off these beasts to the best of your ability, your weapon's range may come in handy when we get into the depths of this maw. In any case, as long as you do not hinder our progress and prove to be of assistance, I will ensure you great payment and reward for your effort."

Stretching out his free hand for a moment, the Sith Lord let his mind seek out the area around him, trying to see how long it would take for those monstrocities to arrive at their location. "Let us move on, they are coming for us as we speak."

 

[Pom Stych Tivé]

Objective Three | Crush the Heart​

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Save us.​

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Tag: [member=Nim'Harra]



[member="Credius Nargath"], certainly memorable, even trapped inside the brains of this barbaric beastie, but Pomsty noticed one thing she had not planned on…

"It's Queen is sentient," she spoke to [member="Vytal Noctura"] through Telepathy "yet the grunt does not seem to be; how can it? It is a hive mind!" How peculiar!

Then [member="Tess Valnora"] looked upon Pom standing there in what had been her birthday suit, which is now that of one member of the hive, and the look of absolute revulsion she cast upon the Sorceress did not escape her awareness. Pomsty understood that gaze full well, as it was cast upon her every place she went where she met members outside of the Mandragora. That gaze was burned into her mind, while the CIS Military attacked the Mandragora on Apatros!

And there is another thing, something helpful, ringing around from inside her mind, which picked up on the chattering beasties, as this is what she is now wired to do. The grunts have orders. "Vytal, she said to them last this direction: ‘We shall see what this Confederation can do. Go, my children. Bring me something worthy of joining our brood, or bring me blood. This planet cannot withstand our attacks much longer, not even with their newfound friends. Kinyen will fall.’ Her name is Nim’Harra. ‘Show them no mercy.’ Perhaps we have something worthy to bring her; yes? Ourselves!"

The other Mandragora among their group voiced their notion to raise hell right where they stood, to draw attention to themselves here, and ease the fight against the remainder of the people upon this god forsaken planet. Agreeing with this necessity, Pomsty latched onto the essence of Vital, as she saw her sister's dark presence through the Force, and the witch Apparated herself and Vytal into the mouth of the distant caverns, leaving the others behind. Once within the deep shadows therein, she again reappeared into her newly transformed physical monstrosity. Pomsty could see fine inside the darkness through these eyes, but figured Vital will need a moment to adjust.

The tug upon her mind is felt more forcefully now. Pomsty quieted her own thoughts, and she focussed on the pure essence of the grunt, lest she draw attention to themselves too soon!

'These are the orders…
How we adore our Queen!'

 

[Tiria Reinhart]

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Location: Hive Nest III
Equipment: Project Xiphos Armor, Modular Tri-Blaster, RV-5 Grapple Line Launcher, Micro Light Shield, Disruptor Grenades, Bayonet
Tags: [member="Kaden Farr"] | [member="Ardasz Verd"] | [member="Daisy Americus"]

A tan skinned Commando strode across the corrupted terrain awash with blood.

Unlike other squadrons that ran across the surface of the planet in a desperate bid to save it from being consumed whole, Reinhart's was dead silent. Not a word spoke over the communication channels. Not so much as a hand gesture. Just the long, shrill whine of a hail of blaster bolts and slugs. A ravenous roar of flame, or concussive rending of air, ground, and flesh. Each member that accompanied the sharp-eyed woman acted as one might expect under the influence of Battle Meditation; their movements were precise, coordinated, and purpose-driven to approaching one of the three identified nests producing an endless horde of beasts.

The best way to outmaneuver the enemy is to think like the enemy. Understand. Anticipate. Respond. Tiria stood at her full height with a raised chin. I don't need to learn how to think like them. I am them.

A burst of bolts dropped another caress that sought to crest a hill and take them by surprise. Tiria did not smirk out of a sense of superiority or accomplishment as they cut through swathes of enemies. In fact, she hadn't smiled since they left the ship. Killing the creatures brought her no joy. No relief. She understood them on a level few others in the Confederacy could begin to fathom. Like whatever stood at the center of this Hive, Tiria Reinhart was, herself, joined to a Hive. This was the sad fate of two competing Hives. A dark business of entities that would happily take all the resources needed to secure their well-being; and the inevitable conflict that brought. The Many that walked in her boots would have liked if they two could join together, but that seemed nigh impossible.

Their mission was to carve a path through the enemy, and destroy their enclave. Each person Tiria had assembled for this task was another joined to her through an intangible understanding the likes of which their enemy used to communicate. They knew everything the other knew. Could react to things only another saw. Work together in unison without the faintest, galactic-standard means of communication. They would use the enemy's own strength against them. And in a way that made the First sad... that it might be aiding these creatures in doing what had been done to it so very long ago. If only there were another way.

 

[Kaden Farr]

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Location: Landing Zone outside of Atiria Nest Beta​

Gear and Armor: In Bio, 2x Bandoleer of Thermal Detonators​

w. [member="Daisy Americus"] |[member="Ardasz Verd"] | [member="Tiria Reinhart"]​

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Kaden had not intended to cut his time off short. He had promised Daisy more time with her, and he fully intended on returning to that, but after this one mission. Perhaps he had chosen to sign them up for the mission because of how much the hive and the way it spread reminded him of the Netherworld. Regardless of what it was, Kaden had never wanted to wish his experience on anyone, and he would do anything in his power to ensure no one would have to. In this case, it meant destroying a hive its nests. The more it spread the more dark the world became, and Kaden would not stand for it.

It may not have been a good idea to being Daisy, but Kaden was determined to have her with him on this mission. He loathed being without her, and despite how worn thin she felt, the two made a great team. They worked well together in and out of battle. Kaden could not deny the bond they shared anymore than he could deny the feelings which he continued to become more and more aware of with each passing day. The way he pressed his forehead to Daisy communicated everything without having to utter a single word, and they way she no longer hesitated or tried to pull away told Kaden everything he needed to know without a response.

<<< “I know we will. That’s why I agreed to this one,” >>> Kaden reassured Daisy as he emphasized the last word. <<< “I could not sit by and watch a world devastated by something that reminded me of my own hell.” >>>

They had become close. They were intimately aware of each other. A small moment was taken before battle, and it was with the added strength of the woman beside him that Kaden was emboldened to leap from the drop ship with shout and volley of fire from his pistols.

The enemy was relentless and massively outnumbered them. Daisy tried to get an accurate count, to warn Kaden of the horde to their right. Even with the sheer volume the party had been able to kill, it seemed as though they made no dent in the horde that charged them. Every slug placed in the skulls of the bugs put them down easily. It wasn’t that the enemy was difficult to kill, it was the volume they had to deal with.

In a matter of minutes their position was overwhelmed, and the trio needed back up.

[member="Ardasz Verd"] had the right idea with his jet pack, but even that did little to reduce the number of insect like creatures which attacked them. They needed bigger guns and more troops.

His back stayed to Daisy’s back as the other Mando asked Kaden a question.

<<< “Best we can, but we’re gonna need bigger guns. Get a line into air support and get them to clear us a path to the nest entrance” >>>

Maybe Kaden was dumb, but he was certain they would have an easier time dealing with the enemy in the nest. The cave mouth created a bottleneck of sorts, keeping the insects directly in front of them. They would likely run out of slugs before the reached the core of the nest, but at least they would all have a fighting chance once inside.

<<< “Stay on our flank, and keep an eye on sixes,” >>> Kaden added to his exchange with Ardasz. <<< “Daisy and I will start pushing ahead and clearing as many of these bugs as we can.” >>>

Kaden made sure to rely the communication over the main channel so Daisy could hear the instructions as well. His next words were for her on their own private channel as his pistols continued their onslaught of slugs clearing the enemy around and ahead of them.

<<< “I promise when this is over, we are taking a proper vacation.” >>>

As if someone in the CIS knew they needed more back up, [member="Tiria Reinhart"] arrived with her own unit. The group began quick work of clearing a path for the rest of the groups to advance.

<<< “Well would you look at that… something seems to be going right for once. >>>

Kaden smirked under his helmet, though anyone who knew him well enough would hear it in his voice.

Running ahead, Kaden pushed toward the mouth of the cave where more and more of the bug like assailants were pouring out. A shout escaped his mouth as a spear made of dark side energy seemed to come out of nowhere before being lunged into the mouth of the cave. Kaden would see the darkshear tear though as many as it could before it would dissipate. Daisy was not the only one who has a few tricks up her sleeve.

 

[Nim'Harra]

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[member=Luna Terrik] | [member=Subject 73 Red] | [member=Kaden Farr] | [member=Ardasz Verd] | [member=Maeve Archeron] | [member=Tess Valnora] | [member=Damsy Callat] | [member=Daisy Americus] | [member=Lik Teh'Bones] | [member=Tiria Reinhart] | [member=Pom Stych Tivé] | [member=Vytal Noctura] | [member=Credius Nargath]​

The hive is hungry, the hive will feed.

Rage wasn’t an adequate enough word to describe how Atiria felt. Seething might have been a more accurate description, but even then the word could barely hold a candle to the fires of anger that tore through her children. Metal bullets rained death and destruction across the entirety of Atiria, faster than it ever had before. No matter. Atiria was infinite so long as the nests remained untouched, but the hive Queen was no fool. The Confederacy was a strong enemy, such determination for lives house in such squishy shells. Nim’Harra was remiss to underestimate them, she had no doubt the nests weren’t entirely safe. The hive Queen sighed softly as she rose from her throne, smoothing a plated finger down her fleshy cheek. ‘This won’t do, will it, my pets?’

She descended the pedestal of bone her throne was raised on, each step across the fleshy floor that crept across the planet seemed to rile Atiria. Their Queen had risen, and she was their motivation for a brutal and bloodthirsty attack. Nim’Harra paced the length of the cavernous opening she had claimed as her castle, and with her, something else stirred. The shadow at the entrance of the throne room, the one that should have been chased away by the bright flash of explosions and bullets overhead, the one that ought to have been nothing but eternal black… it moved. Nim’Harra’s expression broke out into a gentle smile, reminiscent of the one a mother would give her child as it learned to walk. ‘Yes, my sweet.’ She spoke to the shadow in a soothing tone. ‘It is your time.’

With those words, the shadow itself rose. A towering giant of a beast ten times the height of any who fought on the surface above. It didn’t recognise its own size, crashing into the top of the tunnel system as it attempted to stand on both feet. A spray of rock and debris tumbled to the floor as it moved almost lazily through the tunnels, but Nim’Harra neither flinched nor moved. ‘Send in the Goliath…’ Her tone held a note of twisted amusement which only seemed to double as the clicks and grunts of Atiria filled her mind with excited chatter. Those who dared oppose her reign, those who thought they were safe behind their crudely erect walls… The Goliath would show them the error of their ways. It would show them that whatever safety they had cultivated was false, a pipe dream, a childish hope that would never come to fruition. They would all fall to her feet, they would all be absorbed in the end.

With the throne room almost entirely bare of her children, Nim’Harra felt alone. A strange sentiment for someone connected to the minds of thousands upon millions of bloodthirsty monsters, but alone she was. Thus far Kinyen had been more trouble than it was worth. Nim’Harra had never needed her entire force to absorb a planet before. It wasn’t a pleasant sensation for the Queen. In the quiet, in the silence, every small flicker of emotion was multiplied by a million. Every single ounce of pain was felt in the thousands. Nim’Harra paused in her stride and clutched her temples. It felt like hot metal poking and prodding at her entire body, mind and what little soul she still laid claim too…

A sudden shuffling at the tunnel entrance caused her head to snap in its direction.

Nim’Harra’s face fell immediately, switching from a twisted look of pain to the sweet, genteel expression she held before. Had a small swarm of her children returned to the hive? It didn’t feel like it, but there was something slinking around in the darkness. ‘Who lurks in the shadows? Come forth. Entertain your Queen.’

 

[Naomi]

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[member=ToKola Bakari]​

Where Naomi lacked in the powerful muscles of her people, she made up for in speed. While the other warriors ripped and tore their way through the grunts, she danced and weaved an elegant path of brutality. With only her knife as a weapon her strikes were precise, she had to be. A single slip up would have seen her torn to shreds by rows of sharp, slimy teeth and swallowed in the blink of an eye. A slice across the fleshy part of their throats, a swift stab where their spinal cords met their brains, wherever she could place her blade that she was sure would earn her a kill. In time, the battlefield had blurred. Naomi could no longer remember she was fighting by the side of another. Instead, all her focus remained on the careful steps she took to avoid a gruesome death, but their onslaught was never-ending.

Each time their razor-sharp talons bit into her skin, she felt it. Each time their teeth came dangerously close to ripping through her flesh, her energy waned. Yet, each time a trickle of her own blood found its way down her body, she fought harder. She could not die here, not now. Her task has finally been completed, ToKola was going to die, she just hadn’t imagined or expected she would die alongside him. No, she wouldn’t allow herself. One way or another Naomi was going to walk off this battlefield and return home, and one way or another she would leave a dying ToKola behind. Through her intense concentration on the swarm and her aching, injured body, the witch entirely missed the entrance of the new warriors. The sound of ToKola’s rumbling voice went in one ear and out the other. War cries were common amongst her people, she had grown used to the sound of them.

What didn’t go unnoticed was the heavy thud of his footsteps as he ran toward her. For but a brief moment, Naomi froze. Her mind couldn’t quite come to terms with the idea that he had chosen now, this moment, to reinstate their duel. It was the only reason she could come up with to explain his sudden charge. Lost in her own confusion, she blindly allowed ToKola to slam directly into her battered frame.

He was heavy.

Naomi barely had time to protest, but of course, she had no idea what was coming next. She hit the fleshy ground with a thud and gasped for a lungful of the acrid air. ‘Wh-...’ The witch started to shout, her tone obvious even over the clicks and screeches of the grunts that surrounded them, but it was cut short the moment the guns began to fire. A torrent of bullets reigned down on the swarms in front of them, each one slicing through whatever bit of shell they found their mark. Naomi was entirely unaware of this. The second the guns had begun their jagged cacophony she had buried her head in her arms and pushed her face to the floor, despite the fleshy mass pushing back up against her.

It wasn’t long before the guns slowed, leaving nothing but a canvas of crimson in their wake. Naomi risked peeling her face away from her arms and gazing into the scarlet mist that covered the battlefield. Words had started to form on her tongue, but she swallowed them hastily.

Aside from the fact that he was still pressed against her, she was far too busy processing the fact that ToKola had saved her.

 

[Subject 73 Red]

Objective 1

[member="Luna Terrik"] [member="Maeve Archeron"] [member="Damsy Callat"]

Red watched the vast landscape in front of him. The vast landscape of flesh was kind of soothing, in a morbid sense. They were on a living thing, and everything had a weakness.

He yawned. So far, nothing, but Red remained vigilant, as they were still in hostile territory. In fact, everywhere was hostile territory on this planet. The entire planet was their enemy. Truly, everything was out to get them.

Then, strangely, Red started to notice something. Some enemy grunts could be seen far off in the distance. Whether they were approaching or not, Red couldn't tell, but he knew that they were gathering. Their apparent target wasn't clear, but only one explanation did make sense.

They were gathering to attack the base.

It was the only logical answer. It was the only target worth attacking for miles on end. This might not end well. Not at all.

Red pressed a button on the side of his helmet, sending a comm to Commander Terrik. "Commander? We might have a situation on our hands. It's starting. I spot enemy forces gathering nearby. It appears as if they are preparing for an attack." Red said into his comm.

 

[Vytal Noctura]

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Location: The Throne Room
Objective: 3 - Crush the Heart
Tag: [member="Nim'Harra"] | [member="Pom Stych Tivé"] | [member="Credius Nargath"] | [member="Tess Valnora"] | Open

Knowledge, Vytal's disembodied voice echoed, and the wisdom how best to use it. Just because you possessed the ability to shatter entire worlds did not mean you were powerful, merely strong. True power was a subtle and fickle thing. Hard won and easily lost.

Nevertheless, should the Dark Viceroy desire to make his strength known and perhaps obtain a measure more of power for his effort there was no objection. Provided the mission was not compromised from a vain pursuit of self elevation or glory. An entire world was not worth one person's pursuit of power. Many had not been properly introduced to the Mandragora yet; but Vytal was of the mind they sought the larger and deeper picture than most dared even acknowledge existed let alone gaze upon.

The Nightsister's essence swirled about Pom's bestial self. Yes, Vytal agreed. A lone 'grunt' was not a sapient creature on its own with a will and means to pursue it. The Hive was sapient, but its will was manifest in a lone creature -- the Queen. Slay it, and the Hive would crumble. Quickly? Slowly? It mattered not. A disorganized, discordant host of beasts. Though it would be worthwhile if they could convince this Queen to aid them. It seemed a far, remote chance of anything so grandiose, however. They would not be swayed by flowery words, but something...

Words did not come at first. A pale echo of ages passed crept over the broken world. It came from beyond and between the stars. Faint. Thin. Easily drowned out by the noise of the living, the passions of the spirits, and the howls of the enraged dead. It was a golden thread of which the tips of Vytal's ethereal fingers could just... barely... reach.

Nim'Hara.

Nim'Hara! The name was deafening in the silent place occupied by the white Nightsister. Her hand pointed forth and directed Pomsty toward the Queen the grunt adored so.

As Vytal's essence entered the throne room it began to take on its Dathomiri appearance and solidity once more. Only now her eyes glowed with green flame, and her voice echoed with the ages. "Deep is your hunger. Long is your toil. Lost is the memory of what it is you came to do. I speak for those that came before in the hope you have not yet forgotten them." Pom's items had been set upon the ground as Vytal had moved forward for the other Sister to retrieve if she discarded the guise now they had arrived.

 

[Pom Stych Tivé]

Objective Three || Crush the Heart​

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Save us.​

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There are Queens...
But then...
There are gods.

Pom's Talisman vibrated from about her neck, the essence of the Dathomiri Nightsisters' Fanged God sustaining her transformation. It was lodged within the folds of the skin of the neck of the beast whose form she had assumed.

Pom let the thoughts of the hive echo through her mind. Sentient beings upon the surface fell slain like no more than chattel to the pummeling of the grunts. The CIS have their hands full, and need to gain the upperhand quickly. Their Queen literally feeling their pain, but cold and unfeeling to those she affects. How can she and Vytal communicate the immorality of this assault upon the land dwellers, to successfully reveal that the people do not want war, but to live in peace?

The Grunts were taxed with bringing back to their Queen a worthy…what? Someone to bend to her will? Vital is with her, and of course Pom herself can change back to her own more sensual physical form at anytime. She fancied how she could try to speak to the Queen through her current state of being. She followed through tunnel after tunnel, instinctively knowing the way, following the scent, hoping they both are able to remember the way out and having Faith that [member="Vytal Noctura"] can get them through the Nether if necessary for their escape.

Pom understands the critical nature of any mission, but death is not something she fears. She believes in transformation, how its not much different than allowing the mental cognition of the grunts become her focus here and now.

In time the Queen did locate her presence as she closed in on the throne room, led straight to the orchestrator of this mayhem by instinct and the little antennae deal she now possesses. She quieted her thoughts as she had dove away from the massive Goliath Monster as it burst through the earth clamoring toward the surface, the worker who served its Queen in ways none other were built to comply. The layout of the nursery and the den of eggs, larvae...ghastly beasties all within her awareness.

‘Protect! For her!’ the massive monster screamed within Pom's head! Pom turned to view Vital still by her side, as she could identify her through Force Sight. She shook the freshly stirred dirt from her head before moving forward again, leaping past the gaping hole created by the Goliath Monster.

"We must hurry, Vytal! We have to stop her! Before other's die!"

Pom approaches the Queen as she invites her faithful enter her presence, the hives chatter foremost upon her tongue.

“So beautiful is she. So worthy. Let us die for her. Goliath will avenge us and she shall thrive ever still.”

And beautiful she most certainly is, this [member="Nim'Harra"]. The Fanged God has plans of his own, as Pom's Talisman continued to hum in her ears. His Will fills her mind, and he leads her to speak to his unknowing servant, Nim'Harra.

'Most prestigious one, I carry a message posed by the intruders. A question. Thusly, why do we kill sentient beings?' she asked the Queen in the tongue of the Atiria, aspired to attempt a little Philosophical conversation.

Vytal jumped right into her own spiel.

 

[Credius]

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LOCATION: Making his way through, obstacles be damned
OBJECTIVE: Objective Three || Crush the Heart | BYOO
EQUIPMENT: Personal Armor see Signature, KRONOS AI

TAG: Pom Stych Tivé | Nim'Harra | Tess Valnora | [member="Vytal Noctura"]

Post: 5

He had no idea how, but both of them were gone like smoke, vanishing from sight, yet he could instinctively find both the witches' force signatures rather easily, as they stood out within the vast emptiness around them. What was more surprising though, was that they were not just a few meters ahead, they had gone to quite a distance, something which made him wonder if this was a power similar to what he had seen his associate Immortuous use or something possibly even more advanced, nonetheless these witches had his attention for now. Alas, while he considered himself to be far from a slouch in the department of knowledge on the force and its many uses, he had yet to learn and master such a technique, given that the majority of his strengths relied on pure power or the more subtle masking and manipulating of the force, just not to such an extend.

However, with his personally designed battle armor donned for this very occassion, one might argue Credius was at the very least quite confident in his now enhanced and magnified power courtesy of the force focusing kyber crystals embedded within his gauntlets. "If you hear anything, do not shoot unless absolutely necessary," The man vehemently pushed this notion onto the young woman who had chosen to be at his side rather than that of the witches during this undertaking. "While I do not doubt the competency of these witches, I fear they misunderstand the opportunities this encounter may bestow upon us."

Luckily for him, as he pushed through the dark and damn tunnel system formed most likely by the colony that no doubt has sprouted from deep below the planet's crust, a buzzing sound resonated for a moment, alerting that the KRONOS AI had started to reboot itself and was slowly regaining its functions at last. "KRRR....analasys, systems at forty percent capacity, will need two minutes for full system reboot."

"Good, activate autonimous reboot and activate mapping sequence," The golden orb slowly started to glow with a radiant blue light, spinning around above the Sith Lord and returning to Credius' outstretched hand. "Where is the singularity and give me the estimated number of obstacles within the shortest path to the singularity."

"Route calculation...obstacle survey...danger precedent...Calculated viability...Route simulation...0.04 percent error margin...analasys complete," With a luminescent blue light, KRONOS showed a miniature map of the underground system it had been scanning, with a green dot to represent the singularity, two white dots to represent Credius and Tess' position and red dots to represent the possible obstacles along the way. "I see...not much obstacles to go by, besides a few stragglers seemingly holed up around the western tunnels on the map, we can avoid the majority by taking the route straight through these middle tunnekls and take the eastward bend to reach that singularity and I reckon those two witches as well."

Motioning the young woman to follow him and be prepared regardless, the viceroy made his way through the central tunnels as displayed upon the map, which he had KRONOS upload to his HUD within his helmet, so the ai could fully focus on its complete reboot procedure, as KRONOS was an integral part of his own objective. There was one thing which he found odd though, if this singularity was to be the linchpin of this whole overwhelming force, why did this thing remain alone within this place. Was it that confident of its own abilities or did it have an ulterior motive? "I suggest we hurry, this emptiness is worrying."

 

[Tessai]

Pain. Anger. Pain. Anger.

It had been so long since his mind perceived anything different. So long since the perfect harmony had been interrupted. For as long as he could remember, a cacophony of unified voices sang within every corner of his mind. The monstrous, discordant voices raised as one to praise the name Nim'harra. With every act, she was praised. With every move, she was lauded. The lived to serve. They lived to please. And it seemed his fate was nothing more than listening. Yet, in the present, Tessai perceived something far different.

Agonies ripped through the chorus. Wrath burned through the harmony. The will of Nim'harra yet remained the center, yet now orders were flung throughout the Mind. The noise...The damn noise...it was enough that Tessai wanted to cover his ears. He wanted to move, he wanted to see. For the first time in a small eternity, the slumbering man wanted out. It took the totality of his will to even raise his eyelids - and the sight which filled his vision was the making of nightmares.

Flesh. Pale and raw. Covered in fluids. Bone. Protrusions.

Was this eternal damnation? Was this that punishment the monks preached about so long ago? Tessai did not wait to find out. His arms struggled against that which held him fast - webbing of some sort. He wriggled and fought until his dominant hand broke free. Aching fingers dug into the flesh before him, prying and tugging for a way out of the mess. Soon, his struggles saw some semblance of victory, for a break in the meat filled his vision. The trapped man worked at it for quite some time, prying as much as his tired muscles would allow.

Then at last, his form spilled out onto the "floor" amidst a flood of noxious fluids. Tessai relished the momentary victory, filling his lungs with fresh air for the first time. Yet, he quickly realized that he was not alone. The chorus...that sickening cacophony which rang in his head for so long...it now roared in his ears. He once understood the words behind the monstrous utterings, yet now he only heard the gurgles and squeals of the beasts about him. They hovered and approached, yet made no assault upon her person.

Not yet, as it were. Fear filled the pit of his stomach at the sight of the monstrosities. And straightway, Tessai attempted to push himself to his feet. Once upon his knees, his offhand instinctively gripped his side - remembering the wounds which had laid him low in the first place. Yet, much to his surprise, he found only the remains of the fluids and his bare skin beneath his hand. There...would be time to freak out over that later, for now literal Hell was staring him in the face. He rolled back upon the balls of his feet, staggering upright as best he could.

"Get away!"

His voice was low and ragged, as if he hadn't spoken in years. His tongue felt off...heavy and dry. Yet, the beasts before him seemed to understand. Moreover...panic? They retreated immediately, protrusions flailing as if they had seen a literal monster. Tessai did not understand in that moment, but his very words had severed their connection to that sweet sweet chorus. For the first time in their existences...they had been cut off from their Queen. They had been removed from their purpose. And without direction, they were as lost children in the mountains.

Doomed.

Amidst the chaos of the day, Nim'harra would feel it in her bones. A void where once supremacy reigned. And not just anywhere...in that chamber, where that pod was held.

[member=Nim'Harra]​

 

[Tess Valnora]

[member="Credius Nargath"] | [member="Pom Stych Tivé"] | [member="Vytal Noctura"] | [member="Nim'Harra"]​

As they moved forward within the tunnels Tess kept all senses on full alert, the tunnels were dark, but not pitch black. After Tess’s eyes adjusted to the dark around her, she found it easier to move around, but it still made her uncomfortable knowing these creatures had the advantage or being able to get close without being spotted.

“If you hear anything, do not shoot unless absolutely necessary.”

Tess acknowledged the command with a nod and a quiet, “Understood.” But what she was thinking was, “I’m not some trigger-happy droid you know! I am a Crow; I live for the perfect time to strike.” Then pulled out the suppressor for her SMG and began screwing it on. Almost as if her mind had been read about droids the sound of a small electronic system reached her ears, looking around Tess saw the golden orb looking device. She quickly realized it was some sort of AI or droid aid.

As the orb calculated Tess pulled a red-light flashlight from her belt and clicked the power button, lighting the area in front of her and her companion in a red hue, keeping from blinding them but letting them see what was ahead. Credius may have had a night vision built into his helmet that he wore, but the light was necessary for her to move at a quicker pace, and keep her night sight clean. Once the route was complete Tess was ready to move, she was glad for the golden orb because she was sure she would have been crawling around these tunnels for a long time without a proper map. After Credius explained the route she piped up, “Let’s go. I’m ready to put a stop to this infestation.”

“I suggest we hurry; this emptiness is worrying.”

“Lead on, I’ll watch our backs.”

 

[ToKola Bakari]

​

[member="Naomi"]​

​

If you asked him why he did it. He would never be able to tell you. His massive body had come down upon Naomi because he knew she would not know to fall to the ground, she would not likely have seen the metallic Horde that The Confederacy employed, nor would she know of it's power. The line of Battle Droids marched forward, clearing the beasts from the area with a methodical power that only droids were capable of. Their metallic clanks were a welcomed sound as they began to fade into the distance. From the treeline came several ebony droids, with slim bodies that were capable of more precise movements. There were sixteen of these droids in all, and each one moved to create a circle around the War Marshal, with only the Commander unit speaking up.

"War Marshal, we have pushed the main line forward and the rear is secured. What are your orders?" He asked. To'Kola rolled off of Naomi, groaning audibly as he felt his muscles tighten and constrict against his movements. His own Sandali warriors had gone ahead with the Super Battle Droids, helping them clear out the rest of the Grunts in the area, which left only To'Kola and Naomi.

"I saved your life." He told her, spitting out a slob of blood onto the ground. He coughed, pressing a hand to a wound that one of the grunts had inflicted upon him. He spoke again, this time in their native tongue. "Nimeokoa maisha yako!" He repeated, this time in a roar. The Sandali man pointed a finger at her, his sunburnt eyes burning as he spoke. "Mimi ni mlima mkubwa!" He slammed his foot into the ground before looking to Naomi with a certain gaze. She may have guessed by now, yet the man still would speak his intentions.

"I will make you a wager. No matter the poison you have used on me, I will endure it through my own strength and no others. Once i've shown you my strength you will join me. That is my wager."

 

[Luna Terrik]

Location: BOP – Defense setup
Time: 0815 Hours
Equipment: Personal Dauntless Armor, SC4 Blaster, Tactical Recon Handguns, XZ-77 “Buster” Comms Device
Post: 03
Tags: [member="Subject 73 Red"] | [member="Maeve Archeron"] | [member="Damsy Callat"] | [member="Lik Teh'Bones"]

​

The sound of the rocks of the earth clacking together, paired with the feeling as though the earth was going to split in two was all the warning those in the defense base got before the earth, literally, split in two. Or at least, the massive mound did to the north of the base. And from it, emerged the largest being that Luna had ever seen in her time of service. A massive bug like creature that looked somewhat similar to the grunts that the locals had described, yet it must have been ten, fifteen times bigger. It has six long legs, with the front two having quite large pinchers on them. The thing was truly a monstrosity.

And it had the base in it’s sights.

The whole base was silent for a moment, in awe of the creature. That was, until, it started toward the on it’s back four legs. It didn’t move quickly at all, but it’s movement was enough to at least snap luna out of the daze and back to quickly barking orders. “Fire everything at that monster!!” She knew that wasn’t exactly the most detailed of orders, but it was first her idea to get everyone moving as quickly as she could.

Once everyone was into the rhythm of focusing and firing at the thing, however, she started to give out more direct orders. “Ewebs, focus on that things face. If you get hit’s eyes, do it. Blind that thing. Rocket teams, hit any weak spot you can. Joints, face, feet, anything. Find us a weak spot, and make it bigger.” Quickly comming into the fleet above them, Luna got back in contact with her squadmate. “Damsy, those bombers need to punch it, and quickly. We’ve got quite the large threat down here. Tell them to have their bombs ready before they get here.”

 

[Eli-Mae Forrest]

​

Objective:Save the innocents​

Equipment: Armor, sabers (All in signature)​

Tags: [member="Luna Terrik"]​

[SIZE=9pt]Kinyen, not the place that Eli would ever want to be, however when it came to innocents being massacred Eli-Mae was not one to turn a blind eye to innocents in peril. As grey as her standing in the Force was Eli had a soft spot for non-combatants who were caught in the cross fire. It was upon getting word of the happenings on the planet that she set out immediately. She had taken her personal ship, while on the way she had been scouring the CIS transmissions from the planet to gather all the information that she could before getting her boots on the ground.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Upon coming out of hyperspace in the planets orbit Eli headed to her quarters on board the ship. Once there the lanky redhead would don her armor, it was a beauty a special welcome gift from the confederacy to the then apprentice. Once she had the armor on she would reach to the side table gripping her duel lightsabers. She studied the hilt of each one. She attached them to her belt and made her way back to the cockpit. As she took the pilots seat her ship entered the planets Atmosphere and landed at the space port just behind friendly lines.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]As she exited her ship she saw that a battle raged on the ground. Seeing it she did not hesitate instead she pulled her sabers taking her right one in her unorthodox reverse grip and she charged.[/SIZE]

 

[Nim'Harra]

[member=Tessai] | [member=Vytal Noctura] | [member=Credius Nargath] | [member=Tess Valnora]​

‘A message?’ Nim’s voice was sugar-sweet as she spoke to the grunt in front of her. ‘What curious beings they are, questioning the inevitable. Did I harbour the same curiosity as a human, I wonder?’ With carefully placed, but gracefully made steps, Nim brought herself closer to her child. In one swoop she found herself kneeling down inches away from the row of sharp, gruesome teeth embedded in the grunts face. ‘You can tell them, my sweet, that we kill to survive. We kill to keep Atiria eternal. We kill for revenge, for all those years we were locked away underground like criminals, just for doing what we were born to do.’ Nim reached out and grasped the grunts chin in her hand with a little more force than she would have normally. It pained her to touch her children like this, but the reality of the situation had become clear the moment the grunt had spoken to her. It was doubly so when she realised that the firm grip had no effect on her own mind whatsoever. She couldn’t feel the pain it would have caused like she could feel the pain of her other children up above. ‘But… my children would know that already. So the real question is…’

‘...Who on Atiria are you?’ Nim’Harra’s face dropped when she realised whoever this was wasn't alone, doubly so the moment she saw the milky white flesh of the witch that appeared before her. From the moment she saw the flicker of darkness in the shadow, she knew something wasn’t quite right, but had she expected these squishy life forms in her throne room? Not in the slightest. ‘You… you’re part of this Confederacy, I assume?’ The disdain in her voice was plain as day. These Confederates gave her far more trouble than Kinyen was worth, thus far they had drawn all the available grunts she had out into the battlefield, something Nim hadn’t been forced to do for a century at the very least. This simple fact had left her open to them simply strolling into her throne room like it was an easy thing to do.

Nim’Harra sighed deeply and ran her finger across the top of the false grunts head. Her talon-like nails found the gap in the shell where there was nought but flesh, with every intention of sinking them in and removing at least one of the life forms in the room, but she wouldn't have the time. The new presence in the throne room was muttering something that she hadn’t the mind to pay attention too, but she really should have. The minute her words faded into silence again, Nim’Harra was hit with a bright flash that rendered her vision worthless. She stood suddenly, stumbling two steps backwards as she released the false grunt’s head. ‘What are you doing?’ The Queen cried out as brief glimpses of her past flashed before her eyes.

The day she had found out what the Lyre had planned for her, the day Tessai had fought for her freedom, the day she had almost lost him. ‘STOP!’ The anger in her voice echoed eternally off the cave walls, harsh, brutal and sharp. The scene faded from her mind's eye almost as quickly as it had begun. She wouldn’t watch him die, not again. She certainly wouldn’t be forced to watch it by the weak excuse of a witch before her. ‘How dare you? What do you know of Atiria? Of the things, we have suffered by the hands of mortals? Of the torment you have put us through? Of the life you’ve stolen from us? Nothing.’ She spat vehemently. ‘You…’ Her voice shook. ‘You and your people have done nothing but murder and trap us from the moment we were born. Tell me, why do you not deserve the same fate?’

As she waited for an answer, her chest heaved up and down heavily. Anger and rage now not only belonged to Atiria, but to their Queen as well. While all her children fought valiantly on the surface above, they would have certainly felt her rage in the caverns down below, but it was too late for them to run to her defence now. No matter, Nim’Harra could handle a few pathetic witches all by herself, in fact… it would be fun. She rarely got a chance to join in the blood bath, to have a little fun. Perhaps this was finally her chance. So, as she waited, she mused on the millions of ways she could quell the loud beating of their hearts. Or perhaps she might absorb them into Atiria, there were so many options. She had almost entirely lost herself in the gory scenes that played out in her mind when something drew her back to reality sharply.

A ripple from her children, a cry for her attention, a pleading shout that begged her to listen. Then suddenly… nothing. Almost as though the children who cried out for her had never existed in the first place. That was all it took for Nim to find herself doing something she’d never even considered a choice.

She ran.

She ran faster than she ever had before, not caring that each time her heel pierced the flesh beneath a searing pain shot through her spine. Not caring that there were people left behind in her throne room. Along with the children she had lost to darkness, they were a shadow of concern that was shoved to the back of her mind the moment she felt a presence. His presence.

Get back. She urged whatever grunts remained connected to Atiria. He would likely be confused, concerned by his surroundings, in pain... It was the only pain Nim could not bear to endure.

Her pace quickened until she rounded a corner into the chrysalis chamber. ‘Tessai?’ Nim called out into the flesh covered chamber, but her feet did not stop in their task. They carried her straight to his side until she was close enough to wrap her arms around him. She cared not if he fought back, or if he was confused by her appearance. She knew the moment she encased him he would feel it was her. He would know. The eyes that had remained human all these years finally laid on the very reason Atiria raged war on the planet above. After all these years he hadn’t changed a single bit, the sight of him still made her heart leap up into her throat. ‘Are you hurt? Let me see you…’

 

[Naomi]

​

[member=ToKola Bakari]​

She drew in a heavy breath of air the moment ToKola, relieved that her lungs inflated after the weight that had pressed against them. Naomi scrambled to at least sit herself up and get away from the fleshy floor, but the thin slices the grunts had cut out of her flesh were too painful to allow her to do much more. When she glanced down her eyes couldn’t decipher what crimson belonged to her, what belonged to the fleshy floor and what belonged to ToKola. Sickeningly, it was all the same, and more kept falling in a fine mist from the massacre guns left behind. It dripped from her body in beads, tingling as it traced patterns down her tanned skin.

ToKola’s voice rumbled her chest, forcing her to look from the scarlet paint decorating her body. Yes, he had saved her. Had he not almost crushed her, she would have been riddled with holes much like the grunts surrounding them. The notion was confusing. Why had he saved her when she had already taken his life? It was hard to concentrate with the pain of a thousand cuts tearing at her nerves, it was even harder to concentrate with the drips of blood that pooled on her eyelashes and blinded her vision, but… she heard him. She heard him loud and clear.

‘Unanitenda kwa heshima kubwa.’ She grumbled out in response. It was all she could manage to say. He had indeed shown her great respect by saving her life, Naomi just couldn’t fathom why. That was, until, his foot slammed into the ground and forced her head to snap in his direction.

The witch raised a brow, twisting her face into the most bemused glance she could manage. A strange offer to give to someone who was the cause of your eventual death. Though the battle continued to rage on around them, Naomi could only stare at the warrior. He was bold, and brave. The offer was completely unexpected. How could she refuse? When she finally found her words, they were spoken firmly. ‘Sawa. I will stay, but I will only be staying to watch you die.’

 

[Vytal Noctura]

​

Location: The Throne Room
Objective: 3 - Crush the Heart
Tag: [member="Nim'Harra"] | [member="Pom Stych Tivé"] | [member="Credius Nargath"] | [member="Tess Valnora"] | [member="Tessai"] | Open

"I am the Mandragora, and I speak for those without a voice." Vytal's voice held an otherworldly depth and reverberation as she spoke.

The Queen did not seem impressed, nor was it likely she even knew the difference between the factions within such a large entity as the Confederacy. It was also unlikely she cared. Anything that impeded their consumption or incorporation of all they laid eyes upon was nothing more than an obstacle to crush, or a creature to possess. Yet, despite the woman's -- or the Hive's -- lack of interest in 'mundane' interaction with 'lesser' lifeforms, the Witch and those with her had not come here to be ignored.

Many voices still crept along the tunnels of the Hive. Some had grown faint indeed, but those that mattered or those most incensed were with them now. They sought to remind the Queen of what was, what is, and what would be. Vytal plied their strength toward this task; where blasters and sabers might do little against something so massive as a Hivemind, one's memories and a persuasive story might hold sway.

"I know. Every creature your insatiable claws have touched. Every one you have taken. Those lost. Those raging across this world this very moment. People you knew before the eternal darkness." Vytal' burning gaze was fastened on the Queen. "You wonder what I know of your suffering? Your torment? The life we stole? Shall we sit around the fire and tell sad stories of the deaths of loved ones? I am here to hear you, Queen of the Atiria. To know you, and if necessary know your fate."

Soon after the Queen would make a surprising move to 'flee' from the chamber. The fires in Vytal's eyes marked the woman's hasty exist, but the Nightsister did not run after. "So it begins." As she took a step forward the mists swept about her form to claim her body once more. A mental map directing Pom to where the Queen had gone was delivered, yet no words followed it. There were many voices clamoring for attention; they were insistent on not being far from the woman that would consume the galaxy.

In the place where woman and man dwelt, the Nightsister's form reappeared as though she were stepping out of one of the tunnels and into the chamber Nim'Harra and Tessai occupied. The mist fell away from her as she took form, her eyes locked on the Queen as she exhibited an almost tender quality.

For the moment, Vytal was silent. She stood patiently just inside the room. Watching. Listening. They all did -- her, the spirits of those gone and the many entities of this planet. They waited in silent judgment. None would harm Nim'Harra until her verdict was passed, and sentencing could be carried out. Countless damnation weighed the scales against her. Would this new voice hasten the verdict, or strive to change fate's course?

 

[Tessai]

In the span of seconds that following the first creature's departure, the situation had gone from bad to worse.

If Tessai had any understanding of where he was or what he was dealing with, he would have known that the Grunt had comrades. He would have known that a Hive consisted of thousands of individuals. And thus, even if one scurried away, there would be three...four...or hundreds to take its place. He deluded himself into allowing a seed of relief to blossom in his stomach as the first monstrosity scurried away. Yet, it was quickly replaced by dread as five more strolled forth to replace it.

The only thing which came to mind, for some odd reason, was how to survive being mauled by a bear. Tessai drew himself up as tall as he could and bared his teeth against the monstrosities. He howled. He moved his arms. And...they parted? Were these demons bears? No. They were not avoiding him or responding to his survival antics in the slightest. They were moving out of the way of something far greater.

Tessai?

His name reached his ears. Over the natural squelch of his surroundings and the grotesque utterings of the creatures before him, someone knew his name. The man looked to the source of the voice in time to see a feminine form sprint towards him. Arms flew around his form and tightened in an eager embrace, causing the man's eyes to widen. Upon looking down, he saw her eyes. The eyes of one that he hadn't seen since being laid low on Ipeka so long ago.

"Nim...AHHHH!!!​

It was hard not to exclaim when his eyes took in her appearance. She was not the same woman he had known and loved all those years ago. Rather, it appeared as though she had been dipped into a vat of whatever hell surrounded them. She was a reflection of every fleshy wall and every vile monstrosity. She had become part of them. And yet, her voice was soft. She was concerned. She clung to him just as tightly as she had those precious few days before everything went to utter chit.

"I'm...I'm...I'm okay. I'm just...What happened to you? Is all this the Calamity? What happened to our home? What's going on? What..."

His voice trailed off. The edges of his vision seemed to darken ever so slightly as his countenance literally grew paler.

[member=Nim'Harra]​

 

[Subject 73 Red]

Objective 1
[member="Luna Terrik"] [member="Maeve Archeron"] [member="Damsy Callat"] [member="Lik Teh'Bones"]

Red nodded. "Copy that."

"Open fire!" He yelled to the others as he fired a rocket. He instantly picked up another, and loaded it in. Then, he fired it again at the creature. He continued this pattern, firing anywhere he could hit the monster. The other rocket teams also opened fire on the creature. Red aimed for any weak spots he could find, and with varying degrees of success.