Into the Maw

[Fyremage]

Spoiler: OOC

This is a mystery/horror rp. I did something similar to this when I first joined the site, and it was arguably the most fun I have ever had. In this rp, npcs matter and are not just your run of the mill throw away opponents. While this is a story-only rp, and has no pvp/major storyline rammifications, for the sake of immersion i'd ask that those involved treat npc's as if they are my characters. Don't autokill them. Investigate. Explore. Solve the mystery of Station K-547.

Aboard the Imperial Leviathan-class corvette Icariel, an Inquisior by the name of Saevius sat in a conference room alone. He peered upon a datapad clutched in his hands containing details for an assignment sent his way mere hours previous. An Imperial research facility had gone completely dark, failing to report in for over 3 months. Even now, the Icariel sped through lightspeed en route to the location of the facility. Also on board of the vessel were a handful of other Sith assigned to this mission. According to Saevius' directives, they were to establish contact and ascertain why the station went silent.

He scrolled down to see the names of the Sith accompanying him. Thus far, a Marauder and his apprentice. The Inquisitor smirked coldly as he mused over the implications, and more importantly the possible outcome of this assignment. They wanted him to investigate a research station, and yet they handed him two warhounds to assist. Only time and actually coming into contact with the Sith would prove the wisdom of the pairing, he was certain.

They would be here any moment for a briefing, which he awaited bemusedly.

@DudeTheManatee @Steel Wraith

 

[Steel Wraith]

Skaut walked into the conference room, his mask covering his face, he dawned his traditional armor and cloak. He had his equipment on his belt and the holocron he recovered etched into his armor. His armor was his traditional red and black, his cloak, mask and hood were midnight black. He wondered where Soran was. He didn't much care, as he would show up eventually. Skaut went to a random chair at the table and sat down, facing the Inquisitor. "I guess formalities aren't needed." The apprentice said in his sarcastic and playful voice, he noted that the Inquisitor probably already knew who they were.

 

[DudeTheManatee]

The door to the room opened soon after Skaut sat down, "Skaut, polite. Can we make this quick please I have to meet with the Dark Lord when we are done here." Soran's tone was dark, very unlike his normal polite demeanor. He sat down across from his apprentice and looked to the inquisitor for the start to their meeting. "I read through the data you sent initially, we are examining a deep space installation? Why do we have a station out that far? There are no systems in that area." Soran did not allow for answers to his questions until he stopped speaking.

 

[Fyremage]

As the apprentice entered, Saevius merely gazed upon him with an impassive look of disapproval. Sarcasm: either an indication of arrogance or incompetence, neither of which were desirable traits in a Sith. But the excuse could be made that he was young and impulsive, which gave some leeway in the traits being purged from his persona. The Inquisitor remained silent until Soran arrived, asking his questions.

With patience, Saevius remained silent until the Marauder fully voiced his mind, after which he answered: "In answer to your first question, yes we are investigating a deep space installation." His voice was measured, and bore the clarity and dictation of a well learned man. "As to why the Empire has decided to position such an installation in deep space, I must admit I cannot fully answer that question aside from what is revealed in the report - research and development."

At that, Saevius rose from his seat and paced around the table to a control console. He pressed several buttons, which caused a holographic image of the station to come into view. As far as anyone could tell, it was a regular and unassuming space installation. The designation even was standard. "Apparently, whatever research and development they were doing is important enough to involve each of us. The question we should be asking ourselves is 'What could possibly cause a secure research station to go completely quiet?' Initial scans show no indication of battle. Instead of sending in a typical military boarding party, we have been asked to take point.

 

[DudeTheManatee]

Soran contemplated the situation, "Seems like something either has gone terribly wrong or there is incompetence at fault. Either way we have been asked to check it out so that is what we will do." The situation had peaked his interest enough for the other things on his mind to be pushed away. The mission had a bad feeling all around it, but those are always the best ones.

"So when do we leave?", Soran looked through the information about the assignment again, now excited to learn what the base was studying. His eyes had shifted from the normal cold blue to having dark red streaks running through them. The bad feeling from just a moment ago had been replaced by his passion to learn as the Darkness swirled around him.

 

[Fyremage]

Saevius smirked slightly, though the act was bereft of joy or mirth. Instead, it was merely a practiced act he had long been in the habit of performing. In his line of work, the Inquisitor found that when one could put their companions at ease, it made the overall goal of the task at hand that much easier to accomplish. "We are already en route to the station. Once we exit lightspeed, I have been told we shall maintain an orbit around the station and board by means of a shuttle craft."

The Inquisitor glanced around the room at both of the Sith, and added: "It is my recommendation that we prepare for the worst. Prepare your minds and take what you will need to survive if it comes to that."

It was then that Saevius took his leave, offering a slight bow of respect to the pair of Sith accompanying him before turning to exit the room. His long, flowing robes hung over his frame, fitted to his body yet at the same time hanging loose enough for comfort and flexibility. The sleeves of his robes were tucked within the gloves he wore, his hands swaying back and forth slightly with each purposeful step. His black cloak billowed in his wake, with his entire apparel commanding the eminence due to an Inquisitor of his power and station. While this wasn't his own personal ship (as the Empire was not in the habit of granting every Inquisitor or Sith a warship of their own), it was clear that the men and women aboard it held Saevius in high enough esteem. Even still, he was careful to not even remotely consider this ship as his own, if for no other reason than to allow him to better perform the duties required of him. It was in most species' nature to form connections with others. Social interaction was, in fact, an integral piece of defining sentience within a particular species. Yet, as had been demonstrated before, establishing inappropriate social connections could lead to faulty perceptions and a compromised ability to do what must be done to keep the Empire pure and strong.

And while the risk of crew members of this ship descending into imminent rebellion or corruption was statistically lower just by virtue of his mere presence, the distance which he always put between others was an occupational necessity in most cases, and therefore applied in nearly any interaction he had with others as a general rule. Even still, there were times when he felt a sense of duty in ensuring the safety of the crewmen around him, and he felt this mission he had recently been assigned would be key in doing so. There was no telling what had happened to the staff aboard the research facility, but whatever did happen must have been serious, and perhaps even threatening to the livelihood of others within the Empire if the source was not contained. And therein lay the problem. While he knew these answers would be found given time, he at least wanted to prepare for what could be waiting for him in the blackness of space.

Were they performing... experimentation of organic life? Were they developing advanced weaponry and did something go terribly wrong? Was it sabotage? Although Saevius was by no means the most experienced or exposed Inquisitor within the Empire, he had seen many sights others were completely ignorant of. If only the general public knew how many threats the Empire suffers on a consistent basis.

As he entered his chambers, he shrugged off such thoughts as he endeavored to center himself. He soon removed his cloak and draped it over a nearby chair, with is gloves soon following: with his lightsabers set aside on the desk in front of the chair. Then he settled in the middle of the room, assuming a meditative position. His legs crossed over each other, with his hands resting atop his knees. Then, he closed his eyes. Hours would soon pass, with an announcement echoing over the intercom:

"All hands, we have exited lightspeed and are on final approach to our destination."

 

[Steel Wraith]

"Another day in paradise." Skaut said and flipped up his hood and looked over to Soran. "Any of this seem suspicious to you? Think about it, a seemingly normal science station goes completely dark. We don't have a clue about what they're working on, like it's supposed to be quiet, Soran. I don't know about you, but I got a bad feeling about this station." And with that, he walked towards the cargo hold, and prepped for the mission with his belt equipped with his saber, pistol and Phase Shift holocron on his back.

 

[DudeTheManatee]

Soran shrugged as his students rambled, he did have a point, why was a science station quiet and what were they researching. He stood and made his way to the temporary quarters that were given for this trip, "I have a feeling we may regret this trip. At least Skaut has started using his head instead of just rushing off and swinging a saber." The unlikely teacher, that was the new role he had taken and the only way to fulfill the job was to take him on missions like this. Soran picked up his gear as he heard the speakers, "All hands, we have exited lightspeed and are on final approach to our destination." It was time...

 

[Steel Wraith]

Skaut went to where they were supposed to disembark from the ship, he took a flashlight with him to just be safe. His garb was all straightened out and Skaut made some last-minute adjustments to his gear belt before hearing the announcement. He stood at the disembarking doors, waiting for the doors to open and for everyone else to get there. He had a strange feling about this station. Why and how did it go dark? What happened here? Time to get answers...

 

[Fyremage]

The announcement also roused the attentions of Saevius, who slow and purposefully rose to his feet. He slid his gloves back over his hands, pulling them tightly and flexing his hands to gain the full fitting of them before reaching for his lightsabers. As he held them in his hands, he inspected them ponderously, as if recalling the tales they could likely tell if they had the gift of speech.

Pausing for but a moment, he soon clipped them to his side and reached over to don his cloak, which was slung over the chair. At that, he proceeded out of his chambers and made his way into the hanger bay, where he would meet his would-be companions for the incursion into the station. They would soon embark within a shuttle craft prepped for their arrival, with a squad of soldiers boarding the ship and preparing necessaries.

Saevius soon turned his head to the two Sith, standing in between the pair: "Let us not delay any further. I hope you brought all that you require."

 

[Steel Wraith]

"I've got everything I need." said Skaut, who was inspecting his heavy blaster pistol, making sure he had enough ammo. "So, what did hey research here? Or do we not know that yet?" asked the young Sith, who put the blaster pistol on his belt, on his left side. He armor was midnight black, with a mounted light on his shoulder. He cracked his neck and watched the soldiers.

 

[DudeTheManatee]

Saran's eyes were distant as if in another conversation across the galaxy, "I am prepared.", he mentally checked his belongings. Saber, pistol, thermals, and extra clips. The Sith robe he wore lined underneath with a lightweight mesh for the extra dexterity, "Read the report and you might know Skaut." The group boarded the transport shuttle and headed toward the station. Soran could feel the excitement coming from both his student and the inquisitor, "Your emotions are showing.", he smirked at the pair.

 

[Fyremage]

Saevius merely arched one of his eyebrows quizzically at Saran at the statement. As it stood, Saevius was likely revealing many emotions as he attempted to harness them become one with his attunement of the force. While Saran likely could sense his emotions, the Inquisitor naturally kept his innermost thoughts and feelings well guarded as per his training.

Wordlessly, he pulled the hood of his cloak over his head and proceeded up the loading ramp of the shuttle with a measured gait. The shuttle in question was a simple craft - made with the intent of accomplishing a singular purpose as efficiently as possible. Nearly 20 soldiers strapped themselves into the restraints on either side of the walkway dominating the middle of the shuttle, with Saevius choosing a seat next to the Lieutenant in charge of the squad.

"What is your name, Lieutenant?" Saevious knew full well who the man was, but awaited the response nonetheless. The soldier spoke with a firm and dutiful tone, his jaw seemingly chiseled from stone as it remained expressionless while he addressed his superior. "Lt. Vosk, my lord. It is an honor to accompany you aboard the station."

Saevius grinned underneath his hood, which obscured vision of his face all but perfectly from the man and any potential onlookers. The officer said what he was supposed to say, yet Saevius knew well that the men accompanying himself and his companions were unnerved and confused as to their purpose here. He could sense their uncertainty, but he could also sense their firm resolve to see this mission through. "A pleasure." Saevius merely said in response, and not a moment too soon as the cabin pressurized and a sudden jostle could be felt while the ship rose from its docked position.

Within moments, the shuttle barreled through the darkness of space - burning ever closer to the ominous and foreboding presence of the research station. On the exterior, it appeared largely nominal and routine. Yet, the closer they inched to the station, the more likely everyone aboard the shuttle wondered what they would find. While they were only in flight for hardly more than eight minutes, for some it would likely feel as if time stretched to three times the actual duration. In short order, the shuttle landed atop its stabilizers and the loading ramp slowly inched lower.

It had appeared something was in the way, the sounds of metal scraping against other objects echoed through the chamber. Eventually, it seemed whatever was obstructing the ramp's descent was cleared as indicated by the 'clink' of its metal edge against the durasteel panels of the hanger bay. Scant illumination filtered into the cabin of the shuttle, and as the team disembarked, the full vista of the hangar was in and of itself revealing as to what may have happened here.

It seemed every other light within the hanger was off, either due to power overload or manual shutdown just through casual observation. And what lights remained energized seemed to flicker now and again, or shine very dimly. Several space craft lined the hanger bay, and not just of standard Imperial stock. Some were unmarked but clearly not of Imperial origin. One such craft seemingly bore the markings indicative of mercenary bands, with another one in particular bearing Mandalorian markings. One ship that really stood out was an upturned Imperial shuttle, with its loading ramp seemingly... forced open, as if pried by some massive instrument. Even with all of this discerned within the first few moments of being aboard the station, only closer inspection would yield any insight into what may have happened here.

Saevius turned to Saran and Skaut. The expression on his face was serious, but not bearing any sense of worry or uncertainty. And his tone was firm, but bearing the assurance of wisdom and forethought. "We need to investigate some of these ships. They may well grant us insight into the purpose of this station, or why visitors were obviously present here... and possibly still aboard this station."

The inquisitor turned to Lt. Vosk, and added: "You and your men establish a perimeter around the shuttle and secure this hanger bay. We don't know what has exactly happened here but an ambush is not out of the question."

 

[DudeTheManatee]

Soran turned to Skaut, "So what would you like to do?", he knew this would confuse his student, but again this mission would be a test. Soran examined the exterior of the Mandalorian ship trying to determine which clan it was from. "Saevius, do you recognize this clan?", if those fools were interested in the base then this was probably some type of weapons research base. Soran decided to keep that opinion to himself until he looked further into the base, he turned his attention to the upturned ship.

"How would they flip an entire ship? Only the Force could do that yet I don't feel anything around the opening.", he was muttering to himself as he looked over the ship. On closer inspection he could see some of the marks on the ship, it was not opened by a machine, it was torn into by something very large...

 

[Steel Wraith]

"Let's look around, first. We still have yet to understand what went on here." He turned on his shoulder-mounted light and began walking toward the overturned ship. He saw the marks Soran had discovered. "What the?" He said this and put his hand onto it, and the cuts were almost surgical, like they were put there my a laser. "Something's here. I can feel it." He began to have an uneasy feeling. Something felt off...

"Stick together, because this is giving me the creeps..." He walked toward the hangar door of the overturned ship, electricity crackled and sparked from wires from lights and the walls.

 

[Fyremage]

As the troopers under the command of Lt. Vosk spread out to establish a perimeter and proceed to securing the hanger, Saevius closed his eyes and took in a few deep breaths. He reached out with the force in an effort to see if life could be felt on this station, or at least this hanger. The endeavor however, left Saevius with more questions than answers. He could feel nothing, which in and of itself was a strange phenomenon.

He opened his eyes once again, allowing the cybernetic implants to adjust to the dim lighting of his environment. It was at this time that he strolled over to Skaut and Saran's side. He extended his hand, reaching out with the force to grip the damaged door, which seemed to hang by only a few hinges on the craft. It was wrenched free from its position with little effort (Save for the expected effort of lifting a large door through the force), with Saevius casting it gently to the side. After doing so, he cast his gaze upon the young apprentice, his voice cold and hard as a brick: "Channel your fear, child, for giving in to it is for the weak. Wear it as armor and embrace it - liberate yourself from the source of your fear and there will be no challenge you can not overcome."

While one could not tell just by looking at him, Saevius was a bit taken aback as he said those words. His father said those very words to him. He could still remember the context, which was not dissimilar to this one at hand.

 

[Steel Wraith]

"You sound like my father." Skaut sais this and walked inside the ship, seeing the lights flicker. He turned his flashlight to the 'Widebeam' setting, and still didn't see much, just the walls of the stations hangar bay. "But seriously, this is just weird." He was thinking out loud at this point. 'What happened here?' He asked himself this and began walking into the upside down ship.

 

[DudeTheManatee]

"He is far too sober to sound like your father. What creature could rip into this without the Force helping?", Soran's voice had no fear at all only curiosity. He had studied quite a few species that had this type of strength but they were big enough to see from halfway across a system. "There are a few stories about things like this happening that I have read about. No hard facts just rumors and myths.", Soran spoke as the inspected the interior of the craft, "Entire settlements and starships left empty after encountering these creatures."

Was this the same thing? Was it just a space station that suffered an attack that went poorly for everyone? Only one way to find out, Soran continued to inspect the interior looking for any data pads that might hold a flight plan or at least a battle strategy.

 

[Fyremage]

The sight which greeted the trio as they entered the upturned shuttle was quite the sight indeed. Sparks flew occasionally from exposed wiring, with corpses laying facedown on the downward facing roof of the shuttle. Blood was spattered everywhere, in particular along the wall of humanoid corpse laying at his side. The faint outline of a datapad could be seen on the floor next to him.

Saevius pulled out one of his lightsabers and activated it with a snap-hiss. Red illumination dimly filled the chamber, with debris pulling into view the more they delved within the ship. The Inquisitor stepped cautiously as he looked at the condition of the cadavers around him. Despite the savagery of whatever it was that forced its entry into this craft, there were no signs of the corpses being eaten upon or otherwise molested, save for obvious signs of sharp, serrated mortal wounds along the necks and major arteries.

An access terminal glowed with a faint luminescence, although by the state of things in the room it was altogether unlikely the power to the shuttle would last much longer.

 

[Steel Wraith]

"Guys, there's a datapad here." Skaut said and walked over to it, picking it up. He studied it's condition. It was scratched. "What the?" He thought out loud. He began studying its contents. Maybe something in here would provide some insight as to what happened here.