Something's in the Dark

[Varyn Rask]

The hangar of the mining facility was as dingy and disgusting as Varyn had been concerned it would be. He made his way down the ramp of his ship and set foot on the asteroid. The smell was hideous and death hung in the air. This place had become infested with something, and Varyn and his partner had been dispatched to find out what and purge it.

His saber hilt twirled in his hand before he lit it up. The shadows were deep, but they were pushed back by the deep red glow of the saber blade. There was no sign of light, but what he could see was blood, and lots of it. Most of it was old and dried, but some was fresh. The smell of rotting bodies filled the entire facility and caused Varyn to breathe into his sleeve. It wasn't his first time smelling this, but that didn't make it any easier.

He took a tube of vapo rub and smeared it under his nose. It didn't fully cover the smell by any means, but it lessened its potency. Whatever they were about to face in here was vicious and violent beyond what Varyn had seen in a long time. This was not going to be an easy operation, and he wondered what exactly it was that had come to infest this station. On the bright side, all the life support was still on with scrubbers, filters, and multiple back up units, so there wasn't any danger of them losing out on being alive from that. @Darasuum

 

[Hozan]

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Theme​

Even from the outside Hozan had begun his analysis of the facility. He could easily say he was not impressed nor surprised at its current state. However he was mildly curious to see what it would have looked like if it was actually up and running and not in its current status of dinginess. His ship had parked right next to Varyn's and he left his droids on board. He want their ships locked so that whatever it was they were here to eliminate would not have a chance of getting on their vessels and hitching a ride back to their next location.

He wore his full armor for this mission. There was no point in being subtle when dealing with vermin. His cloak still hung to the outside of his body and he had a hilt of his lightsaber in his hand already like his partner. Activating it he was caste in a malicious shadow. The deaths of the facility's inhabitants indicated they were not dealing with some parasitic infestation but something actually a threat to them directly and capable of causing fatal bodily harm.

The smell was not unfamiliar and the stench of death was something Hozan had become very familiar with. However the age of the bodies certainly did not help matters nor Hozan's exceptional senses. One benefit though was the near complete silence for the time being. He stood still over a body and his pointed ears waited to see if there was any hint at the direction of activity. This was a facility that was inactive, no real sound of the former populace, no mining equipment or unnecessary machinery. It was eerie to say the least. Hozan would not even need to use the force to find out if there was something close if it moved around.

@Phoenix ​

 

[Lex Ringo]

Joining Rangers was the wisest choice which Lex could make. Amongst all other faction to which he may also join, the role of a space detective was the most interesting for him. Surely, solving puzzles and mysteries was never his favorite type of activity and most of his life was pretty straightforward and always was in the borders of Lex's comfort zone. Hence he was a wealthy man who wasn't seeking credits anymore. The man now wants to do things by which he can be remembered. Yes, in the past he does a couple things for which he has been forced to abort his any relationship with the Old Empire. And he doesn't regret, he was enjoying his freedom without almost any rules. But compared to what Lex might actually do being a Ranger wasn't incomparable. The desire for doing something that really mattered not just for him has almost killed him at the beginning of his adventure as the mercenary, but Ringo has purely believed that such events are required in order to do change himself. He had enough working in his own interests and now aimed at helping those who needed. Truth, justice, law... Call it whatever you want, the sense is the same. Those things are Lex main activity now.

And this mining facility is the first trial of the newborn Ranger. And from what he had heard about this place, it was a mystery indeed - the facility has simply stop reporting about their done job. No ships, goods, news come out from this place. Like it just disappeared in the air. But upon arriving he has discovered, that someone might be already here. Ringo wasn't absolutely sure if ships were actually abandoned or still operating. Whatever it was, it might be a hostile person, so Ringo has taken his full gear including E-33, just in case of an enemy encounter. And after advancing little further, Lex's idea to take his arsenal with him turned out into a really smart idea. The smell coming from the hangar and headless corpses alongside with scattered blood everywhere has made Lex face really frown and serious.

By activating filters of his armor (the smell of the place was... really unpleasant), Ringo started to examine dead bodies. From he was seeing, the death of that people hasn't come out from a human. It was just impossible. The way of how their heads were divided from the bodies and multiple lacerations on their torso was saying that some sort of a beast or monster has made it (yes, people might be monsters sometimes too, but only in a psychological way). And it did it pretty fast so people weren't able even to react. The density of corpses was also proof of how deadly threat those people faced with. And probably Ringo has a decent chance to meet the people killer too. However, his task was here to find what actually happened here and bring out any sources of information together with him. But suddenly, in the distance, he witnessed two figures and... froze. Were these guys an enemy or friend? They were looking like humans, but were they actually humans? Ringo was deeply hoping on that.

 

[Varyn Rask]

Varyn knew that the Imperial Republica was full of very xenophobic individuals, and Varyn had never liked that. He did his best to keep thoughts like that in check, but what Varyn couldn't help thinking was that his partner was almost as freaky looking as whatever they were about to face off against. He could only hope that the man-wolf would still have his back when push came to shove. And it would come to shove.

Still with the glowing saber in his hand he ran it just above the broken and shattered bodies. Deep wounds, tears through the viscera, and even bite marks had left a gory mess. I don't think people did this, he said. The marks were much more indicative of some sort of predator or psuedo-monster.

As he was investigating, the hair on the back of his neck stood up. Someone was coming, and although he didn't know who or what they wanted, he snapped to attention immediately, taking a step back and twirling the saber in front of him, bringing it to rest between he and the unknown approacher. Who goes there? he growled into the darkness. It didn't seem to drip with malice, so he wondered if it wasn't whoever or whatever had done this. @Darasuum @Real Russian

 

[Hozan]

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Animals killed to feed or defend themselves. Many of these people had been attempting to escape whatever had caused them harm and there did not seem to be a great deal missing from them. That certainly limited the types of beasts that would do such damage. It looked to have simply killed because it could have. Whatever this fiendish thing was Hozan was curious to see it. Varyn's words only earned a slight grunt of agreement from Hozan as he kept focusing on listening for the time being.

He had remained still and knew of Varyn's location. He excluded the man's location from his attempt at detection. The sound of a second set of foot steps echoed. He knew the sound of feet and creatures of the wild tended to not have boots or footwear. Turning back towards the hangar he turned to the sight of a man examining the bodies. He rose to look at the two sith and question them. Varyn was already thinking the same thing. Perhaps his force awareness or sixth sense was far greater than Hozan's. Whatever the reason the two sith both had their attention turned on the new arrival.

He kept his blade in front of him. The man obviously had armor and weaponry of some variety. He could be a survivor, the cause of the damage, or some third party intirly. But if two over sith standing the the macabre environment did not tell the figure he should avoid confrontation then that meant the hybrid acolyte had a few assumptions he could conclude on the man. Hozan's blade caste a bit of a shadow on his left side. He drew his blaster pistol from its holster but kept it at his side until the man would answer Varyn's question.

@Phoenix​

 

[Lex Ringo]

And so Lex has been discovered. The floor surface and the material of his armor boots have made the man presence clear. They would face each other eventually during the facility exploration, but it seems like a distance between him and two Imperial Republica wasn't too long if Sith were able to hear him. Of course, Lex doesn't know the affiliation of those two and was in doubt, if there any sense of revealing himself. In the detective imagination, the persons could be pirates and could easily kill him as a potential enemy. Loot as a welcome bonus. Buccaneers never disdain places to loot and this place might be their choice considering there was no guards or active security systems. However, in case they were pirates, exploring such a creepy place only in two could be dangerous even for them. None of the three persons don't know the actual threat. At least it seemed like.

"Please don't kill me... I'm here with peaceful intentions". Said Lex, coming from the darkness with raised arms showing he is no threat. The glowing red light of Varyn' lightsaber has saying clear, that Ringo has met Dark Force users. For some reasons, such people was a rare occasion in his life. Maybe because Sith don't really care about money as non-Force users do. And they have decent reasons for this. But Lex has known, that Sith are usually bad-tempered and rarely tolerant of someone who wasn't as them. Ringo hoped, that in this facility, considering the situation and environment, the couple would show the wisdom and at least leave the Ranger alive. Ideally, Ringo doesn't mind to cooperate with them in order to figure out what happened in this place but knowing Sith politics, he won't insist on the cooperation in case the Dark Force users leave him on his own.

 

[Varyn Rask]

That wasn't an answer, Varyn pointed out. On the one hand, he certainly didn't believe the man's claim that he was peaceful, but the fact that he hadn't shot at them, run, or otherwise tried to kill them seemed to be a good indication that he wasn't at least overtly hostile... yet. Varyn made his way toward the man, saber held firmly as he tried to get a better view of the man approaching them.

He wondered who else would want to be on this type of place. A looter? A pirate? Or the person who had set all of this into motion? Varyn's approach was slow and deliberate, pulling the Force to himself in preparation for potential combat.

That was when he heard an other-worldly screech from the darkness and the loud clang and crash of vents being pounded through. All at once, the darkness seemed much more terrifying than whoever this man was, but Varyn still had half a mind that they were going to be shot at if they turned their attention away.

Then came the arm and the drops of blood. It fell through the vent above them and Varyn leapt back as an arm hit the ground with a meaty slap, totally detached from the body, and leaving a pool of blood on the floor. It was... what had caused this?! @Real Russian @Darasuum

 

[Hozan]

____________

Hozan was a skeptical individual, he was probably down right paranoid about some things. When one amasses great knowledge it can have an affect that makes one become well aware of the terrible truths that exist. He had seen people become terrified of public transportation because of the information they had learned about germs on hand holds. People did not want to watch holo drama or vacinate their kids because of one false source of information. Whether it was truth or not did not matter but the power was fear. Many people did not know how to overcome their fears but Hozan was not among their number.

The man before the two sith certainly said he was here with peaceful intentions but that did not mean much. He had not answered Varyn's question. It also could be a lie. He could have come with peaceful intentions but things change and he could just as easily decide to prioritize harming the two sith or damage their operation.

As his partner advanced closer to the stranger Hozan moved as well. He kept to Varyn's side so he had a clear shot at him if he needed to raise his blaster and not risk hitting Varyn in the back. But he was a few paces further away.

The drip drip drop was not caught by Hozan's senses at first. He thought it was perhaps some coolant or water pipe leak. Some condensation that had collected on the ceiling and dropped down. A sickening thwack was the wet meaty appendage hit the deck made the hybrid sith tense and grip his saber tighter. He raised his blaster pistol on the man for the time being until something else happened. If he was jumpy and had any alterior motive he would have the same urges everything did, fight or flight. Depending on what he did he would do it would give the Sith some idea of who they were dealing with.

@Phoenix​

 

[Lex Ringo]

Lex was fully agreed with the Imperial Republica man, on his place he would ask the same. An unknown man comes from nowhere and appears without much explanation about who and what he doing here, so Varyn answer was reasonable. Probably, considering with whom Ringo has faced, the Ranger was a bit nervous and was a little afraid to say something wrong which might lead to cutting his head from his shoulders by a single swing of a lightsaber. However, Sith still haven't killed him yet giving the detective yet another chance to provide his identity. Approached Hozan has also shown, that two Sith were absolutely serious. And so Lex decided to add some details to his speech.

"Name Lex, I'm one of Sector Rangers. Maybe you have heard about us. We're working with different types of crimes over the Galaxy or things which might represent a threat for the entire world. I'm here to investigate this place, collect some logs of the last staff days and eliminate the threat if possible. Is that answered your question?". Watching on the human and dog-like creature, said Lex. Even though he was a little afraid of Sith, his tone was confident like he was talking with someone of his friends. But the truth was is that showing fear in front of Sith could result in unwanted consequences. Logically, this isn't what Lex was trying to achieve.

The detective (Lex's primary type of activity as the Ranger) has seen as someone's hand dropped on the floor covering it in blood. It has alert the man even more than two Dark Force users in front of him. With Sith he could talk at least, but he doubts if the thing which has torn someone's limb off might even speak. And if Sith are satisfied with Lex's answer, they should now start to worry about the unknown beast who probably watching on them with his evil eyes right now.

 

[Varyn Rask]

Sector Rangers, huh? That... actually made a little bit of sense... Varyn didn't know any of them personally, but he'd heard about them before. He was familiar with what they did, and generally thought they were a boon to the galaxy. There was always the chance that he was lying, though, and Varyn was about to ask him to produce some identification when the arm dropped down.

A shrill screech could be heard above and Varyn leapt aside just in time to see a creature drop down where he'd just been. Long talons swiped into the ground and its tail whipped around to catch the Sector Ranger (@Real Russian) if he didn't move.

Another hiss was directed at Hozan (@Darasuum) and drool came pouring out of the creature's mouth as it turned to stare him down. It was as if it were waiting for something as it seemed to stare him down. Without warning, it made a charge at the other Sith, screeching and slashing with its pair of claws at the Sith, trying to tear into whatever of his flesh it could get its hands on. It didn't care, and it was clear now what type of monster - or more likely monsters - they were fighting.

 

[Hozan]

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The hybrid Sith's stare remained on the man up until the creature came into view. He did not draw his weapon over to the creature or make any move. Instead, behind his helmeted head he stared back at its eyeless head. It was certainly a nightmare beast that sent chills running down Hozan's spine. It was not out of fear, it was curiosity and excitement. The beast was a dealer of death, and avatar of blood letting if the scene around them was to be considered.

The fact it did not immediatly run into the scene and start attacking them was interesting but the acolyte knew that even a trained and well mannered domestic animal could lash out. This was far from some collared mutt. The attacking beast lunged for the gilded armor but Hozan moved to the side. It was not far enough to avoid the attack but enough to avoid the momentum of the creature after he sliced down across wrists to cut off its hands. Its momentum would carry it past him onto the floor with only its hind appendages capable of holding up.

The beast was not without speed but it also was not repellent to lightsabers. Hozan had hunted predators capable of withstanding blaster shots so he had kept his side arm pointed at the alleged Sector Ranger, even going so far as to pull the trigger if he moved from his position. Even if the Sector Ranger was the real deal and not someone claiming to be one this was more up the alley of wild life services rather than law enforcement. How he wished he had a a Wadjet at this moment.

@Phoenix​

 

[Lex Ringo]

Looks like Lex's answer worked this time and it was the good sign. Chances are, that Sith won't even kill him But the next scene wasn't a good sign at all. A really strange creature of interesting shape appeared just in the place where Varyn was a second ago. The being appearance wasn't any similar Lex has seen before. Does this spawn was responsible for the death of all mining station people alone? Is that being was so good that even local security wasn't able to do anything? Something was telling Lex, that the creature in front of him wasn't the last who the trio will face with later. The single creature couldn't wipe out the whole station alone with the well-armed guard. And the amount of abominations like the creature whose name Ringo hasn't know yet - this is what terrifies the Ranger. Once he collects station logs, it was for good to destroy the station, so the creature won't make his way outside of the asteroid where the facility locates.

Lex's reflexes had done everything that needed - once the hostile object tried to catch the Ranger with its tail, Ringo jumped back and while falling on his back, tried to perform several shots in the creature with E-33 carabine in the air. Surely, there was almost no probability that at least one of carabine bolts can reach its target, but at least that thing won't get him. Yes, unlike of two Sith, Lex was in his armor which in theory might save the Ranger from the creature claws and teethes, but he doesn't want to put his life on the line being unaware of the foe's abilities. His death wouldn't be in favor for anyone (even for Hozan and Varyn), thus staying alive was the top priority target number one.

 

[Varyn Rask]

The trio seemed to be making short work of the creature. It's front appendages were taken off, and the Sector Ranger putting rounds into it it wasn't going anywhere. Blaster shots hammered into its back, leaving a sizzling sound but not seeming to make it through the skin with ease. Perhaps a natural armor? Exoskeleton most likely.

Varyn moved in quickly, crouching low to the ground and slid along as he passed the blade through the head of the creature, taking it off as the thing let out a terrible screech that was silenced a moment later. He didn't know how many more of these there were, but he wasn't looking forward to finding out... and clearing them all out.

We need schematics, he said, thinking about the best way to accomplish their mission now. They needed to find a way to the control room, gain access to security countermeasures, and perhaps they could deal with whatever this was from a place of strength.

His mind was still on the creature they had just fought, but he did his best to keep himself centered in the Force, alert for anything else coming upon them. Though, now that he thought about it, apart from his physical senses, he hadn't been able to feel the presence of the creature. This was even more alarming. Check his ID, he said to Hozan, still wanting to make sure they were dealing with the real deal and not a fake as Varyn went to a nearby data terminal and began searching for schematics.

I've got a map, he said, as he downloaded it to his datapad successfully. We aren't far from the security system at all, he said, after examining the map more closely. Hopefully they wouldn't have to fight through hordes of these creatures on the way there... @Darasuum @Real Russian

 

[Hozan]

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The man had been tripped and was flat on his back. He had managed to deal damage to the creature with his long weapon but hozan had refrained from firing on the sector ranger, for now. The nightmare creature was dealt with swiftly in a cooperative manner. Still holding his sidearm on the man that lay flat on his back Hozan spoke to him. "Leave." He said simply. It was for the man's best interest. These creatures were more than one ranger could deal with and it was not even his concern nor his organization. They could return afterwards and investigate the two acolyte's work but this was a job for officials of the Imperial Republica and they certainly had jurisdicition. It would be within Hozan's right to simply shoot him if he resisted so if the man did not turn around and head back to his ship the hybrid would see it as a possible threat and eliminate it.

Varyn worked and asked for Hozan to check for identification. Hozan did not care if the man was the real deal or not. The sith for one thing did not like people interfering with his work. If someone did he would make an effort to keep them from doing so again one way or another. His lightsaber continued to hum beside him, gripped in his ready arm. It was the sith's way of baring his teeth at the enemy, not an idle threat, but a warning. The Sector Rangers possibly had sway over local law enforcement and in certain situations but the man had made no effort to identify himself in any manner other than name. Anybody could claim they were a ranger and real ones showed their official signage at initial contact. This man had certainly not done that.

@Phoenix @Real Russian ​

 

[Lex Ringo]

Landing on his back hasn't gone as Lex planned, but at least it saved his life. Because such trick was a reflex, Lex didn't have enough time to think about safe landing on the floor and as such - he had hit the ground with the back of his head. Considering he was in the helmet, due to the impact there was a darkness in his eyes for a brief moment and in case a yet another unknown creature would attack him, Ringo would probably have had no chance to survive. It hasn't happened yet, but Hozan's words now make Lex thinks, that is was not so far from becoming the real thing. The Ranger didn't know any of them and couldn't leave the mining station just because a Sith said him to do so, even though Lex has the order for investigation this place issued by the Mining Guild directorate (or whatever the Guild high management called). Hence Lex's presence here was fully legal. But Ringo wasn't a fool and arguing with Dark Force users was out of his business.

"As you wish. But if that thing would make her way out - it will be on your conscience. Of course, if you have it." Replied Lex, once he had stood on his feet. With his armor, he has a better chance to safely deal with the unknown thing with which the trio has encountered, and Lex was more concerned about the creature than the station logs. But since the Mining Guild didn't clearly state that threat must be wiped out, the creature is Sith's responsibility now. Ringo has no reasons to fight with lightsabers users until he provoked, however, returning with nothing wasn't also an option. So in order to somehow justify his presence at the Guild property, the detective has picked some datapads from the floor of dead people and hopefully, that would help to identify the creature Lex has encounter today. Once it was done, Ringo has followed to his ship, but he was absolutely sure, that his employers won't glad of results.

/Exit thread

 

[Varyn Rask]

Varyn had no intention of getting involved in the bickering of the other Sith and the claimed Sector Ranger. He would have checked the ID and been done with it, but he also wasn't going to stand in the way of his fellow Sith if he was paranoid. Sith tended to act out in all different ways, and though the Imperial Republica may have been better at hiding it, the problems were no less present. Angry outbursts, abrupt murders, and other violent behavior were hardly unheard of, and while Varyn didn't tend to subscribe to those, he didn't often stand in its way... at least not on the individual level.

Varyn glanced down at his datapad again with his saber in his other hand and began making his way in the direction the control room was indicated. It started out well, and Varyn's steps were cautious but hurried. Each of his footfalls was quiet with the practice of a trained assassin. His heart began to beat faster as he thought "the end" was near in sight, and he turned the corner and stopped dead.

What were those?

There was no sign of the creatures, but the hallway ahead was absolutely littered with small, egg-like structures. Had these creatures been breeding here? Clearly that must have been what happened, but how many did that mean there were? We need to find out where these came from, he said to Hozan who was just catching up now from his tussle with the Ranger. They breed like Zardonas, he said, thinking of the small, rodent like creatures native to Alderaan who could produce whole litters faster than they could be exterminated. @Darasuum

 

[Hozan]

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Holding the weapon on him Hozan listened to the man's reluctant words and departure. In truth he probably could have some issues with the Sector Rangers and some bureaucratic annoyances. But no life threatening danger at least. The man had not followed proper procedure for dealing with the situation so Hozan had that to fall back on if it came to any sort of legal action. But he was a non human in the Sith Empire which gave him an automatic handicap when it came to such matters.

Remembering what Varyn had said earlier he turned from where he had stood moved to follow his fellow acolyte. He broke into a jog and crossed the distance to catch up with his human cohort. The man had the map and was headed to the control room which was the best place to look. While the creatures seemed as smart as some predators he had seen in the past he doubted they knew how to deal with machinery. The logs would be there and any other intelligence they needed to complete the mission.

It would seem that the eggs they had come upon would remain dormant for the time being. He really wished he had a wadjet or something to cleanse the place of such creatures and their spawn but it could not be helped. The hybrid sith moved through thee clutches of eggs to the security room without any issue.

Arriving at the security room he would walk up to it and it would slide open, but only half way and then it stopped. A slight creek from the other side indicated something had been jammed against it to prevent it from opening completely. Looking over his shoulder at Varyn he wondered what he thought of it. But Hozan would edge into the half way. With little effort he shoved the filing cabinet that had been pressed against it. Markings on the ground indicated it had been fully blocking the door earlier but someone or something had moved it enough aside that the two sith were now able to get into the room.

@Phoenix @Real Russian​

 

[Varyn Rask]

Varyn wasn't sure why the door didn't open, but his partner seemed capable of making it through, so Varyn followed suit, ducking through the doorway that was only half open. He waved his saber around in the darkness to light up what was there. He began searching for the controls to the power so they could get the facility back up and running.

After a bit of searching he found it and threw it. There was a fizzle of electricity, a zap, some sparks... and then a flashing light. The light was on a section of the facility a short distance away indicating a circuit that needed to be closed. I think we need to go there, he said, pointing to the area on the display.

If we can get the power back on, we can isolate these things, he said. While it may not have been far away, he was quite sure that there was still a possibility of angry monsters coming across them along the way. This was going to go badly... he just knew it. @Darasuum

 

[Hozan]

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Hozan's senses were alert the whole time they were inside the room. He was on edge with this creature somewhere in the facility and the lack of knowledge bothered him. He liked knowing what he was up against but there was something different about this animal. Hozan had become a scholar of dark knowledge, studied and literally journeyed between stars in search of information so he did not like a lack of intelligence even when it came to a possible rash of vermin. The acolyte doubted this was a simple pest considering how it had acted.

Hearing Varyn's suggestion and information Hozan nodded. It was a solid plan but not one without risk. This was going to be a gamble. There could be none that they come across on the way there and back or there could be a horde of them. Walking to the door he stopped and reached out to see if there were any signs of life along the path they were about to take. He visualized the map to the circuit closing point. But he found nothing when he searched with the force. He promptly exited the room and headed down the hall.

As he moved he made an effort to make as little noise as possible. However he had come in his full armor and had to take extra care. His ears twiched with each possible hint of danger. Finally he heard the sound of scuttling once they got the circuit point that had been displayed on the map. He reactivated his lightsaber. A moment later into the light came a strange crab like creature with bony finger like legs and a tail. Without hesitation the acolyte brought up his lightsaber and sliced the thing with a fizzing sound that was common when the energy blade sliced through flesh. The noise would likely be heard so, activating the circuit he quickly hurried back to the room the two had been in earlier.

@Phoenix​

 

[Varyn Rask]

Varyn was glad that his partner agreed, and the other acolyte had vanished toward the circuit after examining the map a few more times. For his part, he stayed at the controls, waiting for the moment the circuit was complete so that they could shut down the creature's movement. And so he waited, but not in waste.

He bent down, touching a hand to the floor as he reached out to the Force. There was the cold chill of death here, but beyond that, he could feel the life that pulsated in these halls. Creatures built for killing in a way that almost made the acolyte wonder if there was a connection to the Dark Side or even Sith alchemy of some sort. As soon as Varyn's hand touched the floor, the Force seemed to spread out from him. Like a spider at the center of its web, he touched each strand and felt when it was plucked.

There was nothing.

Nothing seemed to move except the periodic pulls that he assumed was his partner based on the direction, but he noted that every time there were two plucks... the acolyte's filled with darkness and something else smaller. It came to an end a short time later, with only one remaining. Had Hozan eliminated whatever was following him? Yes, Varyn thought so, and as soon as he thought so, he heard the whir of the power.

It was back on!

His eyes snapped open and he stood quickly, turning back to the console as he began to flip through the security feeds, isolating any areas filled with egg or creature. While a team might have to come through and burn out what survived - if they couldn't just starve it out - at least it would be captured.

I've isolated all the creatures, he said, turning to Hozan when he came back inside. By his count - not including the eggs - there were at least a dozen of them spread throughout the building. We should keep watching to be sure, but that should be the facility back under our control. Nice work, he said. @Darasuum