Ask Flesh Eaters

[Sol Kenuk]

Raxus. It wasn't his first time on the planet, and it wasn't likely to be his last. Sol enjoyed the weather, the people, and the landscape. The world was admittedly quite beautiful, a far cry from Dorin, to be sure. The shuttle reaches the space-port of the grand capital city without much issue, and the Sith Master rises from his chair to gaze out beyond the view-port, where several civilian staff rushed toward the Imperial vessel. They would insure that the craft was refueled and ready for transport again as soon as the Kel'dor and his companion required it.

Fiery eyes turn upon Caelian with a curious shimmer. It had been some time since he had seen the other man. Of course, it was hard to forget the disgraced Champion, even with how... battered he looked now. Nearly executed in front of Sol's class, Caelian had not only survived, but had defeated his opponent in swift combat. And then of course, there was Elrood. Sol had assisted in claiming the planet for the Empire, and that had been the last time he had spoken with the fellow Sith. It seemed inevitable that they'd find each other again, though. On a mission together just like before, except this time, they weren't trying to conquer a planet, they were trying to solve a mystery.

"Have you been to Raxus before?" The Master inquired with thunderous vocals, once again gazing out of the shuttle and into the port beyond.

@Xorism

 

[Caelian]

If there was one great selling point about service in the empire, it was definitely the opportunity to travel on company time to all the various far away worlds and see their sights. Caelian had ventured too many times across arid, sandy tomb worlds and gladly took the chance to visit a much more temperate planet, one with a rich history and culture such as Raxus would surely be enjoyable.

This wouldn't be his first mission with the Kel'dor, but the first since the man's recent promotion to Master. It seemed like their careers were heading in opposite directions at the moment, but the Echani was determined to keep his head down and work his ass off until he had proven himself once and for all.

Caelian wouldn't forget how swiftly Sol had condemned him on that fateful day on Korriban, even if the position he had found himself in was of his own making. Still, perhaps that was a lesson in of itself and one that the Echani should take to heart. If the masters track record was to be an indication, then it could not hurt to learn how to be a better Sith from him also.

Listening quietly as they sat, the Echani shook his head in response to the question posed. Responding telepathically, he spoke, "It is a pretty world, though I know little else that doesn't come off a datapad. It's not a particularly good start that we know next to nothing about this organisation we're after, I'm not worried about getting in, but the getting out part of the plan could do with a little fleshing out?"

Caelian didn't know Sol well enough yet to know how he operated under pressure, but he seemed the type to always think three steps ahead of the enemy.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

The vocals of the other man are telepathic in nature, not upon a tongue, but upon the ushered winds of the mind. It's an unfortunate scenario, because it meant that Sol would be doing all of the talking, a stark contrast to their previous mission. Caelian was the diplomat, not the other way around, and they were supposed to be convincing these recruiters that they were worthy of joining whatever this strange organization might be. Now, though, it seemed that once again, the Kel'dor would be doing the bulk of the labor.

His expression is bland and unreadable as he makes his way to the shuttle exit, the ramp hissing toward the ground below. Personnel were already working on refueling the craft as the Kel'dor made his way off of the ship, expecting that Caelian would follow.

"This isn't my first time on Raxus." Sol responds, though he does so vocally rather than telepathically. He recalls the last few visits, the most notable being his capture of that Jedi Exile that had been camping out in the wilderness. "I have a good idea as to where we should start our search." He heads out of the port from there, the bustle of the facility as numerous craft take-off and land about as chaotic as one might predict of such a busy location.

"As for getting out, I think I'd need to have a better idea of what we're getting into before I can make plans for that." The Kel'dor points out with a dry tone. He didn't even know where they'd end up, but then again, that was the whole point of the investigation.

"With any luck, if they're simply pirates, it should be easy enough to eliminate them." Of course, it all depended on where they were hiding, and how many criminals there were to bolster the group's ranks. Nonetheless, a lightsaber and the force were two very powerful allies that most pirates could hardly defend against. Out into the city streets, the Sith leads his companion, crowds slipping past and chattering happily. The city was vast, it's weather warm and pleasant, and the smell of the nearby sea was akin to salt upon the gentle air.

@Xorism

 

[Caelian]

While it seemed disadvantageous that Sol would be the main negotiator for this mission, Caelian countered this by a simple point - the pirates probably would be more wary of a smooth talking charmer and less worried about a simpler speaking 'brute'. Of course that would have to be an act, but if anything, Sol had proven himself to be quite the playwright when he needed to.

Lifting the hood over his head, Caelian followed Sol behind, aiming to keep any wayward upstanding citizen from getting the jump on his compatriot. While they were quite capable of taking on a band of pirates together with both the force and saber, the Echani kept a blaster pistol attached to his hip to at least appear like some regular jerk off merc and not a spooky Sith.

Fortunately, the force allowed the pair to communicate completely unnoticed by anyone who might be watching, or listening for that matter. After some time had passed, Caelian spotted someone that seemed to be watching the more prominent among them.

"Someone's staring at your ass, and it ain't me. White shirt, ugly fucker off your 4 o'clock, just leaving the café."

That was at least one of the Weequay, although telling where the other was. Whether they had attracted his attention in a good or bad way was yet to reveal itself, but there were a few ways that they could play this one out.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

He heads toward the poorer districts of the city, where the crowds grew thicker and the desperation was akin to the scent of garbage upon the biting air. Sol is quiet, striding through the streets with frigid eyes as he weaves between the locals upon silent limbs. Despite his focused gaze, the force was akin to a serpent that slithered through the city blocks around him, eagerly investigating any who might match the description that the pair were looking for. The presence of Caelian at his back was a persistent one, and not something that Sol minded all that much. Would the Champion stab the Kel'dor in the back? Perhaps. But they had worked well before, and they would likely work well again, even despite his companion's lack of a tongue.

The telepathic vocals of Caelian drip into the Master's mind. There's humor in it, as much as there is concern. Sol grunts with quiet amusement, though his eyes snap toward the café, and set his sights upon the Weequay curiously, vision hidden behind his goggles. Was this one of the two that they were hunting? Weequay weren't exactly rare in the galaxy, and certainly not in the Empire, but the fact that this one looked a little odd was certainly intriguing. He was dressed in white colors, a parrot of rainbow feathers resting on his shoulder, and those eyes are almost certainly locked onto the Kel'dor and his companion, but why? What was so special about the two that would grab the Weequay's attention?

Sol changes course, slipping toward the café. If the Weequay wanted to talk, then Sol would insure that the pair were accessible. Of course, if he decided to attack the two Sith, he wouldn't live much longer. The Kel'dor takes a seat at one of the exterior tables, and motions for Caelian to do the same. It really doesn't take more than a few minutes before the Weequay wanders over, and he doesn't even ask, really. Just boldly takes a seat across the table from the two Sith with a toothy grin spreading his leathery maw. Sol tilts his head at the stranger, raising a single brow as he speaks with a probing drawl, "Can we help you?" Sol inquires, because clearly, the Weequay wanted something. Better still, the stranger seemed to have no shame at all in invading personal space.

"I haven't seen you two around Raxus before. Are ya new? Looking for work, perhaps? Or maybe you're already on a job? It doesn't matter, because the real question is, do you like money?" The man spoke fast, and with shrill, amused vocals. He sounded odd, but then again, Sol probably sounded odd to most as well. Still, the boldness of the man was a bit strange. The Kel'dor expected such things from peddlers, to be sure, but for recruiters of a band of pirates? It didn't make much sense. Sol passes a glance toward Caelian, pushes his suspicion through the force towards the other man as if to ask if the Champion felt it too.

@Xorism

 

[Caelian]

Did it matter that they had been spotted? Unlikely, after all they knew little of the cell they were supposed to infiltrate. If anything, being spotted earlier was a boon, saving countless hours wandering around suspiciously looking for trouble. Caelian was ready at a moment's notice to kill a bitch, should anything wry appear out of nowhere, but for the time being things seemed to be going according to plan.

The Echani made his way to join Sol at the table, adjacent to his companion, but seated with his hand below the table and ready to draw. His pale face revealing little as he watched the Weequay's approach and conversing. Fortunately, Sol begun the conversation, not that Caelian minded after all.

The man's question was intriguing and not at all surprising given what they had been told about these so-called pirates. Caelian quickly assumed they had some kind of get rich quick scheme they'd start peddling, hoping to entice the poor and foolish saps that might frequent these parts of town. Although perhaps they would also look for muscle where they could find it, the pair did look like a rough bunch that could hold their own, even if a little worn.

Caelian wasn't about to telepathically speak with the stranger and give away the game, instead he kept things simple and started signing. <"Can't speak."> The Weequay's eyes lit up momentarily, as he glanced from the Kel'dor back to the silver haired man. "That can be a valuable asset in our line of work." Surprisingly, he then signed back to Caelian <"All you need to do is listen and nod, do a couple of things and get paid.">

Caelian nodded slowly, returning an answer. <"Yeah, we might be on a job - but we're listening, you got a better offer?.">

Stretching audibly, the Weequay's hands slid over his hips and held as he began a well oiled speech meant to recruit them. "Would I be here if I didn't? I represent a humble humanitarian organisation called A Esther Self, although we tend to lie low out of the spotlight, so you may not have heard of us yet. We operate across the galaxy with funding just as wide, operating in the shadows looking for a cure for the infamous AMS."

The abbreviation sent shivers up the spine of most that heard it, the infection was probably the most terrifying single entity in existence, the only saving grace was its lack of sentience.

"We offer numerous opportunities for capable men such as yourselves, from well paid security operations to the more simple but just as vitally important vaccine programme. The latter is more donating samples for the laboratory, of course, if we succeed you would be first in line for treatment and be well paid for your support. Of course, there could be other opportunities available if you tell me your skill sets."

Caelian couldn't help but credit the sales pitch, it was smooth and slick as could be expected. It was likely bullshit, but credit where credit's due, he supposed. Not instantly replying, but instead he appeared to be looking toward Sol for input.

"We could split up or stick together, your choice." was all that he would project into the Kel'dor's mind.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

The sign language was unexpected. It seemed that the Weequay was a bit more practiced than initially realized. In a way, it granted some credence to the idea that their AMS research was not just some scam. Sol is quiet, his cold eyes resting with piercing intensity upon the Weequay that sat across from them. When he finally began to make his pitch to the two Sith, there's a wintry bite in the currents of the force that seem to whisper of unseen danger.

Perhaps it was because the Kel'dor was a snake, but he could sense a lie just as easily as he could hear one.

Stick together. The simple thought was returned telepathically toward his pale companion. Splitting up while alarm bells were ringing throughout the Sith Master's mind was far from an ideal plan. He wonders if Caelian sensed it to, or if he was uncertain on what to believe.

Finally, Sol speaks once again, his vocals polite and honeyed as he directs his words toward the Weequay, "Your offers are intriguing, I will admit. I haven't dealt much with AMS, but we've seen the coverage on the worlds effected most by it. Lending our hand to finding a cure, and getting paid well for it?" A cunning pause as the Sith smirks behind his mask, "Count us in." It seemed Caelian wouldn't have a choice but to go along with the group. Well, they were both here on the same mission regardless.

Just then, the Kel'dor is certain that he spots another Weequay, approaching the table with a cheery grin. The first hadn't seemed to have noticed him yet.

"You will most certainly be paid well, my friends! An opportunity like this one doesn't appear every day, after all. I'm Millo, by the way." The first Weequay introduces himself with a broad smile.

"Solas." An alias for now, the Kel'dor thinks as he responds. Whatever Caelian decided would be up to him. Around that same time, the second Weequay had finally reached the table, and the first turns to notice him with a friendly smirk.

"Ah, Hisan, you are just in time! I found us two new little busy bees for the project. Think Abel will like them?" He inquires aloud. Sol leans forward from where he sat in his chair, cautiously curious of the conversation that seemed to go on between the two Weequay.

"Who is Abel?" Sol inquires.

"He is in charge, oversees the whole operation. Brilliant scientist, one of the best, I think. You'll get to meet him, soon. Come on, we'll take you both back to the shuttle and from there, we'll make our way to the laboratory. Abel will want to get to know the two of you." Millo explains, his voice still overly friendly in a way that seemed to scream of danger. Sol narrows his eyes, but nods his head, rises from his seat. His eyes shift toward Caelian, linger upon the pale skinned man for a few moments longer than they should have, perhaps.

Something is wrong. A simple telepathic warning, spoken like ice.

@Xorism

 

[Caelian]

There was a certain method to the madness of impersonating a pair of hapless adventurers ready to sell their soul for a quick credit, but everything seemed to be going well so far. Either their hosts weren't so bothered as to who they got for their little project, or they were extremely confident in their ability to handle whatever came their way. Both options were a little unnerving considering the types that could be wandering around Raxus, but alas.

Milo nodded after Solas introduced himself and turned to Caelian who in turn signed his own alias. <"There are they who call me Carl."> No sooner had he done so did their companion Hisan arrive with ominous glee. The Echani kept to himself in silence, a watchful gaze attempting to glean any information that their body language could show, with little effect. Perhaps they were honest salesmen, whose craft ensnared without malice and their masters paid well, or perhaps lying had become so second nature that there was no tell to give them away, woe unto their prey.

Clearly, we wouldn't be here if everything was peachy. He shot back without a hint of sarcasm and raising from his own seat to join their walk.

Whether this Abel character was the suspicious leader they were looking for or just another man in the middle was anyone's guess, but the introduction was most welcome. Sol wasn't exactly the most trusting of people, and so it didn't cause too much extra concern for Caelian that their new friends were causing him such grief. He wouldn't say much of anything, as they walked along the city paths towards the shuttle, itself presenting rather unremarkable, as would be expected.

This was the last chance the Sith would have to bail before the mission crossed over the line and events shifted more so in control of the Weequay. Despite Sol's concern, Caelian pressed on and nodding the Kel'dor along to remind him that they were on a mission to investigate, not worry about such things.

Milo spoke loud enough for the both of them to hear as the doors closed behind them and the shuttles engines began to stir, with his usual cheery tone. "Now don't get me wrong, I love me some science but what Abel does is far beyond me. It's better to limit your questions until afterwards, he'll tell you everything you need to know."

From where they would sit, it was impossible to tell where they were headed, or really how far they had travelled, but Hisan assured them that they would soon be at peace and not to worry.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Perhaps Sol was paranoid, but the two Weequay were far too easy to win over. Few questions had been asked, and no verifications into the ID of the two apparently named Solas and Carl. To the average individuals, this lack of presentation might have been easily ignored. Sol is not so easily deceived, however. He is quiet as they make their way to the shuttle, and just as had been reported, the insignia of the infamous Summa-verminoth did indeed paint it's wings. Something about the image seared into the Kel'dor's mind as both he and his companion boarded the vessel. Sol didn't need Caelian's reminder as to why they were there, if these Weequay were sending them into the maw of a growing pirate's den, then so be it. Two Sith would be more than enough.

He ignores the chatter as the craft's engines fire up and the group is lifted into the air. Sol's mind goes over all that they new, and all that they had learned so far. It wasn't much, in truth. But overconfidence could be a foolish ally, and the Kel'dor is not so inclined to feel nervous about their venture. Eventually, he's certain that the vessel is landing. They hadn't been flying for long, which meant that wherever they were, they were still on Raxus. A curious detail, the Kel'dor thinks to himself. Millo's smile is toothy and bright as he gestures them out of the craft with a friendly comment, "Told you it wouldn't take long! Now... because of the sensitive nature of our research, we have to insure security, you understand." It's a weird thing to say, but as Sol steps out of the shuttle, it finally begins to dawn upon him.

Where they are is upon a large landing platform in the middle of one of Raxus' vast oceans. In any direction, there was no sight of land, only the endless expanse of blue as water met sky. Various shuttles and other craft rested upon the platform, but the large interior lift toward the middle was the most curious at all. If this was the Weequay's idea of security, then the Kel'dor could admit to being rather impressed. Of course, descending to the bottom of the ocean did make escape a bit more difficult. With any luck, the facility far below their feet would have have aquatic vessels that the two Sith could utilize, if needed. Sol's cold eyes find Caelian, before flickering back toward Millo. The Weequay appears to be grabbing a case of something from the shuttle, along with Hisan, but whatever they were carrying, the Kel'dor can't be sure.

"Right this way. Right this way! You're going to be amazed at our lab." Millo grinned at the two Sith, gesturing for them to follow. "I hope you're not afraid of deep water." The Weequay adds with a bit of a chuckle. Sol was never one to admit to the sensation of fear, but he was a Kel'dor. If he fell into the water, he would sink and drown, never to be seen again. Perhaps it was only natural that he feel some trepidation about their descent into a place where he was certain the threat of death would be uncomfortably pressing. Sol stays silent, perhaps as a result of his discomfort, but nonetheless, he follows after Millo, with Hisan curiously taking up the rear. The maw of the lift rises to meet them, and the Kel'dor prepares for the long ride down.

@Xorism

 

[Caelian]

The short trip was relatively lacking and unremarkable, while their hosts were lively it did not go unnoticed by the Echani that Sol was quite rustled. Not that the Kel'dor would show it externally, but having spent a little bit more time with him than the average, Caelian had started to notice when Sol wasn't in the right frame of mind. For his own part, Caelian would smile and play along with Milo and co, while keeping an eye out as coyly as possible to learn the odd phrase or key code entered within sight.

Upon exiting with the group and finding the lack of noticeable landmarks a tiny bit alarming, Caelian's azure eyes caught Sol's as another suspicious moment passed by on this dangerous mission. It seemed likely that they would have limited, few options to break out of this watery tomb, should everything go to hell, but they had come this far already and there were doubtless many more secrets to uncover before they could leave.

The lift itself was simple in design and completely opaque, which only added to the mysterious and ominous feeling that crept across the small room. Once the four were boarded, Milo retrieved a small key card and swiped the control panel, which seemed to activate and close the doors with a loud clunk. A few seconds passed before the familiar vibration of the lift rumbled below, signalling their rapid descent. Milo wasn't a fan of a silent ride, much to the Sith's discomfort.

"Our lab has the best security nature can offer, at 3,000 meters below the surface there is almost 300 atmospheres of pressure ready to crush anyone or anything trying to escape."

"Enter." Hisan said forcefully. "It will crush any intruders trying to enter, is what he meant." Milo's uncanny smile barely faulted for a second, but the observant would catch it. "Yes of course Hisan, a slip of the tongue." he replied, looking directly at Caelian as he spoke before turning to Sol.

If they were counting, it took just under a minute to arrive at their destination, so very deep under the surface. The elevator doors opened to reveal a sterile white environment that was completely dark until their arrival, a light flickered on and off at random intervals. Milo indicated that the pair should follow as he made his way into the bright hallway, the lights turning on in each successive one they entered, with the lights behind disappearing into the void.

Occasionally they would pass locked doors with what could have been doctors names, but they appeared in code. Milo stopped at one such door, opening the heavy frame with his key card and pointed them in. "There are gowns to change into and some paperwork to fill in on the bed over there, but otherwise a nurse will arrive soon to induct you into the programme and answer any questions you have."

Before they could so much as protest, Milo shut the door and left the pair to their thoughts. Perhaps they could play along for a little while, but they'd risk being shot up with some mixture or worse, become food for some experiment. Though if they chose to fight now, they would only have so much time before the whole facility would find out and the race against the clock to escape would begin.

@Nevermourn