Participants: Narai, Riata, Aukido
Docking Hub - Comorro Station - <Comorro Station>
The tone has been set all day in the docking hub, particularly around the IND Enlightenment. While refugees keep arriving at Comorro, a great deal of activity has been occuring around the explorer ship. Mission day. Opodians and aliens alike have been flooding the ship, while others have been leaving. Supplies delivered throughout the day. Everything seems in place. In the last hour, however, it seems like alot of the crew has departed the ship for one reason or anther. An announcment from Comorro's internal communication system comes on air, announcing the impending departure of the IND Enlightenment.
Aukido arrives to the docking bay from a shuttle, as he disembarks he notices the going-ons and the announcement made about the Enlightenment, however with almost not much time to give towards much else, the Lyiri rushes to board the ship for the mission, adjusting his equipment to make sure everything is in order.
Riata is currently directing several of the workers and crew to make sure everyone makes it on time.
Aukido rushes over to Narai and the ship, however for the greeting he... Is trying too hard to get on board and dives onto the platform right past Narai with Lyirian dexterity... Faceplanting into the floor.
Riata had been about to step onto the loading ramp when the Lyiri went flying past. "Oh dear," she blinks then goes over to Aukido to check for injuries.
Before the explorer can get a word out, he simply shakes his head. "Are you alright?" He asks, trying not to say anything innappropriate. "No need to rush, we wouldn't have left without you."
Aukido lifts a hand from his position, "I'm alright," he says, then flips back up, saluting briskly, "Aukido, iz reporting in," he says, strangely the Lyiri is trying to speak with a Russian accent, too many Outverser cartoons for him, "Well then, let us get on this mission, yez?" he claps and moves to find his spot aboard.
Riata blinks at Aukido surprised and shakes her head with a sigh before returning to the on ramp in the same slow purposeful stride with which she had started before the flying Lyiri interruption.
"Excellent. I am glad you are all here. Some of our crew has decided to depart." Narai says, shaking his head. "I received word that one of my ships that is on the main world decided to check out Drakon before our arrival - they have lost contact with the colony. Some of our 'crew' is taking it as a bad sign. I am not worried."
Aukido flicks his ears with interest, patting his own back, "These blades shall be useful, shall we encounter any trouble yez?" he says, then swishes his tail, "But for all intents and purposes, a surface scan scouting should be done before our landing," the Lyiri nods solemnly, "Ah should be able to handle any task you'd like to put me on, however, I don't want to be useless for the trip," Aukido curls his muzzle into a smile.
Riata puffs out her cheeks at the news of crew who chose to leave, "What superstitious fools. We shall carry on Narai dear, those who chose to leave would have been less than useful anyway."
Nodding, Narai smiles at the resolve of his present staff. "I am glad you wish to continue. We should prepare to depart." He says, motioning to the ship. He grabs a small commlink out of a pouch and speaks into it. "Prepare the ship for launch, we are coming up to the bridge."
Aukido nods firmly to the rest of the crew gathered and moves to board the ship with them.
Riata follows Aukido into the ship nodding to the remaining crew.
Bridge - IND Enlightenment
The explorer Narai moves quickly on to the bridge of his ship. As he makes his way to the center of the bridge so he has a clear view of the ship, he turns to the crew manning the navigation console. "Prepare to launch when ready. Once we are clear of Comorro, jump to Drakon."
Aukido boards onto the bridge area with Narai, flicking his ears as he finds a spot to stand and find anyone in need of assistance, the Lyiri for now mostly waiting for departure however.
Riata speaks to a few of the other crew to be certain that everyone has boarded and that all of the provisions have been taken care of.
The ship buckles as it launches from Comorro. Narai grabs hold of the railing to keep his balance. After moment, the ship jerks as it jumps to Otherspace. He looks down at his display console, tapping a few commands into it. "We should be arriving within twenty standard minutes at this rate. Are we prepared for what awaits us?" He asks.
Aukido flicks his ears curiously, and nods thoughtfully, "Ah, yez," the Lyiri speaks, before his tail swishes about, "Is ready for almost anything, you know, exzept coreseeker missiles yes?" the Lyiri seems to actually consider that possibility, but shrugs slightly.
Riata still speaks to a few of the crew but at Narai's question looks up surprised, "Yes of course dear, why ever would we not be?" she asks before returning to the conversations which seems to be more her chastising one of the commissary crew members about proper nutrients and the lack there of in the last meal.
"I do not suspect we will encounter missles." Narai says, chuckling as he moves across the bridge to sit at a console. He brings up sensor displays, preping for when they arrive. "I am hoping it's just a plasma storm or something to that effect that is causing the communications issue. But we shall see."
Aukido waves a hand, and has an idea, flicking his ears, "According to the name of ze planet, and some of my experience of Outverser media, perhaps it iz a dragon yes?" the Lyiri says this almost hopefully, "We perhaps fight it, and take back the place for our own?" Aukido's tail swishes about.
Riata actually pauses mid-chastisement to look sat the Lyiri before she shakes her head and shrugs returning to the conversation which she quickly wraps up and moves closer to the two, *I don't know dear but I think that perhaps it would be something else."
The Opodian tries not to laugh, but he cannot help it. Chuckling abit, Narai turns to chair to Aukido. "Dragon? I doubt it. I could be some less than pleasant wildlife. Just have a weapon or two handy just incase. I'd rather be safe then sorry. I heard that the discovery of a large temple is all that is on the planet. I hope it will prove very insightful."
"Eight minutes until we arrive, Captain." The navigation officer announces.
Aukido flicks his ears, then curls his muzzle into another smile, what more pondering will lead to assumptions? "Ah think it might also be a secret cult yez?" the Lyiri offers, then adds, "Yes, the temple holds an ancient artifact, perhaps one that disrupts the atmosphere around ships, or they are protecting it," Aukido swishes his tail about even more now, still considering more.
Riata hurrups a bit before turning to Narai, "Do we have any information on the lack of communication such as a final transmission, any audio crackling that sort of thing?"
"I guess we are about to findout." Narai says to Aukido, chuckling again. "There is no information. It just went silent. Last we heard the crew had departed their ship to secure the perimeter of the temple. Nothing after that. They have missed three call-in."
Aukido flicks his ears and gives some thought to the situation, nodding thoughtfully, then snaps his finger, "When we get over the area, we try to intercept signal, yez?" he offers a suggestion.
Riata nods at Narai's words thoughtfully then simply watches and listens.
"No. No point in wasting time if there is nothing wrong. As far as I know these planets have been uninhabited for centuries." Narai says, turning back to the console. "We should land, and start searching immediately. Weapons hot."
With a lurch the ship's FTL drive slows to sublight and the viewscreen displays the starry void of space once again as the ship's computer reports the destination has been reached.
Aukido nods firmly, and adjusts the straps on his blades, ready to use them at almost any time, flicking his ears, also loosening his holstered pistol slightly, "Iz ready when you are," he offers to the group.
As the ship jumps back to normal space, the view of Drakon appears on the main view screen. The small green planet, with abit of water, sits in front of a larger world - Irinnar, along with several other nearby planets.
Riata eyes the weapons, "I am happy you shall be the one doing the fighting, if fighting is needed." she says before returning her attention to the screen.
The ship fires its thrusters as it begins a descent towards the planet below.
Aukido nods firmly, and curls his muzzle into a smile, "Yez, I'm ready," he offers to Narai, and prepares to follow.
Riata nods as well, "Yes of course dear, though I would very much like to take a nice close look at this temple. There must be an incredible amount of archeological information there."
Nodding, Narai smiles. "Then, let us begin exploring. This should be exciting." He chuckles, and departs the bridge in a hurry. Almost like a little child expecting a present.
Landing Area – Drakon
Night has set on the former religious planet of an ancient civilization. Birds and other animals can be heard in the distance. A slight breeze passes through the open area that is acting as a landing area in front of the Temple. Something stands out though - the IND Enlightenment has landed next to it's small scout ship, however, across the landing area is a small ship, not able to carry more then one or two people. On the stairs to the Temple lays a dead Opodian, the blood from its wound dripping down the stairs. Something has gone terribly wrong here.
The platform to the IND Enlightenment drops, on it stands Narai, the security detail and the others in his party. As it hits the ground, Narai holds up his large Plasma Rifle - which seems odd being held by the small bear-like creature. He steps off the platform, "Secure the landing area. Green team and blue team, secure the perimeter of the Temple. Black Team, you are coming inside with us." Pathetic Black Team, two members - compared to the other larger teams which are securing the outside.
Aukido slides his blades from his sheathes, sliding them to his sides and holding them reverse blade for now, easily accessible should use arrise, and then forms up on Narai to go with him, "Iz probably what should have been expected," is all he comments, for now however, the Lyiri seems content to also use his hearing to check if anything is off around them as he follows along with the Captain.
Riata looks rather uncomfortable. "Narai dear, are those two the only ones going with us? Are you sure that is wise? I can tell you that while I have a little pistol I am ore likely to shoot one of us then whatever we are fighting." her voice is calm and controlled but her body language is nervous.
Narai nods to Riata, "That is it. We will be fine." He motions to the unknown ship. "One, maybe two of them in there... I hope." He says, shrugging. The Opodian moves towards the Temple, looking at the fallen Opodian on the steps. "Check him." He says, turning his attention to the guards that ran up the stairs and shattered the glass on the sides of the building so they could see inside and setup their weapons facing in. "Don't break anything you fools! I want it in tact!"
So much for subtlety or being prepared, as they deal with the bodies, and mess with the Temple, Aukido simply walks up to the front of the Temple along the stairs, and moves near enough to look inside, and comments to Narai, "Maybe your security detail should remember zat they already had broken windows to use, rather than break more," the Lyiri chuckles, not moving his gaze from the Entranceway.
Riata kneels by the body and tsk tsks sadly, "Dear me, dear me, they did leave you a mess didn't they?" she scans the body and makes sure to do a thorough examination before walking back to report her findings to Narai, "The poor dear was shot in the head with a high power energy weapon, his internal organs were then removed with a knife and he was gutted." she shakes her head sadly, "They then simply left here there as you see."
Shaking his head, eyeing the lifeless body, Narai sighs. "A warning, perhaps?" He asks, not really expecting an answer to the question. He takes a few steps up, standing next to the body. "He will be given a proper burial. The first casualty of our crusade." He sighs again, looking to the door. Holding his rifle tightly, he steps up closer and closer to the door. As he reaches the top of the stairs, he points his gun inside, "Let us go. Be cautious." He says, as the two members of Black Team enter before him.
Aukido readies his blades a bit more, and follows along with the group towards the inside, the Lyiri cautious in his movements, tail swishing about idly.
Riata follows cautiously as she takes up the rear, "Oh dear, oh dear, I do hope there are no troublesome fellows in there. Or I shall have to find a rolling pin for the upside of their heads."
Temple of Solidarity – Drakon
The Temple is silent, not a peep other then the exploratory group entering from the front. Several torches have been lit, allowing for the room to be visible. At the base of the large statue of Opodi at the front of the Temple lays another Opodian, blood scatter throughout the area and on the statue.
Aukido moves along with the team ahead of Narai and Riata, scouting carefully around, his ears flicking as he looks over towards the body, a soft growl coming from the Lyiri, "Iz not good," he says quietly, "Thiz is why exploration dangerous, but we perservere," Aukido looks about towards the different corridors, observing things ahead carefully.
Riata goes over to the second body, not really seeing much of anything else yet as she sighs sadly and examines the second body. Narai stays close to Riata as he looks over the 2nd body. His attention though, it focused on the various pillars, statues and other interesting looking pieces found in the Temple. "It looks very old..." He says, stating the obvious.
Aukido moves around, carefully looking down the different corridors, trying to be quiet as he does so, scouting about, his ears flicking and listening, blades ready.
Riata sighs as she nods to Narai, "Hm oh yes, Narai dear, this lady was treated the same as the first." so saying she stands and begins examining the pillars as well, "Mmmh yes yes," aaaand she is gone, her attention completely on the pillars, statue, walls and anything else she can study in the room.
As the group examines the body of the 2nd victim, a crack is heard from a balcony over looking the main area. After a few seconds, a shot is fired from one of them and hits one of the two member of Black Team in the head. The officer hits the ground, lifeless. A second shot is fired towards where the dead Opodian already is.
The shot that is fired catches Narai off guard. Standing over Riata as she examines the body, Narai begins to turn as the first shot is fired. But the time he turns it is too late. The second shot hits him in the arm, going right through. Narai shouts in pain, and commands. "Shoot him!"
Aukido hears the crackling, and in just enough time manages to move as the shot alerts him to the presence of an enemy, noticing the guard, another shot moving towards Narai and hitting him causes him to simply react, and with hardly much time to think, he drops his blades on the ground, slips his laser pistol from it's holster, and takes aim, shooting towards where the shot came from.
Riata crys out as the shot grazes her but soon forget's her graze as she sees Narai's wound. she tears off a bit of her tunic to use as a bandage and attempts to stanch the bleeding.
The shot from Aukido's weapon shoots across the Temple, hitting the gunman square in the head. The weapon is dropped in the balcony, and the gunman falls over the balcony, hitting the temple floor with a THUD.
Narai ignores the shot from Aukido, and the falling of the gunman. Instead, he grabs his arm and sits up against the statue of Opodi, his gun at his side. Blood trickling down his fur, Narai looks over at the dead gunman - an Opodian. "Good shot." He says, shaking his head. "What in the name of Opodi is going on here?"
Aukido shakes as he holds the pistol in his hand, his eyes wide, and his voice quivering and normal, "What have I done?" he asks, ears splaying a bit, the Lyiri trembling now, shaking his head, and then notices Narai and Riata, grabbing his swords shakily and moving near them, setting up a protective stance about them, and motioning over the other member of the Black Team carefully to join him for the detail, "T-there might be more, we have to protect you yez?" he asks, carefully looking about his surroundings.
Riata trips Narai and uses her weight to keep the wound from getting worse, she then sits on his chest and ties the makeshift bandage around the wound, "You will take care of this Narai dear or I shall not be pleased." so saying she gets back up before returning her attention to the nearest pillar.
"We have to clear the rest of the Temple." Narai says, looking around. He turns his attention to Riata. "Thank you, I will be fine. The bandage will do for now." He pushes Riata off, politely, then stands up. He looks at a set of stairs, pointing to them. "Guard, take point. We move on. Have Green Team move in and keep this room secure. We'll check what's down there."
Aukido follows along with the rest for now, and moves ahead of Narai and Riata, heading for the stairs himself, observing them as he sheathes his blades, holding his gun at the ready, however should he have use of the blades, he has them unlatched still and ready to be drawn, "Aukido iz going to want lyodka after this, on ze house," he comments.
Riata sees that the boys are heading for the stairs and sighs, much put upon she heads over to Narai's side, 'See that you do take care of that dear or I shall have to knock you over again and please do try not to find yourself any further perforated."
Catacombs - Temple of Solidarity – Drakon
The Catacombs is a large maze-like area under the Temple. The smell of stagnant air, rotting and death hangs heavily in the air. Several torches are lit, exposing the Archives and the prisons in the Catacombs. Several members of Green Team follow the group into the Catacombs, running off in the various directions to secure the area.
Narai follows the members of Green team and the last member of Black Team down into the Catacombs. He stops at the bottom of the stairs, taking in the old air. "It smells like no one has walked these halls in many years." He says, moving down the hall and into the first room he passes - the old Archives.
Aukido holsters his pistol, sliding his blades out again and moving them to his sides, following along with Narai and those with the Captain, the Lyiri nervous, his ears flicking, listening still for any sounds around.
Riata pauses a moment to take a look around the bottom of the stairs before following the rest into the archives room.
Narai grabs one of the torches and walks deeper into the Archives. Books, scrolls and datapads have been thrown everywhere, pages ripped, padds destroyed. "It appears he was searching for something." Narai says, before stopping at an opening between shelves. On the wall, written in blood are the words 'Beware the Hand of Opodi'. The Opodian just stands there, looking at the words.
Aukido moves along towards where Narai is, looking at the wall along with him, ears flicking about, "Iz cult, like I said, yez?" he offers to the Captain, "Perhaps some sort of passage in wall, perhaps must have something to do with Opodian hand," the Lyiri swishes his tail, holding his weapons.
Riata makes a sound of almost physical pain as she sees the damage, "Oh, how /dare/ they." her voice is outraged, her lips pulled back from her teeth, her body puffed up with rage. She falls to her knees to see if there is anything that can be salvaged.
"There seems to be alot here. I trust there are other rooms with other artifacts in them." Narai says, taking his eyes off the warning and looking at the mess, "I wonder what they were looking for..." He ponders out loud. "We should take back a few of these books and artifacts and we can use the science facilities on the Enlightenment to examine them." He says. "I wonder if the Hand of Opodi is a group? It will require further investigation."
Aukido nods firmly, however the Lyiri seems slightly uneasy, flicking his ears, shaking his head, "Iz not good again, I do not think that anyone that might possibly be here, will want us leaving in one piece," the Lyiri says, observing cautiously, and readying his blades, "And I have a feeling perhaps not all of our team will be coming back around through the maze," the Lyiri can't quite pin what is wrong, but steadies his breathing and listens, just in case something actually is wrong, visibly more nervous after the incident in the main room.
Riata mutters to herself as she collects some of the more intact items then stands with a sadly angry look at the rest, "They had better just stay out of my way. I'll, I'll, oh I don't know, but I will do it, I will!" she says in the voice of someone who very much wishes to give such desecraters a piece of her mind....perhaps from a distance.......with some very think walls between them, but still.
"I am sure this is not the last we have heard from these people." Narai says, as he steps around a table near where the words are on the wall. He looks down, seeing a bloody heart on the ground. "I see this is what they used as a pencil." He says, perhaps cracking a joke in a bleak situation. "Take what you can back to the ship. We should begin to examine some of these." He sighs, "Hopefully I will receive word soon on Irinnar, once the construction of the defenses are done I will bring you there. We can begin the construction of our Empire. This Temple will play a role in that Empire as well." He says, looking around.
The commlink on Narai's belt beeps, and a voice starts talking from it. "Sir, we have secured the upper levels of the Temple. Two more dead Opodians have been found from the expedition. We found another, it appears our expedition killed one of the enemy Opodians before being killed."
Aukido provides protection as any supplies are gathered, still cautious, and moving carefully, twitching his face slightly as he notices the heart, "Eh, iz crazy," he says simply.
Riata begins going from room to room with the security, occasionally scolding a careless foot or inattentive hand, "Shoo shoo, get out of my way you oaf." she continues carefully gathering the more substantial pieces and once she has gathered everything that seems safe to transport by hand she comes back over to Narai, "The rest we should wait for some of the more specialized transportation equipment as they are simply too damaged to transport without further damage."
"Agreed. I will have a crew catalogue everything in here, and you can select what you want to look at and we will have it brought to you. I think you should have abit to get some research done." Narai says, chuckling at the amount of items Riata has grabbed. "We should head back to the ship though. We will let the security team clean up. We will head back to Comorro to report what we have found, and to begin the research." He smiles, looking to Aukido, "Thank you for taking out that shooter. We would of been done had you not been there." He says, walking back to the stairs leading up.
Aukido follows along, nodding thoughtfully, "Iz my job and duty, did what waz expected," he says, slightly nervous by his voice, "However, perhaps we should have found someone such as him to keep alive, could explain yez?" the Lyiri shakes his head, "But eventually we will likely know why he waz here," Aukido still having his blades ready as he moves along with the group.