Metroclus
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"I will do my duty until I cannot."
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Affiliation: The Republic
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Post by Metroclus on Jun 9, 2022 7:13:03 GMT -8
[ Metroclus Garrik | Western Hemisphere - Alpha Site | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ] Attn: Mira Yim and/or anyone else Because of her generally quiet and calm demeanour most times, it was easy to forget that Sorsha was still just a child. Barely thirteen, and displaced in time, estranged from her own people due to cultural changes over three thousand years. Metroclus himself would never see his wife or children again, and at best, he might have descendants, but none would know him from the next person. All that was left to either of them was each other. So, when Sorsha heard about rain, and being a hopeless pluviophile, she had to go, and he was honestly powerless to say no to her, especially when he saw how life and energy returned to her eyes.
She had been spectacularly impatient as he put on his full armour before accompanying her.
He had to admit, when they arrived, it was worth the journey. Both to see the unadulterated joy on Sorsha's face and also to see rain on a parched world again. He'd seen Jedi who could work incredible miracles in his time, but very few could do what these Yuuzhan Vong were doing. And even then, certainly not on this scale. Sorsha was positively soaking, but given how Aldar favoured the waters, he reckoned the girl would suffer no adverse effects.
Eventually, he removed his helmet, tucking it under the crook of one elbow, he too basked in the rains, smiling.
He whipped his head around when he heard some noises and nodded at the approaching Yuuzhan Vong female. Eyeing her asymmetrical physique, five fingers on the left hand, eight fingers on the right, he thought that rather odd, but he supposed to her, he was the odd one. She was probably beautiful by her people's standards too. Walking over, he knew more than saw the little princess following closely behind him, half-hidden by his frame. A habitual act at this point, having been through enough experiences together to know, no matter how benign, until Metroclus assessed the situation thoroughly and gave a sign, she was to maintain cover.
“She is, I'm just a soldier.” said Metroclus, and he extended his armoured right hand forward, “Lieutenant Metroclus Garrik, Republic Trooper attached to Guardian Squad of the Thirteenth Diplomatic Defence Legion, and this is my charge, Princess Sorsha Sunrunner of Archon, Crown heir to the Western Throne.”
He could imagine the young girl's grimace. She really hated having herself introduced by her full title and name these days, now that she felt ill-suited to the still vacant throne that awaited her.
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
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Post by Mira Yim on Jun 9, 2022 10:56:14 GMT -8
Rather than extend her own hand when Metroclus offered his in apparent friendship, the female Yuuzhan Vong studied the extended gauntlet with genuine scientific curiosity. She prodded and poked the limb, inspecting every inch with the tentacle like digits of her shaper hand. "Warrior caste, fascinating." She stated in response to his introduction as a soldier. Her glowing eyes seem to brighten further as she became enthralled by her need to study and understand. Gently, she rapped the knuckles of her shaper hand on Metroculus armoured forearm in the same way someone might knock on a door. "Thick armoured epidermis, likely capable of withstanding multiple nang-hul strikes. Synthetic..." She stated, noting the obvious difference where the chest plate ended and the man's neck began.
Mira blinked once, then stepped back, finally realizing her manners." "Well met, Lieutenant Metroclus Garrik." She crossed an arm over his chest and performed a bow once more before straightening. "I am Master Shaper Mira of Domain Yim, Handmaiden of Yun-Ne'Shel."
She then turned and lowered herself to a knee so that she could better get a look at Sorsha.
"And you..." She pursed her lips as she tried to find the right words. "...are much shorter than I anticipated. I knew from the reports of our own warrior caste that the Jedi were typically smaller than a Yuuzhan Vong, but I had no idea it was to this extent."
To be fair, she had only ever met two other Force sensitives before. One was the Imperial Knight Xeononon Solomon, who at one time had allowed her access to the Imperial Remnant's cloning facility on Khomm so that she might further her scientific understanding of infidel technology. The other had been a clone of a Grey Jedi named Lone Wolf, who had just been floating in a tank. She had never actually met a living Jedi face to face before.
"Theory: Perhaps the microscopic bacteria that allows the Jedi to manipulate the energy field they refer to as the 'Force' draws heavily from their nutrient supply, thus stunting growth." As she pondered aloud, Mira appeared to be speaking into a hand held sea-shell of some sort, which was actually a Yuuzhan Vong personal recording biot. She addressed Sorsha. "Would you be willing to submit a blood sample? I shouldn't need more than a few quarts at most."
Her glowing pink eyes changed hue to a somber and sad blue as she thought about the poor girl's ailment.
"I can not guarantee a remedy for your condition..." Obviously referring to Sorsha's height impediment. "...but I should be able to correct the gene flaw in any future offspring the two of you may breed together."
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Sorsha Sunrunner
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“Death is lighter than a feather, duty is heavier than a mountain...”
Posts: 13 
Affiliation: The Force
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Post by Sorsha Sunrunner on Jun 15, 2022 12:13:38 GMT -8
[ Princess Sorsha Sunrunner | Western Hemisphere - Alpha Site | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ] Attn: Mira Yim and/or anyone else Sorsha's face broke in a small grimace first, then she giggled outright as Mira examined Metroclus' armour before introducing herself. She knew the big man was probably mystified and bemused by Mira's behaviour. However, all mirth left her face when it was her turn to be examined by the Yuuzhan Vong, and what she had to say about the Aldar princess left her even more flabbergasted than Metroclus would ever be.
“I'm sorry, what?” she spluttered before Mira Yim spoke to what appeared to be an organic voice recorder. Her eyes bulged when asked for blood samples.
Her jaw dropped open in shock when she went on to offer a remedy for a non-existent condition. But what she implied between her and Metroclus had the tiny girl squealing in horror and mortification. “There will be no breeding between me and Metroclus! He's like a father to me! And what condition?!? What bacteria are you going on about?!?”
Motes of light began to appear around the girl, giving her an almost ethereal glow, and stray motes floated about her head like tiny insects flitting around.
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
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Post by Mira Yim on Jun 17, 2022 7:13:35 GMT -8
Mira's amazement grew as she watched what appeared like fireflies, bursting into brilliant specks of light around the smaller female. Her ocular implants zoomed in and examined the strange phenomenon, uncertain of the cause but clearly theorizing it was caused by the Jedi's mystical abilities. The Master Shaper's own knowledge of the Force was limited to her previous work on the Voxyn project and in studying the final and false cortex of knowledge revealed to her by the Executor after he had assumed control of the Praetorite. She knew midi-chlorians were the key to harnessing the energy field, but as for the full breadth of abilities a Jedi had, her knowledge was far from complete. She stroked her chin and pursed her lips, nodding her head as she comprehended Sorsha's protestations."I see. Yes, breeding between those sharing such close familial bonds could be problematic." She stated aloud, still failing to fully comprehend. "Higher chance of genetic deviation and mutation. Your offspring might lack the ability to utilize your Jedi powers and instead just end up with eleven toes." Ten seemed the appropriate number, having counted the digits of their appendages upon her initial inspection.Determine their intention. The dhuryam's words vibrated inside the Handmaiden's skull as the world brain tried to focus her attention. She blinked, attempting to clear the sensation throbbing in her head while also ease the strain from the glare of the lights sparkling around the unamused princess."But perhaps a study of your midi-chlorians can wait. What brings you out this way? Have you come to examine our progress thus far?" Her eyes beamed brightly at the prospect; the light blue eye sacs beneath her mqaa'it pulsated excitedly. "Your insight on our efforts would be most appreciated. I would also be most happy to serve as your guide and explain our operation to you." Her long elegant ears fluttered like the butterfly wings they resembled.Her excitement was genuine. There was nothing Mira enjoyed more than talking shop.
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Jul 14, 2022 19:32:30 GMT -8
One afternoon, several objects were detected, approaching the research encampment, manned by the Vong allies of the Jedi Lords. A Tempest-class Assault Transport was escorted by a squadron of Phoenix Jedi Interceptors. The starfighters zoomed overhead, circling several times before a few landed with the transport as it touched down at one of the available landing pads. These aerospace models were new the galaxy, exclusively utilized by the members of the Ossus Jedi Conclave now. When the transport opened, the Vong would see a couple squads of Ducal Guard infantry, followed up by several Jedi retainers. The last group to disembark revealed the High Lord himself, accompanied by a select few members of his personal court.
Lucien Malvern had seen the work done, recorded by orbital satellites, and reviewed efforts performed well by Vong, Neti, and all associated researchers. However, it seemed the Vong were certainly enthusiastic about seeding the barren world of Ossus to become a lush paradise that it was before. Although he had been busy as of late, the Jedi came to personally review, as an eye witness, to the project and to give his utmost gratitude to the Vong. There were certainly those who were hesitant to remotely trust the historically violent and warlike race, they kept their opinions to themselves. Lord Malvern, on the other hand, understood these sentiments, but believed in the good intentions of Nem Yin and his Vong subordinates.
Yet, the High Lord didn't come without what appeared to be gifts. Coming down the ramp as a fourth group were a few samples of what appeared to be flora specimens, in young age. The last was a tank, containing some murky water, but there was a creature within, hidden in the low water and mud. Lucien suspected that most material things wouldn't be of use to the Vong, so perhaps some more organic gifts would be a welcomed gesture.
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
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Post by Mira Yim on Jul 14, 2022 22:03:48 GMT -8
Ordinarily considered a natural beauty by every standard of her people, Lilith Zun-qin hardly looked it as she was buried up to her elbows in soil, sweat beading on her forehead. Not to mention her long flowing raven hued locks were frizzing as she perspired, with no small amount of leaves caught in her hair. Her looks were the furthest thing from her mind at the moment. Concern for her creche mate, a sister as the infidel races would describe it, was at the forefront of her thoughts. Her last conversation with Loraine had not been a particularly good one. Loraine had always been a passionate spirit, but sometimes she took things too personally. There had been some imagined slight she had been going on about during their last villip communication and now Lilith feared her domain mate would do something rash. That's why she was out here, hands digging in the dirt. Tending the fields always brought her some measure of peace.
She had finished planting the last orchid when the sound of the Tempest transport's engines caught the attention of her fluttering butterfly wing shaped ear. Rising from her knees to stand, she wiped her filthy hands on her cerulean blue oozhith. Microscopic cilia in the garment cleansed the dirt and left her fingers spotless. She joined a group of her people as the transport set down and began off loading personnel and what looked like more plant specimens. Her ocular implants practically beamed in excitement at the prospect of something new to study and observe.
One of the infidels she recognized, though they had never met before. The Executor had shared what information he could on the Jedi protectors of this world and she had been fortunate to have seen a pictograph of the High Lord. She fumbled with her five fingered shaper hand, reaching into a fold in her gown to retrieve a tizowyrm, which she them inserted into her ear. As it burrowed into the cavity, strange words filled her mind, gifting her an understanding of galactic basic. Though the words felt odd on the tongue, she stepped forwards and greeted the Jedi.
"Welcome, Lord Lucien." She spoke melodically, crossing her arms over her chest and offering the Jedi Lord a respectful bow. "I am Lilith of Domain Zun-qin, Shaper Adept and Handmaiden of Yun-Ne'Shel. I apologize that Master Shaper Mira Yim is not here to greet you." She took a moment to look over at the fields in the near distance before returning her focus to the High Lord. "She went to inspect the growth of the latest crop but has not yet returned."
It was at this point that her glowing blue mqaaq'it spotted the crustacean in the tank. At first inspection she almost mistook it for a vonduun crab, but quickly realized otherwise. Like a child that had spotted a something shiny, her eye sacks expanded in gleeful curiosity and she rushed over to the tank.
"And what by Yuuzhan are you, my little friend?" She said with a slight coo, poking the surface of the tank with a tentacle like digit of her shaper hand.
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Jul 15, 2022 11:53:13 GMT -8
Lucien bows his head slightly when Lilith Zun-qin came to greet the Jedi Lord. When she turned to look over at fields, his gaze did the same, noticing there were crews of Vong out there, inspecting crops, plants, and other specimens for the coming rejuvenation of Ossus. When approaching the encampment, his transport did fly over the more completed work of the Shapers and researchers. The High Lord was quite pleased with the work thus far.
Thank you, Shaper Lilith. I do hope to meet the Master Shaper, herself, soon enough.
When the Shaper Adept turned her attention to the Lizard Crab, Lucien motions to its caretaker. The male Calamari, putting on some gloves given the creatures rough surface, would open the tank and retrieve the juvenile. The critter, with its eight legs, seemed alarmed at first, but settled down in the familiar grasp of her caretaker Its yellow eyes stared right back at the Vong. It was half the size of the Mon Calamari's head.
This is a Lizard Crab, a brightly colored species that is native to the swamps of Yavin 4. This one is a juvenile and female by gender. We would have brought her potential mate along, but didn't want to risk the tank straining under his ardent desire for her. We can bring him over if you accept these gifts on behalf of myself and the Jedi Lords for your efforts.
The crab clicked its one large claw in response as if understanding the words of the Jedi Lord. Lucien then turns slightly, gesturing to the three plants that were brought forward. They were brought over to the right of Shaper Adept for inspection if she so desired. And so, from left to right, Lucien indicated each.
That one is a Feather Fern, which can grow to be two to three meters in length. The cluster of purple flowers are called Kibos. They have a strong and sweet scent and its seeds are known to restore sight to those who are blind. And the few small purple bark trees are called Massassi Trees, named after the ancient Sith Warrior subspecies that once inhabited Yavin 4. These are capable of growing two hundred meters tall. In fact, the Feather Ferns are known to grow upon their trunks.
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
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Post by Mira Yim on Jul 16, 2022 5:26:19 GMT -8
Approaching the Mon Calamari, Lilith leaned in and activated the binocular function of her mqaaq'it, zooming in like a microscope as she studied the crustacean. Her lips pursed and she nodded her head, listening to Lucien's explanation. She motioned to the crab wrangler to hand her the animal, though the fish faced alien initially looked reluctant to do so. She nodded at him, reaffirming that it was okay, and he relented with a shrug and slowly handed the crab over. Though she had never come into contact with this particular species before, the shaper handled the creature as if she had been doing so all her life, eventually turning it around in her hands and cradling it in her arms. Casually she ran one of the puckered fingers of her shaper hand over its carapace, stroking the bright coloured shell.
"Truly?" She inquired, almost surprised she would be allowed to keep the creature. ❤︎ "Oh yes, Lord Lucien, we would be most honoured to accept these gifts. Mira has been designing a grotto I believe would be a most suitable habitat for this creature and its future offspring." ❤︎
There was always a risk of unexpected developments when introducing a foreign species to a new environment, but given Ossus' previous desolate state, the risk in this circumstance was minimal. Plus, adapting creatures to serve a purpose was page one of the Yuuzhan Vong bio-engineering playbook. Her mind was already considering the possibility of crossbreeding the creature with their vonduun kerr skyrric to create a hardier shell.
As the High Lord explained the fauna he had brought, Lilith nodded her thanks to the Mon Calamari, handing the crab back before following the Jedi to inspect the items he was describing.
"Two hundred meters? We shall have to consider carefully where we replant them, though I imagine to reach such a height would take a number of centuries at least. Though I have a few thoughts as to how we might accelerate the process." She theorized, resting her hands on her hips. Lilith stood over the purple kibo specimen and held a finger under one of the peddles, gently inspecting it. "If I am honest, it is the healing properties of this flower that I am most intrigued by. When a Yuuzhan Vong's organs fail, such as their eyes for instance, the standard practice is to perform the right of escalation and replace the organ with another symbiotic lifeform. But if this has the same effect on my own people..." She let the thought linger, stroking the elegant lines of light tattooing on her chin as she pondered aloud. "Hmmm, actually the potential ramifications of this could pose a political rift amongst my people. We shall have to proceed carefully."
A pressure built in her head and she felt the telepathic presence of the dhuryam touching her mind. Imagery of the Well of the World Brain filled her mind and she felt the creature's desire for her to bring the Jedi Lord before it. Ordinarily such an invitation to such a sacred area would be expressly forbidden without the consent of the Executor or Master Shaper, but the dhuryam was an authority all its own, equal to a high ranking member of the Praetorite. Its will was not to be denied. As Lilith faced the Jedi Lord, she extended her arm towards the crystalline spire a kilometer to south of where they were. It was the remains of the Fecund Fortress, the seed ship that had burrowed itself at the heart of the Yuuzhan Vong's terraforming efforts. All but one finger on her hand closed as she pointed to the glimmering crystal structure. A manta ray shaped tsik vai flew overhead as she did so, releasing a deluge of liquid over the fields as it had been repurposed to water the growing crops.
"My lord, if you are willing I would be delighted to show you the heart of our operation here and the reason we are so confident that this time the project will be a success. We have supplanted something here I think you will be most interested to see for yourself."
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Jul 23, 2022 11:50:48 GMT -8
Lucien was pleased that the Vong seemed approving of the gifts given. The Jedi knew that trinkets of fine gems, precious metals, or anything non-organic wouldn't be as valued by this race of bio-engineering extraterrestrials. No, they put value on the organic, on the living, and on the unique, hence these gifts. Lord Malvern would gesture to the Mon Calamari caretaker who motioned for the hovering droid to take the creature, and the plants, away to where they could be stored for the Vong. A mental note was taken by the caretaker to bring the Lizard Crab's mate, a slightly larger and robust male. They would certainly make quite a pair for the Vong to look after.
With that addressed, Lucien returned his attention to the one known as Shaper Lilith. His gaze turned towards where glimmering crystal structure was. The heart of their operation, she reported it as. It would be intriguing to see the Vong at work with their expertise and, this time, it was beneficial projects at work here. There were recordings of the horrors before and the masterful nightmares created by the bio-engineering they used during the war many decades ago. This time, Lucien wanted to see the fruits of their efforts and to show Ossus, nay the galaxy, that the Vong, if given a chance, could be trusted.
You honor me, Shaper Lilith. I, and my small entourage, would be most grateful to gaze upon your work.
His entourage would simply include two troopers, two Jedi retainers, and three of his officials, including his trusted captain of the Ducal Guard, Yar Sho, the Kel Dor whose family had served the House of Malvern for seven generations now. The more eyes, the better, on who could report on the magnificent work being performed by their allies, the Vong of Domain Yin.
If you will, Shaper, please, show the way. I am most eager to see your biological genius at work!
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
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Post by Mira Yim on Jul 24, 2022 7:22:53 GMT -8
Lilith's glowing blue eyes had a sparkling effect as she allowed them to linger over the others that would be accompanying Lucien, almost as if each orb set in its socket was a self contained galaxy bristling with stars. Even without a chilab neural grub inserted into her sinus cavity, the dhuryam could see everything that the shaper saw, its telepathic presence probing the depths of her mind. It assented to the others presence as well. Feeling its approval as a gentle nudge, she took the Jedi High Lord by the arm and began to lead him in the direction of the crystalline structure.
"It is not far and the weather is pleasant. Let us walk and talk, my lord." She spoke the common infidel phrase, even if it fell unusual and somewhat blatant in its simplicity. "I shall explain as we go."
Never in her wildest imagination had she thought that one day she would be on an alien world, explaining the finer working of her castes craft to an outsider, yet here she was do just that. Her sister Loraine had long espoused her disapproval of the peace the Yu'shaa sought, but from Lilith's experience thus far, it was a lofty goal worthy of pursuit. She had no desire to create weapons of war, which if the invasion of the galaxy had been successful, was a fate she would have been doomed to. Instead, here amongst outsiders foreign to the ways of her people, she found a more meaningful purpose. She thanked Yun-Yuuzhan for that purpose, but most of all, she thanked Mira for taking her under her wing and ordaining her membership as a handmaiden of Yun-Ne'Shel.
It felt like her lips never stopped moving as she explained everything they passed, from the types of plants introduced and their origins, to the Yuuzhan Vong's efforts to replicate biological organisms from fossil records and ancient organic samples.
"The abundance of growth thus far was not easily achieved, despite appearances. Ossus surface, in its current state, is quite barren and poorly suited to the production of life. The catastrophic events that befell it have left deep scars. Fortunately as a shaper, scars are something we are quite familiar with. Hidden beneath its surface, there is water, if one knows where to look. Our chom-vrone, previously used as weapons of war, have been utilized to find buried caches of ground water. Once located the roots of our damutek, those four large flower shaped constructs you no doubt saw on your flight over, are actually able to redirect these sources of water to wherever they are needed. Meanwhile we have been harvesting hydrogen from orbital satellites to seed the upper atmosphere. The chom-vrone have also been able to create channels to funnel and release green-house gases into the atmosphere, trapping more heat on the planets surface. Eventually as heat and moisture are focused, we have been able to create rain clouds on Ossus for the first time in..." She paused thoughtfully. "...well, to be honest I'm not sure when the last time it has rained on Ossus, but a very long time no doubt."
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Aug 2, 2022 17:18:37 GMT -8
Lucien and his smaller entourage would follow the Shaper into the very heart of the bioengineering wonders and efforts of their Vong allies. There had been concerns, naturally due to historical precedence, but witnessing what the Vong had achieved, it brought hope. Hope to the Jedi Lords, the Ysanna and Neti natives as well as all the citizens of Ossus. Hearing what the Vong sought to do did bring a smile to the High Lord and a murmur of approval among those few present. Rain clouds on Ossus?! It was unheard of, but it would be quite the relief to witness such an occurrence.
It has been over four millennia since Ossus' surface felt the kiss of rain. Long before your people began to scout the galaxy.
The Jedi tells the Shaper Lilith.
Four millennia since the Sith magic, utilized by Aleema Keto and the later redeemed Ulic Qel-Droma, caused the Cron Cluster to implode and send vicious shockwaves across neighboring sectors. Ossus' paradise was scoured and ripped apart by the waves of devastation... and, for a time, it was believed to be a dead world.
The High Lord turns slightly, gesturing to a Ysanna representative who was with them, a friendly chieftain of the region.
His people, the tribes of Ysanna, are descended from those survivors who managed to etch out a life upon this barren world. Many of their ancestors were Jedi themselves, in fact, according to what lore our historians have put together. Luke Skywalker found them to be kindred souls when he began to reform the Order. It is thanks to Master Skywalker that the Ysanna have rejoined the galaxy and now seek to see Ossus reborn alongside us.
Speaking of Ossus, there was something that needed to be said. Lucien gestured to Yar Sho who procured a small holoprojector. It revealed a blinking coordinate that was somewhere to the Southwest of their location. The High Lord showed it to Lilith before a new image of a mighty tree was shown.
I had forgotten to mention this before, but be careful if your operations extend towards this tree. It is the sapling of a great Jedi Master, Ood Bnar, a Neti. He was a powerful member of our Order and was wise beyond his years. He had managed to save a cache of ancient Jedi lightsabers as Ossus was ravaged, after taking root and become a strong tree that stood the testament of time. Over four millennia later, when the Empire, under the reborn Sidious, came to Ossus, Luke and his Ysanna allies fought them. The battle that resulted caused Ood Bnar to awaken from his long slumber. Utilizing the power of the Living Force, Ood would sacrifice himself and ensure the death of the Dark Jedi that led the Empire's troops, performing one last great deed for the sake of the Jedi and to protect Ossus.
Lucien looks down at the holoimage of the mighty tree.
Although he died, the Ysanna discovered that he left a sapling and this tree has become sacred to the Jedi and the natives of Ossus. So, I wish to make note of this and let your company know to be mindful of Bnar's descendant and successor as guardian of Ossus.
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
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Post by Mira Yim on Aug 3, 2022 7:05:57 GMT -8
Troubled thoughts creased Lilith's delicately tattooed brow as she heard Lucien's explanation of the destruction wrought on Ossus as a result of Sith spell-craft. Hate was a disease, one she hoped to one day eradicate not just for her own people, but the galaxy at large. She had seen first hand what hatred had transformed her own people into. As awful as that was, it paled in comparison with what the Sith were able to physical manifest their hatred into. Unfathomable acts of power born of sheer ill will. More than ever she understood why the Yu'shaa seemed so obsessed with those malevolent mystics. Unchecked they were capable of acts of unimaginable evil. Her wing like ear lobes fluttered as she cleared the darkness from her mind, refocusing her thoughts on the present and the pleasant conversation she was otherwise having.
"Ah, you are a wellspring of information on the history of this world. I should have known." Glowing beetles fluttered past the group as they walked, drawn to the luminous lambent fields they were currently passing. "Rest assured, we will take the utmost caution to preserve whatever life has managed to survive in these infertile conditions."
Again, Lilith felt the gentle mental caress of the dhuryam as it probed her thoughts, seeing with her eyes and listened with her ears. Though it was odd to have another presence pressed upon her own, she did not resist. As a handmaiden of Yun-Ne'shel, she was very open to the idea of having a telepathic entity so closely related to the Yun'o dwelling in her mind. It made her feel more connected to the spiritual world, even if it always left her feeling hollow after. She briefly closed her eyes as she felt the World Brain speak to her.
{{ I can feel Bnar's sapling. Though young, its roots are strong and it possesses a resilience to the harsh terrain. Even without our aid, it will flourish given time. But I will direct what resources I can to assist in its growth. We have not spoken, but I can feel its curious mind. }}
She reopened her eyes, still walking and listening to Lucien. She stopped mid-stride, halfway through the lambent field that led up to the crystalline structure of the seed ships remains. A thought occurred to her as they were so close to the luminous fruit hanging from short almost shrub like trees.
"I am assured the sapling will be treated with compassion and care." She stated cryptically, not explaining who had claimed this or why, or let alone how it had been communicated so quickly. Instead she raised her unaugmented hand and pointed a finger at the field beside them. "This may seem like an odd request, my lord, but it would be most beneficial if each Jedi in your party takes a lambent fruit from one of the trees here. It is difficult to explain, but it will aid with communication once we are inside the structure ahead."
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Aug 5, 2022 21:50:53 GMT -8
It seemed that the Yuuzhan Vong were going to keep to their word of respecting what already existed on Ossus. It did take a careful bit of negotiation to get Ysanna tribes on their side when the Outsiders approached their territories while performing their terraforming. Many times, the Jedi Lords escorted chieftains and representatives of the natives through what had been done, letting them see the boons and achievements that could be done with cooperation. Many, and Lucien couldn't overstate that, many were inclined to accept and cooperate. Others... were wary, for good reason or selfish ones. Given that Bnar's descendant was to be treated well, Lord Malvern would not speak any further.
Lilith then spoke of her request, causing the small entourage to turn slightly, noticing where she was pointing. Lambent fruits were known to the galaxy, of course, through what had been learned during the invasion. It was a very particular plant that grew under particular circumstances and could even be utilized as a Jedi's lightsaber crystal as done by Anakin Solo and Cade Skywalker. From what they understood, the lambent's properties were a means of communication and a light source.
Lucien approached one of the plant's first, deciding to take the first step. Looking at the plant curiously, Lord Malvern wasn't exactly sure how to harvest one. Beneath the leaves of the plant, the Jedi noticed strange sacs, hanging from its branches. The others of his entourage, numbering five in total, approached as well, looking at what their liege lord was examining. Lord Malvern turned to the Shaper.
How does one harvest these lambent fruits, Lilith?
Best to be mindful than ignorant.
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Mira Yim on Aug 7, 2022 5:22:36 GMT -8
Of course. She thought as she stifled a giggle. It was rather presumptuous of her to assume the Jedi Lords would be familiar with lambent harvesting. If the spiked sandal crab had been on the other foot and Lucien had asked Lilith to perform maintenance on his lightsaber, she would have been equally at a loss.
Calmly extending her shaper hand towards the lambent tree, the handmaiden of Yun'Ne'shel gently ran the back of her knuckles against the trunk of the plant, repeatedly stroking the sensitive organism as she hummed a peaceful tune. The plant, though hardly rigid and tense, still seemed to relax under the Shaper Adept's careful attention. The leaves of its branches rustled and peeled back, further exposing the milky sac from which the luminous fruit was hanging. Reaching into the robe-skin satchel on her hip, Lilith removed a curved piece of bone crafted into an obvious basic cutting tool. She turned the blade over and offered the handle to Lucien before reaching up to the tree and resting the hanging fruit on her palm. Her fingers supported the future crystal loosely, which seemed to brighten at her touch.
"Hold the lambent as you see me doing, then strike the stem with the edge of the blade and it should come free. It is important that each one of your Jedi does this part themselves. These organisms form a bond with whomever harvests them."
She released her hold on the hanging lambent and stepped back, nodding and motioning for Lucien to proceed with a sweep of her arm. Nearby, several worker caste tending to the field were assisting the other Jedi in attendance, likewise lending the Jedi Lords use of their cutting implement and guiding them through the steps of harvesting the glowing fruit.
"You are all welcome to keep the lambents you have harvested." She addressed the group. "If you do not wish to do so, I would ask that you return them after we have visited the shaping spire."
Speaking of which, they were almost there. The massive crystalline structure of the shaping spire glimmered in the day light like a giant crusted gemstone jutting from the surface of the planet. On its final descent, the seed ship Fecund Fortress had literally burrowed half of its massive structure beneath the ground. Kilometer long tendrils had extended from its underside and meshed with the roots of the four damuteks spread out in formation around the growing terraforming site. It was through these connections that the dhuryam was able to carefully monitor and control all the vital processes that were involved in altering the landscape of a planet. There were a few Yuuzhan Vong milling about the front of the organic spire, with even two warrior caste standing by out front of the massive opening leading inside, though it was clear by all appearances that this was far from a military outpost. More like 40% science project, 40% farm, and 20% spiritual commune.
Even the two warriors standing guard duty seemed unusually calm for their caste. It was as though for the first time in forever, they had found some small measure of peace here on Ossus.
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Aug 13, 2022 22:48:44 GMT -8
Lucien had heard of the precise method of harvesting these Lambent crystals. For some reason, unknown to him at least, these Lambents needed to be calm before the fruit could be removed. Vong biotechnology was truly something that was alive. Long had he, and others, heard of their living worldships that even changed color as they aged and began to progress towards their death. A lifespan of five centuries those ships had, with one said to be a thousand years old. After listening to how it was done, the Jedi Lord began to perform the method himself.
Removing his glove, the High Lord lightly touched the fruit, calming the organism that protected the milky sac within. Eventually, it would begin to open and, utilizing the tools offered, Malvern would manage to retrieve one of these crystals from within. Taking it into his hands, it felt warm to the touch. It was a strange feeling to be holding this Vong-made crystal within his hands. Lucien politely bowed his head.
Thank you for the lesson, Shaper Lilith.
He turned and watched as those few who would be joining him were assisted by worker caste members. Yar Sho seemed to do just fine, but the other two needed a little more assistance. This was their first time interacting with Vong technology in such a peaceful way after all. Nonetheless, four were successfully retrieved. Now, with that achieved, Lucien turns to Lilith, glancing at the crystalline structure that served as the focal point of their operations.
Please, show us the way, Shaper. I am most eager to see the usage of your biotechnology firsthand. Certainly, I suspect Kol Skywalker, who was Grandmaster of the Order many decades ago, certainly felt eager when he saw the preliminary results of the Ossus Project.
Lord Malvern was most desirous to see what was to be the main methods of reviving this barren world.
Oh! One more thing, how do we use these?
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Mira Yim on Aug 17, 2022 5:11:35 GMT -8
After watching Lucien successfully harvest a lambent crystal, she politely waited with him while the other members harvested their own with a little more difficulty. Her vibrant ocular implants lingered briefly over the crystal in his hands, then she looked up and stroked her delicately tattooed chin, pondering how best to explain."A lambent has a variety of uses. The crystal is a living organism that forms a bond with the one who harvested it, allowing it to sense the thoughts of the one to whom it is bonded, or 'attached'. By virtue of holding the crystal in your hands, you should be able to brighten or dim the lambent simply by thinking it." She retrieved the cutting implement from Lucien and harvested her own lambent, then replaced the bone knife in her satchel and held the crystal in her own palms. As though a light dimmer switch had been cranked up, the crystal in her hands grew luminous and bright, then slowly began to dim until it went nearly dark. "I have read attestations from others of your Order who have successfully harvested lambent crystals in the past that those with a connection to your 'Force' were able to use it to reveal hidden enemies. Some stated they could even sense my people, who historically have no Force presence, through the lambent. Though in those accounts they made mention that they had to temporarily shut themselves off from the Force to accomplish this." She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. "Unfortunately my people are not exactly experts on the subject."There were many theories as to why the Yuuzhan Vong seemed to be disconnected from the Force while everything else in the galaxy seemed bound by the invisible energy field. Some believed that because the YV originated outside of the galaxy, they developed outside of the Force and therefore were not receptive to it. The problem with that theory was that there were other species known to have originated outside this galaxy that did share a connection. It was possible they never developed the biological component necessary to utilize the Force, though that too was a stretch given that the YV shared many biological similarities to humans, despite their different physical appearance. As a result, most of what they knew about the Force was a result of what they had learned from direct contact with the Jedi and Sith."I have a theory, though it is only that. Much of Yuuzhan Vong technology relies on telepathy for communications and operational purposes. It is possible that because we are from a different galaxy far removed from this one, our telepathy registers at a different frequency then your Force. Because of your training and the Jedi Order's heavy focus on meditation, perhaps through the symbiotic connection formed with the lambent, you are temporarily able to operate at the same frequency that my people do." She shrugged again. "It is only a theory. Lambents are also used for communication, which is the primary reason I wanted you to harvest them. It is easier to experience than to explain. You will understand once we are inside."Once they were done, Lilith offered the worker caste her thanks for their assistance and continued to lead the Jedi party into the opening at the base of the gem crusted shaping spire. The two warrior caste standing on either side straightened a little when they saw the group approach, but they didn't bar their path. While Lilith's rank as a shaper adept afforded her some authority, it was her position as a member of the Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel that was the more prestigious. The two warriors showed the same sort of reverence for the female shaper as they would a priest, bowing their heads as she led the group through the opening. Inside, the crystalline structure was like a hive buzzing with activity. Despite the building being referred to a the shaping spire, Yuuzhan Vong of all manner of caste and rank could be seen going about their business.Lilith guided the group through a large dilated hatch-sphincter that dominated the far end of the main hall, where the yorik-coral floor began to gradually slope downwards, making it clear that they were descending beneath ground level. Even though they were going lower, the temperature seemed to increase a few degrees, with the air being heavier and more humid the further down they went. Glow lichen along the walls and ceiling lit the way, though the lambents the Jedi were carrying began to shine as well, brightening their way. The hall opened into a large subterranean chamber with a large pool at the center. Floating in the pool with all but the top of its bulbous head submerged in the viscous liquid that smelled of garlic and nlora perfume, was some sort of giant creature. Its head was shaped much like a massive oversized brain trailing thousands of tentacles, many of which were buried in the walls of the chamber like the roots of a plant. {{ Hello. }}
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Aug 25, 2022 20:25:15 GMT -8
When the voice spoke to them, from beyond, all attention turned to the immense and otherworldly creature that was a World Brain, or as Lilith stated, a Dhuryam. These coordinators, as the Jedi Order and the Galactic Alliance, came to know them as during the invasion era, were highly intelligent and capable bioengineered creations of the Yuuzhan Vong. One, a World Brain of Coruscant, was even alive to aid Jacen Solo in his anti-terrorist tactics during the early stages of the Second Galactic Civil War. These were what coordinated the massive war efforts, the colonization and Vongification of worlds, and so much more. To gaze upon one, in the flesh, was a rarity.
At first, Lucien wasn't sure how to address the World Brain. After all, it was a sentient creature, but it wasn't of the hierarchy of the Vong, but rather an impressively intelligent creation. Nonetheless, it was sentient and so respect needed to be shown. Just as the same respect had been shown as the Jedi moved through the heart of their ally's operations to gaze upon the very coordinator of reviving this wasteland.
And so, with a step forward, the High Lord of the Ossus Jedi bowed before the World Brain. Those with him followed suit moments later.
Welcome, Dhuryam, to the planet of Ossus.
Lucien addresses it with a cordial greeting.
I hope you are not being overworked with what I have requested of your caretakers and of your abilities.
True, this being was capable of doing so, but it must feel the stress of its duty. Of reviving a whole world's ecosystem rather than altering an existing one from faltering. Lucien did not fully understand sciences, but from what he did understand, reviving the very ecosystem to make Ossus lush and vibrant again was a monumental task of epic proportions and diligence. Nothing but a World Brain could certainly achieve this.
I hope you find this world promising in the endeavors of yourself and the Yuuzhan Vong.
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Mira Yim on Sept 4, 2022 4:34:01 GMT -8
Bubbles rose to the top of the dhuryam's pool, popping at the surface in garlic scented whiffs. The tiny air pockets were created by the motion of the world brain's tentacles vibrating as it communicated telepathically. This close to the coordinators massive brain shaped body, its voice could be overwhelming, though it did its best to restrain the sharpness of its psychic speech.
{{ Ossus is a challenging world, its surface has suffered overlong trials and endured much hardship, but sometimes the old brush must be cleared away to make room for the new. The roots of this world are strong, I know, I have felt them. The work will be hard; however, this is my purpose. I have joined my roots with its own. This is now my home. }}
Again the lambents in the hands of the Jedi pulsated and flickered with wavering levels of light. The tentacles rising from the sides of the pool the massive coordinator was in seemed to pulsate as well, the thinner tendrils even crackling with electric discharge at times like a nerve.
Lilith's head had remained bowed with her glowing eyes closed during the psychic exchange. To her, especially as a Handmaiden of Yun-Ne'shel, there was something spiritual about being this close to the world brain. It wasn't exactly that she was basking in its telepathic presence, more that she enjoyed greatly its company as she felt it touch her mind, comforting her. She opened her eyes at this point, for it seemed that the dhuryam had said enough and planned to say no more. She turned to Lucien, her oozhith gown swishing around her legs.
"We should take up no more of its time. The strain of its work is incalculable to most minds. I merely wished to make an introduction and to show you the investment our people have made to this world. The dhuryam, once rooted, can not be moved without permanent harm or death. My superiors inform me that the Praetorite only has two of these creatures left. One, actually, for this one now belongs to Ossus. It will do in a handful of years what would have otherwise taken centuries." Her cerulean hued mqaaq'it glowed more intensely, the light blue eye sacs beneath them puffing in response. "It will also detect any tampering done to its work. The Sith will not be able to ruin the renewal of this world, not again."
Her voice trembled with contained anger. The past failure of the Ossus Project was a subject of great shame for Lilith. Domain Yin were not the only Yuuzhan Vong to have reason to despise the Sith. The shaper caste had their own grudge against those foul ones.
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Sept 4, 2022 14:55:09 GMT -8
The Vong utilized one of their two World Brains to help revive Ossus? Lucien could tell, by that fact alone, that their newly founded allies were dedicated to seeing this world become lush and vibrant as it was before. It did make him wonder though where the other one was being utilized though. The Jedi Lords did not know much of the Praetorite Vong beyond that the Vong mostly operated off of Zonama Sekot, the seed world of their ancient capital and homeworld of Yuuzhan'tar. Their Shadows didn't look much into the Vong, unless, of course, actions were done that warranted it. Lord Malvern simply believed that it was best to trust the Yuuzhan Vong in their work, just as Kol Skywalker had done before.
Understanding what Lilith said, the entourage and Lucien departed the room with the Shaper, leaving the World Brain to its titanic workload. Malvern would look into adding security for the Dhuryam, considering it's vital role in the revival of Ossus. Its security was of the utmost importance and it would ensure what would take centuries could be achieved in a few years, just as Shaper Lilith explained. Already, the Jedi Lords had seen some of what was done. Work that would have taken months and years to achieve a mere miles worth of work.
Lucien now turns to Lilith once they had left the World Brain's presence. He was most thankful for what she had showed them.
I will see about offering additional security. The World Brain's safety will be a priority of the Jedi Lords.
He then looks around where they were, considering they were at the heart of the Vong's operations.
Might we have the chance to meet with the Master Shaper? I am eager to meet the one you spoke of earlier.
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Mira Yim on Sept 6, 2022 10:01:38 GMT -8
Pursing her lips ponderously, she tapped her effeminate narrow chin with one puckered digit from her shaper hand. Mira had been indisposed when Lucien and his party first arrived, but some time had expired since then. She might well be free now. Lilith nodded her head and reached into the robeskin satchel resting upon the hip of her oozhith. When she retracted her hand, in its grip was what appeared to be a molted ball of flesh. The object was in actuality a Yuuzhan Vong communication device known as a villip. She stroked the biot, causing it to shudder and its exterior layer to pulsate before inverting and forming a facsimile of a female Yuuzhan Vong, similar to the handmaiden but also different in its own way. The disembodied head in her hands peered back at Lilith and then spoke.
{{ What is it, Loraine? I'm quite occupied at the moment. }} In truth, she was always busy. Twas the price of genius.
Lilith's usually calm cerulean blue ocular implants dimmed in obvious irritation.
"It's Lilith actually, your Eminence. There are some guests here to see you, assuming you are available."
In her hands, the villip was a blur of movement as the displayed visage of the Master Shaper shook from side to side, eye sacs puffing even as her lips started espousing excuses.
{{ "No, no. Send them away. I'm far too busy. Have them schedule an appointment sometime next month." }}
Though not typically a Yuuzhan Vong expression, Lilith Zun-qin's corpse pallor complexion became flushed with embarrassment as Lucien and his group heard everything the Master Shaper was saying. Clearing her throat, she responded.
"Forgive my impertinence, my lady, but the guests are members of the Jedi Lords. One of which is our host, High Lord Lucien."
There was a pause, then Mira replied in a reluctant tone.
{{ Oh very well, send them up if you must. I'm currently in the Hall of Remembrance. }}
And like that the villip in the shaper adept's hands returned to its original state as the connection was ended on the other side. Lilith returned the biot to her hip pouch and let out a sigh before fixating her attention on Lucien.
"Apologies, your lordship. The Master Shaper tends to get a bit...absorbed, by her work. You will understand when you meet her. Please..." She said with a bow. "...follow me and I shall take you to her."
From the Well of the World Brain, Lilith Zun-qin led the group of Jedi up through the shaping spire, following a long spiralling staircase of yorik-coral. Yuuzhan Vong had their own lift technology, biologically based of course, but none of which was featured in the former seed ship. Physical hardship, such as ascending an exceptionally lengthy stairwell, was an expression of piety before the Yun'o, the Yuuzhan Vong pantheon of deities. Even the air seemed to thin as they climbed higher and higher, while the temperature dropped as though they were scaling a mountain, despite the pleasant temperate weather outside the spire. Eventually they reached the top, entering through a set of doors that were three warrior caste wide and twice as tall. The shaper adept led them into the long hall which was lined by gargantuan statues also crafted from yorik-coral. There was a great multi-tentacled yammosk statue representing Yun-Yammka, the slayer god. Next to it was a statue of a figure Lucien and his Jedi Lords might recognize, for it was a near perfect depiction of Jaina Solo. During the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, rumour had spread amongst their people that Jaina was the reincarnation of Yun-Harla, the trickster god. It seemed that belief had not completely vanished long after the end of the war.
On the far end of the room was a single Yuuzhan Vong female, resplendent in her elegance and beauty that made even Lilith look a pauper by comparison. Her naked back was exposed to them, an even pastel grey with delicate lines of tattooed script and hieroglyphics. A long flowing mane of raven hued hair extended from her scalp down to the small of her back, almost animate for the number of living biots threaded through its luscious lengths that at times made her appear weightless as her locks defied gravity. She turned her head, looking with glowing pink mqaaq'it over one smooth shoulder at the approaching group. In her hand on the same side, she held a long stemmed pipe made from a crustacean, much like Nem's, though far longer and more narrow. The biot was the same length as her forearm which was encased in a long crimson sleeve that matched the oozhith dress that clung to her skinny frame. Her wing like ears fluttered as she took a small puff from the long pipe, before blowing a smoke imitation of a slivilith with flapping wings to boot. The smoke image seemed to fly away from the pipe before dissipating and mingling with the purple smoke wafting from hanging braziers on the ceiling. A coy smile played on her thin lips as she turned to face the group, her slender dress exposing her barren sides while concealing the modesty of her bosom before wrapping around her slender neck.
"Human, male. Not native to Ossus, obviously, though lacking some of the key characteristics of human examples found in the Core. Likely originating from somewhere in the Outer Rim." She said, her eye implants studying Lucien with pure scientific fascination. "Well coifed with an even bone structure that suggests good breeding stock. Likely absent any Aldari genes, too tall and with musculature their diminished skeletal structure could not support."
Mira seemed to glide as she stepped closer, her gown completely concealing her feet as she came nearer. On her opposite shoulder, a blue shelled nang-hul watched the group with tiny glowing red eyes. Spiky protrusions jutted from its sharpened shell, denoting it as a razor-bug. Buzzing as its wings vibrated, the bug flew off the Master Shaper's shoulder and briefly landed on her long pipe, before clutching it in its numerous legs. The beetle like biot then took back to the air, carrying aloft the pipe which is set down on a nearby table. An intoxicating aroma wafted off of Mira as she stepped close to Lucien, her face only a few inches from his own. The scent was a pheromone she had been working on that stoked arousal, and perhaps even compliance as a result, in many species. Her mqaaq'it focused on the lightsaber hilt hanging from Lucien's hip, before returning to look him in the eye. When she spoke, her voice was almost melodic, her speech like song.
"Tell me." She said, reaching up to stroke her narrow chin. "Do the number of midi-chlorians cultured in your blood have an effect on your ability to manipulate the energy field your kind refers to as the Force? Or are you only able to utilize a certain number at once? I don't suppose you'd be willing to submit a blood sample? For scientific posterity, of course."
If they were expecting an ordinary introduction, well, they weren't going to get one from Mira. Her mind was a beehive of activity, flitting from a dozen thoughts to the next dozen in the amount of time it took most species to draw a single breath.
Taking the cue, Lilith did her best to facilitate the appropriate protocols and procedures.
"Lord Lucien, allow me to introduce Master Shaper Mira Yim. The Praetorite's foremost expert on bio-engineering."
Mira blinked her glowing pink eyes and raised a finger to silence the shaper adept.
"Quiet, Loraine. I'm conducting serious research here."
"It's Lilith..."
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