Phantasy Star Horizon
ESKK: Here we are the newest chapter of Phantasy Star Horizon. Here we will finally see the return of the Successor Classes, Hero, Phantom, Etoile, and Luster. Now then let's get started.
(Start ARKS Council of Six)
The Council of Six had convened as they had a serious situation on their hands. Xect was the one to convene the meeting as he sat with his fingers interlocked and his head resting on said interlocked fingers. "We have a problem." Xect said as he decided to be the first to bring it up. "The facility that we had been testing and preparing the Scion Classes has been compromised." Xect said causing the group to go wide eyed in shock to this.
"What happened? I thought you said that you and Noto made the place virtually impenetrable." Morgan said as Noto had his defense on this.
"Just because it's supposed to be doesn't mean it will be." Noto said and thus Xect spoke up next.
"We lost communication with them after they deployed their SOS signal. The signal has been broadcasting ever since." Xect explained as he tried to figure out how exactly the location had been compromised. Noto had been the one to build its defenses and it was top of the line even by ARKs, standards. Xect was the one to device its method of hiding so this implied that this had to have been an inside job. He can't make this theory known but they had more pressing matters to concern themselves with.
"We need to send a rescue team out there." Yaga said being the first to speak up. "There might be survivors still." Yaga said as he looked to his fellow council members.
"Maybe, or it might be setting us all up for a trap." Xect responded with a calm tone in his voice.
"Like we have a choice?" Noto argued as he looked to Xect. "Not only could there be survivors some of our most sensitive data and experimental equipment are there. If we do nothing, we run the risk of them falling into the wrong hands." Xect argued making it clear that they had to do something or risk their enemies acquiring some of their best gear.
"Xect is right, but so is Noto." Arthur said as he saw how this could go. They do nothing and they were screwed but if they did something then they have a better chance to succeed. "This is a double edges sword if we do nothing then we all but hand some of our secrets to the enemy thus I propose we act." Arthur said as Xect nodded to this.
"I never suggested we leave it be, so I tentatively took the initiative to call in some aid to secure the location." Xect said as he got everyone's attention. "I've called in Yuvel and his team to go to the location and reached out to the Jedi Order if they might aid us as well." Xect said as he looked to the group as that was a discussion that he did not enjoy having earlier. "They agreed to send Padawan Learner Ahsoka Tano to aid us on this mission." Xect said as this was good news for the Council Members.
"Yuvel and his team do have a good track record on their hands and with three Cosmogenic Arms at their disposal, it should give them an edge in this fight." Arthur said seeing the logic Xect had used in sending those four in for this. "More so Padawan Tano's connection to the Force should allow them a bit of needed foresight to handle this mission." Arthur added as he looked to the Council of Six.
"Then we are in agreement." Morgan said happy that they were doing something about this situation to prevent a catastrophe.
"Yes, their mission is straight forward, secure any survivors, retrieve the data and if possible, the equipment, and then return to the Halpha ARKs Fleet immediately after setting the lab to Self-Destruct to prevent anything from falling into enemy hands." Xect said as he looked to the group as they could all agree to this.
"Don't really like that last bit but… it's the best we got for the hand we were given." Yaga said crossing his arms and sighing. This was all they could do now and as much as he wanted to keep the place the lab was compromised and thus was to be destroyed before any sensitive data fell into enemy hands.
"They should be arriving at the location soon I should hear back from them when they do." Xect said they all agreed and thus they opted to adjourn this meeting.
"Then we best adjourn this meeting to prevent any distractions." Arthur said and with a nod Yaga and Klara vanished showing that they were still on Coruscant leaving Arthur, Noto, Xect, and Morgan there. Morgan and Noto left right after leaving only Arthur and Xect in the Council Meeting Room.
"Arthur… the signals I was getting from the location didn't match any Falspawn signals, but I detected a faint Dark Falz signal." Xect said as he looked to Arthur. "The Dark Falz had been noted by our spies to have been deployed to several locations and are accounted for, so this signal is concerning." Xect said as he had the right to be worried over a possible new Dark Falz or something worse than that, the Profound Darkness.
"You were wise to omit this, best to avoid causing a panic." Arthur said as right now ARKs did not need a mass panic to overtake them. "Keep me posted old friend." Arthur said and with a nod Xect took his leave so he may monitor the mission leaving Arthur alone. The CAST sat on the table as he hummed to himself concern forming a fearful pit in his stomach. Whatever that signal was Arthur prayed that it was simply faulty data. Because if it was in fact a new Dark Falz then ARKs, was in trouble. Another Dark Falz meant higher chances of the rise of the Profound Darkness springing forth. Once this entity formed the entire Galaxy would be in mortal peril before its unquenchable desire to return all life back to the void itself.
(Scene Break with Yuvel's Team)
Yuvel and Laura were currently piloting an ARKs Ship through a debris field with Ahsoka Tano, Reggie, and Zurna in the back seats of the cockpit. As they flew through the field Yuvel kept a close eye for any surprises while Laura was keeping her eyes peeled for any sign of this alleged research facility.
"I don't know I don't like this." Reggie voiced as they continued to fly their way through the debris field. "I mean random ARKs Research facility just happens to be attacked and no one knows about it save for the top dogs of ARKs itself." Reggie voiced as he had some objections of this location. "I smell something fishy and it ain't sushi." Reggie said causing Zurna to roll her eyes at her CAST friend.
"Hey Reggie, do me a favor and… shut up." Zurna said as she was leaning her head on her seats armrest as they continued their journey to the lab's location. No doubt the Deuman girl was losing patience over this journey wanting this trip to end sooner rather than later.
"I'm just saying." Reggie tried but Zurna glared at him.
"Reggie shut up." Zurna argued as she was losing patience with the CAST until Yuvel spoke up.
"Hey, don't make me turn this ship around you will not like it if I do." Yuvel said ending the argument right there.
"Yeah, we're supposed to be professionals act like it." Laura added and thus the two arguing pair ended their discussion.
"Fine." Reggie and Zurna both said knowing both Yuvel and Laura made a good point.
Ahsoka decided to speak to Yuvel and Laura as the two were still piloting the ship. "Yuvel, you have to admit doesn't this sound the least bit strange?" Ahsoka asked as she looked to Yuvel as she had concerns as to why ARKs had a hidden research facility out here. More so why they had it so secretive they didn't bother to reveal it to their Republic Allies at all.
"A secret everyone knows isn't a very good secret." Yuvel spoke as he drove the ship. "This far out here… its pretty excessive even by ARKs, standards." Yuvel added feeling something was amiss with this. "But orders are orders we got a job to do, and we'll see it done." Yuvel said as they continued to fly to where this lab was hiding out. "Laura anything on the scanners?" Yuvel asked his co-pilot looking for the hidden research lab.
"Nothing, we're at the coordinates but I don't see anything here." Laura said as she looked to Yuvel with concern.
"According to Councilman Xect it's not supposed to be seen." Yuvel said and thus knew what came next. "Laura send the signal code Xect gave us." Yuvel said and thus Laura nodded and began to send the signal towards a wide range area.
"Sending the signal now." Laura said and thus the crew began waiting. But their wait did not last long as once the signal was received something began to happen before their eyes. Taking shape an entire structure began to form comprised entirely of ARKs Technology as the facility began to uncloak after receiving the entry code from the vessel that flew in.
"Cloaking tech?!" Zurna asked shocked over what she just saw. "I heard ARKs was working on the technology, but I didn't think they had it this big." Zurna said shocked over what she just saw here.
"Ok I'm starting to get a little bit more worried over what the hell ARKs was doing out here." Yuvel said as he was wide eyed over the scene.
"Well only one way to find out, let's land." Ahsoka said and thus Yuvel and Laura began the ships landing protocols for the research facility.
"Told you, conspiracy in the works." Reggie said a bit smug that he might be right about ARKs having secrets.
"Shut up there might be a good reason for this." Zurna said as the ship went in for a landing inside the secret ARKs facility.
(Later inside the ARKs station)
The ship came in and landed on one of the platforms as there was destruction surrounding it. The entire facility inside was trashed from the moment of entry. The fact that life support and artificial gravity were still operational was a miracle in of itself. Once the ship landed the five inside got out and began to make their way into the destroyed ARKs Facility.
Yuvel had his Gunblade out in its gun form while Zurna had her Bow drawn with Arrows notched up read. Laura had Clarissa drawn with a light shining from it to light their way while Reggie had his rifle drawn. They could hear the ship moaning from the damages it suffered as the ARKs Operatives and Jedi Padawan made their way inside the research station.
"Jeez I'm getting some major Horror Movie vibes here." Reggie said as they made their way through the trashed facility.
"The one with the face huggers that lay eggs inside you and then burst out of your chest?" Yuvel asked as his Mag shined a light for the ARKs Operative.
"That's the one." Reggie confirmed as they slowly made their way through the research station.
"Come one, let's get to the control room and see what we can discover." Laura said as that was the first place they should start.
"Agreed." Yuvel confirmed and thus they began to make their way through the ARKs facility. But then Ahsoka stopped as she looked behind her for a moment sensing something amiss. "What's wrong?" Yuvel asked concerned that trouble may be afoot.
"I… I don't know something just feels off about this place." Ahsoka admitted as she looked for a moment as Zurna then walked back in.
"Trouble?" Zurna asked as she was ready for almost anything.
"No… let's keep going." Ahsoka said and thus they continued with the teams given mission.
(Later in the Control Room)
The ARKs Operatives and one Jedi arrived in the control room and headed on over to the controls. So far everything was ominously quiet and Ahsoka had been sensing danger from the moment they had entered the ARKs Research Station. Zurna and Yuvel were working on reactivating the system, but nothing was working for them. Reggie meanwhile was investigating the area when he happened upon a most disturbing sight to him. "Shit." Reggie cursed as he looked and thus, they all saw the corpse of a researcher on the ground.
Laura headed over and gave him a look over before turning to the group and slicing her hand across her neck signaling that he was in fact dead.
"What do you think happened to him? Falspawn?" Zurna asked as she was concerned over what was currently going on around here.
"No look at those injuries there far too precise to be a Falspawn." Yuvel said as he pointed to the wounds the corpse suffered from.
"Droids?" Ahsoka offered but Reggie turned his head to her.
"Doubt it, we'd have been blasted if it were Battle Droids." Reggie said and thus this was becoming even more confusing to the group here. Just then Yuvel's Mag flew to a console and plugged into it and after a moment the entire system began to reactivate for them.
"Let there be light." Yuvel joked and thus they began to investigate but found only static for security feed. "And a no go for security footage." Yuvel said and thus this put them back to square one. "Looks like we're doing this the old-fashioned way lets head to the residential areas and see what turns up." Yuvel said ready to start their search for survivors.
"What about the Experimental Equipment?" Ahsoka asked as ARKs wanted those things to be retrieved and secured as soon as possible.
"We can worry about that after we secured any possible survivors." Yuvel putting lives above weapons in this case here.
"Besides the Residential area is on the way, we can save those needing saving and move on to the actual lab where the new toys are kept." Reggie said with a calm tone of voice trying to keep cool in this situation they were in.
"Agreed." Laura said agreeing with Yuvel and Reggie on this.
"First let's contact Xect and give him a mission update." Yuvel said and thus they went on to make contact, with the ARKs Intelligence Head.
(Meanwhile on Halpha ARKs Fleet)
In Xect's personal control room he waited patiently for an update from the ARKs Operatives who he had sent out to secure the research facility. Just then a steady blinking like with a beep got his attention to which Xect was more then willing to answer knowing exactly who it was that was calling him.
Once he answered Xect began to speak to the caller on the other side. "Report." Xect ordered and thus was met with Yuvel's voice on the other end of it.
"Councilman Xect, we made contact with the facility, but security is down, and we have yet to locate any survivors." Yuvel reported which Xect suspected this to be the case. "We're about to make our way down to the Residential areas to continue the search." Yuvel added keeping Xect up to date on what he and his team were doing.
"Very well continue with your mission." Xect said and thus he hung up the call before he considered the current scenario of the mission. So far it was quiet but for Xect that just meant the calm before the storm. Whoever or whatever had managed to locate and take the Facility must be smart. The images provided by the Mags later would hopefully shed some light as to who attacked. Still the Dark Falz Signal had not vanished at all and while it appeared weak for Xect this could mean it was simply waiting out.
He was worried and if worse came to worse ARKs, problems would only stack onto itself making them even more difficult for them to face. There only hope might in fact be in the Equipment they had been working on. He could only hope that those brave five will be able to secure the equipment before their enemy gets it.
(Scene Break ARKs Research Station)
Eventually the group managed to make their way to the residential area of the facility. Heading towards its Laura was leading the way via a holographic map. "Ok the residential area should be just around this corner up ahead." Laura said as she looked to the map.
"Good this place is giving me the creeps." Zurna said as Ahsoka could not help but agree with her.
"Come on we should hurry and secure any survivors." Yuvel said as the selfless ARKs Operative was focused on saving lives more than securing military hardware.
Ahsoka could not help but smile a bit as she saw that Yuvel would have probably fit right in with the Jedi if he were born in this Galaxy as a Force Sensitive. The time she had worked with Yuvel and his squad as well as the other ARKs Operatives she noted that a majority of them sought to save lives first and foremost. Yuvel was always the first to enter a battle leading the charge and always the last to exit once he was sure everyone had gotten out of the fight safely. It was a noble thing but also made Ahsoka worried that Yuvel would get himself killed by trying to save as many lives as possible.
They soon took the turn at the corner into where the main entrance of the residential area was located. But upon arrival they found it locked down and with it a horrifying sight laid before them. Despite the Residential Sector being locked down the doors were torn asunder showing that whoever broke through didn't care.
"No." Reggie gasped and in turn they all began to make their way inside the Residential sector hoping to find survivors inside the area.
(Later inside the Residential Sector)
After several hours of searching the ARKs Operatives and Jedi Padawan found no survivors in the entire facility. All they found were name tags to bring home for any living family members and/or loved ones. "Nothing, their all dead." Ahsoka said shocked and saddened over the scene they had arrived too.
"Dammit." Yuvel cursed with a growl realizing that they were too late.
"Security officers, scientists; just about everyone is dead." Laura said shocked over the number of dead here.
"Who or what could have done all of this?" Reggie asked and in turn as if the galaxy wanted to answer movement was heard from nearby. This opted the group to act and get to cover in preparation for whatever it was that was moving around in this dead station.
"Ask as ye shall receive." Zurna said as she glared at Reggie with a warning to shut his trap now.
"Ahsoka, do you sense anything?" Yuvel asked the Jedi of the group.
"Yeah but… it's off I can't make heads or tails of it." Ahsoka said as she was completely confused over what she was sensing from the new arrival.
"Guys…" Laura trailed off as she could all but feel the creature in the room. "It's in here." Laura said and thus the group carefully peaked a look from their cover. Ahsoka was confused as she saw some sort of creature in neon blue gloating about the main area of the Residential area. But the Isekai Group of ARKs Operatives knew exactly what they were dealing with at the moment. The creature was joined by a few more like it and then two larger ones one carried a massive sword and the other a massive gun.
"What the heck are those things?" Ahsoka asked as she looked at the creature who just look unnatural to her almost as if they had been artificially created somehow.
But for the ARKs Operatives only one word came to mind in reference to these new creatures stalking the room. 'DOLLS units.' All four of them mentally gasped as they saw the DOLLS currently patrolling.
"I don't know." Yuvel said lying to Ahsoka about the DOLLS Units patrolling the area. "But I won't wait around to find out." Yuvel added as he then nodded to Reggie.
"Right." Reggie said as he took out a Grenade from his person before pulling the pin and throwing it to the DOLLS Units. The DOLLS saw it before the grenade went off with a blast catching them by surprise. But then laser fire came from the smoke as the DOLLS units came out revealing themselves alive and well. Their Neon Blue Color turned to an angry red color a clear sign that they were now in their combat modes. Glaring at the ARKs Operatives the DOLLS began to attack the group, but they were ready for it.
Laura sent out several Ice Based Techniques against the DOLLS while Yuvel and Ahsoka charged in with weapons drawn. Supporting them from behind were Zurna and Reggie who were seen firing at the DOLLS Units. Soon enough the larger ones took enough damage that glowing gold cores appeared on their chest. On instinct Ahsoka sliced her Lightsabers blade through said core while Yuvel did the same with his sword.
The group made quick work of the DOLLS Units before making their way out of the area. "Let's move!" Yuvel called out as they began to leave the room to find where ARKs new toys were hidden in. All the while Yuvel made sure his MAG was recording everything that was going on.
Running down the hall they were soon met with the sight of several more DOLLS units which made them go wide eyed to this. "We got company!" Reggie called out and thus the Operatives opened fire upon the oncoming foes.
"Yeah, I can see that!" Laura responded as she fired off more Technique's to do damage to the DOLLS Units. Slicing and dicing their way through their foes the ARKs Operatives and Jedi Padawan were making quick work of the DOLLs Units all the while the ARKs Operatives in the back of their minds wondered where these things came from.
"Looks like we awoke the Hornets Nest." Yuvel said as they made their way through the ARKs Research Facility. Their new destination was the Labs where the data and experimental equipment was currently held.
(Later)
Eventually the group arrived at a large room to find a few things waiting for them there. After fighting their way through the DOLLS Units, they were a bit winded but here was the climax. Standing before them was a set of four quadrupedal DOLLs Units with large turrets on their sides and a large gun on their head. There were even more of the floating smaller ones and the bipedal ones now had a few added allies with cannons and axes to fight with.
But the most note worthy bit of this situation was the floating hives in the room covered in an impenetrable shield. "Oh crap." Yuvel said as he realized what this was.
In Phantasy Star Online 2 there was a Mission Trial where those same hives continue to spawn more enemies. The objective was to destroy the enemies and to destroy the hives that spawns them. Doing it in game is one thing no consequences to your person but here in real life the consequences were very much real here.
"Well, what's the plan?" Ahsoka called out and thus Yuvel looked to her.
"The Gold Cores are the weak points, exposed or find them and take them out!" Yuvel called out as soon all of their enemies began to turn red and take aim at the five in the room. "GO!" Yuvel called out and thus they all charged into battle against the DOLLS Units.
Laura was the first to act as she activated one of her Fusion Techniques a combination of Ice and Light Element. The attack was targeted on one target first as it began to hit it with the force of Ice and Light. The attack was large enough to hit the others in the fight. Once the attack ended with a snowflake symbol Laura followed it up with an AOE Ice Technique which resulted in a mass of damage. The larger DOLLS were frozen on the spot while the flying drones were taken out. The ground troops had suffered a great deal of damage but were still standing.
Next up Reggie came in as he hovered around the area firing off his riffle at the foes. He was aiming for the larger units taking out their side guns so they would not have to worry about any surprise attacks from them. One by one Reggie manages to take out those guns before switching it up with a grenade launcher base technique.
Next up was Yuvel and Ahsoka as the two went for the big guys who began to thaw out and fire their big gun from their heads. The two managed to dodge the weapons and avoid the smaller guys who either fired at them or slashed at them. Once they got close Yuvel Photon Jumped onto one of their backs while Ahsoka used a Force enhanced jump to do the same. Once they were on the larger units backs, they stabbed their weapons into the glowing red core and took them out one by one. They pair had started outward before moving inward on the DOLLS units before they eventually took out all of the artillery units.
Finally, Zurna came in as she went straight for the remaining ground troops. Zurna easily weaved through her opponents attacks as the sword and axe wielding DOLLS Units attacked her via extending their arms with weapons in hand. She dodged the attacks and even managed to deflect one with the sheath of her Katana before continuing forward. Once Zurna was close enough she had her hand at the hilt of her sword ready for what came next. She then passed them slashing with her weapon before coming to a stop with her feet grinding on the ground. Zurna then began to slowly sheath her katana until the hilt was but a few inches away from the sheath. The Deumen ARKs Operative then slammed the weapon in causing the two DOLLS Units to fall over defeated by the Braver.
The last remaining DOLLS Units were the ranged attackers but thankfully Yuvel and Ahsoka had the pair handled. Coming down on them the two slashed down with their weapons ending the two enemies with ease. Sheathing their weapons, the group saw as the DOLLS all went off in a red cross explosion common for them as those who had play Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis would confirm.
But before they could relax a roar was heard and thus, they all got out of the way as a large DOLLS Unit came down from above. This was as Nogeleth as the four Isekai ARKs Operatives knew this creature from before.
"Dammit these bastards just wont stay down!" Reggie called out as he proceeded to open fire on the Nogeleth.
"Then we just have to make sure that they stay down!" Yuvel responded and in turn the battle began anew.
The DOLLS roared and sent its massive fist at the group, but they were able to dodge the creature's oncoming attack. Once that was done, they proceeded to get ready to battle it as Yuvel knew how to take it down as did his teammates here. With a quick move Zurna charged in and slashed through the foe with her Katana once more which was then followed up with Reggie firing off heavy shots at the Nogeleth while Laura fired off ice-based photon Techniques at it.
The Nogeleth proved itself to be a formidable foe as it attacked them almost wildly. But there was a pattern in its attacks like a machine. Ahsoka and the ARKs Operatives were able to pick up on it. Reggie and Laura had to keep moving in their own attacks since the Nogeleth was able to extend its arms much like the bipedal foes they fought.
Yuvel and Ahsoka went after their foe and in turn managed to cleave through them when it charged and tried to punch the pair. Ahsoka side stepped and cleaved from one side while Yuvel went the other way to do the same. The Nogeleth stumbled once it got passed them and in turn seemed defeated. But instead, it began to get back up before roaring out at the Operatives and lone Jedi in fury before its body turned read and it gained a large level of muscles with spikes on its back. But the good news for our heroes was the fact that by taking this form it had revealed its core to them. Taking the chance, they once more entered the battle so they may defeat this new foe.
Going around the area the Nogeleth slammed its fists into the ground attempting to squash the group. Thankfully, the ARKs team with Ahsoka all managed to avoid the attacks before they retaliated against their foe. The group avoided the attacks and in turn made sure to aim for the core that was atop the Nogeleth's head to take it down. Techniques and bullets flew as did a few arrows curtesy of Laura, Reggie, and Zurna.
The Nogeleth feeling the danger hurled itself upward and flew straight for the ground creating a powerful shockwave upon impact. This forced the group to scatter in order to avoid it but thankfully they were ok and well after that. The battle was starting to draw into a conclusion as Laura sent out her most powerful Ice Technique, yet which resulted in the Nogeleth being frozen solid while it charged at the group. Of course, cracks already started to appear on the ice as it thawed. This was their chance to end this fight so with a big push they all went for the core. Zurna, Yuvel and Ahsoka went for the frontal assault while Reggie and Laura provided them support fire from the rear.
Ahsoka and Zurna then provided a cross slash on the Nogeleths core with Yuvel ending it with a downward slash. The Nogeleth roared a final death roar before it floated upward and exploded with a blast that took the shape of a crimson red cross.
"We got it!" Zurna called out with a snap of her fingers as everyone began to celebrate their small victory.
"Come on we need to get to the lab and…" Yuvel began but then noticed something was up with Ahsoka. She was shivering as she seemed out of it somehow. "Ahsoka?" Yuvel asked and then she finally spoke with fear.
"Something is here, it… it feels so cold." Ahsoka said as soon the sound of ominous breathing artificial in nature was heard. Looking to the source the group saw something hovering downward to their level. It was humanoid in nature but towered over them like an ominous juggernaut. The breathing originated from it as the male figure glared down upon them.
Yuvel, Zurna, Laura, and Reggie noted that it reminded them of Zephetto from Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis. But the mask their foe was wearing had crimson red eyes filled with hate made them feel this intense fear from the aura of darkness this being radiated off him. Following it up he silently had a weapon in hand that ignited into a crimson red lightsaber that was all the signal they needed to know he was not their friend.
"Open fire!" Yuvel called out and thus they each had their ranged weapons out and fired upon this man. Yuvel had his gunblade, Laura had Clarissa out, Zurna with Nadaki, and Reggie with his rifle. But their attacks did nothing against their foe as he easily deflected the attacks with his lightsaber while he approached them. Ahsoka then roared and went frontal assault with her saber, but it seems this foe was skilled with the use of a Lightsaber as Ahsoka tried her best to fight him. But then to her shock he used the Force and pushed her and the ARKs Operatives away.
"HE can use the force?!" Reggie asked as he began to get on his feet.
"Surrender." The new arrival finally spoke as he looked down upon them. "And accept your deaths with grace." He said as his intention here was clear for all to see.
"Fallback! Fallback!" Yuvel called out as they began to make their way into the lab one after the other. Their foe picked up his speed as he came for them, but thankfully once Ahsoka was through they shut the door and sealed it with a blast door. But now they were trapped in the lab with a lightsaber wielding maniac trying to get to them.
"Great we're trapped now what?" Reggie asked as they needed a plan to get out.
Yuvel looked at the equipment in the room and then took notice to four sets of equipment. The Forger CAST Parts were seen as were the Kranos Ares layered set, the Sophis layered armor set, and the Carretera Vinto Layered set. "Are these?" Laura asked inspecting the equipment.
"They have to be." Laura said recognizing the sets instantly and the associated equipment they each had.
Ahsoka then looked to Yuvel and saw that he had a plan cooking in his devious little head right now. "Guys I think I know how we're going to get out of here and complete the mission." Yuvel said and in turn began to contact Xect for approval on this. "Yuvel to control do you copy?" Yuvel asked contacting their mission control for approval for the reckless plan he was about to employ for this. While Yuvel was doing this Laura was working on downloading the data so they can bring it back to ARKs.
(Meanwhile back over with Xect)
"Yuvel this is command what is your statues?" Xect asked as he observed the mission from his computer.
"We have been met with heavy opposition and are currently trapped inside the room with the experimental equipment." Yuvel reported as Xect heard what Yuvel had to say about this current situation. "Sending over data on the opposition in question." Yuvel said as Xect waited for the information to come in. When it did Xect was wide eyed over what he saw the ARKs, Operatives were sending.
"DOLLS Units?!" Xect asked shocked over seeing the DOLLs being the ones responsible for the facility going dark on them. "This is unexpected." Xect said as he never considered the DOLLs to be the cause of the Research Stations blackout. But the final image showing this figure was even more concerning as it made Xect wonder if this meant that the DOLLs have officially become true Falspawn with this figure.
Just then what Yuvel said next put Xect for a spin which was rare. "We're requesting permission to utilize the equipment to escape the facility and complete the mission." Yuvel said as the words shocked Xect to no end here.
"Out of the question, the equipment is experimental and could be detrimental to you if you use it." Xect said making it clear that Yuvel was taking too big of a risk with this plan. The DOLLs were originally created by Resurgent ARKs to forcibly get ARKs back up to their true strength in Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis. They were designed to be powerful in every way that mattered and then some but if these ARKs Operatives are facing them then chances are that a problem was forming.
"Sir with all due respect we need the edge to get out and this equipment may be our best shot." Yuvel said making it clear that they were going to use it with or without his permission. Right now, they were trapped, and those blast doors won't hold forever Xect knew this fact as well. They were trapped in a room with their best experimental tech, and it was their only shot to get out of there in one piece.
"It might kill you four." Xect added making it clear that this was not going to be a debate he was going to have here.
"If that happens that's the end of it you can either help or we all lose." Yuvel said as Xect knew they had no other choice in the matter. He then sighed to this and knew that it was the only way out of this.
"Fine." Xect said agreeing with Yuvel and giving his approval for this decision. "Put Ahsoka on the line." Xect said and thus Yuvel made a grunt of confirmation to Xect.
(Back at the Research Station)
The group was surprised that Yuvel had suggested that they use the equipment to fight their way out of this. Were rightfully concerned about the dangers that Xect had told them about the use of the equipment. Ahsoka knew it was a dangerous risk, but it was one that had to be taken if they wanted to get out of this place. Plus, she was sure her master would support this play as well. Ahsoka stopped her musing when she saw Yuvel walk up to her.
"He wants to talk to you directly." Yuvel said and in turn Ahsoka proceeded to take the call.
"Alright." Ahsoka responded and in turn answered Xect's call to her. "Hello?" She greeted wondering what he wanted to say.
"Alright Ahsoka is there a terminal near the equipment?" Xect asked and looking to it she did in fact find the terminal in question.
"Yes." Ahsoka confirmed wondering why he asked.
"Good go over there and I'll talk you through it." Xect said and in turn Yuvel knew it was time to get ready for this.
(Meanwhile outside the Research Room)
More DOLLS Units had arrived as they had started working tirelessly to breach the blast doors the Operatives had locked themselves behind. Meanwhile the figure was pasting back and forth watching and waiting for the door to break open for them. The figure glared at the scene as he waited for the path to open but he had to give ARKs Credit they knew how to reinforce a door here.
The unknown figure could sense it, they were up to something in there. Whatever it was that they were doing he intended to stop it and complete the mission that had been assigned to him and one other personal task. All he could do was wait it out and keep the pressure up until they can eventually break through the blast doors blocking their path.
(Back inside the Research Room)
Reggie was all set up in the new Forger CAST form after the process of transferring his core unit and primary processor into the new chaste. Arms and legs were easy to get replaced but the torso and head was a completely different story for the CAST. Nearby Yuvel was equipped in the Kranos Ares suit as his hands were held on to handles so the system can suit him up. Laura and Zurna simply had to change their outfits which required the boys to look away as Ahsoka was preparing everything for the procedure.
According to Ahsoka via Xect the group was about to be hit by more Photons than the body should be able to handle. Not only will their bodies be saturated with Photons, but they will have Photons directly injected into their systems as several needles began to com towards them.
"This is gonna hurt." Reggie said realizing what was about to happen and was starting to have second guesses.
"No time to have cold feet." Yuvel said and then nodded over to Ahsoka.
With a gulp Ahsoka began to put in the final codes as Xect had instructed her. "Beginning procedure now." Ahsoka said and thus the needles injected into Yuvel, Laura, and Zurna's exposed skins while Reggie had several plugs jacked into him. They all winced in pain from the needle but that was simply the calm before the storm.
Thus, Ahsoka began the procedure by locking them all in. Once that was done, she began to begin the Photon Exposure/injection carefully and slowly into the four ARKs Operatives. "10%... 20%... 30%..." Ahsoka announced as a glow began to emanate from the areas the four Operatives were in. She saw the vital signs were normal which was a good start, but Ahsoka had to see this through. "40%... 50%... 60%..." Ahsoka said as she knew according to Xect no one has ever made it passed the 70% mark and thus they were in the danger zone. "70%." Ahsoka finally said and not even a moment after the four ARKs Operatives began to scream out in unbridled pain and agony.
"Oh Kriff!?" Ahsoka cried out and was about to stop the entire thing, but Yuvel seemed to sense it.
"NO AHSOKA!" Yuvel roared as he was in pain. "Keep it going, we can handle it!" Yuvel yelled as he was going to get everyone home even if it killed him.
She then heard the door starting to moan and looking to it she saw that their enemies were starting to break through which meant they had no time to waste. With a gulp Ahsoka continued with the procedure before her. "80%... 90%..." Ahsoka said as they were getting to the climax as Xect was no doubt monitoring and knew that they might actually do it. The doors were opening as tendrils and large hands began to get through in an attempt to get through them. And finally, Ahsoka reached the apex which she had to voice out. "100%!" She called out and thus it all began to happen.
Taking cover Ahsoka had noted cracks forming in the glass and thank goodness she followed her instincts because the pods all exploded outward. The doors fully opened, and the blast reached outward taking out several of the DOLLS Units trying to enter. The entire room was filled with smoke as Ahsoka also blasted back a bit but was thankfully alive and well.
Coughing out the smoke that got into her system Ahsoka made her way out only for the sound of a Lightsaber to be heard. Looking she saw the crimson blade of the figure pointing at her neck as he looked down upon his weakened target. "I will make this quick and painless." He promised and was about to end Ahsoka's life opting her to close her eyes in fearful anticipation.
Just then a card of some kind comprised of Photons shot out near the two and from it Yuvel showed up and sliced against the figure. "Stay away from her!" Yuvel said as he made his attack against the figure before shouldering his new sword on his shoulder. Yuvel was currently in a newly acquired set of Hero Gear showing the procedure was a success.
The Figure was forced back from the surprise attack Yuvel did before from his side a ball of light came through. The ball then formed into none other than Laura who smirked and sent forth a light-based technique then sent blades of light into the figure before he could even react to any of them. "Surprise." Laura said with a grin adoring her face after she lowered the hood of her newly acquired Phantom gear.
Following up Laura's attack was a glaive that spun about and hit the foe before returning to Reggie's waiting hands. Reggie was now in his new chaste as he looked at his foe ready for combat. "Oh, I'm sorry did that hurt, looked like it did." Reggie taunted as he looked to the foe ready to fight the guy off while holding his new Etoile weapon.
Just then gunfire followed which was Zurna using the Gunblade to attack her foe. Her Luster based Gunblade was armed and ready to fight as she got close and began slashing at him. This summoned circling drones to fight forcing her opponent to move.
Their foe went for the attack, but Yuvel was quick as he fired off blasts of Photons from his right hand before switching to his twin guns and opened fire. His foe was forced back from the strike before Laura fired off her rifle to get their enemy step back. Following it up she drew a staff which turned out to be a scythe that she went and attacked her foe. The figure was forced to block with his lightsaber as Laura was proving to be fast. He then countered and attacked at Laura who dodged at the last possible moment. Once that was done, she took her rifle back out and opened fire which resulted in her firing of not just the single shot but several beams of Photons.
The attack hit the foe but then Reggie rejoined the fight with his scythe, but his foe tried to slice the weapon in two. But instead of breaking it in two the weapon was split in two and thus Yuvel began to duel wield the weapon before slicing at his foe with them. Reggie backed off and Zurna opened fire a freeze shot at the figure who had attacked them. The attack froze their foe for a moment giving Yuvel and Laura the opening they needed as they passed and slashed the being with sword and katana drawn. They did a few more runs before he thawed out with a blast of power against them.
The group surrounded their foe now having him cornered as he looked around. The odds were not in his favor anymore and he knew this was a fact right now. "We will meet again." He said before he vanished from sight disappearing into a void in space. The remaining DOLLs Units also vanished from the area leaving the group alone in the large testing room.
"We won!" Reggie called out happy that they won this fight.
"Not yet guys." Yuvel said as he stepped up. "We still have to set this place to burn." Yuvel said and thus Laura then stepped up for this.
"Good thing I got the data all secured." Laura said showing said data downloaded onto her Mag to be brough back to Xect on planet Halpha.
"Come on let's hurry." Yuvel said and thus they proceeded to take their leave of the area to the main command deck so as to initiate the stations self-destruct protocols. Once that was done, they can get the heck out and report their mission as a success.
(Scene Break ARKs Flee Halpha Council of Six)
The Council of Six were once more gathered as Xect gave the report Yuvel gave. "Regrettably, there were no survivors from the installation, but we now have a clearer understanding of what hit them." Xect said as he showed the images of the DOLLs and the figure leading the drones.
"DOLLs Units this is just getting even more problematic." Yaga said as he scratched his head in frustration to this.
"You're telling me, and I thought the Falspawn were bad enough." Klara added as this was turning into a bigger problem than they initially realized. "And not just that but now we have a Republic Senator who was helping the Separatists with building a new Droid Factory on Geonosis." Klara said as she heard all about it from Anakin and Padme after the adventure happened.
"But you guys have to admit with Yuvel's squad we now have a working use for the Scion Classes." Yaga said with a grin on his face over that news.
"He's right it does give us an edge against the Falspawn and the DOLLs Units." Noto added as he made notes to increase planetary defense for the newly discovered DOLLS if and when they show up themselves here on Halpha.
"An edge for now." Xect said as he tried to find a new angle from which to observe this situation. If this group had the Guardian amongst them then there was only one way to find out and that was by besting the Dark Falz Collective. "We should adopt the wait and see path and see where it goes." Xect said leaving no room for discussion on this as they are getting a clearer picture as to who the Guardian might in fact be here.
(Meanwhile Shmni ARKs Fleet Mothership Core)
Inside the core of the Mothership Shmni stood ever calm as she allowed for data and information to flow before her. As she did this, she paused in her work sensing something amiss when she saw a new divergency forming. "Hmm." She hummed as she focused in on the divergency before sighing to this.
Amelia had been keeping close tabs on Anakin for her and for good reason. The Divergencies involved him and ARKs as a whole and with her connection to the Akashic Records she can accurately predict the future of things to come. But with it she has also seen the horrible time loop of death and destruction. She was running on borrowed time and thus she had to put everything in place for her end goal to be realized, a new future beyond the record's own predictions.
For now, all she can do it wait, calculate, and hope for the pest.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here we are another chapter has been finished. I hoped that you all enjoyed it and will continue to support it so until next time be sure to review before leaving and as I always say on here ja-ne.