Exploring the Forgotten Sector Part III

Date: February 11, 173 BBY, Time: 7:00 P.M., Location: Ocean Research Outpost 42, Krylios Prime

The Krylios system lay nearly 510 light-years westward from Draxis, with the oceanic world of Krylios Prime at its heart. Known as an Earth-sized water planet, Krylios Prime was dotted with small island chains—the peaks of ancient mountains rising above the waves. Beneath its expansive seas, mysteries waited, preserved for millennia, untouched by modern civilization. Chasin Momeoran and his team had recently established several research and expedition outposts across these scattered islands, with the purpose of unearthing the secrets of this isolated world.

The Celestial Voyager coasted gently over the glassy surface of Krylios Prime's southern hemisphere, nearing one of the more remote bases, Island Research Outpost 12. This station sat perched on a rocky island, one of twenty-four, nestled amid the peaks of an ancient underwater mountain range. Like many of the other outposts on Krylios, Outpost 12 served as a central hub for studying the biodiversity beneath the waves and exploring the remnants of an abandoned underwater base nearby. This ancient structure, left behind by an unknown species, was in decay, yet rich with evidence of a thriving civilization that once called Krylios Prime home.

Inside the ship's common room, Chasin gathered his three wives to discuss the plans for their upcoming expedition.

"Tonight, we're diving down to the depths of the ocean floor," Chasin began, his eyes alight with excitement. "The submerged ruins hold potential for knowledge—and profit—that could benefit the entire system. The ancient Sith Star Map we followed here suggests that Darth Maglus's expedition left more than just abandoned technology. If rumors hold, we may find data on rare minerals, lost artifacts, maybe even an extinct civilization's secrets."

Pulchra leaned forward, her Zeltron skin glowing softly in the dim light. "Let's ensure our team is prepared. The aquatic life here is unlike anything we've encountered, and some species might not welcome intruders. If we're going into these ruins, we need the right equipment and safety measures in place."

Next to her, Mugruco the historian of the team, pulled up data on her data-pad. "According to preliminary scans, the underwater base has been inactive for centuries, but it's remarkably well-preserved. If the Sith once had an outpost here, it may hold archives, artifacts, or even mapping tech that's long been lost. I'll head down with the initial crew to log everything we find. Any documents, recordings, or architectural insights—everything we can take with us."

Sahaz Lor studied her own readouts. "I've analyzed marine samples collected from the initial dives. The biodiversity here has adapted to the ancient base in unique ways. If we're not careful, we could disrupt these habitats—and provoke the local wildlife. We'll need to tread lightly, keeping an eye on anything that might find us...intriguing."

8:00 P.M. – Dive Prep, Outpost 12, Krylios Prime

As night fell, the team suited up for the descent, their gear equipped with lights that would cut through the darkness of the ocean depths. The pressure suits they wore were specially designed for deep-sea expeditions, reinforced to withstand the crushing depths around the underwater structure.

The shuttle dipped below the waves, entering the cold silence of the deep ocean. Turbulent currents buffeted the vessel, carrying them past schools of bio-luminescent creatures that darted in and out of sight. Krylios Prime's oceans were alive with exotic species, many of them shimmering with alien beauty, illuminating the inky darkness with soft glows.

Once they neared the submerged outpost, the outline of the ancient structure came into view—a monolithic shadow rising from the seabed. Faded symbols adorned the structure's surface, though eroded by the sea over time. Mugruco recognized some of them from her studies. "These markings… They resemble Sith runes, but they're older, like the ones seen in ruins from the early Jedi-Sith conflicts. Darth Maglus's expedition may have left these as warnings or markers."

8:30 P.M. – Inside the Ancient Base

After securing an entrance point, the team entered the base. The interior was dark, its halls echoing with the distant groans of shifting metal and stone. Despite the structure's age, many of its rooms remained intact. Here, marine life had taken root, with soft corals clinging to consoles and eels weaving through cracks in the walls. The team activated portable lights, casting beams across a silent, eerie interior that had not seen life in centuries.

Sahaz moved cautiously through the passages, cataloging any species that had made a home here. "Look at this—these creatures have evolved specifically for this environment. They rely on the structure as both a shelter and a source of food, feeding off minerals that have seeped from the walls over time."

As they pressed deeper, Mugruco identified a chamber with an intact terminal. "This could be a data center. If we can get power restored, we may be able to access the archives."

Pulchra moved to assist her, using a portable power converter to reroute energy from the shuttle's batteries to the terminal. The screen flickered to life, displaying lines of ancient Sith script.

9:00 P.M. – Discovering the Archives

Data flowed across the screen, fragmented and distorted, but readable. The logs were entries detailing the Sith expedition led by Darth Maglus centuries earlier. According to the records, Krylios Prime had been selected as a potential outpost due to its isolation and rich mineral deposits. The ocean floor had yielded metals essential for Sith weaponry, and early research suggested untapped fuel sources hidden within Krylios II's gas layers.

Mugruco's excitement grew. "These entries confirm it! Darth Maglus's team believed Krylios was key to expanding the Sith Empire's reach across the Outer Rim. There may be additional resources in this system, untouched for thousands of years."

As the team studied the records, they noticed hints of a larger discovery hidden further within the base. According to the entries, Darth Maglus had been investigating a unique crystalline structure located in the depths of Krylios Prime's oceans. The Sith Lord had intended to mine these crystals for their potential to amplify energy—perhaps even as a resource for new Sith weapons.

Pulchra's eyes widened. "If these crystals still exist, they could change everything. The power potential alone would be worth a fortune."

10:00 P.M. – Return to Outpost 12

After securing data files and taking mineral samples, the team returned to Outpost 12, their minds racing with possibilities. The mysteries of the Sith, the treasures of Krylios, and the potential for ancient technology to reemerge all danced in Chasin's thoughts.

Back on the island, he gathered his wives in the outpost's main room. "We've opened the door to something remarkable. With these records, we have a chance to lead research that could redefine our understanding of both the Sith Empire and this planet."

Mugruco nodded, the historical implications energizing her. "And if there are more artifacts or even functioning tech down there, this discovery will make waves across the galaxy. We must plan our next dive with a focus on uncovering these crystals."

Sahaz placed a hand on Chasin's shoulder, her feline gaze thoughtful. "There's no question that what we've found is precious, but we should be cautious. Krylios Prime's ecosystems are delicate, and anything we do could ripple through its entire biosphere."

Pulchra agreed, adding, "And we have to consider security. Word of our discoveries could attract unwanted attention. The artifacts, the crystals—they'll draw others here eventually. We must be ready for that."

Date: February 12, 173 BBY, Time: 9:30 A.M.

The morning sun hung high in the sky, illuminating the azure waters surrounding Island Research Outpost 12. Inside the outpost, Chasin Momeoran gathered his team in the main operations room, where a holo-table projected a detailed map of the Krylios system. The glowing display revealed the vastness of Krylios Prime and its accompanying celestial bodies, including the rich asteroid belt that lay beyond Krylios II, the system's gas giant.

Chasin pointed to the outer orbiting masses. "We've collected promising data on the asteroid belt. Preliminary scans indicate a wealth of minerals that could be vital for both our operations and the larger galactic market. I want status reports on each of the asteroids we've tagged for further investigation. Mugruco, I trust you've been keeping track of the mineral compositions?"

Mugruco, the historian and treasure hunter, nodded as she brought up the latest findings on her data-pad. "Indeed. The asteroid belt consists of several large and small bodies. Scans show an abundance of resources, particularly hyper-matter and rare metals like cortosis and phrik, which are valuable for crafting advanced weapons and star-ship hulls. Here, on the holo-map, you can see the larger asteroids we should prioritize for mining expeditions."

Chasin in a calm thoughtful tone "Our actions must reflect our values as researchers and protectors of this environment. Pulchra, can you assess the physical health of our mining crews? We need to be ready for the potential hazards of asteroid operations, especially since some of these rocks could be unstable."

Pulchra took a moment to review her reports. "Our teams are well-prepared, but I suggest we implement enhanced safety protocols before sending anyone out. The risk of injury increases in low-gravity conditions, especially when working with machinery. Additionally, I'd recommend training sessions on maneuvering in zero-gravity environments to minimize accidents."

With the team organized and objectives set, Chasin turned back to the holographic display, zooming in on the largest asteroid in the belt, a massive rock designated as Krylios Beta. "This asteroid appears to be the most promising, with significant concentrations of cortosis. If we can secure a mining operation here, we could potentially turn a substantial profit and support our other ventures across Krylios Prime."

10:00 A.M. – Status Report from the Asteroid Belt

As the team finalized their preparations, a transmission beeped through the outpost's comms system. Chasin activated the screen, revealing a nervous-looking scientist from the asteroid survey team, Dr. Lomar. The image flickered, stabilizing as Dr. Lomar began his report.

"Chasin, this is Dr. Lomar from the Krylios II survey team. We've completed our initial scans of the asteroid belt and identified several key asteroids, particularly Krylios Beta, which you mentioned. However, we've encountered a few surprises."

"What kind of surprises?" Chasin asked, intrigued.

"Firstly, there's evidence of an ancient presence—fragments of structures and unusual mineral formations that don't appear to be natural. It seems like some of these asteroids might have been utilized or modified at some point in the past. We've also detected energy signatures that don't match any known readings in the region."

Mugruco's eyes widened. "Modified? By who?"

Dr. Lomar's image shifted, displaying an array of scans that highlighted peculiar structures. "We're unsure. It could date back to the Sith, especially if the resources here were considered valuable during their expansion. Some of these formations could be remnants of old mining equipment, or even a base. I recommend a deeper investigation into the largest asteroid before we proceed with any mining plans."

Chasin nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and caution. "Understood. We'll prepare a dedicated team for a more thorough survey of Krylios Beta. I want you to gather as much information as you can before we even think about mining."

10:20 A.M.

As the call ended, Chasin turned to his team, considering their next moves. "It sounds like we may have stumbled upon something significant. We need to approach this carefully. Mugruco you'll lead the survey team. Pulchra, I'll need you to remain here to oversee operations and ensure the safety of our miners once we start. Let's assemble the equipment we need for a deeper dive into Krylios Beta. This could lead us to artifacts or technology that could reshape our understanding of this system."

Mugruco smiled, her curiosity ignited. "Let's also gather records of past explorations in the area. If there's a possibility that Sith technology or even Jedi remnants are present, we should prepare accordingly."

Time: 2:20 P.M.

With the data gathered and reports logged, Chasin and his team charted their next course: the Havron system, rediscovered years prior. Havron Prime, an Earth-sized mountainous world, awaited them. Located 336 light-years galactic west of Krylios, it was known for rare ecosystems and minerals, along with one massive gas giant, Havron II.