Exploring the Forgotten Sector III Pt. 4
Date: June 29, 168 BBY, Time: 8:45 A.M., Location: Cerulis II, JK-01 Research and Exploration Outpost
The morning sun bathed the JK-01 outpost in golden light as Chasin Momeoran and his wife Sahaz Lor shared a quiet breakfast with their youngest son, Ryvorin. The smell of freshly brewed caf mingled with the aroma of a hearty meal: grilled nerf sausages, warm flatbread with a spread of rishi honey, and fruit from the Cerulis system that had a sweet yet tangy kick. Ryvorin, seated between his parents, eagerly devoured his share, his tiny claws occasionally scraping at his plate as he tried to pick up the slippery fruits.
"Slow down, little warrior," Chasin chuckled, gently placing a hand on his son's small, furry shoulder. "The food's not going anywhere."
Sahaz smiled as she sipped her cafe, her feline ears twitching slightly. "He's just making sure he has the energy for the day ahead. Right, Ryvorin?"
The toddler looked up, his bright, golden eyes gleaming. "Yes! For exploring!" he exclaimed, a faint growl in his voice, typical of his Cathar heritage.
The family continued their breakfast while discussing their discoveries from the previous day. The Cerulis system had proven to be a treasure trove of forgotten history, with ruins hinting at ancient Sith presence and artifacts likely left behind during Darth Malgus's expansion into the Unknown Regions.
Sahaz, ever the zoologist, was particularly fascinated by the unique ecosystem they'd documented. "The avian species here are remarkable," she said, her tone laced with excitement. "Their migratory patterns seem to suggest a level of intelligence we haven't seen elsewhere."
Chasin nodded thoughtfully, his mind already mapping their next destination. "The Praxion system," he said, his voice carrying a sense of purpose. "If the records are accurate, it should hold remnants of a Sith military outpost. It'll be challenging terrain, but with Rockie 01 as our base, we'll have a solid starting point."
By 9:10 A.M., the family had finished their meal and prepared for departure. As they boarded their personal shuttle, The Celestial Voyager, Ryvorin clung tightly to a small, plush toy resembling a tooka cat—a gift from his older siblings. The shuttle's engines hummed to life, and within moments, they ascended into the planet's orbit.
Chasin glanced at the blue-green world of Cerulis II through the view-port, reflecting on their progress. "We're making history here," he murmured, adjusting the controls.
Sahaz placed a hand on his arm, her claws gently resting against his sleeve. "And ensuring our children grow up understanding the importance of discovery."
With a final look at Cerulis II, Chasin entered the coordinates for their next jump. "Next stop: Praxion Prime."
Time: 9:45 A.M., Location: Praxion System, In Orbit Above Praxion Prime
The Celestial Voyager emerged from hyperspace with a slight jolt. Before them lay Praxion Prime, a rugged, mountainous planet with dark peaks shrouded in mist. The planet's surface was a patchwork of craggy cliffs, deep valleys, and sparse forested regions, bathed in the soft glow of its system's yellow star.
"Whoa," Ryvorin said, pressing his face against the view-port. "Big mountains!"
Chasin smiled, his heart warmed by his son's awe. "It's a tough world," he said, his voice tinged with respect. "But the toughest places often guard the greatest secrets."
As the shuttle approached the planet, Chasin guided it toward Rookie 01, a modular outpost nestled at the base of an imposing plateau. The facility was equipped with cutting-edge scanning technology and multi-environment research labs, ensuring it could withstand Praxion's harsh conditions.
The plateau itself loomed like a sentinel, its jagged peaks clawing at the pale sky. As the shuttle descended, the facility's landing pad extended, its magnetic tethers locking onto The Celestial Voyager as it touched down.
Sahaz stretched as they disembarked, her feline reflexes evident in her lithe movements. "We're ready for this," she said confidently. "And so is Ryvorin."
The young Cathar clutched his plush toy, looking up at the towering cliffs. "We'll find treasures, right, Daddy?"
Chasin knelt beside him, placing a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "That's why we're here, son. To uncover the past and learn from it. And who knows? Maybe you'll be the one to find something incredible."
Time: 10:15 A.M., Location: Rookie 01 Outpost, Base of the Plateau
Inside the outpost, the family was greeted by a sterile yet welcoming environment. Banks of computers lined the main control room, their displays showing planetary scans and geological data. The hum of advanced scanning equipment reverberated faintly through the walls.
Chasin activated the holographic map projector in the center of the room, bringing up a detailed layout of the plateau's tunnel system. "This network is enormous," he noted, pointing to key sections marked in red. "These areas here could be remnants of Sith barracks or storage facilities. The deeper sections… likely where training or even experimentation occurred."
Sahaz leaned over the display, her claws lightly tapping on the table as she studied the map. "The ecosystem might have adapted to these abandoned tunnels. There could be species here we've never documented before."
Ryvorin watched with wide-eyed curiosity, gripping his plush toy as if it were a talisman. "I want to see the big caves!" he declared.
Chasin grinned, ruffling his son's fur. "Soon, little explorer. But first, we gear up. This terrain isn't kind, and we'll need to be ready for anything."
Time: 11:00 A.M., Location: Entrance to the Tunnel System
The crisp morning sun of Praxion Prime cast long shadows across the jagged cliffs, its light barely penetrating the dense foliage surrounding the tunnel's entrance. Chasin Momeoran stood at the forefront, his environmental suit reflecting a muted glimmer of sunlight. Behind him, his Cathar wife, Sahaz Lor, adjusted her pack, her feline ears twitching beneath her helmet as she scanned their surroundings. At her side, their youngest son, Ryvorin, clutched his small data pad with one hand and an explorer's toy in the other, his orange fur bristling with excitement.
"Energy readings indicate something remarkable down there," Chasin said, his voice calm yet laced with the thrill of discovery. The handheld scanner in his grip emitted a faint hum, its display lighting up with residual energy patterns. "Residual Sith tech—definitely ancient. This could be one of Darth Malgus's outposts."
Ryvorin peered into the darkened mouth of the tunnel, his tiger-striped tail swishing with curiosity. "Daddy, will there be treasure?" he asked, eyes wide with excitement.
Sahaz chuckled softly, placing a reassuring hand on her son's shoulder. "Perhaps, my little hunter. But remember, even treasure can come with danger. Stay close to us."
The air turned cooler as the family stepped into the tunnel. Their suits' built-in lights flickered on, illuminating walls lined with weathered carvings—symbols of Sith dominance, long eroded by time. The echoes of their footsteps merged with a faint wind that whispered through the labyrinth, as if the tunnel itself held its breath in anticipation of their journey.
Time: 1:30 P.M., Location: Deep within the tunnel system
The collapsed section of the tunnel proved a formidable obstacle. Chasin knelt beside the rubble, analyzing it with his scanner. "This section has been buried for centuries," he remarked. "It'll take careful work to clear it without triggering a collapse."
Sahaz nodded, her claws retracting instinctively as she began assisting him in removing loose debris. Ryvorin, equipped with child-sized gloves, helped his parents by gathering smaller rocks, his enthusiasm making up for his limited strength. "I'm helping too, Daddy!" he exclaimed proudly.
"Careful, son," Chasin replied with a warm smile. "We don't want to wake up the tunnel."
Hours of meticulous work finally revealed the edge of a metal container embedded within the rubble. Its surface was scorched and dented, yet it remained sealed, a testament to its ancient craftsmanship. With a collective effort, they pried it open, revealing an artifact inside—a cylindrical hilt, unmistakably a light-saber.
Ryvorin's eyes widened as he reached for the artifact. "What's this, Daddy?"
Chasin gently intercepted his hand. "It's a light-saber," he said softly, turning the hilt in his hands. "A weapon of the Jedi—and the Sith."
The hilt was worn, its surface engraved with faint Sith runes. Chasin inspected it carefully before pressing the activation switch. A crimson blade hummed to life for a few seconds before flickering out.
"Battery's depleted," Chasin murmured. "Likely inactive for millennia. The design suggests it belonged to a Sith acolyte—perhaps one of Malgus's followers during his military expeditions."
Sahaz leaned in, her analytical mind already racing. "If this belonged to an acolyte, it's possible there are more artifacts deeper within these tunnels."
Ryvorin's ears perked up at the thought. "More treasure?"
Chasin ruffled his son's fur affectionately. "Maybe, little warrior. But for now, let's head back to base and study this properly."
Time: 4:45 P.M., Location: Research Outpost Rookie 01
Back at the outpost, the light-saber hilt rested on a sterile examination table. Chasin and Sahaz worked side by side, their holo-projector displaying schematics and historical data. Chasin tapped into less conventional sources on the Galactic Net, scouring for leaked Jedi archives and piecing together fragments of Sith history.
"This hilt isn't as refined as those of Sith Lords or seasoned warriors," Chasin noted. "It's crude—functional, but without the intricate detail seen in higher ranks. Definitely an apprentice or acolyte's weapon."
Sahaz nodded, her claws tracing the Sith runes etched into the hilt. "It's incredible to think this survived so long. It's a fragment of history—a piece of the story of how Malgus's forces operated in these forgotten systems."
Ryvorin, sitting nearby with his toy, looked up at his parents. "Does it have stories, too?" he asked, his young mind filled with wonder.
Chasin smiled, crouching to meet his son's gaze. "Every artifact has a story, Ryvorin. And together, we're the ones who'll uncover it."
The Cathar boy beamed with pride, feeling every bit the adventurer alongside his parents.
As the sun dipped below the horizon of Praxion Prime, the family prepared for another day of discovery. The mysteries of the Lost Sector awaited, and with each step forward, they carried the past into the future.
Time: 5:15 P.M.
The sun had dipped below the horizon of Praxion Prime, leaving a faint amber glow on the distant peaks of the planet's jagged mountain ranges. The air had grown cool, and the whispers of the wind through the cavernous tunnels echoed softly around Chasin Momeoran as he reviewed their recent findings on the holographic display. His family, having finished their latest work at the research outpost, was now preparing for their next journey in the Praxion system.
The data they had gathered was substantial—artifacts, fragments of Sith technology, and invaluable clues about the Lost Sector's forgotten history. The light-saber hilt, still securely placed in a containment unit for further analysis, had sparked a renewed sense of anticipation in the team. However, Chasin knew that their true destination lay beyond these discoveries—toward a new frontier in the system: the gas giant, Praxion II.
With a steady hand, Chasin adjusted the controls of the Celestial Voyage, the family's personal shuttle. The craft's systems hummed softly, indicating that it was ready to depart. Sahaz Lor was busy securing their equipment in preparation for the journey. Her sharp eyes caught the light as she moved, her tiger-striped coat rippling beneath her environmental suit. She glanced over at him and smiled.
"Ready for the next part of the adventure?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.
"Always," Chasin replied, turning his attention to the map display on the control panel. "Praxion II is close—about thirty minutes' travel from here. The outpost there will have the latest reports on their findings. If the gas samples are promising, this could open up an entire new trade route for our business."
Sahaz nodded, pulling herself into the co-pilot seat. "I'm more interested in the wildlife around the gas giant. From what I've read, there are species that have adapted in ways we've never seen before."
Ryvorin, their two-year-old son, bounded into the shuttle's cabin, his orange fur bristling with excitement. He padded toward his mother and climbed into her lap, his bright eyes full of wonder as he peered out of the viewport.
"Praxion II?" he asked, his voice curious and direct, typical of his Cathar heritage.
Chasin smiled, ruffling his son's fur. "Yes, Ryvorin. We're heading to a big gas planet to see what new discoveries the scientists have made. Maybe there will be new creatures for Mom to study!"
Ryvorin's ears perked up, clearly intrigued by the mention of creatures. His eyes glimmered with the eagerness of someone who was both fiercely protective and adventurous—a mix of his father's determination and his mother's curiosity.
"Let's see!" Ryvorin chirped.
Sahaz stroked her son's fur gently. "I'm sure we'll find something fascinating, little one."
Time: 5:50 P.M., Location: The Celestial Voyage in orbit above Praxion II
As the shuttle entered the orbit of Praxion II, the immense gas giant loomed in the view-port. A swirling mass of gases in various shades of blue and purple, its ever-changing atmosphere created a mesmerizing yet ominous display of swirling storms and calm zones. Praxion II had always intrigued explorers and scientists alike, with its volatile atmosphere concealing potential riches and dangers in equal measure.
Chasin set the course for the closest research and expedition outpost, where the corporate scientists were based. "Coordinates set," he said, inputting the final adjustments into the navigation system. "We'll be there in a matter of minutes."
Sahaz peered at the large display as she adjusted the shuttle's trajectory. "We need to be cautious. Gas giants like Praxion II are full of surprises. A couple of my colleagues have spoken about electromagnetic fields and ion storms in the upper atmosphere that can throw off our systems."
"I'm sure we'll manage," Chasin replied with a grin, his confidence unwavering. "It's just another part of the adventure."
Ryvorin, however, was more focused on the view outside, his small hands pressed against the viewport. "Big planet," he murmured, captivated by the scale of it. "Is it alive, Daddy?"
Chasin chuckled, glancing at his son. "It's not alive, Ryvorin. But it's full of energy—just like a lot of places in the galaxy. The gases here could be harvested for energy or fuel, if we can figure out how to do it safely."
The shuttle continued its approach, cutting through the vastness of space with a hum of engines. As they neared the outpost, Chasin's mind began to churn with thoughts of the future. If Praxion II's gases were as valuable as expected, they could change the balance of trade in this sector. The Lost Sector, once a forgotten part of the galaxy, had the potential to be an economic powerhouse if they could unlock its secrets.
Time: 6:20 P.M., Location: Research Outpost on Praxion II
The Celestial Voyage touched down smoothly at the research outpost, a sprawling facility built into the natural rocky formations of one of the smaller moons orbiting Praxion II. The outpost was a combination of prefabricated structures and mining equipment, with a series of atmospheric filters and processing units scattered across the landscape. The crew stationed here worked tirelessly to extract and study the gases from Praxion II, hoping to find elements that could be sold on the galactic market.
Chasin and Sahaz exited the shuttle, stepping into the brisk air of the outpost. The facility buzzed with activity, with scientists and engineers moving between stations and equipment.
One of the lead researchers, a Twi'lek male named A'lan, approached them. His dark blue skin and lekku marked him as a Twi'lek from the same heritage as Jarek. "Momeoran! We've been expecting you. The readings have been promising—there's some uncharted territory deeper within the gas pockets that might contain rare elements."
"Great," Chasin replied, shaking his hand. "Lead the way."
The family followed A'lan toward the main research hub. Sahaz kept her eyes scanning the surroundings, noting the peculiar structures of the gas giant's gases that surrounded them. The air was thin, but the outpost's life support systems kept them safe as they made their way toward the latest discoveries.
"I'll be back shortly," Chasin said to his wife as he followed A'lan to review the data and make the next plans for the expedition. Sahaz, meanwhile, stood at the outpost's edge, watching the swirling clouds of Praxion II with an air of anticipation. She could feel the pulse of life hidden in the giant's storm clouds—there were mysteries to be uncovered here, both biological and mineral.
Ryvorin tugged on his mother's sleeve, his curiosity growing. "Can we go see the creatures, Mom?"
Sahaz smiled warmly at her son. "In time, little one. In time."
Time: 6:30 P.M.
The bustling research outpost hummed with activity as Chasin and Sahaz walked through its corridors. The exterior structures of the outpost were well-integrated into the rocky lunar landscape of one of Praxion II's moons, with sleek metallic panels and reinforced glass windows peering out into the tempestuous atmosphere of the gas giant. Inside, engineers and scientists were actively working at their stations, meticulously analyzing the readings from the gas giant's atmosphere and monitoring the various scientific instruments.
Chasin's hand tightened around his data-pad as he reviewed the most recent findings. The data from the gas samples taken earlier was intriguing. The presence of rare trace elements had far exceeded initial expectations, potentially turning Praxion II into a new hotspot for trade and industrial use. If these elements could be extracted in sufficient quantities, they would revolutionize energy production and materials science across the sector.
As he made his way to the briefing room with A'lan, Sahaz paused to take in the sight of the research outpost's surroundings. A series of atmospheric processing units emitted a soft hum as they filtered the gases coming from the planet's distant storm clouds. She felt an excitement building within her. Even though she had spent countless hours studying various ecosystems and wildlife, there was something about the vastness of Praxion II's stormy atmosphere that called to her in a way that was both exhilarating and intimidating. It was as though the gas giant itself held secrets—biological and mineral—that only someone with her expertise could unravel.
She turned her attention to Ryvorin, who had taken a small interest in the equipment around them. The young Cathar-Human hybrid was more focused on the outside environment than on the technological marvels of the outpost. His sharp eyes followed the mechanical drones darting in and out of the facility, delivering equipment and data samples. He tapped his fingers against his own furry coat, a sign of his growing impatience.
Sahaz crouched down beside her son, ruffling his orange and black fur. "The creatures, huh?" she mused, her voice a mixture of excitement and curiosity. "Yes, I know. You're eager to see them."
Ryvorin's ears flicked at the mention of creatures. "Big ones?" he asked, his voice low and filled with a youthful growl. Despite his tender age, the young Cathar was already beginning to exhibit his species' fierce instincts. His protective nature was a dominant part of his character, and he could sense his mother's intrigue in the unknown just as much as he could feel his own budding excitement.
Sahaz nodded. "Big, small, who knows? Praxion II is full of mysteries. Perhaps there are some creatures that have adapted to live right inside the gas storms. Would you like to help me find them?"
Ryvorin's eyes gleamed, his tail twitching in excitement. "Yes, let's find them, Mom!"
Just then, Chasin reappeared, his face a mixture of determination and anticipation. "Sahaz," he began, his voice warm but laced with excitement, "A'lan's showing us some promising coordinates deeper within the gas pockets. The next part of this expedition could be our breakthrough. I need you to stay here with Ryvorin while I head back to the Celestial Voyage to prepare the next phase of the mission."
Sahaz's expression softened as she looked between her husband and their son. "You'll be careful, won't you?" she asked, her protective instincts kicking in as always. Chasin was no stranger to danger, and the unknown terrain of Praxion II certainly had its share of risks.
Chasin smiled reassuringly, though there was a glint of concern in his eyes. "Always. We'll return soon. In the meantime, why don't you and Ryvorin explore a bit around here? A'lan mentioned something about a creature sighting near the atmospheric vents. You might find something interesting."
Sahaz's eyes brightened with the mention of creatures, and her curiosity overtook her initial concern for Chasin's safety. "We'll be fine. Go, and be safe."
As Chasin turned to leave, Ryvorin tugged at his mother's sleeve. "Mom, can I come with you?"
Sahaz chuckled and kissed the top of his head. "No, little one. You'll have to wait for your big adventure. But we will have plenty of time to explore together soon."
As Chasin and his family moved to depart for the Celestial Voyage to oversee the preparation for the next stage of the mission, he shared one final glance with Pulchra, Sahaz, a silent promise that they would return safely. He knew the dangers of space exploration all too well, but the thought of his family was always his anchor.
Time: 7:00 P.M.
After Chasin and his family collected the data and status reports from the outposts above Praxion II, Chasin decided that it was time to head to their next destination in the Praxion system: The Praxion Asteroid Belt. The asteroid belt lay roughly 40 minutes away from Praxion II, sandwiched between Praxion II and the more distant Praxion III. The Belt was an enigmatic region, rich with ancient ruins and abandoned research stations—an ideal place for further exploration and discovery.
Chasin had spent weeks preparing for this next phase of the mission. He knew that the Praxion Asteroid Belt contained remnants of forgotten technology and relics from lost civilizations, and A'lan had uncovered some tantalizing coordinates suggesting that one of these ruins might hold key information to unlock even more secrets about the region.
Sahaz, on the other hand, was content for now with the research facilities on Praxion II. Her mind raced with thoughts of the creatures and the potential they held. She could feel Ryvorin's eager eyes on her, and it was clear that the young Cathar was more than ready to explore the wilds of the gas giant. But for now, they had to remain patient. The first leg of their journey would focus on the research and data acquisition from the asteroid belt.
Chasin and Sahaz exchanged one last look as he departed for the Celestial Voyage, preparing for the next phase of their mission. With the coordinates loaded and all systems operational, he knew the next leg of the adventure would take them deeper into the mysteries of the Praxion system.
Ryvorin looked up at his mother, eyes full of excitement. "Mom, can we start looking for the creatures now?" he asked, his tail twitching in impatience.
Sahaz laughed softly. "Soon, little one. Soon."