You'll Die As You Lived Prologue

[Natalya]

Jynn -- Second Planet of the Vaanan System
Fringes of Imperial Magikstrate Space

Ancient Ruin of Hisauferton



Captain Krisdes: Sir, the area is secure, and they should be bringing the pedestal in any moment now.

Braze Maskar: Excellent. Here they come now.




Maskar: This might not be important to soldier types such as yourself, but the Imperial School of Magik has been under pressure to return the so-called "Akaizuishou" to this ruin where it was found.

C. Krisdes: Yes, of course.

Maskar: Some vocal members of the public think that artifakts like this belong where they were discovered, and shouldn't be disturbed.




Maskar: At any rate, the School of Magik has completed their analysis of the Akaizuishou, and they have no more use for it, so here we are.




Maskar: Thank you gentlemen!




Soldiers: Sir!

Maskar: At ease!




Maskar: Captain, please inform the transport that we are ready to receive the Akaizuishou.

C. Krisdes: At once.




Moments later, on the surface...
Maskar: Everything's going by the book. We'll be back in orbit by time for dinner.

[ninja_bait]

[Infinity]

[Space Bunny]

[RedRover]

[Spectral]

[Natalya]

[Natalya]

Meanwhile, aboard an ASE Cruiser lurking in the Vaanan System...



Rear Admiral Bayern: We are certain they are bringing the crystal to this ruin?

Captain Prescott: Yes sir. We believe it's being transferred to the surface as we speak. Over the last 4 hours they have sent two shuttles already, and they've been moving weaponry nearby on the surface. They have established a perimeter, and are prepared to receive the crystal.




Bayern: Then now is the time to strike!




Bayern: We need to hit them while they're still on the surface. They may have senior officers down there overseeing the operation before it's complete.



Prescott: Sir, if that's the case they'll surely have significant defenses. What should our priority be?




Bayern: Our objective is to cause as much chaos as possible. If we can either capture or kill one of their commanding officers that will instill as much turmoil as if we were to capture the crystal. On the ground we can make the call as it happens, but the goal is to ratfuck the interstellar status quo. No one in their high command is expecting a conflict with the Empire, much less a high profile attack like this. Their Artifakts Bureau will be embarassed and chomping at the bit to come after us if we take the crystal. Or if we capture or assassinate an officer their military high command will be out for blood. Either way we stir the pot. Let's move out!

[Arkbrik]

Our objective is to cause as much chaos as possible.

I like where this is going

[Natalya]

Surface of Jynn at the Ruin of Hisauferton



An Imperial Magikstrate solider looks on as an IM transport shuttle lands at the small landing pad across from the ruin.




Maskar and Krisdes watch the occupants disembark.







A hovertank comes out first, followed by members of the Artifakt Recovery and Acquisitions group.







One of them carries the "Akaizuishou" crystal.




Mage Ulrich Festoff emerges from the flight deck.




Festoff: Apprentice Maskar. I didn't fancy I would see you at this tiny outpost.




Maskar: I suppose I could say the same for you, Mage Festoff.

Festoff: Yes of course. It seems we have both been asked to oversee, matters of, shall we say, trivial importance. The ARA could have handled this themselves, but the PR stooges insisted a Mage accompany the crystal. Let's finish their errand.

Maskar: Indeed.




Some ARA members stay behind with the shuttle while Festoff and Maskar escort the crystal to the ruin.

[ninja_bait]

This is looking great

[Natalya]

Back on the bridge of the ASE Cruiser in near orbit of Jynn...



Science Officer: Admiral, we have visual of the surface. The transport shuttle just left. We can see them carrying the crystal to the ruin.

Rear Admiral Bayern: Can we magnify?




Science Officer: Aye sir. Maximum resolution.

Bayern: That's the target. And it looks like a Mage is down there. We will teleport down there and capture the crystal or the Mage. We will show the galaxy that their mystical mumbo jumbo is no match for science and the might of the Empire.




Science Officer: Sir, I am detecting unusual energy readings from the crystal. It may be reacting to its environment.

Bayern: Is there any risk to us?

Science Officer: No sir, the emissions are not harmful, but the crystal is emitting trans-warp pulses. If there's anyone else within 200 light years they are going to be seeing this lighting up like a bonfire in real-time.




Bayern: Then we must act quickly.
Bayern: *On internal radio* Combat detachment prepare for orbit to surface teleport!

[MadMario]

[Kaplan]

Great work as always. THe IM Shuttle is huge! That temple ruins look impressive too.