Frostfang Base

[Wyoming]

Frostfang Base consisted of 6 levels, topped by a sensor and communications tower. Levels one through to 3, all identical in size and shape (dimensions), consisted of most of the personnel quarters as well as the armory, detention cells and most other key base areas. The base could house around 200 comfortably.

Level 1: Armory, Training Floors, Hospital and Testing Rooms.
Level 2: Personal Quarters, Mess Hall and Lounge
Level 3: Central Computer, Tech Labs, Experimental Tech, Sensor Suite and Communication Center.

Level 4: Held the Administrative Offices and the Base's Command Center.

Level 5: Consisted entirely of the External Defenses, the anti-aircraft and Anti-personnel guns that were placed on the base. 4 Anti-Air, 5 Anti-Personnel.

Level 6: The Hangar where vessels would arrive and depart, guided via the base's powerful suite of tractor beam projectors.

Frostfang Base also had underground sub-levels which contained the generators and Nase's secret testing facility.

Attachments:

[Wyoming]

The Coule Class Starship cut through the frigid blizzard force winds with ease. The Pilots had the ship flying low to the ground, several dozen meters above the massive ice shelf that dominated Ojom's northern polar region. At this altitude they were nigh undetectable by conventional sensors of orbiting craft. As it approached Frostfang Base it decelerated and flew a lazy loop around the communication spire before being grabbed by the station's large tractor beams...
____________________________________________________

With a loud hiss of released steam and pnuematic pressure the boarding ramp descended. Nase walked slowly down the ramp, taking a moment to scan the hangar and it's interesting array of occupants. The scientists, Base crew, Security Personnel and Administrators were arrayed before him in neat lines, arms or other appendages tucked behind their back, and all clad in similar uniform. It was a beautiful thing, order and stability, uniformity and common purpose... Nase allowed himself a thin smile and upon stepping onto the durasteel hangar floor he addressed his staff. "Welcome to Operation Frostfang and the coldest planet in the galaxy." The comment elicited a few chuckles and nods of agreement as employees' breath crystallized in front of their faces due to the cold. Nase brought up his hands and pointed with his index fingers at the assembled crowd. "You are the best and brightest that our corporation has to offer. Each of you is wholly loyal to the company, the persuit of knowledge and the preservation of our way of life. This war threatens the peace, stability and order of the galaxy, the things that allow you and I to survive. This war threatens our very existence, it's outcome will have ramfications that will redraw the galaxy. We are assembled here today for one purpose and one purpose only, to protect ourselves, our interests and our creed from the Sith, and beyond."

Nase began to walk forward, closer to the crowd. His arms gesture passionately as he walks in front of them, making eye contact and establishing his position. Finally he stops again and turns quickly to face them fully. "It is an undeniable and may I say fundamental quality of man that when faced with extinction, every alternative is preferable. We have been bid to find any alternative, any means to secure our survival. Operation Frostfang officially begins... Now. Go forth and secure our future. You are dismissed."

Nase clasped his hands behind his back as he watched the crowd break ranks and walk in groups or by themselves out of the hnagar and towards the turbolifts that would take them to their areas of work. As he watched them go he allowed himself a moment to think of the future, a future where wizards and mystics would not dictate the galaxy or drag it into war and his clasped hands began to clench at the thought...

As Nase stood silently, Captain Molak and the crew of the Mother of Invention made their way down the boarding ramp... The Corellians, other crewers and guards walked past but Molak stopped and stood at Nase's right shoulder. "A rousing speech sir."

Nase relaxed his hands and nodded. "Perhaps... But the time for pretty speeches is over. The Republic will be sending it's first shipments of personnel soon and we must be ready to receive them."

"And the other... unstable... elements sir" "Molak's red eyes seemed to get smaller as if scrutinizing his boss.

Nase began to smile and chuckle before walking away, following the others. "I will handle the unstable elements captain."

___________________________________________________

The hangar's large shield doors came to a grinding close, sealing the base and those within with eachother and their experiments...

[Wyoming]

"Mr. Talsey, agent Shield and agent Law are here."

"Thank you Fillis" Said Nase in a cool voice. He was reclining in his plush black leather executive's chair, swiling a glass of scotch absent mindedly. His eyes were closed, almost medetatively, mentally preparing himself for what was to come. His eyelids parted revealing his grey eyes which whirred slightly as they took in his surroundings. In preparation for the imminent arrival of the two R.A.D. agents he sat up straight and placed his drink in front of him on his obsidian black table. After smoothing back his black hair, a habit of his, he adopted a look of boredom...

Agents Shield and Law approached Nase' office, their booted feet making a rythmic pounding upon the durasteel floor. The two humanoids were fully armored, not even their faces were visible. Several workers and secretaries scurried out of their way as they marched towards the imposing black and gold doors... "Director of Project Frostfang was printed in bold faced type across the door and it was only as they neared the doors did the two agent's strides break and slow. Their helemted heads turned towards each other slightly and they nodded before pushing open the heavy metal doors.


"About bloody time." Said Nase as he leaned forward. His eyes moved over the two men, Agent Shield wore silver armor while Law wore black. Nase found it almost poetic that their names coincided with their armor choice. Some did not understand the significance of connotation, but the subtlety was not lost on Nase.

"There was a... complication." Started Law in a deep bass voice.

As Nase frown deepened Law tried to elaborate. "The shipment was a trap. There wasn't anything there except a team of security personnel, ugly looking weequays and some Defels waiting in the hover truck... The fringer elements must be escalating their raids. I think from this point on security will be a lot tighter."

Nase pinched his brow as he heard the report. He reached for the glass of scotch and downed it in a single gulp. Supressing a cough he pulled up a holographic display on his desk.

The 3D image caused Shield and Law to glance at each other nervously. Even with their armor it was clear they held that image in contempt.

"The failure with the Sarcophagus is now irrelevent. The Hutt's response to our probes was swifter and more efficient than I predicted however they are no longer out concern." A thin smile formed on Nase' lips and his eyes twinkled mischeviously. "Sit down gentlemen... We have a lot to talk about..."

[Wyoming]

Case File 0.175

Several Days After Wymong's Arrival

Level 1: Hospital Room 3

The sound of heavy footsteps grew louder as Shield appraoched the plexi-glass window. Law heard the footsteps and turned, glanging at his comrade then returned to looking into the operating room. Through the opaque glass they saw Nase standing by the operating table while several surgeons had begun to clear the room.

"How's he doing?" Asked Shield as he leaned forward to get a better look at the man on the operating table.

"Who? Wyoming or the volunteer?" Replied Law grumpily.

Shield looked around quickly to see if anyone had heard before grabbing Law's armored shoulder with his gloved hand. "You know we can't say his old name here... And I could care less about him, how's the patient?"

Law threw his shoulder, freeing it from Shield's grip. "See for yourself. The Docs thought he should have woken up by now but... he's still under obviously."

"And him?" Shield nodded towards Nase who had reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a thin obsidian black case...

"He's been here most of the day, he left for the sublevel about 30 minutes ago, have no idea why, just know that he came back with a grimace so obviously something hasn't gone according to plan in there."

Shield turned away and walked a few feet towards a bench before plopping himself down. "Have you heard what Agent Lance and Mace are doing?"

An audible groan escaped from Law as he too turned away from the window, now more interested and irritated at the mention of the agents than the actions playing out behind the glass. Law disliked agents Lance and Mace, like him and Shield, they were a pair, an unsavory pair prone to boasting, arrogance, explosive solutions and brawls. If not for their combat prowess it was a wonder they even made it to Frostfang, lords know they wouldn't be able to keep it a secret for long. If those two's name came up it was sure to mean trouble. "No, if I had heard I would probably be trying to stop them as we speak."

A smile parted Shield's lips and behind his helmet he smiled. "Their petitioning Director Talsey to be part of the prototype group..."

"They didn't."

"They sure did. If I was a wise man i'd tell two common guns like us to watch our backs amongst the likes of those two." Shield reclined casually but he too had his reservations, or perhaps it was professional competetiveness or perhaps even jealousy. Whatever it was it fueled competition and competition leads to the strong surviving. He just hoped he was the survivor...

"Call me when the volunteer wakes up... or if he doesn't..." Law said over his shoulder as he walked away, and out of the hallway. The blastdoor closed and Shield was left alone with his thoughts. After a few more moment he closed his eyes and sleep overcame him.
__________________________________________________
Beyond the plexi-glass Nase stood over the volunteer, there was something unsettling about the picture, the perfectly suited man with little splatters of blood on his expensive vest, him holding the utterly black, slender case in his hand. Nase bent down and touched the patient's forehead with the case. The patient spasmed for a moment then laid still. Nase carefully placed the case on the bed side table. There was a brief intense flash and then a holographic image of a white sphere presented itself. The sphere hovered around the patient's head while Nase walked casually over to the window and activated the privacy shutters...

[Grumpy Panda]

Fuil plodded across the snow cursing under his breath while wiping dead fish from his visor. It had so far been an interesting day. His ship survived an ice storm but was unable to fly for some reason. He had just avoided being eaten by a giant fish by feeding it explosives. This was all just reward for his visit to OJom.

Three days ago, Fuil accepted an offer to smuggle some goods the space stations orbiting the planet. The task was relatively effortless. In follow, he was asked to bring some sort of substance to some people on the surface. The job didn't pay too highly, but he needed credits.

He had heard of Ojom before but only in passing mention. It seemed not many off worldwide came to the surface. There was nothing but ice and water unless you made an exception for the occasional man eating beast. It was a surprisingly small contrast to places like coruscant. Cold people and cold spires wandering a different type of waste land. Instead of dying from corruption and urban waste, here you froze until something got you from under the ice. You had a small hope of being preserved here. Maybe a local or some scientist would find you.

The besalisks were an interesting people both adveturous and accommodating. They were kind and kept colonies with fairly even populations to prevent power struggles. They were supposedly descendants of flightless birds although they looked nearly reptilian. As reclusive as he was, Fuil almost wished one of the locals had gone with him.

After taking off, an ice storm began to brew. Nature still trumped modern technology. So much for life changing innovation. With his engines iced, Fuil decided to let his ship sit until the storm passed. Instead of staying inside for that time, he decided to take the spirit of the locals and go exploring.

His speeder, zugzwang roared as it sped through the air from glacier to glacier, moving quickly enough to stay above the dense freezing water. The engines pushed on as the boosters kept active. It was normally prone to overheating but the cold stalled that. At least nature managed to help out in one way.

Fuil looked at the map on his helmet HUD to see he was going in a circle. No surprise. Another giant fish jumped out of the water after him. He tossed two detonators into it and watched it sink beneath the surface. No explosions, just a faint satisfactory moan before blood and body floated to the surface. He found his way back to his ship as the storm began to settle.

Back inside, Fuil checked his sensors and noticed a strange signal coming from the other side of the glacier. He had already spent more than long enough on this floating ball of ice and water, what would another detour hurt. His suit had light climate control, but even this cold could do in a mandalorian. Although a real mandalorian wouldn't admit it, he wasn't a real mandalorian. He was a fraud, a failure. He was living proof that nurture could be trumped by nature.


Fuil didn't know what he was. He never died since he was already dead. The concept of dying was merely his body accepting what his mind already knew to be true. He was only alive by medical definition. Still he pushed himself to his limit and beyond in a futile attempt to prove he had something worth proving, to prove he should be dead or alive.

The location of the signal came closer as the speeder pushed itself to new limits only allowed by the weather. It was more than a ship. Perhaps there were some other people on this planet. If so, they were crazy. Fuil respected that kind of crazy. At the very least, there might be some supplies worth salvaging.

The wind died down and the source of the signal came into view. It looked like some sort of base. Fuil smiled slightly behind his visor, but the smile was only fleeting. There were people crazy enough to be here. He almost half hoped they were hostile. Dying to a random group on a frozen ball floating somewhere in space; sounded like a fitting end to his meaningless existence.

The zugzwang skidded to a halt outside the building. Fuil stepped off and readied his weapons. The lights were on. Time to see if anyone was home.

[Wyoming]

Corporal Bradley was sipping a mug of warm joe, looking absentmindedly at his display screens. His radar/ sensor suit allowed him and other guards to monitor ingoing and outgoing activity both organic and inorganic. He raised the caf to his lips, blew on, appreciating the sharp scent. It was a slow day, no scheduled traffic to monitor, everything looked clean on scopes. Bradley was about to put his feet up on the monitors when suddenly a piercing whine came from the console in conjunction with a red flash. The mug shattered on the durasteel floor, sending it's contents splashing across the floor. Bradley's muscle twitched with anxiety, a nervous tick as he pressed a blinking red button, pulling up the sector 4 grid... There it was an approaching purple dot, indicating something organic and inorganic, a transport of some kind was approaching.

A heavy hand was placed on his shoulder causing him to jump slightly and turn his head. "Sir. We have an incoming ground transport in sector four." Stated Bradley, turning back to his screen and pulling up the image on a larger screen.

The superior officer was a large imposing Nikto, Captain Dektan. He had been employed by Alsakan Constructs's security detail for years, working his way up protecting VIP's and now was given the prestigious position as captain of the guard at Frostfang. He possessed the uncanny knack of being everywhere there was trouble. He had been on of Nase's first and most successful implantation experiments, as they had successfully implanted a central computer up-link module in his brain that allowed instant communication with the base's central computer.

"Is it one of ours?" Growled the Nikto, though he already knew the answer and was mentally ordering the central computer to bring turrets online.

Bradley shook his head. "Too small and we've got no patrols scheduled. It isn't transmitting on our frequencies either."

"Then it's a good bet that they aren't friendly." The Nikto reached for his blaster Pistol unholstered and checked the power cell. "Do not raise the general alarm, comm Director Talsey." Dektan holstered his blaster pistol and jogged down the hall, as he passed several other guards who were stationed in the sensor suite drew their weapons and followed him out.

"I hate talking to the Director." Moaned Bradley as he grudgingly picked up his commlink...

____________________________________________________

Nase pressed the disconnect button on his cybernetic arm and then rolled down his sleeve, covering the metal limb. He wiped the congealing blood onto a rag and glanced at the Patient, still a hole in the cranium. Nase grimaced, not at the site of the hole, the blood or the grotesque mask of pain frozen on the patient's face but because something uncontrollable and unavoidable was forcing him to stop... Nase hated variables. As if it could read his mind the white sphere spoke. "Leaving now will increase likelihood of death by 5%"

"Thank you Alpha." Said Nase Sarcastically as he reached with his right hand to pick up the black rectangle from which the small white orb of Alpha was being projected and held.

Alpha's shaped began to flutter as it responded. "I was not suggesting you would not be able to calculate the decrease in success due to this unforeseen variable, you would have calculated it accurately, just slower." The shape changed again and formed a pyramid that spun slowly. "You could leave me with the patient and allow me to continue the neural wiring and..."

The idea that he would leave the AI with the patient and the patient's own implant was a frightening proposal and Nase frowned. "Log off Alpha." He ordered sternly.

The Triangle rippled in what could be interpreted as frustration but eventually pixellated and disappeared back into the case. Steely eyes became darker as he looked long and hard at the case and contemplated the contents. His jaw moved as he chewed the inside of his lip considering... He placed the case gently into his right breast pocket then walked casually to the operating room door, picking up his coat before exiting.

Shield was snoring quietly when Nase's boot connected with his shin plate. His eyes widened and he reached for his sidearm before realizing who it was. Fear replaced surprise and his hand dropped limply to his side, even behind his helmet beads of sweat began to form on his brow. Nase on the other hand had not even moved, simply stood stoically even as his underling was reaching for his weapon.

"We're leaving. There is a disturbance on the outer perimeter, an uninvited guest is about to make contact with us." Said Wyoming, flashing a vicious smile before turning on his heel and turning to walk down the hallway. Shield shook his head to clear it then jumped to his feet falling in step behind his boss. Nase took a breath then ordered "Medical crew to Hospital Room 3. Please stabilize subject."

Shield thought there was something unearthly about how his voice resonated through the hallway but those thoughts were best kept to oneself in this business...

___________________________________________________

Dektan and 8 other security guards of various humanoid species stood with blaster rifles raised in the direction of the incoming speeder. They had since identified the vehicle as being a single seater but they still would not take chances, not with this base... So there they stood nine bastions of secrecy armed with rifles and the intent to silence those who would speak the truth. Behind them there was a small groan as one of the anti-personal turrets came online and angle's it's barrel to point in the direction of the incoming speeder.

Dektan clicked off the safety on his rifle and was reassured as he heard his other men follow suit. The speeder glided to a halt several meters away and the humanoid figure hopped off, drawing his own weapons. Seeing this Dektan braced himself and his finger twitched on the trigger, he had to admit he was eager for a fight and someone stupid enough to draw a blaster on his men, alone, was either skilled or stupid... He inhaled a freezing breath of air and called out in a powerful voice, the one gained from shouting commands. "Attention asshole. Stand Down, return your weapons to your holster and surrender." Even though he said the words with authority he hoped that they would be disregarded...

Several meters back in the open blastdoor leading to the base, light spilled out illuminating the snow in the coming blizzard. Two new figure's silhouettes were imposed their features invisible in the light...

[Archer]

The Republic transport ship has just entered the atmosphere of Ojom and slowly flew into the clouds. As the ship slowly began to descent it could be seen by anyone in the surface. The soldiers did not know their task yet but would soon find out. The ship flew around a base which none of the soldiers were told about.

"Republic transport ship reporting to Frostfang Base," The pilot of the ship said in the holoterminal. "Republic transport ship requesting to land with several soldiers at the hanger," The pilot continued. Vitok could hear the pilot and never even heard of a Frostfang Base. The Zabrak Private was about to find out what is going on in Ojom soon.

[Grumpy Panda]

Fuil watched the guards come out and fall into formation. They were armed and trained. It seemed conspicuous that such security would be needed on a frozen rock away from the purview of most people in the galaxy. Even then, people rarely came to the planet satisfied by the orbiting stations. No, there was something reticent about this base. The secrets lay inside and that was exactly where Fuil wanted to go. At the very least it would be warmer.

Hearing the order to surrender, Fuil chuckled quietly to himself. He was probably the most innocuous being on the planet save for the locals. He kept walking towards the base challenging the authority of the demands given to him. It was a nikto. It was evident by his blank stare. Most people counted the Nikto as being with lower intelligence. Fuil couldn't speak for the species, but he knew they could be rather tenacious.

The wall of security seemed determined to shoot him. He could take at least half of them out. If he was lucky, he could take most of them out. Fuil flipped his blaster around then pulled out the power cell. He had ammunition on his ship. He wasn't looking to shoot someone so much as learning why this base was here.

Fuil tossed his power cell to the side and listened as it plopped into the water and sank below the surface. He flipped the blaster on its sling and placed it to his side without losing a step. He took the explosve still strapped to his chest and threw it to the side into the water also after tripping the detonator. Something swam through the water and devoured the device rewarding Fuil with a sick, painful moan.

The defense turrets became apparent. This would be suicide in the eyes of anyone else. His gaze was locked on the commander of the group as he continued walking. The snow blew around him in gossamer wisps contrasting with his black armor. The white streak ran like the tear he would shed if he had any sadness or regret. There was no emotion. The spirit had long ago subsided leaving this man to be a walking corpse. There was no death for the already dead. There was no life, only a thin line constantly walked where salvation and damnation became one in the same.

Morals and spiritual nonsense meant nothing. The only truth was that you were born to die. Fuil walked his steady pace unhindered by the wind. He almost hoped he would be killed. At least he wouldn't have to find a reason to wake up the next day.

"Not nice." Fuil said blankly while looking at the guards. "I suppose blasters are your way of saying hello."

[Wyoming]

"We've got a Republic Troop Transport Inbound, requesting permission to land." Stated a white eyed Echani male whose left hand was pressed against his headset as the comm-scan team tried to establish a clearer connection in the storm.

Between the incoming troop transport and the security breach On the perimeter it seemed to be the perfect storm, no pun intended. The Director himself was personally overseeing the security breach and therefore two communications were sent out to two unique individuals to meet with the new 'recruits' on behalf of Nase Talsey. Each of the individuals received their orders. One donned armor the other a new uniform and while chaos ensued in the command center these two men walks calmly and confidently towards the Hangar.

Another ranking Security Guard responded to the Echani "Give them the clearance, I'll get Hangar control to open to bay doors."

"Yes Sir." Replied the Echani crisply then spoke into his commlink. "Republic Transport permission to land at Frostfang granted, please follow the transmitted approach vectors and allow our tractor beams to guide you in... Bay doors will be opening momentarily."
____________________________________________________

Agent Sabre Stood in the almost freezing temperature in the hangar bay. His breath came out in clouds "Oh, aren't we popular today..." He looked at his datapad and sighed, being assigned to meet and greet while there was a situation on the perimeter was not his idea of strategic resource placement. He'd rather be dealing with the intruders. He twirled his black, finely tailored mustache as he mused to himself that if his and Dektan's places had been reversed the Nikto captain might just shoot the Republic troops...

From the Hangar Control booth, an insulated room where ingoing and outgoing transports were monitored and the tractor beams were controlled came a red skinned, large horned Devaronian. Bundled up in white cold weather gear he looked somewhat humorous if not for the fierce expression, sinister looking horns and pointed teeth, but alas while frightening to look at Merketh the Devaronian was less inclined to violence than to supply you an efficient fueling chart. He ventured about halfway across the hangar, just far enough to shout "Mr. Agent Sabre sir, we're opening the bay doors now!" before turning and retreating back to the warmth of the control room.

"Show time" Whispered Sabre as he placed his combat helmet over his head. He immediately felt the safety, warmth and intelligence provided by the insulated, teched up helmet. It was not long before the hangar bay doors opened with a screech allowing the Republic Troop Transport to land...
__________________________________________________

Several Hundred meters away from and under the Hangar a security breach in sector 4 was being investigated... From the threshold of the outer-blast door Nase Talsey and Agent Shield stood illuminated by the light spilling out from the base. Nase raised his hand and waved it forward, silently indicating shield to follow him out into the cold. The large armored man gave a shudder then followed his boss into the snow...

Dektan smiled, savoring his victory in crushing the man's fighting spirit. It was regrettable that he had decided that he would rather be gunned down defenseless rather then try to fight them. Perhaps there was something brave in such passive resistance but the Nikto wasn't so poetic. His finger brushed the trigger, preparing to fire. He offered the stranger a final comment "No, blasters are our way of saying goodbye..."

"Stop!" Yelled Nase, his voice unnaturally loud in the howl of the wind. All the guards jumped and turned around in surprise aside from Dektan who lowered his rifle. "I suppose I should have guessed you would be here."

"Captain Dektan there are things that not even a Nikto with your talents could ever for-see. I operate off the grid if you understand." Replied the elegantly suited man. He was Nase Talsey, Director of Frostfang. He was dressed in an archaic, yet stunningly fashionable suit, had grey eyes, a thin face and black hair slicked back. With a wave of his hand he dispersed the security guards who moved away, allowing him clear room to engage the stranger... Behind Nase came Agent Shield who was not carrying any sort of discernible weapon aside from several large knives on his belt.

Nase stood next to Dektan and whispered to the Nikto. "Do we know how he got here?"

"No sir, he rode in on that speeder."

Nase took a step forward towards the stranger and away from the Nikto. He flashed a perfect smile despite the cold. There was something unearthly about how the sub-zero temperatures seemed not to affect him... He addressed the man in a clear if not irritated voice "You... You are not supposed to be here. At this moment you have two options, a quick death provided by an execution laser blast to the head in which case we will sink your body and all your possessions under the ice... Or two... You can live by telling us why you are here and who sent you."

[Archer]

Back at his seat Vitok tried to find out what this base is. His search was not going well and soon gave up. "Alright soldiers we are preparing to land at the base please wait patiently before we depart," The pilot said over the intercom. He knew that once they land there will be no more secrets and waited now.

The pilot followed the instructions told to him and the ship was docked in the hanger. One by one each one of the soldiers departed the ship. Vitok was the last one out and quickly put on his helmet before leaving. The soldiers were in two rows and Vitok joined the row missing a person and waited.

[Wyoming]

Sabre stood perfectly still, his arms crossed, as the Republic Troops formed up into two perfect rows. There was something to be said for military precision, something that Sabre believed that R.A.D. agents could benefit from. Behind his orange visor, his HUD gave him blurbs of information on each of the soldiers before him. There were many diverse aliens in the unit which Sabre found somewhat strange. Not because the large plethora of aliens fighting for the Republic but for the hodgepodge mash-up that was assembled before him. Perhaps he was wrong but he himself always believed that species fought best when surrounded by their own kin...

"Welcome to Frostfang and the coldest planet in the galaxy." Said Sabre in as friendly of a voice as he could project through his suit's audiofilters. "You may call me Sabre. As you know or may not know this is a highly sensetive and top secret research and development facility for the Republic Military. Here you will be guarding this base as well as participating in live-fire excercises, combat simulations, experiments and the testing of new technology for the Republic war effort." Sabre uncrossed his arms at this point and walked towards the troops, his arms swinging casually at his side, making the slightest screech as armor scratched against armor. As he spoke he kept his tone upbeat and did not falter as he said the word 'experiments'... The Director would have been proud of him for disregarding his personal reservations. "Here you will be in part responsible for the newest and most powerful military tech in the galaxy... So, any questions?"

[Grumpy Panda]

Fuil stood silent and still eying the man speaking to him as the wind whipped through his shoulder cape. The nikto with his blank stare seemed tough in attitude at least. Probably insecure or a hardened veteran. The gruffest and toughest often were. It was a gamble to not be shot and killed on the spot but so was anything else these days.u

But this man seemed different. Only slightly taller than Fuil himself, he carried an odd air of elegance and seniority. His clothing clearly made him of higher status. He was probably one of the corporate elite. That made him as detestable as any other, but he had yet to reveal anything about himself.

More threats came. Always threats of death or severe injury. They never did much to shock Fuil. He already considered himself dead. Each time he was threatened merely reminded him his body had yet to accept the truth. Making his death complete would have been a favor no one had yet been able to give. As much as he could have opted for it, questions remained unanswered.

As tempting as becoming frozen bait sounded, it was time for speech. Fuil didn't feel these beings were worth speech. They looked like people he had killed before. Men who were guilty of being affiliated with corruption and incompetence. Most of the time they held secrets of embezzlement. These men were different. They held secrets that mattered to someone very important.

The wind ran through Fuil's oddly crimson shoulder cape causing it to dance like a serpentine beast. Frost began to collect on the clasp which showed a mythosaur skull, the emblem of the mandalorians, except it was crossed out. The streak down the right side of the face resembled a running tear and was white as the pure snow.

"My ship is grounded from the ice. I fulfilled a contract beforehand. Your base here put a strange signal on my sensors and I felt like exploring. Freeze to death on a ship or freeze to death out here. Makes little difference." Fuil crossed his arms and leaned forward edging his helmet closer to the men in front of him. "I could ask you the same questions. More sinister answers I'm sure. Do you want to stand in the cold all day?"

[Archer]

Vitok stood still as he listened to Sabre. He was wondering why the Republic has kept this base a secret to the recruits going there. He also began to wonder what type of technology was being tested. He continued to listen Sabre as he continued to talk.

When the agent asked for any questions Vitok knew it was time to find out what technology is being tested. The other recruits decided however it could wait and did not even ask a single question. "Can you tell us more about the technology we are testing?" Vitok asked Sabre still wanting to know what is going on.

[Wyoming]

The guards were starting to shake, despite their insulated gear standing in the blizzard-like condition with snow beginning to creep up your boots was not enjoyable for anyone, least of all the humans whose skins were woefully inept at dealing with environmental conditions. Nase noticed this, or perhaps he was informed of their physical conditions, regardless he resolved to finish this quickly one way or another...

"You are right in saying that death, specifically your death whether it be here or there makes little difference." Said Nase cynically, accompanied with an almost sadistic smile. He then turned his attention away from the man and to Dektan and gestured him over with a nod of his head. The Nikto approached doing an admirable job of refusing to shiver. "Sir?"

"His story, the ship, do we have any thing on it?"

The Nikto closed his eyes in a medatative fashion yet behind his eyelids his eyes moved quickly as if in REM. He finally growled a response after some seconds "Yes... We sent out a swoop team in the direction he approached in and they have uncovered the vessel."

Nase contemplated this... This man was in most ways under their control, or at very least had to rely on them temporarily for survival. Nase did not trust this man but he respected the man's defiance and quick tongue. "Have the men place charges on the ship, we cannot allow any evidence."

Dektan smiled and nodded, then retreated away from Nase. "To answer your question, I do not wish to stand in the snow all day, and I'm sure that you do not wish to die in the snow. Therefore I give you an option, your service in exchange for your life. Once you have repayed me and my organization this kindness you will be free to leave... Or... You can be free to leave now, back to wandering across this frozen wasteland." Nase raised his hand and twirled his index figure signalling his men to about face and return to the warmth of the base. The guards turned and began to trudge back through the snow... Nase, Agent Shield and Captain Dektan stood resolutely waiting for the man's answer.
____________________________________________________

Back in the hangar Sabre listened to the republic trooper's question. It was a good question of course, simple but direct. As Sabre opened his mouth to speak a cry rang our across the hangar. "Wait!" Followed by the sound of running feet. A dark skinned, short heaired man in a grey medical jumpsuit came jogging towards them. "Thank you agent Sabre for your help, however please leave the answering of questions to me." Said the man firmly, giving a pointed look at the armored man silently telling him to keep his mouth shut.

"Doctor Grey, so good of you to join us." Replied Sabre with unhidden contemp. Sabre folded his amrs across his chest and remained where he was.

The doctor smiled towards the republic troops. "Here you will be testing the apex of Alsakan Construct's military initiatives. These range from experimental armor alloys, troops enhancement technologies and new weaponry. Our scientisst are working around the clock to provide men like you the upper hand in this conflict. What is your name young man?" Asked Dr. Grey to the soldier who had asked the question."

[Grumpy Panda]

Charges were of little worry. His ship was shielded from general explosions. He had an almost grudging respect for the man in front of him. He was cold and calculated like the best of them. Perhaps he was a politician in the past. No matter, he was just another suit now. He was also very forceful with his words.

Bluntness was a gift at times. You push a button hard enough and everyone pays attention while you slip something behind the scenes. He was hiding something important. People all try to be different, but diversity in a social and psychological context was quite limited. He was bluffing. It was time to call or fold.

"I'll live. Will you?" Fuil let the breeze carry his cape as the sun came out and glinted off the clasp. "Death threats. Cold calculated persona. Planet with no visitors. You're hiding something. Kill me if you want, but I have contacts who keep track of me. Eventually you will get discovered."

His brooding demeanor broken, Fuil changed his body to that of a businessman giving a weighted proposition. "New terms. I live and we go inside. I promise to keep this shanty base a secret. The rest is negotiable."

[Archer]

Vitok was listening to the Doctor as he explained what they were doing. New technologies to help fight the Sith sounded good to him. He was a bit happy that he was testing out new weapons but wondered why the Republic kept this a secret from them. When looking at the other soldiers they all had surprised looks on their faces.

Vitok was also surprised that Grey asked him his name. He was just another soldier of the Republic just like everyone else who just arrived. He took off his helmet and began to speak. "I am Private Vitok Dilric and I am a soldier of the Republic just like everyone else here," Vitok said while looking at his fellow soldiers who were nodding in agreement.