Open Orbit

The HTT Cicero exited hyperspace in a flash, illuminating the galaxy for a microsecond before allowing it to return to its abyssal state. The large Virella Systems Cargo Tanker drifted towards the planet's orbital pull, hovering there for a moment as its scanners ran over the planet.

Prior to his tenure, the Admiral had signed a contract with the owners of Etti IV to have mines set up here, yet none were constructed. The first goal Tulos had was to establish mines on planets and fulfill contract agreements. It was this goal that brought him to Etti IV.

Hovering on the orbital ring, the Cicero's scanners detected no military presence, however as a formality, the ship pinged the planet before sending out an open comm.

:: Etti IV control, this is Heavy Tanker Transport Cicero, requesting permission to land and begin construction of Mandalmines facility, a right granted by contract... ::

The ship hovered in orbit. Now they had to play the waiting game.

Due to a lack of response, and a lack of military activity, the vessel descended to the surface, though not before messaging Tulos for permission to proceed. The ship began a slow and steady descent to the surface of Etti IV.

*25 Hammerhead Class Cruisers dropped out of hyperspace outside of Etti IV's gravity well. On the bridge of the lead cruiser The Illusive Man stood hands folded behind his back, gazing out through his glowing blue eyes at the stormy world below.

The fleet fell into position with 10 pointing their bows and forward guns towards the planet and the others forming a skirmish line to cover their rears. Captain Dektan, a Nikto walked across the observation deck and towards the viewport, standing several feet away from the Illusive Man, nobody was allowed closer save when necessary. At a respectful difference he looked at his boss, then at the planet and sneered.* "It doesn't look like much."

*The Illusive Man frowned and turned to face the Nikto.* "Dektan, I have had you in my employ for several succesful years, however it has never been your skill to see beyond what is apparent." *The Illusive Man let the message sink in and then turned back to look at the planet.* "Etti IV is not the prettiest world, that is to be sure but once it had a power, a power that perhaps lays dromant, a metaphorical ember that we must stir to induce a flame." *The Illusive Man did not wait for the Nikto to try to process the information. He continued on.* "No doubt you are not capable of comprehending my metaphor... I suggest you speak of only things you are skilled in such as battle."

*The Nikto growled with anger but nodded.* "We seem to be the only large presence in the system and have established orbit over the city. Our backs are protected by the bulk of the fleet and we are ready for further orders sir."

"Excellent. If you would be so kind as to activate the obsevration deck comm system and patch a signal through to the planet." *The Nikto did so quickly and a small beep followed by static indicated that they were transmitting. The Illusive Man cleared his throat before speaking in his rough yet aristocratic voice.* :: Etti IV, I wish to speak to whoever or whatever entity, faction, individual or conglomeration that now controls this world... As you see I mean business and based upon your choice this can be a mutually beneficial business as I hope or it could become a toxic asset that must be purged. ::

*Stepping silently onto the bridge, I moved past captain Dektan and took a place several feet behind and to the left of my employer, The Illusive Man. The trip to the planet had been uneventful, and had given me the chance to recharge my systems to full power after the rigorous testing of my new cybernetics. The overhaul of my systems had been prompted by a malfunction in my original configuration that had thus far proven too difficult to remedy. This led to a newer, more stable series of cybernetics being installed, one equipped for modular capability rather than the more inclusive, and far more complicated, systems I previously possessed. In all, I was finding the new systems at least comparable, if not superior, to the old in their design and function.*

*When The Illusive Man's message was finished and the comm channel closed, I took another step forward to place myself within The Illusive Man's peripheral vision and also extended a disruption bubble to prevent eavesdropping before I spoke.* "So this is to be the birthplace of project freelancer?"

*The Illusive Man heard a slight buzz and looked at his second in command Mr. Monroe. A thin smile upturned his lips. The buzzing he recognized as a disruptor field that discharged a heavy, but low frequency to distort communication and sound waves, protecting their conversation. The doctors had informed him that the new implants were working at peak efficiency and the lessons learned after the last failure were applied imediately... The other test subjects were not so lucky... However it was their deaths that taught him valuable lessons and refined their process enough to make it public.* "Yes, Project Freelancer and more. Mr. Monroe ypu have no doubt guaged by now that you've been monitored very closely by me and those in my employ. You have been the Alpha, the prototype for this program. Your success has secured me the resources and provided me the confidence to bet my organization against the galaxy. The entire weight of Cerberus is here... the largest gathering of my resources, my best agents... I believe it will be enough. Project Freelancer is only the beginning... This planet was once the capital of the Corporate Sector Authority a huge business conglomerate that ruled the Tingel Arm via corporate power and a board of Directors. We will rebuild it, hide within it and prosper."

"Are you certain this is wise? Concentrating your resources in a single location is a situation easily exploited by your enemies. Were I still your security adviser, I would recommend a far more subtle approach. Perhaps an infiltration of the government via bribery, intimidation and blackmail. The direct approach does not sit well with me." *There were few who would speak so openly to my employer, but it was the job I had originally been hired for, and old habits are much more difficult to replace than damaged limbs.*

"Is anything certain nowadays? The galaxy is not as simple as it once was, the balance of power has shifted and it has created ripples that threaten us all. If the Phoenix Imperium or New Order of the Eye were still here I would think twice of such a move but they are no more..." *The Illusive Man trailed off, caught in his own thoughts of the past. It seemed such a simpler time, yet he reasoned that in 5 years this moment would seem simple... If he were still alive in that time. He reached into his coat's breast pocket and removed a cigarette and a lighter. His lips presse against the cigarette holding it in place as he expertly flicked the lighter producing a flame. After an inhale, he let out the smoke with a sigh. He removed his cigarette and cradled it between two fingers before continuing.* "You are right and you speak to my fears... Your counsel is well reasoned but the Republic, the jedi, no law or order exists out here. I would doubt even the Holonet would cover a story such as this. There are no guardians here, just us and the old Mandalorian general who rules this part of space..." *The Illusive Man took another drag, Malice Hingang was the mandalorian and it was with little doubt that he would be more vigilant here than the jedi or the sith or another other faction... If history was to be believed this old mando was of the more militaristic and disciplined sort and would be quick to respond with firepower yet quicker still to respond to an offer of mutual benefit. He was counting on that...* "Anyway the center of the galacy is getting to hot, the jedi are crawling out from the floorboards, the darksiders are in upheaval, I even sold my controlling share of Czerka to escape Korriban with all loose ends cut. These outer reaches will be the safest for us now."

"Perhaps." *Though when The Illusive Man removed and lit a cigarette, the absence of any scent of smoke told me that he was not, in fact, standing only a few feet to my right. It was not uncommon for my employer to utilize holographic proxies, but it did present the question of where he was physically located. With the right gear and access to the holonet, he could be anywhere in the galaxy right now, which minimized the risk to himself significantly.* "At least you had the foresight to avoid coming in person, though you can hardly expect me to protect you if I have no notion of your whereabouts. Then again, that was no longer my role the moment these cybernetics made me more useful in the field." *It was times like these that I began to prefer my old lot in life. These days, my mind was always racing with calculations and conversions, working out how best to utilize my available power and maximize the effectiveness of my implants. Things were much simpler then, when I was tasked only with providing analysis of external conditions.* "What will be my role in this endeavor? If your first message is any indication, you do not intend to take violent action."

"You play a key role my friend... As we speak my lawyers are working to push through trade regulations and give us permission to establish Sarif Industries in the capital... Having a fleet or warships helps in any legal dispute and while the old Corsec dogs might squirm, they will eventually see things our way." *The Illusive Man began walking, the holoprojector followed his moves yet did not advance him anywhere. His feet hovering slightly above the ground via the holoprojector, across the galaxy the Illusive Man in person walked to his simple chair and took a seat, crossing one leg over the other. A glass of brandy was placed there thoughtfully. Now projected sitting in the chair he spoke again.* "When the business is approved and we take our seat on the board of Directors, we will launch a coup. The agents and operatives aboard these vessels can handle that simply enough... your mission is much more important. When the labs are opened we will need you for extensive testing and evaluation to mirror our successes with you, but until then we must bring more individuals to our banner. We need specialists the most intelligent, dangerous individuals we can find. Assassins, scientists, bounty hunters, pilots... While other may win wars with fleets like this, it has never been our answer or our goal. Our infiltration into the galaxy's factions must continue and we need men like you to succeed and to survive the coming storm."

*Azrael exited out of hyperspace and made his approach towards the planet, his shuttle coming to a slow halt as he looked around the surround area of space. He had heard of an organization that could help him with his idea's an plans but his information was only gathered from drunks from bars and local clubs. But any information either false or exaggerated all came from some sort of truth. So if their was indeed something here that could help him then he would waste no effort into finding it. Sending out a low frequency scan Azrael searched for any thing that could help him find what he was looking for.

As he waited he could hear his latest creation in the back rattling around in the back cargo bay. It had probably just awakened and that was all fine to him seeing as he was secure and locked away for the time being. Wondering what would happen if he sent out a repeating transmission of a distress call he wondered if someone would come to his aid. So that being said he went over to comm and recorded the following message that would be transmitted throughout the void of space surrounding his ship.*

:: This is Vincent law of the Exile, I am currently taking fire damage to my ship an unable to move can anyone please come to my help I am at the following location. T>A>45.215.EIV>456. :: *An with that he sent the transmission in wait to see what would happen. Disconnecting his life support from his suit he went into a deep sleep via the force so that to any non force users he would be presumed dead*

"Very well." *The prospect of more testing was not an attractive one, I had already gone through a great number of tests, both in and out of the field, but if that was what the Illusive Man required of me, that was what I would do. I was comforted, however, by the knowledge that testing would not be my only role and I would be able to return to the field when my skills were required there. It was not a perfect arrangement, but it would do.*

*At that moment, a flicker of motion against the backdrop of stars was perceived by my heightened vision, a flicker that was likely imperceptible to those around me, as well as the hologram of the Illusive Man. Normally, I would not give the event a second thought, as small ships coming and going was a common occurrence on planets such as this, but when the flicker was quickly followed by a distress signal, my interest was piqued. Lowering the disruption bubble that surrounded myself and the Illusive Man, I turned to the bridge crew.* "Navigation, display the trajectory of the distressed vessel from the time it entered the system, as well as all sensor data you have gathered from it." *There was something off about this ship... When the information I requested had been displayed, I examined it briefly before turning to the Illusive Man.* "If you intend to mount a rescue, I would advise caution. The vessel is not behaving as though it has lost power, and the thermal profile does not match the irregularities caused by internal fires." *The observations were obvious, but nevertheless had to be spoken aloud for the sake of being thorough.*

*As Azrael lay motionless on the bridge he sent out a set of illusions of mutilated bodies throughout the the ship. Making it so that they bodies were torn to pieces and blood would be covering the walls and floor. It was all fake but to the unknown eye it was all reality. Moments later a series of recording from his experiments were broadcasting on the comm. Screams of people crying out in pain and then silence...the ship going silent and the ships internal power switched off. Leaving the ship floating lifeless throughout space, a ghost ship.*

***VOID LAST POST***

*As Azrael lay motionless nearly void of life, a program within the computer's memory core comes to the life. A few seconds go by an nothing throughout the ship happens. Suddenly a series of screams and cry's are sent out throughout the comm's. This went on for about five minutes until the ship went silent yet again. The program or as he like to be called Gregory activated the ships internal hologram projection system and input the information needed for his last assignment. The information was then run through out the ship, when the calculation was complete the ship started to whine and creak at first until the hologram came online. The clearly clean walls started to show horrific blood splatter across the walls. Pools of blood were be formed under certain door ways and trail of smeared blood was placed leading away from the cargo bay to the sealed bridge. The ship was not large but it was big enough for this little charade, Gregory then input a series of numbers thus telling the hologram to place bodies in the location of where the blood was located. This took Gregory sometime before he had it right an when all was finished and done with he let out a cruel smile before his image vanished once again into the computers memory core.*

OOC: VOID LAST POST, JUST GOING WITH MY FIRST POST*

*Across the stars The Illusive Man swirled a glass of brandy as his 3D holoprojectors sprang to life with images of the drifting ship as well as the information the Hammerhead Cruiser was able to discern through it's rudimentery scans of the vessel. The Audio file played over and over as his computers tried to match the inflections and subtlety of the humaoid voice other sound profiles in order to give him background information... However both the name search and the audio cross reference left him with a lack of information, something he destested, yet it also intrigued him.

Back on the Hammerhead the Illusive Man's voice was transmitted through the observation deck's speakers.* "Captain Dektan, please alter your course and prepare to receive the damaged vessel at the location he provided. Take all necessary external precautions, seal off the hangar and deploy a medical and security team down there immediately."

*The Nikto transmitted his supply, and through the forward Viewscreens the stars began to shift to the left, as the large vessel made it's turn towards the coordinates. In the Hangar bay technicians were already preparing the tractor beam while ensuring all items were secure.*

"Mr. Monroe, if you be so kind as to assist our security team in the hangar bay, I suspect that distrust this signal. But allow us to play the fools, they won't be expecting you." *Said the Illusive Man.*

*I simply stood and watched the vessel as the Illusive Man echoed my concerns, his analysis no doubt based on something less obvious, as it always was. When my employer suggested I accompany the security detail, I raised an eyebrow while turning to regard his hologram.* "Indeed." *Very few in the galaxy would have the capability to expect me and my abilities. The cybernetics I possessed were top-of-the-line and the only ones of their kind thus far. The Illusive man was hoping to change that, however, with the inception of project freelancer.*

*Making my way to the hangar, I awaited the arrival of the ship with the inconsistent distress signals, one claiming that the crew was fighting internal fires and the other recording a fight of a very different nature. It was entirely possible that the entire thing was a ruse, put in place as some form of trap. Though any being that would set a trap for a fleet as large as this with only a single shuttle was one to be dispatched immediately upon contact.*

*As the small shuttle slowly started to be gathered in by the tractor beam, a program within the computer's memory core comes to the life. A few seconds go by an nothing throughout the ship happens. Suddenly a series of screams and cry's are sent out throughout the comm's. This went on for about five minutes until the ship went silent yet again. The program or as he like to be called Gregory activated the ships internal hologram projection system and input the information needed for his last assignment. The information was then run through out the ship, when the calculation was complete the ship started to whine and creak at first until the hologram came online. The clearly clean walls started to show horrific blood splatter across the walls. Pools of blood were be formed under certain door ways and trail of smeared blood was placed leading away from the cargo bay to the sealed bridge. The ship was not large but it was big enough for this little charade, Gregory then input a series of numbers thus telling the hologram to place bodies in the location of where the blood was located. This took Gregory sometime before he had it right an when all was finished and done with he let out a cruel smile before his image vanished once again into the computers memory core*

*Once the ship arrived and the techs had unsealed the boarding ramp, I proceeded inside, followed closely by the commando squad that the Illusive Man had insisted accompany me. Once inside, the sights that greeted my eyes were horrific indeed, mutilated bodies strewn about the ship and blood smeared across the walls and floor.*



*The commando's voice was mechanical in nature, due to being projected through the helmet of his armor. I glanced at him briefly before moving further into the ship and noticing a very distinct lack of odor, something the commandos would be unable to detect within their sealed armor. Shifting my vision briefly into the infrared revealed that the bodies also possessed not a single degree of body heat, an impossible feat for corpses that had died so short a time ago, if the screams sent over the comm had been any indication.* "Pay no attention to the corpses. They are nothing more than an illusion." *My point was driven home as I walked forward and my feet passed through the leg of one of the "dead" bodies on my way to the bridge, which was clearly where the false blood trail was meant to lead.*

*Finding the door to the bridge sealed, I remedied the situation with a simple punch to destroy the control panel, thus deactivating the lock, then drove my mechanical fingers into the crease between the two halves of the door, pulling them apart until it stood open before me. Inside, I found the armor-clad body of the pilot, who was also presumably the one that had laid the trap. Withdrawing a comlink from my coat, I send a message to the Illusive Man on the bridge.* :: I have located the pilot. It is a male humanoid, though species will be difficult to determine due to the armored environmental suit it is wearing. It's life support systems are inactive and body heat indicates it is still alive. How shall I proceed? ::

*Gregory had been watching everything that was transpiring upon the ship, his vision could not see what was going beyond the ship do to the fact that he didn't really care at the moment but he was a little surprised into how stupid the commandos were. His holograms were good but not that good, though the cyborg that was among them was quite perceptive. This intrigued him he was was also curious to see how they would react to the cargo locked away in the haft corridor. Moving from console to console Gregory used the hologram to project his body across the ship just behind them. An just before they could catch glimpse of him he would have the hologram remove his appearance. Once he had activated the comm system he sent the noises coming from the locked cargo container to be sent echoing throughout the ship. Though the holographic bodies were fake if the monster within the cargo hold was to be unlocked what would transpire after would be real. But instead of unlocking the cage Gregory spoke out over the comm just as he quickly turned off the Mechu Deru's groaning and moaning.*

:: HHmmmm Azrael will not be pleased by the way you entered but then again the fact that you picked up this vessel just proves that you are not as smart as you should. Personally I think you should all....*Static*.... ::

*Before Gregory could finish what he was saying he was sent away by a harsh almost computer like voice. Azrael was again back from the dead, his right hand attaching his life support systems up. His cold steely eyes moving slowly around the room. They were bloodshot and almost had the bleeding look, but thanks to his helmet his eyes couldn't be clearly made out. Bringing what strength he could after his little trick he glared up at the cyborg before him.*

Don't...mi..mind him....,...now..did you ...see it