[center]Somewhere near Y’ha N’thlei

Traveler-28-T exploratory expedition[/center]
[hr]

The S’Hraa Ciss vessel was lying in wait, listening to the music of the spheres for the expected disturbance. The crew of five have spent the last few days hibernating in the dreamlands, to simulate and prepare. For four of them, this will be a test. To prove their worth to the Vera’Shen and to their society. Their task is simple but the challenges are unknown. Their success will allow them to continue on with their place in society and allow for more responsibilities. Their failure will be punished, if they survive. The fifth crewmember, and the only with who has done anything worth recognizing is Sren’th, the one who is overseeing the four others who, having not yet done anything of note, are simply referred to as one through four. 

At first, only the experienced Sren’th felt a change in their dreams. A hollow void which oppressive darkness threatened to strangle the light. This feeling can only come from that which music is corrupt. That which accursed history has long since strangled any dreams that may have existed and which void is filled with nightmares. Their destination has arrived. 

Soon they all felt the repulsion, a primal sense of dread from that accursed planet which dark aura assails their senses, telling them to flee lest they too be swallowed by the doom that came there. Any hopes of success quickly fled the thoughts of the four, but they knew what was expected of them and what they had to do. 

They all prepared to transition from the dreamlands to the waking world, unsure of what secrets and dangers awaited them.

[hr]
[center]Vera’Shen Office of Intelligence – Karbana Kinnis[/center]
[hr]
Hathax is kept occupied with his work, as he often is, perusing through the various reports that littered his room. He and his underlings working tirelessly filtering information and coming to conclusions. His scales have lost their shine and his gait has slowed, clearly working hard at the expense of his health. A token of his loyalty and dedication. Dedication that often pays dividends. 

So far, he has gathered that the Humans are engaging on some sort of internal struggle, one that seems to have been long in the making. He has gathered that this Dominion lays claim to all have Humanity and at least one faction, possibly more, has felt abused enough to declare overt conflict. The mobilization of human vessals in several locations seem to corroborate this. 

In addition, an unusual transmission was detected. The message was not known nor who sent it, but evidence indicates it was not Human in origin. It would seem other forces are beginning to emerge. Reasons unknown, but considering open conflict was declared, it seems suspicious.

“Elder Hathax, an update from the expedition. And Elder Sithax sends his regards” A Vara’Shen youngling announced. Depositing a note and a curious bottle onto Hathax’s desk, before departing. Hathax turned to read the note.

[b]Corruption found, interference in the dreams stronger than expected. Harmony detected every fourth oscillation indicating Forsaken are pacified, beginning mission. Will report soon on results.[/b]

Hathax worries for what this means, and what it might lead him to. The signs are becoming apparent, the prophecy becoming clearer. But this can not be. Surely it was not meant to be bound to these… others. These non Serekin. Hathax will need to keep an eye on the results of the expedition as it may confirm his theory. It was always assumed the actions of the Serekin would be the contributing factor to the prophecy, but if they were wrong… and if the conflict is a harbinger of what is to come… If N’Yagoth… It could happen again.

There is no need to act now, not when there is time to gather all the facts. He will need to bring it up with the others, but for now… perhaps he can keep an eye out for an opening to abduct a few humans. The S’Hraa Ciss might soon need to meddle in this conflict, for the good of everyone, and it is best to have as many advantages as possible.  Advantages that Sithax is good at bringing.

Reaching for the bottle, he paused for a moment to examine it. It was a clear glass bottle filled with a viscous purple liquid. The seal and label on it indicating it was personally prepared by Sithax and it was a stimulant Hathax was fond of. Hathax popped the seal and downed the contents quickly. He gagged slightly as the flavor was far from the reason any one would drink it, but it would keep his mind sharp for the sleepless nights he worked. He does not need sleep, he needs answers.

[hr]
[center]Sithax’s private laboratory- Deep within Karbanna Kinnis[/center]
[hr]

The cavern was dark, the only lighting emitting from luminescent lichen. The air stank heavily with the decay of organisms in various states of degradation. Various bottles, bowls, and other containers were lined along shelves scattered throughout the room containing various ingredients for various recipes. The only immaculate place were several intricate pedestals featuring several ornate vases, though void of anything currently the dirt within suggested whatever alchemical plant contained within was recently harvested and removed. Along one table was a scattering of notes containing various formulas and words suggesting of an attempted potion that has yet to achieve any meaningful results. Sometimes written in ink, sometimes in blood. 

In one dark corner sat Sithax, the greatest alchemist alive. He is unmoving and in a posture suggesting he is dreaming, mentally preparing various potions and tonics for various purposes. Then, a youngling entered, blindfolded and branded with two symbols. One indicating him a Yuklas, and the other indicating low ranking. “A message from Elder Hithax.” The youngling announced before departing, leaving the message behind. Sithax, aroused from his sleep viewed the message, a sly grin escaping his otherwise blank expression. 

“Ah finally. I might be getting some more adequate test subjects very soon.  Hard to trial on animals that can’t answer questions, but something with intelligence I might be able to coerce…” Sithax moved the carcasses to a section of the room then unceremoniously dumped them down a hole in the floor. “Now if Sren’th can get me a few more Pustula plants for my experiments, maybe I can refine this serum. Ensure our place in this galaxy. In the meantime, there are preparations to be made, spaces must be made available for any captives.”