Corellia

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

A lone agent lands at the Corellian Engineering Corperation shipyards and makes his way around, carefully observing the layout of the CEC facilities and offices. Stage one was underway.

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

The Agent makes a succesful infiltration into the CEC offices and hacks into the main computer. He reads the prompt.

 

USER NAME:__________________

PASSWORD:__________________

ACCOUNT:___________________

 

The Agent pauses to read the screen and types in at the prompt:

 

USER NAME: Kheldar vos Correlli

PASSWORD: *******

ACCOUNT: 435-1123-4837-3334-9072-0007

 

ACCESS GRANTED

 

The Agent browses the file, downloading vital ship information, titles, serial numbers, financial data, and other information into a new account, then carefully removes all traces of his treachery. Approximately 60 CEC ships, ranging from frieghters, escorts, to two dozen Corellian Corvettes transfer title to the CORE company. The Agent leaves the CEC undetected and makes his way into the shadows of Coronet City.

 

The Agent checks the password he used on his datapad. The name was simple and he wondered why it was used in the first place. "Cyradis", what an odd name. Stage 2 complete.

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

Rinwald gives a cold laugh and fires a shot at Kheldar's heart. The merchant springs out of the way and the shot impacts the doors, which seems locked. Kheldar responds by using a throwing knife, given to him by his friend Norithan Shirak, which Rinwald deftly dodges. Kheldar responds with a wave, deploying his KiLLeRs which surround Rinwald.

 

”œSee you in hell, monster.”

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

((Oops double post. My bad))

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

Rinwald takes off into space aboard the Oberon from the CEC's shipyards, which appears to swarming with a red fever as CORE troops take to fighters and man them. Already CORE troops are surfacing all over Corellia and the defenses are being raised. The ruined CorSec plaza is surrounded by CORE agents as they advance to secure their hold on the planet and system.

 

Rinwald's mood is reflective as his ship clears orbit and vanishes into hyperspace. He sits in his study aboard the ship- the hologram again set to a roaring, but heatless fire. He sets down to relax as the ship begins making a series of random jumps on it's return to the Maw.

 

”œWhy did you let him survive?”

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

Omega solidly backhands Geki, adding the force to augment his attack, then rolls back, screaming in pain. His body crackles with energy as he again tries to burn off the offending nanites. The tempature in the room seems to drop as Omega prepares to violently lash out at this new and unexpected, this unconventional attack that threw off every circumstance for which it was built. The creature blazes, almost ready to unleash a brilliant salvo of energy when...

 

"Enough!"

 

The voice is the one from before, though now there is the faintest hint of anger in that voice, backed by a terrible finality. Omega rears its head and lets out another painful scream, blasting down at the ground and causing the floor to crack and splinter, dispearsing its built in energy.

 

Floating down from a place of concealment in the ceiling is a well dressed man in a black surcoat, ruffled collar and carrying a solid looking walking stick. The man's pale face is marked by a silvery mask over the eyes and two liver colored lips drawn back in a permanent sneer that seems etched into his face. He eminants no particular ability of proficiency with the force, but appears to have the strength and continuity of a vast nanomachine colony, united under one dreadful, iron will. Every cell, every inch of that man's being is a testament to science and is supersaturated with his own advanced machines, including the repulsors embedded in his almost fluid body.

 

Landing with the click of his boots against the floor, the man calmly walks over to Omega, placing a hand on the creature as if to examine it or even sooth it. The nanites in the man's own body pour out, seeking and neutralizing the offending ones at work. Satisfied, Rinwald snaps his fingers and two men enter through a side door- one pale and sickly, the other elderly and bent, though both have the cunning and bearings of scientists.

 

"Beta, Omicron, take care of Omega," the man orders to the two scientists, who drag the moaning creature out of the room. Satisfied he turns back to Geki, his voice refined, urban, and with a touch of admiration. "Forgive my little test. I had need to verify your skills for my proposed task. In truth I did not expect you to attack with nanotechnology. A bitter irony I suppose, though I shall work to exclude that weakness in the future. You have passed with flying colors and in a quicker manner than even I anticipated. Most impressive indeed." The the compliments come across as mundane, even bland, they are in truth among the highest this individual is prone to give.

 

The man bows formally, beginning the introductions in the name of civility and propriety. "Welcome to one of more humble abodes, Governor Geki. The chefs have prepared a satisfactor meal in the dining hall, though I would understand it if you wished to have your wounds treated first." The man snaps his fingers again and a red uniformed CORE agent enters the rooms, immediately seeing to Geki's wounds. A quick set of healing, then self-destructing nanites and Geki is as good as new. Stepping around the debris caused by the battle, the tall, black trimmed man extends a hand to his guest.

 

"My name is Rinwald Adolphus Dahlmiester, Director of the CORE organization."

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

Rinwald's grey eyes remain calm, probing, reading, and studying Geki as he speaks.

 

"Do not worry about Omega. He was in no real danger back there. My lieutenants will see to it that any damage from the nanites are reversed and that he will never be vulnerable like that again."

 

This was very, very true. One to learn from his errors before they became mistakes, much in the fashion of a certain celebrated Grand Admiral of the Empire, Rinwald would have Omicron look into either creating some specialized hunter nanites that would live with in Omega's systems, or have Beta work on a biological remedy. For the fact that no danger presented itself, Rinwald mentally ticks off a note to admonish Omega for nearly unleashing his full powers in that setting, potentially leveing the grounds of the manor and possibly anything else in a quarter mile radius in a giant blue fireball of force energy.

 

For Geki's blunt accusations of Rinwald's character, nothing needed to be said. This understanding would suit him far better and was much more akin to his own standards of self-reliance and honor.

 

The director of CORE leads the way, escorting Geki into a wide dining hall. Taking a seat at the head of the table, Dahlmiester is attended by Beta and Omicron, the two scientists from earlier. Omega stands protectively over his master, glaring at Geki.

 

The lights dim and a vast double helix is projected out of the center of the table.

 

"What you are seeing before you is the beginnings of my ultimate plan. My guard, Omega is only the first step in something far more comprehensive- not only being able to change the face of this current galaxy, but by imposing a single, unifying, and enduring order on the universe."

 

The helix zooms out showing an intricate and complex cellular structure unlike any seen before. The way in which the cells fold is not even in the traditional 3D sense, but there appears to be, inexplicably, in a five dimensional overlay.

 

"This is the cell structure of the Omega Cell, which my guard here is entirely composed of. A combination of Beta's bio engineering skills, Omicron's nanotech, and my own studies in gravity and foldspace have produced this phenomona. Such a cell, when infused with midi-chloriens, is nearly limitless in its force use and potential, though further refinements need to be made."

 

The image zooms out, showing Omega's being and recounting data from the Omega duel in the foldspace sector of the Maw Instillation. "I'm sure you've sensed the latent power in this creature. I started a war last time for the sole purpose of drawing out the best the galaxy had just to test this creation. I was pleased with the results." As he states that, the image of Raynuk being pulverized is replayed. "Imagine an army of these at your disposal. Dorsk 81 using the collective power of Skywalker's Jedi was able to turn off a whole fleet. Naga Sadow once pulled out a star's core, causing it to go super nova. Child's play. To an army, even galaxies could tremble. The power here can reshape the galaxy with ease. It only needs the will to guide it."

 

Rinwald pauses, letting the implications sink in. "But, if I have such a power, why haven't I used it, yes?" He looks up at Omega with undisguised pride. "He is loyal to me, serves me well, and would even die if I commanded him to. Unfortunately there are two things against him. He is only a puppet, a shell, a vessel. Due to his artificial genesis, he lacks what would be classified as a 'soul' and is maliable in that respect. Only through intense training and conditioning has his loyalty been assured The time it would take to replicate an army of his nature and conditioning would take centuries, if not mellinnia. The second lies in the force itself."

 

"I have studied this area with great methodology, taking it to a higher level than Sith 'alchemy', Jedi 'sorcery', or 'witch-craft' if you believe those terms. It is a natural energy and a natural process and can be harnessed by the laws of science. I may not have access to their data and research and cannot replicate their results immediately, but it can be done."

 

Rinwald waits another moment, then continues, letting the holo-image shift to a series of undefinable and seemingly random patterns. "The force though, has a living will. It does more than act as the nexus for existance and 'life' as we call it. It can act through us or around us whether we will it or not. I would seek to overlay a stronger will, my will, over the force itself to control my army and bring about a new order onto this universe."

 

The Director of CORE holds off, studying Geki to see how he reads this bold proclaimation. Rinwald continues in his firm, conversational voice.

 

"Look at the galaxy around you. The Jedi are weak and self-righteous, incapable of using their gift as it was meant to be used. The Sith engage in senseless brutality and hedonism and are blinded by it. The Empire is destined to fall from Palpatine's excess once again, leaving nothing left to salvage. The fractured rebel alliance will try to establish an even more fractured republic, mired in debts to crimelords and its short sighted ideals. The wars and strife will continue for eternity unless someone has the means to step in. The old history and order must be destroyed to make way for the new and with this absolute power I will make it happen with in a years time. It is now a question of if you are with me, or against me."

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

Rinwald lets out a cool laugh, anticipating this question.

 

"In truth I did not know what your action would be. I only suspected, hence why I drew this meeting together. I sense you are a like minded individual so I offer you the greatest gift I can on this matter- choice. The plan will go through. It is inevitable and under current projections has a 97.85% chance of success. I have faith in judgment. Looking where the galaxy has come from and where it is heading, you realize the situation needs a strong hand to guide it. If all the galaxy were naught but mindless servants, my victory would be meaningless, but it must cater to individuals with foresight and choice.

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

Rinwald nods, meeting Geki's smile with one of his own. "You I would hope to meet as an equal. Among true, conscious, individuals, there can be no other measure."

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

Rinwald in response, snaps his fingers again and the holo image in the center of the table shifts again. Two double helixes appear- one being that of Omega, the other an incomplete shell.

 

"There are two things. The first lies in the facilitation of the force overthrow. While the Omega cells are powerful, they lack 'spiritual' substance and are just mere batteries. In an individual they could potentially do great wonders, though there are few I would willingly put them into. A normal body could easily loose control of such power."

 

The incomplete helix is zoomed in on. "What I am proposing to do is create an ultimate host, capable of offsetting the balance of the force. A powerful spirit, bound to a body made of the strongest Jedi and Sith in the galaxy. We have gathered several, most recently the DNA of the younger Hale Akturus from the Bogden incident. However, I have a great need for secrecy as my actions proved unpopular during the last time I meddled in galactic affairs. I am taking great risk by having one of my most trusted operatives attempt to gain a sample of Palpatine's DNA in the middle of the rebels immenant attack on Coruscant and while that might be sufficient, further augmentation will be needed. In that I require your help in collecting samples for this new body."

 

The holo image zooms out again, showing a shadowy outline of a massive figure, probably close to eight feet tall and distinctly humanoid in appearance. Rinwald measures his needs then continues.

 

"The other is locating a certain spirit. My diviners have been hard pressed to locate it. My only clue is that it is taking co-residence with-in a sentient being. This spirit is unique in that is was artifically created." The Holo image shifts out showing a pair of ancient and decrepit stone tablets, engraved with the markings of the Sith atop them.

 

"An ancient break-away cabal of Sith explored ways of transcending life and death through their arts, probably drawing on information from an even earlier period predating the Jedi Order. They created a special spirit, acting as a bridge between the two- existing in both realms at once. Unfortunately this cabal was nihilistic and sought to exterminate all life in the galaxy. They recently made an attempt at reviving their order but the timely intervention of a select few Sith and Jedi destroyed the Thanatos Cult and nearly annihilated the spirit of its leader. It survived and I need to find it. This thing, known as the Channel, united in my Omega powered host body will be the final tool I need to complete my ambition. I can turn that spirit in the right direction and launch my assault on the will of the living force, surplating it. After that..." Rinwald spreads his hands apart, laying them palms up in the air.

 

"... the fate galaxy and the force itself, history and direction of the universe can be shaped anew, molded as CORE deems worthy. Then I foresee a galaxy that will truly flurish."

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

Rinwald accept's Geki's hand. No need for a word of thanks or appreciation was felt necessary, though his liver colored lips draw back in a pleased smile.

 

"I believe this alliance will be to our mutual benefit."

 

Rinwald turns about and leaves through a side door, Omega trailing closely behind him, and then followed by Beta. Omicron approaches the governor, reaching into his lab jacket and handing out a small test silvery test tube.

 

"You will find these rather useful," the aged scientists explains with an enthusiastic cackle. "Special nanites with regenerative qualities. Configure them to your DNA and they can repair minor cuts and bruises in mintues, serious wounds in a day, and life threatening ones with in two. Of course," Omicron adds, "such an item could also be reverse engineered with the right DNA to work to the rapid deterioration of a person's health. Use them well."

 

Omicron follows the others out of the dining hall, leaving it empty and alone.

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

Emerging from the shadows with an almost synchronized step are two red livalried agents, bearing the insignia of the CORE organization. They have their weapons pointed at Ronin, staring at him for several seconds that seem to drag into an eternity of unpleasant possibilities.

 

"That will be enough," a voice calls out.

 

Stepping between the guards is a tall man, dressed in a long black coat, a ruffled collar, and gripping a long cane. His face is hidden behind a silver mask, leaving only two liver colored strips at his mouth, pressed into a permanent sneer.

 

"Well met, Master Wartide. We have been expecting you."

 

The voice is polished and urbane, unmistakably Corellian, but the eyes of this creature are colder than the blackest void of space, devoid of any human emotion akin to sympathy or compassion.

 

"I presume you have the brain." he notes, motioning to a concealed turbolift in the back. "We will get started at once. I believe your organizations will find this... modification we have in mind... suitable for your ends." It of course went without saying that the man only acted for his own benefit and at this time found this alignment of purpose useful for himself.

 

The turbolift is occupied by the CORE director and his two henches, also carrying an overpowering reptillian scent from the director's looming bodyguard.

 

The clear glasteel turbolift shoots downward, suddenly lurching forward and into a wide series of tunnels built deep into Corellia's core, filled with ancient machinery. Verily it was more a hidden monotrack system than a mere turbolift, descending further and further into the planet and its cyclopean interior.

 

"The legacy of the ancients," Rinwald intones. "Remaints of 40,000 year old hyperdrive... the likes of which you see Dagon and his Imperials striving to duplicate with their celestial system, but lacking the purpose and clarity of those who have come before." His eyes flash. "I understand your wishes regarding Piccolo, and his own desires. They will be met, I assure you."

 

They reach a small dome, inside of which lies a medical labatory. Body parts occupy glass tubes- some mechanical, others completely biological, and some a synthesis of both. Their states, living, dead, or in stasis is uncertain, but the air of technology at work is certain.

 

"The Trandoshan's brain will find its new body suitable... perfect for dealing with the likes of petty force users who do not know their place in the galactic order. He will consume their lifeblood, and use it to forge order out of chaos amid the flames of war... He will be a champion, worthy of me... True order, devoid of light, dark... only the grey drone of steel and blood will remain..." Dahlmiester trails off, his voice still firm, eyes distant.

 

They reach a large vault and pressing his hand up to a control panel, Dahlmiester's appendage seems to melt into it, his nanite body registering with CORE Omicron's safeguard. "We will rebuild him. We will make him stronger, faster, better than before... Only through death can their be any rebirth... Behold!"

 

Standing in the center of the room loomed the body, the latest in the CORE organization's foul cache of technology. It seemed steeped in some sinister purpose, silent and brooding, waiting for its host and the will to drive it forth towards the inevitable.

 

"Our organization's gift to you and the Black Sun which will eclipse those who have come before." The pale lips curl into a smile, showing large, very white teeth. "Use it well..."

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

"He merely made an investment in your future." Dahlmiester's smooth voice chimes in, stepping into the "Trandoshan's" line of sight. "You were rather far gone. Even the B'omarr Monks might have been unable to salvage anything." A tight smile appears on the CORE Director's lips, though his face remains grave and serious. "Allow me for a formal introduction, since we've been... business aquantances for longer than you realize. I am Rinwald Adolphus Dahlmiester, Director of CORE, and have been a benefactor of Black Sun's past technical innovations." He gives a small half bow and continues. Those innovations included leading a raid on Black Sun's Black X-1 station and stealing a prototype virus aimed at getting rid of the galaxies force users to secure a take over that ultimately failed.

 

"Your old body perished. The details of that are with in your own memories. Your brain ended up in the hands of someone you would consider an enemy and Mr. Wartide here secured its release. We however, contacted him about making use of you." Sensing possible anger rising at that statement, Dahlmiester holds up one gloved hand in warning. "You are left to your own devices and we have no wish to control you. We trust you to act as Black Sun has always acted, out of self-interest and with the means availible. As it happens, those coincide with what we desire."

 

Another CORE Agent enters the room, handing a datapad and dossier to Rinwald, who views them. Once more the tight smiles appears on his pale lips. "Excellent," he whispers, handing back the dossier, but keeping the datapad. Turning back to Piccolo, he continues. "Your new body is different than that which come before. You have proven yourself a warrior beyond call, though a mortal one, with the weakness the flesh entails. Your heart and soul is iron. It is fitting you have a body to match. With it you could take on a small army- or something more dangerous."

 

"It was a force user that killed you, was it not?" His lips purse. "Wild and unpredictable, capricious and drunk on the power they've crudely tapped into, turning away their own will whether they follow their light or their dark. You have also had considerable skill in battling these animals though. Your battle with the Jedi in their Temple a while back brought you against something... different... something far more dangerous than your run of the mill Jedi and Sith Master. You fought that beast and won. Your skills are paramount for such a feat, though still fallible. Hence your new body to make up for such lapses."

 

Handing the datapad to Ronin, Dahlmiester turns about. "Consider the new body a gift. Master Wartide here will give you a briefing on what it is capable of, as well as some new toys you may have the plans to or outright borrow. I believe with these resources, any... ambitions... you may have had been unable to enact will be easily fulfilled and some of the current galaxy's staunchest "defenders", be they Sith, Jedi, or unallied hunters, would be pressed to meet you head on. You have been given the power, so use it as you wish."

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

A red garbed CORE agent steps forward, speaking up.

 

"The latest in CORE Omicron and CORE Beta's work, this cybernetic suit is built around ancient technology harvested from Force users of the past and turned to more enlightened uses." The agent gives a small hacking cough and continues.

 

"First off the power source is designed to run off the Force. We've engineered it based off a bit of old Sith tech, along with some leavings we took from Midsengard's files..." He gives another cough and continues. "The suit doesn't merely run the Force through it. It consumes it, utterly, giving you great leway against Force users since their attacks do naught." There is a small chuckle as the scientist continues. "And lightsabers.... Ha! Don't make me laugh."

 

"You have your basic limbs- arms, legs. They're slightly bent, but they're strong enough to both punch or kick through durasteel plating- or the skull of an intinerant force user should they get in the way."

 

"Your head portion is the most reinforced, protecting your brain. Sensors to pick up sub and ultra sonic sounds, infa red, x-ray vision, heat vision, the works. You know how that goes." There's another short laugh. "If it exists, you can sense it."

 

The agent points to the large, bulky arms. "There's a variety of weapons that are built in. First you have a classic design- cortosis alloy virbo-broadswords- tempered enough to turn back lightsabers, no really reactive potential, and enough to slice through flesh and bone. Also atop the wrists are small emitters for another unique weapon- dual lightwhips. The protocols for running them are built into your body, so while they may take some getting used to, practice makes perfect."

 

"Your favorite weapons are availible from sprays under the wrists- your left has a liquid nitrogen spray, and your right a large flame thrower. Fire & ice to ice your opponents." There's another low chuckle that breaks into a racking cough.

 

The scientist recovers, pointing to Piccolo's chest plate. "The basic technology there is something borrowed from your armor, your sonic ressonance armor designed by..." the agent gives the CORE director a quick look, then flushes. "Well, we all know who designed it. It's not as strong as in your original set, but it's enough to drive people away and all."

 

"Moving to your back, you have a dual rocket/repulsor combination. A bit heavy and something of a powerhog, but with the nanogenerators in your armor and the force consuming engines it's a non issue. There's also a micromissile launcher there- good for raining death on your foes, or troubling a persuing spaceship or aircraft."

 

"From your waist you have stokhli spray sticks at work. The stuff can send out stun webs that can knock down a Wookie, it cannot be stopped by a lightsaber, and it's one of the few non-lethal armorments you have."

 

At that the scientist whistles, summoning a large weapon almost as big as he was. "A triple chain gun. You need both hands to wield it, and it does preclude the use of your sword and lightsaber, but it can take down a spaceship or a small army of storm troopers with ease. It straps onto your back like it would a sword. You also have the options of withdrawing from your belt disruptor pistols and a gun that sends out armor piercing cortosis slugs."

 

The scientist ticks off the list. "That's more or less everything?" he asks the Director.

 

With another thin smile, Rinwald nods, then speaks up.

 

"As you can see, you are a perfectly equipped killing machine," he gives a small laugh of his own. "Even my body guard might not be able to take you." At that the reptillian CORE Omega grunts, eyeing Piccolo, but takes no other action. "You will be the field marshall of this operation. Our own role in this must not be known," Dahlmiester warns Ronin and the Black Sun leader. "Should it be leaked, there will be dire consequences..." Rinwald's pale grey eyes light up. "All I would ask, is, as you conquer, for you to send the DNA samples of the Force users you capture. They would help Beta with a special project he has been working on."

[Rinwald Dahlmiester]

For Dahlmiester's part, it was neither a threat or intended to intimidate. It was a statement of fact. His organization had other ends, other plans far more sinister in motion, but this was a step in the right direction, and for now, acting through the hands of Black Sun would be best for all... and being no fool, Rinwald wasted no opportunity.

 

The Director of CORE snaps his fingers and an unsettling sight is brought into the room. Bound with metal and blinded by a mask, a humanoid of unknown species is wheeled into the room on a stretcher.

 

"One of Beta's used test subjects," Dahlmiester notes clinically. "We were working with a way to limit force users through cellular sublimation with nanite technology, much in the same way mineral deposits will slowly petrify a forest over the ages. Unfortunately it ruined his body with tumors developing over 78.3% of his vital organs and caused 5 different forms of psychosis. It's only his residual force powers that are keeping him alive, fighting off the nanite plague. Still, he has use..." Dahlmiester snaps his fingers again and his hand shimmers, the nanites that supersaturated his own body acting up, ressonating with the CORE technology found in Piccolo's new body, activating full power, and the shadow mass generator, which activates.

 

The masked alien shrieks once, and a surge of energy charges through Piccolo's suit. "The living force around you can be feed off of with ease, though empowered individuals can do wonders for your batteries." The alien thrashes, the stiffens, small tendrils of grey ooze trickling out of open sores. Dahlmiester snaps his fingers again and the alien is wheeled away for proper disposal.

 

"As for armies, we have plans to power them with the self-same technology. We have been breeding vornskrs in captivity on our homeworld base, cybernetically altering them. They are stronger, more vicious, more determined, and armored to chase down padawans and apprentices- or unprepared squadrons of stormtroopers or alliance troops."

 

As he speaks a hologram projector in the background starts to display these new technologies.

 

"Next is a more specialized troop- based off the Mandalorian model, but lacking their heavy armorments. Jet packs and flechette launchers, coupled with refined disruptors and blasters. Light and manuverable to resist force throws and even conventional blaster fire. They could give a knight or a lord a run for their money."

 

Next a hidious looking humanoid is displayed. "The rarest and most expensive of these is our super elite. Being very careful to conceal ourselves from other powers that be, we harvested orbalisks from the beast moon of Dxun, refined their genetic code, and hooked them into cyborgs armed with the force consuming generator, leaving behind a nanotech poison to surprise others who would harvest those beasts. The residual emissions are enough to placate the beasts. Faster healing, nigh impervious to lightsabers, and with speeds and battle data surpassing even the canniest droids, these are your elite for hunting masters of the force..." Once more a thin smile appears on Dahlmiester's face. "Added in with money to hire mercinary troops, the resources of Black Sun and the pirates, you have an army that, with proper strategy could even catch the Empire off guard and damage them severely, severely enough to use the window to neutralize their leaders at the least.

 

Once more the Director smiles. "As for ships, we have been working with Mister Wartide to revamp smaller fighter ships he aquired, coupling them with a few we too have obtained on the black market. We found a few derrelict Star Destroyers and other ships here and there and revamped them. You could reduce a civilized world to slag if you so chose..."

 

The hologram flashes through the ships obtained in the past few months. While this may have come as a shock to Piccolo, and to some degree Ronin, CORE was always on the alert for the main chance. "Take your pick," Dahlmiester offers graciously, his grey eyes, piercing and untroubled by emotion, dancing with their own calculating light.

 

He snaps his fingers one last time and wall opens up, revealing a turbolift pod like the one that brought Ronin down to CORE's secret base. Rinwald hands Dahlmiester a datapad with the details of all of the above (the same information above having been hardwired into Piccolo's new body).

 

"When you have made your decision, that pod will take you though the tunnels the Celestial... or perhaps even the Killiks... once used when they created the Corellian system... and back to the surface regardless..." As Rinwald speaks of the creators of the Corellia system, for the first time Piccolo would have heard there is a halting pattern in his speech, indicating genuine respect, or perhaps even reverence for those who have gone before.

 

Leaving his departing guests to their own devices, Dahlmiester turns back to the lab and various projects obviously afoot, having done his role in setting the ball rolling, now indifferent really to events. "Oh, by the way," he states in his low, urbane voice. Slowly he turns his head over his shoulders, giving a wide smile, both white and vicious, though definitely dark and ironic above all else. "May the force be with you."