Ziost - Crown of the Sith Empire

A duo of man and blue Zygerrian walked through the hallways of the tower towards an area that had been designated for research on the maps. Their contacts had sent them in the direction of a well-regarded... if not slightly infamous... researcher who lived in this part of the tower.

Once he reached the outer doors they made themselves known through whatever screening mechanism was in place and asked for an audience with the doctor.

A droid answered the door and studied the pair for a moment, after hearing the request.


"More visitors? He's becomming popular." It waved for them to follow. "He's in his lab, as usual."

The droid led them through a spacious apartment and up a winding stairway. The second floor of the apartment was an impressive lab, fully stocked and equipped.

"Xal, you have more guests."

The arkanian looked up from a datapad. "I'm sorry, did we have an appointmen"

He shook his head, "No, and I am sorry for arriving unannounced. My name is Sylvain Torsin. This is my associate Nasari Rhalu."

"I am Xal Kimlya. This is my assistant, GR8-1." he responded. "I don't mind, I was just finishing a few notes. What can we do for you?"

He nodded graciously and replied, "I have recently come to Ziost on a matter of importance. Much of the Outer Rim is experiencing a plague that deprives the Empire of valuable resources. As of yet the core of the Empire has taken little interest in the disease and research has followed this pattern of apathy for too long."

He smiled softly, "I have information that the Czerka Corporation are beginning to search for a cure to the disease and suck Imperial credits out of our hands and into theirs. I would rather see our own scientists learn how to resolve this issue... and any other gainful bits of scientific discovery that they can glean from the study of this disease. As such I am assembling the finest researchers the capital has to offer... And your name has come to my attention."

He continued, "It appears that the Dark Council may indeed push greater resources into this endeavor. I wish to see this not frittered and wasted away. In my role as governor of the Zygerria system I have considerable experience with the plague. I have a planet's worth of data and test subjects, and I have gathered some of the best scientists here who are already beginning their work."

He listened carefully, giving the man his full attention. He was silent for a few moments after Sylvain had finished.

"A plague... Yes, that makes sense." he nodded. "What do you know of it? It's symptoms? How quickly has it spread?"

“The contagion spreads quickly. Flue-like at first then pale blotches cover the skin and coughing of blood in the mid stages. In the final stages, blindness can set in and often leaves the contaminated bed ridden. Internal organs shut down as they deteriorate and internal bleeding is common.”

"How long does the progression take?"

"In total about 8-9 days. But 4-5 after symptoms set in." He replied.

"Hmm... very nasty." He scratched his chin. "Medicine isn't my focus, but I would like to look into this. I do have other projects. Those would take priority But, I'll help as I can."

"Excellent. A woman named Raela Ausar is taking point on the research for now. I will give you her contact information. I'm sure she'll be excited to have the help." He said with a smile.

"I just met her, actually." Xal smiled. "Through another acquaintance."

"Is that so?" He said with a look of pleasant surprise. "Is working with her an amenable arrangement?"

"Yes, that should be fine." he nodded. "Is there anyone else involved?"

"There is another man... An Arkanian like yourself. I have reached out to him and he has asked me for a day to think it over." He replied.

"It is my hope that he will join you and the three of you can head up the research."

"I see. Hopefully we'll be able to find a solution, then." he made a few notes. "We'll need whatever information you currently have on the plague, of course, and any attempts to treat it."

He nodded, "I have already relayed that information to Lady Ausar. I believe she has acquired a laboratory that she has begun research in. I can send you the coordinates."

"Excellent, I--"

Suddenly, the lights went out.

"GR8-1! Find out what's happening." Xal found a glow rod and turned it on and motioned for Sylvain to follow. "Come, let's see how far spread this is."

Downstairs, the oversized windows offered an expansive view of New Adasta.

Sylvain looked out the window to see only a darkened landscape throughout the entire city. "Another attack?"

Xal looked at the droid, who shook its head. "Possibly. But, to darken the city with no overt sign..."