So the first episode of Chapter 2 of the Coldfire Chronicles hit last Monday and with it; this majestic piece of artwork by Kim Kogut. We’re going to be releasing a new character every episode until we’ve got through them all. Here’s J’ren – fresh from getting some new clothes that don’t look like he’s just escaped from Prison.
He breathed.
The scream of engines, the jolt as the dropship stopped suddenly, doors opening. The scent of alien spices carried on the hot air.
He sat cross-legged. His eyes were closed, his breathing rhythmic and even. He thought of nothing, emptying his mind and seeking peace.
The hail of blaster fire ricocheting off the walls. The screams of the dying and wounded, the acrid stink of burned metal.
In through the nose for four seconds. A pause. Out through the mouth for four seconds. A pause.
Over his head, a figure leaping, pirouetting, dancing to a tune only they could hear. In its hand, a blade of pure light. That humming sound, always that humming sound as it carved the air.
First, the left lung filled. Held. Emptied. Then the right. The frigid air circulating in him as he focused on the lessons he had been thought, the disciplines instilled in him.
The echoing sound of metal feet marching in step. The enemy, so laughable on the briefing material, repurposed and refitted for death. The reality on the ground so different.
His breath steamed. Dim light reflected and refracted through the stalactites hanging from the ceiling of the meditation chamber. Shadows flitted and danced of their own accord.
Brothers dead beside him, men wearing the same face, the same skin. Each one identical. Each one unique.
He could feel the vibrations of the power plant through the floor. He could feel, just below his hands, the space where the handles hid, the handles which would open the door to his past.
The scream and the recoil of the rotary blaster in his hands, laying down a deadly hail as his squadmates dived for cover. The sparks and explosions as the enemy were caught and scrapped.
He could hear his heartbeat increasing. Could feel the blood pumping in his ears. Felt the temptation once again to shed this mask, to return to the mantle he once wore.
That day. That dreadful day. His will being crushed beneath the tide. His hands moving in unison with his brothers, against his control. The betrayal. The blood. The darkness. The darkness…
His fists clenched, then released. His heartbeat slowed. A single tear rolled down from his left eye.
He breathed.
He breathed.
He breathed.
From one end of the Outer Rim to the other, a message edges its way across the holonet – a certain Besalisk under the shadow of the Jedi is reaching out to a Hero they know somewhere, somewhere on the Hydian Way…
Meet our motley crew;
Artwork by the very wonderful AndysDrawings
ISB Fugitive Report
Compiled by: Agent A942463 Palanqa
Subject URN: 2948739578/192/G2
Subject Codename: SREINA LOADOUT
Personal Data
Name: Dalen Kai-Rhane
Race: Human
Age: 24
Build: Medium
Distinguishing Features: Full cybernetic replacement for right eye (Ubrikkian model, Chimera Series, Mark IV).
Address: Unknown. Last known location CYNABALE, Outer Rim
Place of Employment: Unknown. Last known location CYNABALE, Outer Rim
Notes: Lieutenant (2nd Class): Current military status: Deserter, Absent without Authorised Leave
Class VIII Star fighter Pilot: Quad-Fusel and Twin Ion. License revoked.
Awarded the Imperial Medal of Valour.
Awarded the Nova Star Medal.
Subject Background
Subject is the child of DRAGOON; confirmed whereabouts unknown to DRAGOON by ISB Loyalty Officers. DRAGOON has agreed to frequent random testing to ensure this status is unchanged.
SREINA LOADOUT graduated Alpha-Nine from Lothal Sector Naval Academy. ISB review of Academy psychiatric evaluation indication no anomalous behaviour. SREINA LOADOUT awarded the Imperial Medal of Valour for their role in OPERATION TURKANA for actions above and beyond the call of duty.
FINAL DROP in Beta test of PROJECT WHEEL. Test successful. PROJECT WHEEL delivery ship unrecovered. SREINA LOADOUT Designated KIA. Posthumous awarded the Nova Star Medal.
Designation updated to AWOL after AGENT A756DB Coronado discovered PROJECT WHEEL delivery ship on outer rim planet CYNABALE. SREINA LOADOUT status upgraded to Fugitive and Deserter after thirty cycles.
Reason for Fugitive Status
Current affiliation unknown; SREINA LOADOUT remains at large with classified information regarding PROJECT WHEEL.
SREINA LOADOUT should be considered hostile until proven otherwise.
Subject Known Associates
DRAGOON: ISB Commander. Currently Subject to frequent random loyalty testing. Coded threat level: ONYX SLEEPING.
Threat Coding: CRIMSON EMERGENT
Recommended Action Plan: SREINA LOADOUT is to be taken alive if possible for interrogation. Radicalisation is potential but not yet confirmed. Imperial power is limited due to THROW OSMOSIS influence. For direct search and extraction not authorised. Bounty placed with THROW OSMOSIS.
Keywords: SREINA LOADOUT. DRAGOON. OPERATION TURKANA. PROJECT WHEEL. THROW OSMOSIS.
