War of the Galaxies: The Obsidian Node

The Dralax Encounter

Location: Stellar Dawn, Above Unknown Planet, Uncharted Space
Time: Galactic Standard Time (GST) 18:00
Universal Galactic Calendar (UGC): 7th Cycle, 132nd Rotation, 2671 G.E.

The Stellar Dawn hovered above the planet's turbulent atmosphere, her sleek Federation profile stark against the reddish-orange haze that enveloped the planet below. On the bridge, Captain Talia Ryker observed the data feeds with focused intensity. The surface scans revealed an alien landscape marred by violent dust storms, harsh rock formations, and towering mountain ranges that loomed like dark guardians over the planet's secrets.

In the cavernous landing bay, Federation shuttles were powering up, their streamlined forms humming with latent energy as the crew prepared for their descent. Captain Ryker was among them, fully suited and briefing her landing team with practiced precision. Around her stood Lieutenant Velos, Dr. Leva Shan, and a squad of Federation troopers, all prepared for the challenges of this unknown and hostile world.

"Lieutenant Velos, keep your team close as we land," Ryker instructed, her voice calm but commanding. "We don't know what to expect from the Dralax, but we know they've fortified themselves around the energy source. Our objective is clear: secure a landing site and assess the situation."

"Understood, Captain," Velos replied, signaling his team to perform final checks on their plasma pulse rifles and portable shields. "We're ready to deploy on your command."

Ryker glanced at Dr. Shan, who was checking her scanning equipment, her expression intent as she calibrated for potential alien technology readings. The tension was palpable as the team boarded their shuttle, taking their positions while Velos and Ryker ran final system checks.

Location: Federation Lander Shuttle 059, Approaching Unknown Planet
Time: Galactic Standard Time (GST) 18:10
Universal Galactic Calendar (UGC): 7th Cycle, 132nd Rotation, 2671 G.E.

As the shuttles hummed to life, a burst of static crackled over the comms. It was a harsh, guttural voice—unmistakably Dralax. The sound sent a ripple of unease through the landing team as Marshal Dagon Sorn's taunting message echoed in the confined space.

"Federation," he sneered, his tone filled with amusement and malice. "This is Dralax territory now. Turn back, or you'll find yourselves on the wrong end of a plasma rifle."

The team exchanged uneasy glances as Velos muttered, "They've hacked into our short-range comms."

Ryker's face hardened, her voice resolute as she responded. "Marshal Sorn, Federation protocols don't recognize Dralax claims in uncharted space. Stand down, and we can avoid unnecessary conflict."

A rasping laugh came in response. "Unnecessary? The only thing unnecessary here is your presence, Captain. You want a fight—come and get it. But don't expect us to fight fair."

The comms went silent, and a tense hush fell over the shuttle. Ryker's jaw clenched. "Velos, alert the team to be prepared for hostile engagement the moment we hit the ground. Dr. Shan, stay behind cover, and give me real-time updates on any readings as we approach."

The shuttle shuddered as it broke through the planet's dense, turbulent atmosphere. Outside, visibility was nearly zero, the dusty clouds swallowing all light save for brief flashes of distant lightning that illuminated the jagged terrain below. Without warning, a volley of plasma fire erupted from the surface, streaking up toward the shuttles in deadly arcs.

"Evasive maneuvers!" Ryker shouted, gripping the side of her seat as the shuttle banked sharply, dodging the first wave of Dralax fire. The pilot's deft adjustments allowed them to avoid several direct hits, but the intensity of the fire was unrelenting.