War of the Galaxies: The Obsidian Node

The Unveiling of the Obsidian Node

Location: Stellar Dawn, In-Orbit of Unknown Planet, Uncharted Space
Time: Galactic Standard Time (GST) 19:00
Universal Galactic Calendar (UGC): 7th Cycle, 132nd Rotation, 2671 G.E.

The Stellar Dawn maintained a vigilant orbit over the desolate planet, her sleek hull catching the reddish haze that cloaked the atmosphere below. On the bridge, Commander Joryn Tal, now seated in the captain's chair, kept a sharp eye on the tactical display, watching as the Dralax ship maneuvered erratically, trying to evade the Federation's scanners and slip beyond the range of Stellar Dawn's powerful plasma cannons and EMP field. The Dralax vessel, bearing visible scars from the earlier confrontation, was now making a last-ditch attempt to escape further conflict.

First Officer Marin, currently acting as Tactical Officer in the absence of Lieutenant Velos, stood by the weapons console, her posture tense as she analyzed the Dralax ship's movements. "Commander, they're running on minimal shields," she reported. "One sustained barrage could force them into a full retreat, but they're moving fast, trying to use the planet's curvature for cover."

Tal gave a sharp nod, his voice calm but unyielding. "Let's not give them that chance. Prepare a firing solution, but hold until they're fully in our sights. They won't escape the Stellar Dawn this time."

Commander Ellen Daro, the Kel'Ren Nomad and strategic advisor to the Federation, observed the situation with intense focus, his gaze sweeping over the sensor data. "Their shield regeneration rate is abysmally low. They're using patchwork repairs, Commander, likely from battle scraps. We can press the advantage without risk of retaliation," he advised, his voice calm yet deliberate.

Tal considered his words, nodding. "Good. They'll try to drag us into a chase and hope we tire before they do. Marin, bring us into a steady orbit above them and prepare to engage. We'll cut off their escape route."

Location: Exterior of Obsidian Node, Unknown Planet, Uncharted Space
Time: Galactic Standard Time (GST) 19:00
Universal Galactic Calendar (UGC): 7th Cycle, 132nd Rotation, 2671 G.E.

Captain Ryker and her team moved cautiously on the rocky terrain around the massive Obsidian coloured structure. The structure loomed before them, a towering, angular monolith of smooth, obsidian stone reaching skyward over 200 meters, its surface matte and slightly uneven, glinting faintly as if alive with a subtle energy.

Dr. Leva Shan, the Federation's chief scientific officer, led the way, her gaze sweeping across the intricate glyphs carved into the Node's surface. She ran a gloved hand over the stone, her face a mask of awe and concentration.

"It's magnificent," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "The craftsmanship here is astounding. These glyphs—I've seen similar symbols in our archives. V'Sharii inscriptions, ancient... but the energy resonance is incredible, unlike anything we've studied."

Ryker glanced at Shan, her curiosity piqued. "How old would you estimate this structure to be?"

"Millennia, at the very least," Shan replied, her eyes alight with excitement. "The V'Sharr Collective thrived in their supercluster long before our civilizations recorded history. They were masters of cosmic energy manipulation, and some believe they ascended beyond physical form." She paused, a sense of reverence slipping into her tone. "If this is truly a V'Sharii artifact, then we're standing before a piece of unimaginable power—and history."

Ryker's gaze followed Shan's, tracing the intricate glyphs that glowed faintly, pulsating as if responding to their presence. "Let's proceed carefully," she instructed, feeling a sudden chill in the dense, ashen air.

Location: Dralax Encampment, Jagged Hills around the Obsidian Node, Unknown Planet
Time: Galactic Standard Time (GST) 19:00
Universal Galactic Calendar (UGC): 7th Cycle, 132nd Rotation, 2671 G.E.