64 light years away

[Omicron]

Unknown, The Shrine

Shrine as the humans got to call it, was unique even by alien terms. While it resembled pattern found in Nomad vessels, their architecture always took shape to organic, hive-like structures. Closer look at massive arms stretching out of central spire gave impression that the hull is somewhat hybrid in nature. Surface appeared intermediary, drawing close to K’Haran features while still retaining strong hints of other influence. Nobody could answer for certain why and for what purpose, leaving more questions than answers. Interior brought no revelation either. Vast rooms and spacious corridors had no distinction whatsoever concerning up and down. Specific rotational symmetry provided three, six or even twelve surfaces as equivalent of docking bay revealed itself. Atmosphere provided luxurious proportions of gases necessary for human body yet luxuries ended at that. Entire arrangement and lack of artificial gravity provided significant challenge to even the most basic daily routines.

Small, local population remedied some of the drawbacks with bit of ingenuity and technology at their disposal. Landing pad housed random assortment of starships, some long since cannibalized for spare parts and equipment to get on with their lives in this inhospitable place. Pathways were set with generous amount of artificial gravity pads, allowing for more casual navigation in a way meant for human being.

Nobody expected the strike. First freighter slammed into the surface ungracefully, opening cargo doors for the marines to disembark. Chaos, Nemesis and Valkyrie floated out seeking for targets while Arctic made his best to join rest of his squad as soon as possible. They did not had to look far as one of the residents was caught unaware as Order ships made their final approach. Heavily armored figure dived immediately in his direction, coming to a halt only as magnetic boots got marine firmly attached. Seemingly civilian local took the heaviest tool of his at his disposal in desperate attempt to defend himself. Chaos lifted up his weapon, hesitating only for a few mere seconds to allow his first victim to die fighting. He had no second thoughts, squeezing the trigger as his power armor deflected the hit easily. “Was that supposed to hurt?” Soldier’s mockery were last words heard to Nomad sympathizer as brief stream of thick liquid ignited and engulfed him in flames. Second freighter’s made a landfall while still illuminated by livid living torch. Last signs of life were extinguished long before fire was put out.

Second fire team joined up shortly. Templar - self declared crusader knight - at least had more moderate company more fitting to Valkyrie’s liking. Thunder was cool headed operator, fielding heavy machine gun to provide fire support. Kitty’s been squads newest addition, fresh from training. While not treated on level with other professionals in the force while off-duty, right now it was her occasion to prove worth to rest of the marines. Finally, there is also Archer - field engineer by role, his skills and allegiance owed not that long time ago to Liberty armed forces. Not that Kate cared about it too much, remembering her own Reaper days. She decided to lead on immediately, wanting to be done with this bloodbath as soon as possible. “Let’s get this over with… form up and move out. Fire at will, leave no survivors.” Announcing, she took the lead deeper into the Shrine.

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