Contents
Background
First encounter
New Life
Second encounter
Another perspective
Chapter #1: The meeting
Chapter #2: Getting started
Chapter #3: Preparations
Chapter #4: Research lab
Chapter #5: Prototype design
Chapter #6: Change of plans
Chapter #7: Relocating research
Chapter #8: Echoes of Desolation
Chapter #9: Forgotten Resurgence
Chapter #10: Echoes of Purification

Background

Ezequiel Vid was born on 30th of November 811 A.S on Freeport 11. His parents, Michael and Anna Vid, were both running their own small but profitable mining business. The main material they were dealing with was Iridium. Due to its rarity and the only known abundant source was Omicron Delta, right where their home was, proved to be the right commodity to exploit. Everything was great for the Vid's and three years after they started the business, Ezequiel was born.

From an early age, Ezequiel started having an interest in the family business. His father was so proud when he saw his son's interest and made him run errands around Freeport so he could earn his first credits and learn how not to rely on his family's money. Doing so, Ezequiel started meeting new people, making good friends and even falling in love with a girl for the first time. When he got a bit older, his father slowly began to step aside from leading the business and let his son take it over.

By the time Ezequiel was 20, he was already running the family business and having a happy relationship with the girl he fell in love years ago. Until then he had never left the station so one day he asked his father to take him where Iridium was mined so he could see how this process was done. He got on the family ship along with his father, entered the cockpit, and sat on the co-pilot's seat. His heart started pounding hard when the airlock doors slowly opened. The ship undocked from Freeport and there he was for the very first time in space. Nothing could describe how he was feeling seeing the vastness of space. Michael took his son to the mining spot where there were already several ships gathering the ore. There, Ezequiel learned about mining equipment, how to extract ore from rocks, and how dangerous this is. On the way back, while he was gazing through the cockpit's window he saw something in the distance. It was a blue-shaped ship like nothing he had ever seen before, but it was gone before he could blink. He checked the radar but it was nothing so he thought it was just some kind of reflection after all.

First encounter

Six months after his space travel, Ezequiel got a pilot license. He spent many hours in the simulator just to be sure he would not fail the license test. At that moment all he wanted was to be out there. He was home celebrating when a message came in. The mining equipment of one's ship working for him broke down and Ezequiel had to go there and assess the situation. Ten minutes later he got on his ship, departed the station, and set route to the mining place. Halfway there the ship's electronics started acting weird, like there was some radiation or electromagnetic interference. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, a blue organic thing appeared. He started hearing things and felt like his mind was invaded, but he couldn't explain what was happening. Ezequiel tried to run away from the alien with no success and eventually, he passed out. Three days later he woke up in the medical quarters of Freeport 11 not knowing what happened or how he got there. His mind was a complete mess. It took days for Ezequiel to finally leave that quarters due to being too scared. He packed some of his stuff and left his home without looking back, promising never to come there again.

New Life

While trying to find a place to settle down, Ezequiel did some research on the blue aliens and found out that they were a threat to Sirius. While doing some more digging he found a group of extremists called Furyan monks who were trying to make people aware of the Nomad threat and unite, either by force or peace, all houses against a bigger threat than themselves. Ezequiel reached out to them and joined their ranks. He was given the name Vennamis and soon starting spread their word and annihilate those who were not listening. During his time among Fury, Ezequiel changed a lot from a scared boy to became skilled bomber pilot making havoc among those who didn't want to listen about the danger Sirius was in.

Second encounter

One day he received a task to investigate some nomad sightings in the Omicron Delta, the place he swore he would never visit again. He broke that promise and went there to see what was going on. Seven hours were spent scanning the system but nothing showed up. Right when he was about to leave, again, out of nowhere the blue thing appeared. Ezequiel remembered what happened the first time and froze not knowing what to do. He started feeling again like someone else was in his mind. Flashing images Ezequiel began to see right in front of his eyes. It was like the alien was trying to show him something. He tried to resist but with no success. After a while, the images started to fade slowly as Ezequiel was closing his eyes and losing consciousness.

Another perspective

Two weeks have passed since the Delta incident and Ezequiel was now on Planet Malta in the Omicron Alpha system. He had another perspective on life now. The alien made him think that Nomads aren't the greatest enemy of Sirius and it's our fault that they are angry with us. He started being interested in them and regretting all these years spent with Fury, he made things worse than they were, left their ranks, and hid right in the Outcasts home world afraid that the monks would come looking for him. He used some of his contacts to see if the brothers were looking for him, but it was like all Fury members vanished.

While hiding on the planet, Ezequiel heard about a group called Commune that saw these aliens as "The Light". He gathered some INTEL about them and realized that joining them might help redeem himself and get closer to these so-called Nomads. Using his last money, Ezequiel bribed people around to get in touch with the Overlord of the Commune. He got accepted into their ranks and now Ezequiel serves as a Commune member.

Chapter #1: The meeting
A few months have already passed since Ezequiel joined Commune and things couldn't have gone better. In this time, Ezequiel had many fights inside the houses and far in the Omicrons. Some were won, some were lost, but every time he managed to get out alive. There was a pattern in this fights that he saw: almost every battle had a capital ship on the opposing size. As a bomber-class pilot this was a concern. With the constant improvement of technology, capital ships were getting better armor plating, stronger shields, more efficient countermeasures and this was a really big problem. The current "Super Nova Antimatter Cannon" and "Nova" torpedo were packing a good punch against bigger ships, but he felt the need of a better choice of armament. His greed for power and desire to protect his Commune brothers made Ezequiel start researching a new weapon. He had some physics knowledge, but it wasn't enough for this project. He needed someone with good experience in developing weapons. A few years ago, while Ezequiel was still running the family mining business, a man called Prof. Hermolaos Kiran did some upgrades to the mining equipment in order to increase their efficiency. Last time Ezequiel and the professor spoke, Hermolaos was living on Freeport 9 in the Omicron Theta. Without big hopes of finding the professor, Ezequiel set destination to Freeport 9.

After a few days, Ezequeil finally got there. He started asking here and there, but it didn't take too long to find Hermolaos who was a fairly known scientist around. Vennamis grabbed his PDD and tried to contact the professor. Several seconds passed with no answer, but then the video feed started and his face appeared:

This is professor Hermolaos Kiran, who am I speaking to?
Good day, professor! My name is Ezequeil Vid. I don't know if you remember me, but a few years ago you helped me and my father with upgrading some mining equipment in Omicron Delta.
Oh! I do remember you, Mr. Vid. How is you family doing? How's business?
Well...After an incident back home, I left that place without looking behind. Haven't spoke to my parents in months, no idea how they are doing.
Sad to hear that. So, I guess talking about family and stuff isn't the reason you contacted me.
That's true. I have a business proposition that you might like it.
I'm listening.
I'd rather talk about this face to face. How about we meet at the local bar? I'll give you all the details there. Drinks on me.*smiled*
Allright. I'll see you there in two hours.

Eziquel having nothing else to do went to the bar to have a drink and check the latest news in the Omicrons. Time passed and eventually Hermolaos showed up and sat down at the table.

Here am I. What is this business about?

Vennamis reached for his pocket, took out his PDD and showed a schematic.

Take a look at this.
Looks interesting, but what am I looking at?
This is a schematic based on the current Nova torpedo. It is a slightly improved torpedo, but my design still has some flaws. I do not have enough knowledge about this kind of armament and I need your expertise. I will say right off the bat that money won't be a problem, if that is one of your concerns. If we get this through, you will earn a small fortune. I will provide everything that is needed, you just have to finish this project.
Right now life had a bad turn on me and I am in need of money and I also like challenges. I will accept this project, but hear me out: this is going to be hard and will take long time.
I know this, but I am willing to do everything needed just to see this done. Oh, one more thing. No one, I repeat, no one has to know about this.
Got it. Then, we have a deal, right?
Deal.

Eziquel rose the glass in celebration and continued talking. Not much later, Vennamis had to leave to start making preparation for this project.

I have to go now. I will let you know about the details as soon as I have everything sorted out. It shouldn't take long so expect my call soon. 'Till next time!

Chapter #2: Getting started

Finding the best place to do the project was important. The latest research equipment and experienced scientists were needed for a fast and successful weapon development. The only place that had all of these was The Apotheosis, Terminus' cell mobile headquarters. There was one slight problem. Getting an outsider aboard Apotheosis was not a wise thing to do without the approval of Tirumvirate's members. After talking to the Triumvirate for a few days, Ezequiel got the approval for getting professor Hermolaos aboard Apotheosis, but with only one condition: once the professor is brought on board, he shall never leave. Vennamis accepted this without thinking twice, because he wanted his design to become real no matter what.

Everything was prepared. The only thing left to be done was to bring professor Kiran. Ezequiel got his PDD out of the pocket and sent a message.

Greetings! I have found the perfect place for our project. It has all that we need. In five days I will be arriving at Freeport 9 to pick you up. Stay safe!

As promised, five days later, Ezequiel reached Freeport 9 to get the professor and head for Omicron Lost system. That's where Apotheosis was located at the time, docked with Genesis Hall for maintenance check and waiting for their arrival.

As they were getting closer to Genesis Hall, the research base was slowly showing its beauty. A "Ranseur"-class Dreadnought equipped with state of the art technology, shining bright in the light of a White Dwarf was waiting.

Unknown vessel, this is a restricted zone. Identify yourself!
This is Marauder Vennamis speaking. I request permission to dock.
Permission to dock granted. We were expecting you. Welcome home!

Ezequiel started the auto-docking procedures and let the ship fly itself. It was his first time boarding Apotheosis. As soon as the docking bay doors opened he was speechless. Everything looked like nothing he had seen before. As soon as the Vennamis' ship finished docking, the two stepped out of the vessel where they were greeted by the chief engineer.

Welcome aboard The Apotheosis, Marauder Vennamis! It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm chief engineer Lance Conner.
A pleasure to meet you, too. I never thought our research vessel would look this great. By the way, this is professor Hermolaos Kiran. He will be helping me with a project so he will be our guest for a while. *turning his head at the professor* Please make yourself at home. You will be escorted to your quarters right away. Rest for now, 'cuz tomorrow is a new day and our work shall commence. Director Synk developed a compound called Black Nova based on Azurite Gas. I think that will come handy in developing our weapon. I'll look into it and see how it will benefit us. *looking back at Lance* Send someone to take care of our guest here. We have other things to discuss

Chapter #3: Preparations

The ship tour ended on the bridge. There, chief engineer Lance and Eziquel stopped in front of the window which had a view of Genessis Hall. Ezequiel admired the construction for a few moments, then addressed to Lance:

I have an important task for you. It requires the entire ship and it's jump drive systems to be calibrated for multiple ships jump.
The ship is ready, sir. We've been here for quite some time doing routine checks and maintenance runs. I still need more details about this task. Everything that can be shared will be helpful.
Recently, I've received message from Crotana that she found a wreck in the Texas system. It looks like it's a Liberty Siege Cruiser. From the initial scans the ship seems to be in a really bad shape. And by bad shape I mean the hull took a lot of beating and it's systems are fried, destroyed or barely alive. This is all I know for know. As soon as I will get more info about it, you'll be the first to know

The chief engineer turned his head to look on the window and for some seconds he stared into the distance giving a thought on how to proceed with the assignment. An idea came to his mind, turned his head back to Ezequiel and shared it with him.

There's little information about it, which makes it very hard to accomplish it. There may be a way to do it, but I will need every man and woman we can get on this. First, I will need the coordinates of the wreck. Once we get them, we can jump right there. Some Raiders will be required too. If the ship is as damaged as you say, moving it will require more effort. To be sure that it won't be tared apart from the jump, the drive will require more power. This means weapons, shields and other non essential systems will be turned off. While the drive will be charging, Apotheosis will be very vulnerable. This is where your Raiders will matter the most. They will have to patrol the surroundings to make sure no uninvited guests show up. Also, the wreck will have to be synchronized with Apotheosis for the jump not to fail. To do that, I suggest, once we arrive in Texas to send a party of engineers on board the vessel. Their task will be to restart the ships mainframe and connect a remote AI so we can control it from here. Once everything is done, we'll jump back here hopefully with our prize intact.
I'll send immediate word to Cortana to let her know about our plan and as soon as we have green light, we will commence the operation. In this time, gather all the people and equipment you need. I'll take care of the escort detail.

As soon as Ezequiel finished his words, he left chief Conner staring on the window heading for his quarters.

Chapter #4: Research lab
Apotheosis being a research project itself was said to be host of a great mixture between alien and human technology. That was seen the moment Ezequiel came aboard the flagship. Little did he know that this was only a glimpse of what could be observed here. Deck 13, section C2 was the location of the research lab and Vennamis was heading right there.

As soon as he arrive in front of the lab, a big security door was the first thing too greet him. He got closer to them, suddenly hearing a robotic voice:

Security scan initiated. Please stand by.

He stood still for a few moments to hear again the same voice:

Security scan complete. Access granted. Welcome, Marauder Vennamis!

All the experiments and developments that were done here, were to remain a mystery from those who had no access to the lab. Nothing was going in or out unchecked so all the high security measures were understandable. As soon as the door opened, an enormous section of the ship revealed it self. Everything there had an unusual look, like nothing Ezequiel had ever seen before. Lots of scientists were working on different projects spread across the hall based on their category.

To reach his designated spot for developing the weapon, Vennamis had to pass by other on going projects. There was one that caught his attention. It involved people dived in tank with some sort of a liquid then different substances containing Nomad parts were added to the tank. The way the human body was reacting was fascinating for Ezequiel as he stopped and glanced for a few moments.

Eventually he reached the place where all the fun was about to start. Professor Kiran was already there looking at a screen where the Black Nova compound was explained down to atomic size. Vennamis came near the professor and put a hand over his shoulder:

I see you are eager to start the project. *he laughed*
Heh, indeed. Ever since you mentioned this substance it got my interest. I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty to do some searching to learn more about it. I have to say that I am amazed by this compound. Director Synk really outdone himself with this creation. Oh and the possibilities are so numerous. Unfortunately as great as everything sounds, handling it will be a major challenge.
That's why you are here. I've read myself Director's documentation regarding Black Nova so I have a fair knowledge about it's behaviour. All we have to do now is to see how to undergo with our development

Chapter #5: Prototype design

Before we proceed with our project, we should have an idea about the final product. The schematics you showed me first time we met were good, but after having a better understanding about the Black Nova compound a lot of things have to change. First, let's start with the most important part of the torpedo: the warhead.

The professor took out his PDD out of the pocket and transferred the image of a blueprint to the screen. The image contained a detailed representation of what the warhead will contain.

As you may have seen in Dr. Dave's research, the compound under heavy interaction with microwaves of high frequencies, quoting Dr. Dave, " the changing status of matter/anti-matter would be so high that with every material that would touch, the anti-matter would shred to dust the contact material and secondly the changing state of the compound would rip the material by dismantling the atom chain itself". Judging by these words, you can already imagine the power this torpedo will have.

Ezequiel was looking proud at the screen, already imagining using his new toy in battles. Professor Kiran then continued to describe the initial prototype.

That was the good part. Unfortunately there are some bad parts. In order for the compound to react violently with the surface it touches, an intense burst of microwaves in a short amount of time - right before impact with the hull - must be provided. Comparing to the standard "Nova" torpedo, ours will require almost twice the energy to launch it, by my calculations. Continuing the list of compromises we have to make is that the torpedo will lack tracking ability. The radar needed to lock on target must be eliminated. It would interfere with the Black Nova compound stored in the warhead making it really unstable long before hitting the target. Other problem that we will encounter is the time required to fire another torpedo. The generator that will provide the microwaves has to be charged right before the torpedo is fired. Given the high energy required by the generator, transferring it from ship's power core to torpedo's microwave generator will take some time. Last but not least, the range. Our ordnance will be heavier. Using the standard engine, which is mounted on "Nova" torpedoes, will burn through fuel much faster. Initial calculations give us roughly 800m to 1k of range.
It actually sounds better than I anticipated, but this is all on paper. Next step would be to actually build a warhead prototype, strap it to a "Nova" torpedo body and test it. Everything that you need will be provided by my men. I expect news about your progress soon.

Chapter #6: Change of plans
A few months have passed since the disappearance of Nomak. No one knows what happened to him. Ezequiel used all his men and connections to get even the smallest bit of information that would lead to The Commune's leader, but with no success. This whole mystery slowly made everyone in Commune's society move on to other things.

The desire to work in the name of The Light was still strong. He was enjoying the destruction brought upon others too much and did not want to lose it. In the final days of The Commune, Ezequiel heard Cortana, leader of Terminus Cell, talking about changing her allegiance to another organization dedicated to serving The Creators. It was called "La Division Vipere". When Vid got more details, there was no doubt in his mind that he must take part in this.

Without looking behind, Ezequiel followed Cortana, but there was one requirement that was needed to be completed in order to join the new organization: become one with The Light. There was no going back. Vid embraced the transformation with honor knowing that The Creators will get a new warrior fighting for them.

Chapter #7: Relocating research
Since Commune's society members parted their ways, Ezequiel had to relocate his weapon project. Luckily La Division Vipere had a research vessel that could be used by Vennamis to continue the development. VDS-Aethon, a "Corvo" class ship, was put at Ezequiel's disposal. The ship was equipped with all the necessary items to resume the project from where it was left. He sent a message to professor Hermolaos to meet him in Tau-44 system.

Professor Kiran, due to some changes we have to relocate our project. Meet me in Tau-44 system. I have a brand new lab for you to work in. By the time you arrive, a prototype warhead will be assembled and strapped to a torpedo body ready to be tested. Just make sure no one is on your tail. I do not want uninvited guests to ruin our little party. Fly safe!

Chapter #8: Echoes of Desolation

In the suffocating embrace of darkness, Vennamis stirred from his slumber within the twisted confines of Lichtenfeld Complex. The air was thick with the sickening stench of decay, mingling with the acrid scent of burning flesh. Grotesque tendrils of alien tissue snaked through the cavernous chamber, pulsating with a sickly glow that cast eerie shadows upon the walls.

Memories of the battle in Omicron Delta clawed at the edges of his mind, twisted and distorted by the oppressive atmosphere of the base. Years had passed since that harrowing day, yet the horrors of war lingered like a festering wound, gnawing at his sanity with every passing moment.

Amidst the desolation, a spark of defiance flickered within Vennamis's consciousness. With grim determination, he sought out the stash of weapons hidden within the depths of Lichtenfeld — forged from the nightmares of the abyss.

As he delved deeper into the labyrinthine corridors of the base, Vennamis felt the shadows themselves whispering secrets to him — a siren song that promised power and vengeance amidst the encroaching darkness.

Among the twisted corridors and pulsating tendrils of alien tissue, Vennamis uncovered his arsenal—a cache of arms and a fighting vessel, remnants of Commune's era. Each weapon bore the scars of countless battles, their edges sharpened by the savagery of conflict and the weight of unfathomable despair.

With each piece of equipment he unearthed, Vennamis felt the echoes of past atrocities reverberating through the air, a chilling reminder of the horrors that had unfolded by his hands. He embraced the darkness that surrounded him, harnessing its power to fuel his quest for doing The Great Work.

And so, armed with relics of forgotten wars and fueled by the fires of vengeance, Vennamis embraced his destiny as a harbinger of despair — a lone predator stalking the shadows.

As he prepared to embark on his journey for The Great Work, a mantra echoed through his mind. "Embrace The Light. Follow The Light. Worship The Light." With these words as his guide, Vennamis set forth into the darkness of space.

Chapter #9: Forgotten Resurgence

Amidst the void, where darkness reigned supreme and the stars burned with an eerie glow, a silent battle raged. Dreadnoughts, battleships, and cruisers of The Light prowled through the shadows, their weapons blazing with righteous fury as they eradicated the darkling's installations that dared to defy the purity of The Light.

Among the armada, a massive Bismarck-class battleship loomed like a dark omen. To Eziquel's surprise, at the helm of this vessel stood Cortana Clark, a figure he had thought lost to the abyss of time.

The revelation struck him like a bolt of lightning. Cortana, once a stalwart ally, had seemingly emerged from the depths of oblivion to once again wield the power of The Light.

As the battle raged on, Eziquel knew that his path was clear. He would stand alongside Cortana and The Light once again, fighting to purge the galaxy of darklings for The Great Work. And with that resolve burning within him, he prepared to join the fray, his heart filled with determination and his spirit ablaze with the fervor of embracing The Light, following The Light, worshipping The Light.