02 - Rhythm of the Nightfall

When they arrive, the Ansible network sends Brekk System updates to their comms system:

Words of the Hegemon

1261 marks the second decade of my stewardship over the grand Hegemony of the Stars. These last 20 years have been marked with unparalleled prosperity and peace throughout the Systems. I am here to make sure that you know that I hear your thankful cries and want you to know this: You are Welcome. Not all deserve such grand leadership, but nevertheless it is granted to you. Feel blessed.

Your father in the stars,

- The Grand Hegemon

Planet Nightfall

The Longest Day

 The city of Yaw on Nightfall is celebrating the Longest day – where the sun shines for a whopping 14 hours before one of the baker’s dozen moons eclipses the sun. 

City-wide events are being held including a special performance by famed Singer Ada Black.

Protests in Yaw

The Church of the Stellar Flame has organized a protest against Ada Black. Ada’s songs praising the Way have been a sore subject, and House Malklaith is being pressed to officially Censor her songs for obscene content. Faithful have arrived in large numbers and intend to peacefully disrupt the Longest Day celebrations.

EMF Warning for Moon of Todav

Ships are advised to avoid Planet Nightfall's moon of Todav due to EMF interference. Beacons have been placed to warn incoming stellar traffic. 

Planet Shimaya

Khalud Academy Formal

The Annual Khalud Academy Formal Event is approaching, hosted on the banks of the Paris Oasis. The House Malklaith Royal orchestra is being flown in from Warren to perform at the event, following The Longest Day celebrations on Nightfall. 

Students are looking to dress to impress! HNN will be there to see who stands out … and who should be thrown out.

SuperStorm Smashes Cayro, Luxor, and Tanta

A Class 4 electromagnetic storm has compromised the southern regions. The storm has resulted in extensive damage to the cities of Cayro, Luxor and Tanta, and the outlying communities. Relief efforts have been promised by Governer Ritam al'Malklaith to address the growing humanitarian crisis. The storm cell has persisted and limited these efforts, and a shelter in place order has been issued to the affected area.

Planet Nightfall is a busy place with the upcoming celebration of The Longest Day. 

As the shuttle collects necessary supplies, the Firedrake Outcasts take some time to take care of some business on planet. Some study the Artifact, some party it up  on the planet. Some consult private messages sent to them from friends, rivals, and family. 

But the reserve CRED is spent, and the Crew needs a job. 

Ada Black is about to perform as a capstone to the Longest Day celebrations on Planet Nightfall, and the Church of the Stellar Flame are trying to kill her. She needs help, and her aide Tyler Miggs is willing to offer CRED for her survival. 

Ada is being protected by Vigilance, and Ulek Spacedancer is shadowing Ada to make sure that no one harms her. 

As the Firedrake Outcasts infiltrate the Stellar Flame Cultists, they are introduced to the architect of the Assassination attempt - Iraam the Kind. This ruthless Inquisitor wants Ada dead, and has several assassins making an attempt. 

Seduced by an offering of CRED, Meade Grey secretly provides the Church some information, the assassins get closer to their quarry. Despite this secret betrayal, Frank "Franky" Heather discovers an explosive carried by a cultist, and Moth (Mevakor Ortcutt) discovers that guns are being smuggled into to the stadium in pieces by other cultists. 

Meade Grey finds out that the beautiful and deadly Aleena Goodchild intends to poison Ada with a deadly toxin during the intermission behind the scenes. The Church is taking no chances, and it seems the House Malklaith authority is turning a blind eye to their machinations. 

It's up to them to save Ada.