Scrawny Bantha Baleen-class Heavy Freighter Guulzat System — Neutral Territory 42 ABY

Captain Vera Wright grit her teeth as she limped her way through the packed cargo hold of the Scrawny Bantha. It wasn’t the dirt, dust, and grime from the raw ore they were hauling that set her on edge. It wasn’t the gods’ awful smell coming from the freshly created armor, a smell that somehow managed to get out of the tightly sealed containers the armor sat in. It wasn’t even doing this exchange so far away from any backup the Brotherhood might provide, especially if they showed up.

Well perhaps that last one, just a bit.

It had been years and she never really learned how to shake the impending sense of doom when out on a run. The Collective could strike at any moment, anywhere, and finish the job they had started years ago.

The Principate had many representatives and ships which these transfers took place with. She had gone through at least a dozen such exchanges in the last few weeks with the Principate.

Some of the representatives had been cheerful, personable, even downright charming. Some brought food fresh from their home systems to enjoy together while the cargo transfer was underway. Vera had never even heard of a Tocirpa fruit before and was now obsessed with them.

Other representatives had been cordial enough, though clearly uncomfortable in dealing with the Brotherhood. Perhaps thinking it was beneath them to oversee a cargo transfer of this nature.

Or not agreeing with the growing armament efforts, Vera reflected. The two she was walking to meet, however…

It's those two again, she thought as she turned a corner to go around a pile of unprocessed ore.

The rest of Resource Rush Chapter 2can be read here.

Sitrep

Thanks to your efforts, the Brotherhood has not only grown their own forces, but that of the Severian Principate as well. Both are now more prepared to handle the looming Collective threat. Yet this was not only a time for our forces to grow, as the Revenants continue to work with the Collective.

Rath Oligard plots and schemes as his plan slowly comes to fruition. How will our conflict against his forces end?

Results!

We had a grand total of 57 members participate in this. Additionally "Aequitas" Anderson, Alaisy "Aphotis" Tir'eivra, and J’Kast managed to participate in every event!

Placements:

• 1st Place: Alaisy "Aphotis" Tir'eivra
• 2nd Place: J’Kast
• 3rd Place: "Aequitas" Anderson
• 4th Place: Narman Losa
• 5th Place: Raiheaux

Hello Everyone! Thank you so much for your stellar participation in the mini-event, Resource Rush. This short prelude is laying some groundwork and background for our many planned fiction updates across 2025. Along the way, there will be multiple moments in which you get to vote on branching decisions for how the plot continues. We are very excited for the opportunities this will provide in our narrative and bringing you all in on the process leading us through the season.

Enjoy your holidays!