Chapter 3: Shadows of the Past
The *Eclipse* descended through the dense, polluted atmosphere of **Nexus-7**, a sprawling industrial planet on the fringes of Dominion space. The sky was a sickly orange, choked with smog and the constant glow of refineries. Below, the city of **Ironreach** stretched out like a cancerous growth, its towering factories and labyrinthine slums a testament to the planet's role as a hub of illegal trade and black-market dealings.
Kael Arcturus stood at the viewport, his ice-blue eyes scanning the city below. The artifact rested in a concealed compartment on his belt, its energy a constant, low hum in the back of his mind. He had come to Nexus-7 for one reason: to find **Eryndor Veyl**, a notorious information broker and one of the few people who could help him locate the other Primogenitor artifacts.
"Sir, we're approaching the landing zone," Lieutenant Veyra said, her voice tense. She stood a few paces behind him, her hand resting on the hilt of her plasma pistol. "Are you sure about this? Veyl isn't exactly known for his loyalty."
Kael didn't turn. "Veyl is a means to an end. Loyalty is irrelevant."
The *Eclipse* touched down in a secluded docking bay on the outskirts of Ironreach. Kael stepped off the ship, his black exosuit blending seamlessly with the shadows. Veyra and two other soldiers followed close behind, their weapons at the ready. The air was thick with the stench of oil and decay, and the streets were eerily quiet, save for the distant hum of machinery.
Kael's destination was a nondescript building in the heart of the slums, its facade crumbling and covered in graffiti. A single, flickering neon sign above the door read: **"The Rusted Cog."** It was a front for Veyl's operations, a place where deals were made and secrets were traded.
As Kael pushed open the door, the dimly lit interior revealed a smoky, crowded room filled with the dregs of Nexus-7's underworld. Aliens of various species mingled with human mercenaries and smugglers, their conversations hushed and furtive. At the back of the room, a massive Krovan bouncer stood guard in front of a reinforced door.
Kael approached the bouncer, his expression calm but commanding. "I'm here to see Veyl."
The Krovan snorted, his beady eyes narrowing. "Veyl doesn't see anyone without an appointment."
Kael's hand moved faster than the eye could follow, a small, glowing dagger appearing in his grip. He pressed the blade against the Krovan's throat, the heat of the plasma making the alien's skin sizzle. "I suggest you make an exception."
The bouncer hesitated, then nodded, stepping aside. Kael sheathed the dagger and pushed open the door, stepping into Veyl's inner sanctum.
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### **The Information Broker**
The room beyond was a stark contrast to the chaos outside. It was sleek and modern, its walls lined with holographic displays and data terminals. At the center of the room sat **Eryndor Veyl**, a wiry man with sharp features and a calculating gaze. His fingers danced across a holographic keyboard, his eyes flicking up as Kael entered.
"Kael Arcturus," Veyl said, his voice smooth and mocking. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I need information," Kael said, cutting straight to the point. "Locations of other Primogenitor artifacts."
Veyl raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Ambitious, aren't we? The artifacts are not easy to find, and even harder to claim. What makes you think I can help you?"
Kael stepped forward, his presence filling the room. "Because you're the best. And because I'm willing to pay whatever it takes."
Veyl leaned back in his chair, his smile widening. "I like your style, Arcturus. Very well. I'll give you what you need. But it won't be cheap."
Kael tossed a small data chip onto the table. "Credits aren't an issue."
Veyl picked up the chip, his fingers brushing against it as if testing its weight. "There's more to this, isn't there? You're not just after the artifacts. You're after something bigger."
Kael's expression didn't change. "That's none of your concern."
Veyl chuckled, a low, rasping sound. "Fair enough. But be careful, Arcturus. The artifacts are dangerous. They have a way of... changing people."
Kael's hand instinctively brushed against the artifact hidden beneath his cloak. He could feel its energy, a constant, insidious presence. "I can handle it."
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### **The First Lead**
Veyl activated a holographic display, pulling up a star map. A series of coordinates flashed across the screen, each one marked with a red dot. "These are the locations of known Primogenitor sites. Most of them are ruins, long since picked clean. But there's one that might interest you."
He zoomed in on a remote system on the edge of Dominion space. "The **Erythraen Expanse**. There's a planet there, **Aetheris**, that's rumored to house a Primogenitor vault. No one's been able to get inside, but if anyone can, it's you."
Kael studied the map, his mind already racing with possibilities. "And the risks?"
Veyl's smile turned grim. "The Expanse is uncharted territory. Pirates, rogue factions, and worse. And then there's the vault itself. The Primogenitors didn't make it easy for intruders."
Kael nodded, committing the coordinates to memory. "I'll take my chances."
As he turned to leave, Veyl called after him. "One more thing, Arcturus. Be careful who you trust. The artifacts have a way of bringing out the worst in people."
Kael didn't respond. He had no intention of trusting anyone.
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### **The Artifact's Whisper**
Back on the *Eclipse*, Kael stood in his private quarters, the artifact resting on a pedestal before him. Its golden light filled the room, casting eerie shadows on the walls. He could feel its energy, a raw, primal force that seemed to pulse in time with his heartbeat.
But it was more than just energy. It was a voice, a whisper in the back of his mind that grew louder with each passing moment. It spoke of power, of dominion, of a destiny that awaited him. And it spoke of something else—something darker.
Kael clenched his fists, his mind racing. He had always been in control, always the master of his own fate. But the artifact was different. It was a force unto itself, and it was beginning to change him.
He reached out, his fingers brushing against the crystal. The whispers grew louder, more insistent. And for the first time, Kael wondered if he was the one wielding the artifact—or if it was wielding him.