Slaying of the Shadows

Yes, perfect, truly an excellent venture this was. Everything looked to be working as intended. More and more samples were captured by Isikiy’s well prepared and kitted out crew. Perhaps even a scarce few of these samples had some rare genomes too, but if there were any they were subtle ones. Certainly something interesting to investigate at a later date.

The efforts of the others seemed to be working quite excellently too, which would only make things easier on Isikiy’s end. Eventually the drones sent Ticoga and Verst’s way had the chance to capture some more specimens and return them to Isikiy’s ship thanks to those two proving to be a force only a fool would reckon with.

Isikiy noticed something interesting though, with what the others were doing, some Shades seemed to err on the side of caution, there weren’t many, but the presence of even one that acted this way proved something— evolution. It was as he had predicted, some of them scurried out of the filter hole within the perimeter he had chosen. Eventually, Isikiy ordered his squadron to cease taking samples as they had accrued a vast amount by now and to then focus on extermination while staying near their vessel at all times.

Radioing the others, Isikiy called in. “We have obtained approximately 67.43% of our optimal sample amount. I have noted some odd behaviour in some Shades however, I will choose to investigate so long as it is safe to do so. Assessment of planetary resources should commence shortly as well, followed by archival of technologies.” With that done, Isikiy made sure his team was situated before taking some extra supplies of his own.

Warping his physical form to match the shape and texture of the Shades, Isikiy scurried away after the group of cautious ones that he had detected escaping from the filter tunnel. Unlike the swathes of hundreds to thousands, these ones were more in the realm of tens to twenties. This was not several ‘communities’ acting like ants, no. This was a closely knit family unit..

’Perfect…’ Isikiy gleefully thought to himself.

In due time, Isikiy’s team reported further containment of the creatures, and ultimately reached their goal-mark. They had captured 100% of what they needed, and as per Isikiy’s order, moved on to pragmatic, fierce and merciless elimination thereafter. With such advanced technology and tactics in their hands, they got to work diligently.

Isikiy however, still on the trail of the group that had drawn his interest, observed them more closely. Their behaviour was truly unique, and this was why Isikiy had to procure them— personally. Tracking this tightly knit group, Isikiy ultimately cornered them in some dingy dried out swamp-alike area, and once he saw the opportunity, he threw one last capture container on top of them, and they had no time to react. They were his now. ’100.015%...’ Isikiy gleefully thought to himself, carefully putting the capture capsule within his carrying case.

Just then, Ticoga’s final order reached him. Finally, the time had come. Sending messages to his team, Isikiy ordered further deep scanning of the planet to send information to Ticoga, Verst and Terium so that their own readings could be assisted further for the sake of accuracy. “Very well. See you all soon.”

With that, Isikiy’s power rose, and his shape had changed, resembling a mixture between his Jagged and Cluster forms, leaning slightly into the former. From then on, Isikiy was on the loose, putting an end to any Shade he came across.

The hours came and went. Eventually, Isikiy returned to the designated meeting point. His team returned to the ship to store what they had obtained and to switch out for the archival squadron that would document and catalogue the legacy of the Shades through what remained visible of their culture. They too were outfitted with the technology and prowess to exterminate Shades as well, but it was unlikely that they would need to put it to use. “And so, that was how it ended.” Isikiy turned to the now lifeless world and bowed in respect for what was once upon it, as well as in anticipation for what would soon live here. “A bountiful experience, wouldn’t you agree, Ticoga?”

“Indeed, that it was.” Isikiy agreed, though not with any regret in his voice, moreso curiosity. “I can say they won’t be forgotten, not really, they have a legacy that will be preserved.” Both for the sake of historical archiving, as well as their biology, and where parts of it could be put to better use going forward.

Regarding the lack of large fauna, Isikiy held a hand to his chin as well. “True, I didn’t notice anything outstanding myself— but I’m sure we can rectify any issues that are caused by this. If nothing else, any extinct fauna could be recreated from fossilized materials. Fauna from other worlds can also always be introduced. If it comes down to it, my business can create something entirely customizable by the needs of our client.”

While the others were arriving, Isikiy contacted his team and relevant technicians to conduct full scale planetary scans once more. These would take some time to complete of course, so until everyone else had arrived, Isikiy would let the scans do their job. Some time before Verst and Terium returned, Isikiy’s other teams returned with sufficient samples to document the culture and technologies of the now effectively extinct Shades. With a nod from their commander, these employees returned to their primary vessel.

Eventually the scans would complete, and a few moments later Ticoga asked for confirmation that the job was done. Isikiy pulled up the reading on one of his wrist mounted devices. “Of course, I can offer what readings I have. The only ones I am detecting here are those that have been captured. I would like to see readings from everyone else’s devices to cross reference of course, just to be completely sure without a doubt— we were to be surgical after all, correct?” Isikiy asks with a calm smile.