The Red Star Files///

Realm: THE SYSTEM - Speaker: TOA EXANOH / Subject: CHOLERIC - [“The Sal-Matoran lived within a gigantic fortress so deep within the scrublands that it felt like a mirage once you spotted it. Both the land and the people within it had a reputation for being harsh and unforgiving, but once you look closer at both you realize just how gentle and nurturing each could be.

None embodied this balance more than GAALBAX. She was known for running a little hot, and in her earlier days she was more impatient and irrational, belligerent even, always rushing ahead to face the dangers head-on. During my time with her I learned this was due to a fierce devotion to the people of our lands and her faith in the Great Spirit’s virtues. It pained her to see suffering of any kind. 

She was the leader of the Toa. She still is, I hope. The heat she gave off could cure most maladies and clear people’s heads of gloom. She was a ferocious combatant by nature, but she soon learned to appreciate the tranquility between missions, the peace she fought so fiercely to preserve. 

She also was the one who taught me how to defend myself. I can show you too. A gift from her, through me, to you.”]

- - - 

FOLDER>>>PERSONSOFINTEREST FOLDER>>>DECEASED FOLDER>>>KARZAHNI

FOLDER>>>PERSONSOFINTEREST FOLDER>>>MISSING FOLDER>>>TOA VALIKA

NOTE///Valika's open disdain for the inhabitants of the Matoran Universe has very evidently affected his metamorphosis, effectively transforming him into a 'tall Matoran', a term he often used to describe Toa.

TACTICAL DYAD///: COLDSTONE

[1]KOPAKA TUVA - Semi-perfect duplicate of Kopaka Nuva

[2]LITH - Former prisoner of the Valley Maze

///APPLICATIONS: - Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Espionage, Extraction, Pathfinding, Investigation

///PROS:

-Both are familiar and comfortable operating covertly

-Able to continue operations after long separations

-Efficient rapport, work well together

-Capable of on-site acquisition and/or creation of tools

-Can bypass Mass-Produced Toa checkpoints

\\\CONS:

-Neither are official Order of Mata Nui agents

-Likely unwilling to report findings with much frequency

-Both have issues with authority

-Kestora have shown interest in capturing/studying both

-Difficult to keep track of/monitor

///NOTES: - Normally known for working alone, these two have increasingly been seen socializing one another within the Order of Mata Nui base upon the Red Star, reportedly to the point of referring to each other as ‘brother’. Though K. Tuva has recently completed his mental block training and Lith’s Skrall mind is difficult for Order agents to parse, psychic impressions indicate one or both of them may be subconsciously projecting past relationships onto the other. 

VAWN NESS, ANTI-TOA/// The first escapee of the Makuhero City simulation. Created upon the Red Star by the Kestora out of recycled Toa parts to act as a variable within their simulated universe based upon Metru Nui. Existential queries and self-doubt lead to him discovering the artificiality of his world, leading to him orchestrating a breakout amongst his allies. Due to interference by the Kestora, only he was able to escape into the satellite, with all witnesses within the simulation reprogrammed to consider him a hostile. Pursued by the Kestora and unable to return to his allies, he now acts as a self appointed guardian to those unable to protect themselves, though his ethics and tactics have made him a contentious figure amongst the Red Star's populace, especially Toa.

JALLER[*]/// Ta-Matoran veteran of the Great War. Was amongst the displaced Metru Nui population that dwelled upon Mata Nui's surface, weathering the onslaught of the Makuta for a millennium, only to meet his demise shortly before the arrival of the Toa of Light. His expertise in recognizing and thwarting enemy tactics, investigative skills, and close quarters combat - as well as his ability to teach his techniques to others - has allowed him to rise quickly amongst the satellite's peacekeeping organizations despite his relatively recent arrival. Achievements include being promoted to captain of the guard within Ruga Metru, an honorary seat at Toa Council conferences, and the title of TreeFriend granted by Mata-in-the-Green society. ///STATUS: Acts as liaison to Order of Mata Nui. Currently stationed within Ruga Metru, lending aid in a missing persons case.

FOLDER>>>BEFORETIME

SPY THROWBOT///SABOTEUR SLIZER

CLOWN THROWBOT///WONDER SLIZER

FOLDER>>>TOACIVILWAR

TOA █████///SELLSWORD LE-TOA///NORTHERN CONTINENT WITNESSED CAPTURE OF BARRAKI USED RODE TO DISCOVER ORDER OF MATA NUI ELUDED NEUTRALIZATION

TOA ████///MANTAX LEGION PO-TOA///DESTRAL SERVED BARRAKI WITH DISTINCTION BEGAN SERVING BROTHERHOOD OF MAKUTA AT UNKNOWN POINT DIFFICULT TO FIND

TOA ███████///KALMAH LEGION GA-TOA///TREN KROM PENINSULA FLEXIBLE TOA CODE ETHICS FLED TO XIA AFTER WAR LAST SEEN DURING EVACUATION OF UNIVERSE

WULKAAN/// (Also known as “FLAME”) The former Right Hand of Pridak. Was the battle leader for the League of Six Kingdom’s Toa legions before his doubt in the Barraki’s right to rule sparked a Toa Civil War and an unsuccessful coup. After being stripped of his Toa title and banished, he joined an early incarnation of the Dark Hunters, using his insider’s knowledge to destabilize the League’s advance until his demise sent him to the Red Star shortly before the end of the war. Notable for his mathematical understanding of strategy that allows him to make drastic changes in tactics mid-battle, his expertise with fighting Toa, as well as his battle gauntlet of Xian manufacture [*], combined with his mastery over Fire. Acted as a Sentinel and smith for a secluded community with the sub-basement of the satellite before rediscovery by the Order of Mata Nui. 

\\\STATUS: Surrendered without incident. Currently held within the Order headquarters upon the Red Star, patiently awaiting judgment. Under consideration for inclusion within the latest incarnation of the Federation of Fear.

[*IKIR-NUVA/// A mechanical Toa Tool gauntlet created upon Xia and gifted to the League of Six Kingdoms. Greatly amplifies its wearer’s elemental control over Fire, channeling it through its digits or as a stream of flames. Though created with Ta-Toa in mind, it theoretically could be used by a Toa of Ice as well. Known to ‘malfunction’ unpredictably when used by anyone other than Wulkaan.]

-

RECORD///Speaker: “FLAME” - Topic: GAUNTLET///:- [“He was a ferocious beast. They all were, but him especially. I didn’t realize this at first, so blinded I was by the glory of the League of Six Kingdoms.

I thought I was Tahu, or a version of him. That was how working so close to the Great Spirit made me feel. I was serving those chosen by him, battling alongside them, forging legends as we went. So I thought.

Truly the only things we forged were destruction and ruin, not the age of prosperity we had been promised. And there were other signs, emerging from the depths like the fin of a shark. The doubt crept in.

How could the Great Spirit be wrong? I couldn’t comprehend him making a mistake, so I thought there must be something wrong with me instead. The doubt remained.

Everyone can make mistakes, as the Turaga say. I was sure the Mata Nui had chosen poorly, and thinking that hurt me. But I could no longer serve the Barraki. I had to make things right, even if it meant turning my back on Mata Nui. This nearly destroyed me.

No one saw it coming, which was my only advantage. He sent Toa after me, of course. It’s efficient and painful, which perfectly describes Pridak. He knew it would hurt me and may even get me to stand down. It did hurt, but I didn’t let it stop me. Some saw the truth of the matter and joined me. Not enough, though.

Toa were not made to fight Toa. I got too good at fighting them. Now I am no longer one. The Barraki’s final gift. For that I’m almost thankful.]

-

RECORD/// Speaker: DESTINY CULTIST -Topic: ARBITRATION:/// - [“Hark and behold! You will forgive this intrusion. Once again this Speaker must pass his well-ordered words to you, O most colorful of raconteurs. 

It is past time for him. Him the agitator, spoiler, and ruiner perfect. Him who fled from fate’s grasp. He who would leap in front, who swims upstream. The Mock-Mock-Mock-Toa of tomorrow that arrived too early.

It is half past time for you, most well-ordered gaggle of blessed fools. Heed these and prosper.

The future belongs to Destiny. Not to him.

CRUX/// A rogue Matoran scientist of unknown elemental affinity. Began life as a Lab Matoran generated thousands of years ago whose mind was used as data storage by the Kestora. Access to such information has granted him expertise in biomechanical physiology, engineering, psychology, chemistry, coding, revivification, Kestoran passwords, the Red Star’s history and capabilities, and numerous other topics. Is nominally allied with his creators - appeasing the Kestora with annual data tribute - but secretly acts against them with unsanctioned experiments. Devoted to improving on the designs of the Great Beings with an ethically compromised fervor bordering on fanaticism. Often seen in the company of the Toa known as KOG.

///STATUS: Currently acting as 'Turaga' for a small laboratory within Kestoran territory. Unofficially in an alliance/non-aggression pact with the Order of Mata Nui.

RECORD///Speaker: CRUX - Topic: SHOULD I REDACT THIS ONE?///: - [-with the riddles? Well, this time I’ve got one for you. Why wouldn’t the stone break despite the immense pressure applied to it?

Because it already felt it was a little 'bolder'. Does that amuse you, O Great One? Or am I going to have to remind you how...

Ah, greetings Chronicler. We’ve been expecting you for some time. You can call me Crux and my tall friend is Kog, but I have a feeling you’ve met him already. I hope your trip wasn’t too taxing, if you need a recharge there’s a platform over there.

I’ve gathered as much data as I could on the Order of Mata Nui, and it seems my assumptions were correct. I must say, I like what I saw, not everyone is willing to make the hard choices and face the consequences unflinchingly. Very admirable.

I also presume that the Order is also aware of the predicament we’re all in, even if they aren’t acting against it presently. But they must have had access at some point pertaining to the Void.

You know, I see myself as a Chronicler of sorts. If you had seen what I had seen Mata Nui see, with his own eyes, you’d write it down, too. Either to banish it from your mind or to make sure you never, ever forgot them. A little of both, really.

The world beyond us is larger than any of us can imagine. Bigger than Mata Nui. Bigger than Spherus Magna. Bigger than the Great Beings. And there’s things out there. Many, many things. Some of them I’d classify as ‘very nasty’. 

They’ve paid us no mind. So far. I don’t think any of them know we exist. But that is subject to change and - for all our strength - we’re just not ready.

KOG/// Arguably the oldest Mass-Produced Toa still active, generated shortly before the Red Star's returning teleportation function broke down. Has been revived numerous times by the Kestora over the ensuing millennia and has been used to test new types of replacement appendages and experimental augmentations. Proficient in many forms of combat, bolstered by his mastery over the Plasma element. Thousands of years of experience facing cognitive challenges associated with the Red Star satellite have allowed a true personality to emerge, capable of empathy, humor, and malice. Often assigned to lead squads of other Mass-Produced Toa, many of which learn new skills from him. Often seen in the company of the Matoran known as CRUX.

FUTURE FURNO/// An arrival from a world yet to come. Very evidently a version of Furno that has arrived upon the Red Star through unknown means. Evasive and unwilling to cooperate, this figure has made it very clear that they do not want to fraternize with the Order of Mata Nui, with only their own reluctance to interfere with Order agents preventing him from being targeted for capture. Nonetheless, any and all information about the world they hail from is highly valued. Possesses what can only be described as an ‘adaptive tool’ which can sense its wielder’s intentions and reconfigure itself for maximum efficiency and shows the hallmarks of Artakhan manufacture.

RECORD/// Speaker: WHTEVER - Topic: HDFFGBHJ:/// [“ …king piece of - Aha! There we go! Am I holding this right?

Hello! I don’t remember who the Chronicler is right now, but hello whoever you are. I want to let the Order of Mata Nui know that I am not an enemy and I don’t want to cause any trouble. 

But I need to be left alone. I can’t tell you anything, and if you have the idea that I have something worth sharing then that means I’m even less interested in being contacted. I hope that makes sense. Please leave me alone.

I know that doesn’t sound good but it’s really for the best. Trust me. I don’t want to risk anything going wrong. There you go.

Wait a moment, hold on. If you’re an Order agent watching this and you’re planning on… doing away with a certain problem - a certain sword carrying problem - you better make sure the Kestora don’t get their hands on this problem’s body. Because that would be very, very bad.

I can’t hang around very long, which is another reason to please, please leave me alone. And also if you know the me… If you know Furno, please don’t tell him you saw me. Don’t tell him about this record, either. I’m not sure how I’d… he’d react if he saw another…

…