A World Below

A large Imperial shuttle settled on the forest floor of Cerea, a clearing had been specially cut to allow for larger ships to land in this dense woodland. The engines powered down and a ramp emerged from the underbelly of the grey ship. Slowly Commander Iras Luando marched down the ramp to a small party waiting for her, Grand Admiral Abalam stood mightily in the centre. "Finally you join us Commander, welcome to Cerea."
"Apologies for the late arrival Grand Admiral, I'll better my efforts next time."
"Of course Commander, don't worry this time. Let me introduce you to the others I've picked for this very special assignment."

Abalam turned to one Imperial captain, a sickly looking man with pale skin. "This is Captain Gnosall Lapley he trains many of our finest here in the Mid Rim," Abalam patted Lapley's shoulder. "Pleasure to meet you," the Captain mumbled. Abalam continued to another, a woman no older than Luando herself. She was another Commander and unlike the rest of them was quite beautiful on the outside. "This youngster here is Commander Meriden Wem." Wem bravely barged past Abalam and shook Luando's hand, her grip was tight and she looked Luando deep in her eyes. "Commander Luando I've heard a lot of great things about you, it's a pleasure to meet you ma'am."
"Please Commander Wem just call me Commander Luando," Iras smiled.

Abalam stood in front of the three of them. "Now that you're finally all here. Let's get to business shall we, as you may have noticed there is a large mining rig here; well that's because we have discovered something interesting beneath the surface. If you wouldn't mind following me to the elevator." Abalam stomped towards an elevator above a mineshaft, the others followed behind closely. "Ready." Abalam signaled a Stormtrooper and the elevator began to descend into a dimly lit shaft. "So this is a big discovery?" Wem asked.
"Extremely so Commander Wem. This is a very good day for the Empire!" The elevator reached the bottom and hidden underground was a mighty ancient temple. Centuries old and gargantuan, the area had been neatly excavated by special mining droids. The Cerean stone seemed to almost shine as long nerves of mycelium crawled up the temple walls. "So shall we take a look inside." Abalam grinned.

To Be Continued...