News about Heshtok

A general health advisory has been issued by medical authorities on over a dozen planets in the Crescent Nebula, regarding an alarming development: widespread parasitic infection.

Cirilek's Skindiver, an arthropod believed to be indigenous to Heshtok, nests beneath the skin of other animals, and is spreading through adjacent clusters with alarming haste. Colonies of the parasite have been reported throughout the Crescent Nebula, in the wake of increased relay traffic from the Nemean Abyss, originating in the Shrike Abyssal.

"This is no reason to panic" advised Dr. Nen Burtan of Felis General Hospital's Exobiological Assessment Wing. "It was inevitable that the increase in traffic from these areas - areas where living conditions have deteriorated, and medical supply has been greatly substandard - would lead to increased risk. We have been working to prepare for eventualities just like this. The creatures are moderately dangerous, but only in large numbers. This is cause for caution and diligence, not alarm".

Cirilek's Skindiver produces highly adaptive toxins that can have powerful but temporary effects on a range of alien body chemistries, driving hosts to engage in high-risk or aggressive activities as a means of finding new hosts. Combined with their potential to produce many larvae over their three-week lifecycle, they can spread quickly through densely populated settlements.

"The creature is quite adaptable. It seems to prefer salarians, but we've found them in asari, humans, batarians, elcor and - of course - vorcha" said Nen Burtan, who went on to issue reassurance. "This isn't Clan of the Hollow; the personality changes are minor and higher functioning isn't impaired. But we must act to contain this. Given the adaptability of Heshtokian life, it would be wise to monitor the situation closely and be on guard for mutations".

Over 450 infestations have been reported in the last three weeks, on nine planets. Those exhibiting symptoms (see sidebar) should consult a doctor immediately. A mature Skindiver can reach up to 2.5 centimetres in length.

The Big High Boss of the Shru'ii made a statement today before an assembled mass of local vorcha and this still stranded offworld reporter. In the bizarre twenty-minute announcement, punctuated by several brawls to reassert his dominance, BHB Ferok affirmed the commitment of the Heshtok people to memorializing the sacrifices of the Reaper War.

The Shru'ii, a major nation or extended clan on Heshtok's largest continent, gained favour among vorcha for the Battle of Upfwen Valley, in which several hundred thousand vorcha attacked a Reaper Destroyer, knocking it onto its side while sustaining 80% casualties. Rapid breeding has since replenished the clan's numbers, and they are recognized as one of the most powerful packs on Heshtok.

Among the topics broached by Ferok were the supremacy of vorcha adaptability, the foolishness of the Reapers, and the assertion that his political opponent Doshk was "a shit".

A four-year-old human boy is missing today after wandering out of a protected compound on the trading outpost of This Vorcha World!, in the Shrike Abyssal. One of the earliest vorcha colonies, after the fast-breeding stowaways overwhelmed the initially asari outpost, This Vorcha World! has little in the way of economic or strategic importance, but is still visited by down-on-their-luck merchants and scouts. The child is believed to be the son of a visiting trader.

“Look, he’s dead” said local trade official Jorgal Kraw. “This place is swarming with vorcha”. The Systems Alliance Transitional Administration declined to comment, other than reminding its citizens that the outposts in the Blessk system do not fall under their jurisdiction.

A four-year-old human boy is missing today after wandering out of a protected compound on the trading outpost of This Vorcha World!, in the Shrike Abyssal. One of the earliest vorcha colonies, after the fast-breeding stowaways overwhelmed the initially asari outpost, This Vorcha World! has little in the way of economic or strategic importance, but is still visited by down-on-their-luck merchants and scouts. The child is believed to be the son of a visiting trader.

“Look, he’s dead” said local trade official Jorgal Kraw. “This place is swarming with vorcha”. The Systems Alliance Transitional Administration declined to comment, other than reminding its citizens that the outposts in the Blessk system do not fall under their jurisdiction.

...Screen Name wrote:The Shru'ii, a major nation or extended clan on Heshtok's largest continent, gained favour among vorcha for the Battle of Upfwen Valley, in which several hundred thousand vorcha attacked a Reaper Destroyer, knocking it onto its side while sustaining 80% casualties.

Pariah wrote:What kind of moron takes a child to a place like that?

and the assertion that his political opponent Doshk was "a shit".