Avernus Prime 3D Render, Digital Artwork by emarukk

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Avernus Prime

3D Render by emarukk

Avernus Prime is a chaotic hive of criminal syndicates and untamed commerce. The place buzzes with an energy too unruly for the confederation to rein in, rendering it a largely independent entity within the broader confederation. Its autonomy is so pronounced that Avernus Prime isn't officially acknowledged, and the absence of confederation police or military presence is notable. Instead, security is maintained by private entities, chief among them the OWTC military branch, which supplies the majority of the station's police force. They promote their role as a "security as a service" solution, a sleek phrase that belies the underlying lawlessness. The atmosphere is so charged and volatile that if someone had launched a nuclear strike on the station that day, it's likely that not a single tear would have been shed.

"Look over there," Zungur gestured towards the bustling fast food kiosk, its bright neon lights flashing rhythmically with technobeat from nightclub nearby. "Even this Nexfood synthetic meat is probably fake, likely derived from a real animal that roamed the fields once upon a time." The air around them buzzed with the mingling scents of spices and frying oils. He continued, a touch of disdain in his voice, "At the very least, she could have sent a pleasant young woman to fetch us instead of that brute in the void suit. Tell me, Marcus, is that creature yours?"

Thumping, pulsating techno beats blared from the nightclub's outdoor speakers, their rhythm mingling with the sizzle of oil and the scent of fried food from a nearby fast food kiosk. Three men, their footsteps brisk and purposeful, wove through one of the bustling levels of the Avernus Prime bazaar. These ancient mining tunnels, once hollow and silent, had transformed into vibrant, bustling corridors of life, where the forgotten souls, cast aside by the confederation, wandered in search of meaning and a sense of identity. The air was thick with the murmur of conversations and the flickering glows of neon lights. Some passersby turned their gazes toward the strangers, suspicion etched on their faces, as whispers passed between them, indicating that the locals were not pleased with the presence of those who bore the unmistakable aura of being from the In-World.

Just a couple of weeks earlier, Marcus had received an intriguing message from Avernus Prime. It came from his favorite thrall dealer, Gayane Kohojyan, who extended an invitation for him to visit the bustling hub of Avernus. Such an invitation would typically be easy to dismiss, perhaps even wise to do so, but this was from Gayane, whose captivating smile lingered in Marcus's memory like a haunting melody. It was no surprise that when the conversation shifted to business matters, Zungur decided to accompany Marcus on the journey. Despite the fact that leaving the luxurious comforts of Naruska for a station with the unmistakable scent of humans was far from an enticing prospect for him, Zungur couldn't resist the allure of potential business opportunities. Yet, if Gayane's enchanting smile drew Marcus, Zungur was undeniably enticed by the promise of lucrative business opportunities. Meanwhile, Avernus itself held a mysterious allure for Torre, and the potential treasures Gayane might possess added an irresistible layer of intrigue to their expedition.

"That appears to be OWTC equipment, but I'm certain this one operates for Grimson Nest or perhaps Gayane herself," Marcus remarked; he cast a sidelong glance at the soldier escorting them, noting the soldier's stern expression and the slight clink of his gear with every step. Marcus had estimated that at least five individuals shadowed them through the labyrinthine station corridors, their presence felt in the rhythmic echo of footsteps against the cold deck and the subtle rustle of uniforms brushing against each other in the confined space. Then, in the bazaar, they mixed among people. The air was thick with tension, a silent acknowledgment of the careful watch being kept over their movements.