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Looking out over the rocky twisting tunnels, ravines and chasms of the Underdark is a surreal experience. For most it really is an alien world, One that makes them feel small. For Creatures that would call this realm home are real monsters.
The swirling gentle fog that permeates most of the Underdark Toxic to visitors, Its ever present dull blue luminescence from the fog and crystals that litter the realm. Its oddly quiet atmosphere, Occasionally the distant cry or roar can be herd but its not known how far away or even how old the source could be. Sounds echo through the Underdark almost infinitely, Like seeing the light of a star long perished, or the thunder after the lightning has struck and done its damage.

Far from any Drow, deep within the Underdark is one of many colonies of Ilithid, Also known as Mindflayers by the general overworld populous. A Pod of Ilithids, completely unaware their predator had entered their territory.

The Pod does its work diligently, every Ilithid their own but psychically linked to the Elder Brain. They have no need for words, only thoughts.
Dorax, An ilithid working in the research centure, The room was large full of strange tools, Unknown fluids and parts of creatures of all kinds, some preserved in jars others left to rot in bins, The room illuminated by a large chiseled Crystal imbeded in the roof, The walls seemed to pulse and squeled with life, as if you were inside something far larger and alive.
Upon the table lay a motionless body, cut open with several needles and tools implanted inside, The Ilithid had found a deceased body of a Druegar a species of Dwarf that was soon to become extinct, Dorax wanted to research as to why, and perhaps if it can be reversed and used to assist the Pod.
He did not need to turn to know another of his Pod was approaching. Luxri Higher ranking than Dorax coming to check on his work, or more accurately, to come and berate him.
They both already knew how the convocation would go, However out of tradition, or some small sense of their original selves rubbing off on their sub-conscious this psychic convocation would be done face to face.

“Why are you at this again Dorax?! You have been told before that this research is useless to us, The Druegar were a failure, It is a blessing that they are dying off.”
Despite the convocation happening in their minds the two Ilithid's still gestured and emoted along with their psionic words.
Dorax did not respond right away, finishing up his work before turning to Luxri.
“ Its useful to know why our people failed! can't you understand that? if we do perhaps when our pod rises to make a similar action we will not faulter where our past has.”
There was a bit of a pause between the two, Then Dorax noticed their convocation was being isolated from the rest of the Pod. Something that Ilithids are never supposed to do as its a sign of treason, however many Ilithid commit this act un-commonly, as long as you don't get caught nothing will be reprimanded.
“I Understand Dorax. it is an intelligent forte however the Elder has decreed research on the past brethren to be restricted, The Only reason why it hasn't acted upon your blatant disregard against its words is that you are young and talented, But its patience is only so long, you must cease this chase before you are expunged from the pod.”
The word 'Expunged' Rang heavy in Dorax's mind, He looked down at his servant, a malformed Ilithid known as a 'Thid' The result of a Ilithid being 'Expunged' from the pod, lobotomized and reduced to an almost mindless runt and servant.
“ But Luxri! Perhaps if i just push a little longer, If i find a breakthrough before the Elder's patience wears out-”
“Thats is not a race you will win Dorax! You are playing with fire and we burn easily. I Have asked, now as your superior i am ordering you to cease this path of research! i cannot save you should the Elder intact its punishment upon you. Acknowledged?”
There was another long pause, Dorax not meeting Luxri's gaze for a few minuets, but their minds linked, His emotions plain to see. Trying to justify his actions, trying to find a way around punishment, even a small fleeting thought of attacking Luxri out of anger, But such things were normal and such intrusive thoughts were never taken as issue within a Illithid pod.
Eventualy Dorax met Luxri's gaze and nodded. “Very well, I know you are correct, I shall cease this path of research…for now.”

With that the two Ilithid's mind links were reestablished with the Pod, But something was wrong.

Luxri and Dorax knew right away, They could not feel the presence of the Elder Brain.
They looked at eachother. Without the Elder Brain their network was broken Links would have to be made the ol-fashion way. Dorax and Luxri formed a link between eachother before quickly hovering outside the lab.
How quiet it was, Was it a raid? had the pod come under attack?