Sybil looks to DeeV8, "I got you covered. I just need to get to a kiosk to access the funds and then we can upgrade you!"
"Thank you," Sybil says with a nod to Tyler. "I can use healing magics, but I have others that could helps as well. So a few serums might be in order."
"[/b]
"I am glad to be associating with those who possess magical potential. I have little-recorded experience with it outside of theoretical demonstrations, but understand it to be most useful in practice. I am exceptionally curious extra curious to see how a 'real wizard' blends magic and technology."
Yon was indeed feeling very welcome and excited for all of this. He liked working with others and he liked learning new things, both brought him a great deal of pleasure.
As you start walking away, deciding what to do next, all of your phones buzz again with a message.
Before you have a chance to process the entire message you get another message to all of your devices.
"My operating protocol would be in agreement with the wonderful Sybil, to speak with each to gather as much as data as possible. I shall leave such decisions up to you all. I have little experience with either of these people and know not how to best evaluate their goals, principles, and the impact they should have on our mission.
As to purchases, I am happy to assist others in seeking updates to their gear as needed, I have interest in upgrading my current armor."
The perky android seemed ready to follow the others wherever they designated as appropriate.
"Healing serums, great idea Tylur." She listens all around. "Yea, maybe some upgrades in order, then I think--"
Zam's eyes grow wide as she reads her comm's messages. "We're suddenly big time, guys..."
"Well I mean, I think we should definitely meet with both, but I'd rather talk to Otal Serissi with Hardscrabble first. I want to know if we have the Hardscrabble Collective watching our backs before I step foot near Astral Extractions. It's a risk to head out into the Armada for sure, but we haven't seen any evidence that HC or its agents mean us any harm, which is more than we can say for Astral Extractions. I mean, we've actually given them a motive. And the Eoxians, well that's a whole other can of worms, isn't it?"
"Hmmm" she muses, rubbing her chin. "Assuming Captain Otal does just want to a chat, can we get out there and back before tomorrow? If that leaves us time to meet with AE, great, but we can't miss our flight to the Drift Rock."
"...I think we should definitely meet with both, but I'd rather talk to Otal Serissi with Hardscrabble first. I want to know if we have the Hardscrabble Collective watching our backs before I step foot near Astral Extractions. It's a risk to head out into the Armada for sure, but we haven't seen any evidence that HC or its agents mean us any harm, which is more than we can say for Astral Extractions. I mean, we've actually given them a motive. And the Eoxians, well that's a whole other can of worms, isn't it?"
"Hmmm," she muses, rubbing her chin. "Assuming Captain Otal does just want to a chat, can we get out there and back before tomorrow? If that leaves us time to meet with AE, great, but we can't miss our flight to the Drift Rock."
"Agreed. Maybe we could check with Jabaxa and the Level 21 crew to ensure HC's on the up-and-up," Tylur suggests, "They're already on friendly terms with the miners. So, maybe we can get some reassurance from them that it's okay to venture to the Armada? After all, Jabaxa kind of 'owes' us for handling the Downsiders. I imagine Level 21 will reap the benefits of Ferani and Hatchbuster's absence for at least a little while."
"As for Astral Extractions, I doubt any good's gonna come from that conversation," he continues, "We've peeled back the curtain on their little clandestine move to assassinate Duravor, strongarm HC, and intimidate the Starfinder Society. Even if they deny it...and they will...anything else they have to say to us will likely amount to a warning or an outright threat to see things their way...or else. I've known plenty of corporate interests that'll operate that way. Always off the books and off the record. But they're as cut-throat as any gang on Absalom, and they have way more resources at their disposal."
"If timing's a problem, we could split up? I've got a mining background, so I can probably establish a decent rapport with HC. And, I could take Yon for backup while you, Dee, and Sybil drop in on AE. That way, AE doesn't get all of us in the same place at the same time...so, any threats they make will have to take into account that we've got backup coming to check on you when we get back."
"Of course, if you'd rather we all stay together, that's fine, too. I don't really like the idea of you guys going there at all, to be honest...especially since we know what we know about them."
“Thank you Sybil, your purchase is much appreciated.” Elf-droid smiled, this time it was more pleasant. She was taking Tylur’s advice, making sure she didn’t seem too crazy. Having feedback was always a good thing to have. After all, one couldn’t improve without some constructive criticism.
“I will gladly share my insights on such a wonderful blend of each.” Dee stated to Yon. “I am a technomancer, a practitioner of the technological magic arts.” She was always happy to discuss the algorithms each possessed with one another. The similarities they possessed to one such as her talent did blend each individual properties into one singular techno magic. “But one would not describe it as any sort of ‘real’ wizardry.”
”I would have to agree with Zam.” Dee responded nodding with agreement. [b]“Having dealt with a corporation before, there is always more, as they say behind the curtain than one would believe.” The elf-droid seemed a little apprehensive dealing with a corporation of any sort. “Behind the curtain, that is the correct analogy?”
”If we do split up, there may be a problem if we are being watched by any of these individual factions.” The technomancer seemed occupied studying the probabilities of the current problem. “Although I caution against such an action, I do believe we could gain more ground if we do split up. However, that does leave us vulnerable if anyone decided to take advantage of our current team orientation.”
The elf-droid wanted everyone to weigh the options, but understood if they needed to split up. Not that she was too worried, but she was just doing her job acknowledging the weaknesses in their current suggested plans.
=============
"Yea Dee, behind the curtain. You're getting good with your wordplay!" When the prospect of splitting up is mentioned, she shakes her head. "I don't like it. Having us all together at once might give HC some leverage, but we're also strongest together."
What she doesn't say is that she's also wary of leaving Tylur alone with an unknown element like Yon. Who's to say Hardscrabble Collective hadn't planted the android on them, as well? Maybe she's just being paranoid, but he'll have to earn her trust.
"We can vote if you like, but my vote will be to remain together, and to visit Captain Serissi in the Armada first."
___________________
Zam exits the pharmacy and holds tiny tubes full of verdant green elixir up to the brightly colored lights of the station, marveling at the unseen nanobiothrycites swimming within. "Gotta love healing serum. Can you imagine what the world was like before technology? Yikes." She stows the serum in her belt, then turns to the others with a smile. "Well, shall we head to Docking Bay 37 and seek out the Dust Runner?"
Yon admires his new armor, it seems to hide most of his body. He leaves his visor open for now so you can see his face.
"Yes, the Dust Runner seems logical to me."
“I would vote against separating, simply against tactical disadvantage.” Dee responded aloud. Not that she didn’t want to follow Tylur’s suggestion since he was a soldier and battle aware. But they had made Zam the leader, and she wasn’t about to go against the Lashunta's suggestions.
What a conundrum…she thought to herself. The elf-droid really wanted to please everyone, but her opinion did add another more analytical perspective. She had been programmed by her creators to offer a less emotional logical objective.
“Yes, I believe that is our next destination.” The technomancer agreed. She too had purchased a MK1 healing serum. “One would assume a bottle and stopper would have been the ideal way to collect any sort of healing liquid. Alchemy is alchemy after all, no matter how advanced or archaic the techniques were." She stopped, thinking about the subject a little more.
"However, this is all an assumption of course, since no one really knows anything pregap. Hmmm, perhaps I've given too much information?” Dee asked, looking over to Zam.
=====
On arrival to Docking Bay 37 you all notice a healthy hustle and bustle around the dock. People loading and unloading. There is a shuttle waiting for you to the Dust Runner. Its a simple automated shuttle used to travel out and among the armada. Automated and quite simple.
Travel to the Dust Runner goes very smoothly. Taking less than 30 minutes.
Dust Runner connecting to Shuttle. "Hello guests! I am sending some instructions to your shuttle to dock up with our ship. Happy to have you aboard"
Shortly the shuttle moves to match up with the Dust Runner's docking port. The ship itself is a working tramp freighter, practical and utilitarian.
As the docking bay opens up you can see a red-skinned human, with a strong Akiton accent, "Hello there! Welcome aboard my ship. I know you are in a bit of a rush. Would you like to join me for a drink?" He directs you toward the galley of the ship.
Handing each of you a cup of hot coffee. "I just wanted to talk to you about this whole Acreon business. The fate of the sip, and especially the crew, is so important to the Hardscrabble Collective. We are not rich. We scratch out our meager livings out from the rocks of the Diaspora, with occasional corporate contracts. Which is what happened with the Acreon."
Taking a ship of his own coffee, "We value our independence and freedom greatly, and it constantly struggles against exploitation and even takeovers at the hands of the bigger corporate overlords. It's clear that the crew of the Acreon staked their own claim on the Drift Rock, believing that the terms of their contract allowed them to do so. Is it any surprise that the Hardscrabble Collective would be suspicious of Astral Extractions' attempts to lay sole claim to the Acreon and the Drift Rock following the mysterious circumstances of it's arrival at Absalom Station. "
"We don't know the actual value of what is on the Drift Rock, but I know the worth of our Brothers and Sisters on the Acreon. We need to know what happened to the crew of the ship, as any family needs to know the fate of their loved ones. If the worst happened, then perhaps whatever wealth the Drift Rock holds can heas the loss of the families left behind."
Looking down at a small pile of paperwork and datapads, "Believe it or not, we are not actually disputing Astral Extractions' contract with the Acreon. We are happy to turn over all of the files and findings from the ship's prospecting mission over to the company, but the ship, and the claim its crew staked on the Drift Rock, belong to the Collective."
He looks over at you, looking embarrassed as to gone on for so long..
"That's an interesting perspective, and I'm a little surprised you would invite us all the way out here just to share it. So, what's your end-game here? What is it you want from us?"
Tylur listens to whatever answer their guest provides, but it does little to change his immediate thoughts on the matter.
"I'm not unfamiliar with such "familial" arrangements as the Hardscrabble Collective. Mutual interests and support are paramount for such coalitions to survive. I learned that while traveling the Diaspora with a group of surveyors. No doubt, we probably rubbed elbows with some of your people there," Tylur shares, "But I also hail from Akiton, and the corporations there tend to carve out contracts and claims enforced by strength-of-arms in the absence of any law they can manipulate to their advantage. Astral Extractions seems similarly inclined...especially with how they engaged the Downside Kings to push their interests in the matter."
The soldier sips his coffee sparingly as he carefully considers his next words. "Look. Regardless of your position...and even if we were sympathetic to it...we're a neutral party to this situation. Why do you believe any of this matters to us? How did you come by our names in the first place? And, what's yours? I don't believe I caught it on our way in...are you Captain Otal?"
Yon sips on his coffee as Tylur speaks, looking forward to the buzz that would come. Coffee was a favorite luxury of his, it's ability to help keep his mind sharp when working on a project might as well rival Triune's gift of Drift access to Yon.
Yon does his best to appear sympathetic, though his tone is somewhat flat.
"I am hopeful that we would be willing to assist in determining the fate of any lost members of your family unit but beyond that...
I require more information to assess, as I am a recently added agent to this task. But I agree with Agent Tylur that neutrality in this matter is key to our investigations. Beyond who you are, and your motivations, information concerning the nature of the crew, ship, contract, the Rock, and any relevant information would be of use in our investigations."
Yon waits to hear more, unwilling to commit to anything without more data. Another sip.
”We really don’t have an end game. We just know you are going to be part of team going on the Ship. We just don’t want the lives of the crew to get lost in the shuffle of all this legal work being done. Those crew and, Pherasma’s sake, their families must not be forgotten and taken advantage of. They deserve what they found, and any of the money that comes from it. At least all the things that go behind their original scope of work given to them by Astral Extractions.”
Listening to Tylur, noticing the skeptical nature of the words. ”Yes, Hardscrabble Collective is really a big family, we take care of ourselves. We do not request any illegal activity fro you, we just want you to go into this situation knowing the whole picture. Its easy to lost in the mix of things. Astral Extractions is big, and has a lot of money. We just don’t want the crew to be forgotten.”
”As for how we got your names. We knew the Eoxian was working as a neutral party to help with the case. We got notified when they picked a team to go aboard the ship. I am sure everyone involved in the case got the same notifications. I wouldn’t doubt it if you said Astral Extractions also contacted you directly.”
Looking toward Yon, ’Neutrality is all well and good, but just don’t remember there are lives involved. The lives of the crew on that ship. They matter. More than the claim of the rocks they found, or of that awful drift Rock they towed in.”
Zam sits, listening quietly to Captain Otal's impassioned plea. As much as she hates Astral Extractions, she still hasn't decided who she trusts. Maybe she shouldn't trust anyone. Except for Dee, Sybil, and Tylur. She knows she can trust them.
Listening to his all-very-reasonable explanations to Tylur's and Yon's questions, he says something that gives her pause.
"The crew of the Acreon staked their own claim on the Drift Rock, believing that the terms of their contract allowed them to do so. Is it any surprise that the Hardscrabble Collective would be suspicious of Astral Extractions' attempts to lay sole claim to the Acreon and the Drift Rock following the mysterious circumstances of it's arrival at Absalom Station . . . Believe it or not, we are not actually disputing Astral Extractions' contract with the Acreon. We are happy to turn over all of the files and findings from the ship's prospecting mission over to the company, but the ship, and the claim its crew staked on the Drift Rock, belong to the Collective."
"Of course Captain Otal, we also have a personal investment in this dispute. Our own Starfinder Society Member Duravor Kreel was murdered in cold blood by the Downside Kings, and we know was behind them. But..."
She considers for a moment, trying to word her questions as diplomatically as she can.
"Why would the crew of the Acreon believe the terms of their contract allowed them to claim the rock itself? And, why do you believe it did not? I'm not an attorney, but isn't it a standard term of such contracts that while the lessee only has temporary possession of the spacecraft, the fruits of expedition belong to them? Or did you have an alternate agreement with AE? I suppose I'm just curious as to HC's legal argument here. Astral Extractions is a shark, and no one's disputing that, I just want to truly understand your interest in the Drift Rock. Is it really based only on an equitable interest in the deaths of the crew?"
"If I had to guess," Tylur interjects before Otal answers Zam's questions, "It probably hinges on how the contract was worded between the Acreon's crew and Astral Extractions." The soldier shrugs and looks askance towards Otal. "There's probably a loophole. Is that about right? It's a common enough dispute between contractors and corporate overlords. It's gotta be what's at the heart of this matter..."
The elf-droid remained quiet, taking in everything around them. Looking out the shuttle window, Dee was amazed by just how massive the Armada was. She had seen ships like these in the orbit of Apostae time and time again. But this time it was different, these ships weren’t about to commit any nefarious purposes.
“Interesting accommodations, I have never seen such a practical organization.” The technomancer stated walking beside Tylur. Keeping up with his pace, she kept alert despite being invited onboard.
Dee following their host to the galley, absorbing her surroundings once more. She always enjoyed seeing new things and experiencing new sites. "I will gladly partake in a caffeinated drink. Thank you." She said, smiling widely. Taking the cup of caf
“I have to agree with Tylur and Yon’s analysis on being a neutral advocates for this particular claim matter. Although I tend to agree with Tylur’s assessment with corporations, we can't promise that we will be delivering an unbiased referral once we’ve return from the Drift Rock.”
Astral Extractions is big, and has a lot of money. We just don’t want the crew to be forgotten.”
“I believe that is something the Hardscrabble Collective need to worry about. We have dealt with corporate entities of this magnitude before.” She replied, her features going neutral. “Despite my negative dealings with those entities, I have to remain unbiased until we complete our mission for the Eoxian Diplomat.”
“Rest assured, one wouldn’t assume that we simply follow the will of neutrality when it comes to lives lost. We are all individuals as well, with our own personal beliefs and aspirations. One would never assume otherwise.” Dee replied, correcting the man’s response.
Sybil sits and listens to much of the conversation without comment. Of course dhe does seem to feel for the corporation, they did after all loose crew to 'something'. That she could get behind along with the them not being forgotten. And as Dee mentions, how do they believe that they have claim to the rock.
"Can you please explain as my colleague has surmised, that the Collective has claim to this 'drift rock'? the halfling asks. They may have just rented the ship for an expetiond, who can say without know the legalese. She than asks, "Could you perhaps provide us with a copy of the contract?"
He seems genuine. Maybe cares more about his people more than the legality of the situation. He is sure Astral Extractions has enough going on and really just wants his people not to be lost in the big machine of law. You do not think he is trying to pull a fast one on you at all.
"It sounds like you where never really informed as to the nature of the relationship between Astral Extractions and ourselves. AE hired the Acreon to scout out new potential mining prospects in the Vast. Which they did. There is sure to be data in the ship for locations for AE to mine in the future. Likely on their way back, via the Drift, they encountered the Drift Rock. Which they grabbed and towed here. It is outside the scope of the original contract. That being said AE thinks they hired the ship and all of the activities it performed. Grabbing of the Drift Rock was done on their own time, or so we thought. AE seems to disagree. The exact nature will be argued in Court, for sure."
"As for our interest in the Drift Rock. It was found IN the drift. Anything found in the drift can be from anywhere! It could hold in it untold info or value. We wish to use what is inside it to help out our people, and their families. But to reiterate, the most important part are the people on the ship. At this point I am not sure of their chances of survival. We have had no contact. But the sooner we can get it checked out and find what happened to them, and in the best situation, rescue them, the better."
Looking over at Dee, "Thank you. We don't want the nature of your time on the ship to stray too far outside the Neutral party territory. The legal nature of everything leaves little in the way of ownership rights clear. But what is clear is the data on the Acreon is AE's by right. The Drift Rock's ownership is up in the air, and will be for awhile, I think. But anything else on the Ship itself is retained by us. I can say, if you find anything of interest you are welcome to keep it, as long as you do what you can to help the crew.
Quickly looking down at his datapad. A quick ping to all of our devices "I sent you the contract for you to look over, but it might be hard to read through the legal lines.
Pretty boilerplate contract. AE hired RC to scout out locations for future mining activities out in the vast. A few systems and their drift beacon codes are listed as places of interest. It is hard to tell what is to be done about anything outside the scope of just scouting
It looks like AE has written in some very complicated legalese in regards to the ship's activities. You can see how it might be possible to go both ways. AE might own all rights to the ship's activities. It could also be interpreted that AE only legally is allowed to ask for the data of the scouting mission. As long as the Acreon did not steal potential mining opportunities from the systems listed everything they did on the trip out and back through the Drift is theirs. You can see the complexity of the case. Activities in the Drift are not detailed out very well. This vagueness will likely cause a bit of trouble in court
He looks up to you, "I know you have a lot to do, and I do not want to stall you too much from your trip out to the Acreon. I am hoping the crew is still alive. I know you leave tomorrow morning, but I assume you might want to prepare." He stands up and very polity starts to move to the exit. Not trying to kick you out, just knowing you have places to be.
Yon focuses on the new information, his blue tattoos glowing as he analyzes. He mutters out loud as he reads.
"Standard, hired to scout out locations for future mining. Location: the Vast, a few drift beacon locations. Unable to decipher beyond scouting parameters. Murky."
Yon turns his attention does his best to appear friendly and concerned, again. As usual, his approach goes above and beyond what might be appropriate. He also does his best to establish strong eye contact, in order to seem personal. He remembered reading that eye contact was important in establishing empathetic bonds.
"My splendid fellow! While the probability seems high that misfortune has befallen your crew, their safety is an objective."
Yon ponders to himself reviewing the words that had been spoken in order to make sure that nothing had been said to really disagree with that sentiment. Remembering no information that would contradict it, he stops speaking and remains smiling, happy to be ushered out if that is where gravity pulled.
At some later point after leaving, Yon directs a question at the party?
"Question: It is correct we will be helping any crew found within the means we possess?"
Zam's eyes go cross-eyed as she scans the bewildering wall of legalese. Sentences seem to build wooden frames that loop back upon themselves, reference clauses and terms both previously and subsequently defined, and leap into codas and appendices full of charts and data columns, constructing a verbose tower of words that threatens to cave in upon itself and bury this bloated specimen of verbal manslaughter in its own prolix detritus.
Corporations.
"Well thanks for that info, Captain. It's pretty clear you're more concerned with the crew than your own financial interests, and that's admirable. We'll definitely keep that in mind when we explore the ship tomorrow."
"By the way, is there anything you think we ought to know about Astral Extractions before we deal with them directly?"
As the team leaves Captain Otal and starts their way back to Absalom Station aboard their shuttle, Tylur gives the Acreon's contract a more thorough review on his datapad.
...
"Hah!" Tylur scoffs aloud as he speed-reads certain sections of the contract, immediately skipping over the legalese that doesn't matter so he can get to the more important parts. His prior experience lets him identify a few familiar elements which he recalled from similar surveying and prospecting contracts between Akitonian corporations and traders among the Diaspora.
"This is gonna tie up the courts for a looong damn time," he explains to the others, "Both sides have a legitimate argument. They'll probably need an unbiased arbitrator to settle it. Not sure if that means Ambassador Nor or someone else, but AE put some language in here...probably purposeful on their part...which left it open-ended enough they just might own all the rights to any of the ship's activities, regardless of whether they took place in the Drift or the Vast."
"Of course, someone who favored HC could interpret this language so AE is only legally allowed to ask for the data of the scouting mission, just as Otal suggested. In that case, as long as the crew of the Acreon honored their agreement...and didn't steal any potential mining opportunities from the systems they scouted...then, everything else they did on the trip...including anything they encountered in the Drift and brought back with them...would be theirs, and not AE's. That's how I'd fight it if I were in their shoes. When a corporation hires out a bunch of contractors, they don't own your entire life, just the stuff you were contracted to do. If you run into a new species, a derelict ship, or even a damn Drift Rock when you aren't actively prospecting for potential mining sites on actual planets or asteroids, you shouldn't have to turn that over to your greedy business partners just because they want it."
Tylur pauses and sighs.
"It probably won't matter, though. HC will face an uphill battle to get anyone to rule that way for them. A money-grubbing, backstabbing, willing-to-murder-others-to-get-their-way corporation like AE won't possibly allow that kind of outcome. Not if they can help it, anyway. It's gonna be real eye-opening to hear how AE tries to spin this situation when we talk to them. I'm glad we checked out Otal first. Between this and what we know about their involvement in Duravor's murder, we'll be holding a lot more cards at the turn than AE assumes we have at this point."
The soldier glances over at Zam and Dee. "Yeah, I just totally made a poker reference there...hah!"
When his laughter subsides, he finally takes in the surprised expressions of his companions that he could master such a tangled list of contractual terms and liability clauses. "What?" he smirks, "I'm not some dumb grunt, you know? I was smart enough to get out of the military and the mercenary game. Aside from keeping me alive, it also let me pick up a lot of different skills. And now, I plan on putting those to use for the Starfinder Society."
Sybil takes a look at the contact and is unable to discern what is says exactly through the legalese. It would take some time to go over this thing.
"I can promise you one thing Captian Otal, that we will be looking at what happened to the crew, ship, and whatever else we find over there. Everyone will know what happened." Sybil says with determination of finding the truth of the matter for all.
“Thank you, sir. I am sure that we will be able to allocate the time provided to us for the most beneficial outcome for all parties.” The elf-droid didn’t seem bothered by any statement the Hardscrabble rep made. They were Starfinders before they were anything else, and as such, they needed to follow the Eoxian Diplomat’s wishes.
Dee’s PDA’s chirped, revealing the message that had arrived in her inbox. Removing the small device from her pocket, the Tehnomancer glanced at the small screen. Glancing at the contract, her thoughts rolling over her previous lives she’d spent both with the Drow and her Android Rebel Cell.
“I agree with Tylur.” Dee stated, after finishing her own scan of the data. AE has done a thorough job complicating the contract with plenty of legal verbiages.” She visibly pondered the data, looking for any sort of loophole AE may have left to exploit. “Unfortunately, it would appear that having the Starfinders act as arbitrators maybe the best opportunity for both parties in the end. Thank you for your time and of course information.”
“Indeed.” The elf-droid added to Tylur’s assessment. She had taken the time to fully soak in the data that had been given by the HSC. “But one would expect nothing less from a corporation with a personal stake in a valuable piece of property.” Dee’s face went sour, annoyed at the thought that AE would careless about the people who may or may not have died on the Acreon.
“So long as they did not breach this contract, then whatever they salvage that have no mining actions does perhaps indeed belong to the Collective.” Dee agreed with Tylur, finding their discussion an intriguing conversation.
“Agreed, however, I will be honest that my personal views on how Corporations treat beings make it hard to have an unbiased opinion on these issues.” Everyone could see that Android wasn’t too happy about the whole thing. Revealing that emotion revealed just how personal this whole mission was becoming to her.
But when Tylur comments about poker and just how hilarious it was, the elf-droid laughed the loudest. Of course, she did have a 5-second delay in her reaction. “I do find your analogy to the comparison of the game of chance rather humorous. Well played indeed!” It took her about a few more seconds to stop laughing shortly after everyone else did.
Your team joins back up in the small shuttle docked with the ship. Captain gives you one final wave farwell. "Thank you again. Just remember people are important!"
As the shuttle undocks and starts moving back toward the station, navigating through the complex pattern of other ships in the Armada you have some time to process your visit.
As the ship docks back up with the station. You are freely able to leave.
Do you head to Astral Extractions headquarters? You know of it as being a massive office building. Or do you just wait and prepare for tomorrow morning?
"Your sense of humor is really developing, Tylur! I think Dee must be having a positive impact on you." Zam winks.
She has her face glued to the observation window, just as awestruck as the Station this second time as she was the first. "It's just so...big!"
Relaxing back into her seat for landing, she continues. "I'm personally impressed with Captain Serissi and the Collective. I think he was being really genuine in his concern for the people he works with and their families, you know?"
"So, with that perspective under our belts, I think we ought to meet with Astral Extractions. With our involvement now documented, and both Gevalarsk Nor and Otal Serrisi seeming to be above-board, I'm less worried about being ambushed. Though I fully expect to be threatened or intimidated. What do you all think?"
Yon seems genuinely impressed with both Dee and Tylur. "You both are very impressive of your understanding of legal matters. A fascinating situation we seem to have gotten ourselves into then."
In Response to Tylur's joke, Yon like Dee doesn't immediately laugh as he processed the information but does eventually laugh. "I understood that joke, very funny." But Yon gives a confused expression at the talk of being a dumb grunt. "Agent Tylur, could you clarify your statement on being a dumb grunt? Am I to believe you are saying that people believe you to be of a lower intelligence due to your military training? This seems to be an illogical conclusion given the extensive training that most military personnel have to undergo and the various tasks they need to be able to excel at. For one I would imagine such training would hone one's ability to process information efficiently. Whoever seems to think of you as a 'dumb grunt' would seem to be the one that is in need of an upgrade of sorts."
Hearing Zam state her thoughts on the Captain, Yon seems to take an interest.
"I find the Captain's concern over his crew to be with heart. I am very glad to hear of your analysis of his motives, it would distress me greatly if he were to be lying. I hope we can save his crew. we should make contact with Astral Extractions as well in order to acquire whatever information we can."
"So, with that perspective under our belts, I think we ought to meet with Astral Extractions. With our involvement now documented, and both Gevalarsk Nor and Otal Serrisi seeming to be above-board, I'm less worried about being ambushed. Though I fully expect to be threatened or intimidated. What do you all think?"
"I concur with your assessment Agent Zam about meeting with them. I can offer no further input as to being ambushed."
Yon pauses to allow the others to answer, joining in on the stargazing. When an opportunity presents itself he asks the group a question:
"I do have one other question, who is this dead Starfinder operative, I have not been given information on them? Were they murdered by an associate of AE, I am unclear on events surrounding this."
"Your sense of humor is really developing, Tylur! I think Dee must be having a positive impact on you."
"And pretty soon, I'm sure I'll have a positive impact on her, as well. She could clearly benefit from my stoic, soldierly persona..." Tylur jests in return.
"Agent Tylur, could you clarify your statement on being a dumb grunt? Am I to believe you are saying that people believe you to be of a lower intelligence due to your military training? This seems to be an illogical conclusion given the extensive training that most military personnel have to undergo and the various tasks they need to be able to excel at. For one I would imagine such training would hone one's ability to process information efficiently. Whoever seems to think of you as a 'dumb grunt' would seem to be the one that is in need of an upgrade of sorts."
"I'm not just saying it, Yon. I've lived it. A lot of folks enter the military because it's their only option to better lives. An educated path is denied them, usually due to financial difficulties. The military is certainly a gateway to learning new skills and receiving useful training. Even so, those who've never been through it just assume those who become soldiers weren't academically gifted enough...or inclined...to choose a different path."
"So, with that perspective under our belts, I think we ought to meet with Astral Extractions. With our involvement now documented, and both Gevalarsk Nor and Otal Serrisi seeming to be above-board, I'm less worried about being ambushed. Though I fully expect to be threatened or intimidated. What do you all think?"
"I doubt AE will deign to threaten us at an initial meeting like this. Perhaps a subtle reminder of some kind, but more likely they'll try to sway us with how great they are...and misunderstood. Corporate representatives always like to claim they're misunderstood, and if everyone could just bring it upon themselves to see things from their perspective, they'll obviously come off looking like roses."
"And besides, if a mega-corporation like AE decides to go the intimidation route, they'll probably hire someone else to do it for them. Just like they enlisted the Downside Kings to harass the Hardscrabble Collective and assassinate Duravor Kreel."
"...who is this dead Starfinder operative? I have not been given information on them. Were they murdered by an associate of AE, I am unclear on events surrounding this."
"Duravor Kreel" Tylur shares, "A dwarven Starfinder agent. He was our contact and was supposed to meet us when we arrived on Absalom Station. As soon as we stepped off the shuttle, a firefight broke out in Docking Bay 94 and he was intentionally murdered by a bunch of hired gangbangers called the Downside Kings. We paid them a visit and avenged him by taking down their leader...a gearhead named Ferani Nadaz. We turned her over to the station authorities and Chiskisk elevated us to full status as Starfinder agents."
"The connection to Astral Extractions is that they're the ones who hired the Downside Kings to murder Kreel and harass the Hardscrabble Collective. We found proof of it on Ferani's datapad and turned it over to the authorities. We're all assuming it was part of an intimidation front for AE to strongarm their way into sole ownership of the Drift Rock."
"Your sense of humor is really developing, Tylur! I think Dee must be having a positive impact on you." Zam winks.
“I believe you are correct, a positive influence on one’s personal growth helps to evolve one’s individuality.” Dee reached out, placing a perfectly manicured hand on the soldier’s shoulder. “I am honored to provide that example for you Tylur.” Everyone could see just how happy the whole thing made her.
"...What do you all think?"
“Your assessment is correct Zam.” Dee replied with a nod. “Now that we are more out in the open about our involvement with the Eoxian Diplomat as arbitrators for the court case one would think that killing us would not help AE’s cause.”
The elf-droid was speculating, of course, the glow of her violet tattoos glowing brightly. “However, I wouldn’t doubt that they approach us with a more monetary approach. I believe, the term is money is no object for their purposes.” If AE couldn’t threaten them, then they would probably approach them with money or offers of power within their ranks. That for Dee hurt as much as a physical blow. The elf-droid had no desire of being someone like AE’s reputation’s puppet.
"You both are very impressive of your understanding of legal matters. A fascinating situation we seem to have gotten ourselves into then."
“Thank you for the compliment Yon. My knowledge comes from my oppressors the Nocturnum Mega Corporation back on Apostae.” Her face returned neutral at the mentioned of the Drow how had created her. “I wouldn’t categorize myself that of a lawyer, however more of the experience an entity of power oppresses another. I would assume that Tylur too possesses such experiences as well.” She didn’t want everyone to think that she had the knowledge of one who practiced law.
Dee listened to Yon’s remarks about Tylur being a ‘dumb grunt’. Processing the information herself, the elf-droid seemed in though as the new Android companion revealed his assessment on the soldier’s remark.
“I do believe that Yon is right about such a description of one’s self. It does spark a hint of low self-esteem and insecurities. The relativity between the two could be a trait possessed by a soldier of your history, but I wouldn’t worry since you have the rest of us to...as they say to watch your back.”
"And pretty soon, I'm sure I'll have a positive impact on her, as well. She could clearly benefit from my stoic, soldierly persona..." Tylur jests in return.
“Positive impact? Hmmm stoic? A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. Interesting, I wasn’t aware that such a trait would upgrade my personal advancement.” She through a loud, taking in Tylur’s words. “Perhaps a soldierly persona could help with that?”
Once Tylur finished recalling what had happened, Dee finally spoke;
“However, it was not enough to pin the dirt on AE as one would say. Pin the dirt? That is a correct statement is it not?” The elf-droid looked over at Zam, Tylur, and Sybil. Not that her new Android companion had no idea what she was referring to, just that he hadn’t been there during the events Tylur was reviewing. “When it comes to AE and corporations...we should never let our guard down.”
With only so much of the day remaining to you, you gather up and make your way to the AE headquarters located in Bluerise Tower. A large corporate building located in the dome of the station.
Unlike the Eoxian embassy there are no guards and you can easily walk in. There is a young male Lashunta at the front desk.
As you look around the lobby, there are screens showing various statistics about mining operations for the company. Various plans to mine out asteroids from the vast. There are even a few detailing mining a cracked moon over a large green world out in the vast. Some Credit estimations are shown, likely to entice future investors. Numbers ranging in the billions of credits. Though you have no idea how accurate these numbers are, or what timescale.
"Hello, welcome to Astral Extractions. How may I help you?"
"Ah yes. I believe she is waiting for you. Just head down to the elevators and go to floor 75. Follow the green line" She pushes a button on her desk and a small green line of line extends from under your feet along the floor to the elevators. "It will lead you to her office"
As you follow the line though the lobby, and to the elevators you see quite a few business men of various races talking. You notice a few floating creatures seemly having conversations via color patters on their skin. Resembling large octopi from old Golarion.
As you make your way to Ms. Joss Office you are greeted with a very proffesional, sharp, looking Lashunta.
"Ah hello! Greetings. Thank you so much for taking your time to meet with me here. Feel free to sit down. The purpose of this meeting is to give you a better sense of AEs corporate philosophy and how that informs the company business dealings. Do you have any questions before I get started?"
Sybil moves into the office and chooses one of the further chairs in the office to sit on. She hops up on one and looks to Ms. Joss but says little.
AS she asks for questions the halfling has her own very big question, such as why she could have a part in a gang who killed a Starfinder and still sit in a comfy office on the seventy-fifth floor and look over them and have the audacity to ask them much of anything. But... she keeps her thoughts, her thoughts, and looks to the lushunta with a smile as she waits to hear what the corporate bureaucrat to get on with she wants.
She does not look to her fellow Starfinders and hopes they can keep their cool as well. At the present they have the upper hand as they Ms. Joss does not know how they will react. Let us see where this goes.
Dee was amazed just how much the cityscape around them changed. She used to seeing megaliths dotting the skyline back on Apostae. It brought a tinge of fear deep inside her, making her feel alienated with the people around her. The sensation made her uncomfortable, but the elf-droid never left those emotions escaped her features.
The technomancer’s heeled boots thumped slightly as Dee followed the team deeper and deeper into the lion’s den.
"Hello, welcome to Astral Extractions. How may I help you?"
“Yes you may. We have been invited by a Ms. Joss.” Dee spoke before anyone else could. Her features neutral, they held no into of warmth within its violet tattoo alabaster skin. Reaching out, she gave the message to the receptionist.
"Ah yes. I believe she is waiting for you. Just head down to the elevators and go to floor 75. Follow the green line" She pushes a button on her desk and a small green line of the line extends from under your feet along the floor to the elevators. "It will lead you to her office"
“What an interesting use of a holographic projection.” The elf-droid replied, intrigued by the use of the technology. She’d see many different uses, but this was caught her attention. “The line’s afoot…” She laughed, finding an interesting wordplay comical.
"Ah hello! Greetings. Thank you so much for taking your time to meet with me here. Feel free to sit down. The purpose of this meeting is to give you a better sense of AEs corporate philosophy and how that informs the company business dealings. Do you have any questions before I get started?"
“I believe that Zam and Tylur are the best representatives of our arbitrary team sent here by his excellency Gevalarsk Nor. I am Dee, one of the members of this team of Starfinders.” Dee took a seat, keeping an eye about her surroundings.
Zam doesn't trust any of this. Not the clean, polished corporate veneer, nor the friendly facade of its employees, and certainly not the psychic Ms. Joss here. Zam, long accustomed to communicating with her own race, is careful to keep her mind locked tight as they walk through the halls and meet the woman. She sits stiffly in her seat, careful to maintain good posture and eye contact. She'll never let them know how nervous she is.
"Yes, hello. Please, you can understand that we have many obligations, so tell us what you'd like us to hear. Then, perhaps, we will have questions for you."
Yon listens to Tylur's responses to his queries:
"I'm not just saying it, Yon. I've lived it. A lot of folks enter the military because it's their only option to better lives. An educated path is denied them, usually due to financial difficulties. The military is certainly a gateway to learning new skills and receiving useful training. Even so, those who've never been through it just assume those who become soldiers weren't academically gifted enough...or inclined...to choose a different path."
Yon listens interestedly as Tylur explains his life experiences as a Soldier along with the information concerning the dead. He thinks about these things, storing both sets of information for further analysis.
Yon also listens to and acknowledges Dee's commentary with a smile. Making a note to Trianna to later inquire with the other Android a more detailed backstory of her time with Nocturnum Mega Corporation. Yon did not know if he had been used similarly before his memory wipes, he assumed this to be the case, but could not know. Such information would be an interesting way to learn about the plight of other Androids and perhaps provide data he could cross-reference with himself. He suspected he would need to get to know Dee better first before such inquiries could be seen as acceptable.
As they walk through AE's Lobby Yon quietly follows the party, admiring the various computer displayers, both for their technical information and for the money the corporation must spend on their hardware. Too bad he needed to remain neutral in this context.
"No questions here." Yon politely declines, worried talking too soon would divulge information he did not wish to divulge quite yet.
While finding a way to his seat, Yon thinks about asking about the sort of equipment the corporation must utilize to reach the sorts of numbers they were displaying. He decides that such information was off topic, and unlikely to be answered too accurately anyways. Bad information was almost worse than no information.
Yon attempts to sit in such a way as to even out the teams seating geometrically. Symmetry could be a beautiful thing.
"...Feel free to sit down. The purpose of this meeting is to give you a better sense of AEs corporate philosophy and how that informs the company business dealings. Do you have any questions before I get started?"
"I guess I have a question," Tylur offers, "Why would we need a better sense of your corporate philosophy and how it informs your business dealings?"
'{It seems pretty transparent to the educated eye...}' he silently adds.
You don't really see anything of super interest.A general office. Though you do catch a quick glance at a computer screen with some blueprints of the Acreon on it
Looking over each of you slowly, "We know you are part of the Neutral Eoxian team that will be investigating the ship. We just want to give you AE's case."
She launches into a slickly produced marketing presentation that highlights Astral Extractions' efforts in discovering, developing, and managing much-needed resources from across the galaxy and selling them in the Pact Worlds. It becomes clear to all of you that the presentation does not represent the whole truth. It seems like general marketing material for investors and the public. Though nothing outright false about the claims.
She then goes into detail about the companys contract with hardscrabble Collective, namely that the Acreon was hired to prospect for unclaimed, unexploited mineral resources on behalf of Astral Extractions, which would then hold all rights and claims to those discoveries.
"We simply want what our contract gives us the rights to. The Acreon found the Drift Rock, an unclaimed, unexploited mineral resource, as defined in the contract. They found it while working under our contract, so the rights to the astroid belong to us."
While it all sounds valid, you know that the exact writing of the contract states the Acreon would simply identify sites for future development. So the Rock does not 100% fit the legal writing.
"We ask you to carefully consider the merits of Aastral Extractions claim and keep open minds while investigating the ship and astroid. We will, of course, accept the results of Ambassador Nor's mediation, but we are always interested in hiring competent freelancers for various tasks. Those 'freelancers' could find lucrative employment opportunities in the future, expecially if this Drift Rock business sides with AE, as we will be able to use its findings to fund said Freelancers"
Tylur visibly smirks once the presentation ends and Miss Joss requests they consider the 'merits' of Astral Extraction's claim on the Drift Rock. From his standpoint, the only case she's made is that the corporation really wants it, because it's valuable. They'll obviously interpret the contract in the most favorable way possible so they can seize it. And, now, AE would like to essentially bribe the neutral team put in place by Ambassador Nor by offering them future employment as freelancers if the'd find a way to tip the scales in their favor.
'{Right.}' Tylur thinks. '{Freelancers. Easily deniable assets to be discarded at the first sign of trouble. Even if we agreed to such an arrangement, we'd just become a 'loose end' for them to cut once they got the Drift Rock. Joss must be counting on us to be really stupid...and greedy. Just as greedy as her and her corporate masters.}'
The big soldier spares a glance at Zam to see what kind of response she'd prefer to give on the team's behalf. And he prepares himself to back her play to the hilt. After all, he felt pretty confident she'd see through AE's ruse given all the evidence they'd gathered about the company's unethical dealings.
Dee kept alert as they arrived at AE’s corporate building. She remembered her first time she had been activated back on Apostae, under the Nocturnum Mega Corporation. The massive gothic building was five times the size of this one. The Drow were quite egotistical when it came to their possessions. Present Android included.
The swirls of her violet tattoos scattered throughout her body glowed brightly. She remembered that time, a time that Android tried so hard to forget. Keeping silent, letting everyone else speak, she remained close to Zam crossing her arms spell at the ready just in case. Listening to the corporate representative go into a spin, the elf-droid simply shook her head in disagreement.
“What you want, and what the facts do not simply the same designation.” Dee stated, unable to sit here any longer and listen to the propaganda. “We as neutral arbitrators to his Excellency Nor will decide what the outcomes will be.” Her words were cold calculated and very much to the point.
“Thank you for taking the time to provide us with a different perspective.” She added, not even hiding any emotion that revealed the elf-droid was not impressed. “As for Freelancing? I do not speak for the others, but I have no interest in working here. I am a Starfinder, and that is my first priority...after fulfilling my duties as a mediator of course. A task that I take very seriously.”
Yon too finds himself little impressed by the display, though he does his best to be courteous. Deciding to try and learn something, Yon engages in strong eye contact with Ms. Joss, in order to see if she gave any sort of reaction.
"I concur with what has been said, as Starfinder Agents we will, of course, be neutral in our endeavors. Nor do I have interest in your freelance work. I have spent a great deal of time as a Mercenary and do not wish to so readily return to such work without good reason."
Yon adjusts himself in his seat, trying to discretely scoot a bit. His new armor was not the most comfortable and it was causing his buttocks to itch something fierce.
Sybil starts by listening intently but soon tunes out with the corporate spiel that does not even seem to directly relate to the matter at hand. At least the Hardscrabble Collective was personable and was forthright in what they were looking for. This corporate run around and double speak was, trying to say the lease.
Once Ms. Joss seemed to be done with her presentation and her colleagues made their statements that mostly mirrored her own she hopped off her chair and politely stated, "Thank you for the presentation of Astral Extractions' point of view on the matter Ms. Joss. If there is nothing further," She looks to the Lushunta and her fellow Starfinders for anything else before she says, "If we have any questions, concerns, or considerations that we wish to make, we will contact you. Good day." and with a polite smile she starts for the door.
With a somewhat sickly smile "I definitely understand. Just wanted to give you all details of our business practice, as well as show you how many opportunities we can give to people who work with is"
She stands up from her desk, shutting down her presentation holographic projector. "Well, I know you have work to do, and I do not want to stall you at all. Do you wish to be escorted out? The light line should be a path to exit. Thank you for your time, and remember what I said. I will leave my line open if you wish to contact me directly."
She walks you out of the room and the door shuts behind you. The line on the floor glows and shows the exit to the building.
As you exit the building the front desk receptionist gives you a kind wave and you are now back on the streets of the station. According the the system clock on the station it is now evening. Travel and dealing with the long speech given by AE wasted quite a bit of time. You know you need to leave early in the morning. What do you wish to do/prepare for the next day?
"Well that went easier than expected," Zam offers, a bit puzzled. "I mean, obviously we can't trust anything we just saw or heard, and that histrionic offer of "work" in exchange for a favorable outcome has more holes than Castrovelian cheese. But still..." She switches to telepathy. {We should assume we're being watched.}
Tylur nods in response to Zam's telepathic warning. "Understood. So, what's our play? I'm thinking we pack heavy for this trip, just in case. There's no idea what we'll run up against, so it's probably best to be prepared for anything."
“Obviously. One who has connections as much as AE has would probably assume that they didn’t like the way we communicated our displeasure. I would say that they are certainly, what is the term? Tailing us? I believe that’s the correct analogy. Yes?” said the elf-droid.
“Hmmm, castrovelian cheese, that is an interesting comparison. The outcome? Having various paths that lead to a bribe of some sort. I could see how that could be related to the dairy product.” The amusement that followed revealed how impressed Dee was with Zam’s description of the situation.
“Packing heavy? Oh yes, I have to agree perhaps some initial intelligence gathering would be the preferred method of preparing for our cumbersome outcome?” Something told Dee that their journey to an asteroid that was from the Drift wouldn’t be easy.
Considering that they also have a crew of a missing vessel, and a piece of contraband cargo only added to the dilemma of their mission. “Perhaps we should contact Chiskisk as well and update them on our current situation?”
“...what is the term? Tailing us? I believe that’s the correct analogy. Yes?” said the elf-droid.
"Spot on." Tylur says, tapping his nose for effect just to see how well Dee can interpret such mannerisms in addition to verbal analogies.
“Perhaps we should contact Chiskisk as well and update them on our current situation?”
"I guess it wouldn't hurt. Might as well bring that bug up to speed and explain both our intent and our recent interactions with the Ambassador, AE, and the Hardscrabble Collective..."
..."I mean, obviously we can't trust anything we just saw or heard, and that histrionic offer of "work" in exchange for a favorable outcome has more holes than Castrovelian cheese..."
]“Obviously. One who has connections as much as AE has would probably assume that they didn’t like the way we communicated our displeasure. I would say that they are certainly, what is the term? Tailing us? I believe that’s the correct analogy. Yes?” said the elf-droid.
“Hmmm, castrovelian cheese, that is an interesting comparison. The outcome? Having various paths that lead to a bribe of some sort. I could see how that could be related to the dairy product.”
Yon seems somewhat puzzled.
"I do not understand this cheese reference but given the context... Do you mean to say her or AE's intentions to be dishonorable then in offering us additional work? I could not discern if the work was related to our case or not. Logic would say that coincidences do happen but not often. "Tylur nods in response to Zam's telepathic warning. "Understood. So, what's our play? I'm thinking we pack heavy for this trip, just in case. There's no idea what we'll run up against, so it's probably best to be prepared for anything."
Considering that they also have a crew of a missing vessel, and a piece of contraband cargo only added to the dilemma of their mission. “Perhaps we should contact Chiskisk as well and update them on our current situation?”
"Agreed. Protocols for going into unknown conditions dictate that we bring a number of basic supplies with us to provide aid against a variety of scenarios...
Along with big guns."Yon says the last bit with a big smile, attempting to joke.
Touching base with the SFS stands to reason as well."
"Yea. Who knows, Chiskisk may even have some ideas or tips for us..."
As you all head to Starfinder HQ, you all mull over the various options ahead of you. Different sides pulling you here and there. Feeling stuck in the middle of 2 large companies, and even a whole government entity. A huge jump from landing on the station as a group of want to be Starfinders.
As you make your way to Chiskisk, the building accepts you in without any issue, noting you are now official Starfinder members. Other than a quick body scan as you enter to verify identity there is no resistance.
You stand in front of Chiskisk. {Greetings! From the reports I have gotten you are been approached by all parties involved. You are a lucky group of Starfinders to be given such great opportunities. I hope anything you find on this Drift Rock, as well as the ship is relayed to our ranks. I know I am curious of what is there.}
"Lucky, right..." Zam offers, uncertain whether that's the term she'd have used to describe their situation. "It also makes us notorious. And maybe that's beneficial for the Starfinders, to have high profile agents, but..." Zam hesitates here, recognizing suddenly that by joining the Starfinders she's given up a bit of personal autonomy, and deferred some of her personal interests to those of this large organization. It's a sobering moment, to realize that even her perceived dream has come at a cost.
"...But I also feel like a micro-organism under a microscope, with everyone waiting to see how I respond. I feel that Hardscrabble Collective has their heart in this, whereas Astral Extractions takes a much more opportunistic view, and I can't hold that against them. But Duravor's murder has made this personal for me, even though I hardly knew the man. It shows me what Astral Extractions is capable of, despite that glittering veneer. And I don't like it."
"The Eoxians... Well, they haven't given me a reason to distrust them, but I certainly don't trust them, either. I feel like a mouse released into a cage, and I'm waiting to turn a corner and find an enormous trap."
She stops here, knowing she's said way too much, and not even sure of what she wants from Chiskisk, except it was important to her to simply state her feelings. She looks to her companions. "But other than all that, I suppose we're ready to go explore this rock."
With a calm energy, Chiskisk project {Yes, all understandable. Starfinders are not always liked, and rarely keep a low profile for long. But the goal of discovery, and learning, should shine true. For what it is worth, you have the strength of all of here behind you. As I hope we have your strength going forward.}
It looks like its pensive for a moment, {I wish I could help out more. My suggestion would be to do what you can, keep an open mind, and learn what you can. You are now Starfinders, and unless we have a lead, you are on your own to learn and discover on your own. Feel free to check in if you ever need a second set of visual organs on your work or notes.}
Yon nods along with the reassuring works of Chiskisk and the surprising reveals of Zam. Yon didn't really know how to feel in response to that. For his part, he was enjoying himself. The constant pull back and forth was irritating but at the end getting to investigate the rock and whatever sort of technology, or other, secrets might be held there was enough for him.
"I too am most curious to know what will be found and am always pleased to have as much processing power put towards interpreting results."
Yon pauses thinking what might be appropriate to add.
"Hopefully those findings and our decisions will right any wrongs and be adjudicated in such a way as to minimalize loss of life."
What do you think Trianna, was that an adequate response? Did I properly display my sympathy? Trianna beeps a response indicating his response mostly seemed to fall within proper parameters.
Yon sighed inwardly relieved, and also emboldened by the encouragement for self-automated discovery.