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...we reset the fire extinguisher to protect him.
"Clever children! But what if there's a real fire? Then we'll need it to work normally."
Argon looks at the spot the children indicated, and goes over to have a look. She tries to reset the fire extinguisher to its normal settings.
Once done, Argon-42 joins the others in the next room.
"Rozzicheep, if you can't find it, I can try to shut those vents and flush it out into the main room."
If Rozzicheep asks, Argon attempts to do so:
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Realizing that he couldn’t fit in the vents, Zeyram decides perhaps he could herd the creature towards Rozzicheep by banging on the underside of the vents.
He warns everyone “This may be a little noisy...”
He then starts from the edges, leaping up to slap the underside of the vents.
Whump!
Whump!
It isn’t the most effective, he has to dodge around too much stuff in the way.
Argon-42 succesfully deactivates the trap set by the two kids.
You go in searching through the room and quickly find the aliens footprints on the steamy walls, even while not seeing much.
Argon-42 shuts the vents with a small hack, while Zeyram fails entering where the alien went in.
Lightfoot manages to catch it though.
There you are with a small centipede like alien, which looks at you curiously from it's black chitin eyes.
Even as it looks at you, it tries to press some random buttons at the wall, just like a kid would do.
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There you are with a small centipede like alien, which looks at you curiously from it's black chitin eyes.
Even as it looks at you, it tries to press some random buttons at the wall, just like a kid would do.
"Greetings, fellow traveler,” Lightfoot says to the creature, attempting to imitate the creature’s rhythms and gestures in an effort to try and make the creature feel at ease.”I am Rozzicheep Bernnshaw, though my friends call me ‘Lightfoot’, and I wish for you to the do the same… that is if you are capable of mimicking a form of speech..” The ysoki points to himself and his companions. “Myself and these fellow travelers are Starfinders, a group dedicated to exploring and learning more about lifeforms unknown to us, such as, well…you.” Lightfoot points to the centipede-like creature.
“While we share common goals, we are a diverse group with different backgrounds, skills, and interests and hail from different planets. Collectively, our planets of origins are known as the Pact Worlds. .” The ysoki searches for a few small items and attempts to arrange them into a crude model of the planetary system.
Then, thinking he may be close to a communicative breakthrough, Lightfoot holds up the amulet on his necklace, which bears the holy symbol of Sarenrae. “I am a follower of Sarenrae, the Dawnflower. She is the Healing Flame, the goddess of stars.” He points at the object at the middle of is solar model, indicating the sun.
However, when the creature appears to be more focused on pressing buttons, Lightfoot tries to gently, but firmly place his hand over some of the nearby buttons so the creature cannot press them. “The buttons that you are pressing…” he says each word slowly, copying the creatures pressing motion, “are how creatures like us with hands…” He holds up one of his hands and wiggles is fingers. “How we control and utilize the technology around us. They are not toys and can be potentially dangerous!” Lightfoot pretends to press one of the buttons, then begins to shake violently and falls over, though in a controlled manner, in an effort to simulate an electric shock.
The now prone ysoki looks up at the creature and his fellow Starfinders wondering if he was able to get through to the creature at all. I became a Starfinder, hoping with all my heart and soul, that one day I would encounter a new species that I could learn from and share with, Lightfoot ponders, And now that this day is here, on the very day of my Commencement no less, I find that I am woefully under-equipped for the requirements of a task of such momentous importance! Oh, Shining Goddess Sarenrae, forgive me my pride and allow me to be a vessel of your light despite my weakness and imperfections.
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A huge grin splits his face as Knows sees the strange, fascinating new creature: "What a specimen!" he crows, peering over Rozzicheep's head as the ysoki attempts to communicate with it.
He pauses to think for a moment, alternatively rubbing his hands across the scales of his neck and drumming his fingers on the spikes that jut from his chin. Finally, he speaks: "I have determined what this creature is." He pauses for effect. "Is cute, is what it is!"
He laughs and leans down once more to peer across Rozzicheep at the creature: "Look at it go! Buttons, buttons, and more buttons. Is as smart as I am when it comes to computers. Maybe is looking for one that causes food to appear, or some other sustenance for it."
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from... somewhere.
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"Good friend, Delta-5, whatever do you mean? I endeavor to be nothing other than what the goddess asks of me to be. If my efforts appear to be deceitful or insincere then please accept my humble apologies for I do not mean it to be so and please also let me know by what manner so that I may adjust my efforts accordingly.". Lightfoot responds, clearly with a more defensive tone than such a playful question should merit.
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Zeyram tries peeking over Argon-27s shoulder as the android is searching the infosphere for a matching creature. "Would be nice to find a match!"
While you banter away, the alien does not seem to understand at first, but Argon-42s insistence seems to somehow calm it down and finaly something like understanding is visible in the all black eyes.
As you report to Fitch you're requested to travel to the bridge of the Master of Stars for a formal debrief. The children are welcomed by their father, who doesn't know wether to scold them or just be relieved nothing bad happened. You're quickly free to go to your next mission.
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Throughout most of the debriefing, Lightfoot is oddly quiet--a stupid, pup-like grin plastered all over his face. So blissfully happy and star-struck is he that he seems incapable of speech.
Once Fitch dismisses the party, all the ysoki can manage to do is let out a long, euphoric sigh, before softly uttering, “Glad… we… help.”
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Seeing Kieu Kein‘s indecision, Zeyram approaches him. Nodding in the direction of Kein’s two children, in a friendly voice he says “Those two are going to become quite the pair of Starfinders. They have already handled a first contact, and seem quite adept with the ship’s systems.” He chats with the father for a short time, complementing him on his two young one before leaving.
Catching up with the group, he overhears Blibdoolpoolp’s suggestion.
“I’m not looking forward to her task. I never was much good with computers.” he admits. “Well, no sense in putting it off. Let’s go!”
Historia-7 , a female android, manages the activities of the Dataphiles within the Archives compound of the Lorespire Complex. She took on her name when she became an apprentice to the former head of the Dataphiles, the reclusive Historia-6.
Ever since her mentor disappeared in the Scoured Stars incident, she has assumed leadership of the faction. Historia-7 follows her predecessor’s meticulous methods of data analysis, but she has become somewhat obsessed with the idea that other organizations are somehow responsible for withholding data relating to the Scoured Stars. As a result, much of the Dataphiles’ current operations involve the active investigation and infiltration of other institutions, both within and beyond the Pact Worlds.
The Lorespire Complex, home and heart of the Starfinder Society, is a striking campus dedicated to knowledge. Communal labs and historical departments study the Archives’ massive collection of artifacts and texts, gathered by generations of agents from across the galaxy. A quick search of the
directory indicates Historia-7 frequents the Archives’ Cortex, a computerized matrix containing digital records of the Starfinder Society’s most prominent discoveries.
The android reclines on a raised chair and is plugged into the local infosphere when the doors open. The neural cables detach themselves from her neck as she swivels in her seat to address the new arrivals. Greetings, Starfinders, she says calmly. I am Historia-7. If you are seeking a mission from me, please be aware that my request requires both discretion and speed. Do not accept it if you feel incapable of working within these parameters.
I discovered someone recently hacked into Bluerise Tower’s computer systems and stole a large amount of sensitive data from the resident corporations. I wish to be privy to this information. I managed to trace the hacker’s location through many proxies and erased the trail so that station and corporate security should be delayed in their pursuit. This deception will not fool them for long, so you must move quickly to retrieve the data before they can recover it. I will leave you to decide what to do with the hacker afterward, but should it be feasible, I believe that person would be an asset to the Society.
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Having remained largely quiet since the successful completion of the mission for the Wayfinders, Lightfoot only seems to be half listening to the android's request. However, once the ysoki processes the information, he feels compelled to speak.
"Your pardon, respected Historia-7, but I believe that I must ask that you repeat your instructions." Lightfoot says amidst a series of squeaky titters. " Clearly, I must have misheard you for it sounded as though you were asking us to aid and abet a thief and, further, to entrench ourselves as co-conspirators by receiving and distributing the information obtained by the means of conduct both criminal and nefarious. A request most absurd to be sure! It is doubtful that an organization as honorable and respected as the Starfinder Society would allow one of its members to engage in such activity. So, of course, it would be the height of preposterousness to believe that the Society would actually request that one its members actively commit such a crime!" The ysoki slaps his knee and breaks out into laughter.
A few moments later, Lightfoot is able to compose himself and asks, "So, please do tell us just what is the true task that you would have us undertake on your behalf?"
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Knows stays still during Fitch's debriefing, in a stiff military stance, before exploding with excitement when it ends: "Was no problem. A task made simple, easy because of good, smart friends. Like Rozzicheep: should be diplomat with his thoughtful words. And Zeyram, the always-alert. It is like the humans say: four-armed is four times the warning. We will be back when tasks are through for guidance, knowledge, and missions!" He happily heads back to the shuttle back to the station.
He keeps his hands close to his chest as they pass into The Lorespire Complex: "Perhaps would be good for Argon and Delta to lead on this one. I will stay at the back and not press any buttons. Seems wise."
He nods to Rozzicheep's questioning of Historia-7's breifing, then quietly interjects: "Is kind of like helping law enforcement: we catch criminal, retrieve information, and offer chance of a new life with the Society. Maybe they still pay money or time for their crime, but means they have a life to look forward to, right?" he grins a wary smile at Historia-7, looking for approval of his statement.
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"Good friend, Delta-5, whatever do you mean? I endeavor to be nothing other than what the goddess asks of me to be. If my efforts appear to be deceitful or insincere then please accept my humble apologies for I do not mean it to be so and please also let me know by what manner so that I may adjust my efforts accordingly.". Lightfoot responds, clearly with a more defensive tone than such a playful question should merit.
Delta-5 breaks into the first real laugh any of the party has seen from him since gathering together.
"You do you, Rozz."
Looking to Lightfoot, Zeyram asks “Are you familiar with Bluerise Towers? They consider themselves outside the law. They have their own private security and as far as they are concerned the law is whatever their CEO says.”
Shaking his head, he says “It is doubtful that anything associated with Bluerise Towers is innocent.”
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Looking to Lightfoot, Zeyram asks “Are you familiar with Bluerise Towers? They consider themselves outside the law. They have their own private security and as far as they are concerned the law is whatever their CEO says.”
Shaking his head, he says “It is doubtful that anything associated with Bluerise Towers is innocent.”
"Friend Zeyram, I know little of the affairs of corporate enterprises and even less so the actions of any entity known as the Bluerise Towers. However, I do know that stealing from a thief is still stealing. The act is defined not by the nature of the victim, but by the nature of the deed..” Lightfoot expounds.
“Would it not be better to sway the wrongful actions of a miscreant by means of positive and constructive example rather than to debase oneself by engaging in similar wrongs?” the ysoki stamps his small foot and crosses his tiny arms.
“The sharp of the blade seldom lets lose repentence, but the keeness of kindness strikes far deeper and causes repentence to pour forth in abundance.” the diminutive Sarenite recites.
After a few seconds of thought, Lightfoot unfolds his arms and offers the following concession: “I will happily accompany you and render aid in the tracking and locating of a person suspected of having partaken in the commission of a larcenous act. And, I will endeavor to bring to bear my blade against any that would threaten you with unjust or unlawful harm.”
“Know this, however, that should the proffer of any evidence be sufficient within my understanding to give rise to probable cause for the detention or arrest or the suspect, then I shall pledge myself to bringing the person within the arms of the proper authorities for the rendering of a just trial and, should justice require, the imposition of proper penalty!”
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"Well, I know that if you want to acquire something illicitly, it is best to steal from a thief. They are not likely to report the theft to the authorities."
"But perhaps it would be simpler for you to consider this to be espionage. Many of these corporations are rivals of the Society, and if the data we gather helps Starfinders survive out in deep space then I believe the crime of theft is a small one in comparison to the reward."
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Curious, Zeyram asks “What do you consider proper authority?”
"It should surprise you not that I hold the tenants of Sarenrae above all others. For the scriptures of the Healing Light provide guidance that are good and beneficial for all aspects of life and the universal adherence to the same would be sufficient to provide true contentment, harmony, and peace to all.” Lightfoot opines. ” However, I am well aware that this truth is not universally accepted.”
“If it is an opinion as to the propriety of mortal authorities that you wish me to render,” Lightfoot elaborates further, “I believe that this station and its environs are within the jurisdictional control of the governmental bodies set in charge of this station--the laws of which are enforced by station security." Lightfoot points to a non-existent model of the station in the air, then moves his hands in a circular motion, as if demonstrating a sphere of influence around it. "I am unaware of any decree approving theft having been issued by the Primex or any of the syndics here on Absalom Station. Likewise, I have heard of no colorable challenges to the legitimacy of either such governing institutions or the current holders of office. In a similar vein, the Stewards are the primary peacekeeping force of the Pact Worlds and I understand that they, too, have a presence aboard Absalom Station."
"Admittedly, the contemplation of the machinations of politics to generally to be unpleasant to ponder; politics is, 'Not my slice of cheese', as some of my kin may say." the ysoki concedes. "Thus, its ins and outs are generally impenetrable to me." Lightfoot gives a small shrug.
"But perhaps it would be simpler for you to consider this to be espionage. Many of these corporations are rivals of the Society, and if the data we gather helps Starfinders survive out in deep space then I believe the crime of theft is a small one in comparison to the reward."
“I am afraid that I must disagree, most-skilled Argon-42. I do not believe that there are ‘small thefts’, only ‘small thieves’.” the diminutive ysoki responds with a slight, knowing smirk. “But I am not troubled by these differences of opinion. For even a single ray of light, when viewed through a prism, reveals a diversity and difference of colors. We all receive the pure rays of the Dawnflower and it is the manner in which we absorb or reflect those rays that bring the wonders of color to the universe.”
"Yet regardless of my personal distaste for the task bestowed upon us… or, at the very least for the manner in which it has been characterized… I understand that, if it is to be completed with success, that the task must be undertaken in due haste.” says Lightfoot, checking that both his blade and helmet are secure.
“I have voiced my concerns and, should they be born out, I may again recite my protestations. But we will not discover whether that is the case by remaining here steeped in discussion. Therefore, let us proceed and seek out this alleged hacker and see for ourselves whether the suspect be thief or not.”
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Argon frowns.
"We have a job to do. If you are committed to doing it then you can discuss the theological ramifications with your confessor some other time."
"But Bluerise Tower is a law unto itself. They have their own rules and are not subject to the interference of the Station's government. It's effectively a separate, sovereign nation, answering only to corporate shareholders."
Just as you are about to enter the Lorespire complex, a messenger approaches you, handing over an envelope containing 2 things:
Kieu Kein rewards you, who rescued his children, with a mk 1 ring of resistance. Fitch gives you a credstick with 400 credits on it for successfuly recovering the alien.
The messenger leaves quickly then.
Historia-7 looks at you, blue glowing eyes pulsing with streams of data. Bluerise Tower, a private office structure maintained by multiple corporations and legally protected to the point that even the station’s Stewards have difficulty entering. Why these corporations need such absolute sovereignty over their own affairs is a question of great interest to many people, including myelf. I believe the companies know more than they let on and in our vulnerable state, the Starfinder Society needs to stay informed. If you agree to the misson, here is the adress. It is a flat in Drifter´s End, a district in the station´s Ring known for providing cheap housing to vagabonds of all sorts the android explains.
As for your other ... remarks, perhaps you should let the light of Sarenrae shine in those back alleys to see what the corporations are hiding in the dark. You might see this as unlawful or espionage, but it is a lot more in fact. If they know something more or are somehow involved with whatever happened to our fleet, we have to know. I am sure you agree that we must do what we can to save our fellow Starfinders.
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Zeyram checks his comm for the address and nods. "I have dealt with at least one corporation in Bluerise Tower. I will do the best I can."
Evidently she doesn't know what data was taken. Just wants to see it in case it has something related to the Starfinders. Given the way corporations in the tower act, I can understand the distrust.
He waits for anyone to ask additional questions before heading off.
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On the trip to Drifter's End, he asks "Lightfoot, are we going to have to withhold information from you?"
The coordinates that Historia-7 gave you point to an apartment that resembles a cement cube, with several tomato plants in plastic barrels sitting on an otherwise barren porch. Boxes of nutrient broth, gardening tools, and various cultural knickknacks clutter the floor of the flat, leaving barely any room for visitors to sit down.
The plants are being hand-pollinated by a young man at the moment, who looks up when you approach.
Can i help you? Wanna buy some plants? We have self grown fresh vegetables! Their seeds are originaly from Golarion!
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On the trip to Drifter's End, he asks "Lightfoot, are we going to have to withhold information from you?"
"I pray that you do not, Friend Zeyram." Lightfoot replies. "And know that I have chosen not to withhold what I believe and the road I choose to travel from you. Indeed, I believe that I have laid both bare. While admittedly there is much I have yet to learn, I have yet to encounter any situation in which being honest and forthright, though it perhaps led to challenge or difficulty, did not ultimately prove to be the beneficial and fruitful avenue to resolution."
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"Uh, yeah..." Delta-5 discretely stows his longarm. "We are just here to talk."
"Fear not, for we are all Starfinders. I, myself, am a servant of the Shining Goddess, Sarenrae." Lightfoot bows in greeting. "Should you have cause for concern, we are not within the employ of the corporate entity known as Bluerise Tower and, indeed, some of my associates hold that entity in rather low-esteem, though I myself do not have sufficient knowledge of it to render an opinion of either ill or favorable. We have caught rumor that someone at this location may have obtained data from the corporation though means that, at least as has been alleged, were illegal. Our contact within the Society wishes to obtain this information. If you know of the individual who may well possess it, we would ask that you please point us in the direction of him or her."
Lightfoot points to the symbol of the Dawnflower around his neck. " Know also that the burden of guilt and shame can be great, particularly if one chooses to bear it alone and in secret. By contrast, redemption is freeing and liberation through the Healing Flame can be most sweet."
The ysoki makes a verbose plea, but his heart is clearly not in it.
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Can i help you? Wanna buy some plants? We have self grown fresh vegetables! Their seeds are originaly from Golarion!
Argon-42 is momentarily taken aback by the offer of plants.
"Would it not be more efficient to grow these in a hydroponic arboretum?"
She shakes her head.
"We are not here because of your plants. A data file was downloaded by someone at this address, and we would like to acquire that file. We are willing to bargain in good faith for it."
"And we are not police, nor do we have any interest in involving the law in this affair. In fact, our agency erased the datatrail that led us to this place, so hopefully we will not have to worry about a third party coming after us to look."
"Do you have the power to negotiate with us for this file?"
The man keeps his smile in the beginning, but looks inreasingly worried and alarmed as you go on talking.
No, no, the plants are better here. The industry just gives too much chemicals to them! And i have no idea what you are talking about! Got nothing to do with that blue tower or any data. Afraid i can't help you there.
He turns his back on you and tends to his plants again, trying to ignore you hard.
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I probably should have mentioned to people that it would be best not to make accusations...
He seems to be focused on plants. Although I didn’t work the vat farms or gardens, perhaps I can get him talking to us again if I switch to discussing that.
“Why would someone do that? It is much healthier to give them organic matter. I would expect your master gardeners to do the same.”
Looking at the array of plants, he asks “Do you have anyone who helps you care for these plants?”
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The man keeps his smile in the beginning, but looks inreasingly worried and alarmed as you go on talking.
No, no, the plants are better here. The industry just gives too much chemicals to them! And i have no idea what you are talking about! Got nothing to do with that blue tower or any data. Afraid i can't help you there.
Lightfoot, believing that he has been perfectly honest with the man, ponders whether the man has been the same. The ysoki studies the man's mannerisms and speech for possible signs that he has been less than truthful.
The ysoki makes an effort, but his heart is clearly not in it.
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Knows up until this point has been struck dumb by the plants: wandering around touching, sniffing, and examining the produce. He finally turns to the young man: "Forgive us, barging in here with big, serious questions. What is your name? And most importantly-" he grins a large grin: "How much for some of these FINE plants! Wonderful smell, colour, texture. All good! I see many dishes bursting with flavour. Where did you get the seeds, the knowledge, the talent. Young man, you are an incredible root vegetable in a unknown paddock, just waiting to be discovered."
His name is Jubair and i am helping him.
A wizened old woman in a blue-andwhite abaya comes out of the building nearby.
And my name is Ceren. You'll have to excuse us, but we really don't know what you are talking about. We have no business with blue towers. Please come in and be our guests though, have some tea! Seldomly do we have people over here. Maybe we can sort things out. You seem like good people.
The woman seems oddly uncertain, but definately friendly, as she points to the building entrance behind her.