Game Day VI Starfinder Society Special
You each arrive at the Lorespire Complex on Absalom Station and await the arrival of your contact, a woman named Luwazi Elsebo. The room is a lavish meeting space, with several couches and a central table. Each of you is a mercenary, hired by Luwazi Elsebo for a secretive mission.
I am Obozaya, soldier looking for fortune
She shoulders her Doshko, If you wanted muscle, you gut it
An android sits quietly in the back, lounging casually on one of the couches. The blue tattoo like lines on their body glow softly as he nods to the rest.
"Iseph. Nice to meet you." They wave a hand by way of hello, but do otherwise move.
Lounging on a couch is a lashunta woman, fiddling with her antenna. "Nice to meet you all, I am Raia. Technomancer."
A Ysoki is fooling around with a hover drone, tinkering with its knobs and bolts (although admittedly mostly to have something to tinker with than to actually fix something).
"Quig here. And this is Scout. We're doing introductions, right?" Quig continues to tinker with the drone.
*Blip Whirrr Click*
The shirren was the last to speak, looking around at everyone else in the room before volunteering its own information. "I am Keskodai. I suppose my job is to keep the rest of you lot in one piece."
After the brief introduction, he turned, looking around for Luwazi.
A short hiss precedes the opening of an adjacent door. A woman with a determined look steps through the opening, holding a datapad in one hand as she sits down at the nearby table, takes a calm breath, and begins to speak, “Ah good, you made it. All of you come highly recommended. You have skills, and the Starfinder Society has credits.”
She pauses, looks over the group she has assembled, and continues, “How rude of me—introductions. I am Luwazi Elsebo, the elected First Seeker of the Starfinder Society, and I have an exceptionally fair sum of credits available in return for your specialized services. For this mission, each of you will represent the Starfinder Society, but hold no official title within our organization. As you can probably tell by the empty halls around us, I need to use mercenaries to act as temporary agents. If you agree to the terms, I would like to offer you all a job.
“The Starfinder Society endured a staggering setback several months ago when our previous First Seeker led a mission into a region of space known as the Scoured Stars. We lost almost all our experienced field agents and assets in that endeavor. What the Starfinder Society really needs right now is something to entice outside interest and investment. In short, we need to make a major discovery.
“Prior to the Scoured Stars incident, the Society acquired exclusive rights to explore a rather unique moon. The inhabitants of the nearby planet call it Salvation’s End and see it as a ‘false moon’ due to its visible metal components and underlying superstructure. There’s the potential that it’s nothing more than a mangled hunk of stellar debris on the remains of a moon, but there’s also the chance that the entire object could be one inconceivably
large structure.”
Luwazi lets loose a devilish smile. “This is where you come in. I want you to go to Salvation’s End and explore the surface. First, you’ll need to make a quick trip to the moon of Varos, which orbits the nearby gas giant, Bretheda. There’s a high level security complex on Varos that has a survivor from a rogue prospecting mission to Salvation’s End. I want you to question the prisoner, find out what you can about the so-called ‘false moon,’ and then make way to Salvation’s End. Once there, you will need to see if the moon is worthless, or something valuable enough for the Society to announce. Understood?”
"High security? What do we know about this prisoner? Do we know anything about the moon? I understand we are the first team, but surely we have some idea of what it is."
“We need you to seek out a pilot named Livewire," Luwazi answers, "who is interred at the ‘Sauna’—a prison colony on the volcanic moon Varos. Contact this prisoner, as she is the only survivor of an expedition that trespassed on Salvation’s End. Once you establish contact, it’s a matter of gathering intelligence. We doubt this information is cheap, so we authorized a spending account for you to encourage Livewire to talk. We need to know why her team’s illegal salvage on the moon failed. Once you get this information, we need you to travel to the false moon. Touch down, scout for hostiles, and look for any indications that it’s more than a moon with crashed starships piled atop it. Because we don't know anything more about it, but we suspect it is some sort of ancient outpost or megaship. If we knew what it was, I wouldn't be paying you 3,000 credits each to find out.”
She pulls out a credstick. "In addition to your salary, which you will receive upon completion of your mission, I am giving you 2,500 credits for mission expenses."
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Navasi whistles low. "Well, 3,000 credits and expenses... I suppose I could spend some time looking into this. Now... will we be trespassing as well, or has your society acquired the rights to this moon? And Livewire - I expect she won't care as much about money as she does freedom. Is there any room to budge there? What is she in for? Just trespassing?"
"I've never visited a prison planet. Are the prisoners free there, or are there guards or law enforcement that the group will have to navigate?"
"The Society has purchased the rights to the 'false moon,' currently," Luwazi answers, "But! You are not to mention your association with us to anyone. Your cover is that of mercenaries hired by a wealthy corporation who wishes to remain anonymous. Close enough to the truth."
She turns to the shirren mystic. "The prisoners are free to roam the compound, though most of them are likely loath to do so except when required for labor. The atmosphere on Varos is a deterrent to escape. It is patrolled by barathu guards, but once you make contact with the warden, you shouldn't have any trouble meeting with your informant."
The dark skinned human turns her attention back to Navasi. "A jail break should be your last--very last--resort. The Society's reputation is so fragile right now that we would prefer to not cause an interplanetary incident. I believe that there were some piracy charges, as well. Whatever her crimes, she was legally convicted of them, and the labor prison on Varos has authority within the Pact Worlds."
Well you recruited well for mercs, since you have me here. Obo grunts. Its not like I have not been hired for a job like this before
"Prison planet? Doesn't sound pleasant. Hopefully we can in and out of there quickly."
"I certainly wouldn't recommend vacationing there," Luwazi says.
Raia's eyes go wide at the mention of their pay. Quite the sum there, future work with this Society seems well worth it... I'll let the rest of this mission decide for sure. "Thank you for your funds and advice. If you all are ready, let's be on our way."
"Well, the money is certainly good. And we aren't exactly sneaking onto the prison planet, just entering under false pretenses. We look the part of mercenaries, because that's what we are. As far as I can tell, part one of this plan is simple. Depending on what Livewire has to say, and why her crew all died on Salvations End though, we might be risking our lives."
Iseph sits up from where they've been sitting and frown as they consider the information. "I'd hate to throw my life away for 3000 creds, but I've done the same for less, so I guess I'm in. What race is Livewire, how do we identify them?"
"She is Ysoki," Luwazi answers, "And I'm sure a resourceful group such as yourselves can convince the warden to let you see her--as long as you do not mention the Starfinder Society. Now, come with me, I want to show you something."
Luwazi turns and heads through the doors then waits for you to follow. “The warden denied our requests to meet with Livewire. They indicated that our presence would rub salt in a fresh wound. So, whatever you do, do not let the warden or Livewire know that you are working for the Starfinder Society. However, they were happy to meet with representatives from a wealthy corporation wishing to remain anonymous researching a rash of disappeared spacecraft that have gone missing when their flight path took them too close to Salvation’s End.”
With a renewed energy, Luwazi steps further into a large hangar bay containing a pristine ship. Several engineers, laborers, and mechanics buzz about the hangar running diagnostics, polishing the vessel’s unspoiled hull, and finishing the last touches for a maiden launch. Luwazi looks up to the ship with beaming pride, reaches into the folds of her clothing, and pulls out an expensive vintage of champagne, and extends the bottle outward as she exclaims with a wide grin, “The ship is yours for the mission, it is only right you christen it! Tonight, we celebrate; tomorrow you sail off into the stars.”
"Isn't it Livewire?"
"The honor is yours," Luwazi replies to Navasi.
"Aptly named! Tomorrow morning at dawn, let's be off! Luwazi, I am honored to be a part of this team and the Victoria Luna's Maiden voyage."
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"Indeed!" Luwazi says and claps Navasi on the back with her cybernetic hand, "Let me give you all a tour of the ship."
The energetic beat of a Strawberry Machine Cake (a relatively new band but popular among those with interest in the cutting edge) song begins to play over the loud speaker as you head for the ship. The First Seeker takes you through all of the vital controls and reviews the capabilities while engineers finish up the last of their tasks and hurry to the table of waiting beverages and pastries.
"The Drift engine is fully operational," she informs you and then knits her brows together, "Don't use it without express permission."
The next morning, you have time to complete any last minute tasks or preparations before embarking on the trip that will last three days at standard engine speed.
Quig looks upon the ship. "It's what's on the inside that really counts." Quig takes a look inside the day before if he can and starts getting himself familiar with the ship's structure and systems.
Kesko wasn't a super crew member, but he could handle a couple roles without embarrassing himself. He reviewed the information he had about the ship, and made mental notes as he went through the walk through. "This mission does sound quite exciting, I must admit. I'm ready for take off rest of you are," he adds.
On the date of the flight, he takes a few moments to say prayers to Pharasma, asking for guidance in a successful mission.
The Victoria Luna pulls into sensor range of the volcanic, tidally locked moon of Varos. The terminal pings softly as automated systems quickly exchange data, including the ship's call sign, cargo, and weapon array for the moon's local date and time, weather forecast, and a copy of the prison's mandate.
Once you reach orbit, you are hailed and a synthetic voice (programmed to sound however the crew would like) transmits through the speakers. "Welcome to the Sauna. This is the Warden. What is your business on Varos?"
"Good name Navasi." Iseph says with a nod as they join the group and head onto the Victoria Luna
Once on board, Iseph gets familiar with the ships controls and offers to be fly the ship, if anyone else would rather they offers to gun instead, in case combat becomes an issue. "Let's hope it doesn't though." They say with a shrug.
When the voice rings out, Iseph waits to see who moves to answer first, not wanting to be the voice of the group. They do offer their assistance with the negotiations.
"That's right so let us land please." They say, rather more blunt than they intended.
Quig is busy tinkering with some of the panels and gadgets in the ship while the party gets hailed. He lets others take care of the talking in this case and continues to familiarize himself with the ship until it's time to land.
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"Hello, Warden. This is the Victoria Luna. We represent a corporate entity that has great interest in researching a rash of disappeared spacecraft that have gone missing while flying by Salvation's End. If you will allow it, we understand there is a prisoner here that may have information that can help us. Will you let us proceed?"
"Losing ships mean losing money. We have to stop it immediately," Kesko adds.
Aid another Bluff
"Acceptable, says the voice substitute for the Warden. The console pings again as your ship receives the coordinates for a landing pad. "You are welcome to meet with us. Weapons and other contraband--food, hygiene kits, photographs, albums, and other luxuries--are prohibited. Violation will result in internment at the Sauna. Credsticks are allowed. We are always happy to accept donations to our worthy cause of rehabilitation through hard labor."
The Victoria Luna rumbles as it breaks orbit and enters the atmosphere. A short time later, it lands on a floating pad, and you all disembark. The stifling heat of Varos slams into your faces like a fist when the ship's airlock opens. It is clear that spending more than a few minutes out in the open would be a miserable and possibly dangerous situation.
Four barathu (floating flesh balloons with a mass of tentacles dangling below) arrive and wordlessly escort you across the organic bridge and into the bizarrely designed administrative complex. The odd angles and rolling rise and fall of the halls confirm it was designed for creatures that do not depend on legs. The smell of the blue-green, pulsating walls is also rather rancid.
Quig tries not to comment on the place and lets his drone scurry behind him.
"Drones are allowed here, right?"
The barathu guards do not respond--verbally, telepathically, or physically--to any attempts to converse with them. They simply float along quickly enough to keep you moving and block you from turning the wrong way. They do not seem to object as Scout flies after Quig (assuming he removes any mounted weapons before hand).
They shepherd you into a chamber with six off-white PVC chairs arranged in a semicircle in front of PVC table. Opposite the table floats a creature that looks like a dozen barathu mashes together into a mass of pulsating pink flesh and iridescent tentacles.
"Welcome," a monotone telepathic voice echoes in your minds, "Please, share in these terrestrial-based refreshements."
The Warden pushes several gray PVC trays holding styrofoam bowls of gray mush and transparent plastic cups containing an oily white liquid. The condensation on cups informs you that the liquid is cool, which would be refreshing in the oppressive heat within the administrative building. The smell, however, leaves much to be desired.
The Warden makes a sound like a bagpipe as the twelve balloon-like masses compress together when Navasi tries the offered nutrient slurry. While they lack eyes, you all have the sense that the Warden is watching you with anticipation.
They continue on making small talk with you. After several minutes of telepathic chit-chat, the pitch of the telepathic voice changes.
"One of us had a career as an investigator. We are always excited to meet like-minded lifeforms. Tell us, what was your proudest moment as an investigator?" the Warden asks all of you.
As an investigator, right... I suppose I shouldn't divulge my stories of hunting people down...
Life science
Sense Motive
Bluff
Kesko samples the foul smelling brew and cannot help but coughing and retching after the same hit his lips. [b]"Argh! That's awful," [b] he couldn't help but exclaim. Once he got his breath back, he waited for another to tell a story to the warden, as his attempt to bluff it had not gone well.
Fascinating creatures, AND IS THAT ONE A COMPOSITE HIVEMIND?! Incredible! Wait.. is that...food? Raia then catches on that the Warden is expecting them to consume the offered food and drink. Don't want to insult our host...
She begins eating the food, but is entirely unable to stop her face from grimacing. By the time she completes the meal, she has only gagged once, but VERY loudly. This is not what I signed up for...
After a moment, she tries to address the Warden's question and hopefully keep focus away from the food. "I am not an investigator in the traditional sense, but I do have a passion for learning about and discovering new life forms! While at university..." Raia proceeds to talk at length about a few of her favorite species that she learned about while on Qabarat.
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"My favorite investigation? Why, I believe that was the time I was trying to discover who was pirating medical supplies from freighters heading to Absalom Station. I was able to capture a insider, get the information I needed, and set a sabotage on the pirates, a nasty group known as the Sixth Finger. The were not happy that day, no they were not!"
As the food hits Iseph's olfactory and gustatory senses, the feeling is overwhelming and their body instantly turns off all ability to taste and smell.
They smile as they continue eating the food, now a bland simple meal.
"Very fragrant, and full of flavor. A delicacy here? Thank you for sharing. I don't know that I have a favorite moment as an investigator. Up until this particular assignment all my cases have been kind of unfortunate. I enjoy solving problems but the truth does sometimes hurt."
There is a sensation that is best described as a high-pitched telepathic squeal of delight that threatens to short out your brain in response to Navasi's story about the Sixth Fingers. The Warden listens to the rest of the tales with enjoyment, occasionally asking questions that are easy enough to gloss over or lie about.
The Warden releases a telepathic sigh--a sort of reluctant resignation gently brushing your minds--and says, "We have very much enjoyed your company, but we are afraid that you have come in vain. Visits with prisoners are forbidden. While we understand you may be frustrated by our inability to assist you in this matter, we would appreciate any donations." One of the Warden's iridescent purple tentacles extends forward holding a credstick. "We do allow tours of the facilities by our most generous donors."
"I thought we were just bonding and becoming friends, haven't we?"
Iseph says almost nothing as they place their credstick on the table, they quietly consider their words, but figure it's best if they don't speak much.
"400 credits, my donation for the delightful meal, of course."