Right after Sev tries to hide the kahlgee, the lights suddenly snap back on. Naboh is up on the table standing in the mess of kahlgee and spit that he spewed out right before the lights went out. And Sev is in the middle of pouring the contents of his plate onto the floor, plain for everyone to see.
Ekahi, staring at Naboh and Sev with raised eyebrows says, "Errrr... riiiiiight. Out of the corner of your eyes, you see Klarima facepalming while the various guards who are currently eating with you at the table are not very successfully trying to stifle chuckles.
Obviously trying to be diplomatic, Ekahi quickly moves on and says, "Thank you for your offer! That is most, most generous of you! However, there is absolutely nothing wrong and everything is operating exactly as it should be! I fully assure you!"
And the moment those words leave his mouth, the dinner chimes inexplicably sound again. Next, the drones begin placing clean plates on top of dirty ones, then inaccurately squirt kahlgee all across the table, enough to even cover up the mess Naboh made when he spit up his portion of kahlgee. The drones then leave the room, allowing the occupants to enjoy their meal, which would prove difficult considering the meal is a spilled mess all over the large table.
All the ghibranis in the room smile awkwardly and act as though nothing is wrong, trying to make small talk. None of them bother trying to continue eating. A minute later, the drones re-enter the room to clean up the mess.
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Remi blinks in the sudden light as the power comes back on, and then looks around in utter confusion. She communicates telepathically to the Starfinders seated around her, {Something is clearly wrong here. What I don't know is whether they are pretending it is fine in order to save face, or if there is a deeper reason why they can't see or admit what's happening.}
She slowly turns to Klarima and then cautiously asks, "Do you really think that the city is working perfectly?"
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And the moment those words leave his mouth, the dinner chimes inexplicably sound again. Next, the drones begin placing clean plates on top of dirty ones, then inaccurately squirt kahlgee all across the table, enough to even cover up the mess Naboh made when he spit up his portion of kahlgee. The drones then leave the room, allowing the occupants to enjoy their meal, which would prove difficult considering the meal is a spilled mess...
Warning! blare the words within Sev's positronic brain. Dishonesty exploit has failed! Deception has been detected!
"Apologies." Sev says rotely with a twitch, which awkwardly sends the android's plate careening towards the floor. The plate bounces off the floor with a loud . Then, as it reconnects upside-down with the floor, the plate begins to spiral around like an out-of-contol gyroscope, moving in smaller and smaller circles--the sound of each contact echoing off the nearby walls and tables-- until, finally, the plate comes to a rest with a distinct .
Sev glances down at the plate and then glances up at the Most Elevated. Weakly, it attempts a smile. Then, realizing that plate is now well out of reach, the android cups one of its hands and lowers it just below the rim of the table.
As the thick, brownish liquid pours over the tableside, Sev manages to catch a trickle of the foul-smelling liquid within its cupped hand. A distinct pouring sound can be heard, growing ever deeper, as the Sev's hand begins to fill. Then comes the squishy sound of a *PLOP*, as an odd-shaped piece of protein splashes into the pool formed within Sev's hand.
Without ever taking its gaze off of the assembly, Sev slowly brings its drenched hand to its mouth, tilts back its head, and catapults the kahlgee into its throat before resuming its usual, stiffened stance.
"How fortuitous it is," the android says, as it attempts to hold the substance down while also maintaining its grin, "that the servers were able to bring more kahlgee."
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Padme' wipes the corner of her mouth politely and washes down the bile in her mouth with a quick swallow of water. She stands to garner attention, and addresses the Most Elevated Council. Council, where I come from the word translated as mainframe, is roughly the equivalent of a centralized system, responsible for maintaining a variety of other systems. Padme' tries to get a sense if the council agrees with her definition.
Not being able to get a good read on the council, Padme' continues with her line of thought. I would very much like to know, what purpose this mainframe serves in your life. For instance, do you believe it monitors and maintains the shield that protects your beautiful city? Is it the master of lighting and heating in the city? Are any of the membrane assigned to care for and maintain the mainframe? If so may we talk with them?
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Naboh looks for a non-messy way to climb off the table. Finding none, he jumps...
...lithely to the floor.
Yeah, uh...if you don't mind...I'm gonna skip the rest. My stomach is not feeling well. Must be some sort of virus or somethin'.
He addresses Ekahi.
But, y'know, while I'm not eatin', I'd be happy to go take a look for ya. I'm pretty good with computers. I kind of speak their language. Maybe I can make 'em work a little bit better...?
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Twik hesitates over the food but eventually decides to err on the side of good diplomacy. He reaches for the food but is interupted by Nabohs spectacular......reaction.....to the offerings. He snatches his hand back with a mumbled apology.
"Sorry, nat 'ungry"
He perks up a bit at the mention of computers and things to fix and gets up out of his chair while simultaneously offering his services...
"I'm pretty handy with ma tools as well. Could help Naboh and give it a quick lookova?"
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Observing Sev, Ekolu says, "Well, what your species lacks in table manners, your excellent taste for fine cuisine certainly makes up for it!"
Turning to Twik, Ekolu says, "Yes, just as well that you pass considering how your species responds to kahlgee." Ekolu throws a sideways glance at Naboh.
Ekolu continues, answering Padme's questions "The Mainframe is the heart of the city! It was constructed by our ancestors to provide continuous power and to house the many drones that cater to our every whim! I can't really say much more, as it is taboo for ghibranis to enter the area of the city where it is housed. But never fear for there is no need!" Turning to Remi, "No need because the Mainframe is perfectly fine and self-corrects whenever needed! Isn't it absolutely astonishing?"
Klarima responds exlaims with a broad smile, "Arkeost...shining beacon of civilization!" The other ghibrani raise their glass to toast, saying "To Arkeost and to civilization!"
Upon Naboh and Twik continuing to offer their assistance, The Most Elevated speak amongst themselves for a bit, then say to the party, "Well, although ghibranis are not allowed to enter the Mainframe area, tradition is silent about non-ghibranis entering. So if you wish to visit the Mainframe, we will allow it and direct you there. You'll understand, however, if no ghibranis escort you into the area, yes?"
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Remi finds this almost fanatical devotion to Arkeost a bit disturbing. She thinks privately, Actually, it would probably be for the best if none of them come with us. We need to find out what's really going on around here. She tries not to let her feelings show on her face and aloud says simply, "I don't think that should be a problem, no."
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"Well, although ghibranis are not allowed to enter the Mainframe area, tradition is silent about non-ghibranis entering. So if you wish to visit the Mainframe, we will allow it and direct you there. You'll understand, however, if no ghibranis escort you into the area, yes?"
Padme' again bows and says, Traditions are an important part of every society. We'd be honored to investigate this mystery for the membranes. It is part of our mandate to explore the unknown. Padme' stands erect and motions the others to gather towards her. If it pleases "the most Elevated", we will investigate now. If you could direct us to the correct location, we would be grateful. Thank you for the hospitality and the meal. We shall advise you what we have discovered when we return.
Klarima and the honor guards escort you as far as they are allowed to go. The building housing the Mainframe is near the outskirts of Arkeost, on the opposite side of the city from where you originally entered. You see an increased concentration of drones and other hovering robots in this neighborhood, though none seem to pay any attention to your party.
A large doorway leads into the structure and a ramp descends a bit into an open garage-like space wh thousands of drones are stored. Many are powered down and others are being repaired by other drones, leaving your party to walk through patches of dead silence followed by stretches of frantic activity as they descend on curving ramps farther and farther below. As your party continues, you spot several signs in Ghibrani that read “Taboo Area,” “Keep Out,” and other warnings with similarly grave images to accentuate the point. Eventually, your party reaches a hallway that branches off from the garages.
The hallway opens into a rectangular room of white plastic, a stark contrast to the smoky, grease-stained garages that led up to this place. Fans whir quietly overhead. Track lighting along the floor illuminates much of the chamber. Several white coveralls hang on the wall behind a bench to the north. A door leads to the east.
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Padme' advises the scouts to proceed cautiously. She keeps her position about the middle of the group. When she spots the coveralls.. She says, Twik, Sev+, go check those out see if they might fit us. Remi search the rest of the room. Naboh, check that door..see if it's locked...but, don't open it yet. Be careful about security measures Naboh. The rest of us should stay in the hall out of the way.
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"First postulate" states Sev. "The entities that posted the warnings outside of this chamber appear to have been concerned with unauthorized entry into this area. Second postulate: The environment on this planet houses large concentrations of particulates or other potential contaminants."
Sev looks down at the stains on its gloves and clothing. "Third postulate: Dining with the ghibrani membranes and their drone servers is likely to result in having contaminants on one's attire."
"Fourth postulate: Particulates and other contamination can cause sensitive technological devices to malfunction. Fifth postulate: The technological devices in this city appear to be prone to malfunction."
"Theorum: Entry into this area without proper protection could result in contamination of the technology responsible for maintaining this city."
"Recommendation," Sev says as it moves towards the coveralls on the wall, "Take protective measures to prevent any possible further contamination of technological devices."
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Might be wise to don the coveralls, in case of radiation.[/i][/b]
Sev turns its head towards Id, then cocks its head slightly. "Query: Is that not what I said?" the android asks. It then removes its cloak, places its right foot on the bench, and pulls the right leg of a pair of white overalls up over its knee.
As you look at the coveralls, you see they're lined with an electro-static material but bear no other features. They're obviously shaped for ghibrani but any of you can stretch it or roll it up enough to fit you with no issue.
Looking at the door, Naboh is unable to determine if the door is locked and sees no traps.
Remi's search around the room doesn't turn up anything new.
Id tries opening the door and... it's locked. Id turns around to tell everyone when suddenly an arc of electricity shoots forth from the door, hitting Id, Naboh, Dyukela, and Remi.
Coveralls give a +1 circumstance bonus
Naboh and Dyukela manage to deftly dodge away from a good chunk of the electric arc whereas the coveralls worn by Id and Remi appears to have grounded some of the energy as the arc hits them. All four manage to avoid taking the full brunt of the trap.
Naboh takes another look at the door, now knowing that it is both trapped and locked. It appears that the trapped is triggered upon the door being touched and either the electric shock emitter can be disabled (Engineering skill) or the trigger can be bypassed (Computer skill). In addition, it appears the trap is still active but will take a minute to recharge.
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"The ghibrani membrane have welcomed us as guests," notes Sev, "and seemed to have been previously unaware of our presence. Further, they sent us here only upon our own insistence. No deception on their part was detected." Sev cocks its head and looks at Id's pistol. "Query: What threats do you anticipate encountering while accessing their city mainframe?"
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It appears that the trapped is triggered upon the door being touched and either the electric shock emitter can be disabled (Engineering skill) or the trigger can be bypassed (Computer skill). In addition, it appears the trap is still active but will take a minute to recharge.
"Companions. How do you fair?" asks the android. "It appears that attempting to open the door triggers the firing of an electric shock emitter." Sev says as he approaches the door. "Too avoid any additional harm, I will attempt to bypass the trigger. Once it has been secured, then I will render any necessary aid." Sev removes the access panel by the door and begins to work. "If any of you are able, I would welcome any assistance."
Sev manages to safely bypass the trigger so that although the emitter will still charge up, touching the door will no longer trigger the trap. All that remains in front of you is a locked door.
Getting up off the floor and dusting yourself off, the party unlocks the door. Before you is an un-trapped, unlocked door...
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Remi winces in pain as the electric shock courses through her body. She nods in grateful agreement when Dyukela suggests resting for a short while, and then limps over to slump onto the bench. "I'm sure Joran would consider the pain a fitting penalty for missing that trap," she mutters to herself in self-recrimination.
After the break, she examines the patch on her hand that is still slightly tender. Discovering no severe injuries, she stands up to shake out her limbs and get ready to head in.
Opening the door, you see in the next room four pillars, each covered in glowing circuitry, break up the floor of this chamber. Though slightly out of date by modern Pact Worlds standards, the four power generators in between the pillars nevertheless hum with energy. The room is illuminated from below, and another door leads east.