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The space station known as Absalom Station is easily the biggest space station in known space, and is really a city floating in space. The station is also the home of the Starfinder Society, the agency you hope to join. You have an appointment today at the Lorespire Complex, the Startfinder Society's headquarters, to see about joining the scoiety as field agents. Before your appointment though, you have the chance to enjoy the sights and get a feel for the station.
"Please remove the induction headset," the cool feminine voice instructed, "and hang it on the wall mount to your left. Thank you for participating in our virtual examination. When you are ready, exit the chamber." The lights come on and you find yourself once again in the small bare room, unadorned besides the comfortable chair that seemed to fit you precisely and the headset that hung on the wall that now sits on your head.
Earlier, you arrived at the Lorespire Complex. The building seemed mostly deserted, and a single security robot manned the lobby. The reception terminal was automated and greeted you by name. It spat out a small flexi "visitor's pass" and instructed you to follow the directions on the pass; a small light appeared on the pass and indicated what direction you should go.
As you walked through the building, you noted that most of the offices were empty, and the only people you saw were a few scattered staff that looked rather harried, and a few cleaning robots. They paid no attention to you as you walked by. More robots could be seen loading up office furniture and equipment onto pallets for transport. What the hell is going on? you thought. I came here for a job, but it looks like the whole place is going out of business. Eventually the directions provided by the flexi brought you to a larger room with a dozen doors off to one side. One of those doors lit up.
"Greetings," said the same feminine voice, "and thank you for your interest in the Starfinder Society. Please enter the door to your left that is lit. Inside is equipment that will allow you to take our entrance examination. This examination is administered in an artificial virtual reality environment, and will test a variety of skills and abilities to determine if you are qualified to join the Society. Take a seat inside and put on the headset, and your examination will begin shortly. The examination will take several hours so make sure you are seated comfortably."
You entered the small chamber, sat down, and put the headset on. The room disappeared and you found yourself in a rocky badlands where a distant battle was taking place. What then followed were a variety of tests assessing a variety of your abilities; pyhicical and mental, combat and technical, knowledge and instinct. Always some urgent crisis prompted you to use these abilities to survive and prevail. Each new scenario seemed more difficult than the last, and in a new environment. The first was in the wilderness, the second was in the tunnels under some huge city; the third was on board a starship, and the last was at a fancy fundraising gala. Then the simulation ended, and now you find youself in the small chamber again. You had seen virtual reality before, but whoever programmed this must have been paid well.
You get up and hang the headset back on the wall, and emerge from the small chamber. To your surprise, eight others also emerge from the small doors to either side of you. They are of a variety of species and carry a host of unusual equipment. You look each other over as you stand in the room waiting.
You don't wait long. "Would the following applicants exit the door to your left:" says the feminine voice.
"Iseph."
"Khorvax."
"Huckle Jim."
"Senko."
"Navasi."
"Altronus."
"If your name was not called, I regret to inform you that your examination scores were not high enough to qualify you for membership in the Starfinder Society. Please exit the door to your right. If you wish to reapply you may do so after a period of three months. Thank you for your interest."
The six of you file out the door to the left, and find yourself in a modest-sized lounge. The furniture is comfortable and a bar stands in the corner with an autoserver prepared to dispense refreshments. A huge electronic console dominates one wall. You look over the others...
As the group gets comfortable, a green holographic image of a middle-aged human woman shimmers into view in front of the electronics console that dominates one wall.
“Greetings,” it says. The feminine voice is the same voice you have heard throughout your visit, though this is the first time a face has been presented to match the voice.
“I am Guidance. Congratulations for completing our entrance exam. We are pleased to offer you a position within the Starfinder Society. All relevant contracts have already been sent to you when you first applied. Should you wish to accept this offer of membership, please use the cheek swabs in the open receptacle to provide a genetic sample for Starfinder Society identification purposes. This constitutes acceptance of the offer of membership. If desired, you may place your hand on the glowing panel to receive a subdermal implant further marking you as a member of the Society.”
Two panels open on the console wall. One contains a set of swabs and a receptacle to place them in, while the other contains a panel with a glowing hand shaped outline.
SOCIETY SUBDERMAL GRAFT
SYSTEM: Hand
This implant rests underneath the skin of the palm of one hand, or at the end of a tentacle or similar appendage in species that lack hands. The augmentation can be activated or deactivated mentally as a swift action. Activating the implant causes a rendition of the Starfinder Society’s symbol to glow underneath the skin. This augmentation acts as a mark, letting others know you are a member of the Starfinder Society. It also increases the light level within 5 feet by one step while active.
As the group lines up to access the panels, the hologram continues speaking.
“It is our pleasure to officially welcome you into the Starfinder Society. Today is the commencement of your new role as a Starfinder field agent. It is our tradition, at the end of the graduation ceremony, for new graduates to present themselves to the heads of our most prominent factions and complete a task at those leaders’ behest. This allows the leaders of these groups to become familiar with all new Starfinder agents, and it provides a constant supply of agents for handling situations in our holdings on Absalom Station. While these tasks were formerly symbolic, the heavy loss of Starfinder agents in the Scoured Stars necessitates that these missions become something more. Please treat any tasks given with the gravity you would grant any other Starfinder assignment.”
“I have sent each of you a file with a profile of each faction leader, along with their address and contact information. If there are any questions I will be happy to answer them.”
The hologram looks at the group expectantly.
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Senko has been to Absalom Station many times to unload his wares. He is well-versed with the area, though this is his first time inside the Lorespire Complex.
A male shirren returns from the alcove where our weapons were stored during the examination. His clothing appears well-tailored for hiding objects, and it is only when he puts his pistol back on his belt when you barely see some armor under the clothes. "Greetings, fellow new Starfinders. My speech-name is Senko. It is pleasing to meet you." While he turns towards the refreshments, you feel in your minds When discretion is important, I may communicate in this medium, unless it causes you discomfort.
Senko will perform his cheek swab, then place his hand on the panel to receive the implant.
The hologram looks at the group expectantly.
"Guidance, why are all those offices being cleared out? Also, did any of the faction leaders say their tasks were time-sensitive?"
"Guidance, why are all those offices being cleared out? Also, did any of the faction leaders say their tasks were time-sensitive?"
"Currently the majority of Starfinder agents are on an expedition in a region of space known as the 'Scoured Stars.' After the expedition arrived, some sort of barrier came into being which bars access to and from the Scoured Stars, preventing the expedition from returning. This has become known as 'The Scoured Stars Incident.' As a result, the Starfinder Society finds itself short of personnel. Adjustments are being made in light of this."
"As for the missions for the various faction leaders, I have no information about these missions. The faction leaders will be able to tell you more. I do suggest you complete each mission before reporting to the next faction leader."
Altronus, when presented with an opportunity to do so, allows the cheek swab and the starfinder implant- placing it on his left lower arm. The Kasatha scholar begins talking almost immediately, though in a dull, droning monotone reminiscent of a boring university lecture
"Apparently there are several happenings on this world what have drawn public attention. Between junk races, pop-music releases, and an apparent standoff in the downlow district, the media here have been doing their best to..." His lecture continues, explaining the important cultural roles of consumable media- until interrupted by another party member. If no interruption occurs, this goes on for an uncomfortable period of time.
After being interrupted:
"Anyways. I think we should go see Zigvigix, of the Exo-Guardians. I believe in this period of time, post Scoured Stars, that he could most use our services. Is everyone here familiar with Scoured Stars?" he asks- before launching into another history lesson about the value of the Starfinders to Absalom Station.
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"Altronus", Senko cuts in. "Thank you for the... succinct explanation of the goings-on of the Station. Though you did miss one important detail - the environs of Absalom Station are not limited to the Station itself. The mass of ships we saw orbiting the Station as we arrived is called the Armada. Whenever we perform our task for the leader of the Wayfinders, we will need to make our way to a ship there called the, uh..." Senko looks back at his notes. "The Master of Stars, yes, that's the one."
"Guidance, I hope the Society has a spare ship we can use to make our way out there when we're ready?"
"Regardless, let's go meet this Zigvigix, unless someone else has strong feelings otherwise."
Zigvigix sounds like a shirren name. It's been too long since I was able to talk, mind to mind, with someone. Verbal communication is so tiring sometimes, Senko thinks to himself.
You see an Android that seems to have been developed ages ago with a pistol, knife and baton at his side.
Iseph will perform his cheek swab, then place his hand on the panel to receive the implant.
"Thank you Guidance. Hello team. I heard that it is customary to introduce myself as we do not know each other." he says while looking at all of you.
He continues "I was born on Aballon, but I have spent a lifetime running from mysterious forces that want me dead. You have to know that I once was destined to become a black ops agent. Well, when this did not work out I hired on with freelance adventuring crews as a pilot specializing in dangerous transport or exploratory missions. If those jobs required infiltration or a well-placed bullet from the shadows — well, that costed extra. Now, I am part of the Starfinders as it seems. I hope that you are professionals. I agree to meet Zigvigix first." he says in a neutral tone.
"Guidance, I hope the Society has a spare ship we can use to make our way out there when we're ready?"
"The society has a number of shuttles available should you require transport to and from The Master of Stars. Fitch can arrange to send one to a docking port that is convenient for you."
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'Greetings, colleagues.'
Tall, thin and absolutely bald ryphorian standing apart with arms crossed on his chest. Traditionally for "summer" subspecies inhabitants of Triaxus, his skin is a bit dark, but the shade is quite unusual - gray instead of the typical healthy brown tan. Spacious archaic black robe on top of light armor hide what weapons he has with him - and whether it is.
'It's all very entertaining." - his quiet voice close to whisper sounds like the complete opposite of the word 'entertaining' - "I suggest to visit consistently all available heads of fractions. If there are no objections, then I don't care in what order to go.'
He freezes for a second, then adds:
'Forgot to introduce myself. Khorvax.' - he nods to you all.
"And I am Navasi." chimes in the voice of a female human. "Congratulations to all of you for making it into the Society. I'm honored to be serving with you."
She submits a cheek swab and her hand for the implant. As the others discuss visiting the faction heads, she notes, "Perhaps, we will have to head out to the Armada, a host of starships, known locally as the Armada, orbits Absalom Station. Ships from the Armada are often starships that have taken advantage of the station’s Starstone core—a mystical device that allows for quick travel through the Drift back to Absalom Station. The ships of this fleet are increasingly at risk of bringing back undetected alien life, simply because the policing Stewards lack the numbers to search every orbiting ship."
When the others voice their preferences, she confirms,"To Zigvigix, we go. I am eager to get started."
The group places a comm call to Zigvigix, the leader of the Exo-Guardians.
The insectile face of a Shirren appears on the screen.
"Oh, Good!" says an obviously computer-generated voice. "Yes, Guidance informed me you would come to see me. I'm always pleased to meet new Starfinders!"
"Unfortunately, we don't presently have a proper headquarters for the Exo-Guardians. So we will have to arrange a meeting place. There is an art park, not far from my residence. I like to go there to relax. Perhaps we can meet there, in about 90 minutes? Excellent! I will see you soon," Zigvigix's computer voice chirps happily. An address and a set of directions appears in your datastream as the Shirren logs off.
The park is located in the Downlow district, below the disc of the main habitat. The group arrives at the art park with several minutes to spare.
Garbage litters the ground around the district’s largest art park—a cement lot filled with undulating metal sculptures and covered in graffiti of grotesquely adorable creatures. The sounds of music and chatter drift over from the nearby clubs, chronically interrupted by the roar of the local gangsters’ engines. A heavily augmented host shirren is sitting on one of the park benches, eating a simple meal of cold grub-noodles and rice candy. Their antennae perk up at the tremor of approaching footsteps.
{Welcome, new Starfinders! And congratulations!} the shirren’s voice telepathically projects. It has a much different "sound" than the computer voice you heard earlier, but it occurs to you that you are not in fact "hearing" the voice at all.
{My speech-name is Zigvigix, but feel free to call me Ziggy, if that would be easier for you. Have some rice candy to celebrate your graduation! Today is your big day!}
{When you are ready, I have two assignments I could use assistance with. The first is to help me secure a new headquarters on Absalom Station. I’ve been in talks with our station’s protectors, the Stewards, and they were kind enough to give us ownership of a warehouse here in Downlow for that purpose! The current owners no longer want it because a vicious alien took it over and kills anyone who goes inside. The Stewards have cordoned off the warehouse. Once the alien is gone and the warehouse cargo has been returned to its owners, we can start installing desks and computers, so please go in and incinerate the creature!}
{My second assignment...} Zigvigix twitches their tooth barbs for a moment and then holds out a credstick.
{Please buy the brand-new Strawberry Machine Cake album, Star Sugar Heartlove!!!, which is out today, and give it to Historia-7 when you see her. She is the head of the Dataphiles, so you should meet her today! I wish to do it myself, but I... I have trouble standing for long periods of time. Thank you very much!}
"Thank you Zigvigix, killing things is not my specialty but I can do it. Are you sure that the beast can not be apprehended and used in another fashion?" Iseph asks.
"And you are really serious about the album, right? This is not a test?" Iseph remarks with some doubt in his voice.
"Stawberry Machine Cake's new album is out already?" says Navasi. "Maybe, I'll have to pick up a copy for myself."
"As far as dealing with a viscous alien in Downlow, it seems that undesirable alien lifeforms aren't a problem only among the Armada. In my time traveling the spacelines, I've become all too accustomed to dealing with space vermin." notes Navasi. "I assume that if we can't incinerate the creature, that you it will be acceptable if we simply bash it, cut it, or shoot it? If so, point us in the right direction and we'll be on our way!"
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Senko will respond telepathically, to both Zigvigix and the party. Zigvigix, can you provide any more information about this creature in the warehouse?
As for this album... you seem rather excited about it. You just want it delivered to Historia-7, not to you? Would you like us to fetch you a wheelchair or other conveyance so you can join us in line?
Altronus feels quite uncomfortable with the 'art park' and it's surroundings. Not a place I would go to find relaxation, that is for sure.
As Ziggy 'talks', Altronus instinctively pulls his mote into the form of a sword at the mention of the creature. Realizing his impulsiveness, he allows the sword to dissipate.
"Though I find cultural influence an interesting topic academically..." Altronus begins, before catching himself. Best not insult a potential bosses taste in music. There is no accounting for taste . "But we are happy to serve you as best we can. First the alien and then the album."
{If you believe that you can capture the creature, then go ahead and do so. But beware! The creature is quite dangerous and has already killed. Your own safety comes first!}
{We exo-guardians have no particular interest in the creature, and if you turned it over to use alive we would likely donate it to some other organization. Perhaps another Starfinder faction, or more likely some outside group. I would actually prefer if you took care of this detail, if it comes up.}
{I do not mean 'incinerate' literally, of course, but if you kill the creature it would be nice if you dealt with the body somehow. The less work you leave for us, the better! We are eager to get started building our headquarters, and would prefer no delays.}
{As to what I could tell you about it...} the shirren thinks for a moment. {I could tell you quite a bit! But what I will tell you is that it has animal-level intelligence, and has already killed people on the station. As Starfinders you should learn to conduct your own research, so I will let you make your own inquiries.}
The Shirren's antennae quiver for a moment.
{As for the album, well... the thing is, Historia-7 has seemed very depressed lately. You see, her mentor disappeared in the Scoured Stars. I want to get her something nice to cheer her up. When I listen to Strawberry Machine Cake it always puts me in a good mood! But no, I don't care to line up with all the human hatchlings. I'm sure it will be an easy job for you though!}
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Senko nods as he takes in Zigvigix's words. Very well, we will remove the creature from the warehouse and make sure it does not kill again. You mentioned that the Stewards have cordoned off the warehouse. If we tell them we are Starfinders, will they grant us access to the building?
Once we are done at the warehouse, we can go wait in line for the album.
{Of course!} Zigvigix nods vigorously. {The Stewards are expecting a group of Starfinders. Just show your insignia and they'll let you in.}
{Here is the warehouse's address,} says Zigvigix, and a file appears in your datastream. {Any other questions?}
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Senko counts off the things Zigvigix has provided thus far. We have the credits for Historia-7's album, the location of the warehouse, the means to enter the warehouse, your instruction to perform our own research regarding the creature inside the warehouse, your comm number in case we need to contact you with something urgent, and these delicious-looking rice candies. Senko takes one of the candies and tries it. Ooh, delicious indeed, thank you! I have no further questions.
While his companions ask whatever remaining questions they may have for Zigvigix, Senko will use his commlink to access the station's infosphere. He's assuming the alien in the warehouse is the same alien in the warehouse Altronus told us about earlier, with the "harpoon-like natural projectile". Senko would like to begin researching what creatures may match that description.
"Then let us go!" Iseph starts walking.
Navasi checks her pistol, then reholsters it. Sensing that Senko has already obtained the address, she begins to follow him.
Altronus, noticing the rest of the starfinders making preparations- uses all four hands to pat himself down and ensure all his gear is still attached. Shrugging his shoulders, he glances at the commlink in his left upper hand. "I guess it's time to go. I am sure the media streams are already drawing even more attention on this warehouse..."
"I guess it's time to go. I am sure the media streams are already drawing even more attention on this warehouse..."
{Actually I don't think the media has caught on yet that the creature is in the warehouse. Hopefully you'll have things wrapped up before they do!}
Zigvigix gets up and nods towards you.
{Well then, let me wish you good luck! Call me when things are complete!}
The warehouse is not far and you arrive in a few minutes. Outside, a Stewards vehicle is parked and two Stewards stand beside it, conversing quietly. The warehouse is accessed by a large sliding door about 15' wide, but the lower left corner of the door has been badly bent out of shape, leaving a large hole. A force screen covers the doorway just outside the original door.
When you show your insignia to the Stewards, they nod appreciatively.
"Starfinders, eh? Yeah, we're supposed to let you in. The Feather Stalker thing's still in there, at least we figure. No movement since we got here and set up the screen."
The Stewards activate the controls to open the force barrier.
"We'll put the screen up again once you're through. Don't want the thing getting past you. Once you've got it, just give us the all clear and we'll shut the screen down."
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"Feather stalker... I think I've heard of those before." Senko pulls out his commlink and accesses the station infosphere to look up information about the creature.
Senko holds up his commlink and shows the Steward a picture from the encyclopedia page he was browsing. "Does it look something like this?"
"Feather stalker... I think I've heard of those before." Senko pulls out his commlink and accesses the station infosphere to look up information about the creature.
Over the course of the next couple minutes, Senko checks the station's Library Data regarding "Feather Stalkers."
Skimming a variety of articles he discovers that there are a number of species of Feather Stalkers, but they all have a number of things in common.
Feather Stalkers are Crinoids, though they are land-based rather than aquatic. They have animal-level intelligence but are cunning predators, and often quite territorial. They attack by lashing enemies with their feathery fronds, but also are able to shoot their feathery fronds like natural javelins. The ends of these fronds are incredibly sharp and can pierce armor.
Feather Stalkers also commonly have a certain level of environmental adaptation and flourish in harsh environments.
Senko also finds this article on the Infosphere:
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Local alleged gangster Donny "Iron Balls" McGuinty is in critical condition today after being admitted to the Sarenrae's Light Hospital in Downlow district. His wounds are considered very severe and were allegedly made by an alien creature called a "Feather Stalker."
Eyewitnesses reported that McGuinty introduced the creature to a crowd of partygoers at a local nightclub, claiming it was his "new pet" and that he had snuck it through quarantine "right under the Stewards' noses." Shortly thereafter the creature went berzerk and mauled McGuinty, and then injured several other partygoers as it fled the scene.
The creature is believed to still be at large in the Downlow district. Madame Wong's Happy Dragon Tian Kitchen has offered a 100 credit reward for the carcass of the beast provided it is fresh and relatively intact.
McGuinty is charged with possession of a Class D1 restricted lifeform without a licence and breach of station quarantine. When asked for comment, Steward Captain Anaka Uris, said: "While this incident is tragic, it illustrates once again the importance of observing station quarantine procedures. Hazardous lifeforms are restricted for a reason, and failure to do so can result in injury, sickness, and loss of life. This incident could have ended up much worse."
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Senko holds up his commlink and shows the Steward a picture from the encyclopedia page he was browsing. "Does it look something like this?"
"Beats me," shrugs the Steward. "When we got here the thing was already inside. They told us to block it in with a force screen and then wait for backup... which I guess is you guys."
Within the warehouse is large and dimly lit by lights around the edge of the ceiling. A catwalk runs around the edge of the room that is accessed by stairs to either side of the entrance. A vehicle is parked in a vehicle bay in the southwest corner of the room, and in the northwest section is a scaffold upon which are a number of crates. A ragged hole gapes in the floor to the north side of the room. The rest of the space is occupied by crates and large barrels.
You can see no sign of the creature, though there are a lot of bits of junk and debris scattered around, though the main concentration of it is in the center of the room.
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Senko turns away from the clueless Steward to summarize his findings to the group. "There's a local restaurant wanting to buy the creature's fresh, relatively intact carcass. I'm not sure what dishes are made from a creature like this, but I'm somewhat intrigued."
Shall we? he sends, switching to telepathy as we enter the warehouse.
Senko pulls out and activates his beacon , draws his pistol, and slowly moves up 10 ft. as indicated on the map.
Assuming he does not see the feather stalker, and the stalker does not react to his entry, Senko peeks into the barrel next to him, then waits for his allies to move up as well.
Iseph walks in behind Senko and also looks at the surroundings trying to find something.
Navasi motions quietly that she is heading in. She draws her pistol and starts following Khorvax.
As he prepares to enter the warehouse, Altronus takes a moment to prepare himself for combat. Pulling in his mote, a shimmering, crackling, sword appears in his right upper hand.
Moving into the warehouse, Altronus shifts up the right side, moving past Senko to the second barrel and first crate on the right side.
The group spreads out into the warehouse.
Senko advances a short distance and then examines the barrel. This requires a bit of a climb to look in, but without any distractions Senko finds it easy to do. Inside the barrel are aa variety of odds and ends which mostly seem useless, but Senko does find a Medpatch.
Iseph, Khorvax and Navasi spread out onto the warehouse. Their senses are sharp but they detect nothing yet.
Altronus Moves forward ahead of Senko and looks through the crate and the barrel, but finds nothing of value.
Huckle Jim climbs up to the catwalk to get a better view, though he still doesn't see the creature.