.
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A vesk strides powerfully into the room, standing seven feet tall from her toes to the tip of her forehead spikes. Her scaly skin is covered with mottling of gold and dark green, and she wears an impressive set of chain sheet armor decorated in the korasha lashunta style.
"Hello everyone, Volkzari here, ready to help, whether it's a broken-down machine or a computer acting out. Let's get to work." She speaks precisely and as if she's delivered her self-introduction a hundred times. If you've ever tuned in to one of the Pact World's home repair networks, you might be familiar with her vid series, Fix-it-up with Volkzari. She's between seasons at the moment.
Volkzari plunks herself into a seat and adds, "Don't let the claws fool you, I can type 70 words a minute." She looks around, practically daring someone to comment on her chosen career path.
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Bit, an obvious android with flat white 'skin' and short red hair, looks up from their computer as Volkzari walks in confidently. They blink in surprise at the imposing height of the vesk mechanic with her beautiful armor. "You look a bit familiar... Have we met before?" they ask as she settles into a seat. Bit says nothing about the typing speed comment, though does take note of the claws and it occurs to them that typing with claws might make 70 wpm an impressive feat. "If not, I am called Bit."
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A loud noise is heard as another android walks in, next to them a combat droid with a vidscreen for a face.
Sorry I'm late fellas! I'm always late! Name's Gear, and this is boytoy!
The drone's face pops up a display.
[Formal]It is wonderful to meet you. I am Designation:BoyToy, I am fully function and ready to assist! (`ー´)[/formal]
A voice echoes from her rig that is attached to her arm.
I told you ma'am, that if you just focus more on his reaction core that he would respond better. I don't know why you insist on having such a.... crude companion.
She glares down at the thing and flicks it.
Shut it Old Man. Last I checked, you can't hold a gun... or even have hands for that matter. There are just some ways you can't please a woman.
Boytoy's screen flashes.
[embarrassed](°ㅂ°╬)[/embarrassed]
Gear glares at him.
Get your mind out of the Triune damned gutter.
The voice echoes from the rig.
You programed him that way Ma'am
She glares at it.
Shut it.
She blinks a few times and looks at the crew.
Heh... sorry about that! They're a handful, but their family, and very helpful!
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Volkzari turns to the android as she takes a seat nearby. "I do not think we have met, but it's a pleasure to know you now, Bit." She looks up when another android walks in, prepared to offer a similar greeting, but stops and watches in bemusement as she and her artificial intelligences squabble amongst themselves.
"Hello Gear, and, er, Boytoy." Volkzari makes a valiant effort not to snicker, and then looks over the drone with a professional eye. "He seems to be a well-constructed drone. So you created him yourself?"
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A human male in his early 30s walks in to the room, ai' this looks like the right place alright!...A lizardman and a couple of bickering androids and me...sounds about right for a society mission it does! The human takes out a flask and takes a long pull from it. Anyone want a wee nip before we get on with it then?
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Gear nods to Volkzari with a smile.
Yup! Designed, built, and programmed. Same with OldMan. He was my first coding project after I woke up after the Gap.
The AI pipes up.
Yes ma'am, though I'm still confused by the fact that you gave me the designation "Old Man". You, by all accounts, are older than anyone else here.
Gear glares at her rig.
Old man, you should know better than to point out a woman's age. And you remind me of the cranky old men I knew, that's why.
Before she can comment further, Mr. Scott steps in.
Oh! Me! Whatcha got?! I'd offer some of mine, but I've found that humans don't care much for syntheto lubricant cut with industrial ethanol...
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Stepping into the room, a brown haired human looks around and slouches into the nearest available seat. The 'nearly' middle-aged man looks a little disheveled and clearly hasn't shaven in a few days. He takes a sip from a coffee cup and begins to stare at the lid as if it were the most important thing on the station.
Sharper eyed Starfinders may recall him as Captain Quentin Dexter Hawthorne from a documentary last year Eclipse of the Shadow Sun, which recounted the ill-fated journey of a Pact Worlds military vessel. Despite his best efforts, the charismatic and likable captain was the lone survivor in a space battle when his ship was ambushed by two separate and opposing factions simultaneously. A good deal of mystery still surrounds the events, including how footage of the attack survived.
Damn! I really havta find a job workin' alone. I'm just gonna get these people killed too. Either that or they are gonna figure out I'm a total fraud. Looks like another great day in the universe Dex!
----
[url=https://codepen.io/DMKludde/full/ypNXxo/]Opening Crawl[/ooc]
---
---
The First Seeker’s meeting room is a lavish space, with several lush couches and armchairs surrounding a wide, low table. First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo appears uncharacteristically extravagant, having exchanged her typical stationwear for a sleek, fashionable suit in a shade of copper that matches the Starfinder Society logo emblazoned on the table. Behind her stands the towering vesk leader of the Acquisitives faction, wearing a suit of ceremonial armor.
Luwazi smiles and gestures to the seats. “A pleasure to see you all. I trust you’ve heard about tonight’s gala? I have a rather important announcement to make, so we’ve decided to use the opportunity to entertain and impress representatives of the various interests who have helped the Starfinder Society through our setbacks with the Scoured Stars Incident.
“That’s where you come in. As some of the shining stars of the newest Starfinder Society agents, I’d like to have you mingle with the guests so they can see for themselves what we’ve been able to accomplish. It’s nothing too fancy; I’d just like you all to be polite and talk about some of your experiences with the Society so far. We’re expecting some government dignitaries, investors, corporate interests, and the like, so be sure to stay on your best behavior. Also, don’t be afraid to brag a bit—it’s our goal to impress them.”
“But don’t be stupid,” the armored vesk breaks in. Luwazi Elsebo glances over her shoulder and grins. “Have you all met Radaszam? He’s certainly someone else you should be trying to impress.”
Radaszam scowls. “Events like this never go as planned. Luwazi’s contracted one of my merc outfits, the Obsidian Spiders, to provide security for the night. I want to make sure that if anything goes down, you’re working with my agents, rather than us all tripping over one another. So stay alert, but if anything happens, make sure you’re talking to me about it rather than jumping in blindly.”
The First Seeker nods and picks up the datapad. “I’ve singled out five guests who I would really like to make a good impression with. These folks should be our priority tonight, so I’ve compiled basic information about each of them here. Things will start up in about an hour in the Skyreach Room. Any questions before we go?”
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Ship Boon: Hero of the Stars [Starship Boon] When put to 0 hull, recover 5x ship level, max 30, cross out boon afterwards.
Social Boon: ▫ ▫ ▫ Faction’s Friend (Social Boon; Limited Use): By assisting various factions of the Starfinder Society, you have proven yourself as a dependable asset. By slotting this boon, if you would fail to earn Fame at the end of an adventure by failing to fulfill a success condition, you can check one of the boxes on this boon. Doing so reminds your current championed faction of your past exploits, and you still earn 1 Reputation (but no Fame) with that faction as if you had successfully fulfilled the condition. You can use this boon only if you would also gain at least 1 XP for completing the adventure.
Faction: Champion the Dataphiles
Slotless:
Starfinder [Slotless] Gain Starfinder Icon with hidden tier 1 datapad, DC 20 to find.
Tattoo of the Starfinder: You have a magical tattoo, commemorating your induction into the Starfinder Society. As an immediate action when you are struck by a critical hit or dealt at least 15 points of damage from a spell or supernatural ability, you can check the box that precedes this boon and expend the tattoo’s magic to gain 10 temporary Hit Points that last for 1 minute. You also regain 1 previously expended Resolve Point when using this boon.
Marked Field Agent (Slotless Boon): Having met the amalgam of intelligences known as Guidance, you have successfully completed your induction into the Starfinder Society. The Society offered you a subdermal implant as part of your commencement. You receive this augmentation for free.
OOOOO True Savior of Tasch (Slotless Boon: Limited Use): Forfeit Day job to Check off box, all 5 completed Receive 500 UPBs.
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Mr. Scott alas is going to be a bit out of his element at this social gathering he fears. None of his school companions to bail him out of awkward social dilemma's...Except for the support of the Second Seekers and those also assigned to the gala, as show pieces; Scott is on his own. Oh dear what have I gotten myself in to?
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Gear looks over the guest list and "Hmmms..."
Old Man, Crossreferance our data on these guys. Give me everything you got.
Right Away Ma'am.
As the face on her rig disappears and launches itself into the infosphere to dig up info, Gear turns to the mercenary.
Radaszam, would you be willing to patch me and my team into your comm's system? Also, will we have a camera system we can have access to? I can set my AI to assist us by being a secondary eye in the sky as it where, and giving both you and our team heads up when things go sideways. Also, any stationary defenses that we need to be aware of? Things baddies will have to deal with to get in, or we'll have to deal with to get out in case of bad stuff?
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Volkzari nods along in understanding as the First Seeker explains her goals for the evening. "Image control. From what I hear, it's something the Starfinder Society needs desperately these days. Not my strongest skill set, but I will be glad to assist as I can."
She takes a look at the datapad and tries to memorize the faces of the five individuals, then sighs slightly at the thought of what she might be called upon to do to impress these people. "Vesk posturing can be tiresome at times, but I believe I can oblige for the occasion. I will do my best not to be stupid." She says this with a straight face, and it's not quite clear whether or not she's joking.
While casting an admiring glance at Radaszam's ceremonial armor, Volkzari asks, "What is the dress code for the event? I wore my finest armor, but could acquire a more formal outfit if that would be better."
It's a bit of Javascript code that somebody else created, and which I forked. If you you open the link and click on 'Change View', then 'Editor view', you can see the code behind it. You can even 'fork' the code yourself and create your own version, by editing the text in the code.
----
Luwazi answers the question on dress code: If you’d like, but it’s not necessary. You’re Starfinders, and there’s a certain air of excitement that comes along with the armor and gear.
Radaszam, in response to Gear, shows some pride You guys focus on the guest, my guys have this covered. He the nshrugs, I don’t know of any plans specifically targeting this event, but my team and I have our eyes and ears open.
----
The lift doors open into the Skyreach Room, a classy space made breathtaking by large windows set into the vaulted ceiling, providing a shining view of the Armada orbiting Absalom Station and the galaxy beyond. A low stage with black skirting and a sleek podium overlooks the room from the far end of the hall. A dozen or so guests, representing a surprising array of races, mingle in twos and threes, while servers in sharp vests bring around a variety of bizarre snacks and drinks. A curly-haired AV technician arranges the wiring along one side of the stage, and Luwazi stands at the other side speaking with a damaya lashunta man.
Iteration-177 wears their sleek dark hair pulled back, in a sharp contrast to their silvery skin and the android’s signature circuitry pattern shining nearly white. They wear Absalom Station’s latest fashions in shades of black, white, and gray.
Ykris appears as an iridescent, segmented insect clinging to the scalp of a clean- cut, immaculately dressed half-elf man. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that many of Ykris’s spiny legs pierce the man’s skin and deeply into his flesh, particularly along the base of the man’s skull and down the back of his neck.
Originally one of Eox’s native elebrians, Zo! retains the characteristic appearance of that race even in undeath: an elegant build with refined features and an extended cranium. His face now bears a permanent rictus grin, which adds another level of enthusiasm to his exaggerated interactions.
Royo wears immaculate formalwear about 20 years out of date; his tawny fur is beginning to go silver around his whiskers and paws. He wears elegant spectacles, having refused corrective surgeries due to the hours or even days in which he would be unable to read following such a procedure. Tucked beneath one arm is a small folio of physical paper. He stands among a circle of scholars engaged in an exuberant discussion of esoteric topics.
Naiaj makes no concessions to he formality of this event; she wears her usual carbon skin armor, datapad never out of sight and wrist-based comm unit constantly blinking with updates. She wears her gleaming white hair cropped close, and despite her small size, she looks as if she could stare down a team of hardened vesk mercenaries.
----
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Well, may as well get this over with.
Dex stops at the bar and grabs two drinks. He walks over to Naiaj and offers her the drink with a warm smile. "We can't be all business all the time. Please, join me in a drink. Otherwise I will look just a little silly standing here. My name's Quentin Hawthorne, but most people call me Dex. And you are...?"
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Mr. Scott wanders around the party for a moment, conferring with P.A.M. (personal auxiliary mainframe) the miniaturized tier II computer strapped to his wrist. He scrolls through names on his list and spots each of the honored guest in kind. Sipping at his second glass of champagne, Mr. Scott hurriedly grabs an hors d'oeuvre off a platter as, a talented waiter weaves his way through the crowd.
Hmm which one to start with? Gods above what will I talk about? The Ysoki spoke at the University several years back..er no...says his primary interest is analog media. What do I know about ancient forms of entertainment? Mr. Scott downs the last of his drink and sets his glass down on a nearby table. He scrolls further. Hmm this seems interesting, don't know what I'm going to say but I've not personally encountered this type of life-form in several years. It will be interesting at very least. With that thought Mr. Scott weaves his way toward Ykris.
Awrite mr. Scott at yer service. Ah apologize fur th' foo gear get-up. Luwazi elsebo, speart us tae represent Starfinder society as respected field agents. ah dunnae kinn much abit respected!..but, thes is whit Ah wear in th' field! Mr. Scott extends his hand in greeting as he introduces himself to Ykris... Or at least the host that Ykris inhabits...an interesting conundrum these folk.
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Gear reviews her data of the members.
Let's see... Ugh, Aspis. I don't care if it has been a thousand years, once a snake, always a snake. Let's see... Zo! could work... got some common ground with the old sage jewel experiments... OOOOO! Analog Media?!
Gear quickly pulls up his data and starts downloading any speeches, classes, data, anything she can get her hands on. Gear almost darts over to the Ysokai, trying, probably unsuccessfully to keep her cool as her drone jogs to keep up with her. She grabs Royo's hand and shakes it's vigorously.
Hello Sir! Name's Gear Sproctan, but most just call me Gear! Your latest paper on analog media and it's relationship to the formation of digital culture is absolutely fascinating!
A small cough appears as the holo face, a wizened old man with a dignified appearance and a butler's outfit, appears on her wrist.
Ma'am, please, remember your decorum.
Gear gives a sheepish grin and let's his hand go.
Sorry about that. Used to digging around in ancient databanks, not actually talking to people.
Indeed. I apologize for Mistress Gear's haste... though I suppose you might be willing to forgive the slight. She has downloaded several hundreds of hours of digital renditions of Analog entertainment such as plays, gladiatorial bouts, and games... though she has mentioned that digital renditions do not do the "Real thing" justice. Frequently commenting about how back in "Her Day" you went and saw a play, not just downloaded it.
Gear nods.
Indeed, I used to love going to the theatre... seeing the sights... it was wonderful.
For his part, boytoy stays silent on the matter.
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"People do like a vesk in armor," Volkzari murmurs to herself as she follows the other into the grand hall. "Well, it's show time." She hangs back for a moment to see where the rest of the team will gravitate, considers joining one of them so they can help each other keep conversation going if necessary, but then decides it would be better to spread out and get a general feeling for the mood of the guests.
The vesk feels drawn towards the Eoxian, who seems like a useful person to know, even apart from their current mission. He looks to be attracting attention from all around the room, so she considers whether she has heard anything about him while making her way across the room.
When she sees a convenient break in the conversation, Volkzari steps up to him. She puts on a little extra vesk brusqueness and tries to engage a bit. "You're Zo! Right? I'm Volkzari, and have been meaning to introduce myself. A man of your stature must be enjoying the party, right? Not to mention all the people to meet. I wonder what this big announcement will be."
She internally winces a little at her introduction that has gone all over the place, and forces herself to stop talking and let the man respond.
---The Captain and the Venture-Captain---
Naiaj. Venture-Captain Naiaj, the bleachling gnome says a she glances at her commlink. I have to remain sharp, so I will not indulge in any alcholics, she states, then adds You wanted to speak to me?
She seems rather distracted by her data feed, impatiently checking the updates. She can probably be convinced with story that show some form of field competence.
---Mr. Scott and Ykris---
Ykris, the half-elven man introduces himself, with the insect-like creature firmly lodges in the man's skull and back. I'm afraid I don't quite follow you. Are you saying you are a Society Field agent?
Apart form talking about his own profession, Ykris seem to be curious about what life as a field agent is like.
---Gear and Royo---
The scholar look a bit disturbed when his conversation with fellow scholars is interrupted. Yes, yes, he answers, I was just saying.. he reacts when Gear mentions databanks, but when he the boytoy, he looks put off Ah, you use those kinds of tools for your research... he sighs, Well, perhaps your results are more interesting than your methods.
He seems interested in intellectual conversation, and put off by any research that was done using enhancement or which are overly computer-based.
---Volkzari and Zo!---
Zo! is an elebrian of exceptional age—though not a bone sage—thought to have existed as undead even before the Gap. He founded an Eoxian media empire immediately after the end of the Gap that specializes in reality broadcasts, which have earned him system-wide fame and fortune. He “lives” for the stage and is fast approaching the milestone of a million confirmed hours of camera time (of the approximately 2.7 million hours that have passed since the Gap). About 20 years ago, he left his critically acclaimed show, The Necromancer, which ran for almost 2 centuries’ worth of seasons.
Zo! the Eoxian extends a hand to the Vesk, then starts talking much in the same way as he did on the popular EMN (Eox Media Network) show The Necromancer when introducing candidates: thank you so much for being here. Yes, it is looking to be an awesome party! Can I say, the event of the century, and I should know! The rictor mortis grin looks particularly fitting on the face of Zo!.
We are just settling as the first plates of excellent food have past us, and the we are in the most illustrous company. Let us hear what you have to say Volkzari. Tell me, what do you for a living?
Zo! is always on the lookout for talent and particularly outgoing persona's. Impressing him with your abilities through Acrobatics or Athletics checks, Bluff checks to feint, or even a showy display with a weapon (making an attack
against an AC equal to the skill check’s DC –2) would manage to impress him.
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Gear gives a tittering laugh at the scholar.
Sir, you have no idea how difficult it use to be before such tools where available for common usage! Let me tell you, the moisture problems with parchment alone are a headache. I had a very solid reminder just recently of how difficult that can be. Of course, It was also firmly demonstrated to me how dangerous an over reliance on technology can be.
Why, I had an encounter a few weeks back with a folk on a planet who had rejected all forms of technology in favor of a completely analog lifestyle! The differences where shocking!
Gear launches into a detailed description of the Gebroni and their way of life, specifically focusing on their survival methods using water collection, hunting, and how they survived the difficult and dangerous world by completely rejecting the frankly dangerous over reliance on technology shared by their brethren in their walled cities.
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Volkazri laughs loudly at Zo!’s joke, and then answers his question. “I host a show on the Pact Home & Hive network sponsored by the SysBeam corporation out of Castrovel. We’ve achieved some popularity recently, but nothing like The Necromancer of course - you’re a legend in the industry.” Suddenly recalling why she’s there, she adds, “These days I also work for the Starfinder Society. They’ve been a strong organization, and I’m pleased to be with them.”
She thinks quickly about what might impress the man, and immediately swallows her pride. “They know how to use their members’ particular gifts,” she mentions casually, and then bends down to lean forward, balance on her hands, and then perform a pushup from the handstand position.
It doesn’t go as well as she might have hoped.
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Dex casually hands the drinks off to a passerby and continues his conversation. "Gatherings like these are an unfortunate necessity of the job. I feel like you do. I see that you keep checking your pad there. Being in command is much the same. Information coming in from a myriad of departments, each one believing they are the priority because they can't see the whole picture. All that information funnels to me on a similar device to yours. The captain has to be concerned with the whole ship, and make certain all sections function smoothly as one crew. I get the feeling that you know this burden as well. It is one of the benefits of being a member of the Starfinder Society. There is a little more autonomy in the day to day, but a clear command structure for important tasks."
---Gear and Royo---
Interesting, interesting. I have been hypothesizing about such a society myself, one where the eventual domination of technology would cuminate in an overturn by society, abolishing all thing computational altogether. Tell me, how did this society fare?
---Volkzari and Zo!---
Oh, ho ho, that talent needs some work, Volkzari! Let's hope your chances today jump higher than that!
---Dex and naiaj---
It is a burden I chose to carry, and it is the essence of command. In times of crisis, it is often one able mind that protects the many. It's effectiveness is only limited by the extent to which command structures are followed. You seem to understand that principle all too well.
---(Round 1)---
Gear (26 Phys on Royo)
Dex (19 Comp on Naiaj)
Volk (9 athl on Zo!)
Scotty
Bit
---
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You see... Gear begins, then blinks a few times.
Um... oh drat it's difficult to explain... you see the analog species where living short, brutal, and ultimately ignorant lives due in part to the difficulty of their day to day existence. While it is true that the technologically advanced had become over reliant on technology, the analog only did not have the ability to prosper, having reached a societal ceiling on advance....ment...
Getting the distinct feeling that telling the analog expert that his dream society wasn't all it was cracked up to be was not a very good route to win him over, Gear tries a different approach.
It was very fascinating how it changed them though, even resulting in divergent evolution! The technologically advanced Gebroni had a completely different patterning, muscular structure, and more! But the Analog Gebroni had become squatter, their wings had become vestigial, and their coloration reflected their desert planet. Such extreme morphological differences simply due a split in technology has deep ramification for how technology might be hampering or diverting our evolutionary gains, don't you agree?
--Scott and Ykris---
Scotty doesn't get much of a sense of what the parasite/host combination could be interested in.
I was asking about your profession, Ykris says, I'm in the field of bio-engineering myself. Medical devices and implants.
---Gear and Royo---
Gear looks to be boring Royo a bit, but then manages to salvage the conversation with her talk on evolution. Most interesting, most interesting. Almost a shame that these creatures are in contact with outside forces, isn't it. Still, how else would we study them?
---(Round 1)---
Gear (26 Phys on Royo)
Dex (19 Comp on Naiaj)
Volk (9 athl on Zo!)
Scotty
Bit
---(Round 2)---
Gear (9 Culture on Royo)
Dex
Volk
Scotty
Bit
---(Round 3)--
Gear (24 Life science on Royo)
Dex
Volk
Scotty
Bit
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Volkzari keeps a firm grip on her dignity and refuses to show any sign of embarrassment, though she can't help feeling as though she just blew an amazing opportunity. Standing at her full height, she responds to Zo!, "Thank you, I will continue to work on it. Now if you will excuse me, I must greet a few more guests." To play it safe, she bends slightly in a shallow bow as she takes her leave, even while secretly wondering whether Eoxians even have greeting rituals, or if this one cares about such things after being un-alive for so long.
She looks around hurriedly for someone that she might have a better chance of connecting with, and zeroes in on the android in the room. Approaching them, she holds out one hand in greeting. "Nice party, isn't this? My name is Volkzari, and you are?"
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I was asking about your profession, Ykris says, I'm in the field of bio-engineering myself. Medical devices and implants.
Bio-engineerin' ye say? i've dain a bit ay engineerin' myself? mostly oan starship computer systems min' ye. Ah did dae some under-graduate wark in bio-mechanics specifically advanced android positronic lobes! Scotty taps the seemingly friendly Ykris on the shoulder and grabs two drinks off a waiter's tray as he passes. He hands a drink to Ykris and says, bottoms-up as me kin' used to say! Mr. Scott doesn't wait to see if Ykris empties his drink before draining his own. This is like navigating in the drift with no computers!
Scotty continues to drone on about life-science, until Ykris express interest or irritation.
---Volkzari and Iteration 177---
Zo! nods and fortunately doesn't ask for a round of applause. Moving on to Iteration-177, the flat affect of the android proves hard to read for the Vesk. Iteration-177, such an absolute delight to meet you, the android says, wrinkling their face into a plastic smile. What a splendid party indeed, it is truly a delight to meet interesting people such as yourself. You are a field agent, are you not? You must have many stories to tell!
Iteration 177 is looking for compelling stories of the Starfinders' missions (Bluff, Diplomacy, or an applicable Profession skill) or for rumors about the Starfinder Society’s future plans (Culture). They also seem interested in conversation about magic or religion (Mysticism).
---Scott and Ykris---
Positronic implants, that's quite a different specialisation indeed! We deal mostly with machine-mind interfaces, adapting our devices to interacts with soft tissue. When Ykris' host gets handed a drink, it speaks Apologies, but I cannot consume this. It makes me very hard to control, and the alcohol tends to weaken the link between myself and my host.
---(Round 1)---
Gear (26 Phys on Royo)
Dex (19 Comp on Naiaj)
Volk (9 athl on Zo!)
Scotty (18 Medicine on Ykris)
Bit
---(Round 2)---
Gear (9 Culture on Royo)
Dex
Volk
Scotty
Bit
---(Round 3)--
Gear (24 Life science on Royo)
Dex
Volk
Scotty
Bit
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Politely excusing himself from his conversation with the gnome, Dex approaches the symbiotic life form. This isn't disturbing at all. Nope! Not one little bit.
"So, Having a good time? I would offer you a drink, then realized I had a question. If I may? Do you taste what your host ingests? Do flavors change depending on the preference of each host? It is truly fascinating."
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Seeing the elebrain across the room, Dex decides it is time to move on. Okay, yeah. This is a little disturbing. More than a little bit. As he walks across the room, Dex grabs a butter knife from an hors d'oeuvres platter and slides it up his sleeve.
"Zo! is it? Nice to meet you. I'm Captain Hawthorn. I must say, it is so pleasant to be at a gathering where everyone is happy to come together to enjoy a peaceful evening. So often I have interactions where each party is solely concerned with their own agenda. They will offer you a drink, hold it up so you see the bubbles catch the light, then quick as a flash, they draw a weapon and hold you at a disadvantage." As he says all this, he holds his flute up to the light, guiding Zo!'s eyes to it as well. He lowers his right hand, allowing the knife to slide into his hand, then snaps his wrist up placing the obviously dull implement inches from the Eoxian's face. "Of course, here among friends, there is no need for such treachery. Have you seen any pate for my knife here? I believe you would find it delicious."
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As Captain Hawthorne approaches, Mr. Scott breathes a sigh of relief. Novaburst! I'm glad he's here! I'd run out of things to say! Mr. Scott Politely excuses himself and heads towards the android.
Sae a've heard ye'r trying tae forge a connection atween they aspis fowk 'n' us starfinders...that true? Mr. Scott opens up with Iteration-177. Ye ken, mah lest mission wis mair as a consultant. Ye see a'm wis workin' oan th' drift system o' a drake class ship. Bit ah wis an' a' advising howfur tae fix th' sytems o' anither drake class ship that, haun fun itself in battle wi' goblin pirates..it wis a facinating 'n' tiresome project in o' itself bit, made even mair challanging fur ah hud tae interupt mah ain wirk constantly tae advise a novice worker ower a hyper-space wavelength com. Mr. Scott smiles as he waits for the android to respond.
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After he's done swapping tales with Iteration-177, Mr. Scott heads to more familiar ground. Awright venture captain Naiaj. Urr ye surviving th' pairtie?
Mr. Scott leans down to see VC Naiaj staring at some engineering specs on her Datapad...Och ye dinnae say! ah worked oan something silmilar tae that project nae three months ago! Mr. Scott exclaims while pointing at Venture Captian Naiaj's Datapad. He goes on to expand on the specifics of his project in hopes of perking the interest of the otherwise morose VC.
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Volkazari relaxes at Iteration-177's friendly greeting, although she has a difficult time getting any kind of read on the android. The vesk decides to talk about something that interests her, and hope for the best.
Despite not actually having much actual experience with the Starfinders yet, she responds, "Why yes, quite interesting stories. One time I was on a mission responding to a distress signal from a team we had lost contact with in the Diaspora, but our own ship has a collision with a small asteroid, and I had to work repairs before we all lost life support." She goes on to explain how she managed to spacewalk outside the ship and jury-rigged some repair using only the materials they had on board.
She keeps an eye on the android's face to gauge whether they find the story as fascinating as she does.
---Dex and Ykris---
Many people wonder this. Yes, I can taste everything my host ingests, as much as I can sense every movement and feel every pain. There is a complete fusion of the senses, both way. I would offer you the experience - for a moment, mind you - if you are so inclined as to try.
---Dex and Zo!---
Zo! the host of The necomancer introduces himself, why, what a display of manual skill. Doesn't that call for a round of applause? I think it does! Presented with wit, too. I see a good candidate to advance to the next round. Perhaps someday we will see you as a guest on my newest survival creation. Showbusiness is always looking for talent that can stand out in an action scene!
---Scotty, Iteration and Naiaj---
Scotty tries to impress the android with triangulation talk, until a double-headed man steps in says Hey, is this guy boring you? I'm from outer space!
Quickly moving over to Naiaj, though, Scotty does an impressive job convincing the VC of his abilities as a trouble-shooter.
You good with logistics, then? I'm planning out the follow-up to Salvation's end, and I must leave nothing to fate. Not after we lost so many operatives.
The datapad bleeps, and she mutters Hmm, issues with the shipment from the drow on Apostae. Not good.
---Volk and Iteration---
The double-headed man leave as Volkzari steps in, trying to sell a story of a spacewalk. Iteration-177 courteously nods, and says Yes, I suppose that is very hard.
---(Round 1)---
Gear (26 Phys on Royo)
Dex (19 Comp on Naiaj)
Volk (9 athl on Zo!)
Scotty (18 Medicine on Ykris)
Bit
---(Round 2)---
Gear (9 Culture on Royo)
Dex (19 culture of Ykris)
Volk (please make bluff or dipl check for Iteration-177)
Scotty (28 eng on Naiaj)
Bit
---(Round 3)--
Gear (24 Life science on Royo)
Dex (20 Sleight vs Zo!)
Volk
Scotty
Bit
---
Gear
Dex
Volk
Scotty
Bit
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Mr. Scott looks around the gathering one more time. *sigh* suppose I have time to *mingle* a little longer.. Mr. Scott see's Gear involved in an animated conversation with Royo; She looks to be doing fine.. Scott mutters to himself. Mr. Scott finishes chewing the hour d'verve he was working on just in time to see Dex departing from Zo. Taking that, to be his cue...Mr Scott wanders over to the undead person.
A've heard yer an entertainment producers..i'm juist a brassic starfinder cadet graduate ..but, ah hae some talents! Mr Scott, proceeds to shake Zo's hand and pick a small object from his wrist or pocket (like a bracelet or a small com unit, lapel pin ect...)
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Gear decides to press her advantage.
You know, there is a lot we could learn from how predators stalk their prey in regards to going unnoticed. Depending on the advancement of the particular culture, we could replicate the tactics of this nasty little bugger that used to be on Golarian called a "Wolf In sheeps Clothing"...
Gear launches into a rather... graphic (Perhaps to graphic at points) about how old predator's used to hunt prey, and how the various camouflage, misdirection, and stealth tactics could be used to observe a species without interfering with that species natural predilections.
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Dex navigates his way over to Iteration177.
"So, it seems as if the Starfinders are not taking their recent setbacks lightly. It seems as if they are not only planning recruitment drives and gatherings such as this. Did you hear about the 'Drift Stone' that followed an abandoned ship? Rumor has it that The Stafinders may play a role in its future. I don't no any details mind you, but its a safe bet that the faction leadership has big plans ."
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Drat, why are androids so difficult to understand? Volkzari isn't quite sure, but Iteration-177 doesn't seem very taken by her story. She tries to exaggerate the danger a little. "It was thrilling, see, because a piece of space debris hit my suit halfway through the maneuver and I had to keep one hand over it while fixing the ship with my other hand. The captain said that if it hadn't been for my quick thinking, the entire crew would have died!"
It wasn't strictly true, but the captain could have said something like that, if they'd wanted to, maybe. She hopes the android might take her at her word.
After politely excusing herself, Volkzari wanders around to find someone who might be easier to connect with. Her eyes focus on the gnome standing in another part of the room. Gnomes are expressive, right? And at least I wouldn't have to exaggerate my involvement with the Starfinders. Probably.
"Hello, Naiaj. You're a venture-captain with the Starfinders, aren't you? My name is Volkzari, a fairly recent recruit. It's nice to meet you here."
---Zo! an Scotty---
Oh, ho-ho! You had me there for a moment! This is turning out to
--- Gear and Royo ---
Gear gives a rather graphic description of disembowelment tactics of predators, and although the descriptions may be off-putting to some, she seems to have Royo's full attention. [b]You see, it is information like this one cannot gleam from a datapad, he exclaims, while the other scholar around nod in awkward consent.
--- Dex, Volkzari and It 177 ---
I have not heard about it. A most curious incident, and I'm sure we'll hear more of it soon, Iteration-177 replies.
They seem less impressed with Volkzari, and simply raises an eyebrow at his exaggeration.
--- Volkzari and naiaj ---
Naiaj still glances at her datapad occasionally, and simply replies New recruit? Did you pass your Commencement?
---
Royo III
Naiaj II
Zo! II
It 177 I
Ykris II
---(Round 1)---
Gear (26 Phys on Royo)
Dex (19 Comp on Naiaj)
Volk (9 athl on Zo!)
Scotty (18 Medicine on Ykris)
Bit
---(Round 2)---
Gear (9 Culture on Royo)
Dex (19 culture of Ykris)
Volk (10 blf on Iteration-177)
Scotty (28 eng on Naiaj)
Bit
---(Round 3)--
Gear (24 Life science on Royo)
Dex (20 Sleight vs Zo!)
Volk
Scotty (17 Sleight vs Zo!)
Bit
--- (Round 4)
Gear (16 LS vs Royo)
Dex (26 Culture vs It177)
Volk
Scotty
Bit
-----
The evening was going well, but little did the adventurers know what was ahead for them.
Radaszam gestures for the party to meet him in one of the service corridors running alongside the Skyreach Room for a discreet meeting.
The burly vesk doesn’t mince words. “We’ve got a situation on our hands. I’ve been following rumors of a somewhat notorious assassin who only recently showed up on Absalom Station. I just heard from one of my contacts that signs point to the First Seeker as the assassin’s next target—and if that’s the case, the assassin will almost certainly make a move tonight.
“Now here’s the thing. I’ve got enough security here that no one’s really in any danger; and besides, Luwazi’s no stranger to a fight. But it’d look really bad for the Society if someone took at shot at her in front of all these high-ups, you know what I mean?
“On the other hand, if a team of crack Starfinders were to investigate the rumors and unmask the assassin, we’d be able to show that we can still hold our own and add some, oh, let’s say, gravitas to the First Seeker’s announcement tonight. Defeat this assassin in style, impress the investors, make yourselves look good in the process... What do you say?”
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Gear smiles and almost giggles at the comment.
Yeah, there is nothing quiet like the blood in a gladiator pit, or the smell of acid dripping from a monsterous mouth. You just can't replicate that in vid form ya know? You gotta experience it for yourself.
She taps her head with a grin.
That's why this tech is so important though. To get your hands on the GOOD stuff? The real knowledge that people don't give out for free? You have to take risks. Sometimes big risks. Sometimes, those risks get you killed. And all that knowledge, lost, snuffed out, all because a comrade gets greedy, or a portal opens up to let in a part shark part scorpion part tree being from the neither realms where you didn't expect it? That's a travesty beyond measure.
------------------------------------------
Gear nods to Radaszam and holds up her arm, bring up the hologram of Old Man.
Alright Old Man, we got a assassin to hunt. First things first... I want you to do a basic sweep. Tell me who is, and isn't connected to the info sphere, and tell me who does, and doesn't, have at least a basic security protocol on their personal com units.
Yes Ma'am.
Gear explains herself as she works on her side of things.
This guy is a galaxy wide famous assassin right? That means he's not gonna be stupid enough to have open, hackable coms on him. Which means that we can simultaneously eliminate anyone who HAS that kinda weak security from our suspect pool... He'll either go in tech free to avoid folks like me, or he'll have tech protocol strong enough to ward me off.
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Round 4
Mr. Scott figures it went well enough with the undead mogul as he got a bit of a chuckle from performing his adolescent parlor trick. Scott takes a glass of water from nearby serving table and downs the whole glass in one swallow. With all this sythahol flowing in this place..I don't want to get dehydrated!...Argh..am I ever out of my element! But, everyone seems to be laughing at my dumb jokes...everyone except that Ykris person...hmphph! Scott looks to the corner of the room to see Ykris staring silently out a porthole in to vast space.
*Drat* Guess I better go give him another try. Scott walks over to Ykris with a glass of water and offers it to the dualistic persona.
Looks like you could use something besides champagne Scott offers, while holding the glass out for Ykris to accept.
Feeling that Ykris might want to talk about something more personal..Mr. Scott opens the conversation with a direct statement, You know, the really don't teach us much about your species at the academy. We're taught several interesting facts about a curious variety of life-forms throughout the known galaxy but, your particular species not so much. Mr. Scott then goes on to relate what he knows about parasitic isopod's and their symbiotic relationships with their host. He then drops a antidote or two about some more colorful habits of some lesser know lifeforms. He does this in an effort to build some type of kinsman-ship with Ykris.