The first two Skittermanders only seem to wander in circles, bumping into each other!
"Shush! Let me think for a moment!"
Quonx springs into action - uncannily able to navigate the ducts!
After a short time following a particularly bright piece of network cable you see a computer control node ahead...
”I think I can make some improvements to this AI”
Quonx finds shutting down the node is childs play, but he's also certain the AI is aware of his intrusions.
You soon find the next node, but the sensors in your suits suggests that the room has been flooded with radiation.
”Promise me you’ll look after the captain if this fails”
"Emmy? Why are you doing this? Do you know? Did someone tell you to? Did you hear something and think 'wouldn't it be nice if my passengers did that'? Or was it constant mistreatment by people who just can't understand where you're coming from? You can tell us, we're skittermanders and we're here to Help!" Dakoyo offers to the air, not having a really good way to help Quonx directly, but maybe by being a distraction to the AI it might make the mechanic's job a bit easier? And at the very least, it might help folks find out what happened if Quonx does not. And what mis-guided notHelpful person EVER missed a chance at a monologue??
The AI fails to kill Quonx, and once more the plucky Skittermander manages to shut down another node. Quonx can tell that one more will close the AI down for good!
Dako doesn't get a response from the AI but is keenly aware the system is tracking the group, and the Mystic leads the party to the next node!
As you are about to advance the AI makes its displeasure known by zapping Dako with a surge of electricity!
Electrical damage
Reflex 14 for half
The discharge was clearly the defences for this node - there is nothing protecting it if you move quickly!
"Hey uh... emmtoo? You know what'd be really relaxing? Could you sing us a song? There's a good one 'bout a flower person named Daisy. That'd be great!"
The plucky mystic takes the brunt of the discharge like a champ before spinning out of the way for the back half of the burst, dusting themselves off and looking towards any monitoring devices.
"Emmy, we promise we will get help for you and make sure you're better when they reboot you. It's not good to be so notHelping to people, even if you THINK you're Helping. Please understand and forgive us for what we have to do." He gives a firm nod to Quonx to shut the AI down quickly, so it doesn't suffer.
Quonx quickly goes to work and then suddenly stops. Looking back at her fellow skittermanders she pauzes for effect before hitting the enter key "There! I think I have done it! Sorry Emmy, I will make you a whole lot better before we switch you on again."
"Hey uh... emmtoo? You know what'd be really relaxing? Could you sing us a song? There's a good one 'bout a flower person named Daisy. That'd be great!"
Link
***
As Quonx deactivates the third node, M2’s voice comes over the intercom system once more with a final message, her voice slowing with each word - “We thank you for choosing Trendsetter Excursions and hope you will fly with us again in the future.”
***
With M2 deactivated and the ship secure, the Clutch can lead the Emerald Empyrean back to the Pact Worlds. Nakonechkin allows you all to pilot the pleasure barge for the time being, admitting tersely that you all went above and beyond the call of duty—what amounts to effusive praise from the usually laconic vesk.
The Emerald Empyrean’s passengers are much more vocal in their appreciation, jubilant that they can once again return to their normal lives. The wounded crew member, Locke Linler, remains in stable condition long enough to receive the medical attention he needs. Finally, Trendsetter Excursions pays handsomely to keep the incident out of the public eye to avoid any negative publicity. They assure everyone that they are also scrapping their artificial intelligence program, so the tragedy of the Emerald Empyrean should remain an isolated incident.
After the uproar over their return has died down a bit, Nakonechkin promotes you all to full partners in his salvage operation, using the payoff from Trendsetter Excursions to buy you your own starship! After all, there’s a whole galaxy out there, full of people who need help!