GM Debug's SFS 1-22 - The Protectorate Petition (Inactive)

Game Master DebugAMP

One of them mutters. "Ya'well... no right. Just hoping. So much buildin... and we ain't got nuthin down here. Just tryin ta find somethin those rich folk want... maybe get enough creds to get off this rock. Six 'o you though... an two of us... so can't really hold by force. Tell ya what, 50 cred and we'll show you what we found."

Faria tries to make eye contact with those leading the conversation and nods. She is willing to contribute towards paying these individuals for whatever they have found.

Baskoro flips them a cred-stick "Now that is more like it! Can't blame you for trying."

50 creds, I earn that in a good night at the opera!

I will pay for this, no need to divide it. As an envoy I don't need expensive weapons

"So... Do you folks have other people coming through often?" Trusty asks. "Have you considered other employment? The Starfinder Society is always hiring pllucky people with talent."

They seem a bit off-put by Trusty's suggestion. They consider it a bit, muttering in copaxi before responding. "Nah... not working for no rich [COPAXI PROFANITY DELETED] again."

After a bit of conversation, it seems apparent that their common is very poor. Most of their pauses and consideration seems to actually just be them attempting to translate. Using the translation device makes it much easier for them to convey detail, however since it's unable to translate in real time, it takes a while to gather all of the details. Nonetheless, by the time they finish showing you around and telling their story, it certainly seems worth the 50 credits paid... in fact probably worth the 300 credits asked.

These copaxis are fed up with the widening gap between rich and poor on Tabrid Minor. They believe their people’s rapid industrialization has done more harm than good and are eager to earn enough credits to buy passage to other worlds. The scavengers know nothing of the history of the copaxis, except for what they found at this site.

The scavengers’ stash contains a beat but functioning ancient weapon from the city: a shout rifle. More importantly though, they also had uncovered a journal preserved in a sealed container. The scavengers help to translate it, revealing that the “scientists” stationed here were servants of Tabantria’s magical aristocracy; they observed the planet to learn how best to manipulate and exploit its natural and magical resources, especially copi. Most of the notes concern the process of cultivating copi to make objects—and even cities—float high above the planet’s surface. In the journal’s final pages, you find that several of the scholars stationed here, and many others across Tabrid Minor, received the revelation of Drift travel. Instead of being celebrated, they were shunned and eventually executed after a failed coup attempt. The unidentified author of the journal supported this decision and outed several colleagues to the government; they justified this action by predicting that the spread of Drift technology would cause rapid, irreversible, and damaging industrialization, violently disrupting the status quo. The final page of the journal states the author’s fears that further conflict seems inevitable, as the Signal could not possibly be passed off as insanity—a “Message of Madness”—forever.

Faria turns white as she comes to understand what happened. She is horrified, although she does not necessarily blame the current copaxi leadership for what was done a long time ago.

"So there was a coup then. So much purging that they don't even realize they did it. And all over Drift technology?" Y2K attempts to process their findings. "Sounds illogical and barbaric. Though I suppose in a sense overpopulation is far worse for a planet than any pollution or technological surges."

Cora speaks quietly to her fellow Starfinders, "Assuming this journal is telling the truth, it explains a great deal. I give the copaxis credit for wanting to explore this city, but it is revealing truths that, frankly, I would find difficult to accept, if I were in their place. The past can't be changed now, but I think how they react to learning about this will say a great deal. Will their government persist in suppressing the truth, or turn to wise leadership to lead their people forward? Then there are these issues of economic disparity, and the rising sentience of new mechanical life. I don't envy them these tasks. For now we should report back to Therseis."

She turns back to the copaxi scavengers and tries to express her thanks for their help. She is about to grab one of their hands to shake it gratefully, but remembers just in time that they don't like touching people. So instead she waves her arms around excitedly and hopes they understand.

"I am so sorry for you, life must be tough here. Thank you for showing us the journal. Would you care to sell it to us? I think 250 creds is a reasonable price. I hope you can use it to make a jump start into a better life."

Geez, who has that kind of cash lying around?

"Or maybe trade it for passage? We might be able to squeeze a few more onto our ship."

"Yeah, we could give you two a lift to Absalom Station if you would like. That would be about equal to that 250 credits, and Absalom Station is pretty great about being tolerant of new species." Trusty considers. "And please consider Starfinder Society. It's a good gig -- dangerous, but fair. You get to explore, meet new people and get some decent credits in the process. Maybe even some day you could be as rich as Baskoro, here."

It takes a while to get through negotiations given their poor common and your slow translator, but they do seem keen on a free ride to Absalom Station, where you suspect they'll inevitably end up working for one of the many pawnbrokers. They clearly aren't the most... scrupulous type, but who knows what a fresh start may bring? It seems as though many of the poor Copaxi learn bits of Common, not for any real diplomatic use, but because it's the edgy new trend. They finally agree to take 250 credits as a deposit for their stash, including the Shout rifle and journal, and they'll pack up what little they've got so you can pick them up on your way out. They don't seem to keen on the idea of the Starfinder gig, as they seem to think of it like a government for Absalom Station. With luck though, maybe they'll get over their inherent hatred for large leadership, but for now they'll have to follow their own path.

~~~~~~

Checking in leaves Therseis with about as depressed as a mood as you might expect. "The... official narrative is that the Signal was incomprehensible at first, but your findings..."

Therseis pauses as they try to reconcile your findings with what little he knows. "...likely would indicate that possibly those who heard the Signal experienced distress from the supernatural message and were unable to clearly communicate the concepts they heard to the rulers of the sky cities. And... well... may I ask you? What would you have been willing to do or sacrifice in order to attain Drift technology in the copaxis' place?"

"The sad message to me is that Copaxi leadership did not want to give up the status quo. It is not about embracing or rejecting drift technology, it is about accepting that not all people are alike and that there will be differences. That is a good thing."

Baskoro smiles as he turns to his companions "Of course there is a time for discussion and a time to follow commands. It is any leader's responsibility to allow for reflection and look back on decisions made."

Turning back to Therseis he concludes "Rather than asking what we would do I think you need to decide for yourself what you will do with this knowledge"

"I do wonder who was right though... if the journal you found is correct, those who fought against the 'Message' accurately predicted the over industrialization and ecological disaster that would follow. Nonetheless, what is important is that we learn our history... the deeds and misdeeds. I fear that our history is full of an aristocracy with the best of intentions and the worst of means... from the exploitation of robot laborers, the silencing of those who heard the Signal, and the bloody coups that followed. But please... remember that these actions occurred several lifetimes ago. This does not excuse the cover-up that I regret to admit I played some part in, but remaining isolated as we are will not help to resolve these... lies."

He, rather awkwardly profers his hand to shake. "I do hope this is the correct form... I wish to thank you for your help and I have but one last request. I wish to return with you to act as an ambassador, and perhaps one day, to become a Starfinder. Whether or not you choose to recommend the Copaxi for Protectorate status, I would appreciate the opportunity to help to introduce our world to greater truths. If you feel that unwise however, I will abide by your decision."

At this point it is time for your reports. You may discuss this amongst yourselves, but your reports and decisions are independent. You can either put them in a spoiler, or PM them to me.

"Hm. You've shown you're willing to think critically about things. We can always use more of that in the Society."

Baskoro carefully shakes Therseis hand "You are more than welcome to join us when we head out to Absalom station."

Cora smiles at Therseis. "I think the Starfinder Society will be pleased to have you." The idea They'll take just about anyone these days, anyway floats through her mind, but she leaves it unsaid. "If your people do become a protectorate, I'm sure it will be helpful to have someone like you learning more about the Pact Worlds, and able to bridge the cultural gaps." Cora hesitates briefly, then adds, "And take good care of that little guy. Maybe you can have a good talk with Less Than Three on our way back. Copaxis aren't the only ones native to this planet, now."

She spends a few moments in careful thought before composing her report.

Faria spends a few moments in prayer and thought before preparing her report.

Model Y2K's report takes a small bit longer to send as his speeds were throttled insanely low.

It took a long time for Trusty to consider his recommendations. He wanted nothing more than polish his outer shell and roll away from this whole crazy planet.

But then he remembered the earnestness of the investigators, especially Therseis. He remembered the two working stiffs that were struggling and had taught themselves common. "Can we just walk away from these folks? Ignore their struggles?"

Then he remembered the gnome who offered him her hand, and chose to die so that he and his companions could live. She told him that she was a starfinder, and asked him to continue her work as she calmly faced her own death. When the Society brought her back, Trusty was standing by her side, moved to join the society by her example. What would the gnome do?

"Dammit. Dammit. This whole situation rusts my gears, but I can't leave them to go murder each other." Even if this is what they brought upon themselves.

Resolved, Trusty writes his report.

~~Epilogue~~

Your trek back to Absalom Station is mostly spent teaching your new crew what not to touch, and how to make the most of their first few days on station. Partway back, you get a strage text-only message.

Word has reached us of your discovery of a sentient robot on Tabrid Minor. A representative will meet you at your destination to receive the robot for repair, upgrades, and reintegration into society.
-Android Abolotionist Front

It takes some time for Major Tower-9 to consider your reports, but in the coming months, you begin to see several Copaxis begin taking diplomatic posts. They remain tight lipped about new additions, but rumor has it that Tabrid minor has been recommended for Protectorate status. Therseis leads these new recruits, not only as envoys between the Pact Worlds and Tabrid minor, but scouting out new recruits for the Starfinder Society.

An Android Abolitionist Front representative, as promised, meets with you to assist in repairing Less-than-3. With luck, you'll see him again as he works to achieve his dreams of meeting others like himself.

As you've probably all seen on your chronicles, you can all now build Copaxi characters as soon as your character achieved reputation tier 3 with any faction.