It is the day after the official induction ceremonies, and though some of you may have gone on missions with the Starfinder Society before, this induction makes it official. You are Starfinders now!
As is typical for the Starfinder Society, the fist set of missions is intended to allow you to learn more about the Society's works, and the factions that make up the Society. You know from your discussions during training and earlier missions that you will be expected to align yourself primarily with one of the factions, but will likely be working for all during your career as a Starfinder.
You received a summons to the Lorespire complex, HQ for the Society at large, to meet with Guidance, the AI controlling much of the day to day operations of the Starfinder Society. Guidance will be responsible for tasking you out to the various faction leaders who may have some small jobs for you to do. This is your chance to make a good impression, and to see which faction you might want to align yourself with.
As you entered the office you were summoned to, you looked around to see yourself in an outer office. It was luxuriously appointed with comfortable looking chairs, a credenza, and an administrative assistant's desk, manned by an androgynous android with aqua skin.
"I am afraid that Guidance's attention has been called away for a moment to deal with matters of great importance to the Society. If you will all please wait here, I am sure it will be only a few more minutes. There are refreshments in that cabinet beside you if you wish. If you aren't familiar with the factions heads and their groups, there are handouts on the table there."
The blue-green skinned android smiled briefly at you and indicated a mahogany cabinet well stocked with non-alcoholic drinks and small snacks suitable for a variety of physiologies before turning his attention back to a data terminal.
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A tall grey-skinned Kasatha presses his two pair of palms together then extends them in welcome. His blue skin suit is tight enough to reveal lean corded muscles. He wears no weapons, but the pack slung over one shoulder might carry an armory.
"Brothers, sisters, we have arrived, called by Guidance itself to service. Let us break bread together. I am Kadef Hins Socriat of Clan Parsem, House Zebulan. May we journey long and learn much together."
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A slight and nervous looking Damaya Lashunta, her antennae twitching as though sensing the room, picks up a fruity Castrovellian beverage and slurps at it noisily before she waves stiffly.
"Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Sittnym... I'm really, really excited to be here." she looks around the room, her eyes wide and innocent, seeming to be seeing everything in here as though she has never laid eyes on entities like it before.
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Nurn strolls into the room, happy-go-lucky as anyone you've ever seen, wide smile, bright eyes.
He's a gnome, standing tall for his species at a mere 3'4", and he is shaded a vibrant yellow colour. His hair is the colour of straw, and his skin almost has a gold-like quality to it. Floating along behind him is a mote of stellar energy shining brightly.
"Sittnym!" the diminutive humanoid says while moving to shake her hand. "Hi! Name is Nurn! How you doing? Doing good? Oh man. So stoked to be here! I'm sorry, was it Kadef?"
Clearly on the hyperactive side, Nurn moves to shake Kadef's hand as well as any others who show up after him. He... is a bit of a chatterbox, but friendly and outgoing.
"Oh dang drinks!!" he says after a few moments of conversation and rushes over to select a drink.
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A tall Damaya Lashunta glides into the room as he catches the last of Nurn and Kadef's interaction, "I hope I'm not holding up this party... Soryn Viaxeiro at your service." Soryn introduces himself with a confident smile, returning Nurn's handshake with vigor.
"So it's Nurn then... And Kadef,"Soryn nods respectfully to the Kasatha, turning to the female Lashunta "then the last name must belong to you, Sittnym was it," he bows and smiles in her direction.
He takes a cold beverage from the offerings, and addresses the android, "Now what's your name? How many are we waiting for, and any chance we can get a few details while we wait for Guidance?"
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Sittnym looks up from the handout she has been absently perusing, having shaken the excitable Gnome's hand, and smiles at Soryn "Yes, that's right -- I am Sittnym Estrandyr. Well met Soryn."
Addressing the wider group "It's truly a pleasure to meet you all, fellow Starfinders." holding the handout up she continues "The factions of the society are fascinating, are they not? Guardians of the Pact Worlds. Seekers of new species. Cataloguers of knowledge. Explorers and adventurers, all." she has become much more animated as she discusses the society. Her eyes are wide and her antennae have stopped scanning the room.
"I can't wait to hear what tasks Guidance has for us and which of the factions we'll be assigned to today. Do you have a favourite yet?"
The assistant's computer chirped and she looked down, then back up at you. "Guidance is free and can see you now. Please, go on in."
As the doors to the Lorespire Complex slide open, a green holographic image of a middle-aged human woman shimmers into view at the center of the room. “Greetings,” it says. “I am Guidance. Please use the cheek swabs in the open receptacle to provide a genetic sample for Starfinder Society identification purposes. 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.”
Guidance continued, "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."
"On the table beside you is a handout describing the various factions within the Starfinder Society. Please visit each of the faction leaders and perform the tasks they set you. In doing so, you will learn more about the Society, and simultaneously show the faction leaders your various skills. Once a leader's mission has been completed, they will signal me that they are satisfied with your performance. Once all of your missions are complete, please return to me here to finish your commencement ceremonies."
"Do you have any questions for me before you begin?"
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"Soryn, Honored Android, I am pleased to meet you also."
Kadef moves to the snack table, he selects a handful of nuts, some sliced vegetable sticks, a Vitein concentrated nutrition protein bar, and a glass of water. Carrying his refreshments, he moves back to the chairs.
"I agree wholeheartedly, the Starfinders are diverse organization with many beneficient functions. Peraonsally, I sympathize most with those seeking knowledge."
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Not feeling a reply is needed to Guidance's opening remarks, Kadef merely complies, dully taking the cheek swab and accepting the implant in his lower left hand. He stares at the hand afterward, looking for a mark.
"Your instructions are clear, Guidance. I have no questions of you."
The kasatha turns to look at his companions.
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Sittnym eagerly swabs here cheek and places her hand on the panel, giggling as the implant is inserted "oh, that felt funny!"
She waves awkwardly at the holograph "Questions, no... not really. I just wanted to say..." she looks down nervously before continuing "Guidance, I'm a huge fan. It's on honour to meet you! How are you? Are you ok?"
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Soryn strides forward, he quickly swabs inside of his cheek and places his left palm on the panel. "You're right Sittnym, that does kind of tingle..." Soryn glances at his palm and scratches it lightly.
"Sounds pretty easy Guidance, run errands for the leadership. Maintain a sense of import and propriety. Return for our diplomas, toss a hat in the air and make it all official." Soryn shares a playful grin with image, curious to see if Guidance possesses a sense of humor. "In seriousness, are we at liberty to decide where we start or is there a priority system in place?"
Soryn gives Seven of Eleven a friendly pat on the back, "Don't sweat it Seven. We don't fail, we merely re-assess the mission parameters and goals to meet provided outcomes."
Unless Guidance provides an ordered list, Soryn will recommend the team start with Fitch and the Wayfinders.
Anyone who gets the implant finds that after a moment of playing with the muscles around it, that mere concentration causes the dermal implant to glow slightly with a clear representation of the Starfinder Society symbol. It should serve as both a dim light source, as well as an identifying marker to anyone who may require proof of Society membership.
Guidance's hologram appeared to smile gently at Sittnym's gushing greeting before answering the questions put to it.
"You are free to choose which order the missions take place in. Think of them not as a pass/fail exam, but rather a chance to make a good impression on the various faction leaders. Despite whatever faction you may choose to devote your time and energies to, you will likely be sent on missions for all four of the primary factions during your tenure, and maybe even some of the secondary ones as well."
"As for special equipment, that is not for me to say. Rather, those faction heads that you encounter will have the full details on the tasks that they have for you."
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"Lost Golarion? Who cares! That place was just one planet and there's sooo many out there! I wanna learn about em all!"
Nurn will step forward and provide the requested sample and reach his hand out to the panel to receive the Society implant.
He listens to Guidance provide explanations impatiently, bouncing on the balls of his heels. "Okay well I think we should start with the Wayfinders! Obviously they've got the best ideas. Get out there and find new stuff! That's where the real adventure is!"!
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Soryn tests the new implant in his palm, nodding as glows.
"Thank you Guidance. Before we depart, is there a time when you need us to return by?"
After Guidance responds, Soryn turns to the the team, "Let's get started, we've got one vote for the Wayfinders? Any other pitches?" Soryn moves to the door, opening for the others.
Bursting in through the door, rushing in late, a female human comes skidding to a stop, out of breath.
She is dressed in freebooter's armor, and has shield on her back but no other equipment.
Seeing her red bandana tying down her unruly hair, and her garb, it is obvious she is some sort of corsair from the Diaspora.
"Sorry all! Name's Pangea. I just accepted the plea bargain and am now one of y'all! With the Acquisitives, since they captured... err, hired me. You're Guidance? Oh, no? Well, hello flunky, then! No, no need for the literature, you got me on board already. And... no stiff drinks? Wow! No wonder you find it hard to get good a crew"
She passes on the handouts, ends up not taking a drink - with a dejected look -, and then bows in turn to her companions: "Howdy, Kadef... Sittnym... Nurn... Soryn... and lucky Seven!"
Pangea follows all into the room with Guidance, and accepts the swabs and implant: "Man, this is just like central booking all over again. I even got issued a number: 101218-713!"
But, behind the banter, bluster and bravado, you see she seems actually moved to be Starfinder field agent.
"Well, better get started, heh, folks? We a team or what?!"
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"Unit Nurn, without the proper knowledge you could have irreversible consequences by just running in to the unknown. Knowledge is the key to success. But if you and other would care to seek out the Wayfinders, I have no objection in seeking them first." Seven of Eleven says in his mono-tone voice.
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Sittnym skips to the door as consensus seems to form on visiting the Wayfinders first "The Forever Queen be praised, to the Armada then? I can't wait to see it up close, I passed it on the way into the station but didn't think I'd get to visit so soon. Do you think we'll get to meet Fitch? I hope she's there!" she continues to gush with excitement, talking much to herself as the group, as she makes to leave.
Guidance responded with a gentle "There is no set timeframe for these tasks, but do not tarry too long. The faction leaders are important people in the Society, and the tasks they have for you are likely to also be important. As I have previously stated, today's commencement tasks are not the egg runs that were used in the past. We have too few starfinders to waste their time standing in line for a special order cafbulb or similar trivial task."
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You decide to head to the Wayfinders first, whose headquarters is in the Armada, an enormous starship called the Master of Stars. A shuttle has been placed at your disposal, and within moments it has lifted off and is headed into the space surrounding Absalom station.
The station’s Armada can be seen from the shuttle’s view screen as it takes off, gleaming figures standing out against the emptiness of space. The Master of Stars immediately stands out from the rest, as layers and layers of scaffolding obscure its hull. Tiny lights flicker among the metal beams as distant figures weld plates and heat shields to the ship’s exterior. The shuttle smoothly glides closer until it reaches the starship’s docking bay, slipping through the magic field that keeps the hold pressurized with breathable atmosphere. As the shuttle doors open, a small drone flies in and pops up a holoscreen, displaying a harried-looking ratfolk.
“Finally, fresh meat!” the ysoki exclaims over the screen, sounding pleased. “Name’s Fitch—pleasantries over, time to get to work. I had some trouble earlier with the lights flickering on the ship, and now both the lights and computers have suddenly gone out on E-Deck. No idea what’s causing it, but you work this job long enough and—” Fitch’s attention flicks to something offscreen, and she shouts “Kirkath! The welding torch is not a toy! You wanna go in the toddler’s pen with the other kids?” She snorts dismissively before continuing, “Sorry, some of these little ones would cut off their own heads if I let them. Anyway, it could be some lunkhead screwed up the wiring, but that’s a pretty big system failure for a simple electrical short. I’d prefer to send in some people with combat training to scout it out, just in case someone or something is sabotaging the ship. If it’s nothing, great, get the power back on if you can. If there’s something suspicious, use your comm units to report in to me. I’ll give you the access codes, so— Selicha! If you touch that panel I will staple you to the hull!”
The screen on the drone cuts out, then flashes to display the ship’s schematics and the passwords for the computers on E-Deck.
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Sittnym looks momentarily crestfallen when the drone screen cuts out but after a brief beat her down-tilted jaw raises once more
"I can't believe we just met Fitch you guys! This day just keeps on getting better and better!"
She stares intently at the holoscreen for a few moments before turning to the party
"This drone's screen has the schematics and the password, soooooo... I guess it would be OK to take it with us?"
»Incredible place!... off to Deck E. »
Pangea is in awe of the place.
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Soryn takes in all he can as the team moves through the Station. Seeing the Master of Stars he lets out a long, slow whistle. "Now that's how to travel in style..."
Soryn walks up to the drone and taps on the screen, he speaks to the AI in his personal computer "Runner, can you access and download this information for us." Soryn then addresses Fitch, "Nice vessel, and admirable leadership style. Are there any other schematics or important information you can share with my AI?"
A curt voice responds from the drone, whose display is now blank, "Leave the drone and copy the data. I need it to run herd on these kids! the lifts ahead and to your right should take you right to E-deck. Remember to check the pressure readouts before you open any door. Some of the ship is still open to vacuum - Liestra, you better go find the universal solvent! It looks like Kirkath has glues his hands to his head again! - Look, i really do have to go. Good luck, and don't damage my ship!"
Pangea is startled by the voice: "Reminds of a quarter master on... well, anyhow, better get snapping."
She closes her armor's seals as she heads towards the elevators, looking for the one heading to E-Deck.
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After making a copy pf the information, Seven of Eleven looks for a computer terminal to see if he can help Soryn gain any information about E-Deck, maybe security cameras on the deck to see what going on. Or/and what E-deck is used for.
"This unit will assist the unit Soryn in gaining information about E-deck."
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Soryn finishes the download, and works with Seven to see if there's any further information that could help the team. After sharing any other information Soryn addresses his AI again "Runner keep the map up and notify of room specifications and uses available at each door please."
"Alright, I think Pangea's got the right idea." Soryn steps to the lifts and actives his armor's seals.
"Yes, I do have the right idea!", says Pangea, actually thinking that I need to learn from these people, getting prepared beforehand seems like the best idea.
You head to the lifts, settling your armor and preparing yourselves as best you can for anything. The life ride to E-deck doesn't take long, and the door opens to a completely darkened corridor. A few feet in is a computer terminal on the wall, a faint blue glow showing that it has power, even if the lights do not.
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Nurn's stellar mote begins to emit a dim light as the gnome looks around the darkened corridor. The foreboding mood of the dark tunnel does not seem to have an effect on the bouncy gnome's disposition, except that he's a little more cautious. "Okay compy folks, hit it! Maybe get some lights back on. If you need me to fiddle around with some wiring I can do that!" he says enthusiastically, pointing at the computer.
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As the lift doors shut, Soryn begins whistling a vaguely lounge-act sounding tune. ”Hey anyone wanna place odds on what we find? Space goblins, malfunctioning bot of some kind, disgruntled ysoki? I’d be willing to lay down 5 creds on enraged xenomorph…”
As the doors open to E-deck, Soyrn’s demeanor becomes more serious. Soryn’s Arc Pistol slides into his hand. His innate speed and agility become much more apparent as he glides past the group, moving down the hall slightly. Soryn’s antenna twitch as he broadcasts mentally to the group, ”Seven, perhaps you can help with the lights? I can give a hand if needed but this is more your gig.” Soryn gives the android a light smile and nods towards the glowing panel. ”Hope no one minds the private call, but this is quieter and less prone to eavesdropping than comms. As long as you keep close and in sight, I’ll keep us connected.”
Pangea looks around in the dark, and grumbles: "Can't see a thing down here... lights would be a godsend."
She unslings her shield and puts on her left arm, to cover her as she advances as best she can towards the glowing computer console, to cover whoever will be working at it.
Seven of Eleven and Soryn work together on the computer terminal, with Soryn occasionally making suggestions as to which functions might be where. Together they managed to access the terminal and identify the areas on E-deck where interruptions to the power grid had occurred. Routing the power around those areas, the two brought the lights up. A click and buzz heralded the coming of light, and once more everyone could see clearly.
Seven also saw a small thumbnail in one corner of the console spring to life with what looked to be security camera feeds. He clearly saw the corridor you were standing in, with all of you gathered around the computer terminal. The next feed that popped up must be that room ahead of you, and it showed a pair of human children looking about in a mixture of panic and relief.
"Lights! Thanks... So, where to?"
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Sittnym stares at the feed intently for a few seconds, a look of astonishment on her face "Children? Surely not. We gotta help them!" she rushes to the next room shouting "Don't worry little ones, we're Starfinders!" and let's out a brief titter of amusement at having been able to refer to herself as a member of the society.
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Soryn gives Seven a playful punch, ”Lights and surveillance, well played sir. Do you think we can patch that camera feed and control to our comms or my computer? I’d like to keep that with us as we move.” Soryn watches the monitor a moment or two longer, to see what other rooms cycle through.
As Sittnym begins to rush for the door, Soryn tries to catch her by the shoulder. ”Slow-down thrill seeker… We don’t what’s going on in that room, let’s make sure they’re safe and we’re safe before any doors get thrown open. Any intercom to that room Seven? Let’s see if we can find out how those kiddos got in there.”
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"Remember, open no doors without checking for atmosphere on the other side. It seems unlikely that children would be here. But children would be lovely bait for a trap if Fitch's sabotage theory is correct."
The kasatha looks down the corridor in the other direction before trailing Sittnym towared the door. On the way his lower hands free a grenade and his side arm which he then hides behind his back. His upper hands move over his armor, testing its integrity.
Gravity and pressure seem just fine on the other side of the door, which is good because it is partially open. The door apparently was stuck about 3" open during the power outage. Returning power to E-deck was not sufficient to open the door. It must be pried open.
From the other side of the door, the kids are babbling.
"Thank you for coming to get us."
"Please don't tell Da we were playing in here."
"The lights went out and we were scared."
"We didn't mean to cause trouble, we were just bored."
"I wanna go home."
The two talked over each other, and it was hard to make out what they were saying. From the video feed you patched into your comm units, they looked to be a boy and a girl about 5 and 7 years old, respectively.
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At the talk of traps Sittnym places two fingers one her left hand against her temple reaches out with her mind and attempts to read the empotions of the girl and determine whether the creatures are hostile or false and ultimately whether it's a trap.
Sittnym's head drops in defeat and she turns back to the party, using her Limited Telepathy she broadcasts to the group "I can't seem to get a read on them, probably the door. Who's volunteering to pry this thing open?"
Pangea wonders what the heck is goin' on here? Kids roamin' dark corridors?
"I ain't really strong, so best someone else yank that door open."
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Soryn takes a look at the door, and addresses the team mental "Ok, so I think the kids are legit and not likely to have caused the blackout. But I'm not sure I buy they came down here to play, maybe someone lured them? Sittnym and Kadef, think you can make some friends? Find out who their dad is, maybe this a kidnapping/blackmail gig."
Through the crack in the door, "Hang on kids, we'll have you loose in a second. We're Starfinders, we'll get you home safe." He shines his new palm implant through the crack. "Why don't you tell us your names while we work?"
He then turns to Seven, "Think you can improvise a lever or something to help pop that door?" Soryn then looks to Pangea and Nurn, "That makes the rest of us the muscle. While Seven works on Plan B, let's line up and pull on three..." He gives Seven whatever help he can, then lines up with the others. "One... Two... Three...!"
Pangea moves in to help... but stops short, in awe of Soryn and Kadef's show of strength.
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"Should be a simple task to open this door."
Seven of Eleven get to work on the door
"There seems to be something jamming the door so it will not move."
Calling out to the children
"Young ones do you see anything wrong with the door on your side? Like the control panel that is open or smoking or even sparking?"