"Give my regards to the shady b+@~#!" Stefani mutters to herself as she lines up the turret with the failing ship.
Damon's missile whizzes past the Lute, but Stefani's particle beams strike home! The ship erupts in a blazing fireball as the blast destroys it! Nothing remains to stand in your way of leaving New Elysium behind...
"F&$*, YEAH!" the soldier cries out, jumping up from her console to give the vesk a high-five.
Shabad wipes dust off one of the monitors to check the status of the battle and sees the scanner evidence of destroyed ships. "Great teamwork, everyone. Thanks for your help, Vorilynn. How 'bout we set a course for Verces. We've got an appointment with some executives at Eclipse Inovations. Vorilynn, if we can drop you somewhere, let us know."
Shabad works on the engines until the critical damage sustained in the fight is repaired. Then she checks to see if anyone is injured from the fights getting to the ship or the starship battle.
"Everyone's going to get a complete physical exam after you've had a chance to rest and freshen up. I want to know if there's any lingering effects from being in that beam. I think we all suffered some bouts where we were not ourselves."
When Shabad gets a chance to refresh her spells, she prepares multiple castings of detect affliction to use when the does the exams.
"Drinks are on me in the galley," the soldier broadcasts over the internal comms.
"You buyin' me dinner first, Doc?" she says with a grin.
Vorilynn stares out the viewport at New Elysium receding into the distance. "I don't have anywhere else to go. Filip... Sidrani... They were my friends. How could this have happened?" Tears stream down the half-elf's blood-splattered face.
With the engines repaired, Recorva activates the Drift engines. Realspace gives way to swirling colors as you slip into the Drift. The computer beeps, indicating that it will be--
--five days until you reach Verces. Five days to process all the horrors that have befallen you. Five days to plan your next steps. The mystery of the shadow signal has only just begun...
Stefani holds true to her promise to provide drinks (for everyone interested) in the galley supplied from her personal stores.
Shabad joins any festivities, sitting beside Vorilynn to comfort her. She will explain what she can about the nature of the beam and its effects on those corrupted by it. "We'll take you to Verces. You can make your own way from there, I hope. Just leave word with the Starfinders how to find you. When we're done, we'll figure out a way to eradicate whatever has infected us and we'll provide you with whatever we can."
Once the toasts have been made and a few drinks have started to make her drowsy, Shabad yells, "I'm going to bed. Just one thing, next time I say there may be ghosts, don't say," and her voice shifts to sound like a whiny teenage girl, "Doc, you see ghosts everywhere!"
And with that she makes her way to her quarters, sets the gravity to ultra-low, and starts to drift off, hoping there are no more nightmares or hallucinations.
Xio remains silent and sullen throughout the festivities, taking ungracious advantage of Stefani's personal liquor stores as they melt slowly into a chair. As they get deeper into their cups, the human disguise sloughs away entirely, leaving their native form naked for all to see. They appear not to notice or care, and continue to lift their drinks with one long, jellylike tentacle, another six limbs splayed out in all directions.
Seven eyes, each floating in the middle of a tentacle, all roll in unison at Shabad's I-Told-You-So moment. "Wow, Doc. You were right, and we were all wrong." Even their voice has a different, more alien, quality as they copy the doctor’s already mocking tone. They call after her as she leaves the galley. "I hope it makes you feel better!"
Petty and drunk, they retreat into their comm-unit and begin to leave scathing reviews of Paradise Resorts on every travel site they can find.
"Awww, don't get all b!#+!y," Stefani slurrs at Xio's mocking comment and attempts to pat them on what she assumes is their back. "We're still alive and that beats all to s+!+ what everyone else is in that stupid resort."
She seems to considered that for a moment.
"Isn't that the way it always seems to end," she says somberly. "Everyone else is dead and we're still alive. That means we won, right?"
The soldier sways to her feet, holding her refilled glass up in a toast. "To f&+@ing winning!" she yells out before downing her drink and chucking her glass across the small galley.
Not in the mood to celebrate any more, Stefani staggers off towards her room to crash, fully dressed, on her bunk.
Vorilynn sits quietly during the festivities, turning down any offers to partake in drink. The half-elf's haunted expression does not waver as one by one, each of you slink off to your quarters to process the events of the stressful night...
***
The next morning, Shabad examines each of you through the lens of her magical analysis. This time, she is able to glean some information about what is afflicting everybody. It seems exposure to the shadow signal in New Elysium has afflicted your souls with a powerful corruption. The minor symptoms you have been experiencing--bad dreams, phantasms, and bouts of melancholy--are just the first effects. The corruption eats away at the victim's mind and spirit with the promise of dark gifts that come with frightful drawbacks. Fighting these temptations is draining on a victim, but giving in is worse, as allowing the corruption too much sway over oneself can lead to complete defilement, such as what happened to the guests and crew of the resort.
Unfortunately, Shabad has no idea how to cure the shadow corruption...
Unable and unwilling to sleep any longer, early morning finds Xio skittering back and forth in the galley, a cup of coffee held in one tentacle and a poorly rolled cigarette in another. They grumble to themselves between sips of brew and long drags of smoke, offering only the barest of acknowledgement to anyone else who enters the kitchen.
After much complaining and insistence that they feel fine, they submit almost relievedly to Shabad's examination.
After the last exam is logged into the medical computer, Shabad sighs and opens a comm to speak to everyone on the ship. After giving her diagnosis , she adds, "I think we should form a buddy system, so that no one is alone. If someone is having an episode caused by the evolving corruption, the buddy should warn everyone so we can work to limit any damage that the episode might cause. We all know what advanced cases look like and we will do well to deal with this as a team. Unless there are any serious objections, work out who will buddy with whom."
The previous evening, Recorva will have only had a single drink, not feeling up to celebrating overly much. She will stay awake as long as everyone else does, making sure that those who are more inebriated are able to make it back to their rooms. After guiding Vorilynn to their spare quarters, she heads to her own room to fall asleep.
The next morning, she wakes up early, taking a hot shower. After getting dressed, she heads out to the kitchen, fixing a simple breakfast for those who aren't yet awake.
After the diagnosis is announced from the tests, Recorva thinks it over for a moment before replying. "That sounds like a good idea Shabad. Do you have any recommendations over who teams up to watch after each other?"
Stefani seems not much better either when the rest period is concluded. It seems that she's just added a hangover to her ongoing effects.
"The doc already told us to work it out ourselves who's gonna buddy with who; Weren't you listening?" she snaps at the strix. "She isn't telling us what to do. She doesn't know how to fix whatever this is. And we're all gonna end up freakin' out just like all those other people in the resort."
She checks her sidearm which is still strapped to her waist - in fact, she's still wearing the same clothes she wore the day before. "But I can tell you that that s+@@ ain't gonna happen to me."
She gestures towards the vesk.
"We got each other, right Damon?" She makes it more of a statement than a question and her hand on her weapon seems to mean more that just keeping an eye on each other.
Recorva takes a step back from Stefani, wings flaring a little in a reflexive move. "Hey, all I was doing was asking if she had any thoughts on the matter. No need to snap at me." Taking a moment, she gets her wings pressed back against herself before continuing. "And I'm sure that we will be able to get through this if we are able to stop that signal." Turning to look at the other ladies in the room , Recorva says "I could pair with Vorilynn if you two," she gestures to Shabad and Xio, "want to watch after each other. I also have Rain, who could keep an eye on both me and whoever I'm paired with."
Damonkayo meets Stefani's gaze and nods solemnly. "Yes, we've got each other," the vesk declares.
Xio appears to shrug at Recorva, their jellylike limbs sent quivering from the motion. ”You and Shabad pair up. Vorilynn and I will get to know each other.” Their eyes roll over to look at the half-elf, silently asking for her approval.
Vorilynn nods at the astrazoan, semingly unperturbed by her bizarre appearance. "Very well."
"My only recommendation is pair with someone you know you can get along with. We know that strong emotions can tend to elicit episodes, so avoid pairing with someone you might argue with. My only other suggestion is to avoid any strong displays of emotion, including pleasant ones. Legitimate love and affection might feel nice, but I suspect that the condition might drive those into less pure modes that shade toward aggressive lust. Please report any episodes you might have, so I can monitor for trends. I suggest we focus on our ship duties and any personal health regimens you might practice. Routine is your friend. Strong emotions are your enemy."
Shabad makes eye contact with Recorva and nods to indicate she is okay with being buddies.
"Here that, Damon? Keep your scaly hands to yourself - no getting frisky," Stefani says with a smirk towards the vesk.
Recorva nods in reply to Shabad. Turning towards the doorway, she says "I'm planning on heading down to engineering. Rain needs a little love, both in terms of repairs as well as some upgrades I've got planned for him. Want to head there with me?"
"I will try to contain myself," Damon says drolly.
Initially, Damonkayo eagerly drinks from Stefani's personal stores, but after a few hours he suddenly and quietly retreats to his own room, where he stares out the oversized window at the harsh light of Mataras, unaware of his own muttering.
"Hell of a day. I thought I had that stupid show-boating brutaris lug, but it turns out she had claws. Yeah, she really had some claws. Not that Kane guy, though - I showed him what a real fighter looks like. Yeah, I showed him that not every geezer is a push over. This old lizard still has some claws. Yeah, I showed him I still have some claws..."
Damon eventually curls up in his hammock, sleeping fitfully.
Damon awakens late and appears impatient with the Doctor's inspections, both unusual points of irritability for the stoic old vesk.
"We got each other, right Damon?" She makes it more of a statement than a question and her hand on her weapon seems to mean more that just keeping an eye on each other.
With a snort, Damon replies, If you make me take your head off, I ain't giving your eulogy. One of your old boyfriends can do that."
Here that, Damon? Keep your scaly hands to yourself - no getting frisky"
"Ugh, mammals..."
Here that, Damon? Keep your scaly hands to yourself - no getting frisky""Ugh, mammals..."
Stefani lifts one arm up underneath the species-defining features and gives them a shake. "You better believe it, Pal," she says with a smirk.
Over the next several seconds, Xio's form twists and changes, colors and textures swirling into a new shape. The result is a pale, dark-haired humanoid, similar in most ways to her usual disguise, but with a few subtle differences; longer, leaner limbs, higher cheekbones and a more delicate nose, and ears that taper to a defined point. The newly formed half-elf smiles coyly and offers her arm to Vorilynn. "We'll take good care of each other."
"Oh, okay," Vorilynn says, blushing slightly as she takes Xio's arm.
Once the pair has some privacy, the xenodruid examines Xio thoughtfully. "I don't believe I have encountered a member of your species before. Would you be willing to tell me more about yourself?"
"Oh?" Xio takes a seat and smiles invitingly at Vorilynn, displaying a mouth full of unnaturally white teeth. She stretches a pale limb out in front of her, as if putting herself on display. "Lucky for you, I like talking about myself. What do you want to know?"
Vorilynn eagerly launches into a barrage of questions, the silver-haired half-elf's curiosity overflowing. "Do you have a name for your species? Which system do you hail from? How does your shapechanging work? How do you identify? What about reproduction?"
Shabad notes some of the slightly testy words exchanged and shrugs, happy the group seems to be pretty normal for all they went through.
Shabad is happy to help with the repairs on Rain, willing to contribute some magical aid as well, if needed.
Xio giggles, used to being a curiosity and easily flattered by the attention of pretty women. "I'm an Astrazoan. Apparently there's a few of us out there, but I've never met anyone else like me. I like to think I'm unique."
"The shapechanging has always been instinctual, but it wasn't always this pretty." She smiles proudly and flutters her lashes. "I just sort of feel what I want to look like, and my flesh responds. It's easier when I've seen the shape in person, and easiest when I've touched it." As if demonstrating, she reaches over and gently strokes Vorilynn's hand.
"As for reproduction." She smirks and raises an eyebrow. "Everyone is curious about that. I don't think I can reproduce with other species. Which is probably a good thing, since I can do just about everything else."
"Ah, uh, I see," Vorilynn says, her blush deepening. "And you seem to prefer female forms, yes? Do you identify as a female?"
"Sometimes." Xio shrugs. "It depends what shape I'm in, or if I'm taking a shape at all." She leans toward Vorilynn, the flirtation proving a welcome panacea for all the horrors of the last few days. "Sometimes it depends who I'm with. I'm adaptable. Do you have a preference?"
During the five day journey to Verces, Shabad initially works on fixing the damage to the ship from their escape battle. Then she does some research about Verces, including the climate and the less civilized places. While it is true the corporate offices of Eclipse Enterprises is in the Ring of Nations, she is ready to bet money they will have their secrets secured far from civilization.
Toward that end, she applies some biomod principles built into her physical system to make her less likely to be harmed by extreme cold. She remembers how cold it was near the portal to the shadow plane.
She works out a new spell that protects her or whomever she applies the spell to either by making physical attacks harder to land or shields the target from some elemental damage.
Finally, she organizes her notes from all the experiences, making sure she leaves back-up files on the ship computer in case something happens to her own computer. She also prepares a file that contains the genesis of the shadow corruption, the creatures encountered, and the signal that caused the corruption. She includes video clips where possible and makes multiple copies on data sticks. She wants to be sure the information gets to whomever she can contact who might want to help stop Eclipse from their campaign, including, but not limited to the Starfinders.
"Well, it's been a long time since I have done... anything like that," Vorilynn admits. "I generally prefer male partners, but I am not adverse to experimentation."
"Good to know," Xio purrs. She squeezes Vorilynn’s hand, trying to put her at ease. ”No rush. We’re going to be in the Drift for a while. Plenty of time for any ‘experiments’ you have in mind.”
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"Oh, my stars and garters..." Vorilynn whispers as she gazes into Xio's eyes...
As an unfamiliar room shifts into focus, its function is not immediately apparent. Harsh fluorescent lights reflect off a row of metal tables, shrouding the rest of the room in darkness. Glass jars on a nearby counter contain sterile swabs and syringes. An open box of surgical tools lays ready near the jars. The scrubbed metal floor and pristine surfaces suggest this chamber may be a medical bay or clinic.
A strange metal apparatus is mounted to the ceiling. Thick wires dangle from the device like lifeless appendages, ending in circular electrodes. A strong medicinal scent permeates the chilly air.
The click of heels on the cold metal tiles shatters the silence. A vaguely humanoid figure dressed in a white lab coat approaches. Her face is wreathed in shadow, but her eyes seem to glow from within. "Students, today you will duplicate a procedure of my own invention on a test subject."
Shabad, Stefani, and Vorilynn are bound to the metal tables with electrodes attached to their heads linked to wires on the overhead machine. Damon, Recorva, and Xio stand over the trio.
"Now then," the shadowy woman says. "I want you to make an incision on each of your test subjects. Start at the sternum and make a clean line down to their groin." Damon, Recorva, and Xio each find that surgical scalpels have instantly appeared in their hands, their sharp edges gleaming in the harsh light...
"Damon? What in the hells? Stand down soldier and get me out of here!" Stefani barks as she struggles with her restraints.
Shabad tugs at her restraints, looks all around the room, trying to figure out what is happening. Real or dream? She's not sure. She tries to make eye contact with the ally holding the scalpel over her. She concentrates on casting a spell, trying to draw energy from one of the electronic devices attached to her and direct it at the whoever touches her, hoping it will not kill but will keep her safe.
Stefani's attempts to wake up prove fruitless. The situation is bizarre enough to certainly seem like a dream to Shabad, but the knowledge doesn't help her situation. As the android tries to cast a spell, the shadowy woman flips a switch and electricity courses through her body, ruining her concentration. "None of that, now. Unruly test subjects will be punished."
The woman looks to Damon, Recorva, and Xio. "Well? What are you waiting for, students?"
Recorva looks back at the woman, knife in hand. "What if we don't?"
"Then you will be punished as well. I am trying to help you," the woman replies.
"It sure doesn't seem like it. Why do you want us to cut open out friends?"
"To unlock your true potential," the woman says. "Now, do as I have instructed."
"Piss off, Lady!" Stefani barks out. "We didn't sign up to be your f#@#ing science experiments!"
The woman calmly flips a switch, sending thousands of jolts of electricity coursing through Stefani's body.
The woman's teeth clinch and her body shakes as the current rushes through her. Once it finishes, she pants a bit and then manages a laugh.
"Is that the ... the best ya got?" she spits out with ragged breaths. "F$!!, lady, I've gotten more action from my vibrator."
The woman pulls the switch again, sending even more jolts into the mouthy soldier.
Stefani tries and fails to restrain the cries of pain the stronger current elicits. When the spasms finally cease she spends a moment gasping for breath, but can't restrain making one final dig.
"Oh... I... I get it now," she manages. "This isn't for ... for me. You're the one that ... that's getting off ... on it. I've met ... people like you. Tell me ... did that ... did that soak your knickers?"
She clinches her teeth together, preparing for the jolt that will finish her.
The woman turns away from Stefani and looks at the three who are not bound to tables. "The time is now, students. Make the incisions."