|
"Yeah, this game. It's awesome. You saw what Chk'tarlsh and Zez'ka did in there. We could all fly. Imagine zooming around in there, manuvering, playing the game. It'd be better than flying a ship -- a pilot's dream. Maybe I'll come back after the mission's done, just to try it out."
"I saw it all, sure. But it looks nauseatin' to be in that sorry hurricane, least for a dwarf. I'll hafta pass on that for now."
"Do we want to tell Therseis all that? I'm definitely telling him about the game and the weapons. He's been pretty accepting when we've found something against the party line, and he's been open with us. I'd say tell him the whole thing."
"I agree. He was straight in good time, we should do the same. Seemed more interested in doin' what's right over tradition's mandate, namely with Percolo. That's what this planet needs going forward."
|
|
"WHOOOO!" Zez'ka exclaims as she and Chk'tarlsh come tumbling out of the arena. "What fun! JOY!" Zez'ka starts to dance with abandon, shimmying this way and jittering that way, then wiggling around like a maniac. "EXULTANT!"
When they regroup with Therseis she tells him all about it! Then she properly examines the different objects they discovered and shows him the rulebook.
"Fascinating, isn't it?!"
|
At the shuttle, you first shared with Therseis about the strange but fascinating game played at the stadium, and more importantly the revelation that not just the magical aristocracy but all copaxis had access to magic, especially that in manipulating gravity. They stand there stunned for a few moments before stuttering, "I... We... I mean, we know that copis have gravitational properties for millennia, and have been using them for such. It's what keeps these flying cities aloft. In fact, our starships’ hulls and engines are made of a highly processed form of copi, a sort that is mostly inert but durable, malleable, and space-worthy. So it would make sense that we, who are related to the copis, would have similar abilities naturally." There's a strange catch in their voice as they continue, "But it seems in our bid to discard everything from our tyrannical magical aristoracy era, we have lost this ability as well." They sigh for the loss, and adds on, "And I presume that is hence the cause of the headaches when we approach the stadium - our bodies can no longer process that level of gravitational power generated by the black spheres."
Along the way back to the research camp on the shuttle, you also show Therseis the journal that the scavengers had found. They become saddened after reading this. "Historical records of this era is sparse, but what we had thought is that when the 'Message of Madness' arrived, we lacked the technological framework to understand it. Those who heard it suffered psychological trauma and ultimately took their lives. Only recently did these records resurface and inspired the copaxis’ recent ventures into space. From this scientist's journal, however, it seems those who received the revelation might have understood at least some part of it which led to a failed coup attempt - and the execution of all who heard the Signal, simply due to the fear of the possible upheaval of the social structure. And thereby delaying our journey to the stars by three hundred years. So there is some truth to our perception of the tyranny of the magical aristocracy. "
Therseis turns to the Starfinders and ask, "What would you have been willing to do or sacrifice in order to attain Drift technology in the copaxis' place?"
|
|
"Drift tech? I don't know. I think it depends on how comfortable you were before the Signal, and how much you're interested in exploring new things. It's a double edged sword. We couldn't have had the Vesk war, before Drift tech. And the Swarm would have starved itself in some hell hole star system. But then we wouldn't have met Zez'ka and Chk'tarlsh either.
Drift tech just is. Now we've got to take advantage of it, see the galaxy and learn, and be prepared for what it might bring."
|
|
Chk'tarlsh listens to the conversations of his companions as he pilots the shuttle back to the copaxis' camp. His antennae quiver at Therseis' question.
"A good quesstion, friend Thersseish. What would I have done?" he muses aloud. After pausing briefly to adjust the flightpath of the shuttle, he continues, nodding agreement with Burns' words. "I would think that dependsh on what I sstood to gain. Or losse."
Antennae rigid upon mention of the hive, Chk'tarlsh grows quiet for some time. When he finally speaks, he utters, "It ish true. My people'sh hisstory ish not really much different to yoursh. In a way, we repressent what happensh when thosse hearinkh the Ssignal can move on, leavinkh behind thosse who were in charge."
|
|
Therseis looks deep in thought. "So receiving the Signal, gaining Drift technology, gaining whatever technology I guess, brings both good and bad. Whether it was worth the countless lives lost here... fear of the unknown can do that. But that was three hundred years ago. Where will we copaxis go from here? Can we move on?"
They turn to look out the window for the rest of the flight back to the research base, deep in thought. Just as Chk'tarlsh lands the shuttle though, they stand and ask you to wait a moment.
"Dear Starfinders, there is something else that I need to say before we depart." Therseis then stops here, like they are taking a deep breath, before proceeding. "You see, other than just being the leader of the research team, I am also the... representative of the Government. I was tasked to ensure that the Starfinders receive a good impression of the modern copaxi society." Again, an awkward pause before they continue. "I planted the false books on magic in the Academy to show the use of magic pre-Gap, although in truth I did not know why no books of magic were found there, although now I suspect they were destroyed after they were overthrown. I was the one who planted the false coins in the Market, with the inscriptions that depicted the magical aristocracy as being tyrannical, and hence deserved divine retribution. But as your team uncovered more and more truths of our history, I grew... ashamed of how little we knew of our past. Whether these lies were propagated by ignorance in our Government or whether they were actively trying to cover up the terrible crimes of our past, I cannot say. If the latter, even though the events happened many lifetimes ago and those responsible have long passed, as a scientist, I cannot tolerate the perpetuation of such myths. Seeing your team's dedication to truth, I cannot keep up my lies any longer. You would soon need to put up your report to the Stewards and I want to make sure you have the truth. As far as I know it." Again, Therseis takes a deep breath, before concluding, "And I ask for both your forgiveness, and if I may be so bold, a favour. Allow me, and Percolo, to return with you as an ambassador. And, perhaps one day, as a Starfinder myself."
|
|
Ivan sighs. "More deceptions. At least parts of it come together now. Seems as if you're prepared for us to call you on this, rule against ya." The dwarf looks around, slightly at his teammates, more at Percolo than Therseis. "But I don' think we should. Th' Stewards deserve this knowledge, so maybe you'd help deliver or expand on it. Impartiality isn't gonna be foolproof either way, not at a point this far in."
"If nothing else, you seem ready ta come clean, do what's best for everyone. Sounds like you don't know how your government will react. But that negotiation could go better when you're away from them and with their place in th' Protectorate on thin ice. Dirty, but maybe worth it if it helps push 'em to be good."
|
Archaius seems a bit disappointed by the admission. "As a scientist, I wonder what would have happened if we had accepted the fabricated evidence. However, we all face temptation. Though you faltered, you found the strength to come forward before things got out of hand. I believe that it is this desire for the truth that will make you a great Starfinder. Tell me, how will your people react to your departure? Will they be inspired to follow you to the stars, or will they see it as a betrayal by their leader, causing more isolation and greater dangers to the citizenry? Personally, I hope for hope."
|
"I am glad you came clean about you falsifying evidence. Mostly because those things you confessed about doing made no sense with the other things we discovered and muddled our investigation/ At least now we can rule those out and hopefully come to a decent conclusion"
"...Starfinder we might be able to pull of seeing as you a being of many talents and the Society could use more of those.
But can you still function as an Ambassador once your government finds out you told us the truth? Are you not afraid they might fire you?"
|
|
"If nothing else, you seem ready ta come clean, do what's best for everyone. Sounds like you don't know how your government will react. But that negotiation could go better when you're away from them and with their place in th' Protectorate on thin ice. Dirty, but maybe worth it if it helps push 'em to be good."
Therseis nods but looks troubled. "Despite everything, I do not believe my Government's actions come from malice. At least the current ones. Whatever actions the earlier Government had taken I cannot lay upon the current. And if they perpetuate the lies, it was either from ignorance or fear of destabilising the society. Misguided but not of ill-intent. But that is merely my belief. You have to come to your own conclusion."
"As for falsification of evidence, that is solely on my head. My Government merely instructed me to give you and thus the Stewards a good impression, and in my earlier ignorance of the truth, thought I was merely reinforcing what we thought we knew of our history. I regret that, for that should never be the act of a scientist."
"Tell me, how will your people react to your departure? Will they be inspired to follow you to the stars, or will they see it as a betrayal by their leader, causing more isolation and greater dangers to the citizenry? Personally, I hope for hope."
"That I honestly cannot say. I am merely a scientist. The rest of my team would likely be interested to see the rest of the universe, but I cannot speak for the rest of the copaxis. But as you saw with the... scavengers, there is some discontentment with the status quo. I, like you, hope that many others will follow."
"But can you still function as an Ambassador once your government finds out you told us the truth? Are you not afraid they might fire you?"
Therseis anxious face breaks out in a smile. "I merely saw myself as a possible ambassador for my people, not for the Government. Whether the Government would be upset about revealing the truth of our history, well, we'll just have to wait and see, won't we? But I trust they care more for the Protectorate status that one lowly copaxi."
|
|
"You did the best you could for your people. You lied, but you were also helpful, and ended up telling us everything. I won't hold it against you in my report.
Coming with us is going to be tough. As far as I'm concerned you're welcome, but it will be tough. There'll be just three of you alone among millions of strangers. Think it through, 'cause you might not be able to get back here in a hurry."
|
|
Zez'ka's antennae droop. "Oh, dear. Lying is bad, Friend-Therseis. You should not do that. Not now and not in the future. Lies only bring heartbreak in the end. Of course, it was your decision. And I am happy you were not forced into it." Suddenly her mandibles clack and her antennae shoot straight up. "Thank you for the 'Admission of the Guilt'! I am thrilled to be the 'Trusted Confidante'! Happy!" She claps her hands.
"Perhaps few of you will journey to the Pact Worlds, and perhaps many. Perhaps one day 'copaxi' will be to the Pact World what 'shirren' are now." she nods. "Curious! That is unknown. What is known, is that your people stand on the precipice of great change and, more importantly, big decisions! OH! I LOVE DECISIONS! Don't you?" She squeals in delight at the thought of such monumental choices. "I am very happy for you and your people, Therseis. They have such a grand choice before them, now. And your planet has hope for the future. Whatever the outcome of your Protectorate Application, there is knowledge out there in the Vast for you. Knowledge that may help save your planet. How you choose to use the knowledge is up to each of you." She squeals again. "EXCITING!"
|
|
"As far as I'm concerned you're welcome, but it will be tough. There'll be just three of you alone among millions of strangers. Think it through, 'cause you might not be able to get back here in a hurry."
"Thank you, Burn. I admit that this has crossed my mind but perhaps in my eagerness I did not worry about it excessively. I do believe though, that the three of us would just be opening the floodgate. I trust many of of my fellow copaxis would join us not long after." Therseis pauses here briefly, before adding. "Besides, in the mean time, I hope that I would at least have six new friends."
"I am very happy for you and your people, Therseis. They have such a grand choice before them, now. And your planet has hope for the future. Whatever the outcome of your Protectorate Application, there is knowledge out there in the Vast for you. Knowledge that may help save your planet. How you choose to use the knowledge is up to each of you." She squeals again. "EXCITING!"
"Thank you, friend Zez'ka. I agree. In such a short time, we've already discovered much of my world." Therseis looks up, as if imagining the vast worlds out past the ceiling of the shuttle and into space. "How much more is there to discover out there?"
Before exiting, Therseis spends sometime consolidating what the team has discovered, adding some of his points from time to time.
As you exit the craft, Therseis bids your permission to share with them your findings, stating that it is time for the truth to come out, one way or another. . Although their briefing is in copaxi, you do not sense that Therseis lied or left out important facts, especially seeing the stunned reactions from the other three. At the very end, for your benefit, they switch to Common, and inform the three that they intend to follow you back to the Pact Worlds. Their reactions are mixed and again although the conversations are in copaxi, Gnaucara looks excited, Panacula appears cautious and worried, while Bryanisis is quietly pensive.
Eventually, after all has been said, you bid farewell to the rest of the research team. Bryanisis, rather uncharacteristically, asks that you take care of Therseis. After taking off, Chk'tarlsh makes a short detour back to the observation tower to pick up the two scavengers. Now laden with three copaxis, a drone and a sentient robot, the Starfinders make their way back to their starship, each pondering over their report for the Stewards.
Sure enough, as soon as you return to your starship, and report the completion of your mission to Venture-Captain Arvin, he bids you, "Thank you for upholding the spirit of the Starfinder Society despite what must have been difficult times during the investigations. The Stewards await your individual reports so while you're travelling through the Drift, take that time to compose them."
|
|
Zez'ka takes great joy in writing her report by hand, instead of on her data pad. Should she use the blue pen, or the black pen? Or perhaps the old fashioned quill? No. Definitely the sparkly purple pen. Yes, that would do. But the paper! Oh, the paper? Such a rare thing to find in the modern era. Should she use her professional, crisp, white, paper? Or perhaps the ivory... Definitely grey. Perfect!
Zez'ka squeals in delight and begins to write.
Many greetings, Friend-Stewards!
I am Zez'ka, shirren Starfinder assigned to assess the suitability of Tabrid Minor and the resident copaxis for Pact Worlds Protectorate status. Please see the attached full report -- submitted digitally for your convenience! -- for further information on our findings.
It is my belief that Tabrid Minor and the native copaxis should be approved for Protectorate status. They are in need of -- and worthy of -- our aid. Without assistance their planet will die, along with the souls upon it. I suggest their application be approved with haste, and an exchange of knowledge begin immediately.
Thank you for allowing me the honour of providing an independent assessment. Proud!
Zez'ka
After completing her letter she scans it to her datapad, knowing that the Stewards will want a digital copy for their records kept alongside her full report. She'll hand them the letter in person when they arrive back home.
|
|
Ivan kicks back to write his report, uncomfortable with the formality of it all.
Ivantir Tulgarst, Starfinder technician here. After being sent to deem Tabrid Minor's worthiness to join the Protectorate, this is my report. While most likely fit such a label, this is a special case of the highest order.
The planet reels from mistakes made by citizens and government of their past. The current inhabitants know far less of this, but bear consequences as heavy as a decaying infrastructure and planet. Independently, they are past the point of no return due to pending ecological catastrophe. But with otherworldly resources to assist them, the future is not as bleak.
The lay copaxi of the world show no problems and would make able members. They do not deserve to bear a burden foisted on them by ancestors almost so different as to be another race. Not alone, at least. Their contributions to assistance required may be lower than normal, for a time, perhaps. But even if they didn't possess possibly worthwhile magic of old, they would be no less worth saving.
Torag Be With Us All,
Ivantir Tulgarst
|
|
Exasperated with the paper work, the technomancer simply types:
It would seem that these interactions are the ones that have kept him out of the laboratory and in the field. His failure to recognize these opportunities for what they are continue to plague him as he further alienates himself from Starfinder leadership.
Perhaps one day he will learn to be more socially aware; however, that day is not today.
|
|
Although I feel they Copaxi as a race suffer from the same issues most individual races have; there are good individuals as well as ..let's call them less good ones. I feel that over all the race is worthy enough to be allowed access to the Pact Worlds. It's my believe that when shown their options/our ways that they will be able to rise to be the best that they can be and could be a valuable contributor."
|
|
Burn spends a long time in his cabin on the trip back working on his report. He comes out occasionally to ask the others what they're writing in theirs.
Report on Starfinder Mission to Tabrid Minor
This report is about the mission assigned to Starfinders Savoy, Archaius Maelstrom, Ivan Tulgarst, Zezka, Chk'tarlsh and Burnham Kenyon, to make contact with a Copaxi Science Team and explore the floating city of Tabantria. In addition to studying the old city, we were supposed to make recommendations on whether the Copaxis should be awarded Pact World Protectorate Status.
When we arrived we met the Copaxi Team. It's members were Therseis, Gnaucara, Panacula and Bryanisis.
.... (pages) ....
In conclusion, I recommend Protectorate Status. The Copaxis are just people who need help. They have unusual resources that could be developed in the future. They can be smart and helpful team members. They can adjust to the changes that our technology and new discoveries about their history will bring.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Chk'tarlsh leans back in his chair, antennae twitching in anticipation. He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, relishing the exhilaration of the moment.
He is seated at a table in the crew quarters of their ship, data pad in hand, writing his report of the events on Tabrid Minor during the journey home. Trembling, he looks over the document once more.
Subject: Findings on Tabrid Minor
Objectives: - Rendezvous with Copaxi research team - Investigate city of Tabrantria - Gather intel of Copaxi culture and history.
Details: (and here follows a fairly detailed list of bullet points detailing the events of the mission)
"Here it comes. Don't rush!" he thinks. "But don't delay!" he reminds himself. Reaching that thrilling point again, he reads:
Recommendation:
Chittering in elation, he pauses in his task, holding onto the moment, relishing the euphoria. And then, slowly, with the writing of a single word he brings it all to a satisfying conclusion:
APPROVAL
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Captain Arvin welcomes the Starfinders back from your fruitful journey, together with the three copaxis (and a drone). He treats them with the utmost courtesy as if they are indeed ambassadors of Tabrid Minor. He quickly arranges accomodations for them, however, for he clearly wishes to hear from you.
After your debriefing, he nods pondering what you have encountered. "I have read your reports and recommendations before you arrived, but nothing beats hearing from the horse's mouth, so to speak. Hmm, how did that expression arise. Anyway, I digress. And of course, meeting the copaxis was a pleasure. Therseis seems like a very intelligent person. We'll consider his request."
"You would not be aware but the Stewards and the Society received a note of protest from the Tabrid Minor Government for transporting three of their citizens without proper immigration. A good thing that Therseis had left a recording with the rest of their research team that they left with their full consent or they might have accused us of abduction! As it is, the Stewards reminded the copaxis that one of the tenets of the Pact Worlds, members or protectorate, is free travel between worlds, hinting how they react would affect their membership application. They then graciously appointed Therseis as the interim ambassador to the Stewards." Arvin breaks out into a grin.
"Your reports and recommendations are with the Stewards now, and now it is a waiting game for the process to wind through the bureaucrats. Whatever the outcome, I commend you on a good job done, and for being worthy representatives of the Society."
Just as you take your leave though, he calls out one last thing. "By the way, a representative of the Android Abolitionist Front is also waiting to meet you. It seems they know of some, shall we say, additional passenger on your craft, and they are eager to help him settle in. I have absolutely no idea who they are talking about. There was no one else on your ship." He sends you off with a knowing grin.
---
Meanwhile though, Therseis' predictions turn out quite accurate. Even as the Steward bureaucracy deliberates with the Tabrid Minor officials over the application status, copaxis follow in the footsteps of the three forerunners. More importantly, many copaxis spread word of the Starfinder Society’s good judgment of your positive recommendations, and a handful of copaxis even seek to join the Society, following Therseis' example. Who knows? Perhaps one day, the blue-shells copaxis would be a common sight in the halls of Lorespire Complex?