Ever since the return of the expedition to the Scoured Stars (), the Starfinder Society has been reaching out to planets and outposts discovered in Near Space and the Vast in an effort to rebuild its influence. You have heard rumors that some of these planetary governments have signed up eagerly, some have flatly refused, and some have been negotiating for better deals as the Society leaders - especially Second Seeker Luwasi Elsebo - have been pushing for more exploration rights.
These as-yet neutral colonies have apparently sent ambassadors to Absalom Station to speak with the Second Seeker and to get a firmer grasp on the Society and how it operates before making their decisions. Part of that process has been to bring in Starfinder agents to act as tour guides, bodyguards, and all-round entertainment for the visiting dignitaries. In the Lorespire this kind of "babysitting duty" is often sneered at. Well guess what? It's apparently your turn now.
You have received a summons from a representative of the Starfinder Forum, a host shirren named Chiskisk. They have asked you to meet with them at the Lorespire, in a briefing chamber. As you arrive, you can see the shirren deeply engaged in a conversation on a holocom unit. They nod to you and hold up a finger to indicate that they would like you to wait patiently, then wave their hand at the seats around the table. Realizing that not every chair is full yet, you sit or stand and make yourselves comfortable while waiting for the others to arrive and for Chiskisk to get off his call.
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Through the door enters a kasatha.
He is wearing pants and tunic of dark red with elements of purple colors. The attire contains an emblem of a four-arm dragon holding a skull, sword, scroll and a scepter.
Frequently Catsial carries a bag on his arm. In his hand, you can see a fashionable cane in the same colors as his clothing. Kasatha does not seem to need a cane so it seems to be part of the attire.
Overall he looks smart, he does not carry any weapon from what you can see.
To those present in the room he would approach and introduce himself using Common language:
"Good day, My name is Catsial Drun I was sent to this mission to spend some time with the ambassador. With whom I have the honor to speak?"
Asks nicely to know his fellow co-agents.
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Silver Streak is a brown furred Ysoki with a silver streak going from her right ear down below her neck.
She is wearing clothes that look comfortable but built for the outdoors and she has several toolkits on her belt.
At Catsaial's words she makes a slight shushing sound and points to Chiskisk. Then softly she says "Silver Streak. Nice to meet you."
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*Clang! Clang! Clang!*
In walks a ludicrously grubby dwarf, sporting steel armor and a large toolkit. He is fiddling with a tattoo on one arm. Though loud, it doesn't look like he can make that much racket by himself. The source of the rest becomes apparent in moments. Steps behind him is a massive mechanical horse!
"H'lo, all," he says jovially. "I'm Ivan, this here's Roll-4. Am I late? I was lookin' to integrate jump jets inta Roll-4. Someone said it was worth a try. I don't think so. A dwarf's place is on the ground, right? But I figured I'd try, at least, see how they handled..." He prattles on until shushed or interrupted (if no one has already).
The shirren saw that all of you had arrived an hurriedly finished his comm. It turned to you and bowed slightly before speaking.
"Welcome, colleagues. As you know, the Starfinder Society has been quite efficacious of late. The acts of brave agents like yourselves has made the Society once-again respected and known throughout Near Space and even in some areas of the Vast. We have been quick to capitalize on these new opportunities. Recently, the Society has reached out to nearly a dozen new civilizations with which we have mutual interests. At this moment, the Lorespire Complex is brimming with ambassadors, dignitaries, and probably also spies from many worlds."
"I had the honor to conclude preliminary negotiations with one such ambassador. They are about to sign an exclusive exploration and trade treaty with the Starfinder Society, largely based on our recent exploits. However…" the shirren pauses awkwardly, then moves to an expansive window that overlooks the Lorespire campus. "The delegate has requested a recess in negotiations to explore Absalom Station before signing the agreement. Of course, I granted them freedom of the station, as long as they accepted an escort of local Starfinder agents to see to their every need." The shirren turns back to face the conference table. "That ‘escort,’ of course, would be you!"
Chiskisk slides a data disk across the table. "Here is the dossier on the visiting dignitary you’ll be escorting. Find out what they’re interested in seeing, and take them there. Be gracious hosts, entertaining tour guides, bodyguards, or social planners, as the dignitary requires. It should go without saying that this emissary’s safety and security are paramount, as is their continued goodwill toward the Society. If you do a good job, we might just secure the opportunity to explore a new world. Any questions?"
The embri are intelligent mollusks that resemble a slug with four spindly legs. Their society has long removed any trace of emotion in their interactions with other species, both through mental control and by wearing ornate masks which completely cover their faces.
The masks help to conceal any uncontrolled displays of emotion, which embri view as a sign of weakness.
An embri’s mask often provides it with special sensory abilities while also concealing any uncontrolled emotional signs.
Embri considers the act of eating a very personal matter, to be done in private. They will not eat in the presence of other creatures and are repulsed by watching others eat.
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Silver Streak looks at the dossier.
"Hmm. Home environment swampy. Prefers to be called them or they suggesting a communal entity or gender natural. From a colony world yet represents their species on diplomatic matters, Wymdd may have something the Embri consider of great value. And they control their emotions while using a mask to hide their own emotions. Odd considering they can 'sense' emotions in others."
Silver Streak has her friend Poogle check for any other information on the ambassador.
After a bit in a low voice "No Poogle, Not Nubglub. Never mind."
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Catsial listens carefully to the asked questions and adds one of his own slowly gesticulating:
"I imagine us having some budget to accommodate our guest? I can see how a diversity of races in this group could work to our advantage while dealing with an Embri Ambassador, it's a good job done by Starfinder Society to select such agents."
Kasatha set his cane next to the table and shares a comment related to
And they control their emotions while using a mask to hide their own emotions. Odd considering they can 'sense' emotions in others
"Some of the races work toward eliminating certain actions or behaviors from their societies. Due to that, they might get very proficient at spotting that behavior. I think the same happened with Embri. They try hard to eliminate emotions due to that they might get good at sensing even the slightest hints. Yet I wonder what kind of emotions they are familiar with."
He goes quiet seeing how difficult it might be for him to share his point of view:
"To give you an example, Kasathas have a complex set of words, gestures, and emotions that mean and represent respect. Respect shown to parents, to siblings or members of your house all are different and hard to explain to other races not familiar with kasatha culture. On the other hand, some Ysokis that I met expressed only extreme joy or anger both with shouting, coursing, and gesticulations. I had a hard time with spotting grades of those even that I was certain of their existence."
"Ah yes, questions. Good. It shows you are taking this more seriously than the last group did. We know that these accompaniment operations are referred to as "babysitting" jobs by you adventurous types, but there is more to our purpose than seeking out new creatures to fight. This happens to be one of them."
"As for what the dignitary wants to do while on the station, we have provided a number of brochures of highlights, in well-trafficked and populous areas to minimize the chance of going into rough neighborhoods. We are certain that they will have three or four places they are interested in visiting."
"The embri themselves are an ... interesting race. Their ability to shroud their emotions even from psychic spells makes looking beyond their surface words difficult. Still, even though their planet is beyond the immediacy of the Pact Worlds and has little influence int he region, they are rich in many radioisotopes that are key components in starship fuel and weaponry."
"The Society intends to reimburse you for any expenses you incur as a normal part of your duties - transportation, tickets to events, and so on - but please do not attempt to submit reimbursements for personal gifts, ammunition, or anything like that. These funds are for diplomatic purposes."
"Above all, please remember that Ambassador Nugblub comes from a world and society very different from our own. There may be cultural mores that you need to take into account, and misunderstandings that you may need to smooth over. Please be both patient and wise."
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Malcimex clicks quietly in annoyance to herself. It seems that as a new Starfinder, I am at the bottom of their totem pole and am being given an glory free job until I can prove myself... No matter, I must take this job seriously to increase my status..
"Chiskisk, yes, we are ready for this job." Malcimex offers cheerfully.
Chiskisk provided you with directions to where Ambassador Zugblub was staying within the Lorespire, and then bade you good luck and farewell. You absolutely did not hear the words, you're going to need it. They were more like an impression in the back of your mind.
The apartments furnished for the embri dignitary had hastily been redecorated to make the visitor feel at ease. The pale gray paint standard to the Lorespire had been replaced with a wavy pattern of blues and green, and the industrial fixtures converted into ones with smooth contours that could be manipulated by a creature that looked like a human-sized mollusk. The effect seemed to be that of an underwater grotto with transparisteel windows looking out into the ocean depths. It was quite peaceful, actually.
The Ambassador waited in the center of the main chamber, surrounded by several of its retinue, all of which were noticeably smaller in size. One of its appendages - an arm? - waved at you as you entered. A synthesized voice spoke from the smooth metal mask it wore on its face.
"Ah, greetings be to you. Scholar Chiskisk told me that I would be escorted by one of its best crews of Starfinders. Pleased be I to meet you. My name is ... well, it is unpronounceable by any but my kind. Suffice to call me Ambassador Zugblub, or just Ambassador if need be. What a strange word, Ambassaor, do you not think? Far too many...sssssibilants." The emphasis put on the start of sibilants made you wonder if the embri language used them at all.
"The Scholar left I with many brochures of places to visit, but I would hear more about the you before we depart on our journey of exploration."
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"Greeting Ambassador Zugblub. I, like you, have come to the pact worlds from a distant world. It is truly grand how much knowledge and expertise flows in the pact worlds. I am a priestess on my home world, and am working with the Starfinders to build new connections across the pact worlds and beyond. I too have come in search of knowledge and allies, so I hope that we can provide both for each other. If there is anything you need while we are traveling today, please do not hesitate to ask." Malcimex produces a gentle buzz as she recites what sounds like a well rehearsed speech.
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"Greetings Ambassador Zuglub. My name is Catsial Drun and I represent House Khadil in pursuit of artifacts and knowledge. It will be an honor to accompany you today, especially that I never had an opportunity to talk to an alien from the planet Wymdd."
He nods politely, putting his right hand to his chest as he is doing so.
"I just recently joined Starfinder Society so I can share with you my initial thoughts as a new joiner. The only mission that I was part of was for datafiles faction and involved infiltrating the organization to capture information in a rather stealthy manner..."
You haven't quite gotten a sense yet of what makes the Ambassador comfortable, but you definitely got a sense that insults - even minor jests at a person's expense - are taboo in its culture. Best not to insult it, or allow it to be insulted without challenge.
You haven't quite gotten a sense yet of what makes the Ambassador comfortable, but you definitely got a sense that insults - even minor jests at a person's expense - are taboo in its culture. Best not to insult it, or allow it to be insulted without challenge.
The Ambassador is obviously very comforted with formality and ritual. Following all proper protocols while in its presence would make sure it stays happy, even in the chaos of combat. You also definitely got a sense that insults - even minor jests at a person's expense - are taboo in its culture. Best not to insult it, or allow it to be insulted without challenge.
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"Hello to you, Ambassador Zugblub. You can call me Ivan. It's already a shortening of my full name, which rarely comes up. But I can tell you that if you're curious." Ivan looks like he's trying to suppress his accent. "I come from an asteroid bearing many simulation chambers we thought were our world. Not sure where my older fellow dwarves were spirited from, but I was born there.
"I work with a section of us Starfinders called the Exo-Guardians. They make sure we are protected and do right as well as we can while still getting things done. I still feel new, but I've been on a fair few assignments already.
"It's been a culture shock for me, integrating to these new places. But Torag's beard, the technology is incredible! Why, I was just working
on some jump jets..." Ivan is not a skilled conversationalist. If he had any sway, he likely loses it by launching into a recital of Roll-4's specs.
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"I am Tchisk. In my short time as part of the Starfinder Society, I have traveled throughout the Pact Worlds, entertained dignitaries, met new races, defended the space lanes, and tracked down ancient knowledge. My personal inclinations lean toward technology and esoterica. We can, of course, do whatever activity you choose and I will be willing to liaise with you in my areas of expertise and experience.
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"Hello ambassador Zugblub. I am Silver Streak and this is my friend Poogle.
We are all here to show you what this partnership can provide by showing you around the station. This assignment will be far more physically comfortable then my last one, Which involved bugs, lava, and unfortunately the death of a fellow Starfinder."
You haven't really gotten any insights on what makes the Ambassador comfortable or not, but you did get the impression that it doesn't like you for some reason.
As you speak with the Ambassador and tell it of your experiences, you begin to pick up on certain cues in its behavior. Some of you are better at this than others, though. It also became apparent that the Ambassador very heavily favored Tchisk, Silver Streak, and Catsial, while all but snubbing Ivan and Buscador. The barathu, in particular, seemed to be very disliked by the dignitary.
After you had introduced yourselves, the Ambassador spoke again.
"Yes, good it is that the Starfinders filled be with such diverse species and peoples. Not all waters taste sweet to the same tongues, yes? Now, Scholar Chiskisk has left us with such an abundance of food..no, things to do. It has been hard to choice. We are interested in the Station here, of course, so we wish to take this tour. The vessel has already been ticketed, and we must not be late for departure!"
Ambassador Zugblub holds up a brochure labeled Star Tours: See the glory of Absalom Station and the Armada from the comfort of your own private chartered vessel. Accompanying the title is a heavily doctored image of a garishly painted tramp freighter whose design was outdated a century ago. There was more text on the tri-fold speaking of luxury appointments, leisurely travel times, and a fully stocked bar. Most of the images were of people joyously pointing through a viewscreen, or of Absalom Station as seen from the Armada.
The charter service is owned by a company called Periphery Stars, a small stellar freight service that’s endured numerous hardships over the past several years.
There have been numerous complaints about strange malfunctions aboard the Periphery Stars automated starships.
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Malcimex texts one of her roommates the name of the pleasure cruise
... But their communicator is on silent.
"As you wish Ambassador Zugblub. We will guide you to this docking bay so that you may see the beauty of Absalom Station from the outside." Malcimex moves slowly towards the door, wanting to make sure the Embri can keep up.
Malcimex sends a text communication to each of her companions when the attention turns from her. It reads "This diplomat is very reserved, do not be getting too familiar with them. No teasing, no joking at their expense, no threatening them. Be polite!"
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Catsial listens with interested to what Ambassador is saying and take a look at the brochure
"I heard of this cruise, the company that is doing them is called Periphery Stars, however, they endured some problems in the past years. I am not entirely sure what would be the quality of their services. If you don't mind Ambassador Zugblub give us a couple of minutes to verify that their services would be up to your standards."
Catsial says it smiling, which you can only say by his eyes as his mouth is covered.
Catsial would leave the room and call the company asking about how new is the ship? Who is the guide doing the trip? And would emphasize that this would be an ambassador taking that trip.
Catsial listens to his fellow agent's argument and walks over to Ivan and Silver Stream:
"If the ship has some glitches, would you be able to fix them? Given the information that we know, I would prefer us to select more reliable company but if Ambassador insists I would like to know that we can handle this."
After hearing a response he turns to Ambassador Zugblug:
"Ambassador Zugblub, you heard our argument, what is your opinion on that matter. We can cancel this trip and find a more trustworthy company, yet if Ambassador insists to follow the existing plan we will do what we can to make it an enjoyable experience. My grandmother used to say that the weakest warrior speaks of the strength of a House. Maybe seeing how such company operates within Absalom Station would show you a unique view of what lies beyond luxury."
He waits with interest to hear Ambassador's opinion on that matter.
"Yes, we go then. Tickets be paying and already the schedule drifts in the current. Time we must to leave."
His position made clear, the ambassador leads you to his chartered groundcar and you are off. The docking area for the tour company is in surprisingly good condition, given your earlier impressions about the company, and looks freshly cleaned. Through the viewports, you can see two freighters docked here, both looking to be the same older model from the brochure. Neither looks to be in disrepair.
The tour representative met you and received the ambassador's tickets with an effusive smile and a large amount of formality. He assured you that the tour ships were completely automated and in good condition, and gestured you to enter the airlock on the right hand side.
The interior of the automated tour ship is much like that of the receiving area outside, in good condition and looking freshly cleaned. Much of the outer hulls had been replaced with transparisteel viewing ports, providing a terrific view of what lay outside. Despite the fact that the main cabin area looked to be able to seat about 50 people in comfort, with overstuffed large reclining chairs and side tables for food and drinks - you are the only ones aboard.
A robotic voice came on over the intercom system.
"Thank you for choosing Star Tours for your entertaining and educational tour of the Armada and Absalom station. This tour is completely automated, and will be a 2-hour flight taking you in and around some of the most interesting parts of the hub of the Pact Worlds. Sit back, order some refreshments from the autoserver attached to your chair, and enjoy your tour!"
As the robotic voice finished speaking, you could hear the ship undocking from the station, and feel the gentle motions as the artificial gravity of the ship took over from that of the station. The tour was on its way!
All the control systems and computer terminal accesses have been covered with heavy steel plates that have been bolted on. There is no easy access to any terminals. Probably to prevent people from doing exactly what you are contemplating ;-)