As the wild beast goes for Alejandro, the swift and immediate blow of the wrench from Hubris brings it down before it can lay a fang on the Starfinder. It collapses to the ground as the roars and growls turn to silence of the desert and your allies around you.
While the party takes a breath from the excitement you all notice in the distance a group patching you from over the edge of the nearby bluffs. There are an insectile race that you are unfamiliar with, they are stocky and sturdy individuals loaded with bags and gear. Each of them has arms but aren't directed at the party as they watch and murmur to one another as they inspect you.
|
"Bloody hell."
"We've been spotted." Says the android, pointing out the obvious. "I s'ppose we should go over and meet our new friends. Wouldn't do to make them wait for proper introductions, I wouldn't want them to attack us after this... thing." He gives an angry kick to the animal's corpse before holstering his rifle. He chuckles. "Look at them gushing over us. We going over? "
|
|
”I’d suggest to try to keep a friendly attitude, but keep our hands ready to run to the weapons”
After a quick patch to Hubris, Rae’Van moves two steps towards the insectlike strangers, with hands raised in a friendly stance, and then points to himself:
”Me Rae’Van.
We friends.
We mean no harm”
Then he points to the dead beast, and then to the strangers with open hands:
”We want share game with you.
Want?”
After a moment they approach with one of their number calls out to you in a language you do not recognize. They hold up a hand and lower their head before strapping a rifle to their back and approaching and repeating the greeting.
She points at the beast asking some sort of question. If the translator has been activated, it is still processing the vocabulary and will need a larger data sample as well as clearer recordings to begin translating.
Taking a moment to hear your words the leader of the band directs a hand toward Rae'Van while repeating, "Rae'Van". She then takes the same hand and directs to herself before declaring, "Dystane."
|
|
"Cap'n, you still have that drone with the translator?"
Helios approaches the band with a grin. He is quite intrigued by the creatures, and his unusual excitement shows. He slowly raises his hands to match Rae'Van's posture.
"Heya there. I'm Helios-4, nice to meet ya." he says, pointing at himself. He reaches for a small clockwork device in one of his pockets, and slowly brings it up to the leader, floating in the air by telekinesis.
|
|
Alejandro looks back at the little bot trying to catch up, "Oh yeah, chopper is still near." He goes over and presses a button on the device, "Get to work buddy, start decipherin' our chatter please."
The Captain then moves over towards the natives, pistol stowed away and hands out in a hopefully universal sign of non-aggression. "Hello there, I am Alejandro. These are my friends. We are here to explore and are friendly."
The leader of the party tentatively takes the device and examines it with some interest. She speaks of it in interest, as she shows the others as well. She pushes at it and examines the small, detailed portions of the piece. With some exuberance she pushes the gears aside to make the piece rotate. She is clearly not surprised by the technology, but is impressed by the scale and accuracy it was made.
They close the distance with Dystane still in the lead. She moves within a few feet as she gives a good look at Alejandro and his pistol. She speaks and gestures toward both the beast and the weapon as she makes an appreciative clatter of her mandibles.
All of them have sturdy weaponry, although outdated by your standards, and wear hides and cloaks to protect against the beating sun. One of the more weathered elders of the small five person band wears a mane around their head that likely was skinned from same type of beast you just defeated.
Seeing Rae'Van gesture to the beast in the offer of meat Dystane emphasizes the negative dismissing while blocking her mouth with her hand. She does gesture more to the creature's mane while also pointing out the mane her fellow wears though.
Alejandro gets the feeling that they are friendly, but curious as the party are very unexpected. They are taking a long look at all of you and your equipment as all of it is strange and new to them. Each element is drawing on their curiosity. There still is a great deal of caution that seems to have been beaten into them by this environment.
|
|
Rae'Van nods to show understanding, then crouches near the carcass; with slow moves he takes out his knife and proceed to skin the monster's mane, then he cleans the knife and sheat it.
Finally he moves close to Dystane and hands the mane to her:
"This is a gift of friendship, please accept it from our group"
Later, in a whisper to Alejandro and the other companions:
"Let's not mention the force-field protected city, for now: we don't know if they come from there, but from the tech level of their equipment that seems unlikely..."
|
|
Kis steps up with her fellow Starfinders, but uses the rig on her wrist to guide Diggz into more of an intercepting position. Feeling rather uneasy about the whole situation due to her complete lack of knowledge, she lets the others approach first. Once they have made their introductions, Kis offers her own, pointing to herself and Diggz in turn, "I's Kis. Dis's Diggz."
Even though she is completely out of her element here, Kis tries to gauge what these aliens want as she observes them.
She is taken aback by the gift but takes the gift with a thankful clatter. She continues speaking to you of it, but hesitates before look up at the sun's position in sky.
She speaks for a moment before pointing off in the distance before starting to head in that direction. The rest of the group leads the way and she gestures for you to follow. Their heading is opposite of that of the city.
The tetrad certified translator, largely finished with the initial processing providing a translation.
"DECLARATION: WE SHOULD NOT LINGER HERE."
"REQUEST: COME WITH US TO OUR HOME."
They lead the way forward for about 30 minutes through toward the bluffs with a numerous set of alcoves and caverns peppering their exterior. The translation module helps open communication to a point, although Dystane is a bit surprised by the bit of majorly advanced technology. It takes only a bit to realize what it is doing as you relay information through it to her and she questions you through it.
"QUERY: WHERE DID THAT COME FROM," produces the machine followed by, "STATEMENT: THAT IS SOMETHING I WOULD EXPECT FROM THE <NAME> WITHIN THE CITY."
You see dozens of these beetle-like aliens crawl in and out of the many caves that dot the face of this otherwise drab cliff.
Most of them are dressed in simple leather frocks, while the few with crude
weapons are covered with sturdier armor. A small garden filled with sickly plants is visible off to one side, next to what looks like the opening to a well.
A handful of children sits in front of a pair of older aliens, who are both wearing brightly colored necklaces. They appear to be either telling the young ones a story or teaching them a lesson.
The aliens give a friendly cheer when they see Dystane and her group approach but that dies off quickly as they take note of you. The children are kept at a safe distance but both them and the elders look curiously at the party.
Dystane moves quickly to the pair of elders and begin speaking in an animated conversation with clacking mandibles and wide gestures. The translations device can't keep up with the frantic pace and complexity and is only able to relate portions of it. The module still struggles to give anything but the barest intact statement.
"STATEMENT <ID: DYSTANE>: I FOUND THESE PEOPLE TRAVELING THE AREA. THEY FOUGHT A <NAME>."
"QUERY <ID: UNKNOWN>: ARE THEY FRIEND? DO THEY UNDERSTAND?"
"STATEMENT <ID: DYSTANE>: THEY SEEM FRIENDLY. THEY OFFERED A GIFT OF THEIR HUNT TO US. THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND US, BUT THAT MACHINE DOES SOMEWHAT."
After the minutes they approach they gesture for you all to come close. They slowly identify themselves as Mori Koseemo and Mora Alomir, with the translation module interjecting with an offering that Mori means "Brother" and Mora means "Sister".
They both speak and offer greeting and welcome to their holding requesting you continue to follow them into the nearby cavern.
|
|
The Android seems very impressed as the group is lead through the caverns. He looks around with visible excitement, and for once refrains to make any comment or jest. He pauses for a moment when the group passes the garden, then begins to speak, albeit in a more serious tone than usual - which makes him sound more like a typical android.
"See those gardens? Look at the plants, all withered. Judging by the climate and their settlement, I'd wager water and food must be pretty scarce."
Helios remains unusually silent for the rest of the trek, greeting Koseemo and Alomir when they introduce themselves.
"How interesting is this place. Let's follow them."
|
|
While the gardens and plants that Helios-4 points out do not interest her, Kis finds the caves to be fascinating. More to the point, she finds the prospect of what may be in the walls of those caves fascinating. Judging by their weaponry, Kis guesses that these aliens might be at least partially familiar with mining, smelting and forging. As she looks around to see what may be of interest, she slowly asks the 2 hosts, "Oy. Wats do yous have for metals in des caves? Do yous mine dem?"
As they lead you into the cavern you find it quite spacious. There are handholds leading upward along the walls into other tunnels within the cliffside. At the center of the space is a large bonfire that fills the area with light.
The translation module relates to them and from their expressions the translations are as limited for them as they are for you. Still Dystane answers in brief before it is repeated to you.
"STATEMENT <ID: DYSTANE>: STANDING IN THE OPEN IS DANGEROUS, VARIOUS PREDATORS HUNT. NIGHT WOULD BRING BURROWING BONE CRUSHERS AND VARIOUS RAPTORS."
Brother Koseemo returns a few names for various metals that they use. The translation isn't able to translate the names for the different materials. He points to various rifles. Energy along with projectile are among their number forged with easy to work with metals and alloys that can be made in smaller forges without computer assistance. Some of their weapons include scavanged technological components, but by far they are things Kis could make herself with only a limited set of machining tools.
The female elder interjects into the explanation though as she points out the gathering tribe that is converging on the area. Most take special not of you, but focus themselves on taking positions around the bonfire. Many are carrying drums and stone instruments.
"STATEMENT <ID: SISTER ALOMIR>: DELAY TALKING. MOTHER <TOULOO> ASKS FOR CELEBRATION OF SAFE RETURN. PERFORM WELCOMING FIRST AND TALK LATER."
She adds another sentence as she looks at all those entering positions as she joins them as well.
"QUERY <ID: SISTER ALOMIR>: YOU WOULD JOIN?"
Within a short period the various natives are playing a stately tune. The remaining face one another in straight lines as they begin a formalized processional dance. A number of them make half glances at the party to see if they join, it seems clear that there is an unstated expectation that you each join the dance.
|
|
Fascinated by the complexity of the structures, both social and architectural, Rae'Van follows his companions and their new friends.
He switches on the sensor-camera of his Custom Rig, recording every interesting thing about the newly discovered inhabitants of Elytrio - after all, we are Wayfinders!
When the group is presented to Mori Koseemo and Mora Alomir, Rae'Van tries to imitate the signs and gestures of respect other insect-like creatures.
And, of course, when the aliens ask if we are going to dance, Rae'Van dances!
Each of you is approached by the one the natives here, although the one standing before Diggz is somewhat unnerved, and each present a clearly welcoming gesture, aside from the one before Diggz who is a bit more hesitant.
Helio has a hard time following the steps of the dance and is often a beat behind everyone else. The same goes for Rae'Van who tries to turn play off and any misaligned steps and is able to make the partner match his own tempo a bit more.
Alejandro does so perfectly, there isn't a single misstep the entire piece as he moves perfectly among the rest of the natives despite only seeing the dance today.
Kis is able to do moderately well with the dance, but the enthusiasm does take the partner off guard at times with some of some of her more fast paced motions. Diggz movement comes off a bit robotic in places and the partner does their best to keep their own place in the dance as the drone works through dancing subroutines.
Afterwards Alejandro's partner gives him a gracious hug and, as far as the translator can interpret, complements him on his excellent movements while suggesting that the envoy is blessed by the divine. Helio's partner pauses a bit to offer more dance suggestions even after the song is over, offering him more time to practice through the piece.
There are a few compliments about Rae'Van's improvisations that the mechanic made throughout the piece to subtlety correct his foot placement. They try to reinforce to him that the dance isn't something to change. They give a larger speech about the history of the dance, but the translation module isn't nearly equipment to comprehend half of what they are saying with the variety of proper nouns and complex references they make.
Diggz is left alone aside the partner given a careful brief complement. Reasonably satisfied with Kis their partner mentions mining, referring to Kis bringing it up before, and takes her to the side to show of of the unrefined ore that that has been collected and gathered.
Shortly into your discussions the elders walk up to you with another beetle-person beside them. She is far different looking than any of the others, both thinner and dressed in shimmering fabrics alongside bandages on her arms and one of her legs. The biggest difference between herself and the others is that she sports a pair of membranous wings and hovers partway to the party while much of the others have been grounded.
The elders speak to this newcomer and gesture to you, directing motions to their mouths. Other natives treat her with respect, but obviously less reverence they give to the elders or even Dystane.
She moves up and identifies herself as Klarima. She looks at you all, and your translation device, with interest for a moment before gesturing to her throat and mouth. Her hands light up with energy as she points to Alejandro's mouth while saying something in her language.
The module dutifully repeats, "STATEMENT: ACCEPT THIS MAGIC, SO WE MIGHT SPEAK."
Helios is able to tell that she just cast share language and needs to touch someone for it to take effect.
|
|
Helios laughs after the dance, knowing full well his lack of dancing skills. He accepts the native's pointers with a smile, before going back with the others.
"That was... Interesting, to say the least. Didn't think we'd be dancing with aliens when we were getting shot in space, huh?"
Seeing Klarima come up, Helios-4 watches, intrigued, until a ball of light appears in her hand.
"I've seen such a spell before, it will make it so one of us can communicate directly with her, without the need for a translator." He turns to Alejandro. "Cap'n Smooth Talker, the honor is yours." He adds with an exaggerated bow and a grin.
She offers her magic freely to whoever accepts it at which she takes immediate advantage of spell to begin speaking to whomever she is able. She gives pause and allows people to translate but she does seem excited to continue the conversation herself rather than wait for the party to share.
"So can you understand me now?" She waits for only the barest nod before clapping her hands together. "Excellent. I admit I was wondering, I haven't had much opportunity to use this as only the most far flung explorers tend to not know Ghibran."
She looks and peers as she studies the party while stating, "And you are unlike any other people I have ever met." Her head shakes as she ponders a thought before adding, "Of course, possibly the same is true for you for me. We have much to teach one another."
"In case I was not clear before, I am Klarima. A guest within the village and, if I may, I would take the privilege of introducing them to you." She gestures to the various natives around the party who hesitate to interrupt the pace that Klarima sets with her speech. "Brother Kossemo and Sister Alomir are a wonderful couple that have provided significant aid and kindness to allow me rest and recover here. They are the leaders of this colony, both acting as instructors to the young and making decisions for the group as a whole. They brought mentioned yourselves to me because of your odd manner of speech through your computer."
"And this is Dystane. I haven't had much of a chance to speak with her during my short stay here, but she is a leader of one of their hunting parties. An important role within their home here."
She patters her foot as the information is relayed through the party. The others patiently watch the party and listen to them speak, almost surprised by how well the magic works. Klarima also offers more of her talents. "I wish I had enough power to offer this to each of you, but I should be able to cast it on all but one of you."
|
|
Rae'Van, with an amused yet embarassed grin on his face, thanks the fellow dancers with gestures, and then he gets closer to the newcomer, winged alien.
After her introduction, translated by Alejandro, Rae'Van greets her and then tells the captain:
"Captain, from the simple fact that she looks able to identify some of our equipment it seems that she comes from a more technologically advanced sub-race of natives.
Maybe we could cautiosly investigate if she knows anything about the energy domed city.
Also, she looks injured, maybe we could ask her what happened, and maybe we could even heal her"
|
|
Alejandro happily accepts the spell and then begins translating anything his allies wish to ask. He takes the suggestions by Rae'Van and replies, "Thank you greatly, I'll translate anything necessary."
He waves up at the top of the cavern, "We are explorers from distant space. We traveled here to investigate this planet and hopefully meet new allies. What can you tell us about yourselves and this planet?"
He adds afterwards, "You seem to be injured, can we help?"
All of them take a bit more notice when you explain your origin. Klarima sputters a bit as she processes, "Distance space? Planet? How did you get here?"
Dystane adds her own assessment, but now Alejandro finds the the magic allows him to understand her as well. "You are all aliens? Bless the Mother! I thought you must have traveled far, but I wouldn't have guessed that far though! I thought you might have come from another continent since all the equipment you have there looks it was made in the city."
Nodding her head as she comes to terms with the newly acquired knowledge Klarima continues, "Planet. So where do I start. I am... we are ghibrani Many generations ago there was a great war between the nation-states. The invisible fire they rained down upon one another killed most living things across the globe. It was only thanks to the foresight of our ancestors that any of us survived to see today."
She moves to cover her bandages bashfully saying truthfully, "I'm grateful for the offer, but my wounds are already tended to. Those in my city rarely leave it; our ancestors made sure we would be provided with everything we would need. However, I have been afflicted with a case of wanderlust."
She rubs a hands against one of the bandages while adding, "A near terminal case, it would seem, as my explorations outside the city found me stumbling into a tangle of soarnettles. They scratched me quite a bit and thanks to the pain, I lost my way. Luckily for me, I crossed paths with these kind husks, who bandaged my wounds and gave me a place to spend the night."
Sister Alomir waves a hand of blessing as she accepts the thanks, "The teachings from Mother Touloo would have us do no different. We would never turn down another in need here and you are more than welcome to stay if you no longer wished to stay within the city."
|
|
Kis laughs at the antics of Diggz during the dance and is very grateful that she partner had an interest in the ore of the cavern. As Klarima starts to speak with Alejandro with the help of her spell, Kis halfheartedly listens as the Captain relays the information. She instead continues to work on the steps of the dance on her own, confident that she can get them down with practice. When Alejandro lets the group know that she would be willing to offer the translation ability to others, she perks up, "OOH OOH. Picks me!", jumping up and down, "I's don't really likes bein left out."
She begins channeling another casting of the spell while answering Sister Alomir, "I'm grateful for the offer, but is my home and I don't think I could leave it for long."
The spell cast, she delivers it with a touch she also grants a temporary knowledge of the ghibran language to Kis even as she asks more questions to the the group. "Do you come on behalf of an empire or civilization? How many other worlds have you all been too?"
|
|
"Captain, let's make clear that we absolutely come in peace, not representing any oppressive power, but instead a free league of free thinkers that have the only goal to meet new people and clurtures, and to learn and spread knowledge.
I'm also interested in the dimorphism that the two different subspecies of Ghibrani show: I was afraid that the wingless and the flying ones could be at war, but appearantly there is no animosity between the two.
Let's ask Klarima if it will be possible to visit her city too: the best accomplishment of our mission would be meeting all people of this planet!"
|
|
Kis beams a big smile at Klarima as she starts to understand the words she is saying, "Wow! This is amazing. Thank ya. We's are part of a group of explorers called Starfinders. We's were sents here as a earlier group was attacked in space. Our's mission was to investigate."
She thinks about the fact that Dystane and others saw their weapons and adds, "We's came wit weapons to defend our self's if needed. But we's are not looking for war."
|
|
Upon hearing Alejandro translate the words of Klarima offering her powers, Helios-4 comes forward.
"I would also appreciate this spell, if she doesn't mind."
Helios-4 shows a lot more interest in the words of the aliens than he did during Arvin's briefing, listening with attention.
"I think Rae'Van's got our bases covered up. T'would be interesting to visit the city, too."
Klarima grants a final casting to Helios as well.
"I would be very grateful to guide you back to my city, assuming you would be willing to escort me. It is known as Arkeost, a shining beacon of civilization and I would be happy to share it with you. I've been told it is one of few left on this world, although I might ask if you saw others when you arrived from space."
When the subject of their dimorphism is anywhere near broached Klarima is happy to explain to you, "Yes. Many generations ago, after the war, a faction of my people received protection from a divine power named Mother Touloo. The struck out into the wastelands at their deity's behest. In doing so, they eventually lost the use of their wings. These 'husk,' as my people call them, are those you see before you." She gestures at all those all about the cavern.
Brother Koseemo expands on her explanation, happy to be able to share their culture, "Yes, legends spoke of those dark times when Mother Touloo offered us her blessings, but to accept them asked of us to give up the comforts of civilization, to harden ourselves before the trials of the world. It is through her that we have remained strong in the face of the hardships of our home."
Dystane nods her head and holds herself proudly. "I've been passed stories from my elders long passed, Mother Touloo bless them, of their trials surviving these lands and passing on their teachings to us today. We wouldn't be here for their blood and tears."
The husk ghibrani all hold themselves with a level of pride and resolve on this thought and Klarima shows nothing but for respect for their faith and strength. "As for my people, those of us who retained the power of flight are known as 'membranes' by these people. We live within the city of Arkeost. We use the tools and gifts left behind by the ancestors there. Most never leave the city, I'm an unusual exception you might say."
Helios-4 doesn't recall anything about these deity, he is unfamiliar with it.
"If you wish to stay longer, you are welcome to,[b]" offers Sister Alomir. [b]"Know that we consider you as one of our own here and that you are welcome to return."
Recieving a small satchel and rifle from another of the husk ghibrani Brother Koseemo presents them to Alejandro. "You gave us the results of your hunt, one that we have passed on to an elder whose time for battle has past. We would be poor ghibrani if we did not repay you. Here are healing supplies you might find use in your travels and this weapon to remember your place among us."
|
|
"Thank you very much." says the android, unusually well spoken.
"Pretty neat." He frowns for an instant, reflecting. "I've traveled quite a bit when I was a starship mechanic, but I've never heard of Mother Touloo or this whole religion."
"Many thanks for your hospitality and this most gracious gift. Here, a symbol of our friendship in return."
Helios-4 reaches for his pocket and grabs a patch depicting the symbol of the Starfinder Society, and hands it to Brother Koseemo.
He turns to the group and asks: "I think it's time for us to leave. How 'bout we take her offer to go to her city? Seems the next logical step." The android reaches once again for his pocket, but this time he produces a small packet of bubblegum, unwraps one and chews pensively.
|
|
Alejandro speaks, "We greatly appreciate the hospitality and information, thank you all so much for sharing your culture and resources. The dance was fun too!"
He turns to his allies he switches back to common, "I think we should stay the night though, if there are dangerous predators out there we should wait till daylight and head out."
"I can't speak to the rest of space," Sister Alomir explains, "you are the first I have met from beyond our world, but I know that Mother Touloo's guidance came at a time of need. Maybe she saw our people's plight and took charge of it. Even so I'll pray to allow her blessings for you and yours in case she can ever provide aid for your world."
Koseemo thanks Helios dearly for the gift promising to treasure it as sign of their bonds.
The party is given a space within one of the caverns to rest and recover for the night while many are willing to speak with the party and put Klarima's magic to use.
A few make space for Kis and Rae'Van to work on their drones within ghibrani workshop. It is a rather simple affair with limited tools, but enough to fix and repair basic electronics and forge new plating for the drones following the fight with the sand beast. They offer their own sound suggestions for minor hull modifications to the casing along with repairs to better protect the drones against the desert sands for the upcoming hours of travel the party is faced with through the desert.
Many want to speak to both Alejandro about the particular powerful gun shot he delivered. Dystane spoke about it grand terms to the other describing a deadly blow that nearly took down the creature in a single shot. Others approach Helios after hearing from her that some of his magic might have allowed for that shot.
Eventually the magical spell wears off within a few hours as night falls and the party is left needing to rely on the translation computer to communicate. Most get a chance to say what they wish before then. The community prays to their divinity with the fall of night, wishing well for their home, hunting parties, and now the party.
-
Night passes uneventfully as dawn breaks on the wastes. The husk ghibrani are up early to perform morning prayers and perform other preparations for the work they have for that day. Dystane provides the party some hide cloaks with the symbol of Mother Touloo, a sun on the horizon, burned into the collar. The wayfinder drone attempts a translation with difficulty.
"TAKE THESE, DIVINE LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY."
With a wave they wish you all well as the party and Klarima begin heading toward the force field protected city.
|
|
Rae’Van agrees on both Helios-4 idea to leave for the domed city, and Alejandro’s one to pass the night at Husks’ caverns.
When receiving the gifts from the Husks’ elders, he tries to show his highest respect and gratitude for the honour and for the hospitality, and also his joy and pride to have forged a bond of friendship with brothers of a distant star.
Extra-gratitude for the help in repairing the valiant Diggz and Hubris
”Helios-4, your idea to give them a Starfinders’ symbol was really good: now they will recognize as friends the next of our company when they will visit Elytrio!”
Klarima spends most of the journey through the badlands speaking through the translator. She explains that she intends to save the magic when the party is closer. Her dialogue is simple most of the journey, identifying the bits of flora and fauna the party come across.
As the the party approaches the edge of the force field she casts her magic again, giving knowledge of her language to all she can. Unless directed otherwise she casts share language on everyone but Rae'Van again.
"I'm hopeful do all I can to aid in your study of our world. Considering that I will see if I can organize a meeting with the Most Elevated. I have little sway with them, but I'm certain once they hear of your arrival that they have must have some interest in engaging with you. If not we can discuss what you wish to do." She talks as she withdraws a clunky and ancient-looking datapad from her pack while standing before the edge of the force field. With a few key strokes she stares at the force field expectantly.
A few long moments pass as nothing happens. She fidgets and grumbles a bit under her breath asking, "oh, please don't act up now." She repeats the same sequence of buttons again and suddenly a circular portion of the force field opens like a door.
Klarima takes a step through and appraises for a instant before inviting you all through. "If I may, welcome to the city of Arkeost."
Once the party have passed through she closes the field with another button press upon her pad.
This strange metropolis sparkles like a jewel in the gloom of dusk. In stark contrast to the desolation surrounding it, the city is a bustling center of activity, with dozens of winged insectoid aliens going about their business, flitting from one high doorway to another.
The streets below seem almost like an afterthought, used only occasionally by small automated machines. Several overgrown flower beds and shaggy trees
fill the spaces between the roads and hug the sides of the tall buildings.
Though the structures still look sturdy, obvious patches of rust and other disrepair indicate that they haven’t been very well taken care of.
Most of the ghibrani stop and stare at the party as you walk with Klarima. They stand back a bit reserved and do not approach the party flying a good distance from you.
Shortly into the city a contingent of ghibrani wearing formal armor and carrying taclash like weapons flutter down and confront the group.
Klarima steps forward immediately to begin speaking to the guards, "Oh! Please allow me a moment. These travelers are my guests and have traveled far to come here."
This calms the guards enough and they begin discussing with the guards. After a few messages sent on their comms Klarima returns to the party triumphant. "Good news! You are going to be allowed to speak with the Most Elevated! I was hopeful but still worried they would turn the request down. I'm overjoyed this was easy as it was. It can take weeks to organize a meeting with them."
You now move through the streets with your honor guard heading towards the tallest building within the city. Above and around you see various membrane ghibrani moving from the city streets to the heights. Within an open building you see a ghibrani fluttering about as they work at sculpting stone with a small powered tool. From atop one of the buildings you hear a small band playing a soothing tune with a set of stringed intruments.
Every once in a while you catch sight of an automated drone scuttling through the city, performing some form of maintenance on lighting, power, or other systems.
While the guard keep a more reserved demeanour, Klarima is overjoyed to be able to share bits of the city as she direct your attention to various eateries, galleries, and smaller shops.
Once you reach the central building all of the guards flit their wings and fly toward an opening in the structure about 40 feet off the ground. Klarima starts toward them before stopping to look back to the party in embarrassment. "Apologies, I had nearly forgotten." She thinks for a moment and activates her console and summons a set of five table sized hover drones which quickly lower to the ground. "These are used for cargo, but they should serve the need now. Just avoid the edges."
|
|
Rae’Van, taking advantage of being the only one that didn’t receive the translator spell, whispers to his companions
”Although the Membrane subspecies appear technologically more advanced than the Husks, I’m afraid there’s a bit of façade in that: it looks like they aren’t actually in control of the city’s machinery, but instead simply using them in a ritualistic, habit-like way.
And I also have the feeling that this tech level could make them a little overly proud and elitist... We’d better be careful not to offend them, I’m afraid they’ll be a harder stuff to deal with, compared to the Husks...”
|
|
Alejandro whispers to his allies as they slip into the energy shield, "Any of you catch a copy of that code in case we need to beat a hasty retreat? Tis always good to have our options open."
_________________________________________________________________
Once inside, he follows along and nods in agreement to Rae'Van's whisper, "They need help though, the systems appear to be breaking down." Eying the guards as they approach, his hand staying away from his own weapon with a significant force of will.
_________________________________________________________________
Once that is resolved, he hops on top the cargo loader and asks their host lady, "How do you work this thing? I'm not super skilled but I learn things quickly."
|
|
As they enter the dome, Kis whispers back to Alejandro, "I's didn't catch da code. But, if needs, I's sure we can hack dat pad." She eyes the guards that approach with caution, trying to get a feel for them.
However, her attention is pulled to the whir of activity in and around the city. She gets no impression from the guards as she watches the high-flying aliens and skittering drones.
As Kis climbs aboard the disk offered by Klarima, she turns a few rings on her rig and Diggz proceeds to start climbing the building. She says to Klarima, "I hopes yous don't mind Diggz making his own way. Do yous thinks we's could talk to someone abouts the machines that run da forece field. Dat could be very helpful for da Starfinders."
As Alejandro steps onto the platform the hoverjets give out for just a moment. Enough the machine to drop and inch as Klarima checks the feed from her datapad. She gives an apology before answering his question, "It is rather simple system. I could show you later, probably with crates and not your companions."
"It is no problem at all Kis. It is probably much better Diggz find his own way. I am not too familiar with the force field generators myself. They have been in place long before I was born and they were what the city survive the war. I would be happy to take you that way to examine them yourselves later if allowed."
Without any additional trouble from the drones the party are slowly brought toward the entryway. The guards continue to lead and guide the Starfinders to a large central chamber with vaulted ceilings. A large table resides on one end of the room and behind it sit five membrane ghibrani dressed in elaborate robes. They stand upon your entry and bow to the party. The central figure among them states, "Welcome honored guests. We understand you have journeyed far to reach our home. Please come and sit so we might share in our knowledge."
Klarima steps forward to announce and name the party as well as introducing the Most Elevated council to the group. As the party is allowed to approach and take seats she adds, "If you wish, there are others among the council who should be able to bestow the blessings of our language to Rae'Van if you wish."
The council is quite curious about the party asking questions of the group as much as the party might ask their own questions.
The topic of the cargo drones comes up as one of the Most Elevated explains, "The cargo drones? Once systems are community owned and anyone who wishes may be trained for to use them. I'm certain we could allocate time to allow you to practice with them if you wish."
Another raises their hand and gently gestures toward Diggz and Hubris.
"How do your own drones operate independently? Ours are largely guided via the central mainframe when we do not exercise direct control."
Klarima brings up your interest in the force field technology and another of the council picks up on that by asking, "What would you wish to know about it? We rather avoid meddling in such critical systems, it is the only system that protects against the creatures and hostile environment of the area around us. We may allow you to a moderate level of access to see their workings in the interest of learning from one another."
Another carefully speaks, "Apologies if this is uncouth, but I must ask about your species. You two seem similar," he gestures toward Rae'Van and Alejandro before directing toward Helios-4, "and your form is similar, but has distinct differences. Are you of the same kind?" Looking toward Kis he adds, "And, if I'm not too forward, seem to be of a different species. Were you all born of same world?"
While you offer your answers to questions that interest you and ask a few more of your own a gentle tone rings throughout the room.
Klarima perks up as the exhaustion from the journey seems to fade form her back. "Dinner! she explains to the party. "It feels like ages since I've had a proper meal."
One of the council confirms, "We would be poor representatives to you and your guests if we set aside your meal." The guards move to place additional seats at the table as a handful of smaller hovering drones enter from hidden hatches in the walls. The drones place ceramic plates and spoon-like utensils before each person. The utensil is a flat piece of metal with a slight indent on one end. Inside the plate is a thick, light tan liquid in which floats irregular chunks of protein. Radiating from it is a smoky, cheesy odor. The ghibrani go to their meals while Klarima continues to explain, "This is kahlgee, a traditional dinner that has been passed to us from the ancestors."
To say the least, the kahglee does not seem appetizing and bringing it closer does not affect that opinion.
|
|
Rae'Van accepts the spell with pleasure.
Having now the chance to speak directly, and being a famous bizarre food conoisseur, Rae'Van eagerly tastes a spoonfull of the gelatinous "delicacy"...
Faking appreciation, he dissimulates his disgusted grimace, bursting into a long tirade about the incredible variety of tastes that sentient species appreciate throughout the universe, and about the ever new tastes that the profession of explorer gives you the honor of knowing...
"You were asking about how different the members of our team look, and I can tell you that this difference is our real strenght: we all hail from a league of worlds, inhabited by creatures of different species, philosophies and creeds; but all these people have put aside their differences to unite and prosper.
Our team is an example of how our league acts: we have been sent here to your world to discover if it is inhabited by people that can become our future friends.
And for what we have had the pleasure to see for now, this long voyage hasn't been done in vain: thanks for your welcom, new friends!"