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As Kis is given the strange food, she first shrugs her shoulders and tries a taste. While it is not the worst thing she has tasted, it does not rank among the best. She continues to eat the gruel, to be polite, but pushes the "food" into her cheek pouches so that she doesn't have to swallow it.
After Rae'Van talks about the Pact Worlds, Kis adds, "I's echo his enthusiasm for dis visit. As he mentioned, we's all from different worlds in our system. Each of des worlds are full of manys different peoples and theys are all run independently. I's from a belt of planet fragments called da Diaspora. And I's don't want yous to worry about my desire to learn about the force field machines. As yous pointed out, I has my own drone, named Diggz, here. I's likes to tinker. Learning abouts your machines just gives mes more ideas and can helps our own system...back home."
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Helios-4 gives an impressed look to the force field surrounding the city. He steps into the city and watches as the hole they went in closes.
"Pretty neat. I should get one of those, protect my apartments from unwanted visitor." With a sly grin, he follows the Ghibrani and listens closely to her explanations.
"We're not exactly of the same kind, you've guessed well. My kind is called the Androids; we were originally created by humans - such as Rae'Van and Alejandro, as you've pointed out - as servants. But it's been a long time since we won our freedom. As you can probably see, we are partially mechanical, unlike my companions." He holds out his hand and flexes his fingers, showing the hinges under his pale skin.
When the meal is served, Helios carefully approaches of chunk of protein, and, surprised by the rather foul smell of it, tries to supress a grimace.
What in hell is this!? Passed from the ancestors, more like they cooked up an ancestor!
Still, he tries to eat the food as politely as possible with an awkward smile, but his discomfort is plain to see. He takes the first opportunity to chime into the discussion to take a break from eating:
"Yeah, it's definitely a pleasure to be here. As for me, I come from a sh*t-hole named..." He stutters for a moment. "Uhh, I mean a planet named Akiton. Left it as soon as I could." An angry frown appears on the Android's face. "Became a pilot so I could visit places, just like your planet. I soon ended up on a station - a huge building floating in space, if you will - named Absalom Station" He points to his comrades with the utensil, still dripping with broth. "That's where we all met before coming here."
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Alejandro watches with a smile as his allies do their best to be courteous and answer the questions with flair, It's nice to be with a group that seems to be capable in battle and... not-battle. I may have to go on more missions with my fellow wayfinders more often!
He takes a sip of the soup to give it a try and then pushes it forwards, "Thank you for the taste, but the one thing I have learned in my older age is that some things are for some people and other things are for other people and there is nothing wrong with not liking something. However, we do greatly appreciate the hospitality! I was concerned when we first landed and were immediately attacked by a local creature that this world would be very inhospitable. But after that we were welcomed by a local tribe and then have been welcomed by you all."
He looks around at their hosts, "So what is life like here? Is there anything we can do for you all to make things better?"
Despite the ghibrani enjoying it the food is difficult for everyone else to even choke it down. Rae'van is able to slowly work through meal, covering for himself subtly as some parts of the protein prove more difficult than others.
Even with the explanation there is a bit of a pained response to Alejandro's refusal as they nod in understanding. Klarima carries a bit of the same look but does offer, ”With every item so precious, we do avoid given any item we can't part with. This is a gift and, in our culture, one should always accept a gift.”
One of the council members nods as they hear of the Helios' race and travels, ”I wouldn't have imagined a person like yourself could have been manufactured. The ancestors have left us this technology that survived the war and among them are the drones that maintain the city. If we found they were intelligent I know a great number of our people would revile the thought of treating them as we have. In any case we and we are more than pleased for you to name ours as the latest in the worlds you have visited.”
”If all your worlds were like the way you present yourselves I'm certain we would wish to continue our friendship with your coalition of societies. I suspect you have offered the same to the husks based on some of the items you carry. I'm glad to see that; while our beliefs are different, we are of the same world. It seems appropriate for both our peoples to share this relationship with the other worlds of the universe.”
”We would be proud to call you our allies and share our knowledge and culture with yourselves. As my compatriot mentioned, most of the maintenance is done through drones given the size and breadth of the city. As such we have avoided interfering with their services as it has tended to cause more problems whenever we have done so. I would be curious about your own entry into the system. I was curious if you saw any relics of our world's exploration of the stars as you approached our planet. We have few records of any such missions that survived the war.”
One of the council ponders Alejandro's offer of aid more and as he begins to answer the lights in the room go out. It is a few long moments before they power back on with a snap. The ghibrani don't seem worried about the power fluctuation even as it distracted the flow of the conversation. Seeing your reaction the council member offers, ”Apologies. The Mainframe acts up occasionally, but it always self-corrects after a few seconds.”
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Luckily, as Kis spoons in the food, she is able to keep it in her cheeks and keep the ghibrani from seeing it. Once the lights come back on Kis interjects, "Hows long has dis been happening...wid da lights? Helios, Rae'Van and I's can check out da mainframe...if you wants. Also, we's did come upon a weapons platform dat kept us from entering yous airspace whens we did arrive." The "soup" barely slurps as she talks.
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"We did cross a ship defending the planet. Bugger wanted to blow us up." After a few seconds, Helios adds: "I'd guess it's the same kind of technology as the drones you have for maintenance. Did you even know a ship was surveying your world?"
When the subject of the power outage is brought up, the Android nods at Kis' words: "Problems with the Mainframe, you say? That might be up our alley indeed, we do have some skilled engineers." he says, nudging a shoulder towards the mechanics. "And I also may be able to help. If you want us to take a look at it, that is."
"Well our apologies for any troubles it produced for yourselves. It is very likely that it was our ancestors that put that in place. Before the war the ancestors used to venerate a great god of battle and conquest. That has sense changed with the city providing for us, but they likely thought no group would have come in peace. As far as other ships, we have nothing in place to allow the monitoring of our skies, we wouldn't have noticed any approach to our world."
Alejandro heads off the their disappointment well and continues the flow of the discussion while they forgot about the issue of his meal and none even notice anything strange with how Kis is eating. Even Helios is able to get through the meal without any disturbance to the meal.
It is clear that your tact and cultural savvy have impressed them, but even so one immediately waves off the idea of the party going to fix the Mainframe. "The Mainframe lies within the heart of the city, a construction from the ancestors that provides the power to all within our city and houses the drones that cater to our needs. As much as we appreciate your offer, it is taboo for us to enter the area of the city where it is housed. These minor issues have been persistent for my entire life starting some time before then. I'm certain that there is nothing wrong."
As they say this, the dinner chime rings once more and the drones once again reveal themselves from their alcoves. Each of them carry more plates of kahlgee and another set of utensils. One of these plates is placed before Alejandro and the others are are unceremoniously placed on all of the other dirty places resulting in a spray of remaining kahlgee across the table.
The guards try to remain stoic in the face of this while the council continues to smile awkwardly and try to change the subject while making no attempt to continue eating. One asks about the weather outside the force field while another asks if the party has seen any of the local entertainment.
With another thought another of them interjects with a suggestion, "While it has long been taboo for the ghibrani to enter that portion of the city, the traditions say nothing of non-ghibrani entering the area."
There is some vigorous debate that ensues before the council, some more warily, agree that the party wouldn't be subject to the same rules the ancestors have demanded of themselves.
"If you wished to view our systems and technology Kis, you would be more than welcome to explore the Mainframe yourselves."
They have a bit of wariness as they made side glances at one another as each ponders an answer to the question. One finally states, "We act in the shadow of the ancestors, they set many rules and systems such that we prosper today. We wouldn't dare ask you, our guests especially, to change what they have set. However, if during your inspection you find damage that outside the ancestor's design, you may attempt to repair it with our blessings and thanks.
We trust your judgement in this matter travelers."
"In addition, we would like to present you gift to reinforce the bond between our worlds and the communication we have opened here today." One of the guards is called up on to retrieve a small box and then deliver it to the party, within is a dark blue metal crown embossed with silver thread. "This give will allow telepathic communication to those nearby. It would not replace the need for magic for us to understand one another, but let is symbolize the start of this friendship between our cultures."
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"We deeply thank you all for this honour, and we promise that this precious object will be used only for the most noble deeds.
We will be ready for when you will think it will be the best time to let us visit the Mainframe, to see if we can help you solve the proble, and thus further cement our bond with your society, and with the traditions of your Ancients."
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Alejandro bows as the meal ends and the group takes their leave, "We shall make a full report upon our return. Anything we can do to help our new friends will be done. Thank you for your gift, it may help us communicate with anything we find down there." He slips the crown onto his head and tests it out, aiming a thought at the Android.
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Helios makes a surprised face upon receiving the message.
"Yep. Works perfectly."
He then puts a finger on his temple and looks to Alejandro.
The Android clears his throat, gets up and reaches for his pocket once again.
"Many thanks for your hospitality. Here, please accept this small token of our gratitude. It is the symbol of our group, the Starfinder Society, an association of explorers just like us " Helios-4 hands the patch to a Ghibrani.
The council stands and gives a long bow after one of their number takes the patch, "We accept your gift and will make sure all know of your group so that they know you as friend."
After a bit more ceremony the party are able to leave the building with the aid and guidance of Klarima who has a jubilant pep to her fluttering following the meeting. "That went perfectly. Even Maklar took your words to heart. And they even agreed for you to explore the Mainframe! I have always wondered what lay there. Still, the ancestors put the rules in place for a reason and I wouldn't dare break them."
"Bend them maybe at times." She does a quick check on her datapad glancing at some stream of information. "I'm not certain on how much time you plan to spend here, but took a moment during the meal to direct a few drones convert a few ground-level warehouses into an area you might sleep tonight if you wish to stay. I'll show you to them, they are on the way."
After passing by those converted warehouses Klarima leads the party toward the opposite side of Arkeost that the party entered. The ghibrani population is noticeably absent as the number of drones increases dramatically. Each moving about on some designated task, but none pay the party any mind though. Eventually Klarima slows and stops wary of heading further as she stands within site of a structure with a large doorway.
"You mentioned an automated ship attacked you when you came to our planet. I can imagine that there are things within there that might just react the same way. With that in my mind, I feel I offer you me weapon, so that it might aid you against any system that doesn't know you as friend."
She offers her sidearm to the party and her blessings to the party before they go deeper into the area.
**
Into that structure a ramp decends into an open garage-like space where you find thousands of stored drones. Some sections are dead silent as many are powered down while there are stretches of frantic activity as drones are being repaired by other drones.
Along the way you spot several signs in Ghibrani that read "Taboo Area," "Keep Out," and other warnings with grave images to emphasize the point.
Eventually you reach a hallway that branches off the garages into a rectangular room of white plastic, a start contrast to the smoky, grease-stained garages that led up to this place. Fans whir quietly overhead. Track lighting along the floor illuminates much of the chamber. Several white coveralls hang on the wall behind a bench to the north. A door leads east.
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"Whoa."
Helios-4 spins around, analysing the room slowly.
"Neato." He pops a bubblegum from a small packet and begins to chew pensively. He points to the northern wall. "What do they say, 'in Elytrio, do as the Ghibrani do'?" He grins, then adds: "Maybe it would be wise to put on those overralls. Could be they protect against some kind of environmental hazard."
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"Yous and me, Helios, we's cut from the same stuff. I's was thinkin o puttin on dos clothes, too. And if none o yous wants her piece, I's'll hold on ta it." Kis and Diggz make their way to the coveralls. Kis unabashedly starts donning a smaller set while the others talk. Despite the small size, it almost looks comically large on the Ysoki, "How's I look?" she asks of the collected group.
Pulling them off the wall it is clear that the coveralls are meant for ghibrani anatomy. Still they appear to be quite flexible as it looks as though they would stretch over Helios armor. It is quite large on Kis, but with a bit of effort doesn't interfere with her movement in the slightest.
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"Let's try to interfere as little as possible with the activities of the drones. Sooner or later they will notice us as intruder, but we'd better act to make that moment happen as late as possibe.
Captain, in case of engagement, shall we hit to destroy or should we simply try to disable the targets?
Kis, Helios-4, do you have any means to hit the robots without 'killing' them?"
While Kis and Helios confirm the protective overalls, a quick check of the eastern door confirms that it is locked.
The sounds of stifled whir of fans and the hum of power generators is still audible through the barrier.
While Rae'Van doesn't detect any surveillance within the room he does find a shock emitter the door that would likely discharge a significant amount of electricity. It appears to be controlled by a wireless key card reader.
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Alejandro slips on a pair of overalls, "Yeah, good call. These clothes might let us slip through unbothered, or protect us from dangers or maybe protect the place in there from us. All good reasons to wear them."
He looks over the next door and lock, "I could try to help with that, but my knowledge of circuits and computers is a bit below you all... considering you can build robots and all."
Wary of both portions of the defense, the party successefully overrides both systems before unlocking the door into the next room. Within are four pillars, each covered in glowing circuitry, breaking up the floor of this chamber. Though slightly out of date by modern Pact Worlds standards, the four power generators in between the pillars nevertheless hum with energy.
The room is illuminated by the track lighting from below while another exit lies to the east.
As you take a first wary steps into the room a pair of robotic sentries appear from closets in the northern corners. They are both shaped like ghibrani with glowing red eyes.
From their voice boxes comes a mechanical demand in Ghibran. "UNAUTHORIZED PERSONAL DETECTED! LEAVE THIS AREA IMMEDIATELY OR BE SUBJECT TO INCINERATION!"
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Alejandro points at the first one, "Take 'em down! We gotta get by and the city folk are relying on us figuring out their problems. Plus, these guys can probably be fixed later, they seem similar to Pact World robots... except for the vulnerability to lethal electricity." He pulls out his pistol to indicate his intent to destroy them.
As you move into the room they fully leave their closets full of arms and weapons as their eyes glow red with energy. They declare with no hesitation, "INCINERATE INTRUDERS! INCINERATE INTRUDERS!"
Alejandro can tell that each has an weapon akin to an azimath laser pistol forming an eye laser. From the sweeping motions of their head it seems as though they likely would be able to provide strafing fire to provide harrying fire against two enemies who are adjacent to one another if allowed. Their slam is likely to be more damaging their their azimuth style laser, but less accurate.
Helios-4
Rae’Van
Robot Black
Robot Yellow
Kis
Alejandro Carlos
The blasts from both Rae'Van and Hubris hammer into the robot as it gives an halting error messages before both process their next action. "SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE INCURRED! ACTIVATING DEFENSIVE ROUTINE AND RETURNING FIRE!"
The both move across the floor to take cover behind the generators as they return fire. One launches a bolt of fire from the eyes toward Diggz. Even with the cover from the generator it manages to wing the drone and deal minor damage to the hull.
From the other generator the other fires concentrated beam of energy as it runs it across Kis and and Rae'Van. It doesn't connect with either of them but avoiding the blast of energy that will make them easier for the partner to hit.
Robot Black (6 damage)
Robot Yellow
Kis (Diggz: 7/10 HP)
Alejandro Carlos
Helios-4
Rae’Van
The shot from Alejandro's pistol flies past the robotic shell and is the only reason the machine barely continues to operate as Rae'Van's and Kis's shots land on the frame of the construct. It jitters and seizes as the delicate mechanisms are barely able to keep it standing while reciting a constant stream of error codes The attack from Hubris nearly finishes it off but is just off the mark.
Robot Black (19 damage)
Robot Yellow
Kis (Diggz: 7/10 HP)
Alejandro Carlos
Helios-4
Rae’Van
Seeing the construct readying another laser blast, Helios-4 preempts it with one of his down. With another scorched hole in the frame the robot collapses to the ground.
The other machine lurches forward, in an obvious state of disrepair as several servos stutter as it shifts toward Alejandro firing a laser blast into him as it spews requests for maintenance.
Robot Black (25 damage)
Robot Yellow
Kis (Diggz: 7/10 HP)
Alejandro Carlos (8/12 SP)
Helios-4
Rae’Van
Helios closes the distance to the remaining robot as he takes cover behind one of the generators.
The robot itself rapidly evaluates each of the approaching threats coming from all directions. "THREAT EVALUATION. PROCESSING." Shots fly past it but another shot from Rae'Van's arc pistol connects, burning a number of critical circuits. The ghibrani robot turns full attention to the rider. "PRIMARY THREAT DETERMINED."
It moves forward, losing some cover as it gets a clear shot against Rae'Van. The blast barely is able able to connect with his armor.
Robot Yellow (6 damage)
Kis (Diggz: 7/10 HP)
Alejandro Carlos (8/12 SP)
Helios-4
Rae’Van (1/6 SP)