Much of the shots go wide as the robot lurches forth with a determination in it's glowing eyes. Still both Kis and Diggz are able to score shots from opposite angles. The structure of the machine is beginning to break down under the stresses the party are placing onto the frame.
Robot Yellow (11 damage)
Kis (Diggz: 7/10 HP)
Alejandro Carlos (8/12 SP)
Helios-4
Rae’Van (1/6 SP)
As Rae'Van is recovers though the minor pain the robot systems falter again as the plating rattles and leaves one clanking to the floor. It begins firing a more rapid stream of lasers as it continues fighting. One manages to connect against Alejandro.
Robot Yellow (11 damage)
Kis (Diggz: 7/10 HP)
Alejandro Carlos (5/12 SP)
Helios-4
Rae’Van (6/6 SP)
Unfortunately for your immediate repair efforts most of the shots spray past the robot. One laser blast from Hubris manages to connect, but isn't enough to bring down the robot.
It fires back with relentless fire at the targets in the open while declaring, "NOT AUTHORIZED PERSONAL! NO PERSONAL AUTHORIZED TO ENTER MAINFRAME!"
Robot Yellow (15 damage)
Kis (3/6 SP; Diggz: 7/10 HP)
Alejandro Carlos (5/12 SP)
Helios-4
Rae’Van
With a bit more laser fire another shot from Alejandro takes down the robot leaving the party alone among the generators within the ancient city.
A quick search of the room reveals the door to the door to the east is unlocked, a set of ghibran gear within the closet, and a flashing console on the northern generator.
The console flashes read and gives a read out of a malfunction in Ghibran. It identifies a malfunction in one of the generator's coils. The engineers within the party can confirm this would have likely caused the outages within the city. Repairing it would be relatively easy and, with skill, could be done within half an hour.
The equipment in the closet appears to be a soldiers equipment. Something similar to a flame doshko, a set of stationwear armor and a pair of shock grenades.
With a quick look from the party the door doesn't appear to have any defenses installed on it.
Kis goes to work on the generator and gets a sense of the solid construction of the systems. Based upon the machining and wear and tear it looks like these devices date back to before the Gap three hundred years ago. Aside from any major failures the system might be good to run for another century without any required maintenance.
The robots are a bit worse off shape than the generator following the battle. It would take a lot more effort and replacement parts to get them functioning again, but something that likely will be within the ability and materials of the automated systems.
Carefully opening the door into the next chamber you feel the temperature of this narrow room is a few degrees warmer than the previous chambers.
Racks of computers line the walls, with tiny lights blinking and hard drives audibly whirring. A single terminal stands opposite the only door to the west, an input prompt flashing serenely.
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Before jumping on the computer, Kis carefully looks around the room, the recent attack from the robots fresh on her mind. She guides Diggz to do the same.
Seeming confident the room is safe, Kis hops in front of the console, cracks her knuckles and says, "Let's see whats we has here. Thanks for da assist, Helios."
The room appears to be safe, for the moment, from any automated defenses.
Getting access to the file system of the computer you find a great wealth of information including planetary photos of Elytrio shortly after the Gap. The lands have a great number of flora and other created structures that existed prior to the desolation of the world.
Within another directory there is a wealth of information on the design and development of the orbital defense system you fought. There are many pages of schematics covering the breadth of the station's systems.
More searching reveals a historical accounting of the world following the Gap just over 300 years ago. There were a number of independent states throughout the world that were shaped by a strong faith in Damoritosh . Religious servants took key advisory positions following the great loss of memory through their society to help guide and give direction to the people and their leaders. Within a few decades tensions exploded with an devastating nuclear war wiped out most of the population of the planet. While radiation still wracked the city and killed many within the city, the force field allowed a significant population to survive the immediate aftermath.
Following that is a detailed accounting of remaining resources of the city. Multiple reports coming to the same conclusion that the city did not have enough resources to maintain all of the survivors. The records do not continue from that point.
The latest files on the system are several vidclips. Opening one reveals an exhausted ghibrani that doesn't look like either of the groups you have met. Based on the structure it is a progenitor to both species. ”I am Kamoni of the Most Elevated and this is my confession. If all goes according to plan I'll be long dead before anyone sees this, if anyone ever does at all. After reviewing the resources within the city, and several weeks of debate, the council has concluded there is no way to the city to handle how many are still left alive and that most of the populous needs to be driven from the city.”
”They... We are doing this by playing to their faith. We have been orcastrated several disasters throughout the city and we laid the blame for them as yet more divine punishment from Damoritosh. Afterwards we gave them a new deity, one we created whole cloth offering them salvation if they left the city, gave up all the comforts it offered for the wasteland out there. By all accounts it appears to be working. Many have already left the city, guided by other so called prophets. Soon I'll join them as well as a prophet of this 'Mother Touloo' we have created.”
”This is no apology. It would be nothing but a lie given I plan to go out there tomorrow to convince more people to join me out there to find some living within the wastes. I do this for my family, who will get to live in the city in safety while not knowing the sins I have committed. My pride is a small price to pay for that.” After another moment he closes the vid.
Other vidclips show others with similar statements with different temperaments. Their information matches though in their creation of the fictional diety “Mother Touloo” to serve as a rallying call to get the bulk of the survivors to leave the city as well a pact to keep this entire plan secret that would be never be retold.
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Helios-4 gapes at the screen in utter disbelief for a very long moment. The circuits on his face begin glowing with a soft red hue. He closes his fist and shakes his head angrily, before violently kicking the console.
"Son of a b*@!$." He begins in a hoarse voice. "The Husks... They don't even know a damn thing! How could the Membrane hide this to them!"
"We saw how poor and strapped for food the Husks were! They were so full of faith in Mother Touloo... Lied to, and exiled, so the higher placed could survive." He paces around angrily. "This is disgusting." The Android looks beside himself with anger.
"Every living creature deserves the truth, no matter how hard it is, and the chance to make its own choices!"
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Alejandro watches and his anger is riled as well, until the end. He simply sighs, "Well now, people do some horrible things in situations like this. That... was not a horrible thing. It wasn't like they started a lottery and the winners were chopped up for food or anything."
He continues, "And yeah, sure it wasn't right, but the alternative being death of their species? If they just told the truth back then, it would have just been complete chaos as everyone started fighting for the remaining resources. It's a bit of a tough call whether we tell them all now, but I don't condemn the actions taken back then. I'd probably go ahead and support telling them all now the truth though."
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Kis listens to her friends announce their disapproval and off-handly says, "If yas ask me, I's don't think its that big o a deal. Sure da Husks are in da wastelands now, but dey don't mind it none. Dey all seemed ta be enjoying it ta me. Now, I's no diplomat or nothin, but I's say we let da Starfinder Society make da decision to tell da Ghibranis or not. Dats just me 2 creds worth." She continues to work through the various files on the terminal and saving many of them to her rig. Might as well, right?
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The Android shakes his head sadly. "It's not a matter of life in the wastelands being so terrible. It's the fact that the Ghibrani were lied to."
The Android continues to pace around, reflecting. The group's words seem to have calmed him a bit, and he now looks more pensive than plain angry. "I don't claim to have a better bloody solution than they did back then. Sure, they had to do something about the crisis, and they did. It's just... All those years, living in a lie, in an empty faith... I can't support anyone who betrays his own species so, no matter the reason."
He takes a deep breath. "Reality often is very harsh, but it's in those hardships that we grow, and we can't simply wave aside the truth just because it's easier to do so. We can't let the Husks live in that lie any longer, if you ask me."
Looking through the remaining logs it is apparent the plan these ancient leaders had set into place involved the secret dying with themselves. In any case with the data in hand and the systems operational there is little left for the Starfinders to accomplish within the Mainframe. They are able to return back to their sleeping arrangements for the night and able to start preparing for the return trip to Absalon Station by the next day.
The question still lingers what to do with the information.
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”We should either tell both of them, or tell to none of the two.
Maybe it would be better to keep the secret: I am afraid that telling someone, especially the Husks, could cause real unease, and possibly war. The Membranes of today nor the Husks deserve such a horrible thing, especially not right now that we have the power to help them to build peace...”
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Helios reflects a moment on the Ysoki's words.
"Maybe we could offer some help? We have engineers back on Absalom Station who have developed incredible technologies for growing food, greenhouses and such." He shrugs "I dunno, if resources are the heart of it... Maybe some of our knowledge could be the first step in solving that."
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Alejandro adds, ”Both their ancestors were the ones that hatched the lie and none shirked the duties required of it. None today were part of the lie and all those that knew of it are long dead. I doubt it will even be seen as a betrayal. Have not both societies flourished in such a depleted world because of the deception? Now there is a future for all on this planet and both societies have much to learn from the other. I say we share what we have learned and continue to offer the assistance of the Society.”
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”Totally agree, Captain.
Helios-4 idea to offer the Society’s mediation is fundamental: we shall make clear that we will give our help in the process of pacification between the two Ghibrani species, to help settle things in the most peaceful and profitable way.
We must help both tribe to understand that the wrongs done by their ancestors were in good faith, and that now nobody is responsible anymore: the only way now is peace”
Klarima joins you once again aiding in setting up a quick meeting with the Most Elevated. Their first response is one of thanks for the repairs the party has done within the Mainframe as the city already feels more stable. When you tell them of what you found within the databanks they are all taken aback; surprised by what they ancestors did. Klarima herself if aghast and almost speaks out of turn offering, "We need to- I mean, how should we proceed Most Elevated."
There is much debate and discussion and are open to the idea of the Society to provide relief to the Husks. Throughout an hour of discussion and debate they come to a unanimous conclusion. "We agree that we have no desire to disrupt the peaceful world we have right now. The way that we live right now is stable and we are confident that the husks would feel the same way. As such we see no need to cause more of a disruption by trying to change that. We will continue to respect the taboo our ancestors set on entering the Mainframe for the moment."
While they take your input with stride, their immediate reaction is to avoid as much immediate change for the moment for the sake of both of their societies.
The party is allowed to continue to explore the the populated sections of the city, but following the meeting Klarima is far less enthusiastic about taking the party to the local stores and is more morose and contemplative. She is willing to escort the party to the city border when they are ready. Once the force field is open, she offers her thanks to the party.
"On behalf of my people, I thank you for all you have done to help us and I look forward to future meetings with you." She pauses another moment before looking to the wasteland adding, "You have given me much to think about."
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Alejandro nods along in agreement as the city leaders discuss an appropriate response, these people seem level headed, there may be a strong future for this world.
He doesn't disagree at all with their end conclusions.
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At the edge of the city he gives a half bow, "You are welcome. Let us hope the Husk clan is just as reasonable. Hopefully we will see you all again."
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Helios is relieved when he hears the discussions of the Most Elevated. He leans to the team and speaks in a low voice, so as to not disturb the council:
"Seem pretty reasonable to me. I think we did well to tell them."
The Android follows Alejandro in saying goodbye. "Thanks Klarima. I really do hope the Society can be of some help for all Ghibrani."
He pops out a bubblegum and raises a hand in goodbye with a grin. "See ya, now! Hit me up if you come to Absalom Station someday!"
Klarima forces a smile and nods as she watches you head away from the city toward the cliffs. The trip across the desert is thankfully uneventful. The husk ghibrani are once gain welcoming to you as you arrive.
The cheer doesn't last long as you present the evidence of their past to them. It first they find it implausible, but the evidence you have is enough to sway them.
Their hearts are clearly torn finding out that their god was not only a fictional creation, but one which was created to aid the families and friends of those that fabricated it. Sistor Alomir and Brother Koseemo are devasted to know that the faith they had been taught and had been teaching for so long was a fraud. Dystane is far more furious and starts to raise her voice before apologizing for being rude to you all.
As Dystane stomps about the cave to help drive the energy out Sister Alomir says, "We bear no resentment to you, our friends. However, this is difficult to take lightly. A day ago, if someone were in this much distress, I would use our faith in Mother Touloo to console them. I hate to act as ungrateful hosts, but I wouldn't want you to stay here and see us as we are now while we find our new way."
They do hear your offers of Society aid. They state they would be grateful, but have a hard time putting joy into it. Dystane, still livid, points out, "Why is it you are the ones offering this to us? They have made their lives off our sacrifice, why aren't they here to fix this?"
She seethes for another moment before apologizing again. "When the times got hard I always remembers that Mother Touloo would reward us for our faith and dedication. Now I find that reward is a pat on the head for allowing others a comfortable life. It is difficult to accept."
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Helios nods slowly at the Husks' predicament. "We thought you deserved the truth. We knew it would be hard, but it seemed like you had a right to it."
"And while I completely understand your anger towards the Membrane, remember: it's their ancestors who made this choice, not them. We spoke about this to the Membranes in the city, and they weren't aware either. If anything, they want to make peace with you over what happened."
"Make peace?" Dystane is aghast and calls out, "There are no stories of our people fighting theirs!"
She stomps about for another moment before adding, "No! They have had peace while we have had conflict and struggle against everything out here. Fought the battles so they would never need to! They aren't offering us peace, they are just demanding we be happy with our lives."
Frustrated and not willing to put any of that on display for you, Dystane moves from the conversation to move to the equipment rooms, taking stock of weapons along with other hunters.
Borther Koseemo still thoroughly dejected offers, "We understand your position. We are grateful you told us and we will listen to what the membranes have to say and what they offer to fix this. For now though, we must process what you have told us."
The party are asked to leave, they take any parting comments, but they are unable to speak with the party on the matter until they have a better understanding of what this means for their society.
Once the party gets back to the starship they are able to return to Absalom station within a few days. Venture-Captain Arvin meets with the party and hears their report.
He nods his head as he finds what the party discovered and what they did with the information. "I appreciate you taking action here. It is difficult to make these decisions once you are at the forefront. Not going to tell you if it was correct decision. Sometimes you can only figure that out with hindsight."
"I'll make sure their planet doesn't get lost among other research and speak with other leaders about the people and their planet. We will keep a close eye over Elytrio going forward."
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Alejandro cautions the Husk's, "Don't throw away your reverence to Mother Touloo without good reason though. Many deities have come into existence for worse reasons than a lie like this one and your belief in something greater than you all is what kept you alive. I look forward to our next meeting."
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Alejandro rubs his eyes, "Thank you, it wasn't that hard of a decision to act or not, though revealing what we found took a spirited discussion. Hopefully with the truth exposed, the hangups the shielded ones had about learning about themselves will fade and they can figure out how to use their technology to help their desert kin." He stands and stretches, ready for a warm shower and bed, "Any return missions come down the line, let me know. Thanks!"
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Rae’Van listens to Arvin’s closure, and then takes his turn:
”Our mission to Elytrio has opened interesting, yet complicated scenarios: our renowned Society has the chance to do something really big in that system. We have the opportunity to both exploit a totally new world, and also to nurture the growth of a civilization in the heart of our expanding domain.
After saluting Captain Arvin, Rae’Van then turns towards his comrades:
”My friends, it has been a honour and a pleasure to work with such skilled and brave allies. I wish that in the future I will have the luck to have my path cross yours again!”
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Helios listens to Arvin's speech chewing gum with the same posture as he did during his briefing, before the mission - albeit with a lot more interest. He nods curtly and adds:
"Glad to 've been of help. Lemme know if some other mission comes up, will ya?"
The Android nods at Rae'Van's words. "I sure hope too. It's been a real blast." He winks then exits the room, raising a hand in goodbye. "Here's to hoping we'll get our asses kicked together some other time!"