The scientists let loose a cheer as their oppressor falls. The Brass Dragons mercenaries immediately move to lower their laser rifles. The two of them look at each other and then the pink one calls out "We surrender. Our contract here's done." As they offer the surrender, the response from the Council is mixed. A few gasp and look at your team with fear. Others nod approvingly, or sigh with relief.
Combat Over!
Mari slings her rifle and rushes over to Ordyt and Bel, pulling her medkit out as she goes. After making sure her friends are in no immediate danger, she moves to check the status of the other fallen combatants, trying to see if any of them still live. While checking Trinipol for any signs of life, she calls out to Sammad. "Sam, can you see if any of the hostages are hurt?"
Moving stiffly over to the scientists, Flint starts to remove their bindings, taking three sets and going to bind Trinipol and the remaining mercenaries.
When she realizes what dire shape Trinipol is truly in, Mari scrambles to stabilize him. "Scratch that, Sammad. I need your help!"
Come on, you bastard, the world isn't done with you yet.
As he starts freeing the scientists, Flint says, ”Those of your with medical training or who know where they keep the med serums—now is the time to save some lives,” as he gestures back at his crew.
When it looks like you aren't interested in immediately fighting, the two mercenaries fully lower their guns and rush to Rej's side to check her status. From the anxious way they look at her, its clear she commanded their loyalty far more than Trinipol ever did. One of the two does his best to bandage her terrible jagged wound from Bel's junksword.
As he starts freeing the scientists, Flint says, ”Those of your with medical training or who know where they keep the med serums—now is the time to save some lives,” as he gestures back at his crew.
When he sees the mercenaries go to help their leader, Flint relents on immediately tying them up, instead continuing to free scientists and urging them to go apply first aid or med serums to all the injured and dying--friend and foe alike.
He also looks over at the group of politicians, trying to determine if the leader of the Asanatown Militia, Malonio Kam, is there.
Sammad looks to the Brass Dragons with a grim expression, lowering his pistol with visible reluctance. "I accept your surrender, but you're going to stay here. Your presence has been the biggest question in this whole affair, and we will get answers."
Seeing that Flint is handling the scientists, Sammad then moves over to Bel and Ordyt. He gasps at their burnt forms, and starts praying under his breath as he moves over to Bel's side. "Mother of Flames...guide my hands. Let me save my friend...please..."
Marisol manages to bandage up Trinipol's wounds, bringing him away from the brink of death, but leaving him unconscious in the process. Meanwhile Sammad manages to resuscitate Belmarniss.
It takes a little extra time, but Sammad manages to do the same for Ordyt. Though battered, bloody, and badly burned, the two of them are able to get back on their feet.
The scientists are tearfully thankful as Flint deactivates each of their bindings using a key fob he found on Trinipol's person. They stand, stretching cramped arms and legs. Some exchange hugs, simply relieved to have gotten through this whole ordeal alive. Others tenderly touch bruises that they must have gotten a few days ago when they were captured.
One of the scientists, an elderly half-orc with a long and shabby brown coat and a pair of pince-nez glasses, steps carefully forwards as Flint looks to be moving to the politicians next. He puts a hand on Flint's shoulder, then as Flint turns, he grabs the solarian's hand and clasps it firmly. His voice rasps as he says "Oh, thank you son. Who are you all? How did you know we were here? What about the rest of my fellows at the DCI, are they still alright?" He shakes his head. "I should never have gone to that protest."
Then, with a start, he adds "Ah, very sorry, Dr. Tenmin Varega, scholar of plasmatic resonance, at your service."
----
Among the Councilmembers, while you can't identify Malonio Kam by sight, the mention of his name results in a one of them mentioning that the ex-General had been staying away from the Horizon House in recent weeks. After the question is resolved however, the Council's individual members spark off a lively discussion about what should be done about this hostile upset of Trinipol's new order. Some of the members seem happy to have Trinipol's callous racism ended, but others bring up the continuing danger of the psychic surges. It looks like their debate will take a little while.
To Ordyt's question, Nib makes a disgusted face "Those navel gazing Collective thugs heard we're looking into finding NEW aliens within the sun, and they barge into HQ to try arresting everyone for 'colluding with the enemy'" Nib snorts. "I guess there wasn't enough room to hold all the people they arrested. But maybe there's another reason for taking them to Horizon House. I didn't get a chance to find out."
Taeress shakes her head in disbelief at the whole situation. "Trinipol's got the people whipped up into a frenzy. Really, the people in Asanatown were normal before, if a bit snippy because of the psychic surges from the sun. I can't understand how quickly it became like... this. Arresting people from the DCI for such a trivial reason. And all the insane treatment of people just because they're not lashunta." She balls her fists at her sides.
"Doctor Tenmin Varega, my name is Flint Conners, and I am pleased to meet you. In answer to your question, my crew and I were on Far Station speaking with Taeress when the first psychic wave hit. This was after a ship came out of the sun and was chased by an inferno whale from the portal. We did what research we could and came to the Burning Archipelago to connect with the DCI scientists, but learned that you had been abducted by this splinter group, the Sunrise Collective. With the situation boiling over and Collective thugs with their hired mercenaries, the Brass Dragons, executing a coup in Asanatown, we felt like we had to help if the bubble were going to remain an open society for all races and the DCI scientists were going to be able to refine the treatment Taeress discovered for resisting the psychic surges."
Flint pauses here to take a breath and waves Mari over . "Not being psychically sensitive myself, I can't imagine what the lashunta must be going through, but my friend has an example of the technology Taeress and Nib are adapting to make a treatment, if not a cure."
Assuming someone else takes up the mantle of storyteller, Flint pulls Sammad aside for a consultation.
"I am fine talking to individuals or running a ship's crew during battle, but with politicians I am completely out of my depth. Someday I'll tell you the story of how I left the clergy--trust me, I'm not wired to play the political game. Anyway, I am really going to need your expertise to deal with the council members over there. You are going to have to carefully unravel Trinipol's lies and help them understand how evil his revolution was to make non-lashunta into second class citizens. Then, of course, they need hope--hope for a cure against the psychic surges, sure, but they are politicians, right, so they need hope that they can look like the heroes to their constituents , held here against their will but ready to sail in and save the day once freed," Flint says, working with Sammad to come up with a strategy to deal with this precarious situation.
Clicking on his com unit to Belmarniss, Flint says, "Good to have you back with us, Belmarniss. As you can see, we eked out a narrow victory in no small part due to your heroics, but we have some nattering politicians to deal with. If you can get communications up and running, perhaps you can contact Malonio Kam and explain the situation. He seems like the only politician with the wisdom to avoid capture and, with his military and police background, is most likely to be able to help us herd the council here in the proper direction."
Having asked Sammad for help with the politicians, Flint will keep an eye on the surrendered mercenaries in his stead, ready to leap into action should they prove false. As Ordyt recovers, Flint will beckon him over, saying, "Well-fought, my fierce friend. Without you and Belmarniss taking the brunt of the attack, we would have surely been defeated. You are welcome to help me guard the prisoners, if you like."
Assuming someone else takes up the mantle of storyteller, Flint pulls Sammad aside for a consultation.
"I am fine talking to individuals or running a ship's crew during battle, but with politicians I am completely out of my depth. Someday I'll tell you the story of how I left the clergy--trust me, I'm not wired to play the political game. Anyway, I am really going to need your expertise to deal with the council members over there. You are going to have to carefully unravel Trinipol's lies and help them understand how evil his revolution was to make non-lashunta into second class citizens. Then, of course, they need hope--hope for a cure against the psychic surges, sure, but they are politicians, right, so they need hope that they can look like the heroes to their constituents , held here against their will but ready to sail in and save the day once freed," Flint says, working with Sammad to come up with a strategy to deal with this precarious situation.
Clicking on his com unit to Belmarniss, Flint says, "Good to have you back with us, Belmarniss. As you can see, we eked out a narrow victory in no small part due to your heroics, but we have some nattering politicians to deal with. If you can get communications up and running, perhaps you can contact Malonio Kam and explain the situation. He seems like the only politician with the wisdom to avoid capture and, with his military and police background, is most likely to be able to help us herd the council here in the proper direction."
Sammad gives a small grin as Flint relays his request, rubbing his hands together with unabashed glee. "Captain, that's the best thing you've asked of me yet. I'm finally back in my element..."
With that, he moves over to the politicians, putting on a somber expression. "Greetings, gentlefolk, my name is Sammad, Emissary of the Al-Fayir Cooperative. I have many questions for you all, but my chief one is this: how much do you know of Trinipol and the Sunrise Collective's...actions, since he took power?"
Levering himself to his with his hammer planted on the ground, Ordyt grimaces as his wounds twinge him but joins Captain Conners for a hurried consultation.
"I could not have done otherwise, Captain, but thank you for your support. I'm glad we didn't lose anyone."
Limping over to the two Brass Dragon mercs tending to their commander, the oread slides their weapons towards Flint with one boot. "I'm glad to see further violence was avoided, you made the right decision," he tells them. "I am blessed by the Dawnflower with some small amount of magic. I'm exhausted today, but I will ensure your officer receives care. I have a few questions first, though." He waits a moment for their response.
"Thank you. I suppose the obvious one is: did the Brass Dragons genuinely take this job out of some sense of altruism?"
At Flint's beckoning, Mari hauls herself to her feet and jogs over to the scientists, whereupon she produces the bracelet. "As Captain Flint said, this device appears to be able to shield its wearer from the sun's psychic surges. Since we arrived, I haven't had the time, much less the equipment, to do any real study of it, but Doctor Taeress did some basic analysis and confirmed its shielding effects. If we can reproduce the device or its effects, we have a real solution for the more psychically attuned residents of the Archipelago."
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It takes a little extra time, but Sammad manages to do the same for Ordyt. Though battered, bloody, and badly burned, the two of them are able to get back on their feet.
The scientists are tearfully thankful as Flint deactivates each of their bindings using a key fob he found on Trinipol's person. They stand, stretching cramped arms and legs. Some exchange hugs, simply relieved to have gotten through this whole ordeal alive. Others tenderly touch bruises that they must have gotten a few days ago when they were captured.
One of the scientists, an elderly half-orc with a long and shabby brown coat and a pair of pince-nez glasses, steps carefully forwards as Flint looks to be moving to the politicians next. He puts a hand on Flint's shoulder, then as Flint turns, he grabs the solarian's hand and clasps it firmly. His voice rasps as he says "Oh, thank you son. Who are you all? How did you know we were here? What about the rest of my fellows at the DCI, are they still alright?" He shakes his head. "I should never have gone to that protest."
Then, with a start, he adds "Ah, very sorry, Dr. Tenmin Varega, scholar of plasmatic resonance, at your service."
Belmarniss blinks as the tunnel of light she thought she was seeing gives way to the ceiling lights of the room. Then she reactivates her shades and recognizes Sammad.
"When I started this job, I never imagined I'd be glad to see such a fiendish-looking face. Thanks, Sammad."
She accepts his aid to get up and removes her mask. She carries it under her arm as she shakes Dr. Varega's hand.
"Star-Knight Belmarniss Rycast, Lieutenant-Errant of the Knights of Golarion, at yours. We're friends of Taeress. When we helped her rescue Nib from the Collective's thugs, Nib told us you were being held here. The rest of your colleagues are fine, though your labs have been trashed. That you stood up for what's right even at great risk to your safety is commendable."
Among the Councilmembers, while you can't identify Malonio Kam by sight, the mention of his name results in a one of them mentioning that the ex-General had been staying away from the Horizon House in recent weeks. After the question is resolved however, the Council's individual members spark off a lively discussion about what should be done about this hostile upset of Trinipol's new order. Some of the members seem happy to have Trinipol's callous racism ended, but others bring up the continuing danger of the psychic surges. It looks like their debate will take a little while.
Rather than have two conversations going on in parallel, I figure we can focus on the scientists first and then jump to the Council.
Belmarniss watches the conversation of the Councilmembers gets a grim look on her face, but that quickly fades as Flint and Marisol inform them of the bracelet and what it can do.
Clicking on his com unit to Belmarniss, Flint says, "Good to have you back with us, Belmarniss. As you can see, we eked out a narrow victory in no small part due to your heroics, but we have some nattering politicians to deal with. If you can get communications up and running, perhaps you can contact Malonio Kam and explain the situation. He seems like the only politician with the wisdom to avoid capture and, with his military and police background, is most likely to be able to help us herd the council here in the proper direction."
"Thanks, Flint. I only wish I could have seen the look on that fascist's face when you took him down. I'm on it. With Trinipol's stranglehold on the local infosphere gone it'll be easy."
She seeks out a communications terminal and begins looking to connect with Kam.
"Malonio Kam, if you're listening, this is Star-Knight Belmarniss Rycast. We visited your home yesterday. Zeylan Trinipol's Sunrise Collective is broken, and the Asanatown Council has been freed. They could use your leadership now more than ever. If you get this message, please meet us at Horizon House ASAP."
Feeling a bit sheepish that he didn’t think of it before, Flint places a call to Taeress and Nib and tells them the good news, tossing his com unit over to Doctor Varega afterwards so they can compare notes.
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Dr. Varega shakes hands with each of you, rather taken aback by Flint's explanation. "Dr. Suloro you say? Why I knew she had a good head on her shoulders, but it seems she reached quite the discovery while the Stationmaster was away. A treatment for the psychic surges... Hm." He rubs at his chin with two fingers.
"As for the Sunrise Collective and Trinipol, it came as quite a surprise to all of us. Peaceful resolutions, protest, petitions, and otherwise... those had always had a fair showing in Asanatown. We all knew the psychic surges were growing stronger - as many of my lashunta colleagues were able to attest. But Trinipol's attempt was something else entirely." He shakes his head. "He took advantage of that fear of the unknown, used it as a weapon. I've read about such events before, but never had the displeasure of being part of them."
"If this treatment has any merit, we best begin work on studying it." He straightens. "Our lashunta and shirren fellows are counting on us."
Upon Marisol delivering the bracelet, he turns it over in his hands. "Very interesting construction. Almost an art-piece by our standards, but low-wavelength emitters included on the inner arc. We'll need to return to HQ to study it." At a prompting from his fellow scientists, he passes the device around so the others can get a look. The group begins discussing the possibilities - injuries and their current situation forgotten for the time being.
The news that Nib is OK brings a smile to Dr. Varega's face. "Very good. Of everyone not here, she was the one I was most concerned for. Far too reckless, she is. The labs can be easily rebuilt, but lives far more valuable."
-----
Meanwhile, the two Brass Dragons stand to talk to Ordyt once its clear that Rej will pull through. They nod at his offer of healing, and one says "That's more than we usually get when we end up on the losing side. But I'm 'fraid I don't know. What we were seein' in our own pockets was the regular rate. Rej was the same. It must've been something that Trinipol and the Commander worked out." The Brass Dragons share a knowing look. "The Commander, Meiji Jalusann, she's got her hands in a lot of pots, and she doesn't usually share her plans with us." He pauses. "Pay is always good though."
-----
The Council members continue their discussion even after Sammad addresses them. You quickly notice that there's a clear split in the Council, with more than half supporting your efforts and the end of Trinipol's brief insurrection, and the other half staunchly insisting that Trinipol's strategy was broadly correct even if he was far too aggressive in his execution. The crux of the matter seems to be what happens now - with how Trinipol should be handled and whether your group should be praised or imprisoned for your vigilantism. The open-Asanatown side appears to be led by a korasha named Inona, while the isolationist side appears to be led by a damaya named Klayar.
The discussion only pauses when Inona snaps her fingers and irritably calls out "Fine, why don't we hear it directly from them, then?" The whole group of politicians turn to Sammad. Klayar sizes up the ifrit and says"Trinipol kept us well apprised of his people's efforts to encourage non-lashunta to move to Dawnshore or other bubbles. Difficult and painful work, for certain, but necessary for a peaceful Asanatown. We saw footage of his militia in action. They acted with courtesy and care, even helping people find work outside the bubble."
Inona scoffs "And what of the footage we saw, the reports, hell, even the DCI members!? Was that courtesy?"
Klayar frowns "They responded with violence to the initiative. All things considered, the militia acted with restraint."
Inona looks to you Sammad "Well? You were out there, what was your impression?"
----
Meanwhile, Bel and Flint try to use Horizon House's comms to get in contact with Malonio Kam. One of the Council members mentions that the ex-General was at home due to his health, so you try to connect to his flat in town. But there's no response from him. Bel leaves her message on his comms device.
When you connect to Taeress and Nib, the two are overjoyed to see both your group and their colleagues are safe and sound. You quickly learn that a Sarenite contingent entered from Dawnshore while your team was at the Horizon House. The Sarenites broke up a couple of minor scenes of civil unrest in the bubble's parks, and are currently in the middle of mediation between the sides. More importantly, further Sunrise Collective activities seem on hold since the members are not getting any orders from leadership.
After filling you in on the situation, Nib and Taeress eagerly jump at the opportunity to connect with Dr. Varega and their other colleagues.
Working with Belmarniss on the comms, Flint overhears the questions asked of Sammad. Turning to Bel, he says, ”Let’s try and raise Mims...I’ll bet she can give the council an earful about the Collective tactics, and she can independently corroborate Sammad’s words.”
Under his breath, he whispers to her, ”I swear, Belmarniss, I can’t stomach the shortsightedness of some of these local politicians. Haven’t we had enough examples in our history of racism and its dark path? I’m glad Sammad has the lead on this one—I’d never be able to hide my disgust long enough to talk sense into the ones who have fallen for the Collective propaganda.”
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Sammad clears his throat before he responds to Inona. "We personally witnessed a family of kasatha, including a child, being dragged out of their home by a mob being exhorted by a Collective operative with Brass Dragons as backup-had my comrades and I not intervened, I dare not speculate as to what would've happened to them. And of course there is the matter of the Collective's actions against the DCI's researchers...I'm sure you're all aware that it is against Pact space law to meet unarmed citizens, even protesters, with violence."
He then turns to Klayar. "And even if the researchers at the protest had broken laws, there was no justification for the damages inflicted to their research facility, which I witnessed firsthand. Nib and Dr. Taeress can corroborate that. The best chance we have of protecting the people from the psychic surges is now a charred wreck, thanks to the Collective's bloodthirst."
He turns back to Inona. "So my impression, Councillor, is that the Collective as we saw it had become corrupted by their authority. My party did not plan on intervening, and we regret the violence that was inflicted in the process, but our chief concern was for the vulnerable citizens-like those poor kasatha, who had to see their very neighbors raise hands and arms against them. No one, regardless of origin, deserves that..."
Upon Marisol delivering the bracelet, he turns it over in his hands. "Very interesting construction. Almost an art-piece by our standards, but low-wavelength emitters included on the inner arc. We'll need to return to HQ to study it."
"Yeah, the entire ship I picked it up on was like that." Mari rubs her temples, thinking back to when she first found the thing. "One other thing: when I touched it, I saw a vision, or a memory, or something like that. In it, I saw a member of an as yet unknown species handing me the bracelet, along with what felt like a warning. On Far Station, a couple others saw the same thing when they touched it, though what they saw wasn't as clear as mine was."
She gives a shrug. "Not sure what that means, if anything, but there it is."
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Working with Belmarniss on the comms, Flint overhears the questions asked of Sammad. Turning to Bel, he says, ”Let’s try and raise Mims...I’ll bet she can give the council an earful about the Collective tactics, and she can independently corroborate Sammad’s words.”
"Rogard that. One moment."
She buzzes Mims' comm.
"Mims, it's Belmarniss. The Sunrise Collective's beaten, and the Council's going to need every militiaperson they can get. Plus, you can tell them what's been going on while they've been holed up here at Horizon House. Rycast out."
Under his breath, he whispers to her, ”I swear, Belmarniss, I can’t stomach the shortsightedness of some of these local politicians. Haven’t we had enough examples in our history of racism and its dark path? I’m glad Sammad has the lead on this one—I’d never be able to hide my disgust long enough to talk sense into the ones who have fallen for the Collective propaganda.”
Belmarniss nods.
"No arguments, there. But people do short-sighted and dark things when they're scared, and non-telepaths like us don't have much experience with the kind of scared they've been for gods know how long. I'm just glad we were able to stop it before things REALLY went dark. We should really invest in some mindlink tech or something...it'll probably make conversation easier if we're going to be hanging around Asanatown for an extended period."
Flint adds to Mims, "Also, they are trying to understand the behavior of the Collective up to this point. I was hoping you could relate to the council how we were able to spare all but one of the pretend policemen when we went to free Nib and the others, but the Collective killed the survivors to make us look bad."
The Council listens to Sammad's testimony, some faces concerned, others appalled, but none unmoved by the revelations regarding what the Sunrise Collective has been up to on the streets of Asanatown. The kind of mob action Sammad describes is a bridge too far even for Klayar, who shakes her head and says "We've seen footage, but we've never seen anything like that. If that were true... then the Sunrise Collective truly crossed the line from protectors to oppressors. But what evidence do you have that that really happened?"
While you don't have a recording of the event, you have a lot of people to call on for testimony for that event and the other instances of misdeeds by the Collective and its mercenary allies. You get in contact with Mims, who offers her slightly muddled account of events at Station Laubu - describing the bad treatment of prisoners and citizens attempting to make their way through the town. You also get in contact with Taeress, who offers her first-hand account of the various instances of Collective misbehavior. Even the scientist group chime in with their own stories of non-violent protests being broken up with excess roughness.
As the impromptu hearing on the actions of the Collective ends, the Council confers internally. Ultimately, its Klayar who speaks up "It seems Trinipol was selective with what he showed us, hiding the callous approach he directed his people to take. While the broad goals of his 'revolution' were in sync with the goals of our fraction of the Council, his methods were unacceptable." Inona nods "We're agreed on that much."
Inona pauses then continues with "Though the psychic surges have been bearing down on us, that's no excuse for abandoning our honor and dignity. We're also to blame for allowing Trinipol to get away with this." Klayar hesitates, but eventually agrees.
With consensus reached among the Council, Inona turns to your team. "As for you, just listening to the various testimony made it clear that you attempted to disrupt the Collective's activity diplomatically or nonlethally where possible. However, you also actively attacked Asanatown militia members and took the lives of our fellow citizens. Your actions lifted the proverbial Shotalashu hide from our eyes, but it was not without cost." Inona shakes her head sadly "For all the terrible actions that the Collective's members took, they will be mourned. I suspect that you yourselves will emerge from this as heroes for some and villains for others."
"As far as the Council is concerned, we all agree that you've done us a service." From the expression on Klayar's face, she seems conflicted by that statement. Inona continues "Thanks to your bravery and determination, Asanatown will be restored to a society where we resolve our disagreements with words rather than the muzzle of a rifle." Inona smiles, nodding to each of you in appreciation.
After a moment of silence, Klayar breaks in with "This is all well and good, but our society is still under attack. The psychic surges continue, and while we haven't had another overwhelming blast as we experienced a few days ago, it could be made against us at any time. We need a solution, or we will soon be at each others throats in the streets."
The statement earns concerned comments from the various Council members, and soon afterward they are stuck back in debate about what to do next.
"Nicely done, Sammad--and excellent work with the comms, Belmarniss," says Flint thankfully. To Mari and Doctor Varega, he says, "Perhaps you two and Doctor Suloro can present your findings on the bracelet so far to the Council. It would seem the need for your expertise is urgent now, and the rapid restoration of the DCI would be both appropriate recompense for the actions of the Collective and a wise investment in preparing a treatment to resist the surges."
More quietly to Sammad, he mentions, "...and it would help them save face with the citizens of Asanatown if the council is at the forefront of funding and distributing a treatment from the DCI..."
Dr. Varega gets your attention with a beckoning hand after the Council once again turns to their internal debate. Once you're all nearby and huddled up to talk to him, he speaks to your group. "If I understand Ms. Marisol here correctly, what she experienced with this bracelet was a psychic imprint of some kind, a message bound to the technological device. From your description of the figure you saw, we're dealing with an unknown alien race - possibly a Deep Culture. That such a device and warning appeared just at the time of our greatest need is a coincidence that isn't lost on me." He looks across your faces "The Council is back at work, and I don't doubt that without Trinipol's influence, they'll be able to get Asanatown back to the way it was. But the psychic surge phenomenon will likely only cause more trouble for us until we can properly understand it and suppress or stop it."
He holds the bracelet up. "We have the key here, but I expect unraveling its secrets will not come easy. If you're willing and interested, I'd like to hire the group of you to help us. Not in the lab, of course, but there will certainly be field work aplenty before we're done. You've certainly proven yourselves as more than capable here, and I know Dr. Suloro and Nib would be happy to have you."
Flint smiles, saying, "That sounds like a wonderful opportunity, Doctor Varega, but first I will have to answer to the Radiant Cathedral for continuing this mission instead of standing down as I was 'requested' to do."
Flint reclaims his communicator and moves off to the side, contacting his superior at the Radiant Cathedral. He relates what has transpired, stating that his concern was for the DCI scientists, and he was planning to stand down once he had rescued them, but unfortunately they were in the direct custody of Trinipol himself. Flint apologizes for his 'unique' interpretation of the request (not that this is unusual--there is a reason Flint is not a cloistered priest), and he asks for a leave of absence from captaining the Flame Dancer so he may help the DCI investigate the surge treatment.
Sammad cracks a small smile at Dr. Varega's proposal. "Well Doctor, if the rate is acceptable I'm happy to be of service..."
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"That's what would-be fascists do, Councillors. They'll tell whatever lies will resonate with their audience enough to convince them into giving them power, and Trinipol was no different. But now that that power has been taken back and he's been exposed for the deceptive bigot he is, we can start moving forward. And thankfully the DCI is already working on the solution you speak of: a bracelet that can nullify the negative pyschic vibrations you've been experiencing, ESPECIALLY the surges that started this. They just have to figure out how to reverse-engineer and then mass-produce it, which, without the Collective keeping them imprisoned, should only be a matter of time. Until that time, should Asanatown need additional forces to prevent the Collective from attempting to resurge, I can reach out to the Knights of Golarion for you. They'd be happy to help shore up the Dawn Patrol and the Asanatown militia."
Belmarniss punctuates the little speech with a bow to the Council.
After speaking with the Council, she marches over to the rest of the group and listens to Dr. Varega's speech, folding her arms and shaking her head.
"I have my doubts Asanatown will return to the way it was, Doctor. This attempted coup laid bare a lot of ugly truths about the place, and it could take some time before neighbors here trust each other. But that's probably a good thing, as now things have a chance to change for the better, especially if the DCI's expertise can reverse-engineer that bracelet, removing the primary factor in the problems here."
When he makes the offer to help, her eyebrows raise over her shades displaying her surprise.
"Well...errantry-duty is about making the galaxy a better place, and there's many ways to do that besides going up to a problem and smacking it with a sword. I've only recently had my preconceptions of the DCI broken, but if I'm helping with your research I can certainly ensure that your research gets the attention and respect it deserves."
"As if I'd give up an opportunity to be part of something like this!" Mari exclaims. "Just, I would like some rest first. None of us feel all that great, I'll bet."
Ordyt manages a pained grunt of agreement with Marisol. He gives Dr. Varega a warm smile and a nod. "I've got no head for computers or xeno-anthropology but I'm happy to help in whatever ways I can. Resolving this mystery might help us create psychic shielding for the whole bubble, or something. That would be good."
Turning back to the pair of Brass Dragons, he asks "How many of you are there, anyway? I'm guessing Commander Jalusann has Brass Dragon companies all over the system on various contracts. Where were you before this job?"
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The two mercenaries shrug at Ordyt's comment. "Not sure. That's not the kind of thing they'd tell us. But before this, we were stationed in the Brass Bazaar, that's over in Corona." You know that Corona is one of the nearby bubbles in the Burning Archipelago. "I wouldn't go digging too much deeper than that though. The Commander doesn't forget people that interfere with her plans." The two mercenaries share a nod and don't offer up anything more specific than that.
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While the Council members agree to look to the DCI for any advances in studying the psychic events and any possible solutions, its clear that most members don't hold the DCI in very high esteem. Suggestions to provide the institute funding are met with 'we'll consider it' rather than any overt approval. Clearly the DCI's long history of theory instead of results has left the Council leery of supporting them.
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Dr. Varega claps gnarled hands together with an energy that belies his years. "Excellent! We'll be happy to put you up in some of the spare live-in quarters at the HQ. Dr. Suloro tells me that the damage is limited to the entrance doors and lobby - which hopefully means our data, experiments and samples are intact. It also means we should have a comfortable place for the group of you to stay while you recover."
----
With Asanatown saved from falling in upon itself, the megalomaniacal Trinipol defeated, and more mysteries revealed, you're finally able to take time to rest and recover from your ordeals over the last few days. Your experiences, harrowing as they were, have forged new strength within you all.
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When Flint contacts his boss, he receives a thorough but not unkind dressing down for going against the established diplomatic approach preferred by the priests. Once the message has been well and truly delivered, Don Burns says "Personally, and this shouldn't be taken as anything official, I think you did the right thing. There's a time and place for acting decisively, Sarenrae taught us that as well." After a pause, he adds "Unfortunately, my opinion doesn't weigh too much into things. The higher ups have judged your behavior as exceedingly reckless, and have put an order to ground you for the next month. Something about not endangering passengers. Take this month as an opportunity to refocus yourself and your prayers."
---
As you settle into your new (slightly shabby) quarters at the DCI HQ, you keep your eyes on the news regarding Asanatown's situation.
With the aid of Sarenite negotiators, the remaining open tensions between the loyal Sunrise Collective members and other locals are resolved. The Collective as a political and pseudomilitary entity vanishes practically overnight - its members either returning to civilian life or rejoining the town's militia and police force. While some groups in Asanatown object to the lack of action against the Collective as a whole, many see the wisdom of not inflaming the situation once more. Individual Collective members known to have acted violently against other citizens are tried for their crimes and generally given warnings or short sentences.
The few Brass Dragons mercenaries that remain, including Rej Vierna, get off surprisingly light. No evidence seems to remain of any specific wrongdoing by the remaining mercenaries. As a result, they are simply fined for their involvement and permanently banished from Asanatown - a fate they accept with seeming indifference.
Trinipol's pivotal role in duping the Council and inciting such violence earns him the greatest punishment. Within the week, you learn that he has been banished to a penal mining colony within the Diaspora.
It similarly takes a few days for the news to leak that ex-General Malonio Kam was found dead inside his home. Although the death appeared to be from a heart attack, the revelation causes a brief flare up of tensions, but rational voices on the Council manage to mollify the people. The atmosphere in Asanatown remains tense even so, with many of the displaced residents choosing not to return back to their previous homes.
It seems only a matter of time for another psychic surge to hit... but for the next week, none manifest.
"Wonder what it says about the universe that Trinipol's punishment was my childhood," Ordyt muses a trifle grumpily, watching a holocast of the sentencing announcement.
"You think Trinipol had Kam killed? Breaking into his house wouldn't have been a good idea, but I can't help but think maybe we could have helped."
"I have thought the same thing, Ordyt. At the time, I truly considered going into Kam's house to check on him, but the opportunity was lost as soon as we decided to knock loudly and his neighbors came out to check on us," ruminates Flint in response to Ordyt's musing.
"Sometimes doing the right thing in the moment ends up being the wrong thing in retrospect--or even just a lost opportunity. Let's hope we can contribute to saving many more people by helping the DCI develop a treatment for this surge," he concludes.
Your new quarters at the DCI HQ are within a wing of the building called the Museum of Endosolar Sciences. This museum hosts the less controversial aspects of the DCI's studies, downplaying its search for intelligent life within the sun, and serves as a way for the DCI to generate public interest and excitement about solar research. Within its halls are exhibits on extraordinary physics, metaphysics, meteorology, and even geology within the Pact Worlds sun. Holograms of solar flares, rare minerals formed within the sun's crucible, and the history and construction of the Burning Archipelago are all popular among the public. That popularity meant that the Museum of Endosolar Sciences didn't receive any attention by the Collective or its supporters.
Nib and Taeress served as your guides to the museum and showed you where you would be staying - a guest dorm within the wing sometimes used to house visiting researchers, lecturers, or explorers who were contributing to the museum. The dorm includes a dozen shared rooms, two lounges, multiple lavatories and a clinic.
The accommodations are decidedly shabby but spacious, and Nib and Taeress have done their best to ensure you're comfortable as you recover from your ordeals. The word from Dr. Varega is that study of the bracelet is proceeding with incredible speed - though asking Nib reveals that even so it may take months to fully understand it.
----
Last night, Nib, Taeress and some of the DCI scientists that you rescued visited your quarters laden with exotic food and bubbly drinks - insisting that it was past time for a party for Nib's "Favorite new team". The revelry lasted into the late night, but eventually the guests headed back to their own homes, leaving you with trays of snacks and many many as yet unopened bottles of potent beverages. With full stomachs and (maybe) foggy heads, you dropped to sleep...
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In the wee hours, the institute is usually quiet. However, this morning, a deafening claxon sounds throughout the residential block and wakes you from your sleep. An automated voice accompanies the racket, announcing, “Security breach in museum complex.” As abruptly as it began, the alarm stops. After a few moments of silence, another voice sounds over the internal comms. It says, “This has been an unscheduled test of internal security systems. Had this been an actual emergency, the alert you just heard would have been accompanied by further safety instructions. Please disregard this test.”
Shaken out of a deep sleep by the loud klaxon, Flint leaps to his feet, grabbing his weapons. The following announcement seems unlikely to his ears, but he is pretty tired...
Speaking loudly and firmly to be heard by all his crewmates, Flint exclaims, "Wake up everyone, that's no false alarm! Intruders are in the Institute! Grab your weapons and let's move to protect the scientists and their research!"
Sammad rouses slowly, the hefty meal from last night overcoming his fiery blood.
Too groggy to notice the different voices, he instead ponders the strangeness of an unscheduled alarm test for a moment...until Flint's yelling catches his ears.
He hurries to his footlocker to grab his pistol, then begins putting on his uniform and armor. "Aye, Captain! I'm coming right along!"
"Come as quick as you can--I'll see if I can hold them off for a bit!" Flint calls as he quickly heads out the door (in the second round, after getting up and grabbing weapons in the first round).
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"Wonder what it says about the universe that Trinipol's punishment was my childhood," Ordyt muses a trifle grumpily, watching a holocast of the sentencing announcement.
"You think Trinipol had Kam killed? Breaking into his house wouldn't have been a good idea, but I can't help but think maybe we could have helped."
Watching the holocast with Ordyt, Belmarniss frowns.
"I...I don't know how to answer that, Ordyt. It sounds like your childhood sucked harder than mine. My sucky childhood had drow-privilege. Maybe...considering you turned out to be a great person despite your origins, Trinipol will come out the other side of this a better person...though odds are more likely he'll join or start a gang of some kind and terrorize other prisoners and end up even worse."
She takes a sip of coffee, implying she doesn't really have a way to conclude that thought.
"I have thought the same thing, Ordyt. At the time, I truly considered going into Kam's house to check on him, but the opportunity was lost as soon as we decided to knock loudly and his neighbors came out to check on us," ruminates Flint in response to Ordyt's musing.
"Sometimes doing the right thing in the moment ends up being the wrong thing in retrospect--or even just a lost opportunity. Let's hope we can contribute to saving many more people by helping the DCI develop a treatment for this surge," he concludes.
"I suppose you're right. It's...kind of disheartening, though. Maybe he and I would have gotten along as fellow military types...I should get back to work. I had something I wanted to run by Nib from my observations this afternoon."
Belmarniss had not rested on her laurels in the week following their victory. She dove into aiding the DCI scientists in observing and testing the bracelet to try and reverse-engineer it. The enormous pile of empty cold-brew coffee cans in the dorms' recycling bin was a testament to her work ethic.
Having fallen asleep only a short while before the claxon going off, Belmarniss stumbles out into the common area after hearing Flint yell.
"Huh? Wuzz goin' on? Attack drill?"
As soon as she comprehends what's going on, she snaps her fingers to make a pile of junk and pulls her junksword out of it, not bothering with wasting time on her armor.
Hearing Flint's order, Sammad comes rushing out as soon as he's fully clothed, weapon at the ready.
Ordyt grumbles and is about to roll over and go back to bed, when Flint's warning over the comms jolts him to wakefulness. Grumbling about glory hounds and false alarms, the oread grabs his hammer from its spot leaning against the wall by his bed. After a second of consideration, he grabs his new plasma guide and well, slinging it over his shoulder and running to catch up with the others, hammer at the ready.
You spring to your feet and arm yourselves, expecting trouble. You know that the museum itself doesn't host any staff after hours, but the potential for intruders regardless has you getting ready for action. Flint leads the way out of the guest quarters and into the hall. Looking both ways, it appears to be empty and quiet for now.
Your personal comms buzz to life. "Okay, ow ow ow." You hear Nib's voice "That's... ehh. Ah, its on. Heeeelllo? 'Ey, ya hear me?" You suddenly recall that Nib was drinking profusely the night before. "You hear that messache? Well, lemmee tell you. The DCI doesn't do things like that. We schedule any alarm tests to avoid things like staff members drinking the night before and then getting woken up to hell itself pounding in their skull."
"Could you check the museum floor? It might be nothing, but it might not. I'll be right over. Soon as the room stops spinning"
Flint answers with a quick crackle on the comms, ”We’re on it,” as he moves south down the hall to the green door, trying to recall from the tour the most likely comm access point for an invading force to use, but his head is pounding, and the strange mix of adrenaline, alcohol, and grogginess is making it hard to focus.