"I believe we must restrain it or otherwise render it immobile," Xevras states, drawing his spear and falling into a guarded stance. "Unfortunately I have no way of doing so beyond physical trauma."
|
"Wait, I think its tryin' to say somethin'!" Flux quickly clapped its hands together, sparks of reality warping power sparking outward from the impact, before it drew its hands across its eyes. Like neon warpaint, a band of purple/pink energy encircled its head. As the energy settle into place, every voice seemed to organize itself into clearly understandable words for the little robot, no matter the language barrier that previously barred its understanding. Flux sincerely hoped that if it could find out what the malfunctioning robot was saying, there wouldn't have to be any fighting.
Raising a hand for Rokayla to wait, Tia concludes her examination. Lifting her datapad up as she glances at the man's readings, Tia sighs in relief. "No signs of internal haemorrhaging, and the ribs seem intact." Humans are apparently not as fragile as I thought., she adds to herself, as she gently tries to lift the man as safely as she can. "No labour that involves your muscles, and don't work longer than 12 hour shifts in the next week. If you don't have a residential doctor you can call, here's my details.", she adds, matter of factly. I feel like my presence here is slightly more validated than before., she notes.
Turning back to her ferran friend, she sighs. "Don't bother, but thanks. I find work easier to do without the looming threat of a haywire machine. If the technologists want to investigate a faulty robot, they should - faulty and dangerous equipment is not only inefficient for us, it's a lot of unnecessary work for me." Giving Flux a glance, she purses her lips. It's a work machine. Tiny android is treating it like a scared beast... Crossing her arms as she turns to her friend, regaling the desolate, overgrown terrain with a smile. "It's a magnificent, isn't it?"
"Can you decipher its speach, Flux?" Xevras rumbles.
He silently agrees with Rokayla--if they can't figure out a peaceful way to stop the robot, they would soon have to resort to force.
Flux's spell takes a moment to take effect as the robot's electronic tone becomes much more understandable. "Sector 3 to sector... sec.. 5. Repair airlo... deliver to..." The machine doesn't make further overtly hostile moves as it staggers back and forth, apparently unsure where it's supposed to go. It does knock over a few chairs and another crate as it stumbles about though.
The mechanic grumbles a bit as he sits up slowly. "Lucky me," he gripes as the ferran doctor checks him over for any injuries. "Thanks doc. Just my luck to get stuck managing one of the worn out models."
|
|
Flux turned to its companions as it gestured to the malfunctioning robot. "See everythin's fine! Its just confused. Stay here, I'll talk to it."
Without waiting for a reply, Flux scampered up to the glitching droid and place a hand on its body. "Don't worry, buddy. We'll figure out where you need to go." As it spoke, strands of pinkish energy flowed out from Flux's outstretched hand and began seeping into its form in search of what needed mending.
The robot hisses one more time and there are a few more sparks before it stops moving and straightens up. It says a much less distorted sentence in the language that only Flux can currently comprehend once again. "Awaiting further orders..." The mechanic hesitantly approaches the machine and leans down to get a look at the exposed panel again. "I think it must have burned out a processor. Thanks, you probably just saved us some spare parts." He steps back, still eyeing the robot carefully. "I'll take it down to get patched up."
Xevras relaxes as the robot calms down. "Was this robot discovered here on the station, or is it a modern creation?" he asks of the mechanic.
"Ah, yeah, it's one of the old models we found here," the man explains. "A bunch of 'em were keeping this place running when the first explorers showed up. They're usually good at their job, so we patched 'em up, but there are a few that are still a bit run down."
|
"You're just reactivating old tech without making sure you understand it first? What kind of scientists are running this operation?! You're lucky you just got the wind knocked out of you and not your bone marrow!" Rokayla exclaims. She releases her gun and it shrinks back into its mote form, returning to orbit her head. "You did a good job calming that thing down, Flux...honestly didn't think that was an option."
Balazar stands in the back -- mostly behind Rokayla and especially Xevrase -- but as Flux manages to tame the malfunctioning robot, he steps out. "Clever use of available resources, though. This colony is, in effect, a massive salvage operation. Some risks are expected to gain the rewards." He shrugs and smiles.
|
|
"Glad I could help! I'm just happy we could end things peacefully. I'd feel really bad hurtin' it for no good reason. It'd be kind of hypocritical, ya know. Since, not to long ago, I was just like this it. Just a bot doing its job until the Dreamers gave me my first dream." Flux pats the now calmed robot on the back before returning to his friends. "May your first dream be a good one, buddy."
"I believe the point is that these robots were already running when the first explorers arrived," Xevras points out. "Until the functions of all are understood, it would be more dangerous to attempt shutting them down."
Xevras nods. "It suggests some capability for either self-repair or a cycle of mutual repair. It would be fascinating to study."
"Some days it feels like these guys know how to keep this place running better than we do," the tech says with a rueful chuckle as he raps his knuckles against the robot's shoulder. "We've got a lot of work to do before this place is total figured out. All I know is that whoever built it built it to last." He thanks the group again and guides the semi-functional robot to get repaired while the rest of the passengers seem to have settled down with the situation under control.
Feya approaches the group again with a smile. "Looks like we have some very capable arrivals today. Thank you for your help." She checks her tablet. "The first shuttle is just about ready to go down. I can make sure you're first feet on the ground if you'd like."
Xevras nods. "It would be a relief to have open skies in which to stretch my wings again, I must admit."
Balazar nods, moving at the back of the group, doing his best to be unassuming.
Soon enough, the first shuttle detaches from the station and streaks down toward the surface. The passengers can feel the jolt as the ship enters the atmosphere and through the viewports everyone can see the towers of Ikirit rising up to touch the clouds. Spires of steel and polymer dot the skyline, silent and dark amid the slowly drifting white haze that shields the surface from their view. The shuttle maneuvers down toward a large landing field, meticulously cleared to allow the ship to come down unimpeded. Around them, they can see workers quickly moving to start unloading the shuttle and the boarding ramp descends, allowing them to take their first steps onto the surface.
|
|
Rokayla allows Xevras to exit the shuttle first, figuring the big guy needed to stretch his wings ASAP after being cramped in vessels and stations for so long.
Once he's clear, she exits after him and stretches herself, taking a deep breath of the planet's atmosphere, and closing her eyes for a moment to mentally connect with its gravitational pull and the feel of its sun on her face.
Xevras watches the ground below avidly during the descent, excited to finally see this ancient city and its technology in person. He hums happily (if tunelessly) to himself as he anticipates tinkering with ancient mechanisms and computers--surely there must be wonders here if these robots had managed to keep functioning for so long!
He nods thanks to those who let him out of the shuttle earlier, appreciative of the thought. Xevras does indeed stand and stretch both his neck and his wings as soon as he is out of the way of those disembarking from the shuttle.
"It is good to be able to stand properly!" he declares, "But even better..."
He suddenly breaks into a jog towards an empty area nearby, crouches mid-step, and leaps into the air with a mighty flap of his wings. Xevras climbs slowly, his wingbeats heavy from disuse.
"Yes, this is much better!" He rumbles happily as he circles the landing area for a few loops.
Once he feels the kinks in his back and neck aren't quite so bad, he comes back down for a landing, his feet making a dull thud as he lands.
"If there is any need for my assistance, I am far from reaching my maximum carrying capacity," he says to the workers unloading the vessel as he hefts his huge pack back onto his back.
|
|
Even on the shuttle ride down to the planet, Flux couldn't keep still. It dashed from one viewport to another to view the surface of Ikirit as it drew closer. Once the shuttle had landed and Xevras had his moment to stretch his wings, the energetic little robot darted out of the shuttle and began manically running around the landing field. "I'm here I'm here I'm here I"M HERE! I'm finally at the dream place!"
Ever the chimera, Balazar goes along with the group, quietly watching and listening, absorbing the lay of the land. He flashes a genuine smile as he watches Xevras enjoy the open sky. He takes a deep breath of the air, taking note of its quality but pleased to be out of the enclosed space after the long journey.
Now, I need to find a place -- my place -- in this new society.
"Have they got any restaurants or something set up yet? It would be nice to get something other than ship's food."
Removing her helmet, Tjartka breathes in the fresh air of the planet. I've missed this, so, so much. Non-recycled air. If more of us left the station and smelled this, we'd have found a new planet by several generations earlier. Exhaling a sigh of relief, a smile crawls on Tia's face as the dragonkin flies off into the distance. And I can't even imagine how well he feels.
Balazar's remark prompts a gentle chuckle from the ferran, who crosses her arms. "Missing civilisation and its comforts so soon? I'm sure there's somewhere where we can find non-freeze dried food. Good for the mind, yup." Finally, she sees Rokayla's trance as she feels the planet. Seems... spiritualistic., she notes, before pointing at the horizon. "Well, I for one like it. Your perception, limited to only the bending of the horizon... so vast!"
Grabbing her helmet under her arm, she nods. "We should find the local authority so that we can be distributed employment. Can't just be kicking around aimlessly."
"Indeed I am," Balazar replies, smiling. "I'll come with you, but I think any job goes better when you're properly fed."
|
|
Removing her helmet, Tjartka breathes in the fresh air of the planet. I've missed this, so, so much. Non-recycled air. If more of us left the station and smelled this, we'd have found a new planet by several generations earlier. Exhaling a sigh of relief, a smile crawls on Tia's face as the dragonkin flies off into the distance. And I can't even imagine how well he feels.
Balazar's remark prompts a gentle chuckle from the ferran, who crosses her arms. "Missing civilisation and its comforts so soon? I'm sure there's somewhere where we can find non-freeze dried food. Good for the mind, yup." Finally, she sees Rokayla's trance as she feels the planet. Seems... spiritualistic., she notes, before pointing at the horizon. "Well, I for one like it. Your perception, limited to only the bending of the horizon... so vast!"
Grabbing her helmet under her arm, she nods. "We should find the local authority so that we can be distributed employment. Can't just be kicking around aimlessly."
Rokayla opens her eyes and nods at Tjartka.
And look up that Jask Starseeker guy, to get things going with the Starfinders."
"If you're heading over to the admin building, we wouldn't mind a hand carrying this one," one of the workers tells Xevres, gesturing to a large crate labeled 'maintenance'. "Just drop it off at the front and they'll unload it. The Starfinder place is back in one of the big rooms near the back. Think it was probably a private boarding room or something. Kinda hard to tell, but best guess, ya know?"
Xevras cheerfully hefts the crate, glad to be out and moving again (and perhaps just a bit proud of showing off his strength). He carries it over and carefully sets it down in front of the indicated door, then knocks.
"A delivery for you, and new arrivals searching for a place to be of use," he calls out.
"I always thought you need curiousity and something else to face the dangers of space.", Tia adds to Rokayla's comment. "But, you, Flux, sure are brave enough for it."
Nodding to grab the crate, Tjartka doesn't quite move quick enough, and the dragonkin grabs it. "Wow.", she replies, smile on her face. "At least I'm not the one handling heavy cargo now.", the four-foot tall humanoid adds, before following the group. As the group knocks on the Starfinders' door, she turns to her fellow ferran. "So how does the Pathfinder command structure work? Where are you in the hierarchy?"
|
|
Rokayla's smirk becomes and embarrassed smile and she rubs the back of her head.
"Hierarchy isn't really the right word, Tia. Lodges are mostly made up of Field Agents like me who are all equals, with the Lodge's Venture Captain being the Field Agent who likes doing organizational stuff the most. Or, like in the case of Jask, because they got here first. There's the Forum and the First Seeker back at Absalom Station, but again, they're mostly just Field Agents that other Field Agents happened to like enough to think they deserved the job."
|
|
"Really, I could be a Starfinder? That's super neat! But..." For the first time, Flux's enthusiasm seems to deflate slightly as it stares intently at the ground. "...once I find the info the Dreamers want about Ikirit, I'll have to go back to Dr. Halvale to continue our research. And I don't think he'll let me go on any more adventures after this."
Balazar appears a bit skeptical. "So, uhh... what'ya think ins in the box?"
There are a few workers nearby when the group enters the former terminal building and one of them pushes over a hover trolley to take the crate from them. "Thanks. We've been waiting for spare parts for ages." He gives Xevras a quick handshake. "Oh, uh, guess I should welcome you to Ikirit too. Sorry, bit busy today."
The terminal isn't what anyone would call bustling, at least compared to the port at someplace like Absalom Station, but there are a fair number of colonists around, either working on restoring the building or waiting to visit various offices. However, it seems that the Starfinder office doesn't have many visitors, at least not yet. At their knock, a voice calls out from inside. "Come right in!"
|
|
"Really, I could be a Starfinder? That's super neat! But..." For the first time, Flux's enthusiasm seems to deflate slightly as it stares intently at the ground. "...once I find the info the Dreamers want about Ikirit, I'll have to go back to Dr. Halvale to continue our research. And I don't think he'll let me go on any more adventures after this."
"He let you go on this adventure, didn't he? You're your own person, and you made the decision to come here. Give yourself some credit!" Rokayla replies, giving Flux a playful punch in the shoulder.
The terminal isn't what anyone would call bustling, at least compared to the port at someplace like Absalom Station, but there are a fair number of colonists around, either working on restoring the building or waiting to visit various offices. However, it seems that the Starfinder office doesn't have many visitors, at least not yet. At their knock, a voice calls out from inside. "Come right in!"
"Jask? It's Rokayla Vonarx. I'm the new field agent from Absalom Station," she says as she opens the door and strides in.
Xevras is gentle as he returns the handshake. "Thank you," he rumbles.
Looking around for a bit, he decides to tag along behind the Starfinders. While not a member himself, he suspects their interests in the colony align to some degree... and besides, Rokayla seemed a good enough sort. He'd listen in and see if his help might be needed.
Balazar enters towards the back of the group, remaining silent and trying to look casual while taking in everything.
The door slides open to reveal a large lounge area that has been partitioned off with a few drapes and large cubicle walls to provide at least a bit of private work space. A messy desk sits just inside with the Pathfinder contact standing behind it. He looks just as described: a shirren with a cherry red carapace and long antenna, though it seems that no one thought to mention a scar running down the left side of his face. It hardly seems to bother him however as he steps up and takes Rokayla's hand. "I got the message not long ago, it's a pleasure to meet you." His mandibles click and his antenna perk up in the shirren equivalent of a smile. "And you brought friends as well!" He moves through the group, shaking every hand offered, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically. "Welcome to Ikirit everyone. I do hope you find it to your liking. It's such a fascinating place."
"Indeed," Balazar smiles warmly at the shirren. "Balazar Smythe," he introduces himself. "It seems like you have more work than hands to... handle it. How can we be of assistance?"
Xevras stands at the door until the rest of gone through, then, in what seems like a practiced motion, leans down and threads himself through the doorway sideways, returning to his half-crouched position on the other side. He takes the shirren's hand carefully when offered and gives it a gentle shake.
"Xevras," he rumbles in introduction. "I am not a Starfinder, but my interests are similar enough. I would hope to be of help in exploring and interpreting the ruins here."
Tia glances around the makeshift office, face frowning at the mess. I suppose they are a bit more of the creative type, rather than the organised one. And, it's a fresh colony. Still.
Extending a hand towards the shirren, she raises her hand to shake it in turn. "Dr. Kjestis, but Dr. Tia is fine.", she introduces herself. "I can aid you in biological analysis or any medical issues that may arise. I've also passed combat training, in the event you need me in high-risk situations. I'd be happy to aid in whatever manner you need me to. Just let me know how."
|
|
Rokayla grabs Jask's hand and pumps it up and down a couple times.
"Likewise!"
She then jerks her thumb to Tia.
"We're childhood friends, actually! We're working together to get Ikirit set for the possibility of a concentrated ferran colonization effort! Don't worry, though, I've got plenty of opportunity to help with that AND assist with any archaeological surveys or logistics in getting the Lodge going. Any other field agents beat me here?"
"Starfinders or not, anyone with a thirst for a little adventure is more than welcome here. I'm the only agent who's here full time so it's always a pleasure to have company." The shirren taps his chin thoughtfully for a moment. "Actually, if you don't have any other arrangements, perhaps you wouldn't mind helping out a bit? We're really not supposed to go out into the ruins on our own in case we run into something dangerous so I haven't gotten nearly as much work done as I'd like."