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Charli Poshkettle has a portable tea stand and holographic clipboard ready. "Hello, I'm coordinating teams as they check in!" She nods to some of the team that is assembled. "Please feel free to introduce yourselves to one another after you check in with me! I won't be going on this mission with you because my team is over there." She points to a team that is assembling with a shifty-looking Venture Captain, a human dressed in black. At any rate, you're my last group to check in, and there's plenty of tea and some coffee left, so take whatever you like. I have Akiton Red, Catrovellian Contemplation, Brethedan Bubble and the very last of the Eoxian Espresso coffee. It's pretty potent stuff."
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Slamming his way through the doors, an imposing and intimidating Nuar dressed in full Hellknight Armor comes up to the tea stand. "One hot Pain-Is-Love, if you please Charli." He takes up a chair and watches Charli's professional work with making his favorite drink.
"You all call upon the master of night for his blessing, and he sends you the Doom. Duhm Kaoh; metal is my main occupation." The Nuar takes out a bass Euphonic guitar and strums a chord. "Let's get this straight, you get me on the front.." He takes the drink from Charli after it is made, and sips it. "AND ILL GIVE THEM THE PUNT!" He stomps with one cloven hoof heavily on the ground. "Drink is great, by the way."
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"So, way I hear it, we got some more Jinsul skulls to crack." Taking another sip of the Pain-Is-Love. "Listen here, gettin' real sick of these guys. They captured at least three of my good buddies back when. Now I want to push them back so hard they'll think twice before crossing the path of the Midnight Lord and his wrecking crew."
First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo steps forward to her podium addressing the Starfinder fleet. “Starfinders, after two years of hardship following our devastating first foray into the Scoured Stars, we now stand taller than ever and are back to fighting form. Today, new recruits rally beside experienced agents and rescued veterans, coming together to form the most resourceful, prepared, and skilled organization the Pact Worlds have ever known. This newfound strength comes not a moment too soon, for the threat within the Scoured Stars is unlike any we’ve ever faced: a hostile military force known as the jinsuls, committed to our complete destruction. Stopping the Jinsul Hierocracy will challenge us more than anything we’ve done before, but what I’ve seen from our agents these past two years assures me that we are more than up to the task! Your orders will arrive shortly; for now, gather your equipment, finish your preparations, and send any messages you wish before we reach the Scoured Stars.”
Hundreds of Starfinder agents hustle throughout the loading docks aboard the ever-impressive and newly refurbished Master of Stars, the pinnacle of the Starfinder fleet. Junior agents hastily pack every docked starship with weapons, armor, spare parts, and provisions, while technical staff runs diagnostics on starship armaments and senior officers finalize flight formations and supply routes. Many Starfinders’ faces are dark with uncertainty, but the fiery resolve burns in their eyes.
Venture-Captain Arvin, a damaya lashunta man, emerges from the shifting crowd of activity, his expression hard with repressed concern. “It seems fate has made soldiers out of explorers. We’ve always prepared our agents to navigate danger and violence, but never anything like this. Still, there isn’t another organization in the Pact Worlds that I would trust more with this daunting task.” He pauses for a moment, then shakes himself back to attention. “Right, much left to do! There are still a few specialized tasks remaining that you might be able to help us complete.”
Fitch, leader of the Wayfinders, walks you to an airlock leading out to some of the scaffolding on the ship’s exterior. “It’s strange to not have my children aboard, but this is no time to be bringing the young ones along. Last time, the jinsul capital ships chased away our carriers. I’d love to see how their flagship holds up against ours, but we’re still not quite finished with renovations. Try to wrap up the finishing touches on this gem of a ship— I want the last thing those jinsuls see is just how brightly it shines.”
Iteration-177, the enigmatic android, meets with you in a conference room, as charming as ever. “It appears I finally get to participate in a famed Starfinder adventure! I suspect you still have some desire to seek solace with the divine before heading into battle? I too, know this desire. I’m more than happy to converse, if you’d care to sit and chat.”
Venture-Captain Arvin looks over a group of anxious recruits in the mess hall. “Those green agents are not ready for a battle against an organized foe. Sadly, they’re liabilities when they’re frightened. Talk them through some of your experiences, set them at ease, and help them prepare for the challenges they’ll face ahead. We need them primed and ready for combat if we’re going to win this.”
Celita, leader of the Dataphiles, feverishly works on the mainframe in the command center of the Master of Stars. “Greetings, I’m Celita of the Dataphiles. You may have known me as Historia-7, though I’ve since stopped using that name due to reasons we don’t have the time to discuss. I think I’ve devised a way to artificially replicate the resonance effects of the Tear relic to help our ships stay in communication and traverse the Drift more precisely. I need you to double-check my code for errors and then see if you can shield the network from detection by jinsul sensors.”
Zigvigix, leader of the Exo-Guardians, sits before an immense cargo bay filled with crates of supplies. “They say an army marches on its stomach, but it also fights with guns and ammo! Can you take a look at all our gear to make sure it works and then load it onto the ships? Just try to keep the explosives separated from the food, please. We don’t want to have that mistake happen again!”
Radaszam, leader of the Acquisitives, overlooks a large holographic map of the Scoured Stars system, overlaid with smaller, more detailed maps of terrain on specific planets. “I don’t know about you, but I’m keen to take this fight to the jinsuls on their home turf. We have topographic data collected from our last foray into the Scoured Stars, plus some information on fighting styles our agents have reported from past jinsul encounters. See if you can make sense of it all and formulate a plan of attack.”
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Charli Poshkettle has a portable tea stand and holographic clipboard ready. "Hello, I'm coordinating teams as they check in!" She nods to some of the team that is assembled. "Please feel free to introduce yourselves to one another after you check in with me! I won't be going on this mission with you because my team is over there." She points to a team that is assembling with a shifty-looking Venture Captain, a human dressed in black. At any rate, you're my last group to check in, and there's plenty of tea and some coffee left, so take whatever you like. I have Akiton Red, Catrovellian Contemplation, Brethedan Bubble and the very last of the Eoxian Espresso coffee. It's pretty potent stuff."
Raatchet enthusiastically shakes everyone's hands if they're willing and says, "Pleased to meet you all! By day, my name is Raatchet, TPS report specialist. And by night, my name is Raatchet (it's the same), tinkerer extraordinaire!
"I'll be running tech support on this amazing opportunity to... ummm... well.... engage in a major life & death battle against those fierce jinsul....?? Welp, slap me silly with a hunk of cheese and sign me up!!!"
Raatchet accepts some Eoxian Espresso and exclaims, YOWZA!!! Potent stuff is right!! This is strong enough to wake the dead!! Which I guess is the point, y'know what I mean??? hehehe" Raatchet chuckles at his own self-perceived wittiness....
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Fitch: MASTER OF STARS TOUCH-UP
Past Scenario Applicable; Dead Suns.
Iteration-177: PRAYER AND REFLECTION
Past Scenario not Applicable.
Venture Captain Arvin: ROOKIE TRAINING
Past Scenario not Applicable.
Celita: STARSHIP PRIMING
Past Scenario Applicable; Live Exploration Extreme!
Zigvigix: SUPPLY RUN
Past Scenario Applicable; Dreaming of the Future
Radaszam: TACTICAL PREPARATIONS
Past Scenario Applicable; Scoured Stars Invasion
Duhm Kaoh goes to work, doing as well as he can. In some cases, he has the grace and elegance of a bull in a China-Shop. In others, he proves most effective. Particularly with Iteration-177 and somewhat helpful with Exo-Guardian Leader Ziggy.
Iteration-177, the enigmatic android, meets with you in a conference room, as charming as ever. “It appears I finally get to participate in a famed Starfinder adventure! I suspect you still have some desire to seek solace with the divine before heading into battle? I too, know this desire. I’m more than happy to converse, if you’d care to sit and chat.”
"I got my solace right here, Itty." Duhm Kaoh takes out the Bass guitar and plays an homage to the Midnight Lord and master of metal himself, Zon-Kuthon. "HEAR MY CALL AND MY SONG, AND LET MY ENEMIES KNOW THE PAIN OF PLEASURE!" He strums it so hard that many expect something to explode!
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Fitch, leader of the Wayfinders, walks you to an airlock leading out to some of the scaffolding on the ship’s exterior. “It’s strange to not have my children aboard, but this is no time to be bringing the young ones along. Last time, the jinsul capital ships chased away our carriers. I’d love to see how their flagship holds up against ours, but we’re still not quite finished with renovations. Try to wrap up the finishing touches on this gem of a ship— I want the last thing those jinsuls see is just how brightly it shines.”
"Good thing I've got some experience working on starships. My regual team has their own ship 'The Sunrise Maiden'. I've been overseeing her upgrades since we found her."
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Iteration-177, the enigmatic android, meets with you in a conference room, as charming as ever. “It appears I finally get to participate in a famed Starfinder adventure! I suspect you still have some desire to seek solace with the divine before heading into battle? I too, know this desire. I’m more than happy to converse, if you’d care to sit and chat.”
"Those that meddle in the affars of gods often come to brutal end. I witnessed this for myself when a cult of the Devourer tried summoning somthing that was beyond them. Fortunatly the favor of Yaraesa helped our party defeat the creature."
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Venture-Captain Arvin looks over a group of anxious recruits in the mess hall. “Those green agents are not ready for a battle against an organized foe. Sadly, they’re liabilities when they’re frightened. Talk them through some of your experiences, set them at ease, and help them prepare for the challenges they’ll face ahead. We need them primed and ready for combat if we’re going to win this.”
"Take courage Starfinders! Rember if you work together as a team the way my crew did in the jungles of Castrovel when we rescuded Dr. Solstarni from Devourer cultists we will persevere."
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Celita, leader of the Dataphiles, feverishly works on the mainframe in the command center of the Master of Stars. “Greetings, I’m Celita of the Dataphiles. You may have known me as Historia-7, though I’ve since stopped using that name due to reasons we don’t have the time to discuss. I think I’ve devised a way to artificially replicate the resonance effects of the Tear relic to help our ships stay in communication and traverse the Drift more precisely. I need you to double-check my code for errors and then see if you can shield the network from detection by jinsul sensors.”
"I remember when we first encountered the jinsul. I was there, one of the starfinders trapped during Jadnura's first mission and resuced by rescued by Luwazi's fleet."
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Zigvigix, leader of the Exo-Guardians, sits before an immense cargo bay filled with crates of supplies. “They say an army marches on its stomach, but it also fights with guns and ammo! Can you take a look at all our gear to make sure it works and then load it onto the ships? Just try to keep the explosives separated from the food, please. We don’t want to have that mistake happen again!”
Thri-Kreen begins inspecting the gear carefully, making small talk with his compainions to pass the time while doing so. "So you guys ever meet Wisper of Solar Winds? Quite an interesting lifeform. I did a mission for them once, had to recover some artifacts from the center of a liquid methane moon."
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Radaszam, leader of the Acquisitives, overlooks a large holographic map of the Scoured Stars system, overlaid with smaller, more detailed maps of terrain on specific planets. “I don’t know about you, but I’m keen to take this fight to the jinsuls on their home turf. We have topographic data collected from our last foray into the Scoured Stars, plus some information on fighting styles our agents have reported from past jinsul encounters. See if you can make sense of it all and formulate a plan of attack.”
"From what I've read these jinsul are crafty. I expect they will use all manner of tactics. I've tussled with some organized forces before while tracking the corpse fleet on Eox."
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Ally: Iteration-177’s Attention [Sanguine]
Faction: Manifold Host Champion
Personal: Stain of the Perplexity
Promotional: Promotional Reroll
Social: Instructor
Starship: First Skirmish
Slotless: Surviving Companion
Ivok, a muscular vesk strides forward in a set of heavy armor loaded with both additional equipment and branding across the exterior. Across the plating are calls to "push harder", "never give up", and "strive for the best you can be!" Some are newly painted while others have obvious marring from physical attacks and explosions.
With a laugh he projects a confidence doing his best to hide the fear at the back of his mind. Calling out to Charlie, Ivok says, "I'll talk a Red Castrovelian Berry Smoothie to go! I will need to keep all my energy putting all the pressure forward today!" As he takes the drink a small squid-like creature skitters across his shoulders giving a yip as it strive to get closer to the drink. Ivok holds it away as he moves to the stations. "No Champ. You got your meal already. You show patience though and I'll make sure to get you treat."
Seeing others he recognizes Ivok starts to wave to them before coming to Zigvigix and the packed cargo bay. "It would be my honor to help you Ziggy! We got this far because of the tools at our hand. While health and vigor are critical, without the equipment the Society has gathered I would not be certain we could succeed."
While he could offer aid in analysis of the equipment, Ivok sees strength and leverages upon that to begin moving crates as they are inspected, although his heavy armor does give him some trouble along the way.
"I've pulled back other relics from the Scoured Stars. They have great power and feeling their power in my arms I would not down the power of the jinsul fleet. We have that strength, that knowledge, in our hands now though and it will go to good use today."
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Charli Poshkettle has a portable tea stand and holographic clipboard ready. "Hello, I'm coordinating teams as they check in!" She nods to some of the team that is assembled. "Please feel free to introduce yourselves to one another after you check in with me! I won't be going on this mission with you because my team is over there." She points to a team that is assembling with a shifty-looking Venture Captain, a human dressed in black. At any rate, you're my last group to check in, and there's plenty of tea and some coffee left, so take whatever you like. I have Akiton Red, Catrovellian Contemplation, Brethedan Bubble and the very last of the Eoxian Espresso coffee. It's pretty potent stuff."
TEA, EARL GREY, HOT
He turns to see Raatchet and extends his hand for a very professional-looking handshake. So 'professional' it seems like the kind of handshake a vaudeville actor pretending to be a salesman would give. RATCHETT, THE TEMPORAL LAPSE BETWEEN THE PRESENT AND OUR LAST MISSION HAS EXCEEDED DESIRABLE LEVELS. SERVING ALONGSIDE YOU ONCE AGAIN INCREASES MY PROGNOSTICATION OF A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION.
He moves to introduce himself to Thri-Kreen and Duhm. I AM A 9000 SERIES BUFF-BOT, FREQUENTLY BEARING THE SOBRIQUET MAX. YOU MAY HAVE SEEN ME BEFORE ON MANDATORY TRAINING VIDEOS SUCH AS 'VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE TRAINING' OR 'BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS TRAINING' OR 'ACCURATE TIMEKEEPING IN THE WORKPLACE.' ALTERNATIVELY YOU MAY KNOW ME FROM COMMERCIALS FOR MED-BOT 9000 SERIES HEALING KITS. WE WILL HAVE FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCUSS TACTICAL PROFICIENCIES AND DEFICIENCIES, BUT FOR THE MEANWHILE IT APPEARS AS THOUGH WE HAVE AN IMMEDIATE TASK REQUIRING OUR ATTENTION.
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As he flips through his mission log, he sees Ivok enter the room. I WAS WONDERING WHEN YOU WOULD ARRIVE.
He adjusts a few dials on his vocal modulator and twitches a few times as he shifts to a new 'persona.'
"Let's kick some Jinsul [EXPLETIVE DELETED] and chew bubblegun."
He fishes around in his pockets and shrugs. "Looks like I'm all out of bubblegum."
He laughs and gives Ivok a handshake and quick hug before switching back to go meet up with the Venture Crew. As he passes Iteration-177 he freezes, eyeing him with no end of suspicion. Finally he approaches.
ITERATION-177, I MUST CONFESS THAT I WAS NOT EXPECTING TO SEE YOU HERE. AFTER OUR LAST MEETING I WAS UNCERTAIN THAT YOU WOULD REMAIN TO SEE THIS THROUGH, BUT YOUR EXPERTISE WILL BE INVALUABLE IN THE COMING MISSION. THE LAST TIME WE CROSSED PATHS WITH DHURAS, HE REVEALED THE ABILITY TO ASSUME CONTROL OF FALLEN CHAMPIONS, IMBUING THEM WITH SIGNIFICANT POWER. SHOULD THIS OCCUR MORE THAN ONCE ON A GIVEN BATTLEFIELD, I ESTIMATE OUR CHANCES OF SURVIVAL TO BE QUITE LOW. WHAT GUIDANCE ARE YOU ABLE TO PROVIDE ON SUCH SUBJECTS?
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Making his way towards the gathering recruits, Buff-Bot approaches Venture Captain Arvin. THIS COURSE OF ACTION WILL MOST CERTAINLY IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR TROOPS. I SHALL GO SPEAK WITH THEM.
Buff-Bot adopts the bearing less of a superior but more of a fellow soldier and he sits down to eat with his new comrades. "Quite a lot of you here... that is good. Gives me confidence that if things go south, there will be lots of backup. We don't leave our friends behind. Even when a huge swath of the society vanished in the Scoured Stars, the biggest dispatch of agents possible... myself included... was scrounged up to see to it that they were not forgotten. And it's not just fellow agents... we are all here because the society leadership trusts us with their lives as well. In fact I was a part of a mission to retrieve one of our very own leaders from near certain death. While she returned irrevocably changed... I think Celita is handling her new knowledge... and moniker quite well."
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Ally: Always Prepared
Social: Scoured Stars Memorial
Starship: Honorbound Allies
Slotless: Several, including Surviving Companion (Baby Sharktopus!)
Personal: Scoured Stars Survivor
Speaking of Celita, Buff-Bot goes off to see how she is going. CELITA, YOU CARRY YOUR NEW NAME WELL. I WILL CERTAINLY PEER-REVIEW YOUR CODE.
After a few minutes he returns with his conclusions. I RECOMMEND OPTIONAL ERROR CORRECTION CODES IN ORDER TO HANDLE RADIATION INTERFERENCE. THE IZALGUUN'S TEAR APPEARED TO FLOURISH IN A HIGHLY RADIOACTIVE ENVIRONMENT WHICH MAY RESULT IN DISRUPTIONS TO COMMUNICATION IF NOT APPROPRIATELY HANDLED.
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Ivok gives a nod to Arvin as he looks toward the agents. Pausing for a moment before stepping up Ivok gives a bombastic cheer as he takes on his net persona. "Welcome Starfinders! I can see much strength in you all and I want to tell you that power in each of you is more than a match for the greatest of the power cores in our fleet or theirs! It was only a few years ago where I, Ivok Dracusk, stood there as when a dire threat came and dared tried to strike at our leader when they thought we were weakest." He gesticulates and calls out enthusiastically to them while the creature on his shoulder mimics him with flexing of tentacles.
"That is when you can find your own strength. You will be faced with great challenges before you, but believe in your training, your own inner strength, and those beside you. If you do this then you will be able to meet the challenge and show EVERYONE YOUR POWER!"
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He turns to see Raatchet and extends his hand for a very professional-looking handshake. So 'professional' it seems like the kind of handshake a vaudeville actor pretending to be a salesman would give. RATCHETT, THE TEMPORAL LAPSE BETWEEN THE PRESENT AND OUR LAST MISSION HAS EXCEEDED DESIRABLE LEVELS. SERVING ALONGSIDE YOU ONCE AGAIN INCREASES MY PROGNOSTICATION OF A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION.
"Heya buddy buff bot!! I've missed you too!! Glad to see you again!!!" Raatchet slaps Buff-Bot on the back with a wide, ear-to-ear grin!
For those who are looking, you notice Raatchet's back slap left behind a yellow sticky note on Buff-Bot's back writing on it: "I'm THE MOST fun at parties!! Ask me to tell a joke!!!"
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Raatchet approaches Fitch and says, No problem!!! I'll just do a quick cleaning of the directional encephalographic nutation because it appears to have been disrupted in the previous drift jump. This reminds me of the time we took down Captain Yuluzak on the Honourbound. After we disabled his ship in honorable combat, I lent a hand fixing up this very same problem!!"
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Raatchet gives Iteration-177 a hug, "177!! My favorite Iteration, how are you??? Sure, let's talk!! Are you still into mystical, religious stuff? Great to see you since that dinner party a while back!! Well, tell ya what. It's time to EXPAND your mind!! There's been a lot goin on at the local Absalom junkracing scene! Let me fill you in on the latest gossip!!!!" Raatchet proceeds to talk Iteration-177's ear off about the latest drivers, their racers, the technical gadgetry that's been recently incorporated, etc."
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Replying to Arvin, Raatchet says, "No problem! We'll have those rookies' spirits sky high in no time!!!"
In adding to Buff Bot's words, Raatchet says, "That's right! I was right there at the time too. We even brought Jadnura back that day. It was a day full of blood, sweat and tears but glory and relief as well. We made history that day as you will make history this day!!!"
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Talking to Celita, Raatchet replies, "No problem!! I'll get right on it! Hmmmm... y'know, I was there when we reclaimed the tear from that izalguun facility. Those poor izalguun residents and all they went through. Anyways, here let me review that code!"
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"Ziggy!!! Buddy!! Don't you worry!! I'll make sure all the gear is working correctly! Especially the anti-rad gear. Man, did I ever tell you about the mutations I went with the team to retrieve the Tear. Those mutations still appear now and then, they come and go. Some body parts get small than normal at times. And other *ahem* parts get *ahem* bigger than normal other times, y'know what I mean???" Raatchet gives a gleeful laugh and sets off to check the gear!
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"Raddy-ZAM!! Yep, I'm behind you all the way!! Just like last time we were at the Scoured Stars to rescue all the missing Starfinders locked behind the god shield, I've again got your back!! We had to withdraw from the jinsul back then but they were organized and we were not prepared. This time, we're organized and they won't know what hit 'em, amirite?!? Alrighty, I'll review this data and see what I can piece together for ya!"
Fitch, leader of the Wayfinders, walks you to an airlock leading out to some of the scaffolding on the ship’s exterior. “It’s strange to not have my children aboard, but this is no time to be bringing the young ones along. Last time, the jinsul capital ships chased away our carriers. I’d love to see how their flagship holds up against ours, but we’re still not quite finished with renovations. Try to wrap up the finishing touches on this gem of a ship— I want the last thing those jinsuls see is just how brightly it shines.”
Duhm Kaoh and Thri-Keen share experiences on the fight against a space mercenary sent to kill them. Jindam shares his experiences with ramming prows and the Jindam authority. Raatchet meanwhile gets out his engineering tools, discussing an honorable combat with Captain Yulazak.
Fitch beams. "This work looks great! I feel as supported as if I had my own brood with me. Maybe even more so, since I don't have to give you all treats afterwards. Though, if anyone wants a honey-smoked meat stick, let me know." She pulls them out to offer to the group. "I still have some stocked!"
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Radaszam, leader of the Acquisitives, overlooks a large holographic map of the Scoured Stars system, overlaid with smaller, more detailed maps of terrain on specific planets. “I don’t know about you, but I’m keen to take this fight to the jinsuls on their home turf. We have topographic data collected from our last foray into the Scoured Stars, plus some information on fighting styles our agents have reported from past jinsul encounters. See if you can make sense of it all and formulate a plan of attack.”
"I've done my best to use every bit of what we have learned about the jinsuls in my training regimen sir." Ivok gives a flex of his arm as he takes stock of how well his body is holding together. "The fights with them have left their mark on me and I know I've put many more hours recovering from that damage. I will gladly share what I know with the others on how they fight. While I encourage training through experience, the jinsul leave little room for even a brief warm-up." While he is only able to provide a limited view into the jinsul, Ivok does his best to share what he as learned through his brief engagements fighting the jinsul. "Their warriors have trained for battle, but so have the ones that wield magic. We can't let them have an inch if it would mean letting them turn their magic on us. From experience they can hit harder and faster than even their leg blades. It is even harder to find an exercise to dodge explosions at the gym, but I've done my best to learn after that run in."
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Buff-Bot makes his way over to Ziggy. YOU SEEM TO HAVE FORGOTTEN TO BRING YOUR SUPPLY OF MED-BOT 9000 SERIES MEDKITS.
He suddenly shifts bearings to that of a fast talking salesman. "When your life is on the line, trust the surgical precision of MED-BOT products!"
He grins before slipping back to his usual monotone cadence. WHEN DEALING WITH THE TEAR, ONE SHOULD EXPECT HOSTILE ENVIRONMENTS AND HOSTILE FORCES. THESE WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AGAINST RADIATION AND CLAW ALIKE.
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Iteration-177, the enigmatic android, meets with you in a conference room, as charming as ever. “It appears I finally get to participate in a famed Starfinder adventure! I suspect you still have some desire to seek solace with the divine before heading into battle? I too, know this desire. I’m more than happy to converse, if you’d care to sit and chat.”
Giving a nod to Jindam's question to Iteration Ivok looks Iteration-177 over as he suggest, "you always seem to surprise me as well Iteration. Each time I think I feel I have a proper measure of you, it gets turned about in the next moment. I know I act different when training or on a holocam, but it doesn't compare to you!" Ivok can't help but give a toothy grin as he admits, "still I won't complain given how much aid you had given in that last battle we were in. I wasn't expecting you, but as I said, you are full of surprises."
"I'll be glad to speak with you. Maybe if I do, next time I won't be as surprised by you." Ivok shares his own beliefs about faith, strength, duty, and justice as he tries to open himself more to the android.
Iteration-177, the enigmatic android, meets with you in a conference room, as charming as ever. “It appears I finally get to participate in a famed Starfinder adventure! I suspect you still have some desire to seek solace with the divine before heading into battle? I too, know this desire. I’m more than happy to converse, if you’d care to sit and chat.”
Duhm Kaoh takes out his bass guitar and plays a metal solo to Zon-Kuthon that rattles the walls of the Lorespire. “Fascinating,” says Iteration-177. “I forget how very LOUD some prayer and reflection can be.”
Then Thri-Kreen shares some knowledge gained against the Cult of the Devourer, and the wisdom of the god Yaraesa. “I am glad you took a stand. You may be called again during this mission.”
“How did I survive the ordeal with the Mentrasi?” Iteration-177 says to Jindam. “I have had a gift for survival, biding my time and working so that I can be here with you at this time. You helped me more than you can know.” The android waves a lazy hand. “I know, I know. I’m not terribly forthcoming. Still, I think you will come to understand more as we do this journey together.”
Iteration-177 looks more and more uncomfortable with Raatchet’s hug and Absalom junkbot racing updates. “I can see how you might mistake this for a religious revelation.”
At Buff-Bot 9000’s comment, Iteration-177 gives one of his enigmatic smiles. “You know who I am. Know then that I stand with you and will give you all the aid I can.”
At Ivok’s statement, Iteration-177 throws back his head and laughs. ”Yes, I am ever changing! It is one of my most delightful qualities.”
Venture-Captain Arvin looks over a group of anxious recruits in the mess hall. “Those green agents are not ready for a battle against an organized foe. Sadly, they’re liabilities when they’re frightened. Talk them through some of your experiences, set them at ease, and help them prepare for the challenges they’ll face ahead. We need them primed and ready for combat if we’re going to win this.”
Duhm Kaoh, Thri-Kreen and Raatchet attempt with middling success to calm the troops, but the excellent people skills of Buff Bot 9000, Ivok and Jindam set them at ease.
Celita, leader of the Dataphiles, feverishly works on the mainframe in the command center of the Master of Stars. “Greetings, I’m Celita of the Dataphiles. You may have known me as Historia-7, though I’ve since stopped using that name due to reasons we don’t have the time to discuss. I think I’ve devised a way to artificially replicate the resonance effects of the Tear relic to help our ships stay in communication and traverse the Drift more precisely. I need you to double-check my code for errors and then see if you can shield the network from detection by jinsul sensors.”
Everyone pitches in, but Jindam’s expertise proves especially valuable during the priming process.
Zigvigix, leader of the Exo-Guardians, sits before an immense cargo bay filled with crates of supplies. “They say an army marches on its stomach, but it also fights with guns and ammo! Can you take a look at all our gear to make sure it works and then load it onto the ships? Just try to keep the explosives separated from the food, please. We don’t want to have that mistake happen again!”
Everyone pitches in, but Jindam and Raatchet prove that they have clerking down to an art. They provide all the Star Sugar Heart Love!!!
Radaszam, leader of the Acquisitives, overlooks a large holographic map of the Scoured Stars system, overlaid with smaller, more detailed maps of terrain on specific planets. “I don’t know about you, but I’m keen to take this fight to the jinsuls on their home turf. We have topographic data collected from our last foray into the Scoured Stars, plus some information on fighting styles our agents have reported from past jinsul encounters. See if you can make sense of it all and formulate a plan of attack.”
Radaszam looks over your work and gives you a big thumbs up. “Ah, I like these plans. They will exploit jinsul weaknesses well!”
Jindam rubs his hands conspiratorially when checking out all the rewards. He does a few more checks of his equipment before realizing he should probably buy some batteries.
As preparations wind down, a stillness settles over the crowd of Starfinders gathered on the command deck of the Master of Stars. First Seeker Jadnura, flanked by nominated First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo and the android Iteration-177, steps forward to an elevated captain’s platform and looks out over the assembled agents. Jadnura’s resonant voice carries across the assembly. “Starfinders! Today we gather not merely as explorers and scholars, but as defenders of the galaxy. Ever since the jinsuls ambushed our rescue mission into the Scoured Stars, they have assailed us and our allies at every turn. The danger the jinsuls present to our friends and homes cannot be ignored. We now know that they intend to awaken the divine being responsible for trapping our first expedition into the Scoured Stars. We know that this scheme threatens not only the Scoured Stars but all the space surrounding it. This leaves us with one mission: break the jinsul fleet and drive them from the Scoured Stars, putting an end to their depredations once and for all. Today we march to war!”
The Starfinders disperse to their ships and launch into orbit, assembling into either tactical strike formations or vanguards surrounding the larger vessels. The fleet’s synchronized screens flash to life, showing Luwazi Elsebo from her own command station. “We are ready to approach the Scoured Stars system from the outer orbit of the Agillae system’s star. The majority of our fleet will stay together to protect our supplies and support our ground troops, while our field agents are to scout the system and find the most strategic places to engage the jinsuls. Kadrical’s divine herald, Dhurus, is the head of the snake: find where he is hiding so we can direct our full forces against him. Once we close in on him, we can face down Dhurus on equal footing and end this conflict.”
Luwazi nods to the camera. “Stick together, support each other, and stay the course. We live or die as one today. Good luck, Starfinders. Fleet—activate Drift engines now!” The screen shuts off, and each formation of starships surges forward as a unit, vanishing into the Drift.
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The Starfinder fleet emerges from the Drift as a single force, the three suns of the Scoured Stars burning brightly against the surrounding void. Moments later, onboard computers ping with streams of incoming data detailing nearby jinsul ships, planets with concentrated industrial activity, and further commands from the First Seekers. Several files emerge on the captains’ screens: briefings of locations where field agents could find useful information about how best to target the jinsul fleet’s weak points.