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Sefel stares blankly as Hellih's story gets stranger and stranger. He stutters a bit, unsure how to respond.
Well... that's quite an appendage you've got there. I'm sure it'll do well for you on our mission.
-----------------------
The lashunta shows up to the ship dock a little late, having stopped off at the local drug store for some last-minute supplies.
These ought to do it. Few weeks, huh? I guess we'll know each other pretty well soon enough.
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"I prefer to fly Drake if you ask me. I will go to the docks and make sure that whatever we pick is in good shape. Sometimes looking at technicians make them work better. "
The android goes through his backpack making sure that he has everything that is needed for the trip. Then he is heading to the docks.
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Going with the lashunta to the local drug store, Tsultro thinks it prudent to get a few odds and ends.
"Sounds like the Drake is what we are taking, as I am certain our pilot knows which is best. If nobody minds, I will take the rebreather. I should be able to swap out my Jinsul trophies for it. I hate to do that....but it might be best."
You grab your ship and depart.
The trip is uneventful for the first couple of days, but then your radar systems alert you to a positive detection of an object in your 'lane' - it appears to be a beacon of some sort.
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These ought to do it. Few weeks, huh? I guess we'll know each other pretty well soon enough.
"'Bout that! There was a bit of wriggle room in the foods budget so I picked up some popcorn and Pact World and Veskarium movie treats. I'm thinking we could do a few Hilo-movie nights. We each pick a film we like and then we can vote on which to watch which night. I'm thinking of suggesting the Akitonian classic Gone With the Red Wind! It's an amazing film, if a bit dated, though I have to admit I love to hate Shobad O'Hara. So strong but so oblivious to the things right in front of her as well as being a bit self-serving."
==========
Ceolor pokes his head up on the main deck of the Drake peering at the klaxoj and computer screen. " So what's so important that it messed with movie night? We under attack? Dangit the popcorn is going to get cold!"
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"Gone with the red wind? Never heard of that, did you get the latest Fast and Furious 2909: the Spike? I heard that they race in a junkracers! I heard that modifications that they show in the movie are taken from actual workshops on Absalom!" says clearly excited android while carrying his gear on board provided ship.
During the trip, Hellih reads a bit about Vesk tradition and culture and practices his pronunciation. Every day he is working on modifying his rifle, changing the size of the laser and the amount of energy used.
When the alert sound on the ship Hellih leaves his prototype half-assembled and runs towards the pilot chair. He attaches his custom rig to the drake computer and begins reading ship status preparing for whatever might come.
"I need couple of minutes to disable the autopilot if that would be needed, do we know what is it?" asks Hellih with the anticipation. His artificial arm begins to twitch a bit as a reaction to the amount of stress.
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"Movies huh. How about a good comedy, 3 Vesks and a Skittermander? I hear that one is a laugh. And maybe it will help with Hellih's arm?"
During the downtime, Tsultro seems to sometimes be amiable, though once or twice he seems to be a bit withdrawn and often either stays in the mess, looking at the 2nd badge, or often finds a quite place in one of the holds to do aerobics and some katas.
****
Hearing that the computer has detected something, Tsultro comes to the bridge and stands next to the Captain's seat, "What do we have? I might be able to help you Sefel, if you think you need it?"
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****
When Tsultro asks Hellih to help he does not respond but simply makes sure that the ship is on autopilot. Then he stands up and walks to a worktable to assist as he can. When he removes the Jitsul trophies he comments:
"When working for street gangs you see some weird things, but I never saw creatures like those. Where did you get those parts? What are those creatures?"
He holds the parts of the bodies and turns them around without any visible disgust. It could be his android background that makes him indifferent to body parts and he simply treats them as parts of a robot.
"I saw your badge went through a lot. Is it...? Have you been to Scoured Stars?" asks without turning his attention from his work.
****
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****
Tsultro works with Hellih in silence for a while, getting the armor upgrade remove then installing the rebreather.
As Helliah looks at the Jinsul 'trophies', Tsultro gives a sidelong glance over. Listening to both the question about the parts and Scoured Stars Tsultro tries to roll it all in one question.
"Yeah, these are trophies I found while I was being rescued and retreating from the Scoured Stars. I was with Jadnura on a pretty hellscape of a planet. Creatures there were tough, and some of those make creatures on Ukulam look like hamsters. Well, as the Starfinders that came to rescue us, the Jinsul's came down in drop pods to keep us there. I helped Jadnura and the other Starfinders help us break free and get to the Starfinder rescue ship....well...most of us. I took a few of those as....souvenirs and to remember."
As Hellih amentions the badge, Tsultro turns and looks at Hellih, barely even blinking. Realizing that this likely will be asked again, he thinks for a moment.
"The badge.....it isn't mine. It was...my partner. Eleazor Amasa. We...we were Starfinders for a few years, working together. We went on the mission with Jadnura, and only I came back."
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Sefel spends much of the trip getting lost in reading and writing code for side projects, as he still swears he's going to one day get his job back.
Standing at the radar console, he's fixated on breaking down the code of some of the modules of the ship when the beacon signal comes. For several minutes he is completely unfazed by it. Until...
What's this? I'm picking up something on radar...
The lashunta's antennae stand straight up at attention.
Sefel runs a scan which reveals that the beacon contains several logs pertaining to a vessel known as the Three Eyes of Illumination that was heading out into the Vast in order to examine a series of Drift beacons that had suddenly gone dark. The vessel left the beacon on populated space lanes so passing vessels could download its files in the event the vessel didn’t return from its mission.
This type of data beacon is a common practice among ship captains who often enter into potentially dangerous missions.
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"Gone with the red wind? Never heard of that, did you get the latest Fast and Furious 2909: the Spike? I heard that they race in a junkracers! I heard that modifications that they show in the movie are taken from actual workshops on Absalom!"
"Oooh, right, I haven't seen that yet! I'll get it downloaded. It's a fun series of movies isn't it? Kinda surprised the actors got better after they became undead in 1525: Orphys Drift! Nice to hear they finally came back to Absalom. Haven't the last 100 or so been out in the Vast?"
=========
On the ship Ceolor listens to Sefel's explanation and then takes a good look at the beacon.
He taps the screen with a knowing smile. "This is pretty common among captains thinking there's a good chance they won't becoming back. I once traveled on a freighter carrying live akata that left a few of these behind. That was a fun trip! Involved lots of shooting, 3 torpedoes, 4 ships, and a handful of grandmothers before it all ended. Anyways, getting a copy of the files and double checking when we get back to Absalom if their trip was successful wouldn't be a bad idea. Might even be worth the Society's time to check after them if they haven't."
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******
Hellih read that Scoured Stars was a mess and left a lot of people scared.
"I am sorry for your loss." says after hearing it all.
============
[quo=teCeolor]"Oooh, right, I haven't seen that yet! I'll get it downloaded. It's a fun series of movies isn't it? Kinda surprised the actors got better after they became undead in 1525: Orphys Drift! Nice to hear they finally came back to Absalom. Haven't the last 100 or so been out in the Vast?"
"Yeah I think you are right in the Vast. I heard that the series really took off with the Borai cast. They could have allowed for completely new things."
=============
"Let us download the files!" shares the Android
"Do you think we should upload some trail of our own onto this beacon?"
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Tsultro shrugs at Hellih on his comment about the Scoured Stars.
"Thanks. It was....well....saying hell is probably still an understatement. And losing Eleazor, well....there is a reason I go to comedy clubs. Eleazor was a comedian, he used to keep me chuckling at the strangest things...and I hope one day to be able to do that again.....maybe one day."
****
"Hellih, let's see what the info on the beacon is about. But I do think it might be prudent to at least get an upload ready to send to the beacon, just in case. It is best to make certain that we can send that info to the beacon at a drop of a hat, if we feel it is necessary."
Downloading the data you find it to be very routine flight information and somewhat uneventful. It also (soberingly) contains files for the crew in case they don't return - goodbye messages, final wills, and other memories.
Whilst there appears to be no connection with your current mission, you do feel it prudent to provide a copy of the data-set to the Society.
***
A massive chunk of fetid swamp floats amid the swirling purple and pink void of the Drift. Water pours off the sides of the planar bog, forming globules of green and brown water that float slowly away. Blocking the path to the Drift Bog is an ominous red starship, all hard angles and protruding spikes, its hull marked with a distinct insignia–a trio of black talons tearing through a white circle wreathed in black flames.
The ship attempts to open communications with you...
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Tsultro looks around to each person, thinking fast.
Before opening comms to the ship, he says few quick thoughts.
Sarcastically, "Okay...it's not weird that they are here right when we are here...so nothing strange should happen, right?." Being more honest about his words, " While I do not want to look like we are readying ourselves for a fight, let's all get ready for one. Have shields ready to come up at a moment's notice, same with weapons. And Hellih, get ready to do some amazing evasive maneuvers."
With that said, Tsultro sets down in the Captain/Gunner seat and opens comms.
"I am Tsultro Jik of the transport ship Soccus Cruciatu, and you are?????"
The holo-display flickers to life, revealing a scowling tiefling woman with deep purple scaled skin, curling ivory horns, golden eyes, a shaved head, and a jagged scar running across her cheek. “Transport ship?" she almost laughs "Starfinder Jik. This is Reva Monstratti of the Devil’s Talon, captain of the Malice. We have legitimate claim to this site and all objects therein. State your purpose here. Speak, or be destroyed.”
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Tsultro smiles at the screen, showing his tusks. "Why yes, it is a transport ship. Considering I am certain you have scanned this ship, you obviously know it is armed. Why should I add that to my description of who and what we are?"
"What kind of claim do you have if I might ask? This is the Drift, it awful hard to have a claim on any specific location."
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Ceolor, in the gunner seat for the turret, looks back at the Captain. "Noooo, it's just positively coincidental that they are here right now. But don't worry, I've been keeping the weapons warmed since we left, so we can shoot without looking like we were preparing to."
Ceolor watches the face of the tiefling woman for a moment. He thumbs on the comms to Tsu, hoping it won't be picked up by the other ship. "Sounds like a claims race. They know we are starfinders... marks on the ship? But how do they have claim and from whom? We could be investigating the providence of the painting, if you want to try avoiding a fight."
hey know we are starfinders... marks on the ship?
***
"We're not here to negotiate, I'm informing you to alter course and fly around this location. Move within our weapons range and we will open fire. Malice, out" with that the comms blink back out.
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"They are trying to bully us, captain. We just need to respond with strength and they should back away. Anyone knows there ship? Is it a fight that we can win? " asks Android lighting his cigarette.
His hands begin to shake a little and his led hair begins to change colors from white to purple through all intermediate colors and back.
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Tsutro thinks back to the harrowing escape from the Scoured Stars, with many a Starfinder vessel fighting it's way clear from the Jinsul ships.
Blinking he nods. Putting the Malice on mute he communicates with everybody. "I highly doubt that they have any real claim on this. If they can be reasonable, I can se us working together. Besides Sanjaval Space Systems...anybody know more on the captain or this ship?"
Turning back on comms and hearing that apparently they are not in the mood to negotiate, he sighs.
"Well...they obviously don't really want to talk. Hellih, do your best. Sefel, figure out what that ship is, and WHERE Hellih should put us to keep us as safe as possible. Ceolor, hit them with whatever is in range."
The enemy ship postures for combat as it becomes clear no one is budging.
R1
Engineering Phase (Captain, Engineer)
Tsutro - Not as encouraging as he hoped.
Malice Captain
Malice Engoneer
Helm phase (Captain, Pilot, Science Officer)
Party = 12
Enemy
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Despite the danger Sefel feels a bit of excitement for this opportunity. It's been a while since he's had to work a starship under pressure, and he liked the chance to shine.
Aye aye, cap'n! He nods, and so do his antennae.
Turning back to the console...
Using the last +2 in case it gets us a bit more info about their ship.
The enemy ship surges forward, a bit of a lumbering beast, but reasonable enough.
As it closes it opens fire with its canon and missile launching turret!
Canon - Attack
Damage
Missile - Attack
Damage
The cannon misses, but the light missile impacts on your forward shields.
The coilgun from the Starfinders goes wide.
Sefel runs a scan...
MALICE TIER 3
Medium Transport
Speed 8; Maneuverability average (turn 2); Drift 1
AC 16; TL 17
HP 70; DT — ; CT 14
Shields basic shields 40 (forward 10, port 10, starboard 10, aft 10)
Attack (Forward) heavy laser cannon (4d8, 10 hexes)
Attack (Aft) gyrolaser (1d8, 5 hexes)
Attack (Turret) light torpedo launcher (2d8, 20 hexes)
Power Core Arcus Heavy (130 PCU); Drift Engine Signal Basic;
Systems basic computer, budget short-range sensors, crew
quarters (good), mk 3 armor, mk 4 defenses; Expansion
Bays cargo hold (2), guest quarters (good), recreation suite
(gym), smuggler compartment
Complement 6 (minimum 1, maximum 6)
***
R2
Engineering Phase (Captain, Engineer)
Malice Captain
Malice Engineer
R2
Engineering Phase (Captain, Engineer)
Malice Captain 1d20 + 8
Malice Engineer 1d20+8
Sefel and Tsultro look amazing as they work together - and brilliant results are achieved!
Helm phase (Captain, Pilot, Science Officer)
Party = 11
Enemy
Once again, the enemy ship has the jump on the Starfinders.
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Hellih looked with dread how the powerful shot from enemy front cannons flies towards them but he was able to dodge it. He looked at the data that Sefel provided him.
"On the love of Besmara! Their front cannon is a beast." He looks quickly at the possible options on how to move out of its range
"Hold on, we are flying straight at them! I will try to move out of the range of their front cannon. But we might have to hug them!" And he does as he told
Hellih takes the ship in a set of turns and evades straight forward positioning side by side with the enemy ship
R1
Engineering Phase (Captain, Engineer)
Tsutro - Not as encouraging as he hoped.
Malice Captain 1d20+6
Malice Engineer 1d20+6
Helm phase (Captain, Pilot, Science Officer)
Party = 12
Enemy 1d20+13
Enemy Pilot
The enemy ship flips and burns, now facing your aft!
Sefel locks in on the enemy weapons systems.
Hellih shows some great flying chops, weaving and dancing the ship around!
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The lashunta briefly turns from his console, excitedly (or nervously?) rubbing his hands and two antennae together (yes, they are very animated :) ).
Captain! While there is less or no need for shield rebalancing or energy diverting, I'm going to keep targeting their weapons until we can land a good enough hit to impact their front cannon. I believe we can tip the scales by taking away their "big trick."
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The amazing shot passes by the Malice which returns fire with its own guns...
Canon - Attack
Damage
Missile - Attack
Damage
Fortunately, their gunners are equally finding their feet!
***
R3
Engineering Phase (Captain, Engineer)
Malice Captain
Malice Engineer
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Ceolor's face pales some at the threat of having to eat something as infamous as Ziggy's Zaneth Stir-fry. Isn't that the thing that accidentally got served in the mess hall once and everyone there had to get emergency stomach replacements? He laughs through the sweat some and tries to blithely comment, "Ohh, I've always wanted to try that. Can't be worse than a Shobhad Knuckle Buster... can it?"
The gunner tries his best to hide his sigh of relief. I think I can keep my stomach, for now at least. "Awww dang, I was looking forward to trying the stir-fry, but a bet is a bet, right? ...right?"
R3
Engineering Phase (Captain, Engineer)
Malice Captain 1d20+6
Malice Engineer 1d20+6
Helm phase (Captain, Pilot, Science Officer)
Party = 19
Enemy
This time Hellih is all over the enemy!
Enemy
The enemy flounders a lot, unable to fly evasively.
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Hellih looks as the enemy ship flip and burns and is impressed by the turn they took. He notices that their maneuver made them vulnerable to the attack and looked with the anticipation as torpedo shot by Celeor was fired... and missed by a lot.
The android wanted to yell at Celeor but Tsultro was quicker. And maybe that was better as Hellih was busy dodging enemy attacks and sigh with relief not being hit this time.
He looks with anger at the enemy ship focusing all his wits and CPU cycles to outsmart the enemy. As he succeeds Hellih simply says:
"Now I got you!" He takes a tight turn positioning his forward arc in front of the enemy port arc.
"Blast them to pieces Celeor!"
Gunner
Attack
Damage
The Malice fires a missile from their turret into your front shields.
The port shields on the Malice cave in and damage spreads through the ship as the hull buckles under the blow!
Weapons array - F/A/T = Turret
Random = Weapons array - F/A/T = Turret
Turret is Malfunctioning
The Malice appears to have significant sparks flying off the turret!
R4
Engineering Phase (Captain, Engineer)
Malice Captain
Malice Engineer
R4
Engineering Phase (Captain, Engineer)
Malice Captain 1d20+6
Malice Engineer 1d20+6
Tsultro is strongly encouraging!
Helm phase (Captain, Pilot, Science Officer)
Party = 27+2=29
Enemy
The Starfinders just edge out the Tieflings.
Enemy
The enemy appears to botch an attempt to rapidly turn about and slides past!