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New Assignment - Report to Lorespire Complex - Time Sensitive
The group arrives one by one to the complex and are escorted to a boardroom connected to the office of the First Seeker, Luwazi Elsebo.
The center of the room is occupied by a wide low table surrounded with lush couches and armchairs. Sitting at the head of the table is Elsebo however she is dressed in an extravagant fitted suit of a copper fabric to match the Starfinder insignia emblazoned on the table. This attire is in contrast to her usual station wear more focused on function. Behind her is the towering Vesk, Radaszam, leader of the Acquisitives who opted for his ceremonial armor over a suit.
Luwazi smiles and gestures to the seats. “A pleasure to see you all. I trust you’ve heard about tonight’s gala? I have a rather important announcement to make, so we’ve decided to use the opportunity to entertain and impress representatives of the various interests who have helped the Starfinder Society through our setbacks with the Scoured Stars Incident.That’s where you come in. As some of the shining stars of the newest Starfinder Society agents, I’d like to have you mingle with the guests so they can see for themselves what we’ve been able to accomplish. It’s nothing too fancy; I’d just like you all to be polite and talk about some of your experiences with the Society so far. We’re expecting some government dignitaries, investors, corporate interests, and the like, so be sure to stay on your best behavior. Also, don’t be afraid to brag a bit—it’s our goal to impress them.”
“But don’t be stupid,” the armored vesk breaks in.
Luwazi Elsebo glances over her shoulder and grins. “Have you all met Radaszam? He’s certainly someone else you should be trying to impress.”
Radaszam scowls. “Events like this never go as planned. Luwazi’s contracted one of my merc outfits, the Obsidian Spiders, to provide security for the night. I want to make sure that if anything goes down, you’re working with my agents, rather than us all tripping over one another. So stay alert, but if anything happens, make sure you’re talking to me about it rather than jumping in blindly.”
The First Seeker nods and picks up the datapad. “I’ve singled out five guests who I would really like to make a good impression with. These folks should be your priority tonight, so I’ve compiled basic information about each of them here. Things will start up in about an hour in the Skyreach Room. Any questions before we go?”
With a ping or vibrate each of you feels an incoming message.
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A young bald kasatha wearing a bright red and yellow unitard over his second skin armor walks into the room, with his vid cam pointed towards himself, narrating as he goes, "Hey there, Soltrites! It's your pal and mentor Meme! For those of you not in the know, I've decided to try something radical. I joined the Starfinders, yo! I was like, Travel: yes please. Adventure: yes please. Meeting cool people: yes please. A chance to workout on every planet in the Pact Worlds: Double yes. So, I got a buzz from the higher ups this morning and am heading in for my first briefing. Catch y'all on the flip side. And remember, stay swol!" While he is carrying on, he uses his hands to accentuate what he is saying, the pair of singing discs strapped to his waist clanking together in a rhythmic cadence.
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Elsebo smiles at the vid blogger as he wraps up his post.
"Good advertisement for the Society already! Just be careful you don't catch anything Top Secret in those videos. You will have to send me a link to you channel so we can have it sent out to the other Starfinders, yeah?" she says with a smile as Radaszam shakes his head and begins to answer Fordon's query.
"It may not be as flashy but feel free to talk up your training or what brought you to the Society if that pops up."
The two leaders wait for the rest of the party to check in while fielding further questions.
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A human clad in professional counselor's clothing stands to the side looking through the data package. With his battlestaff in the crook of his left arm, he reads his computer. A strange blaster is at his right side and he sub-consciously strokes the Holy Symbol of the Goddess, Sarenrae with his right hand.
"Tolmu here. Due to my connection to the Goddess, the final entry my be problematic, but I will do my best. My main concern is the Symbiote. How readily can it change hosts? Does it take a few minutes to "Link-up" to a new host or is it a matter of seconds? Let me see if I have any notes on the Species..."
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Meme looks through the information sent to his datapad, jumping between that and some of the vid streams he has yet to catch up on. Upon seeing Zo! listed, he proclaims, "No way! I get to work with Zo! on my first time out? This is totally rad."
He turns to Tolmu, "Don't worry, dude. Zo! is totally chill and will be super awesome to work with. Just need to get past his weak little exterior there. Everyone else looks pretty cool, too, of course. I'm just wondering if that isopod dude-thing gives any cool extra gains to his hosts, you know?"
He then turns to Elsebo, "I'm totally cool with not vlogging everything, so totally no iss there. But, if we really want to make this series pop, maybe I can interview Zo! a little. The others, too, I guess. I'll make sure to link them to you after I spice them up a bit. Gotta keep production values high."
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"I don't think you have to worry about Ykris hopping about in such a situation. You will have to ask him for the specifics on his process as we have nothing in our files. It seems we have your party is well equipped to split up in your efforts, Meme sounds quite thrilled to handle Zo! for you." Elsebo laughs as she replies to Tolmu
She looks over a few last things with Radaszam before looking at her watch.
"Glad you have some information on the guests already. Definitely pool that knowledge while you prepare for the gala. It should be starting in around 3 hours, do be on time. Any last questions as before you go?"
The fourth member of the squad arrives as the briefing is wrapping up.
"It seems I showed up a bit late but I got the information. The name is Navasi and it is a pleasure to meet you all. This gala is sure to be filled with my least favorite type of people but for the greater good!"
"I shared a little background information on Iteration-177 that I have heard on the channels." she says as a ping comes across on the local frequency.
Iteration-177 is a relative newcomer to the Aspis
Consortium. In addition to making waves by urging Consortium
support of the Starfinders, they have an interest in religious
artifacts and connections.
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The Starfinders handle various bits of business before meeting outside the Skyreach Room to commence their meeting. They gather on the lift as it quickly ascends the complex. The doors open into a classy space made breathtaking by large windows set into the vaulted ceiling, providing a shining view of the Armada orbiting Absalom Station and the galaxy beyond.
A low stage with black skirting and a sleek podium overlooks the room from the far end of the hall. A dozen or so guests, representing a wide array of races, mingle in twos and threes, while servers in sharp vests bring around a variety of bizarre snacks and drinks. A curly-haired AV tech arranges wiring along one side of the stage, and Luwazi Elsebo stands at the other side speaking with a damaya lashunta man.
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Meme wastes no time and makes a beeline for Zo!. While he wants to make the best impression possible, he is singularly focused and goes right into his WeTube channel, "Mr. Zo! I'm meme Nom Mimosil Homus Jul of Clan Soltri. You can just call me Meme. I am such a fan of yours! I model my channel after you. If I'm not entertaining, I'm not doing my job. I would love for you to have a watch and give me some pointers!"
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The ysoki Royo has something of a
rivalry with Historia-7 and the Dataphiles
faction, and he tends to snub individuals
who he perceives to rely overmuch
on technological “crutches.” He’s
also an elected member of the
Forum, the Starfinder Society’s
governing council.
The alien symbiote
Ykris represents CeriCore Labs.
Business-wise, the corporation
has very little to gain from the
Starfinder Society’s endeavors, but
it nevertheless made a substantial
donation; rumors suggest the contribution
was someone’s pet project.
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"Meme Nom Mimosil Homus Jul of Clan Soltri! That is mouthful my boy but the enthusiasm is fantastic! I may be here for the Starfinder Society gala but business never dies." he says with a wink as his rictus smile widens a bit more.
He quickly waves over one of the attendants carrying a dish of appetizers and picks one off for Meme. It appears to be a still moving slug with a skull like pattern placed upon a scorched piece of toast.
"How about you try this tasty Death's Head Mollusc while we look over some of your videos? I promise the taste is to die for! Aha! Having a Starfinder running a channel in my media empire would be a wooooonderful partnership, right?" he says pushing the appetizer closer to the mouth of Meme.
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Sure that this individual he looks up to so highly would not hurt him, Meme shrugs and adds, "Looks interesting! What is life...or unlife...for if not adventure, am I right? Let me get my comm and I'll show you some of my vids. I've got a few rough cuts, too, if you wanted to give some pointers on where to go with it." He grabs the Death's Head Mollusc and tosses it in his mouth.
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Zo! gives very animated applause as Meme bravely eats the appetizer.
"Fearlessness! I can't wait to work with you and other Starfinders with this kind of spunk. Viewers love stuff like this but now what about some action!" he laughs egging on his new subject or possibly protege with the others gathered around.
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Tolmu approaches a circle of scholarly Starfinder officials to speak to Royo. He nods and welcomes him to the discussion peering closer through his spectacles.
"Pleasant enough. I can bend the ear of up and comers like you to hammer in the importance of historical documents. All the sciences and humanities benefit from physical record keeping. Perhaps you wouldn't understand...everyone is digital these days." he says rather dismissively turning his attention back to the discussions with the other scholars.
Navasi winks to the others as they head off to their respective targets.
"Let me know if y'all want company otherwise I might see about this charming android from the Apsis Consortium."
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Tolmu continues to press the conversation with Royo, switching the subject to what he knows well..."I understand the need for hard copies of the information we gather. In my profession as a counselor, it is best to keep physical copies to prevent possible computer hacking from altering the private, and obviously intimate, personal insights gathered from my clients in session."
"Alrighty. You three knock em dead while I work on this Apsis guy." Navasi says to Fordon before heading to her mark.
She walks over to the well dressed android as he talks to other junior Starfinders.
"Mr. Iteration-177, my name is Navasi and I can't help but appreciate someone trying to bring together two VERY different organizations. How does the Consortium feel about this overall?"
She winks slyly while shooing the others away.
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The Ysoki scholar turns his head back rather quickly once Tolmu begins using his professional experience and habits to agree with the topic. He puts a paw on his shoulder and brings him into the circle of scholars.
"A shining example of my principles on keeping physical copies. Another expert to turn the tides in my favor before the Dataphiles have us becoming completely digital...then good luck trying to get public copies! What was your name, lad?" he says practically beaming at another point in his favor.
"What area of counseling do you perform?" the group asks.
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Zo! watches as he performs the feat of strength with mild interest and as his legs raise into the air he almost begins to clap but his attention is pulled elsewhere for a moment.
"Quite impressive, Meme, but it is missing something to be perfect. Something more dangerous or exotic to draw in the non-exercising crowd! All about viewer numbers....hmm...now what is that beautiful weapon on your hip? A demonstration of how that works might get this crowd going." Zo! says working through the problems with his performance.
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The android looks a bit perturbed as the other junior Starfinders are shooed away by Navasi but once she demonstrated her knowledge of the Apsis Consortium his interest was piqued.
"You seem a bit more knowledgeable to be a rookie. Have you had dealings with the Apsis Consortium or have you just done your research on me?" he says smugly crossing his arms.
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Hearing the Ysoki and Tolmu talking about Physics and Science he tries to join the conversation after desperately trying to hide his technical 'enhancements'.
"Did I hear Physics and Biology in this round?" Fordon asks, but before the others can answer he continues. "In my studies I learned a lot about Biology and Physics, but the most interesting part in my training was Medicine. It's really interesting how different races have different mechanisms to fight infections or heal wounds."
After a short talk he moves on to talk to Ykris. "Hello, sir! My name is Fordon Brooks. I recently finished my training with the Starfinder Society and I'm really interested in the projects you are running in the CeriCore Labs. If you are allowed to talk about them, of course. In my training I concenrated on Physics and Engineering and I'm always trying to learn some new things."
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The Ysoki scholar turns to see Fordon but shakes his head in disappointment as he notices the enhancements. One person in the round perks up but Royo focuses back on his debate on physical records.
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Fordon approaches an immaculately dressed half-elf with a clean-cut professional look. An iridescent segmented insect is deeply embedded in the neck and scalp of the half-elf.
"Hello, it is nice to meet you Fordon. I am always willing to discuss our up and coming projects at CeriCore within reason but my specialty is in the implantation side rather than the manufacture. I would also love to hear from you about the Starfinder Society so perhaps we can take turns in our discussions!" the half-elf says with enthusiasm.
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Zo! begins applauding as Meme unsheathes his weapon but he turns his head at the less effective thrown attack but once he closes the distance the crowd cheers.
"Ah I see the first attack must have been a feint! Then you carved it immaculately. You might be just the kind of person for an upcoming project I have dubbed Live Exploration Extreme!" he says getting back to business.
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Navasi seeing Meme attempting to close the deal with Zo! breaks off from Iteration-177 and heads over.
"I will be right back. It seems a show has started around our guest from Eox." she says with a bow.
The crowd dispersed enough to allow her to cartwheel into a backtuck landing right next to the Elebrian.
"I see my associate is showing off his prowess. The talents of the Starfinders are diverse and exciting." she says inching closer as they converse.
"Some of us keep our secrets hidden under all the pomp and circumstance." she says twirling her azimuth laser pistol before dropping it but uses the distraction to draw her survival knife to surprise the crowd as she slips behind Zo!
"Always have a backup." she laughs before putting both weapons away.
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Zo! turns to see outlaw approaching with a wide smile as she flips.
"First strength now agility! Are you two a duo?" he asks while she twirls her weapon.
When she sneaks up behind him he only smiles wider.
"My my an act after my own throat! Nothing like a deadly situation to get this old blood pumping. You would be perfect for some my new project as well. If you two aren't a duo it might have to be arranged. Perhaps a romance or rivalry." he says while waving off his security guard as he starts to move.
He pulls out a datapad and starts showing information to the Starfinder duo absolutely enthralled.
"The Starfinder Society is too full of potential to not support fully. Expect my shows to plug you whenever possible."
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Seeing that Ykris is interested in a conversation Fordon continues to speak about the Starfinder Society. "Implantation side? That sounds very interesting. I'm using a custom augmentation rig to help me with my tasks. Look." Fordon says and begins to present his rig and how it displays information.
"But look at this, this I made myself. When you press here and move this to the side and do this with your head you activate a hidden feature. "
With Royo and Ykris not being her style she heads back to Iteration-177.
"Sorry about leaving so promptly. I saw my companion smoozing with Zo! and wanted to add a little flair. He ate it up. Reminds me of one of the missions where we went on a reality show." she says making up the details as she goes along.
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Ykris listens intently to the discussion but seems less interested in the mundane applications.
"It is indeed impressive how we use these modifications to improve our daily lives. My bond with my host is one that we base many of our biotech augmentations on. Natural augments are the basis for our science. You have some interesting ideas but how can we apply that to the body itself. Maybe you have come across some ideas from your Society work?" Ykris replies through his host body.
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Appreciative that Navasi returned he listens intently to the story. Her flourishes and descriptions remove any doubt in the fabricated story.
"Brilliant, do go on. I want to hear more stories...this is the kind of action that would win over the detractors in my organization. They appreciate the lengths the Society will go to."
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Everyone gets a ping on their comm device from Elsebo beckoning them to the stage to talk.
"I see you have met most of our guests. How do you feel it is going? Hopefully we are winning them over so we can gain some much needed support." she asks the assembled group.
Looking out they have a good view of the crowd.
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"Not to worry. It seems Zo! is well on board so we have made some progress. Have you tried speaking to Naiaj, Fordon? She has been an essential Venture-Captain here working in logistics so she has that technological affinity you seem to enjoy." she replies to his worries.
"Any reports from you three?" she says asking the others how they are doing.
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Fordon nods before heading to Naiaj, trying his luck.
"Venture-Captain! My name is Fordon Brooks. I heard about your piloting career. It seems you hav a lot of knowledge to share with a young pilot like me. I have a question. How would you fly a landing maneuver when you have no energy in the cockpit."
Navasi heads over to strike up general conversation with Naiaj as well to help garner some information.
Naiaj talks about her time in the field working on the computer and mechanical systems of the Starships she flew on.
"Society crews these days cannot maintain a proper ship. They damage the computer systems, the engines, and can't even fly them through a debris field. Perhaps I need to go into the instructor profession instead of being a Venture-Captain. Plus they all jump to combat with any ship they encounter instead of reasoning through it." Naiaj goes on while tapping through her datapad.
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Navasi in turn invites her team over to discuss any of the topics they share.
"I haven't had to fly through many debris fields but the concepts of it are simple enough. Take it slow and maneuver through in low power. Anything more and you can upset the gravity making it harder to navigate."