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Lilly yelps at the defense laser shot. “Ow!”
She hears Yariel say that we could probably interrupt the defense laser system. “I can try tha—”
Yariel pulls out her computer and looks for a signal. ”I got this, someone else help with the reactor.”
“— or I can help with the reactor. That works too.”
Lilly cracks a slanted smile at the Ysoki, then turns to the reactor console and scans the displays. ”Let's see what we have here...”
T'sorkel tries to activate the proper computer routine this time, avoiding the section that triggered the laser countermeasures. He tries Yariel's technique of looking for documentation on the shutdown procedures first.
Once again the computer console pauses.
All of you wince, as you expect more lasers to pop out of the ceiling.
There are no lasers.
Only the sound of hydraulic pumps starting, steam venting , and the psychic alarm going in yellow caution mode.
A few minutes later, you meet the Steward Shez near the now open blast doors.
Shez, a stout and muscular lashunta dressed in dark
military armor, awaits just beyond the blast doors with a
team of similarly dressed soldiers.
He gives a nod and a slight grin, saying, “Great work!
Let’s get out of here, eh? I sent my drone ahead, and the
way’s all clear to the Voidcrier.”
The Stewards lead the way as they walk into a wide
hallway that slopes up. Eventually, the passage opens
into a landing bay in which a sleek, dark warship sits. A
gangway ramp already stands open in the mid-forward
section of the ship.
“Permission to come aboard?” says Shez.
“Shut up and get your butts in here. We need to roll,
Shez,” says Narla Yalamis over the comm unit.
Shez grins and grunts, and then he moves toward the
gangway, the others following.
Shez turns toward you one last time, seemingly noticing the hulking Ikeshti for the first time. "Is, uhhh, he coming with us?"
Hrog just smiles and boards the vessel.
"Well done," Rar'gul commends his companions. "Let's get out of herrre."
The trox follows the Stewards through the complex and to the foot of the gangway to board their vessel.
Rar'gul hesitates momentarily, looking around at his friends. "Now, how to tell if this is rreal or morre of the simulation?" he rumbles.
T'sorkel looks around as he punches in the last few commands. Did that work? Did I do it? He squeaks when the door opens, but then you hear a psychic squeal when Shez introduces himself as a Steward. We're saved!
He follows them to the ship with the rest of the group. When they question Hrog's presence, the Shirren introduces him. This is Hrog. He was also a prisoner on board and helped us. Please, we should be taking anyone who we can, yes? He was a victim too! He nods to Hrog with some sympathy.
T'sorkel begins boarding the ship only to hear Rar'gul. He turns with an alarmed look on his face. You think this is another simulation? Doc, you could tell, right? This has to be real. He clutches the twins' carrying case tightly.
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Yariel nods, "Knew you could do it T'sorkel. Good work all here."
The Ysoki packs up her gear and heads out with the crew, "Let's get out of here and figure out what is next."
She adds her thoughts back to the Shirren, The odds that any of this is part of the original simulation are very low. But that doesn't mean these people are friends. Remember that.
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Lilly hears Rar’gul and Yariel’s comments, along with T’Sorkel’s message. They break her out of her reverie at shutting down the reactor and escaping with the Stewards.
She frowns and mouths the words without thinking. Is this real?
“Of course it’s… well it… it…”
How can I tell if it’s real or another stupid Gray simulation?
Lilly closes her eyes for a moment. How do I know it’s real? A memory echoes through her head and she hears one of her med school biology profs. “Prove to me that this jetpack isn’t alive.”
The students — herself included — came up with all kinds of answers but he batted them away with smug arguments. Gods that man could be annoying!
And then that Lashunta guy in the back solved it: The jetpack isn’t alive because it can’t grow or reproduce. He answered with a very off-color comment about “making little jump jets” and everybody laughed, except the prof, but the humor made the moment stick in her memory.
The Grays did a great job with their simulation, but maybe they didn’t go that far… and maybe the microlab can tell me.
The Voidcrier lifts off and lurches as the thrusters engage.
The viewscreen shows a dull gray chunk of stone receding
among other asteroids as the starship speeds up. Suddenly,
part of the asteroid detonates, followed by a second and
equally massive explosion that starts to tear the place apart.
The explosion then pauses, turns green, and reverses, folding
the asteroid in on itself. It shrinks to a single, bright green
point and blinks out of existence—no debris, no residue, and
no hint it ever existed.
“That’s that,” says Narla.
T'sorkel watches the asteroid wink out of existence. He feels very odd watching evidence of their past several days simple evaporate into nothing. Like memories lost forever. Um, excuse me. Narla? That's what? What was that place and how did you know we were being held there? We found grays there, mostly dead already. Can you help us understand what is going on?
Rar'gul watches on as the asteroid vanishes from existence, feeling much the same as T'sorkel.
Holding up a balled fist, he flicks his fingers open. "Pop," he says meaningfully.
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The microlab said that the Lashunta was, in fact, a Lashunta, right down to the notational squiggle for telepathic ability that’s not currently active. Lilly nods and shrugs to T’sorkel, then follows the rest of the party into the waiting ship.
She expected the explosions, but the collapsing cloud that shrunk and popped into nothingness caught her almost completely off-guard.“That was almost us.”
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John watches the explosion on the screens. Was that the greys, or the Steward's tech that caused the implosion?
Then he gazes into his palm for a few seconds. "Doesn't matter if we still be in a simulation," he muses. "The illusion be drawn again or it be the real world. Unless something pierce the veil of sensation, We play the hand we see before us. Anything else, always trying to look behind the curtain, be madness."
guess the odd phenomenon they just witnessed is related
to the quantum experiments the grays were conducting,
which resulted in the existence of the quantum troll. Outpost
Omicron imploded into quantum space.
When T'sorkel fires off questions, Narla responds to the best of her ability. "First of all, we had no idea you were within the gray's complex, but we're lucky you were. We would have never made it out without you. When we arrive at our destination, we should be able to debrief you further, but the long and short of is that this was a dangerous gray research facility that was a security risk to this system"
Shez continues, "When I shut down the reactor, I planted a bomb and set the reactor to restart a few minutes after our departure. We couldn't risk leaving this complex for the grays, or possibly space pirates, to reoccupy."
Narla recommends a bite to eat and some rest. She informs you that with any luck, you'll be back in the Pact Worlds in a matter of days.
T'sorkel nods, still clutching the twins' case. He chitters eagerly at the thought of returning home.
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The surprise of the complex’s disappearance slides off of Lilly in a few minutes as her analytical side begins chewing on what they saw and experienced.
“I’ll bet the explosion had to do with their quantum space experiments. It's probably how they got the quantum troll.”
She glances aside to the Stewards for a moment. “That thing caused all the destruction on our side of the complex. Completely insane creature to fight. It existed everywhere in the room at once, so it could hit you from any direction and across any distance.”
Turning back to the group, she continues. ”The Grays were experimenting with quantum space. When the station blew up, it must’ve imploded quantum space. Bloop… gone.”
She looks back out of the window for a moment, lost in thought, remembering her conversation with Yariel. What kind of game are they playing? How long have we been part of it? Is it still going on somewhere?
Shaking off those thoughts, she looks around the group. “Warm food and safe rest sound better than I can imagine right now. Who’s in?”
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”First thing we need to do when we get to a place with a a decent computer system is to find out when in the timeline we were abducted. Somewhere between meeting at the diner and getting stranded in the void our ship was put into that complex and everyone except for us six were traded out for. . . I dunno, grey clones? Synthazoids? I dunno but they all had brain bombs and for some reason we don’t . . . Or ours didn’t go off. Then we can get down to why they put us through that cockeyed simulation.”
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IT WAS GOING TO BE A NORMAL TRIP THROUGH THE DRIFT. Several days ago you boarded the long-haul transport Chimera. Right from the get-go, nothing seemed normal. The ship's security officer disappeared after all of you witnessed her arguing with another passenger. A professor with a mysterious artifact hired you to look into this disappearance, suspecting someone might be after this artifact. Not long after your investigation began, the drift engines failed. In the end, shape-changing pirates boarded the ship, and the Chimera faced destruction!
Following the destruction of The Chimera, all of you escaped via the escape pods.
Instead of launching into the Drift, you found yourselves in some sort of mysterious research facility. The Chimera and its contents were a fake! You would guess some sort of simulation.
You were seemingly trapped within this facility, and worse yet, it was under attack! Everywhere you turned there was evidence that the facility had been hit with starship weapons.
Numerous "experiments" were freed from their captivity. These experiment presented obstacles throughout your exploration of the facility.
Finally, you came across the attackers of the facility. It was a group of Stewards from the Pact Worlds. They let you know that this was a Gray research facility, and it was a danger to this system and possibly the Pact Worlds. They also indicated they could get you out of the facility, but first a pair of reactors had to be locked down so emergency failsafes could be overridden and the docking bay doors could be opened.
After successfully doing so, you boarded the Voidcrier and began your journey from this near space system back to the Steward base in the Pact Worlds.
Present on the Voidcrier were your Steward rescuers--an affable lashunta named Shez, a half-elf named Narla, and an android named Galatea-5. With them were a group of about a dozen or so mercenaries who go by the name Pike's Perytons.
As you departed the facility, it imploded upon itself. Shez admitted he rigged the reactor to begin melting down again, and this caused the end of the facility.
You find yourselves on the bridge of the Voidcrier. The two stewards you have interacted with while on the gray outpost are here (Shez and Narla), as well as an android you haven't really met yet.
Narla addresses all of you:
“Our little Banshee is usually faster than most starships,”
Narla Yalamis says from the captain’s chair. “But it seems
like those damned grays did something to our Drift engines
before we wiped them out. We’ll have to use conventional
thrusters for a few days until we figure it out. Maybe if we
get out of the system... In the meantime, take it easy! Get
to know everyone.” She gestures to Shez Daiasha and the android, “Shez and Galatea-5 can show you the ropes, if you can pry Shez away from that cartoon he calls a drone.” Narla’s smile makes it clear she’s teasing Shez, who waves the remark away.
She continues, “The rest of the crew members are part of a
mercenary company—Pike’s Perytons, commanded by Orvir
Pike. They’re friendly enough. They’ve got one wounded in
the med bay. Sergeant Breez took a nasty hit on Omicron,
and she’s been down ever since. Once we get to Tyrkalis,
our base on Varos, she can get patched up proper. Also, my
boss, Inspector Hird, will want to debrief you and make sure
you’re fit before we send you on your way.
You can find bunks on the lower deck, and chow’s in the
galley. Make yourselves at home.”
T'sorkel looks around the ship in bewilderment. He's grateful for being rescued, but still completely disoriented from their situation. The psychic speech just rattles out of him. We still don't understand why we were at that facility or even why you came. You said it was a dangerous facility, which we all agree, but do you know what they were doing there? We found evidence of experiments gone wrong inside, but was some of that destruction your doing too? And what of the grays themselves? Most of them we found were dead from some sort of brain-bomb.
He finally takes a 'breath' from his telepathy and just shudders. Maybe...Maybe we all just need a rest too. He pats the twins' case, noting that they had fallen asleep, clearly the exhaustion of the events affecting the larvae too.
Galatea stood behind her commanding officer, she was a small and lithe looking android, typically. However, given the nature of the rescue, she had still not disembarked from her field gear, specifically, her augmented battle harness. A large, power armor frame, decorated in the blue & gold of the Stewards, her rank and designation on her left breast, and the organizations motto: 'From strength unity, from unity strength. Thus do we stand against chaos, thus do we honor their sacrifice,' inscribed on her right shoulder plate. Over her left shoulder was a weapon mount, though the plasma bolter itself was powered down. The armor's large, bulky helmet was mag-clipped to her hip, her face, youthful in appearance with a narrow, pointed chin, large dark blue eyes stared out from behind her black pixie cut bangs, she approximated a smile, nervously.
As the shirren's thought speech reached into her positronic cortex, she arched an eyebrow, unused to such telepathic contact, though the ease with which T'sorkel had access to her thoughts was a little disconcerting. She looked at Omicron survivors, surveying them individually, assessing them for injuries sustained during their escape from the Gray's outpost.
"Should any of you wish, we can proceed to the infirmary, this unit, Galatea-5, is a fully accredited paramedic and trauma surgeon. I can perform an examination to determine the extent of your injuries," she remembered the shirren's mention of brain bombs, "and ensure that no extraneous ordinance has been implanted sub-dermally without your knowledge or consent."
T'sorkel looks around the ship in bewilderment. He's grateful for being rescued, but still completely disoriented from their situation. The psychic speech just rattles out of him. We still don't understand why we were at that facility or even why you came. You said it was a dangerous facility, which we all agree, but do you know what they were doing there? We found evidence of experiments gone wrong inside, but was some of that destruction your doing too? And what of the grays themselves? Most of them we found were dead from some sort of brain-bomb.
Narla considers T'sorkel's concerns. "These are all questions I am not sure I have the answer to. At least not yet. As far as what was going on in that facility...well, you saw the experiments. You saw that they were being carried out on sapient species. It's clear to me that you are some of those people that the grays felt they could experiment on without your knowledge or understanding. When we get to Tyralkis Base, I can promise you all a full debriefing before we provide transportation back to Absalom Station for you."
The shirren nods at Galatea-5. Yes, a medical examination would be most helpful. He glances back at John. Unless this is just more simulation.
Regardless, T'sorkel seems ready to go with the android to be checked out.
Galatea-5 nodded towards the Shirren, the large Naur's reservations were reasonable. Given the Omicron evacuee's experiences over the last several days, their caution regarding the current situation and, even, the motives of the Void Crier's crew were understandable.
"Given your current situation, and concerns about your status at the Outpost, a cursory medical examination seems prudent." Looking towards the diminutive halfling female, the android nodded, "nor would I be offended if your companion reviewed both my methodology and the results of the scan. My intent is to establish a baseline on your health and well being before repairing any damage that you may have sustained during your escape." With a sweep of her hand she indicated the lift that would take them to mid-ship.
"Should you wish I can provide you a tour of the Voidcrier, a Banshee class fast assault frigate. One of the Steward's finest, given the capabilities of her captain." With this last comment she flashed a smile at Yalamis. "The med-bay is located fore, mid-ship, shall we proceed?"
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Escaping the Gray base and walking into the Steward’s ship leaves Lilly in a daze. Is this a dream? Are we still in the simulation? Is this what it looks like and we’re finally safe? Her hand curls around the butt of her needler pistol, as if holding it is holding onto reality.
The tour continues, and she finally accepts what her senses are telling her. Her hand falls away from the gun. It’s over. We’re safe. She can’t decide whether to laugh or cry or do both. Maybe I’ll just get drunk in my bunk tonight and let tomorrow figure itself out.
As everyone talks, Lilly focuses as best she can and tries very hard to stop looking over her shoulder. Nothing will teleport in behind us. They don’t do that here. You’re Safe. We’re safe. And we’re… Yariel’s words float through her mind. ...not necessarily among friends. Remember that. She makes her hand release the gun butt again, pastes on a smile, and wades into the crowd.
Meeting the Steward team helps her refocus away from the insanity of what they’ve been through. Her natural Halfling gregariousness kicks in as the conversations continue. She even feels herself smile.
”Given your current situation, and concerns about your status at the Outpost, a cursory medical examination seems prudent.”Looking towards the diminutive halfling female, the android nodded,"nor would I be offended if your companion reviewed both my methodology and the results of the scan. My intent is to establish a baseline on your health and well being before repairing any damage that you may have sustained during your escape."
Lilly approaches the Android. “My thanks, Galatea-5. I’m Dr. Lillithbryne Flint-Bridge, but please call my Lilly. I kept everyone patched together and alive to this point, but it’s best if you handle the scans. Until we find out what the Grays did, if anything, I can’t rely on my judgement. Let me get my things.”
Among the bubbling voices, Lilly hears Yariel speaking with the Stewards about signing on with them. She desperately wants to say goodbye, but she’s sure that would destroy her composure. She manages a weak wave as Yariel heads out of the room, and then rummages through her pack. Finding her data pad, she types a message. “Good luck, my friend. We made a great team. Don’t forget me. L.” She presses ‘send’, stows the pad, and wipes her hand across the tears on her cheeks, trying to look refreshed instead of emotional.
She turns back to Galatea-5 and nods. ”Please, lead on.”
Galatea nodded at the Doctor, "This unit is honored to meet you Dr. Flint-Bridge," she turned directing the team to the lift that would descend down to mid-ship, "this lift runs vertically through the 'crier's decks, immediately below the bridge, you will find the frigate's dual linked laser cannons, then the mid-ship crew quarters, including engineering, medical and the brig." As the lift transporting the group stopped, she indicated the control panel. "The lower decks are guest quarters, where the Peryton's are currently bunked, and our galley." She proceeded towards the fore of the ship, walking past a lounge area with some overstuffed chairs, a large panel viewscreen and entertainment equipment.
Turning left, she entered one of the smaller crew quarters, "A moment, while the assault power frame is useful if one is expecting confrontation with hostile forces, it does impede one's ability to perform a proper, and thorough, medical examination." As she entered her quarters, a collection of schematics, computer diagnostics and newsfeeds displayed on holo screens was visible before the door swooshed closed. Returning a few moments later, dressed in a functional Steward's uniform, pistol strapped to her hip, the android led the group to the medical bay. "Thank you for your patience, now, what I find most concerning is your mention of ordinance implanted in some of the subjects you encountered in Omicron, may I ensure that such devices are not implanted in yourselves?"
As she spoke she indicated a medical examination table, as well as an array of imaging and diagnostic scanners. "In an attempt at full disclosure, I would also like to obtain a genetic sample from each of you, to establish a baseline for future genetic or medical scans. It will allow comparison to the Steward's database once we arrive at Tyalkis base. I must remind you, you are not compelled to provide a sample, nor are you under active Steward investigation."
A query flickered over her face, a moment of reflection, 'Yet,' a pause, 'any implanted directives programmed into your meat brains have not yet been activated by your abductors.' She was able to bypass the impulse from her exocortex before it reached her vocal modulator. Where had that come from? These were victims, abducted, programmed, and released, not suspects. Motives were unknown, further analysis required.
"It would be useful in cross referencing with the Pact Worlds database, tracking your movements prior to your ... abduction and insertion into the Gray facility."
T'sorkel eager get onto the medical bed, ready to submit to the scan. When Galatea mentions a genetic sample, the Shirren jerks his head up quickly. Um, a genetic sample? He looks at the others very concerned. Um, do we have to? I don't know about that... He suddenly looks very afraid.
Galatea was pleased with the Nuar's seeming compliance with the request, however, the Shirren's response and sudden spike in stress indicators caused her to take a different approach. She shook her head, in what she hoped was a sympathetic manner, "No, no, T'sorkel, is it?" She looked to Dr. Flint Bridge, "It was merely a request, one that you are within your rights to deny. Let's have your companion, Lilly watch over the procedure, shall we? To ensure that no genetic sample is taken from those who are uncomfortable providing one."
She considered their reaction, and it wasn't, entirely, unreasonable, the had been through a traumatic event, and had not yet had time to decompress, or even analyze their recollection of what had been inflicted on them by their abductors. "You must understand, that as a synthetic, my bedside manner is largely perfunctory, patient care is within acceptable parameters, but I am not, particularly skilled at evaluating or diagnosing psychological trauma. My apologies."
In the very least scans are conducted on each of you by Galatea, with Dr. Flint-Bridge looking over things for good measure.
It seems there is good news. There is no evidence of any sort of foreign appliance or body within any of you. None of you should fear a brain bomb ending your existence.
It may take some time for any other findings with regards to genetic samples. Though the Voidcrier's data banks are impressive, any information regarding these samples may need to await your arrival in the Pact Worlds.
THERE IS ONE OTHER PATIENT IN THE MEDBAY.
Sergeant Kaniko Breez, one of the Perytons, rests in the
medical bay, recovering from a head injury. She has
been prescribed heavy medication to assist her
healing and keep her from aggravating her injury.
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”Thanks for the checkup docs. Now, down to business. I remember eating some newfangled sandwich-wrap-thing in a dirty spoon right before getting on our ill-fated ship. Let’s see if we can contact them and see if they can’t confirm that I ate there. If we do, then. . . Well, seems pretty obvious we were abducted while in transit, probably while we were all sleeping.”
The android nodded her head, "Certainly possible," she consulted her datapad, "Mr. Truthpelt. However, given our distance from a stable Infosphere connection, we may need to wait to pursue that avenue of investigation until we arrive at Tyralkis base."
She pondered, reviewing the medical records of the adjacent mercenary in the Med Bay, one Kaniko Breez. "Heavily sedated, cranial trauma, poor woman. She'll survive, but is likely out of commission for some time." Turning her attention back to the group, "In the mean time, if you want something a little more, mundane, perhaps speak with Orvir Pike, I believe he is having a viewing of the championship Brutaris match this evening."
Turning back to the injured woman, she inquired, "Good day Sergeant, are you in continuing discomfort, can I get you anything?"
T'sorkel rubs the spot on his neck where the scanner had been placed. I hope that was real. It would be nice not to have to worry about a brain bomb. Dr. Flint Bridge was observing, right? He glances over to the Doctor.
As they finish up their medical scans, T'sorkel speaks psychically again. Captain Narla said there was food? Perhaps we should get something to eat and join Pike in seeing the match? Something mundane to get our minds off the ordeal. Though, I expect that may fall asleep if I allow myself to rest too much.
He peeks over to see Sergeant Breez, recovering from her head wound. Galatea, Lilly? When wounded, particularly head trauma, there is often a risk of mental damage. I...I could try to help heal her psyche. The Archive...it has interesting effects on the body too. Heal the mind and the body tends to follow. He looks up sharply at them But I won't try unless you think it's safe.
Sergeant Kaniki Breez floats in and out of consciousness.
The additional attention given by Galatea-5 and Dr. Flint-Bridge seem to be making a difference. The two medical practitioners feel that a combination of medicinals and treatments would benefit her and bring her back from her tedious existence at the edge of consciousness.
She seems to be coming around, and Galatea and Dr. Flint-Bridge feel her prognosis is excellent.
Breez utters a dry, exhausted "thank you," then asks for a drink of water, though she jokes about something stronger.
Her gear is set up in the corner of the medbay, including an impressive bladed weapon.
T'sorkel realizes that Breez is in good hands and backs away. He glances over at her equipment. Interesting. That's a Corpse Fleet weapon. You usually don't see them outside Eoxian usage. He points to the sword. He will refrain from asking her more about it as she recovers.
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Among the bubbling voices, Lilly hears Yariel speaking with the Stewards about signing on with them. She desperately wants to say goodbye, but she’s sure that would destroy her composure. She manages a weak wave as Yariel heads out of the room, and then rummages through her pack. Finding her data pad, she types a message. “Good luck, my friend. We made a great team. Don’t forget me. L.” She presses ‘send’, stows the pad, and wipes her hand across the tears on her cheeks, trying to look refreshed instead of emotional.
Yariel pops by the room about five minutes later and wraps Lilly up in a big hug, "Oh s@#% Doc, my bad. I was just looking into my options. Listen, I'll keep in touch and stuff but this whole deal wasn't exactly a job or anything. This group seems squared away enough I figured I'd at least take a shot. Honestly though, it was great working with you again."
The ysoki turns to the group, "It was great working with all of you, even the corporate stooge." She gives John a wink. "Anyway, y'all have my comms so maybe we'll meet up again down the road somewhere." She heads to the door, "Gotta fill out some paperwork."
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Yariel pops by the room about five minutes later and wraps Lilly up in a big hug. ”Oh s&~# Doc, my bad. I was just looking into my options. Listen, I'll keep in touch and stuff but this whole deal wasn't exactly a job or anything. This group seems squared away enough I figured I'd at least take a shot. Honestly though, it was great working with you again.”
Lilly happily loses herself in Yariel’s hug. “It was beyond great. I’ll miss you a lot. Go do your options. You need to explore what’s out there. And please, seriously, keep in touch.”
As she finally lets go, she smiles through a few tears. “Be safe out there. And check your seals… I cried a little on your armor.”
T'sorkel hurries over to say goodbye to Yariel. Here, the boys want you to have this to remember our adventures! Thank you for all your help! He holds out one of the iridescent shirren-shaped plushies. There's just a touch of troll blood left on it.
Galatea looking up from the Sergeant to watch as the Omicron survivors said their farewells to one of their own. While confused by the gesture, given that the Ysoki was still aboard the 'crier, and would be with them to Tyralkis base, she did note the sincerity and respect in their voices. While unfamiliar with the emotional content of the farewells, she found herself, somewhat, envious of it, given the nature of her relationship with her fellow Stewards.
Realizing her thoughts were drifting, she returned her focus to her patient, "Sergeant, your injuries, while not insignificant, were treated within an acceptable timeframe, your recovery is progressing and a return to active duty is imminent." Alerted to the unusual nature of the Sergeant's gear by the Shirren's telepathic commentary, the android decided to bring it up as a way of establishing rapport with the mercenary. "An unusual blade and certainly not a standard regulation weapon. Curious."
Unsure what to make of the most recent developments, Rar'gul keeps his thoughts to himself as they board the Steward vessel and are introduced to their rescuers.
The hulking trox carries his massive hammer casually in one hand as the group accompanies their guide on a tour of the ship. The Stewards certainly seem to be well equipped and provisioned. The Med Bay is unlike any he has seen before.
He submits to the offered check up. However, given the biological experiments they encountered within the gray facility, declines the extraction of genetic material.
"Flash..." he breathes as the ysoki's intentions are made known.
Ridiculous! he thinks, as the well wishes turn emotional. We only just met a few days ago! He turns away briefly to rub at some space dust lodged in his eye.
Rar'gul clears his throat. "Safe trravels, Flash," he rumbles, stepping toward the ysoki. "You made forr a grreat parrtnerr backk aboard the Chimerrra... and the cchaos that followed." He extends a broad hand toward his companion.
He pats his comms unit with one of the vestigial arms extending from his abdomen as the conversation turns to keeping in touch and future meetings.
Breez looks toward T'sorkel and smiles. "You like my blade, huh?
I took it from the leader of a squad of Corpse Fleet marines after we got the best of them. I can tell you about the whole story later once I'm off bed rest."
Breez also looks to Galatea and Dr. Flint-Bridge, and thanks you for looking after her.