Naiaj charters a sleek shuttle named the Dapper Coatl to bring the Starfinders to the Veskarium. Their pilot, a stoic kasatha named Halovah, answers any questions briefly and politely, but otherwise keeps to himself for the duration of the journey. It takes 12 days to reach Vesk Prime.
During the journey, no other vessels contact the ship, though the Starfinders receive word via Starfinder Society comm frequencies that the brass dragon Zafeldrin of Triaxus has recently been promoted to venture-captain by the overwhelming majority of the Starfinder Society Forum, and that the dragon is planning on a major mission on Triaxus soon.
When the Dapper Coatl exits the Drift above Vesk Prime, the viewscreens display a view of the planet below, alive with deep-blue oceans, verdant green forests, and the rusty bronze of sprawling deserts. As the ship descends through a partially cloudy sky, the magnitude of the city below becomes apparent. Elongated avenues intersecting at precise angles cut through the city, passing by colossal monuments and expansive amphitheaters and parks, all leading inward to the center. At the very heart of the city is the imposing pyramid of Command Prime, a domineering structure that the city took its name from.
The shuttle pilot relays the requisite codes necessary to clear the shuttle for landing at the private landing dock that is used only for official Command Prime business. As the Starfinders disembark, a small contingent of Veskarium security officers greets them. The leader of the unit briskly walks forward, hand on his pistol, and demands to know the Starfinders’ business in Command Prime.
You identify that his insignias designate him as a sub-major within the Veskarium military, with decorations for service during the Silent War with the Pact Worlds.
Ion spends the next day sobering up, then he meets with Starfinder HR where he undergoes mandatory drug and alcohol counseling. One of the main lessons driven home is, while the Starfinders cant control what chemicals you ingest for pleasure on your own time, of you are ever intoxicated when a call to arms is called out, the wise choice would be to sit it out
On the second day he meets with several Venture Captains as they evaluate his skills.
On the third day Ion sits in on a meeting with several members of the PR team as they discuss the recent troubles the Starfinders have faced with the ongoing media smear campaign since the return from the Scoured Stars. One of the main lessons from this is the importance of projecting a professional demeanor to prevent any future negative media adds.
On the fourth day Ion meets with several Kasatha cultural leaders who remind him of his heritage and the customs and deeds of his ancestors. They offer him spiritual guidance and recommend he return and speak with them anytime he feels out of balance again.
On the fifth day, he spends the entire day completing tasks at the whim of VC Naiaj, including shining her boots, picking up her dry cleaning, watering her plants, filling reports, and generating being an unappreciated assistant.
On day six Ion is tasked with writting a thousand word essay on the importance of not repeating the mistakes made after the incident outside the Seelers Respite.
With his writting assignments complete, Ion is cleared for duty and books passage on a commercial transport to Vesk Prime. Travel time takes six days, having his arrival time a few short hours after the rest of his team.
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Lionel walks up with the rest of his group, but does not speak to the Vesk leader. Instead, he takes a readied stance, eyes dancing from the leaders face and firearm. There is a suttle growl emitting from Lionel. All in all, his poster is not very inviting. It can be easily distinguishable that he's very agitated and/or aggravated.
The sub-commander eyes Lionel with a raised eyebrow ridge, then shaking his head. Let me guess, first time to the Veskarium? The inclusion of Vesk-6 into the Veskarium was a long time ago kid. Whatever you learned in the Pact Worlds about it, you learned from those that fled instead of staying. Vesk-6 and all its peoples prosper under the guidance of the Veskarium. Turning to the rest of the Starfinders, I'll call ahead to get clearance. Just keep an eye on your Pahtra friend. He wouldn't be the first whelp to be brainwashed outside the system to return thinking themself a 'freedom fighter.' He shares a glance with several other of the Vesk soldiers and they all laugh.
The sub-major calls ahead and receives clearance from higher up to send the Starfinders through; he orders his security officers to form rank and escort the Starfinders from the dock to the base of the pyramid.
As the Starfinders enter Command Prime, the vesk officers escort them through twisting halls that seem to double back, with switchbacks and corridors that seem to lead to nowhere.
The whole fortress has been designed to withstand a siege, with chokepoints to intercept attackers and repel invaders.
As the hallways lead farther inside the structure, the temperature rises to an almost uncomfortable level for most warm-blooded creatures. Finally, the Starfinders arrive at a short side corridor that leads towards a single door. As they approach, the temperature drops precipitously. With slight hesitation and winces on their faces, the escorts knock on the door.
A booming voice from the other side bids entry. The door opens on a sprawling office whose hominess belies the frigid temperature. A purple-furred creature with six arms, a skittermander, rushes out, adeptly balancing a serving tray. Inside, a desk of rich mahogany sits upon a large bearskin rug, and a well-used reading chair sits beside the sole window that allows in feeble light. A vesk with a uniformly dark-green hide towers behind the desk. On one side of his face, the skin on his prominent jawbone is partly missing, revealing a tangle of bone, muscles, and ligaments fitted with mechanical augmentations. “Friends, welcome.” The vesk smiles. “Your Venture-Captain Naiaj informed me of your imminent arrival here on Command Prime. I am so tickled that our first official communique from the Starfinders came from her, and not from that showboat, Radaszam.” Sneering, he shuffles a few papers on his desk. “We know all about these Keepers in the Veskarium. Their beliefs are an affront to the vesk way of life. They are dishonorable and bring shame to us as their exploits have now reached beyond our system. I have a few potential leads for you, hopefully you can take care of this nuisance. I have more important things to worry about now than some trinket the Starfinders lost, so I can’t offer you aide or an escort at this time. Check in with me once you have completed an investigation into these scraps of information I have for you.”
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To the guard post leader, "I think you have me mistaken officer. Whether or not this is my first time on Prime, the over taking of what is now Vesk-6 is not the influence for my current mood. You can blame a recent incident involving Vesk firing at my fellow starfinders and your hand on your firearm.
I hope you can understand I'm a bit on edge because of that. Not because you deviated my ancestors several generations ago."
To the Vesk with the messed up jaw, "Oh ya, no worries. I'm sure you're hands are quite tied up with the Independence Front." Lionel says sarcastically.
The sub commander responds to Lionel, Now now little whelp, you're requesting entry into Vesk Prime. If you don't like our security measures you're free to board your shuttle and leave our space. Of course if you would like me to think as you do, and that the actions of a few members of a race, we can lay the blame at the feet of all of them I'll just have my guards seize you, then we'll take you out back and execute you for the crimes of other Pahtra. Or would you like to not be thoroughly racist? It's your choice. as he mentions seizing you, the contingent of guards forms up around the Starfinders. The shuttle pilot, sensing trouble closes and seals the airlock leaving no avenue of escape. The Starfinders find themselves outnumbered, surrounded, with their backs against a wall.
So what will it be little whelp? An apology and we all go about our business, or do we use whatever force is necessary to capture you and execute you for the crimes of others? I'm sure your friends here can accomplish whatever mission you set out to do without you, should you choose not to accept my generosity.
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Sub-major, I think we can all agree that we are not on Vesk-6, nor that our quarrel is with you or your men. Our common enemy is the truth keepers, weather they are Vesk, Pahtra, Draelik or otherwise.
We wouldn't want to have to explain to Paxel Commander Paxel that he was left waiting because of sour words between allied soldiers, do we?
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<To think that's all it took to get a response like that, point proven. I didn't even draw my weapon nor directly threaten him. But I'd best back off seeing as things are becoming out of hand.>
Lionel breathes in deeply and takes a relaxed stance and with a slight smirk on his face, "Now now, I admire your security standards, truly I do. As someone who takes pride in protecting others, I'm rather impressed. Having said that though, I do fear things have gotten out of hand and the safety and well being of my compatriots is now at risk because of my actions, nor do I wish to tarnish the Starfinders reputation. We are but guests and this is your home and so I do so apologize."
A chime sounds from the sub-commander's comm unit, and he takes a moment to study it, before addressing Lionel again. It appears you match the description of a known smuggler. The last known intel we have places him in the employ of the Starfinder Society. A Yacks Voolfhood or something. You'll be detained and and searched... thoroughly. Raise your hands slowly and carefully. Don't make any sudden movements. If you cooperate and this is a case of mistaken identity, you'll be released in several hours with our apologies. the sub-commander returns Lionel's smirk. You can never be too careful with whom you allow into your capital. You understand.
Several security personnel step in, take Lionel's hands and place them in binders. Then they search him and remove any possessions, emptying the contents into a bag.
Lionel is escorted away from the shuttle and through a side door by two officers, who are replaced by others from the same door.
The sub-major then addresses the remainder of the Starfinders, Now that that unpleasantness is out of the way, please follow me.
As the hallways lead farther inside the structure, the temperature rises to an almost uncomfortable level for most warm-blooded creatures.
Finally, the Starfinders arrive at a short side corridor that leads towards a single door. As they approach, the temperature drops precipitously. With slight hesitation and winces on their faces, the escorts knock on the door.
A booming voice from the other side bids entry. The door opens on a sprawling office whose hominess belies the frigid temperature. A purple-furred creature with six arms, a skittermander, rushes out, adeptly balancing a serving tray. Inside, a desk of rich mahogany sits upon a large bearskin rug, and a well-used reading chair sits beside the sole window that allows in feeble light. A vesk with a uniformly dark-green hide towers behind the desk. On one side of his face, the skin on his prominent jawbone is partly missing, revealing a tangle of bone, muscles, and ligaments fitted with mechanical augmentations. “Friends, welcome.” The vesk smiles. “Your Venture-Captain Naiaj informed me of your imminent arrival here on Command Prime. I am so tickled that our first official communique from the Starfinders came from her, and not from that showboat, Radaszam.” Sneering, he shuffles a few papers on his desk. "I understand one of your number had a mix up with the guard. I'm certain he will be released and ready to join you shortly as long as he cooperates with the procedures. This is the heart of the Veskarium, our capital and seat of government. The guard here dont take any potential risks lightly, as I'm sure you understand." he smiles with a grin of sharp teeth, the grin of a predator. "I also understand that another of your group has taken another shuttle and left a few days after you. When he arrives I shall send a transport for him, and he can await your return in my offices."
“We know all about these Keepers in the Veskarium. Their beliefs are an affront to the vesk way of life. They are dishonorable and bring shame to us as their exploits have now reached beyond our system. I have a few potential leads for you, hopefully you can take care of this nuisance. I have more important things to worry about now than some trinket the Starfinders lost, so I can’t offer you aide or an escort at this time. Check in with me once you have completed an investigation into these scraps of information I have for you.”
“I have a skittermander contact at our bureaucratic headquarters that might have information for you. There is also a freelance merchant named Kandurasko in the market you might want to chat with. I’d recommend you speak with a few of my colleagues, one from another military division and the other from the office that deals with non-vesk. Like you, we’ve had some trinkets taken from the Museum of Conquest. The curator there may have insight. Finally, I have a potential operative you may speak with, though I am unsure what they will tell you, if anything. Of these, you should only need to complete a few before we can uncover where the Keepers are hiding.”
“I have informed the authorities of your arrival, so they should not pose any further impediment to your investigation.”
Lionel is escorted inside a secure detention intake facility where he is ordered to remove his armor and clothing, and given a jump suit to wear. The property he entered with is sealed in a case with a biometric lock, before being placed on a conveyor belt, which disappears behind a metal iris that opens just long enough for the box to pass through.
The Pahtra is then escorted to a small holding cell and locked inside. Shortly after the lock clicks Lionel hears a hissing sound, akin to that of escaping air from a hull breach. Confused, and slightly scared he searches the small room. It is metal, concrete, and some form of ballistic glass. There... above in the ceiling what Lionel first believed was some sort of fire suppression apparatus is the location of the hissing is coming from. As he gets closer, his vision starts to go blurry, his balance starts to go, and he feels like he may lose his lunch. Then darkness takes over his vision...
Ion arrives safe and sound on Vesk Prime at one of the main ports of entry. He easily spots a Vesk in a military uniform holding a sign with his name on it. The Vesk identifies himself as First Seargent Unavaatu and says he has a shuttle pod waiting to take him to Command Prime. The First Seargent advises the Kasatha they have one stop to make along the way, to pick up another Starfinder who was detained upon entry, but has now been released.
The ride to the detention facility is uneventful. The First Seargent asks Ion to wait as he goes inside to collect the other Starfinder. The First Seargent comes back out shortly, with a very disoriented Lionel, who has been dyed head to toe in the colors of the Veskarium flag. Likewise his armor and weapons have all been painted with very patriotic motifs and sigils of the Veskarium. The First Seargent opens the door and unceremoniously plops Lionel on the seat next to Ion, saying He seems to have had an adverse reaction due to a gas leak. He's been checked out by medical and should recover in an hour or two. If we hurry we may catch your friends before they depart Commamd Prime.
You are fatigued for 2 hours.
You can neither run nor charge, and you take a –1 penalty to your Armor Class, attack rolls, melee damage rolls, Reflex saving throws, initiative checks, and Strength– and Dexterity-based skill and ability checks. The amount of bulk you can carry without becoming encumbered is reduced by 1. If you are fatigued, doing an activity that would normally cause fatigue causes you to become exhausted instead.
After about 20 minutes of travel, Ion and Lionel are reunited with the rest of the Starfinders outside of Command Prime, just as they are leaving for the museum.
Paxel gestures to the large painting behind desk. Featuring an ornate gilded frame, the canvas displays a triumphant vesk in full battle armor standing on a pile of insectile heads. The victor holds a fiery doshko overhead in triumph. “Do you like my painting? It is on loan to me from the Museum of Conquest. It reminds me that we beat the Swarm before and that we can beat it again, should the need arise.” Paxel grunts in smug determination. “I recommend you speak with the curator who suggested this painting for my office. According to an interdepartmental memo from a few days ago, it seems that some Gap-related trinkets have also gone missing from the museum. Their disappearance may be related to those Keeper intrusions you also experienced.”
Paxel directs the Starfinders to the Museum of Conquest, a bombastic and imposing building in Command Prime that’s filled with exhibits that celebrate Veskarium victories throughout Near Space and educate visitors about the triumphs of vesk conquest.
When the Starfinders arrive at the museum, there is a group of Pahtra outside protesting. As the Starfinders pass, the protestors see Lionel and his coloration. They begin to boo and jeer him, calling him a traitor. Several throw small objects at home, and one gets close enough to throw a drink on Lionel's face. A small contingent of Veskarium security officers that were observing the protest nearby moves in and breaks up the protest, making several arrests.
The Starfinders are met outside by a robotic guide notified by Paxel awaits them and guides the Starfinders the curator. The curator, a knobby old vesk with dull scales, greets them with dismay.
“Oh my, oh my. Hello, I am Dr. Zekuza. I have just received word that you want to know more about the curios that were recently stolen from the museum. I’m hoping you can help me with finding them. Please, come with me and I’ll show you.” The old vesk walks down avenue-like corridors, passing several exhibits in the museum’s main building. “I wish I could give you a proper tour, but there’s just no time. I’m especially enamored of our new expanded exhibit on the Iron Doshko, the magnificent five-bladed doshko supposedly wielded by Eshovok, the first imperial Emperor of the Veskarium.” The curator reaches the back of the museum and exits onto a small terrace. Pathways lead from the terrace to smaller satellite museums. “I do love these smaller museums. They house our more localized exhibits and antiquities from other worlds. Oh, except that one, that one’s not open yet.” Dr. Zekuza gestures to a distant structure, where a banner reading ‘PACT WORLDS—CONSTRUCTION POSTPONED’ covers the previously engraved name of the building. “Ahh! We’ve arrived at security! They can tell you what happened.”
Dr. Zekuza ushers the Starfinders into a small outbuilding that houses the museum’s security department. Inside the main security office, only one guard is on duty, sitting at a desk with a computer terminal. The guard, a female vesk soldier is sullen. She is killing time watching a show on her handheld entertainment device. The show features an energetic space goblin who gives dubious medical advice in a loud, screeching voice. The cautious guard is unmoved by Dr. Zekuza’s pleas to show the Starfinders the security footage of the theft and recalcitrant to the curator’s requests to print out a list of the stolen items.
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”Hello there. We are looking into the thefts by the group known as Keepers of the Lie. Heard there were some things taken from this very museum by that same group. If you could help us out with any information you might have, we could see that the missing items are returned to where they belong. They have done the same with some of our property as well. If we were to work together, we could ensure that they face proper justice.”
With guard distracted Jinn will attempt to hack computer
[dice=Hack] 1d20+10
The guard sighs, puts her device down, and punches up the computer to retrieve the information requested. The Starfinders receive one piece of information needed to further their investigation.
1.SKITTERMANDER BUREAUCRACY
2.MARKET (Freelance Merchant)
3.IMPERIAL PALACE GARDENS (Military Division)
4.DIVISION OF CRIMINAL EXTIRPATION (Office of non-vesk)
5.CENOTAPH OF THE FALLEN (Operative)
6.THE MUSEUM OF CONQUEST