Rei's magic missiles batter the mecha, but it parries Harrac's strike. Stepping slowly around Harrac, the holographic virus slices at the vesk, just managing to pierce his armor!
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Talc gets into the show and makes the most of his heavy metal outfit. He leaps and does a split, pretending his plasma rifle is a guitar and strikes a chord as he fires off another shot at the mecha. He holds his arm up with fingers in the air and bangs his head back and forth screaming ”YYEEAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!”
Talc lands a glancing shot on the mecha, while Skrivvix fires wildly into the air, perhaps caught up in the music! The bass line begins to thrum once more.
"Oooh these lights! They're blinding! So bright!" He tries to play off his wild shooting with some equally wild dancing, clearly attempting to hide his terrible aim.
Rei batters the virus with more magic missiles, then Harrac delivers the finishing blow, his flaming blade slicing the mecha in half! It collapses into individual metal plates and then dissolves into pink dust that artfully blows away.
The music suddenly stops, and the lights on the stage go dark. Just as the crowd begins to murmur among themselves, the lights reappear on the stage—in the form of life-sized holograms depicting Zigvigix’s missing friends. The band suddenly starts up a never-before heard song, in a surprise memorial that Strawberry Machine Cake managed to create just before the concert began!
”Hello, everyone!” CAPTAIN✶CARMINE’s voice calls out, prompting a deafening roar from the crowd. “Hello, Songbird Station! Hello, everyone watching! We love all of you!
“Today, we found out we had some fans who didn’t make it here because of a tragedy,” the lead singer continues, causing the audience to quiet down. “These brave Starfinders were lost in the Scoured Stars system a few months ago. Their friend brought their holograms here so they could still be with us today. So, I want you to get ready to cheer for them! Cheer so loudly that they can hear us, even out in the Scoured Stars! Let’s let them know we love them!” At that, the crowd erupts into an even more deafening roar, with people from every corner of the Pact Worlds, the Veskarium, and beyond yelling at the top of their voices.
“That’s right!” CAPTAIN✶CARMINE cuts through the screaming cheers. “Everyone, get ready to cheer one more time! Because not only are the missing Starfinders with us here in spirit, their friends are here with us in the flesh as well, and they just saved our concert and Songbird Station! Everyone, give it up for the Starfinder Society!”
At CAPTAIN✶CARMINE’s exclamation, the stage spotlights come back on, illuminating each of you as the crowd gives a wild ovation. Every one of you is highlighted in turn, giving you each about 1 minute to offer a personal shout-out in front of the live attendees, as well as the untold thousands of people who will watch the eventual rebroadcasts of the show.
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"Yeah, I knew several of those lost in the Scoured Stars, and have heard the stories of many more. Their deaths will be remembered, but so will their lives. Those they touched in this life will keep their memory alive, preserving a part of them in this world, even as they travel on to the next. Celebrate with us, Songbird Station! Celebrate the lives of those that were lost. Do not hand your heads in mourning, but be joyful that we have them here in our hearts, just as each one of you has a loved one whose memory you hold alive!"
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Talc snatches up the mic and pushes Karyn aside. In the limelight, busts out a rap.
"Yeah, yeah
Ayo, My fans, it's time!
It's time, My fans (aight, My fans, begin).
Straight out the So - cei - i - ty, Its the Talcster. THE TALCSTER!
The skills run deep just like my ship.
I always flyin, 'cause to fly is the mother of this b#+*$.
Beyond the walls of ships, life is defined.
I think of piloting when I'm in an Absalom, Abssalmon state of mind.
Hope the dip got some trip.
My strip don't like no dirty relation-ship.
Rei runs the slip to get the tip, the slave-bot on my dick.
In an Absalom state of mind,
Cruising with the five who bust my behind.
You complain about Karyn's voice,
I gotta love it though - cuz I ain't got no choice.
I'll-be RAPPIN' on the Drake with all awake,
Cuz I gotta keep the shirren off the stirring or we'll all be baked.
Hip, stacked a Pact World Warrior,
The Rock's gonna bring war to ya.
Cccccccan't take Rei's voice, can't take the droning
That's a'ight because its better when she's moaning.
I'm rappin' to the Skrivs whos skills,
Who gonna moving ya to pay them bills.
Yea, yaz, in an Absalom Station state of mind.
When I was young my brother had an awake.
I waz kicked out without no cake.
I never thought I'd see that stake.
Ain't a soul alive that could take my brother's wake.
A sweet snake is quite the lake.
Thinking of piloting. Yaz, thinking of piloting (piloting). I'm in an Absalmon, absalom state of mind."
Talc drops the mic and enacts a hip pose.
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Rei watches idly as Talc does his thing. When he drops the mic, she quietly walks over, picks it up and looks at the crowd.
She pauses for what seems like an exceptionally long moment, then just says "Talc-saaayyyyyde" and makes a t-shape with her hands. She then politely hands the mic over to Skrivixx.
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Harrac looks on with horror as Talc ... does something with the mic. He rushes over and grabs it from Skrivixx, apologizing profusely, "the Talcster does not represent the, uhh, Starfinder Society, or me, or my friends, or uhh decent people, or the band, ohgodstheband," he turns to face CAPTAIN✶CARMINE, "please sir ignore him hes just ... uhhhh." Harrac falls mute, realizing where he is and who he's talking to. The rest of the arena doesn't exist for him anymore, "we're so honored we could be here today, the Society is honored to be working with Strawberry Machine Cake. You've done us a great service by performing today and respecting the sacrifice of those who came before us. Thank you, thank you, thank you." He takes a knee and bows, holding out the mic for Skrivixx to take before he embarrasses himself any further.
Skrivix takes the mic from the prostate form of Harrac. "Thank you Harrac. I'm sure as Strawberry Machine Cake's NUMBER ONE FAN this moment holds special significant for you. So....How about a hand for that incredible show?!?!" He sweeps his up to point towards Talc, pausing briefly before capturing the rest of the SMC stage and group.
"As you've heard the Starfinder Society is working for the good of all here as well as in a system or station near where you call home. We are doing everything we can to keep safe our cultures, our people, and our treasures like Strawberry Machine Cake!"
Skrivix adjusts his stance and turns his head slightly, taking on a more somber tone, slowly rising in intensity. "But we need your help. We're all in this fight together. Pathfinders around the galaxies are fighting to hold back the oppressive and destructive forces that threatened to take all of our lives today!"
"We are not always successful. We have many talents," he pauses to glance at Talc, "but we need you!" He punctuates the statement with a pointed finger towards the camera.
"We need your support to keep up the fight. Support the pathfinders as we continue to support you in ways seen and unseen. Thank you Songbird Station and thank you Strawberry Machine Cake!" Wrapping up he handed the mic back to CAPTAIN*CARMINE.
The crowd cheers wildly at your statements (and Talc's freestyle rap solo). With the threat of the malignant code neutralized, the threat is over. A squealing Zigvigix ambushes you once you get off-stage, telling you how cool everyone looked and giving an excited recap of all the best moments from your fight with the mecha. Historia-7 seems glad for Zigvigix but remains more somber, concerned about what you have discovered and the utterly alien nature of the hybrid code that threatened the concert. The concert continues, and you can enjoy yourselves from the audience, backstage, or elsewhere on Songbird Station, assuming you can dodge the frantic reporters hoping to interview you about saving Songbird Station.
A conveyor robot approaches you shortly after the concert. The robot relays a brief message about how the band members wish they could converse with you in person but that their schedule requires them to leave right away. It carries a small chest of Strawberry Machine Cake paraphernalia that the band wants to gift to you to convey its parting and heartfelt thanks. The stash contains a set of elite stationwear armor (emblazoned with a massive strawberry), a glamered fusion seal (7th), four screamer grenades I, and a thunderstrike sonic rifle made to resemble Bone’s koto.
Soon enough, it is time to leave Songbird Station. The silence of space lies in stark contrast to the clamor of the concert, and the starry void outside of the starship’s viewscreens is even more striking when compared to the bright-pink lights of the quickly vanishing Songbird Station. Historia-7 seems relieved by the respite from the noise and chaos, using the quiet to concentrate on streams of information on her computer. Even Zigvigix seems happy to be away from the crowd. “Today has been a productive day for you, hasn’t it!” the shirren says, still hopelessly excited by recent events, despite their clear exhaustion. “Uncovering conspiracies, fighting alien technology, and saving Songbird Station. I’m not sure how either you or the band are going to be able to top that next time! But I have faith that you can do it. Good luck!
“You know...” Zigvigix continues, their psychic voice turning soft. “I haven’t felt this way in a long time.” The shirren stands to return to the piloting console, turning only for a moment to add, “Hey, Historia-7, get some rest,” before they depart.
Radaszam, leader of the Acquisitives faction, waits on the bridge of his luxurious personal transport, the Brass Clutch, and stares out a viewport toward a colorful planet. He turns, parting his scaly lips in a sharp-toothed grin, and points at sleek leather chairs arrayed around the bridge. “You’re here. Have a seat.” He pauses, allowing everyone to settle, then gestures grandly to the planet behind him. “Welcome to Vesk-3, home of the skittermanders and continual pain in the Veskarium’s backside. The skittermanders called it Oeddertchonk, but that mouthful’s gone the way of the Gap–forgotten.”
Radaszam crosses his arms and frowns. “The Starfinder Society holds little sway in the Veskarium. Unfortunate, but understandable. We’re a foreign enterprise, prone to meddling, and the Veskarium keeps a tight grip on their territories. We’re rarely granted exploration rights in Veskarium-held space and, the few times we have been, we can’t scratch an itch without the government sending soldiers to watch. They don’t trust us. With your help, we’re going to change that.” Radaszam gestures again to the colorful planet outside. “Which brings us here. Vesk-3 is a lush planet. Plenty of water, rich soil, helpful locals–but it’s not without danger. The planet suffers from constant low-key tectonic activity–gas seeps, geysers, tremors–that sort of thing. It’s a valuable world, but difficult to control. Military personnel stationed here tend to consider it punishment and most vesk don’t visit if they can avoid it–except to go on safari, that is.
“It’s taken me months of negotiations, but I’ve arranged a meeting with Brigadier Teshgari, a prominent member of the Veskarium military. She’s got enough standing to grant us exploration rights to a few Veskarium holdings I’d like to dig my claws into–if she can be convinced of our competence, trustworthiness, and value.” Radaszam pauses to make eye contact with everyone, crossing his arms. “You’re scheduled to have dinner with Brigadier Teshgari tonight at Hunt, a restaurant in the city of Ewagadravona. If you impress her, she’ll invite you on a safari expedition into the subterranean tunnels of Gadraveech tomorrow morning. Prove yourselves competent down there and you’ll help build a promising future for the Society. Mess it up and I’ll know exactly whose career to ruin. Understood?”
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Rei looks at Talc and simply says "No"
She then turns back to Radaszam. "What more of Teshgari and the Veskarium Military can you tell us. If your goal is for us to make an impression, might I suggest blinders for Talc, in an attempt to keep him focused on our task, and not on Ms Teshgari. Alternatively we may need a few doses of Super V., otherwise she will be surely disappointed."
She then pulls out her datapad and does her own research on Teshgari, and the Veskarium Military.
Radaszam says, ”Brigadier Teshgari’s an upstanding military officer with enough influence to get us an in with Veskarium bigwigs. She’s a capable combatant and strategist, known for her fondness for big game hunting. Of late, she’s been stationed around Vesk-3 by choice. Word is she’s looking to add some local predators to her trophy collection. I’m not sure what she’s hoping to hunt in Gadraveech, but I expect you to help her bag it and transport it topside. She’ll be accompanied by her skittermander assistants. I’m sure they’ll be exasperating but be patient. Brigadier Teshgari won’t appreciate you bullying her subordinates.”
Rei learns some more about Teshgari through her research. Brigadier Teshgari is known for her taxidermy collection of over-sized predators. She adds only the largest of each species to her collection, considering average creatures unworthy of her time. Like most vesk, Brigadier Teshgari respects those who distinguish themselves in honorable combat–through dueling, hunting, mercenary work, or military service.
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Talc is not put off in the least by Rei's rejection today. He'll try again tomorrow. "No worries, you know what they say. Plenty of other babes in the sea. Right, Harrac?" he says, leaning over to punch Harrac in the shoulder.
Folding his hands behind his head, he leans back on his chair and whispers to Harrac "Man. I can't imagine what a dose of Super-V would do for the Talcster! I bet I could really befriend Teshgari!"
Talc snaps his fingers as he tries to remember something "Skittermanders.. Weird. We served on a mission last year. What was its name? Friend something or another? Always keeping me friend this or friend that. That was with that a+$#~%$ Vesk, Morsel."
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"This is the verskarium, Talc. That safari is likely full of creatures that will be hunting us.
"Sir, what are the expectations here, regarding the vesk? We have run into them before, and not all of them are like this big oaf." Karyn pointed at Harrac. "Most seem to value acts of bravery and extremely stupidity int eh face of danger. Are we to deliberately seek those situations out to place the Society in the best light?"
"Prove your competence, but don't take stupid risks," Radaszam tells Karyn. "You're worth more to the Society alive than dead."
The vesk chuckles. "Despite your... unorthodox methods, you usually manage to get the job done. This time around, though, the stakes are likely higher than just winning a televised game show or fighting a hologram virus at a concert, so try to keep your wits about you!"
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Talc frowns at Karyn's statement about being hunted before quickly moving on.
"Yeah, yeah. We've got wits to spare. Don't you worry about us, boss!"
Standing up he, Talc claps his hands before rubbing them together and declaring loudly "Alright, let's get going then. We've got a date with a Brigadier!"
Skrivix looks at Talc and comments in a flat tone, "Yes. An abundance of wits here. To spare. Which I'll be using to impress our new friend Brigadier Teshgari, unless of course she's smitten at first glance."
You board a shuttle and head down to the surface of Vesk-3. Ewagadravona is a fortified town more vesk than skittermander in aesthetics. Encircled by high walls patrolled by vesk soldiers, its impressive gun turrets are aimed inward to fight off internal threats. Blocky buildings with thick doors and steel-shuttered windows line the winding streets. Half the buildings–clearly those inhabited by the resident skittermanders–are festooned with fluttering banners and painted a riotous jumble of colors.
As you disembark, you’re surrounded by smiling skittermanders offering greetings, handshakes, hugs, and help to visitors, whom they affectionately call nufriends. Any citizen or soldier can direct you to Hunt.
Hunt is a high-end vesk-owned restaurant that serves communal platters of meat, cooked on a central fire pit. Although fresh rolls and vegetables are available, few vesk partake. You are greeted at the entrance by a skittermander with yellow fur and a colorful fashion scarf looped around her neck. "Hello, nufriends! You must be the Starfinders! I am Mimzy, Brigadier Teshgari's mobile nutritionist. I enjoy baking hearty rolls and handheld pies! We are so delighted to have you here. Please, follow me! This place, Hunt, is held in high regard among the people of the city. It's not really my favorite, though. Too much meat, not enough pastries! Do you like pastries? I could bake you some later if we have some time. I've been working on this new recipe..."
The skittermander prattles on and on until you reach the general's table. Here, an aquamarine skittermander with thick-framed glasses and a comically long, waxed mustache sits with five guns piled behind his chair. Beside him is a green scaled, serious vesk with a trio of frilled horns crowning her head. She has a stoic, regal countenance and wears a Veskarium dress uniform.
"Starfinders, this is Brigadier Teshgari and her artillery aide, Jomp. Brigadier, Jomp, these are the Starfinders!" Mimzy says.
Teshgari rises to greet you. "Welcome to Ewagadravona. Please, sit. I would know each of your names, home worlds, careers, and accomplishments, if you don't mind. I like to know who I am dining with."
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Apparently all skittermanders were as enthusiastically helpful as the ones they had met at the SMC concert. It seemed incredible, but there it was. Karyn tried smiling at them and letting them know they needed no aid, other than directions, and yes those pockets were for her personal use only. At the restaurant, she made sure her weapons had their glamour turned on so as not to disturb anyone or give them a lue as to her profession.
"Hello Mimsy. It is a pleasure to meet you. Hand pies are my favorite. I'd love to try one of yours sometime. Does the Brigadier make much use out of his...what did you say?...mobile nutritionist?"
Karyn continues to make small talk with Mimsy as they were escorted to their contact.
"Brigadier, a pleasure to meet you. And you as well, Artillery Officer."
"My name is Karyn. I am employed by Greentree LTD as a biochemist when I am not galivanting about on missions for the Starfinder Society. I have won multiple awards for custom perfumes at various competitions, and once saved the life of an august ambassador through quick thinking and a skillful application of the seven most powerful words in the known galaxy."
From the expression on the brigadier's face, Karyn didn't think the warhorse was all that impressed by a perfumist. That's fine. Underestimate us at your peril. It's easier to tranq someone who thinks you weak than one who is expecting the attack. She kept a smile plastered on her face.
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Talc smiles when the skittermander skittermanders before them. "I like pies too. Do you get apples here? What type of fruits do you have? Apples are the best. I recommend you try some apples if you don't. I have a couple back on the ship if you don't have any here. I always say, travel with apples. There is no other singular more important food group than apples, did you know that?" Talc says, completing his dissertation on apples.
Talc salutes the vesk when it is his turn to talk. "Team Leader Talc Bronx here. The only home I've ever known is Absalom Station, Briadier. My accomplishments are as wide as Karyn's bottom here." the soldier says, motion to Karyn's rear end. "Most notably though, I can drive, fly or otherwise manipulate any vehicle or machine to doing whatever I want. Like Rei here." he says, turning to motion to the android.
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Rei walks past the skittermanders, barely giving them any attention. Reaching Briadier, she waits for her turn to speak before Talc forces it upon her.
Completely ignoring the vesk she turns to Talc. "You don't own me. I will not submit to your manipulative tactics. I am only here because the starfinders just happen to keep making me follow you around. If it weren't for me you'd probably be dead by now. Do you remember when ... " Rei pauses for a moment, as if coming to the realization that Talc is yet again, causing her to lose focus.
Flustered, she turns to Briadier and simply says "My name is Rei"
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Harrac stands at attention before the table, "it is my privilege to be here for your sir, err ma'am, sir! I am Harrac Lokeshinkoro-Orr from the Veskarium of course. I am teaching these people the Vesk ways." His comms unit starts playing the Dancing Among the Stars theme song and he slaps at it as his face turns a peculiar shade. "We recently won Pact World Warrior and saved Strawberry Machine Cake from certain death. We are your service ma'amSIR!" He takes a knee beside the table, bowing his head.
Skrivix waits for the rest of the team to finish before stepping forward and taking a bow.
"Ahh the esteemed Brigadier Teshgari! We are so pleased to meet your acquaintance. Jomp, Mimzy, it is lovely meeting you both. You may call me Skrivix. I am the captain of this colorful crew. I am a bit of a dabbler myself, spending time in many arenas to sate my interests. I began as a student of the arts. I found a passion as a leader before finding my true calling in the Starfinders. In between gigs I like to help guide the disenfranchised wayward youths of the galaxy to find structure and a place of belonging in various programs and activities; the military is an ideal place for many of these lost souls. But enough me of and my friends here, we would love to hear more about you and what we can do to assist you."
Skrivix telepathizes Talc, "Just go with it. We want her to like us, right? So we act like we like the military."
He beams a smile at Teshgari.
"Hello Mimsy. It is a pleasure to meet you. Hand pies are my favorite. I'd love to try one of yours sometime. Does the Brigadier make much use out of his...what did you say?...mobile nutritionist?"
"Oh, yes!" Mimzy says. "It is very important that the brigadier maintains a healthy diet to keep her strength up. I help to ensure she is getting the proper amount of servings from each of the food groups, and that she stays hydrated!"
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Brigadier Teshgari seems less than enthused by your attempts at first impressions, though she meets Skrivixx's smile with a respectful nod. "We will talk business soon. First, let us eat."
Before you have a chance to order, stern-looking vesk servers arrive carrying heaping platters of fire-cooked meats. There are no drinks or side dishes.
Upon the food’s arrival, Mimzy makes a face that displays her displeasure, Jomp looks at you curiously, and Brigadier Teshgari regards you in silence.
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Talc nods and says to no one in particular "Right."
When the meat arrives, Talc eagerly scoops it up and digs in. Thought it's noticeably spicy, the soldier tolerates it just fine and manages to devour his without any visible signs of discomfort. He does worry about a trip to the bathroom later though...
"This is delicious!" he remarks to their host.
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Harrac's face lights up as the food is set down. He immediately reaches out and takes some food, popping it in his mouth, "this is really good. Nice spice ..." He trails off as his eyes start to redden and steam starts coming out of his nose. He head tingles as he sits back, "that ... that is a little hotter than my mother used to make."
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Karyn looks at the meal dubiously. She was used to more greens than meat, but she supposed gorging yourself on incinerated flesh is more of a vesk thing. She took a decent amount on her plate, then tasted it. The food was spicy, but very good.
"This is quite good! I love spicy foods." She attacked the rest of the plate with more gusto.
"This reminds me a bit of chezin-spiced arthos on Akiton. Very nice crisp on the chitin."
"Lovely! I can't say I've had any of this before but I'm always game to try new things..." Skrivix looks for the choice selections but chooses randomly as he is clearly ignorant of what is before him. His antennae twitch rapidly as the spices get to him. He tries to smile in between half-choked gasps. "That is really... flavorful!"
He telepathizes Harrac, "How do I stop the burning??? Maybe Talc is more of an expert in that arena."
Brigadier Teshgari eats in stony silence,. Mimzy eats little, but with impeccable manners, while Jomp eats like a slob, getting more food in his mustache than his mouth. He regularly disappears under the table to drink from a jug of water he believes he’s cleverly concealed.
As dinner nears its end, Brigadier Teshgari tilts her scaled snout imperiously. “At dawn you will accompany me on a hunting expedition into Gadraveech. A new tunnel system was discovered by skittermanders from Nakonechkin Salvage, who returned with wounded hunters and tales of fierce predators. I’ve earned the privilege of exploring these tunnels.” She smiles, clearly satisfied. “It’s my hope strovions lair there–you might know them as stridermanders. They’re cunning beasts, which I’ve yet to have the pleasure of hunting. I’d like to add a large specimen to my trophy collection. You will aid me, if you can.” Refocusing on her guests, she sneers. “Tell me Starfinders, what assistance do you believe you can provide me?”
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"To be quite frank, I am only here because I was ordered to by the Starfinder society. They would not have sent me if they did not feel I brought some value to your mission. The Starfinders are mostly logical in their decision making."
She pauses before looking at Talc, Harrac, Skrivixx, and Karyn.
"Mostly..."
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"As the others have said, we are here because we are good at solving problems, both physical and mental. No one sends us out to make friends and act as diplomats. They send us when the situations can stand to be a bit messier. But, we get the job done, and that's what counts. The others have their own skills, but I have in-depth knowledge of both creatures and the physical sciences, and am a world-class biochemist."