[SFS_Aerondor] 03-01 Crash Down [1-4] (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

Message Location Origin: Lorespire Complex
Message Sender: Venture-Captain Arvin
Message Begins:

It’s a new era for the Society. We have a new guiding leader in First Seeker Ehu Hadif. He is determined to get Starfinders back to doing what the society was formed to do: explore, report, and cooperate. It is time to see what wonders the galaxy has in store. I have a stack of hundreds of worlds we have identified as sites of interest but never visited, and I’d like to empty that inbox. Let us see which world is next on the list...

Looks like our next target is a world named Iski, after the agent who first recorded it. The planet orbits an old red-dwarf star out in the Vast. We know it is habitable. It has a standard atmosphere and gravity as well as a complex ecosystem. What we do not know is if it’s got any sapient life or settlements or... well, or anything else, really. My file on Iski is pretty thin.

Your mission is to travel to Iski and conduct an orbital survey of the world with your starship. Gather as many scans as you can and bring that information back to the Lorespire Complex for further analysis. Tell us what is down there. Your ship has already been outfitted with a probe you can use to gather detailed information from the planet’s surface.

You’re going to be in the Vast, and that means any transmission you send could take a few weeks to get here. But we are here for you if something happens out there. We are the Starfinder Society, cooperation is in the job description. So do your best out there, and if you run into a problem you cannot handle, return immediately or send us a signal and we’ll send support as soon as
we can.

Good luck.

The furry mountain chomps his cigar and rubs behind an ear as he reads "Crikey, sounds like a bit of work on - suppose I'll be doing this exploration from the comfort of a starship and looking at images instead of staring at things with my own eyes. Oh well, three hot meals a day and running water is a nice change from wandering the outback of Akiton. Still got red dust through everything". He takes a chug of strong black tea with heaps of sugar and a few odd leaves in it.

"Oh, what is this. Dorm...check your inbox please. THE OPPORTUNITY!" Argiss exclaims, eye lighting up with interest. He is at a lab table in their workshop in Nightarch, injecting a small animal with various chemicals. His ebon lab coat seems to dim the light around him slightly and his trusty capture pole is always within reach.

He unlocks the box letting the small animal free before grabbing his weapon and supplies.

"Those new specimens are waiting for us out there! The breakthroughs and more importantly, the lack of oversight and pointless ethical codes!" he says coming up behind Dorm and rushing him to pack.

---

When they arrive at the dock to meet the other Starfinders he is excited to see an uplifted bear. He quickly rushes over and begins examining him with instruments.

"You are magnificent. I have never seen one of your kind quite like you...or at all sadly. With your size you can probably take much larger doses of my boosters! I wonder how it will work with your physiology." he speaks blisteringly fast as he looks over his shoulder for Dorm.

"Quickly, want to try one before my partner catches up?" he asks, pulling out a needler pistol.

"Oh good, a doctor, saves me all the do-it-yourself attempts. Hey go easy on all that prodding and checking doc, you aren't billing for any of this are you? Not sure about the boosters, are they just energy drinks? just make sure they are ice cold from the fridge - what's that? A needle? I dunno - what's in it?"

The large dragonkin shifts, a little uncomfortable.

"I have had some licensing issues, they don't like me using the title doctor...currently...on at least 5 different worlds. However, my pharmaceuticals are top notch! I only use the finest chemicals in my formulae. Did you mention energy? I can have you running all over the place, dodging pesky pirates, or even give you a little brain boost! Effects don't last long though sadly but if you call out for it, it will be delivered post haste! Just a small prick." Argiss continues given the chance, clicking the jaws closed on his capture pole which engages needles.

Currently my Boosters last 6 rounds. Choice of +1 AC, 10-feet movement boost, +2 to skill checks. Also stop bleeding once per short rest. I can deliver without doing damage to you. I also use them offensively but anyone can call out for them. 4/day.

Hmm, what fresh hell is he getting me into this time? mutters Dorm before he gets bum-rushed from behind.

He rolls his eyes, prepared for the usual conversation. I'm always with you until that last part. Your personal aspirations could be directed to help people, not just consume them for experimental data points in your quest for pharmaceutical perfection.

Finally he sighs, giving in and starts shoving what seem like random notes and detritus from his desk into his pack.

Fiiiiine. Let me see that email... Named after Iski? Did this agent only ever record one planet or was this their first find? Bah. Nevermind. I'm coming, but it's only to keep you from single-handedly wearing out the Society's welcome on this new planet. I should be able to continue my negotiations from email anyway... I just acquired a half-dozen shipments that I need to get placed fast.

After packing for all of two minutes, he sits back down in his chair, kicks his feet up and continues firing off emails to local non-noble interests in Crater Town on Apostae, in his current life's-work of redirecting mined technology out of the hands of controlling Drow, until it catches up with him...

--------------------

Dorm stretches up on his toes, looking over Argiss' shoulder and warning, rather loudly, Do not accept any treatment from this person until you sign a waiver...

He walks up and warmly introduces himself to the Koala-folk while shooting Argiss a quick dagger-eyes look.

Hi there, don't mind Argiss here. I'm his "associate", and a negotiator of sorts, Dorm Argus. You are?

The bear waves massive paw in greeting "Blinky Bluegum, friends call me 'Bamboozle'. Spend most of my time on Akiton. Can't say I'm much of a negotiator, prefer the great outdoors myself, the only thing I negotiate is the tough desert sands. There's a lot of history and hidden life on Akiton and I take various interested parties out in the sands for various research projects - people wanting to look at the various species of cacti, grasses and shrubs whose roots - to find aquifers and sources of water, and others wanting to look at some of the ancient wrecks, or even prospect for easy thasteron deposits"

Bamboozle... from Akiton. Dorm repeats in confirmation.

He perks up at the mention of ancient wrecks.

How old do you suppose those are? Do you find them at the surface or below the sands?

"Old enough, happened during the gap. As to finding them, well it really depends on how fast they were falling and what they hit on the surface. Sometimes we find an academics paradise, sometimes just a payday from the ysoki scrappers."

Dorm scratches his chin, contrasting what is being described to him with the technological excavations of Apostae.

Interesting, interesting. It's not for scrap that I'm intrigued... well nevermind. We're not headed there anyway. Surely this planet will yield its own interesting resources.

He shakes off the idea as he resolves to leave everyday business behind for at least a few days.

"My work does help people...sometimes...but is going to advance entire worlds eventually. Just have to get there." he replies to nagging.

Argiss sweeps around the lab and office periodically putting items from his bag into Dorm's. At times he lowers his gaze to read the e-mails.

"This trip may even locate some old ruins that won't risk ire of the locals. That should help your associates in Crater Town." he reassures his partner.

---

"Oh yes, I didn't mention my name. Thank you Dorm!" he says graciously then listens to Bamboozles introduction. He scratches a claw along a pad that saves it into e-documents, noting the species mentioned.

"A new world sounds like just your kind of deal, Bamboozle, maybe we can find time to land to stretch our legs."

As Dorm shakes his head Argiss leans down, speaking quietly in his ear before trailing off in his own thoughts.

"Do I sense another trip later? Akiton's ancient ruins and my...cacti...and ysoki scrappers."

The lanterfolk arrived at the ship quietly and followed by a hover dolly carrying crates full of accommodating modifications for the ship. The membranous bulb surrounded by protective vines that serves at their head slowly cycled through a rich green, vibrant blue, almost metallic yellow, and back.

Emerald Cerulean Gold, he communicated, the thoughts manifesting as much as the colors as the words, as an introduction. His lantern head cycled through the same colors (green, blue, yellow) as he conveyed them. He was tall even for their naturally tall species, and the vine-like limbs were appeared healthy and strong.

I will prepare my place on the ship, he telepathically conveyed with an accompanying kaleidoscope of lights within his lantern head (green, blue, yellow, tan brown transitions to green, deep purple, flashes of yellow and orange).

Seeing their new companion, the fluorescent green eyes of Argiss open alarmingly wide. He clicks the jaws on his capture pole faster as he watches Emerald Cerulean Gold head towards the ship.

"The Starfinder Society missions are so rewarding!" he says to Dorm, turning his head towards the khizar.

"Speaking of cacti, grasses, and shrubs" Blinky remarks as Emerald arrives.

The lantern shifts to a pale blue with erratic flashes of red dots for a moment as he steps into the ship, but there is no accompanying psychic conveyance. Several sunlamps, bins labeled "Compost" in Pact Common and accompanied by several dot-like protrusions under the word, and a larger, more heavily protected crate.

Compost...? Dare I ask what that's for?

He turns to Argiss.

I'm not so sure your boosters will work on this one at all. Or... The half-orc sighs. ..did I just inadvertently issue a challenge a can't take back? He facepalms.

"Science is always looking to answer questions like that, or create the answer the scientist wants. I do plan to find out but I am also shaking with anticipation at what the other Starfinder agent will be." Argiss replies confirming the challenge was accepted.

"Hmm, I may need to adjust the waivers for our friend, ECG. Add in possible side effects of wilting or producing fruits, you never know."

Once he has finished installing his tactile interfaces at the ship stations and preparing his chambers, he returns to the others, now clad in iridescent green plates of armor and equipped with a sidearm and pair of powered gauntlets.

Greetings again. I return to you, the lanterfolk conveys to your minds. The lights flicker and shift in his head (green and yellow bloom, green, blue, yellow, a cycle of pink, green, orange, white, and back to pink).

Dorm watches the colors emitted from ECG's head, and tries to memorize their sequence, eventually shaking his head and giving up.

If it weren't for the mind speech, I don't know that I'd be able to interpret the colors on their own...

"Greetings indeed! Emerald Cerulean Gold our wonderful speci-new crewmember. I am Argiss Calinox, a researcher of pharmaceutical...I am not quite sure if my products will work for you but I am ALWAYS willing to try." he says excited but also confused as to what to do next; extend the waiver, extend a claw to shake, or nod. He chooses to bow before ECG.

"Dorm, what if we could make your forehead glow like that? Would make the scoldings a but more exciting.......I jest!"

I understand many of the lights are imperceptible to most others, he conveys as his lantern head cycles through his signature sequence of rich green, vibrant blue, and shimmering yellow then flares solid white followed by a kaleidoscopic rainbow. The lantern remains dark for a beat and then cycles through a pattern of red, gray, and brown. Three small, yellow lights hover inside the lantern as Argiss speaks. Emerald Cerulean Gold turns his body toward the dragonkin and returns the bow. I understand most biologics work on khizar. You all should know that I am limited in perception. Beyond thirty feet, I am insensate.

While he conveys these sentiments, his lights cycle through his signature and then flares white again followed by a sequence of green and red shades. A focused rainbow of lights cycles around the lantern, it flares white, fades to a light purple with flashes of red, and then fades to darkness. The three small lights slowly resume illumination.

Please be specific in directions, he conveys. His lantern depicts a sequence of white flashes and lines.

"Dorm, what if we could make your forehead glow like that? Would make the scoldings a but more exciting.......I jest!"

Dorm shakes his head as if throwing off a sudden, small headache, and pinches the bridge of his nose.

I... uh, think that would inhibit my usual business dealings. Pass.

Dorm pulls out his datapad, scripts up a quick color sequence capture app, and begins entering the previous sequences. When ECG starts up again, he holds up the camera of his data pad to capture the sequence for him.

I'll figure this out yet...

Having had a chance to get to know each other and your ship, you have arrived at the solar system of Iski.

Can I confirm which ship you took? Pegasus, Drake or Sunrise Maiden? I know normally the SM is only available in tier 3-4 but this is not a SS combat, so if you want to have the fun of an unusual starship and actually get to use the boon, I'm happy for that.

And can I get an in role post from each of you, confirming which seat you are sitting at (e.g. Captain, Engineer, Gunner, Science officer etc.) If one of you wanted to be Magic Officer, that would also be a solid option.

On your long trip through the Drift, you have had a chance to discuss what little you already know of the planet.

As the team makes final preparations for the approach of Iski, Dorm makes some final tweaks to power allocation at the engineering console. Thankfully their journey had seen no attacks from wayward space pirates or slavers, so he'd spent very little time at that console, instead gathering what info he could about their mysterious destination.

In case it matters, Xenoarchaeologist Theme Knowledge: Reduce the DC to identify rare, ancient, or alien tech by 5.

Life Science DC15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Physical Science DC10: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Piloting DC10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Not a great start...

Iski must orbit its star very close to be within the habitable zone, and it's rare for life to develop on such a planet thanks to the occasional radiation bursts given off by red-dwarf stars. Dorm offers as they careen through space uneventfully.

Just before the ship departs in the landing hangar shows up a new agent. He has four arms, and wears robes of dark red color. On his back, he carries a big shield on top of his backpack, on his belt a chain hangs that could be used as a weapon. Next to his head floats a mote of darkness in constant motion. In a traditional kasathan way his mouth is covered by a piece of clothing.

As he enters the ship he looks at present Half-Orc, Koala, Dragonkin and Khizar.

"I think I made it on time. I am sorry my flight here was delayed. My name is Vecro Asynti from the House Khadil it is a pleasure to meet you." his voice is low and he speaks with a clear kasathan accent.

On his bag hangs a tooth of some sort with Besmaras marks.

As they approach Iski

Culture, sidreal infulence: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 9 + (2) = 30

Vecro looks at the planets and his skin begins to darker as his mote intensifies in motion.

"I did some research on our way here about Iski, and it doesn't have a civilization capable to interstellar travel. No communication was ever detected coming from this planet. This means that if there is a sentient life technologically they can be very simple. However, I did found some notes about sightings of ancient ruins. Initial estimates say that they could be from around the Gap."

I have hireling that could do Life Science, Mysticism and Physical Science rolls with +7 mod, but I will leave it first to others to roll and PR themselves.

Culture 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 4 = 34
Life Science 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 4 = 26
Mysticism 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Physical Science 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Piloting 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

"Good research Vecro"

Blinky stands bent over a table too small for his enormous frame, swirling a massive mug of steaming hot tea with a bunch of random leaves in it (are those...eucalypts?) as he studies a bunch of charts and diagrams of space, the ship, and the destination planet.

He doesn't look up at the party he as they arrive to his meeting in the science bay, he just swirls his tea thoughtfully before jabbing a claw at the map of the planet.

"This is Iski, looks pretty huh? Well looks can be deceiving"

"Iski orbits its star very close so it's within the habitable zone but as it it is near a red-dwarf star it is rare for life to develop on such a planet thanks to occasional radiation bursts"

"The bad news is these radiation bursts typically last many years and can be predicted with advanced technology. The good news is Iski is currently in a safe period, so we shouldn't have to worry about radiation hazards caused by the sun."

"I can tell from the preliminary survey data that Iski is home to a rich variety of plants, animals, and insects. There are no signs of common animals found in the Pact Worlds. The few early scans of creatures on Iski indicate that they aren't found anywhere else in the galaxy"

"As I was saying earlier though, it's very unusual for life to evolve on a planet that orbits so close to a red-dwarf star, and even more unusual that Iski has such a diverse array of life."

"Like Vecro has also noted, we know Iski doesn't have a civilization capable of interstellar travel, or any evidence of advanced technology. No communications have ever been detected coming from the planet, so if it does house sapient life-forms, they probably don't have radio"

"I also know of reports that some of the worlds in that area of space bear ancient ruins that appear to date from the Gap; nothing is known about the species or civilization that left these ruins behind"

He then jabs his claw at the star chart.

"Travel time to the Vast is normally 1-4 weeks, but this can be shortened slightly by managing the course while in the Drift. This, coupled with half a week for any transmission to Absalom Station, that means any support is at least 3 weeks away. If you forgot extra supplies of your favourite tea or coffee it's going to be a bit of a wait before they can mail you any"

"Dorm, I know you like your archaeology, so keep an eye out for any signs of civilisation we might otherwise miss. Argiss and Emerald, I suspect you both might want to get hands-on with some samples - so it would be good to do a scoot surface side and pick up a few, one of you to check the potential science side, the other to commune or talk - tell us what the plants are feeling"

His claw then pokes a schematic of the Sunrise Maiden

"We've got another guy still taking a snooze back there. Cavaler is some kind of envoy, which will come in handy if we do stumble across 'locals'..."

"I'll keep on the stick getting us flown to the planet. Cavaler will jump in the Captain seat when he bothers to interrupt his beauty sleep and join us, Dorm can you get over to Engineering? Argiss I assume you are the most likely Scientist so can you man the Science scanners as we come into the planets orbit? Cerulean and Vecro can man the guns and take in the view"

"Any questions?"

Blinky takes a big swig of tea and goes back to watching the leaves dance as he swirls the mug.

As the kasathan arrives there is a smidge of disappointment in the eyes of Argiss but only momentarily, it is still another person stuck on a ship with him for some time.

"Welcome to the expedition! Just sign a few of these forms here...nothing important...just the usual..." he says with a grin.

---

Physical Science: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Life Science: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Argiss opens his mouth to begin talking but is surprised when one of his new specimens flexes an almost encyclopedic knowledge of Iski.

"Bravo! And yes...you had me at the fact that it is inhabited. My scales are shivering with excitement! I will start planetside scans as soon as we are within acceptable range." he claps as he works with the instruments in the Science Pod.

"You and me both. I'd prefer to see some ancient ruins, or even a modern pub, but I will take an afternoon checking the plants wildlife"

-Lorespire Complex Hangar Bay-

Vecro is joined by an elf dressed in a charcoal grey business suit, crisply ironed white shirt, and navy blue silk tie. As Vecro introduces himself so does Cavaler. "I'm Cavaler Traleth acting ambassador from the elf nation of Sovyrian and senator representing the 3rd district of Absalom Station. The society must be stretched thin for agents because Vecro and I just returned from a mission.". He puts down his gear bag and rifle case as he extends a hand to each of his new teammates.

-On approach to Iski-

Mysticism DC 15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Cavaler stares at the Sunrise Maiden's forward view screen from his seat in the captain’s chair. Currently an enhanced image of Iski is being displayed there. "I sense a presence I haven't felt in a long time. There is a powerful magical threat on the planet, but I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it is yet."

I'm fine with the Sunrise Maiden.

"Ahh our sleeping beauty emerges. Sensing a presence? Could just be a few of your travel sickness meds wearing off or..." Blinky casts a sideways suspicious glance at Argiss. "Can I make you a tea? Might settle your stomach and thoughts"

"Yes, some tea would by nice." Cavaler's face continues to wear a disturbed look as the magical presence he senses clearly has him on edge.

Blinky gives the leaves enough time to seep their rich rusty-brown colouring through the water then hands the cup to Cavaler "A threat as in a magical creature, or just a general disturbance or something?"

I am fine with a sunrise maiden as well, just to be clear. @Blinky You are an uplifted Koala but of regular size of Uplifted Bear right? So like Koala scaled up couple of times. With 2 thumbs per paw and all that.

Vecro looks at the form from Argiss and responds in a draconic language

"Let me have a read before I sign it... Does it give you permission for conducting surgery? And if I am in a critical state make decisions with regards to my life? "

At Iski

Vecro listens to the information shared by Blinky.

"You seemed to be well koalifiedqualified for that job. Impressive, very impressive."

He turns to Cavaler when he thinks of mystical threat.

"That does not sound good, and if I may I would appreciate a tea as well."

He stands with his four arms crossed on his chest, as he looks at the maps.

Btw. is calling other stars a sun proper? Meaning, is Sun a given name of star from our solar system hence any other star should be referred to as star (or by it's given name)? Asking out of curiosity

Yeah Uplifted Bear, so Size L per normal uplifted bear - they just never specified what sort of bear, so being Australian and all...a 10' tall Koala seemed perfect.

"I'll keep just pop the kettle back on, looks like everyone needs a good cuppa right now so it's tea all round"

I think my hemisphere might be in the minority today. :)

Life Science: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Mysticism: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

I sense it, too, ECG conveys, his lantern cycling through his signature and then blooming with a flickering white light followed by a complex sequence of visible and non-visible colors. The entropy of the system is increasing.

How fortuitous that we arrive at this time then. Any idea how long this disturbance has been going on?

He then glances over at the tea kettle as it's offered to all crew.

Say, what's in that...?

No, the khizar conveys from his position at his gunnery station where his hands rest upon a broad console that looks like a plate of hundreds of pins aligned upright in rows and stacks. Over the weeks on the ship, his disconcerting quirk of not turning his body to face those he is speaking with may have become less disconcerting.

Whilst we have called our sun (a G2 Dwarf) the 'Sun', other systems can have a sun too (or multiple suns in many instances)

"Tea. Throw in a few fragrant botanicals for a bit of extra flavour. Done properly you let the leaves steep until the brew is strong as an ox then throw in your sugar and a splash of milk if you have it. Best made in the hot ashes of a campfire and served with a bit of campfire bread"

"Anyhow, that's a concern if both of you are sensing some magical threat in your waters then. Hope it isn't some returned jinsul deity"

"I can't be sure yet. There is a general emanation of malice that is of magical origin from the planet. The only way to know for sure is for us to seek it out and discern for ourselves."

"It is good that we don't have to land here then. Maybe whatever is out there will leave us be here on the orbit." yeah right.

Kasatha holds a teacup in one of his hands and whenever he wants to drink he turns to the side and lifts slightly his face cover to take a sip.

As long as it doesn't cause us to cRaSh DoWn, I think we can take it carefully and slowly, finding it and observing from a distance.

I'll see myself out...

The team exchanges quite a bit of knowledge as you approach the planet to begin orbit and start your examination of the strange world.

And to start with, I need the science officer to do a computers scan, remember bonus from the Maiden! You also have a probe to launch. To get that going your gunnery officer should do a gunnery check, and your pilot a piloting check to see how you go about landing it (and a perception check as well)

Seats
Engineering: Dorm
Magic?: Vecro
Pilot: Binky
Captain: Cavaler
Science: Argiss
Guns: Cerulean

There is a map of the Sunrise maiden in the maps deck, slide two. If you can put your figures in their appropriate seats that would be great. Slide three has Shiftys more detailed layout that lists what each compartment is. Alas it is in a different orientation to my other map.

Feel free to keep up the in-ship banter though.

"I was looking forward to sneaking down to the surface. I even had a few cages loaded into the hold." Argiss chimes in as he pours his tea into an analyzer device. He checks levels and values, wondering if he could turn it into an injectable solution.

---

"Ah the instruments are lighting up. Time to commence some scans."

Computers (Scan): 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 31

He wildly works through the data and uses the full force of the ships computer. You can hear some cackling from his seat on the ship.

"Helm, execute standard orbital approach. Communications, send a coded message for Starfinder fleet command, priority one. Starfinder exploration vessel Sunrise Maiden arriving Iski, Vast sector to begin research. Cavaler Traleth, commanding."

"Captain's log, we have arrived at Iski and begun long range scans of the planet."

"Deploy the probe Mr. Gold."

Argiss spots no signs of advanced technology or even any settlements of any kind on the planet. Although Iski is rich in plant and animal life, if there are sapient species there, they are very good at hiding themselves.

Argiss also identifies many diverse biomes on Iski, including forested mountains, swamps, deserts, river valleys, jungles, and grassy plains; the poles are easily identified by arctic conditions.

The ship’s computer begins constructing a detailed map of the planet, but the process is likely to take about a day to complete. The presence of storms that rove slowly over the entire planet complicate the process; these storms include considerable cloud cover and, at the moment, fierce sheets of lightning.

Notably, Argiss also detect an anomaly: a cluster of dense material—stone or metal—in a rigid geometric pattern. In other words, what might be a building or structure of some kind! This site, which is located in a jungle, would make a good landing site for the ship’s probe.

Blinky gets the grid reference from Argiss - "A geometric pattern!? Sounds good, I'll try get the probe in close - stand by" Blinky switched to the probe controls and tunes the display screen.

Piloting 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Vecro would be a chief mate, but I put him in near the pilot and captain

Vecro looks at the planet through the windows provided on the ship.

"I saw way worse worlds that were inhabited, I wonder what is the story behind this settlement."

Keep in mind that I slotted boon: Defender of the Fleet that allows to either get addiotnal +1 from the computer or increase the bonus to +2. I went with the 2nd option, not that it matter with those rolls.

"Indeed, it is the closest thing I can find to civilization. Maybe a building, hopefully. This place is going to be a paradise of research."

"Well done Mr. Blinky; prepare to deploy the probe."

The lanterfolk runs his left hand over the console, effectively drawing upon the granular surface. The needles under his right hand begin rising and falling into ever shifting patterns under his right hand. The computer affixed to his wrist begins speaking in mathematical expressions.

I will aim for the coordinates provided, he conveys, his lantern shifting and dancing through its series of associated lights. His left hand presses down on the console.

Gunnery, Ship's Computer Assist: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 2 = 20