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Lar is a very utilitarian android. He resembles a human as much as a mannequin does. The surface of his body is an opaque white with LED lights that periodically display from beneath the surface. He has a couple of tool kits attached to his person, has a cute little laser pistol and is always on the hunt for pre Gap gossip.
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A similarly large, although quadrupedal, female Izalguun enters the briefing room. Noticing how cramped the room is quickly getting, she rears up on her two hind legs and crosses both sets of arms in front of her.
Her heavy armor is black with gold trim and a religious symbol of Kadrical is emblazoned upon her chest plate. Across her torso rests a bandolier filled with vials and serums, and a long pole is strapped to her back.
She removes her golden helmet to speak, revealing her triangular head and vertical oral slit. Despite her imposing appearance, her voice is calm, her dialogue halted and thoughtful, and she speaks in flawless Common.
"Respected Chiskisk. Member of the Forum. I thank you for considering myself for your summons. It is my hope that my skills suit your request adequately."
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Mizix makes her way through the crowd of Starfinders as best she can. the pale gnome woman struggles to see over her generally lager counterparts, but drafts behind an ambitious ysoki to move nearer to the front. The heavy armor weighs her down, but proves its worth as the iridishell helps her shove a halfling aside to break into a clearer space.
Turning her head, the gnome's face brightens ever so slightly as she spies Boris again. Mizix gives the morlamaw a friendly wave. She would say more, but gives pause as some centaur-esque giant begins talking towards the agents in charge. I see the new Seeker really seems to be focusing on the 'bigger is better' philosophy of recruitment. she thinks to herself.
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An armed and armoured shirren also enters, antennae twitching as they reaching out telepathically in Common;
{Salutations my dutiful colleagues and most esteemed Forum member Chiskisk. We are Tel'kk and we are happy to serve.}
They stop at the shoulder of a pale armoured gnome who is waving at a dapper Morlamaw, before literally thinking out loud;
{Excuse me friend. We could not help notice that you favour Iridishell armour. A sound tactical and aesthetic choice. One we ourselves endeavour to afford.}
The soldier's antennae droop a little, as they polish a smudge on their battered ceremonial armour.
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"Polite Tel'kk. As a Starfinder, you will always travel with comrades who can both augment your strengths and help you with opportunities."
The giant izalguun delicately removes a small finger scanner from her medical sash. "If I might request a minute sample of your DNA, I can set to work developing a population of fortifying nanites that can make up for any perceived lack in your natural defenses."
She offers the scanner to all who are interested.
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Tel'kk bobs their antennae in affirmation of the towering izalguun's wisdom;
{A sound acumen, our gracious thanks colleague. Our DNA sample? Of course, it would be an honour. Indeed any action that results in a collective and positive benefit is one that should be heartily pursued.}
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Lar looks at the Izalguun curiously. "Hello. My name is LAR612. You may refer to me as Lar, if you like. You require a sample of our DNA in order to infect nanites into our system in order to assist us with our defences?" Lar things about that for a moment as Tel'kk steps forward for his sample to be drawn. "That seems like a beneficial trade. How long might I expect these nanites to remain active?"[b] He asks as he holds out his left arm. [b]"Please, be careful of the needle held beneath my dermal layer."
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{Excuse me friend. We could not help notice that you favour Iridishell armour. A sound tactical and aesthetic choice. One we ourselves endeavour to afford.}
The soldier's antennae droop a little, as they polish a smudge on their battered ceremonial armour.
Thank you! At least you have the look down anyway. she replies, nodding towards the shirren's own natural chitinous exterior. I think it might be overkill if they just want us to do some things on the station, but they always say that if the Forum calls you should dress your best and, well, none of my off-hour outfits are anything that could be called 'best'.
Mizix looks puzzled by the izalguun's request, but places a finger on the scanner in turn. So this DNA will be sent to the Drift? Allowing a fragment of me to remain forever even when the flesh and body it came from has long since passed beyond the veil and dissolved back into the elements of the cosmos? Cool, I'm in!
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Seeing Mizik, Boris trundles on over, "Greetings oh great Starfinder Security expert! It is good to see you for many reasons! Oh, that one?" He gestures to Kaarnah, "My first mission was with one of thier race. He was an amazing being and a great poet! Oh look, Lar is here! Hello Lar, my friend! Hopefully we won't be trying to build swaying towers this time!"
After the others introduce themselves, "Greetings new freinds! I am called Boris. A DNA sample? Oh, why not!" He holds one flipper out.
The door to the well-appointed conference room opens, and Chiskisk, a member of the Starfinder Society’s Forum, enters, their antennae bobbing rhythmically as they move to take a seat at the head of the table.
“Welcome, colleagues. As you know, the Starfinder Society has been quite efficacious of late. The acts of brave agents like yourselves has made the Society once-again respected and known throughout Near Space and even in some areas of the Vast.
We have been quick to capitalize on these new opportunities. Recently, the Society has reached out to nearly a dozen new civilizations with which we have mutual interests. At this moment, the Lorespire Complex is brimming with ambassadors, dignitaries, and probably also spies from many worlds.
“I had the honor to conclude preliminary negotiations with one such ambassador. They are about to sign an exclusive exploration and trade treaty with the Starfinder Society, largely based on our recent exploits. However...” the shirren pauses awkwardly, then moves to an expansive window that overlooks the Lorespire campus.
“The delegate has requested a recess in negotiations to explore Absalom Station before signing the agreement. Of course, I granted them freedom of the station, as long as they accepted an escort of local Starfinder agents to see to their every need.” The shirren turns back to face the conference table. “That ‘escort,’ of course, would be you!”
Chiskisk slides a data disk across the table. “Here is the dossier on the visiting dignitary you’ll be escorting. Find out what they’re interested in seeing, and take them there. Be gracious hosts, entertaining tour guides, bodyguards, or social planners, as the dignitary requires. It should go without saying that this emissary’s safety and security are paramount, as is their continued goodwill toward the Society. If you do a good job,we might just secure the opportunity to explore a new wolrd. Any questions?”
The data disk contain a brief dossier on 'DV8'
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"Pre Gap..." Lar reads aloud in wonder.
To be granted access to study pre gap structures would be quite illuminating.
"His reluctance to offer information regarding himself, and his homeworld, is unsettling. Anacites. If DV8 is a descendent of these beings, there would be much to learn. Yes. We will ensure his retained interest in the Starfinder Society."
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Doesn't even look like the ambassador's a 'him' Mizix muses aloud as she reads the sent over packet. I've seen a lot of species around here, but this might be the first one to feel happy about being called 'It'.
Seems a serious sort otherwise at least. I know information about this DV8's planet is above our rank, but are you allowed to tell us what the Society is trading them in return?
The starfinder have a lot of engineering knowledge between them. Boris immediately recognises DV8 as similar to the anacites on Aballon, the inner-most pact-world. Kaarnah adds that, while true, the design of DV8 is not one ever seen on Aballon. Lar adds some background on the Anacite: The anacite were originally deposited on Aballon by an unknown race that left no trace. The anacites developed the ability to self-replicate and modify and have now evolved into a robotic species.
Chiskisk responds to Boris and Mizix: I’ve summarized my notes from the negotiations in the dossier. It contains basic data—name, species, home world—as well as my notes on their personality and preferences. Sadly, that is all the information we have at this point. If you manage to obtain further info, that is appreciated, but not a priority at this point. It would be unwise at this stage of the negotiations to leak information - I hope you understand.
In response to Kaarnah's question about safety, Chiskisk says: Yes... and no! We know Absalom station has unsafe corridors. This visitor is coming from a place that hasn’t had a lot of contact with the Pact Worlds. A single misunderstanding out in the wider station could result in animosity toward us, resulting in the end of these negotiations. Consider yourselves both ambassadors and chaperones for someone who isn’t accustomed to the station. That includes the visitor's safety.
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The dignitary is staying in a spacious guest room in one of the
Lorespire’s central housing sections. The guest room has seen some makeshift adaptations to the presence of the robotic dignitary: spartan interior, but with the right charging ports, datajacks and maintenance utensils in the right location.
DV8 introduces himself briefly:
Greetings! I have been expecting you. Your arrival is right on time. Please ensure all foreign matter is removed from your footwear using the entrance brushes provides he says, pointing to the door mats, I identify as D-V-eight. Please state your identifiers. it says in a monotonous, emotionless voice, and continues: You may delight me with stories.
Be advised DV8 says, I have requested to see the following:
- Perfexion
- Periphery Vision
- Hamisfore
- The gift shop
Perfection is a restaurant, periphery vision might be a ship, hamisfore is a theatre. What a robot would want in a gift shop is anybody's guess.
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"DV8, you may identify this one as Vyecmuraf." A tall kasatha bows to the ambassador, both sets of hands folded before them. Solemn grey grey clothes cover their torso and limbs, while a dark cloth obscures their mouth in the traditional kasatha fashion. Their dark eyes convey little of their true feelings behind a mask of politeness as they straighten back up.
"Delighting you with stories would be a pleasure," they continue. "Perhaps hearing of the discovery of a new and unknown lifeform slowly consuming a planet beneath its calcific exterior would be of interest. I can also speak of a once-in-a-lifetime aurora display on a ruined planet - or you might wish to see a humble recording this one has obtained and imagine the experience for yourself."
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Kaarnah mixes up some disinfectants outside of the entrance and sprays her feet and hands before moving inside.
"Well met, Dignitary D-V-eight. My designation is simply Kaarnah. I am beginning to acquaint myself with the Society as you are, so I must confess that I do not have any stories of exploration with which to regale you, however my people back on Izalraan have impressive technological accomplishments which I would be happy to discuss in detail. Over. Dinner?"
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Tel'kk listens intently to the assignment, their antennae becoming noticeably more animated when Esteemed Chiskisk mentions a bodyguard function.
When you exit the meeting Tel'kk wistfully expresses themselves to the more experienced crew;
{A humble question colleagues. We find ourselves somewhat meagre on the credit front at present. Will the Society cover our expenses should chaparoning this emissary prove... costly?}
Upon arriving, the soldier does as instructed, dutifully removing any dust or debris from footwear before entering to join the others and weighing up their host;
{Humble salutations Ambassador D-V-Eight. We are Tel'kk. We are most honoured to be part of your delegation whilst aboard Absalom Station. Stories? Like our earnest colleague Kaarnah we have only just been recruited... so have few anecdotes to tell. We can however confidently impart that the Society canteen is excellent. As is the uniform tailoring.}
The shirren's antennae droop disappointedly as tales of exotic cultures and world consuming lifeforms are bandied about when all they offered were mundane in comparison.
At the mention of dinner, Tel'kk perks up, before allowing their apprehension-to-duty to take over;
{A culinary experience. What better way to introduce Ambassador D-V-Eight to the stew of cultures here on the station, than by eating their food! Should we book ahead? Peruse the menu? What about security? Is it safe? Is their Food Preperation and Service Certification valid? Oh my so much to consider...}
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Mizix Zaqatlpie the gnome gives a solid nod towards the emissary. Though you can just call me Mizix. Or 'Miz' if it is easier.
And Vyecmaruf's story about that eaten world is a good one! Or maybe you'd find it interesting to hear about how our Society was able to disrupt a potential post-mortem outbreak right here on this...very...station...
The gnome realizes some of her adventures might not give DV8 a sense of comfort about their visit, and tries to shift.
But that's nothing to worry about now. All settled! Now is for you to see the Station in all of its glory, which is why the Society spared now expense in selecting only the best agents for you accompaniment.
As she shuts her mouth, Mizix takes advantage of her small stature to try and slide behind Boris or Kaarnah as they talk so that she can unobtrusively scan the infosphere for any details about the locations their robotic guest mentioned.
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Greetings. I am LAR 612. I would be pleased to escort you to these locations. Do you have a particular interest in each that may highlight for you?"
I will divulge the following motivation for my interests:
1) I have been recommended Perfexion as 'best place on the bright side of verces'2) I have been recommended Hemisfore as 'interesting'
3) I have been recommended a tour of the armada as 'a good ride'
4) I have been told all ride must 'end at the gift shop'
DV8 then turns to Vyemuraf and Kaarnah: Discussion over diner suits protocol. Please reserve storytelling for such occasions. Protocol indicates to say: I'm looking forward
As Tel'kk () considers logistics, it becomes clear that the tour is to start right now. so planning ahead may be of limited use.
Though you can just call me Mizix. Or 'Miz' if it is easier.
Proper protocol prescribes usage of full name. Easier is irrelevant if protocol is violated, mister Mizix.
To Boris, DV8 reacts Protocol dictates to respond that I, too, am delighted to make your acquantaince.
DV8's reaction, though hardly readable, seems to be positive. This robot clearly appreciates proper protocol being observed, while insulting it, or allowing it to suffer any insults, would be quite detrimental.
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Chiskisk ensures that expenses are covered: The Society intends to reimburse you for reasonable expenses for the dignitary and yourselves: meals, transportation, tickets to desired social events. Please, no gifts though, not for them and especially not for yourselves.
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Vyecmuraf clears their throat and gently claps one pair of hands for attention. ”Logic would dictate the tour to start with the Hemisfore,” they announce calmly, ”followed by a meal at Perfexion to rest and recuperate. Afterwards, a tour of the armada provides insights and entertainment while not placing undue stress upon the body after dining, and finally, as stated earlier, all tours must end at the gift shop.” They fold their hands and bow once more. ”If there are no objections, there is little sense in wasting our guest’s time.”
Won’t be the first “artistic personality” I’ve worked with, they think to themselves, and it won’t be the last either.
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DV8 lets out a bleep of approval at Vyecmuraf's suggestion. I compliment you for your leadership and tour organization skills.
As you have selected Hemisfore as first destination, allow me to further clarify my requirements. I have been recommended Hemisfore as interesting. I wish to visit the place, and wish to enter into conversation with the owner. I trust this to be well within the scope of your organisational skills.
The current owner of the theatre is Jebediah Hamisfore, a gnome of some renown. Jebediah is famous for always being of the lookout of new art forms, and perpetually busy.
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"Ah yes. Jebediah Hamisfore." Vyecmuraf's voice is unimpressed. "He asked me to review a collection of 'new and exciting fine art' that he had just commissioned for the lobby. A pity it was..." The kasatha pauses, then continues with a bit less disdain in their voice as if they had just remembered they were taking a guest to said lobby to be impressed. "A pity the exhibit was bought out and the individual pieces sold before I could review it as a whole. Gnomes are renowned for their excitability, after all. But perhaps Jebediah still remembers and we can leverage the promise of another review in Fine Art Absalom..." The critic doesn't mention the fact that they hadn't bothered to make time in their schedule to do the review until almost a month had passed since the gallery opening.
Do your people have any interesting art you could discuss with him?
DV8 responds, with a flat voice, but without a hint of insincerity I shall convince the theatre owner to allow me to demonstrate a overview of my culture.
With that background information, Boris manages to contact the gnome and convince him to free up some time.
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(Diagonal wipe transition to the Hamisfore Theatorium)
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“A table full of welcome,” the spry gnome ushers the group through a set of doors and into a large round theatre with plush seats. On the stage, a troupe of masked actors look up in surprise as guests enter during their rehearsal. “Tis NOT time, you lot,” Jebodah cries to the actors, waving his hands dismissively. “Out! Out! Brief candle! There's a new light through yonder window breaks!”
As the actors file out the stage door, Jebodah moves to a large booth containing a series of levers and dials. He waves into the booth and begins to pull levers and flip switches. With a whir of machinery the entire room begins to reconfigure itself. The seats retract into slots in the floor, and the stage folds up and slides into the wall. A series of stadium-like bleachers extrudes from the corners, slowly building up seating for several hundred people. The floor seems to grow a carpet of thick padding as the room finishes its rearrangement into an arena-like space.
“Now,” he continues, addressing the dignitary. “A play there is, so has my ear. What manner kind of play is in thy mind's eye? As thou dost suspect my station, I can make a great name out of thee!"
DV8 takes a moment to converse with the gnome. A flurry of miscommunications later - the gnome's metaphorical speech is hardly compatible with the matter-of-factly statements of DV8 - it becomes clear that DV8 wishes to performs a series of recitations of poems native to his homeworld.
The gnome is nothing short of ecstatic at the offer of such a presentation and summons a group of avid “test fans” who he employs specifically to gauge the effect of new presentations. Sit with us, the gnome invites the starfinder to join the audience.
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(Enter stage left)
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DV8 enters the stage and commences with retical. I shall start with a poem on my own name
Diplomatic envoy to
Various civilizations recites
Eight words
The gnome in the audience mutters under his breath as there is no reaction What fools these mortals be and eyes the starfinders to do something.
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Mizix is just as stunned at first as the rest of the audience. This is...something. But seeing the ambassador proverbially dying up there she begins whispering in an excited tone towards her colleagues, loud enough that the rest of the audience can 'overhear' it too.
Of course! In a binary-based culture, why would they be held back by organic ideas about haiku syntax and syllables? I wonder how they treat sestinas...?
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Tel'kk watches the crowd, then the performance, then flits back to the crowd...
Oh my, then seem underwhelmed. Most unseemly.
As their companion Vyecmuraf affixes the audience with a cold stare, the shirren opts to do the same and cajole them into a better reaction;
{Everyone! It is good manners to clap... Unless you are an amorphous blob of course...}
Although their polite threat likely does little...
Vyecmuraf gives the audience a stern look, and when Tel'kk reminds the audience to clap, they promptly do so, echoing the criticism of Lar: Bravo, brilliant. Such eloquence!
DV8 appreciates the applause. Completely in line with protocol, it remarks, I shall take a bow.
It takes a bow indeed, then proceeds to recite his second poem:
Shall I compare thee to a flower?
Thou art four feet and three inches taller
And weighs an estimated two hundred and twelve pounds more
Thy colors are different:
whereas the flower is eighty percent green
thou art fifty percent blue, twenty-five percent red
and twenty-five percent a metallic sheen between green and purple
Thou wiltest less fast too, provided regular maintenance is applied
Again, the audience looks absolutely stunned, so another round of 'encouragement' may be needed.
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Hmmm. Is it a commentary on how on their world, even nature must be specifically designed rather than erupting through natural chaos? And thus what should be wondrous cannot escape being perceived in only the most objective of terms?
Mizix isn't sure if the audience members are buying her art critic act, but takes pains trying to modulate her voice between being loud enough for the other patrons to hear her while not rising to a volume that would disrupt the 'performance'.
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Tel'kk's attention flits from the performance, to audience, then back to the "wordsmithing"...
Concerned at how the Ambassador's art might be interpreted, they attempt to sway the watching critics;
{The Ambassador is most generous with their gift of prose! Perhaps credit(s) where credit is due may come to those who show due appreciation?}
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The audience finally stirs as the factual accuracy of the poem is pointed out. Under the encouragement of the party, the crowd lets out a - somewhat subdued - Bis Bis!
DV8 is encouraged, and speaks In my observation, correct protocol at this point is to suggest to break protocol and to offer 'one more'. I have therefore prepared a medley of popular Absalom station songs, adapted to my culture.
As a final act, the dignitary starts to sing:
May I have your attention, please
Will the real DV8 please stand up?
NE, report on your status
Report on your status NE
You have collided with
You have been impacted by
A well-oiled delinquent
I just met you,
and this is against protocol
but I share my contact details,
for the chance that you contact me
Female specimen, observe that chassis
Female specimen, observe that chassis
I am attractive in a way suggesting procreation
And I'm aware of it
Our common distance travelled
exceeds the limit for relinquishing our identities
I therefore suggest to adjust
both the bar and our beverage container in height
She remains awake at night for the sake of her enjoyment
I remain awake the entirety of the night
For a favorable realization of statistics
The audience hesitatingly starts to clap...