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As the fleet assembles and throngs of Starfinder agents find their places, a looming vesk woman pushes her way through the crowd. Dressed in armor painted a deep red color (though with as much plating as is practical removed to expose and show off muscled forearms and toned abdominals), she uses her height to look around the assembly over the heads of most of her fellow agents.
A multitude of rifles clang against her armor as her figure turns to and fro, looking for the agents her communiqué told her to rendezvous with. The vesj grumbles to herself, though even her muttering voice carries unnaturally far.
That furball's been a known problems for months. Why only getting the go-ahead now. And why are we still waiting even longer?!?
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A lanky vesk with a mohawk of bright, blue hair swaggers into the room, pulls a chair out from under the table with his prehensile table, and leans back with casual posturing.
"TOTALLY! I've only heard about the problems, but it's interfering with my surfing tournament standing, and that makes it personal."
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Aldane was born on the Idari and trained to be an adata—one of the scholarpriests who oversee the preservation of thin slices of the brains of deceased kasathas. Yet while Aldane was an excellent scholar, he had trouble focusing on a single topic for long, and his research inevitably wandered into unrelated sidetracks. One of Aldane’s more sympathetic teachers felt his wandering focus could be brought into line with training in the philosophy of the Cycle, the guiding philosophy of the solarians. Aldane was accepted as a student into a prestigious cosmonastery and taught to draw strength and focus from the endless repetition of celestial creation and destruction. He took to the training immediately, and was soon allowed to take on guard shifts at the ship’s famed Sholar Adat.
He enters the room. "Did I miss something?!"
Each of your comm devices begins going off all throughout the day as First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo’s voice breaks the silence. “Starfinders, if you’re receiving this transmission, I’m requesting that you cease your current missions and return to Absalom Station at once. I have obtained urgent information regarding one of our foe’s activities. If she succeeds, she could tip the balance of corporate power within the Pact Worlds and possibly even destroy the Society. I’ll explain once we convene at the Lorespire Complex.”
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He enters the room. "Did I miss something?!"
Nothing yet. the vesk grumbles back impatiently. They're calling out the big guns, then spending all day polishing them.
She extends a muscled hand to the kasatha. Krara N'Krom. You may have seen me on the gladiator vids. Mostly AEVG, but there was a bout on Brilliance that should have been a Pact World broadcast.
The Lorespire Complex’s familiar grounds are in a boisterous state of flux. Hired workers set up pavilions and booths on the lawns, courier vehicles dart back and forth down the adjacent streets, and janitors hustle to prepare rooms for occupation throughout the compound’s buildings. Dozens of early guests loiter nearby chatting excitedly. The festive, yet chaotic, atmosphere persists in stark contrast to the First Seeker’s ominous announcement.
A lashunta man, Venture-Captain Arvin, strides forward to intercept the newest arrivals. “Welcome back, Starfinders. First Seeker Elsebo plans to meet with the agents involved in her operation shortly. She’ll announce when she’s ready—listen for the code phrase ‘pest control.’ It looks like Luwazi is finally going to have us strike back at Datch, the architect of our past year of credibility woes. Regardless of our foe’s machinations, we’re hosting several weeks of conferences and parties to honor Ehu Hadif's upcoming elevation to First Seeker, and there’s plenty to do while you wait. Let’s get you checked in, shall we?”
You can help prepare by meeting with:
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Venture-Captain Naiaj leans despondently against the wall outside the cafeteria. Workers clad in white chef smocks hurry past carrying a covered tray, which Naiaj eyes longingly. She turns to you and snaps, “Have you ever been so hungry you got angry? I came here to get my snack on and found the caterers in a panic. They don’t have enough food prepared to handle the guest list, and they’re struggling to accommodate some attendees’ unique dietary needs. I’d hate to see our new First Seeker’s big day spoiled by an empty buffet line. Get in there, and see what you can do to help. Look alive, Starfinders!”
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You meet with Celita, leader of the Dataphiles, in the Archive’s Cortex. “Our esteemed colleague’s elevation to First Seeker is a historic occasion. As such, we must all do our part to foster a celebratory atmosphere—not only to honor Ehu’s nomination but to conceal Luwazi’s activities. Your help with creating a positive buzz across the infosphere would be greatly appreciated.”
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Radaszam, leader of the Acquisitives, alerts you to a potential security breach on the Lorespire Complex’s front lawn, where a group crowds the main walkway, hoisting signs with anti-Society slogans. “Looks like these people bought in to Datch’s propaganda,” Radaszam grumbles. “They’ve been here all day. We’re not going to make them disperse—please talk with them and work out a peaceful resolution.”
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Inside the Hall of Discovery, ysoki scuttle about setting up audiovisual equipment while a kindly voice directs them. Fitch, leader of the Wayfinders, waves to you from atop a towering scaffold. “Good to see you! The kiddos and I are sprucing the place up for the big event.” She stops and beams proudly at a scrawny, gray ysoki fiddling with a circuit board. “They’re doing great, but it’s a big job. Mind lending us a hand?”
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Zigvigix, leader of the Exo-Guardians, chats animatedly with one of the hired event staff, a stocky, brown ysoki dressed in stained coveralls embroidered with the name “Tall Sam.” The two avidly discuss a cluster of haphazardly parked land vehicles. “Hey, you!” The ysoki shouts at you as you approach, “Why are you just standing around, huh? We’ve got a pileup worse than A-Station rush hour over here. Get off your tails, and go park some vehicles!” Zigvigix nods enthusiastically and adds, “Relieving the valet queue might help our fellow Starfinders get to Luwazi’s meeting. Please do whatever you can to help!”
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You encounter Venture-Captain Arvin pacing in front of the building’s entrance, clearly overwhelmed by a list of familiar names on his datapad. “Sparklemane and associated weapon permits unaccounted for. Zo!—shuttle delayed. Envar Tam—oh, this is ridiculous.” Arvin relaxes when he notices you. “As you know, we’re expecting an influx of visitors over the next few weeks. Some decided to arrive fashionably early, and we seem to have misplaced a few guests of honor in the confusion. If you can help me locate and corral our more elusive guests, I’d be grateful.”
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"I think that's called being 'hangry', and I TOTALLY know the feeling! But I got an idea!"
Sauros squeezes into the kitchen and grabs a basket of Triaxian Dragonfruit with his tail. Heading outside to the buffet line, he entertains (aka distracts) the crowd by juggling and tossing individual fruits to those that seem interested.
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"Uhhh. I don't know the dude that well... But okay!"
Sauros downloads Adobe Fake News Creator to his comm unit, as well as a bunch of the heroic images of his Faction Leader, Jadnura, and then cuts and pastes the face pics of Ehu Hadif to make it seem like he did everything himself.
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"Where's Krara?"
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Sauros taps on the mich while Twich gets to the actual work.
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"Huh? Me? Standing around? DUDE! The junkraces are about to start streaming.. I don't have time to.. Wait a minute!!"
Sauros vicariously lives his dream of being a junkracer by acting as valet ^_^
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"SPARKLEMANE?? Haven't seen them since we were toking it up with those Yetis. Last night. Don't worry. I GOT THIS."
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“Looks like these people bought in to Datch’s propaganda,” Radaszam grumbles. “They’ve been here all day. We’re not going to make them disperse—please talk with them and work out a peaceful resolution.”
Skitter-touched fools Krara shakes her head and heads from the vesk mercenary to the assembled throng of tabloid reporters and Datch-heads.
So, you all believe everything you hear? That the Society is a band of murdering sociopaths colonizing planets while raising a paramilitary army and striking down everyone who is in their way? Well, then I have just one question for you. If that is true, then wouldn't it be a terrible idea to so visibly provoke such a dangerous organization?
The vesk gives them a long stare before turning away, cracking the scales on her knuckles as she does so.
Nailed it :p
Being stopped by Naiak, the vesk blinks for several seconds. So we're called in from all across the galaxy to...serve food more efficiently? She laughs. And laughs. This continues or some time before Krara blinks the tears away and actually notices just how tangled the tight spaces and waiter's movements makes the kitchen ahead. Wait, this is just an obstacle course - excpet with croissants and carrots instead of spikes and lava. Why didn't you start with that?
Krara continues to maneuver hor d'oeurves for a bit until her ears perk up at the passing menion of a name. Envar? He's here? she uncerimonious drops her plate of defrex fingers at the nearest table and begins shoving her way through the crowd. Why didn't you say so? I have footage from the Scoured Stars liberation I am sure he'll be impressed by!
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The vesk has some difficulty locating the lashunta in the crowd, but does spy Fitch and Celita working the computer and media systems nearby. Here, Twitch do you need a hand?
Krara works to assist her ysoki comrade max out the sound system, while also advising Celita to edit triumphant montages of the Starfinder Society's multiple victories
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Zigvigix, leader of the Exo-Guardians, chats animatedly with one of the hired event staff, a stocky, brown ysoki dressed in stained coveralls embroidered with the name “Tall Sam.” The two avidly discuss a cluster of haphazardly parked land vehicles. “Hey, you!” The ysoki shouts at you as you approach, “Why are you just standing around, huh? We’ve got a pileup worse than A-Station rush hour over here. Get off your tails, and go park some vehicles!” Zigvigix nods enthusiastically and adds, “Relieving the valet queue might help our fellow Starfinders get to Luwazi’s meeting. Please do whatever you can to help!”
Krara looks directly at Ziggy, then keeps walking away.
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Twich whispers some quick and healthy food substitutions, based on what she knows about the biology of the hard to please guests.
Then she uses her knowledge of computers to help spread the word.
Twich tries to look scary and magical behind her friends who are talking, hoping to be an unnerving presence.
Twich tries to use what she knows to fix the sound system.
She also helps try to use brains to figure out the valet issue.
She helps her friends look around for VIPs
Twich quietly and humbly heads first to the waistaff to give some advice. Impressed, the waitstaff refer Twich to the hosts who are also impressed. The hosts point Twich to the line cooks who then passes her on to assistant chefs and then finally to the head chef herself!! Twich's advice leads to a complete revamp of the buffet menu!!
Meanwhile, Krara zips through the crowds, going from table to table getting dishes, plates, trays, food, beverages, baby chairs, etc. from point A to point B with skill and ease!
Sauros, not to be outdone, puts on quite the juggling act, inviting members of the audience to throw additional pieces of fruit into the air towards Sauros. Sauros has no problem incorporating the thrown fruit into his juggling act!
Aldane....is there. But like a good doctor, he does no harm!!
Using Sauros' modified media, Krara provides an odd-looking montage of Starfinder victories whereby Ehu Hadif's face is either too grossly large when pasted over Jadnura or too small.
Shaking her head and not quite believing she's doing this, Twich takes the faked media montage, expertly patches it up and makes it look actually quite convincingly real!
Celita cocks her head the side a bit, seems to sigh in some kind of emotionless manner, but nevertheless accepts the montage for broadcast!
The crowds don't really seem to notice Twich, which is fine as Twich generally likes it that way. But the crowd also seems to barely acknowledge Sauros' presence which deal a potentially big blow to his ego!
Krara's well-thought out and logical threat has the desired effect as all the tweens in the crowd flee in terror!!
The remaining crowd, however, hears Aldane's velvety smooth voice and decide that yeah, y'know what? We can come back tomorrow! And off they go, headed home for the day!
Twich looks over the AV setup, eyes darting around examining where each wire is going. Evaluating all the various buttons and switches. Determing if the gauge of wires are sufficient to carry the power needed for distortion free sound. Calculating in her mind whether the wattage is sufficient to power the entire setup. Then she spots a fatal flaw in the setup!!!
With Sauros and Krara ready to assist, Twich directs Sauros to stand at the foot of a 15 foot speaker stand. Twich then directs Krara to sit atop Sauros' shoulders so that Krara is within arm's reach of the speaker.
Twich then instructs Krara to flick one of many unlabeled switches on the speaker. Upon doing so, a blast of sound emanates from the speaker, knocking both Sauros and Krara face down into the grassy, slightly muddy dirt.
Giggling, Twich explains that they had just flicked the "ON" switch but she didn't want to do it herself because she didn't want to faceplant into the ground.
Sauros goes nuts, attempting to junkrace the vehicles into their proper park spots. While he achieves speed, he doesn't quite fully succeed in keeping the vehicles 100% intact. Fortunately, Twich is there and manages to patch up or re-attach the odd exhaust pipe, door knob, catalytic converter, windshield wiper, hubcap, and bits and pieces that Sauros' racecar dreams knocks off the vehicles. The end result, however, are all vehicles neatly re-arranged!!
Aldane manages to carefully and move a few vehicles without issue. Twich looks on appreciatively that Aldane caused no damage.
Upon hearing celebrities are in attendance, our intrepid but starstruck heroes disperse, searching for said celebrities like severely unhealthy rabid fans hunting down their favorite K-pop star. While tracking their prey.... errrr.. I mean while locating the esteemed celebrity guests... our heroes manage to bring them all together as requested by Arvin!!
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A heavily armed and armoured shirren makes his way through the bustle of the Lorespire Complex toward the group assembled with Venture-Captain Arvin.
Clad in a suit of heavy matte grey armour, he carries a matching helmet casually under an arm. The hilt of a longsword pokes above a shoulder and he carries an array of rifles, a pistol and hammer as he approaches.
"Ssorry to arrive late to the party. The return journey from Aposstae took lonhker than expected," he says aloud, mandibles clicking. "Sseemsh like you haven't misssed me sso far, from what I heard."
"I'm Chk'tarlsh," he introduces himself. Although many prefer to call me Charles, he adds telepathically, a hint of amusement evident in the sending.
Sauros will purchase Juggernaut Boosters with the 10% discount, but unfortunately still can't do that until the end of the adventure (or during, if we find some credsticks along the way)
I assume "do not use" here means "do not use up" such as with consumables.
A chime sounds throughout the Lorespire Complex and its surrounding grounds, followed by a broadcast of First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo’s resonant voice: “Pest-control workers, your presence is kindly requested in the Hall of Discovery.” Spurred by the announcement, junior and experience Starfinders file into the Forum’s meeting space.
As the last of the summoned Starfinders enter the meeting space, Luwazi stands atop a stage at the centre of the hall. Radaszam and Zigvigix position themselves behind the First Seeker, warily surveying the crowd. When the doors shut behind the final Starfinder team, Radaszam steps forward and whispers in Luwazi’s ear. She nods as he offers her a microphone.
“Thanks to your courage and resilience, Starfinders, we have overcome adversity time and again. Two years ago, we embarked on a mission to rescue our lost agents from the Scoured Stars. Last year, we returned to battle the jinsuls and won. Today, I stand before you for the last time as your First Seeker and invite you to accept a very different challenge.
“I trust you are all familiar with the individual called Datch. For the past year, Datch orchestrated a slanderous media war against the Society for reasons incomprehensible to us. We’ve recently learned more about our enemy and realized that the Society is not her only target. As a member of AbadarCorp’s security department, Datch used her connections to manufacture a media smear campaign against us. She did so to gain power within the corporation, and her next target is Executive Archdirector and CEO Iseki-Okaibo. Yesterday, Datch instigated a vote of no-confidence against him. If the motion passes, Datch stands to take advantage of that power vacuum.”
Luwazi frowns at the assembled Starfinders. “We cannot let that happen. We can’t directly challenge Datch—not yet. If we’re going to stop her, we must beat her at her own game. While Datch positions herself to seize power, I plan to use Ehu Hadif’s elevation and the presence of our most veteran agents at the elevation event as a cover to send you on covert missions throughout the Pact Worlds. The missions vary, but your primary goals are to disrupt Datch’s ongoing activities and convince AbadarCorp executives not to support the vote of no-confidence. I’m counting on you, Starfinders.”
Encouraged by the First Seeker’s words, the chosen Starfinder teams prepare to depart the Lorespire Complex for various destinations across the Pact Worlds. Society leaders direct smaller groups of agents into specialized briefings, where they present information about each covert operation. After a year of enduring Datch’s merciless attacks against their organization, the Starfinders finally have the chance to retaliate.
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All this firepower and we're...objecting to boardroom maneuvering Krara sighs as she checks her gear. Suppose it was too hopeful to think I could remind the rat of Verity-5 up close and personally.
Looking at the others, the vesk asks. So, where too? I'm feeling a bit lucky myself, though going back to some more asteroids might be nice.
Social - Live Air Celebrity!
Ally - Acquainted with Datch
Starship - Heavy Solar Cannon
Faction: Second Seeker - Jadnura Champion
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Sauros swipes Krara's credstick through his comm unit and orders his long awaited Juggernaut Boosters via Absalom Prime 1 hour delivery.
"DUDE this subscription service is SO worth it! Every tech item you order comes with its own ysoki mechanic to assemble everything for you! I don't know how they make money."
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Dr. Monsylkis, a prominent verthani scientist and ally of the Society, briefs you for this mission.
He inspects a pocket-sized cylindrical device equipped with retractable microscopes, syringes, and probes. She peers into one of the microscopes as she speaks, her attention clearly divided. “Ever since we exposed AbadarCorp’s unethical price gouging of medicinal products, their pharmaceutical department went into overdrive. They began mass-producing affordable vaccines and serums, providing healthcare access to more Pact Worlds citizens. I consider that a victory.” Dr. Monsylkis straightens and smiles, snapping the lens cap back into place.
“I found it strange that AbadarCorp hasn’t responded to a localized epidemic in the Diaspora. Several days ago, Laelund Station quarantined itself to prevent the spread of an unknown virus. Despite many requests for help, AbadarCorp hasn’t even issued a statement acknowledging the situation. I fear that Datch, or the upheaval she’s causing in the company, is to blame.”
The doctor begins methodically disassembling the device. “We can’t let anyone undermine the Pact Worlds’ public health. Take this instrument to Laelund Station, and gather as much data as you can about the virus. If possible, find out where it came from. My lab can hopefully manufacture a vaccine using the samples and data you obtain.”
Dr. Monsylkis demonstrates how to use the instrument, an upgraded version of the prototype she loaned to the Society for use on Zeyther-3 earlier this year. The device has multiple functions. First, it can collect and store living tissue samples for up to 4 weeks. Second, it contains probes that gather data on body temperature, heartbeat, and other vital signs, with programming for multiple species. Third, the device contains a database of all known bacterial and viral pathogens in the Pact Worlds.
Laelund Station is an independent miners’ cooperative in the Diaspora that provides contract labor and raw materials to larger corporations. Workers live and process minerals inside the station, and specialized drilling ships transport teams to nearby asteroids and planetoids. Unfinished expansions branch off the station’s tubular midsection, but construction has halted for the past few days as a result of the spreading illness.
As your starship approaches Laelund Station, security hails you, "Oye! Deya bi sickness 'ere! Inyalowda na welcome! Bi off wit tu! Beltalowda takes care fo BELTALOWDA!!!!
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As you climb into the ship, you notice there is already a pilot seated in the cockpit. He stands to greet you all with a short bow, "They said you needed a pilot and... I'm the best that was left available. Hef Sadir, Priest of the Protector, Kadrical, at your service. I solemnly vow to value your lives above my own."
Hef is a tall, four armed, grey skinned, black eyed Kasatha. Dressed very simply in what appears to be station maintenance gear crafted for zero g maneuvering with a handaxe clipped to his waist. Criss-crossed across his back is a tactical spear and boring looking staff. Other than the weapons, he appears more suited for manual labor than an exploration party.
He slips back into the piloting chair and once all are ready, they zip out of the dock and slip into the drift.
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Looking back when the comms light up, "I'll try to soften them up a bit, but one of you is going to have to do the hard work convincing them."
The Kasathan flips on the comms and speaks, "Mission of Mercy here. Heard about your problem and thought we could help. Stand by for further information about how we can help."
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Krara raises an eye at the kasatha's choice of divine presence, but gives a solid nod back in return. Don't sell yourself too short: a squadmate in the field that doesn't care at all what happens to them is someone who's going to bring trouble down on everyone. Still, good to have a nice sky-driver with us.
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Krara moves over to the comms button, looming over it despite the fact the gesture is meaningless in an audio medium.
We know there's a sickness! And if you Beltalowda's were taking care of it, then we wouldn't need to be here at all. But apparently that's why we're here: to get the info and do the science you can't! So open up an approach vector so we can do our jobs she looks over at Hef our merciful jobs before the sickness gets any worse. Or else when everyone starts gettign worse we can make sure everyone knows exactly which 'Beltalowda insisited our assistance wasn't needed!
She give a thumbs up to the kasatha as she steps back.
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Hef replies to the initial Vesk statement, "There is a large difference between one who doesn't care for their life and one of Kadrical's followers. I care very much to continue living, but it is my duty to protect those in my charge. Fear not, I will not act recklessly."
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He simply raises an eyebrow at the battery of words sent by the Vessk, no other emotion visible behind his traditional facial covering.
Krara's statement is met not with a worded response but rather telemetry data directing your ship to a docking port.
Upon disembarking, a security representative provides a brief explanation of basic health protocols, including donning protective masks and gloves. She concludes, "Inyalowdas, if to can help den help but dun to get sick en be mo trouble. The sick in quarantine, sector 9. To may go."
Arriving at Sector 9, you find a holographic terminal to the west that displays an interactive map of the sector including a directory and the nearby cafeteria’s daily menu. Cheerful posters and potted plants decorate the space.
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After activating the environmental protections of his suit and following the safety regulations set by the security representative, Chk'tarlsh looks around him, drinking in the new sights and sounds.
Arriving at Sector 9, he notices wanders over to consult the map. Turning back to the others, he remarks, "What'sh that over there?" He gestures to jet black spines bored into the walls.
The party heads over to the overflow clinic. This oblong chamber contains a dismal tableau. Six feverish patients recline in cots, tended by a single medical bot that can’t quite keep up with its workload.
#2 Acid 10, Fire 10, DR 10/cold iron (I'm assuming immunities would require a separate question)
#3 light blindness
#4 quills are shot out as a ranged attack, usually a 30' ranged increment
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Krara follows Hef' lead, activating her own protections as she pulls out the contraption they received from Monsylkis before launch. Got a serum or two, but this seems a bit past that. DocBot: may we take some samples from these? Its for science.
The vesk moves towards a patient who seems at least somewhat lucid and asks. There there. You'll recover soon and be able to charge your enemies as if you never lost a step! Now help us help you. How long since this illness struck you?