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Freeman moves to access the controls, and seems to be successful until the panel suddenly snaps shut! The candles in the room snuff out and shadowy tendrils in the shape of jaws and bony rat tails writhe out from the statue, lashing out at the three Starfinders in the room!
The shadowy tentacles writhe around for another 20 seconds or so, then retreat back into the shrine, the candles re-lighting.
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The tentacles whip about, hitting Eleazar...his already mostly-room-temperature body absorbs the cold a bit different than normal.
The other effect seems to have no effect on Eleazar. Probably because he has already been considered dead....
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Second-1 places the folder taken from the records room on the alter and works the controls. The whole station shudders once again, but the candles remain lit and nothing attacks. Those out in the hallway see the force field drop on the door at the end of the hall!
"My, look how competent you've become" Datch says, taking a bite from an apple. "You really should be thanking me for pushing you in the right direction."
With the final force field down you proceed to the lobby, where you find an elevator waiting to take you down to your ship and make your escape, prisoner in tow!
“Now that you’ve deactivated the fourth barrier your escape route is clear.” This time, Radaszam addresses the Starfinders. “Drinks are on me at the elevation ceremony—I expect to see you there.”
Days after their daring escape from Datch’s compound, the Starfinders return to Absalom Station to find the Lorespire Complex grounds completely deserted. Its chambers are silent except for the faint sounds of speech from a nearby hall.
Hundreds of diverse creatures fill the Hall of Discovery. Familiar faces appear among the masses as faction leaders, venture-captains, and friends of the Society gather around an illuminated platform. First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo’s magnified voice rings out over the audience’s excited murmurs. “Thus, it is with both sadness and pride that I step down as First Seeker. But before I can welcome my successor, Guidance has an announcement to make.”
A green holographic image of a human woman materializes beside Luwazi and addresses the room. “Greetings, Starfinders and esteemed allies. I have considered your nomination of Ehu Hadif Ko’ra Amares of Clan Tolar as First Seeker. I agree with your selection and have confirmed his elevation in my records. This is a day for celebration.” Guidance bows its head and dissipates.
The crowd erupts into thunderous applause as a kasatha clad in crimson armour strides onto the stage. He nods respectfully to Luwazi, who steps back to offer him her place at the centre of the platform. Ehu Hadif raises two of his hands and says, “Thank you for the warm welcome. I am honoured to accept the title of First Seeker, and all the responsibility that comes with it. First Seeker Elsebo has been our rock through countless hardships. Few First Seekers in our Society’s history has overseen so many successful struggles. Thanks to her, and the brave Starfinders who worked to outwit our foes, we now enter a time of peace. My goal during this time is to return our organization to its roots of discovery and exploration. My colleagues and friends, I invite you to once again turn your eyes to the distant stars. Together, I believe we can gather and preserve precious knowledge for the good of the universe.”
The Starfinder Society triumphed over Datch’s lies and schemes, and a new era of discovery under First Seeker Ehu Hadif is dawning.
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As the last forcefield falls Croaker slumps on the seat in the spaceship.
"Get us out of here. Anyone is dying? If not I need to take a breather and then I can stitch you together."
Says Croaker trying to not bleed too much.
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At the ceremony. Croaker stands with the others holding a cup of something strong. Healed by magic he looks way better.
"Not too bad of a party, if not only that Shobhad covering my view of the stage. Guys, thank for the run, I am glad that we all came back." cheers Ysoki
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"Croaker, I am fine...though I think I need a bit of time in a sauna....some of my muscles I think are frozen through to the bone."
++++++++
"Finally, we can get back to having a leader that was voted in and given Guidance's approval. From what I hear, while some of us was under the God Shield, there was a power struggle between Guidance and Luwazi"
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"Ahh...if I could shiver when mentioning that word Freeman, I would....that is where I became what I am....apparently the mystic that brought me back couldn't connect to Desna like they should, and the spell...went wrong. That place also lost me my partner....." He touches the Starfinder badge on his lapel...one that is so battered and scored that it is hard to recognize it easily.
"Maybe we should hit the free bar, and drink for fallen friends there Freeman..."
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clapping for way too long Second-1 notices everyone has stopped and slowly tries to fade into the crowd.
--Post Ceremony--
"Well that went about as well as it could have, even with Datch's evil secret lair of evil thing...anyway, thanks, everyone. Its always good to have another successful mission under the belt." He raises a glass to his fellows and downs it.
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As the last forcefield falls Croaker slumps on the seat in the spaceship.
"Get us out of here. Anyone is dying? If not I need to take a breather and then I can stitch you together."
Says Croaker trying to not bleed too much.
Helios takes a moment breathe, then goes to help Croaker. Don't sweat it, lemme help with your bandages."
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"Indeed, we did a pretty damn good job." says Helios before downing a glass of whiskey. "Ahhhh. A pleasure to work with y'all. I have to say I wonder what our new First Seeker's gonna be like."
"....that is where I became what I am....apparently the mystic that brought me back couldn't connect to Desna like they should, and the spell...went wrong. That place also lost me my partner....."
"Maybe we should hit the free bar, and drink for fallen friends there Freeman..."
"Sounds like you had a rough time there, friend." Helios raises the new glass the server gave him. "Here's to old and new friends, to comrades that have passed, and all in between!"