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Cabizo, Xylian, and Zharis
The lashunta residents of Asanatown are still disturbed by memories of the strange psychic wave that accompanied Far Portal's disappearance, but at least the coup was suppressed and order has been restored--thanks to you!
Saying farewell to Vilo, Shujae, and Staim wasn't easy. But there's still work to be done, and the Advanced Institute of Heliodic Studies has promised that replacements are on their way! It'll take a few weeks for them to arrive.
In the meantime, Nib has offered you accommodation in her apartment, with a promise to take you over to Corona (another bubble-city in the Burning Archipelago) and introduce you to the Deep Cultures Institute once your expedition team is at full strength.
While they're waiting for replacement team members, Zharis takes every opportunity to point out behavioral examples to Nib and Taeress that indicate that they are still in love, and encourage them to let go of past animosity.
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ZHARIS, XYLIAN, AND CABIZO
Having some time to rest and relax after the stress of recent events has been great. Plus, Nib makes an excellent tour guide around Asanatown. Confirmation has been received that a new Security Officer and Lead Engineer have been dispatched and will arrive in a matter of days.
Nib and Taeress have definitely rekindled the flame of their relationship, but as the impending arrival of your new teammates (and a planned journey to the Deep Cultures Institute in Corona) comes closer and closer, you notice tensions start to form between the two of them again, including more arguments about what counts as "science" vs "speculation" and the like. The two obviously love each other, but they have very different worldviews and the disappearance of Far Portal is driving home just how differently they think about things like "facts" and "evidence."
HANI and JIN
That sure was a strange ad that came across on the infosphere, but it did sound intriguing: URGENT! Applicants wanted for scientific research expedition. Only candidates with backgrounds in engineering and small-group security will be considered. Extensive, prolonged travel required. Click the info-link to complete a preliminary questionnaire. It was all a bit mysterious, but perhaps that only added to the allure.
After filling out the questionnaire, the notification came: you passed the initial screening and instructions would be forthcoming for formal interviews! Apparently, several academic and government research institutions were going to jointly fund the first Near Space expedition to study the Pact Worlds’ sun! But then, just hours later and with no interview at all, a formal employment offer arrived from the Advanced Institute for Heliodic Studies. Wow! Either your application was so good they didn’t even need to talk to you, or that expedition needed to leave *soon*.
Once you began reading the contract and attached documents, the terms seemed fair. For an up-front stipend of 2,000 credits plus reasonable expenses on return, you’d become a member of the expedition team in either an engineering or security role. But reading between the lines, it also quickly became apparent that the main expedition had already left weeks ago. Why would they need replacements so quickly? Had something gone wrong?
The documents included a comm number and a note hastily scrawled with an e-stylus: “Thanks for app! Seat reserved on fast courier ship. Leaves tomorrow! Call me if questions! --Patrig”
This could be the opportunity of a lifetime--a fully paid journey to the Pact Worlds! But on the other hand, a nagging intuition reminds you that the entire recruitment process seems hurried and perhaps intentionally vague. Well, the window to either jump in feet first or back carefully away from the ledge is closing fast. What to do?!
Jin sends a message to “Patrig”: “Greetings, sir or madam! I thank and congratulate you on your sudden decision to accept my application to join this scientific endeavor. It is a great honor to represent the Gideron Authority while researching the sun of your pact worlds. I will be on board that ship tomorrow, and rendezvous with the main expedition in no time.”
“While I do not mind the hastiness of your processes - it is a respite, after all the bureaucracy dealt in my end, to receive the permission to join you - it does make me curious about any possible adversity experienced by the other participants. Any information will be appreciated.”
“Hoping to meet you soon, Jin Goei.”
He sends the message, wondering if he’s replacing someone dead.
Then he takes out his favorite suitcase, and starts packing his clothing, picking the best for each occasion, out of his wardrobe of hundreds of sets of clothes.
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JIN
You've just started your packing when your comm link buzzes--an incoming video call. When you pick up, see you see a lanky young humanoid with a visible sheen of sweat on his brow is calling. The figure looks human, but unless there's distortion with the background, he must be eight feet tall! "Um, hi! I'm Patrig, Professor Dorruman's graduate assistant. He's still got the crimson fever, so I'm helping out with the expedition." You see Patrig is reading from another datapad and switching screens back and forth. "So . . . you're Jin Goei? Did I pronounce that right? Well, I have you down as the new security guy. 'Security Goei'!" He looks away awkwardly. 'Um, anyway. I'll send you the role description. Glad you could leave so soon! Your message said something about . . . adversity. Well, there was an . . . uh . . . incident . . . incidents. . . . on Mataras. That's the Pact Worlders' name for their sun--funny, isn't it? Anyway, the expedition team ran into . . . well . . . I guess you could call it a terrorist uprising or a coup? And then there was a hostage situation, plus apparently a con man tried to ship-jack them, oh, and something about a hesper that just won't leave. The long and short of it though is that everyone's alive, and only one required hospitalization. But a couple expedition members decided the Pact Worlds was just too uncivilized and left early. So . . . that's where you come in!"
Jin puts the comm unit on his table and seats across it, upright posture, left hand over his right wrist. He lets Patrig speak.
“It saddens me to hear of these setbacks, Patrig. But I commend the team on their perseverance and dedication to this scientific cause”. He rises up, casually looking down at the comm unit. “I was concerned for a while that I might find myself without much to do, while on your sun. But now it seems like I’ll feel right at home: the Authority has many enemies who oppose our cause at every step, commonly through violent means - I have faced and dealt with various such cases in my line of work. It will be my pleasure to share my expertise with the expedition”.
“Thank you for being forthcoming, Patrig. It is appreciated.” Jin finishes the recording.
“What a ludicrous notion.” Jin ponders while reading the attachment. “The construction costs, maintenance, logistics… what a wasteful accomplishment. So many planets available, and they colonize a star. Unbelievable."
Hani's mother had helped get most of the personal things together and packed. The big question now was whether to pack up this armor. It was a cosplay outfit he and his buddy Aoko had gotten together for a comic convention a year or so ago.
They spent several evenings modifying his uncle's old suit of military armor to look like a well-known character from Pygosian comic book lore. It was actually a very good likeness of Commodore Ajax's armor.
It was real armor, and it might be useful. Hani had purchased some useful armor mods as well, which slotted in quite easily.
Sighing, and turning to Aoko, Hani utters "Let's box up the armor. I'm taking it with me."
Just yesterday Hani had officially accepted the offer to leave for the Pact Worlds. It had been in the works for quite some time. Now that his university studies had come to a close, it was time to set out for adventure and put his technical skills to work.
HANI AND JIN
As promised, the transport is ready to depart. It's a small, sleek vessel intended to carry messages and valuables, and must have one of the better Drift-rated engines on the market. The downside, it's going to be a cramped day and a half until you arrive in the Pact Worlds! The charter's pilot shows you to a cramped bunk and helps you stow your gear. As you're navigating through the narrow corridors, you see what must be another new member of the expedition!
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At the first opportunity, Zharis pulls Taeress and Nib together and attempts one of her famous monologues, sure that she can get them to see a different perspective.
I'm concerned when I hear you two start arguing about science, speculation, evidence, facts, etc. There are big rifts in your past and I wouldn't like to see those repeat.
What it makes me think of if the difference between fiction and non-fiction. As an actress, I live half my life in each, and I think they are more related than perhaps both of you understand. There is truth in both, and they help each other along.
For instance, Taeress, most scientific facts began as theories, and then were later proved. People with Nib's amazing imagination are the type of people who make the intuitive leaps that takes science forward.
Turning to Nib she says
And of course the hard scientists that take those dreams and make them reality are invaluable. If *they* prove something, then you have more support, more funding, and you can build on that solid foundation for your next idea.
The beautiful thing about fiction or imagination is that it can pull you out of the distractions of reality and teach you real lessons that can change you and change the world, without worrying about actually having to deal with the hard facts... yet.
I mean, in my show, As the Black Hole Turns, sure we weren't real doctors, scientists, and Spaceburger employees, but we still had an impact on the universe. Fans of our show went out there and made real discoveries about the nature of black holes... the fiction helped push reality along.
I think instead of arguing about what is a fact and what is not a fact, maybe both of you could could instead embrace the possibilities, and work to develop them together... and at the same time, surely not everything needs to be proven. Love can't be quantified, and yet it exists... you feel it, you know it to be true, whether or not you can measure it in some physical way.
She hands them a datapad on which she has copied the entire run of her biggest show.
My assignment for both of you is to watch As the Black Hole Turns together. It has everything... dreams, facts, theories, speculation, ideas, faked data, proof, falsehood, intrigue, lies, success, failure, romance, and amnesia. You'll love it... and maybe you'll learn a little bit about how the softer sciences can work with the harder sciences to create a better world... and perhaps a better relationship.
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Cabizo applauds all three pairs of hands as Zharis finishes her speech. His injured leg is propped up on a cushion, the white bandages dyed a variety of vivid colors with a graceful swooping signature in black ink over the top. "Oh, that was wonderful!" he cheers, one pair of hands halting their clapping to wipe away a tear.
"You care a lot about people," the skittermander observes as the two make their way to the guest quarters. "Have you ever thought about being a therapist? It's a lot more listening than talking, but you've got a very big heart and I bet you'd pick it up right away." He grins, leaning on his new walking stick with one hand as he signals the door to open with another.
Jin, from his seat, nods his head and smiles slightly at the other passenger.
Thanks Cabizo, that means a lot. I'm thinking about becoming a mediator instead... but it's similar. Kind of like a counselor on a political and cultural level, right? ... I mean, I think that is what acting already is in some ways. Helping people to see in different ways, and consider new ideas. Once people learn to see from another perspective, then there is a lot more room for agreement.
Plus, really, I could never be as good as you are with therapy, so I guess I should stick to diplomacy instead. How's your leg, by the way? I was really worried at first, but you seem to be doing a lot better.
"Oh, there's always more therapists needed," Cabizo answers with a grin, pulling himself into an oversized chair. "I mean, you can't really do therapy on yourself, and some people have all these weird notions about 'non-compete clauses' and 'territory encroachment' so it's good to have lots of folks available." He pats the arm of the chair happily. "But if you want to be a political therapist, that's also a fine thing! It's very difficult to listen to an entire country at once, so it's a good thing you're already an excellent listener. And thank you for worrying about the leg - the doctor said the cast could come off last week, but it's so pretty and I really appreciate that you signed it and everything so I don't want to get rid of it yet." He reaches absentmindedly for something, then notices the absence of anything on the side table and grins. "Ooops, I forgot my Galaxy-Sparkle juice in the kitchen!" He hops down and starts making his way to the other room. "Do you want some?"
Sure, if they have cherry.
She strikes a pose.
Can't get ENOUGH of that Galaxy Sparkle!
... Ha ha. It's a good thing I'm not looking for work. I could have that promotion gig in a heartbeat.
Xylian -quite frankly- does not understand the talk of relationships and therapists. "If they enjoy the presence of one another they will stay in close proximity to each other. If not, they will go their separate ways. I would not keep around a tool I had no use for." He says this as he is sorting through a toolbox, trying to discover which one his proog has disguised itself as this time.
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Hani acknowledges the hobgoblin with a nod and a quiet "hey."
At first intimidated by the hobgoblin, he finally asks an obvious question. "So...you're headed to the Pact Worlds too? Wanna see my armor? I've got it in the back."
"So...you're headed to the Pact Worlds too? Wanna see my armor? I've got it in the back."
“Yes, and so is everyone on board this ship. And no, not right now, thank you.” Jin takes out his comm unit and starts reading a book.
Hani clams up and keeps his mouth shut.
"I grabbed these Pact World snacks from the galley. They're called "Vesk Jerky Slams." They're pretty rad, dude. You want some? I grabbed two. You can have one. They're meaty and salty and really good and I think I need something to drink with them!"
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ZHARIS, XYLIAN, AND CABIZO
Nib and Taeress can't help but be moved by Zharis' heartfelt words. They go off alone together, and then come back, clearly having had some deep conversations about their future together. Taeress speaks first, looking abashed: "I realise I've been a bit . . . too strict . . . with my views. If something is important to Nib, then I should at least give it a chance. I'm taking a leave of absence from Far Portal Station, and I'm going help out at the Deep Culture Institute for the next few months." Nib tears up and squeezes Taeress' hand before speaking. "And I promise that I won't scoff at what the data says just because it might undermine my theories--no matter how exciting they happen to be! And later this year, if they'll have me, I'll do a stint at Far Portal Station like a 'real' scientist." The two look into each other's eyes and embrace for a long moment, before Taeress' wrist-comm beeps. "Oh! The transport pilot from Pabaq has signalled they've arrived in-system. We better hurry over to Dawnshore now if we're going to greet them when they get out of customs!" She and Nib lead you to the nearest linecrawler station.
HANI AND JIN
With Hani's attempts to make conversation rebuffed, the trip through the Drift crawls by with only occasional phantasmagoric patterns outside to break the monotony. Eventually, however, the pilot announces through the ship's P.A. system: "Almost there, fellas."
The ship exits the Drift minutes later, and your first glimpse of the Pact Worlds is the magnificent sight of its sun right outside the ship's viewscreen! The bright yellow star's roiling plasma surface is strangely alluring despite the enormous heat, pressure, and radiation that would kill you instantly if not for the ship's shielding. The so-called "Burning Archipelago" is visible as well--entire cities enclosed in magical force field "bubbles" and connected together by thin tendrils of the same energy. Small "sunskimmer" ships dart between the bubble-cities, while larger, slower-moving "linecrawlers" move along the tendrils to ferry travelers back and forth.
Your ship's pilot heads toward a space station of an ornate architecture that is far different than the utilitarian norm. The ship's comm shows an incoming transmission: "Blessings of the Dawnflower be upon you, travellers. This is Dawn Patrol Control. Please identify yourselves and state your business in the Burning Archipelago.” Your pilot returns the incoming broadcast with an explanation, and soon the courier ship is flying through a funnel-like series of rings of dark metal and into one of the bubble-cities. The ship sets down in a wide expanse of landing pads and launch pits that house a diverse array of ship types.
"This is Dawnshore spaceport," he says. "And this is where you get off. Looks like some folks are waiting for you."
EVERYONE
Jin is a 7 feet tall and 300 pounds heavy wall of muscle, wearing tight travel clothes. He resembles a human with blue skin and slight goblinoid features, along with fangs protruding from his mouth. His hair is on the shorter side, and is impeccable.
He looks around for someone holding a sign with his name, or identified as a member of the Advanced Institute for Heliodic Studies.
A 7-foot female Pahtra stalks forward. She is wearing what looks like travel clothing with a vest, bandolier, and gunbelt with mismatched pistols. What you can see of her fur starts with gray-brown to black leopard patterns at her head blending into almost tiger striping at her tail.
She addresses Jin and asks
You the new Vilo then? The replacement security guy?
... you might recognize her. She looks uncannily like a famous actress that you've probably seen somewhere. Maybe even in that same outfit, using the same gruff accent in one of her parts...
“I don’t know what you mean. But I am the small-group security expert. My name is Jin.” Jin bows very slightly. “Are you with the expedition?”
--
Jin has been exposed to plenty of out-of-system holovids, but he’s not a big enthusiast of the art form...
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Xylian Xuuvats is a shockingly well armed and armored damai physicist. He is wearing heavy lashunta ringwear armor that shows signs of recently repaired battle damage. On his back are an azimuth laser rifle and subzero ice carbine folded into their stowed forms. An array of spare batteries for the weapons are arranged along the belt of the armor. Attached to the left leg of the armor is an obviously used case with a pink cross, the universal symbol denoting a medkit. Xylian is shorter and stockier than most damai with dark blue skin and pure white hair, all side effects of growing up on the higher gravity, sun-bathed world of Pabaq. He looks the newcomer over. "I do hope 'expert' is not an exxaguration. This mission has proven to be remarkably hostile." He says in monotone, offering no proper greeting.
He looks the newcomer over. "I do hope 'expert' is not an exxaguration. This mission has proven to be remarkably hostile." He says in monotone, offering no proper greeting.
Jin slowly turns to face Xylian. "It isn’t. You will see."
He turns back to Zharis. “Do you know where Patrig is? He should be here to receive us.”
Ha ha. Patrig? Isn't he that grad student? No, no. He isn't here. We're it. Welcome to the team. You're Jin, right? I'm Zharis, and this is Xylian, and that over there is Cabizo.
Wasn't there someone else though? An engineer? What was the name... oh, yeah, Hani, right?
She steps past Jin and raises her voice
"...yes, and remember that being mean to yourself is a response meant to keep you safe, but not necessarily to keep you happy and sometimes you have to pick between the two and that's a hard choice that everyone has to make themselves on a daily basis so don't let anyone pressure you into deciding one way or another until you're ready." A small six-legged creature with soft tan fur and a white coat pats the hand of a lashunta man working on the docks before hearing Zharis yell. As he turns to see the commotion, his eyes light up and his smile widens. "Nufriends!"
Hobbling over as quickly as he can with a large plaster cast on his right leg, the skittermander's smile continues to grow. One hand wields a walking stick of bright pink plastic-metal alloy while two more reach out as if to already embrace the kanabo man even at the slowly-shrinking distance and the remaining three dig frantically in his white coat. "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you! My name is Cabizo - what can I call you? And what's your favorite color?" Several hands now hold plethoras of paint pigment pots, each in a different vivid hue.
A single turtle-like telia makes his way through the starport, moving at a deliberate pace. He wears floral pattern shorts, a woven shirt of light fabric, and sandals on his reptilian feet.
He drags behind him a rather large crate that appears to be on wheels. He also has a backpack of appreciable size, along with one more small bag of clothing.
"I'm Hani! Am I supposed to be meeting you?"
Noticing the hobgoblin, Hani furrows his brow, then produces a warm smile. "Looks like you might have to talk to me after all. I think we're on the same expedition, dude!"
Turning to the skittermander, Hani replies, "Little dude! I have always liked 'sea blue.'" Hani closes his eyes and pauses for a moment, as if he is imagining his favorite beach back home. "I can see it now. The surf is up, my board is waxed, and Makoa and I are paddling out to catch a wave..."
"You guys want some of these 'Vesk Jerky Slams?' They're most excellent!"
"Who is in charge?" Jin observes the mess.
A pair of figures who hung near the back approach. One, an antenna-headed member of the lashunta race that seems quite common in the spaceport, offers you a formal greeting: "I am not an official part of the expedition, but I am its local liaison, Taeress Suloro. Patrig told me to expect reinforcements. Welcome to the Burning Archipelago." The other, a short rodent-faced woman that must be a ysoki, speaks rapidly "And I'm Nib, from the Deep Cultures Institute--which is where we're headed next! Nice to meet ya', Hani and Jin. Your eyes are gonna pop when you see the info we've been collectin'! Hey, did you say jerky slams? I'm starvin'!"
"Do we have quarters in the institute? Or are we staying at a hotel? I'd like to rest and prepare myself after this journey. It was quite long." Jin asks Nib.
Zharis pulls Hani aside and advises him to not call it "Vesk Jerky" (even if it is), since a lot of people would be appalled by the idea of eating the flesh of a sentient species.
When she comes back and finds Jin looking for an authority figure, she responds to his latest question.
We've actually been staying at Taeress and Nib's place. I suppose we can find a room for you to stay here at the spaceport if you would like to rest while we go over to the institute, or you can drop your stuff in your quarters on our ship if that is all you need. As for who is in charge, we really share that burden, but if you need someone to complain to, I'll take the title. Did you need anything else?
"I apologize. It is customary in the Gideron Authority to allow a traveler to rest after his journey is over, but that does not seem to be a habit here.” Jin is shocked.
“I’ll just need some privacy to exchange my clothes and don my armor, before we depart. Can you provide such temporary accommodations here?” he takes his baggage, ready to be led into a private area.
Certainly. Would a restroom be adequate, or would you ... oh, nevermind, we might as well show you the ship.
She leads everyone over to the Szandite Collective ship the Farseer, and shows the newbies their quarters, and gives Nib a tour while they are dropping their stuff off.
When they are leaving, Zharis presses a button at her wrist and her clothing changes from travel wear to a professional outfit.
Are we ready then?
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Hani happily chews his "Vesk Jerky Slams" with a wide smile on his face. When Zharis informs him of the potential faux pas, Hani immediately slows his chewing, widens his eyes, and gasps with horror.
With a tremendous gulp he swallows the remaining jerky in his mouth, scrambles to find the packaging, and points to the brand logo at the top of the bag. "Yes...they called them 'Vesk Jerky Slams'. This isn't made from...VESK...is it?" Hani looks around nervously.
When he is done shaking his head and murmuring below his breath, Hani does report that a place to take a short break might be nice. "I'd like to drop off my bags, and maybe change clothes. HEY! I brought armor too! Should I wear it? Or just some everyday clothes?"
Jin freshens up with his hygiene kit in his quarters, changes clothing to his uniform and dons his hidden soldier armor, modded to reference the ancient warriors of lost Minkai.
“I am prepared. We may proceed.” he states, as he comes out of his quarters looking like a space samurai.
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Hani arrives just behind Jin. He is wearing his own armor. It's a bright shiny chrome color and features bright blue epaulets on each shoulder. The words "Commodore Ajax and the Star Defenders" are emblazoned on a patch on the right breast.
He stands next to Jin, looks up at his seven foot tall frame and smiles.
At this point the facemask drops down over Hani's head.
Hani pushes it up and grabs a rucksack. "I'm ready anytime, dudes and dudettes!"
Cabizo claps his hands delightedly. "Wonderful! Then I think we're all ready to head to the Institute!"
Nib and Taeress wait outside the Sun Runner while Jin and Hani change, debating the “cost vs value propositions” of taking a sunskimmer or linecrawler to Stellacuna, the bubble-city where the Deep Cultures Institute is located. Taeress convinces Nib that the expedition scientists have already seen enough excitement to last a lifetime, so the more sedate (and far cheaper) option of taking a linecrawler is agreed on.
The pair lead you all to Dawnshore Spaceport’s linecrawler station. The fare is 5 credits per trip, or a monthly pass for 50. ”I think you’ll like Stellacuna,” Nib says conversationally while in line. ”No offense, Taeress, but Asanatown doesn’t have a lot of xeno-diversity. But Stellacuna is a knowledge-worker bubble, and people come from all over the Pact Worlds and beyond to work in Solar University, the Sun Atlas Center, and, of course, best of all, the Deep Cultures Institute! One of these days those Sun Atlas stuck-ups will agree to debate the DCI—they don’t want to ‘add legitimacy to our untrammelled speculation’ they say. Ha! I think they’re just scared.” Taeress not-so-subtly rolls her eyes, but it’s clear she’s trying to be supportive by not interjecting.
"What is our main objective? I’ve been informed this is a scientific expedition, but I lack specific knowledge of it.” Jin interjects.
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"We are here to study the technology or magic behind the so-called "bubbles" in which we reside at this very moment as well as the source of the telepathic emanations that appear to emerge from the center of the star from time to time. Thus far we have only managed to kill many persons, though we have improved relations between the current government and pabaq. That is something, I suppose." Xylian says, displeased with their transportation arrangement. If the government of the star city was going to change every five minutes, he would rather have the Sun Runner nearby. "This Deep Cultures Institute is said to be the foremost experts on the composition of the core of the star. We have not managed to communicate with them as of yet."
"I see." Jin nods.
The linecrawler takes you on a slow but safe journey from Dawnshore to Stellacuna. The streets of Stellacuna have a relaxed, friendly feeling, as many abut the campuses of various institutions of learning. Students lost in thought, professors contemplating the cosmos, and busy staff trying to keep everything going are seen going about their days.
Nib leads you all to the campus of the Deep Culture Institute, and into a building called the Museum of Endosolar Sciences. The exhibits on display clearly downplay the DCI's notorious search for intelligent life within Mataras to instead focus on the extraordinary physics, metaphysics, meteorology, and even geology of the star. Exhibits describe solar flares, rare minerals formed within the sun’s crucible, and the known history and construction of the Burning Archipelago.
The museum abuts the DCI’s dormitory, where helpers can stay for free; the facilities comprise a dozen shared rooms, two lounges, a few shared lavatories, and a clinic. One of the lounges has an array of ready-to-eat meals. "Make yourselves at home!" Nib says. "There'll be a formal welcome by the staff at a gala tomorrow night. It's really good to have you here!" She smiles and heads off with Taeress to discuss some of the museum exhibits.
Jin looks around the area, making a map in his mind - focusing on exits and possible weak points.
Shall we meet in the lounge in say, two hours? asks Zharis.
That should give us some time to check everything out, and then we can eat together and talk about next steps.
She waits to see if that is okay with everyone, then, if it is, she splits off until the planned lunch.
Zharis finds her room in the dormitory, just to make sure she knows how to get there, then starts looking around the museum, trying to learn all she can about this place. She figures that Nib will introduce them to everyone at the gala, but she takes the time to smile and greet anyone she comes across, as she examines each exhibit in turn... keeping an eye on her comm unit to make sure she doesn't miss the planned meeting.
The museum is closing soon for the (artificial) "night."
Zharis starts out with the fire whale, checking to see if it looks like what they saw coming out of the portal when they first arrived.
Then she wanders over to see what the solar atmosphere probe is all about.
Then, seeing that the museum is closing soon, she goes to the lounge to grab something to eat and wait for her companions.
Xylian does not understand why it is taking so long to meet up with these Institute people, but it is not his job to arrange meetings. He wordlessly follows the schedule set by Zharis and heads straight for the museum to begin researching what information the Institute has on the "bubbles", paying particular attention to information and accounts from the first peoples to attempt to study and inhabit them when they were discovered.
Jin goes to wait in the lounge. He sits down somewhere appropriate, connects to the local infosphere, and searches for people talking about the Institute and the Museum, to learn what the locals’ opinion of this place is.
He is a bit surprised about the group splitting up, when security is an issue, but decides not to question their habits for now.
Eager to get started, some members of the expedition team leave the dorms and start looking around the Museum of Endosolar Sciences. The place is just closing for the (artificial) "night", but the museum staff are friendly and welcoming when they hear you're the new visitors staying in the attached dormitories. They show you how your new keycards work, bring up a holo-map of the museum, and say that you're welcome to look around even after-hours.
Meanwhile, after examining the museum's security, Jin digs around the infosphere. Tourists give the museum pretty good reviews--kids love the "fire whale skeleton", the interactive displays, and the chance to see "real science" being done in a laboratory. There is some grumbling about how much of the museum is currently under renovation and that there doesn't seem to be much "proof" that there really are other bubble-cities hidden inside the sun.