|
A buzz from your personal comm units announces an email from Venture-Captain Arvin, inviting you to a casual briefing for an upcoming Starfinder mission at Qafe Qabarat, a quaint Castrovelian fusion
eatery on Absalom Station.
As you arrive and are seated, the Venture-Captain treats you to a very pleasant meal, curious about your recent missions and travels across the galaxy.
-----
-----
|
The armored android seats and stays quiet as usual. Nobody asks an android to talk, but just to do jobs. That's it. So if these Starfinders were invited here they should be asked for a mission. In this perspective he brought his laser azimuth rifle with him.
For now they have gotten only a few information about the mission but the circuits of the android are sure they will get more sooner than later. That's mathematical. And for now he stays philosophical.
|
A dragonkin wanders in, cigar in mouth, followed by a little glowy red ball. At first glance, his size and obvious strength is threatening and intimidating, until you realize that he's... well... got sort of a glazed look in his eyes. And that cigar... it smells a bit... herbal??
"Heeeeya fellas!! Woah, you're a serious lookin' bunch! C'mon buddies... sit back, relax...." As this screwball dragonkin speaks, you see that he isn't really looking at you. Rather, he seems to be looking past you. It's as though he can't quite focus on you....
"M'name's Bubba! Some people call me Blazin' Bubba cuz... well... The sun... the stars... the 'cigars'.... Its all connected man....!!!" He takes a long puff on the cigar and pauses. The pause lasts awkwardly long and just as you're about to give up on seeing if he had anything else to say, he continues, "But you all feel free to call me Blaze, Blazin, Bubs, BB, whatevs. It's allllllll goooood bro......
"Okay now, c'mon, bring it in. Group hug...!" He approaches you all and beckons you forward to come in for a group hug.
Whether others obliged him with a hug or not, Bubba then takes a seat and stares out the window, fixated on the sun as he continues to puff away...
|
"Ach, weel Bubba, seem ye's had qui' a lot of them cigars today, ha'n'ya?" says a stout dwarf, ignoring the request for a hug. He wears heavy armor, complete with thick metal bands above and below each joint, engraved with dwarven clan symbols and iconography suggesting membership in a mining clan. Armed only with a sidearm, he carries a well-used pick and a thick polymer shield slung across his back. "Ma name is Gruamach, o' clan MacAbhais. 'Tis a pleasure ta meet alla ya."
|
A kasatha woman wears a medical mask over her face and eagerly greets each of you.
"Hello, my name is Pamatea! I'm a biomedical researcher, and I would love to get you to participate in my current study. You'll see improvements to your physical performance for a short time. Side effects include cough, headache, fatigue, and the ability to speak only in Aklo, though that one only lasts for two, maybe three hours, at the most. If I could just get you to sign this consent form and provide a DNA sample..."
|
|
As a server removes empty plates from the table, Venture-Captain Arvin speaks.
“I do admit this brunch was to assuage my guilt about the assignment I’m giving you today, as you won’t be getting the chance for any such dining for a while.” He takes out a datapad and swipes the screen, sending out a file that contains basic information and images of a star system in the Vast labeled Mentras System.
“We’ve had some forays into this system in the past, and the Society established a research outpost on one of the asteroids to survey the system more thoroughly. The agents inside the outpost have been working tirelessly for well over a year now, and they deserve a break. But since we can’t leave the outpost unoccupied, we’ll need a skeleton crew to take over while the primary crew is gone. This is your assignment. Travel to Outpost 634 to relieve the crew and then remain there while the crew returns to Absalom Station to relax and spend some time with their families. Given how time in the Drift is nebulous, you’ll be at the outpost for anywhere from five to nine weeks.
“I know it’s hardly the most interesting of missions; the most I expect you’ll have to do is make sure the equipment stays maintained. The crew will brief you on the details of what you’ll need to do during your stay once you get there, but I don’t believe it will be anything particularly technical. The outpost is relatively self-sustaining, and your ship is loaded with enough supplies for months. When you return, you can dine at any restaurant on the station, my treat.”
Arvin hands his credit chit to the server and nods to you all, including the previously quiet vesk.
"So Starfinders...any questions?"
|
|
Fine to nine weeks!!! But do they think he will do with his bridge games of the saturday evening? He will have to try to run them somewhere in the infosphere.
He hopes that the outpost doesn't run any biological experiment anyway.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Bubba replies to Gruamach, "Nah man... Actually, I think I had a few less than usual today... But I'm having trouble remembering. That happens sometimes..."
Bubba reaches out with one hand to take a consent form from Pamatea and offers his other hand to provide a DNA sample.
Upon hearing Arvin mention 9 weeks, Bubba says, "Brah, that's no problem. I've got me a backup stash of cigars that'll last twice as long! Sign me up little dude!! I'm all in! Besides, its a good cause. Peeps gotta spend time with family... Cuz.. y'know... FAMILY!"
|
|
The vesk gives a big sigh at the reactions of some of his teammates, but tries not to let his annoyance know.
"Damorisovitch will be honored to have five to nine weeks to teach his fellow Starfinders about Damoritosh, and train with them. Damorisovitch is not so good with repairs, but will help out where he can.
"Venture-Captain, sir, have there been any attacks on the station lately that Damorisovitch could prepare for?"
|
|
Pamatea sips at her coffee. "What kind of research are they performing there?"
"When Starfinder agents made a survey of the Mentras system in the past, a far-flung asteroid field was detected containing several notable mineral deposits, as well as debris from ancient starships. The First Seeker at the time, Luwazi Elsebo, established Outpost 634 as a research lodge on the largest stable asteroid in the region and deployed a team of archeologists and scientists to begin a survey of the field, debris, and minerals."
"Venture-Captain, sir, have there been any attacks on the station lately that Damorisovitch could prepare for?"
Arvin nods to Damoritosh, "“None that I’m aware. The crew sends regular reports to the Lorespire Complex, and none of them contained information about any dangers beyond errant asteroids or high-velocity space debris. Their reports typically detailed mineral discoveries in the asteroid belt, along with interesting reports of ancient starship fragments adrift in local space. However, it can take weeks for their reports to reach us, so we can’t be notified of changes immediately.”
The server comes back with Arvin's credit chit and some chocolate-mints for the table on a plastic tray. The lashunta unwraps one and pops it into his mouth before passing them around to all of you. "Anything else?"
|
|
"Venture-Captain, sir, is there anything that we are forgetting?
"While Damorisovitch is a strong with Damoritosh's blessings, I sometimes forget the more mundane. Sounds like we expect a long, uneventful mission. This is good for training, but Damorisovitch wonders if perhaps some rookie agents would have been better suited."
|
|
"Venture-Captain, sir, is there anything that we are forgetting?
"While Damorisovitch is a strong with Damoritosh's blessings, I sometimes forget the more mundane. Sounds like we expect a long, uneventful mission. This is good for training, but Damorisovitch wonders if perhaps some rookie agents would have been better suited."
“The team you're relieving is made up of experts in their respective fields who have contributed much to the Society. Dr. Ordez, a geologist, is formally in charge of the outpost. Dr. Thrai is an archeologist who specializes in spacecraft development. Dr. Renou is a biologist studying any microbial samples or other lifeforms discovered in the system.
"The researchers are supported by an engineer named Bhennie Melford and a combat specialist named Vos Avino. In addition, there are two representatives from allied organizations currently observing the outpost. Resurgent Technologies sent Mr. Sonder, and Havar Maddu is representing the Xenowardens to guarantee the Society’s presence isn’t causing significant disruptions to the local ecosystem."
Arvin pats his lips with a napkin, then chuckles while rising to his feet, giving you a smile before departing.
"Make sure not to miss anyone, okay? See you when you get back, Starfinders!"
-----
After leaving brunch, you make your way to the Lorespire Complex to prep for launch. Along the way, you might remember some things about the Mentras system and the Society's previous expeditions there. You might also learn these things by chatting with your fellow agents in the hangar.
Culture (Recall Knowledge) or Diplomacy (Gather Information) Checks
Long before the Starfinder Society discovered Mentras, a natural disaster destroyed the entire mentrasi civilization. The residents of one mentrasi city attempted to survive by binding their souls to the moon but only succeeded in trapping their spirits, unable to return to life or move on. Members of the Starfinder Society freed their spirits, allowing them to finally find rest.
Mentrasi refugees fled long ago from the system that later became known to the Society as the Scoured Stars. The god of the Scoured Stars system, Kadrical, sent mentrasi survivors a beacon known as a Tear to summon them back. The mentrasi did not answer the call and instead sealed the Tear away, where former first seeker Jadnura eventually found it.
Mentrasi were not the only members of the Scoured Stars diaspora. Jinsuls belong to a militaristic theocracy that originated there as well; along with being enemies to the Society, they’ve attempted to track down other species from the Scoured Stars to force them to return.
When you are ready to depart, the Society has made ready a Pegasus-class starship already loaded up with supplies, including 10 space suits and enough R2E meals (with a variety of flavors) to feed 6 small-to-large creatures for 3 months.
Once more than half of the party has indicated their readiness to continue, we shall blast off into the Vast!
|
|
"Damorisovitch can verify what Comrade Gruamach has told us, based on what people have told Scion of Damoritosh. It is interesting that they had the option to return home, but chose not to, but not all people are as strong as the Vesk, and they probably feared what would be there when they returned."
|
|
After making your preparations, you leave Absalom Station and head into the Drift.
days of uneventful travel later, you return to normal space in the Mentras System near the asteroid field containing Outpost 634.
The viewscreen shows a small building constructed of prefab structures built into the pockmarked surface of a large asteroid on the edge of the belt. The comms light up, and a recorded message plays: “You are approaching Starfinder Society Outpost 634—” that voice cuts off as another interrupts: “Please give us a ping, by Yaraesa, we are so bored!”
There are sounds of a scuffle, and then the original voice continues. “Please be aware that, according to Pact Worlds law, the Starfinder Society has first exploration rights to the Mentras System, as well as claims to any discoveries of note. Feel free to open a communication line if you have questions or require aid.” After a few moments, the message begins to repeat. But then, suddenly, your ship’s computers blare a warning as they detect a surface-to-air weapon powering up at the outpost and locking onto the Pegasus!
- Make an Engineering check at a science station to analyze what's going on!
- Make a Piloting check to avoid being shot down by the station's defensive array!
- Make your choice of a Computers, Engineering, Diplomacy, or Intimidate check to "aid another" either by encouraging the pilot or by helping manage ship systems on short notice!
|
|
Mec-01 and Pamatea scan and determine that the outpost's weaponry is powerful but fairly inaccurate for use against anything more maneuverable than a lumbering asteroid. The closer your vessel gets to the base; the less chance you have of being hit.
Bubba, Gruamach, and Ji-Thil lend assistance to Damorisovitch, who is able to avoid the anti-air defenses and bring your ship in to land.
Outpost 634 is a structure built into the asteroid’s natural rock and reinforced with starship grade steel with airlock doors. The inner chambers can only be accessed through the docking bay door. Unless otherwise stated, all ceilings in the outpost are 15 feet high.
Automated text-messaging from the outpost to your ship notes that someone will send a remote-controlled rover to meet your vessel, bringing over personnel and supplies. However, no matter how long you wait, there is no communication from the base. You are forced to turn on the environmental protections of your armor and walk to the docking bay.
A humming, bright blue force field seals in the outpost’s artificial atmosphere while allowing creatures and objects to pass through harmlessly. Inside, the walls are rough, natural rock while the floors are smooth-cut stone. Much of the structure is built directly into the asteroid, with technological additions where necessary.
Two rails traversing back and forth from the starship landing site serve as docking stations for transport platforms. One such platform sits powered down at the end of the eastern tracks. The southern wall houses two computer workstations, and a large metal door to the west leads further into the outpost. The air inside the force field is breathable but stale. The outpost’s power is still functioning, and this room is brightly lit.
Now here, you can look around:
Looking around the docking bay -
DC 16 Physical Science Check (Recall Knowledge)
Looking at the metal doors -
Looking at the computers -
You can also access automated logs that record all significant passages through the force field, which reveal that no one has left or entered the outpost in over four weeks. This log’s last recorded movement shows a large group of creatures entering, followed by a smaller number leaving a few hours later—though the logs don’t track specific numbers.
|
|
The android looks around the docking bay: Perception:. Aware from gunfire he tries to recall knowledge: Physical science: But he doesn't know what it is.
Then he looks at the metal doors: Engineering:
Then at the computer: Computer:
Finally, he tries to unlock the door: Computer:
|
|
"Yes, definitely, sonic. Also, someone took this door apart."
Pamatea looks at the computer records. "This is concerning. This log’s last recorded movement shows a large group of creatures entering, followed by a smaller number leaving a few hours later. The logs don’t track specific numbers though.
|
|
After checking everything you can in the docking bay, Mec is able to release the magnetically-sealed locks on the doors which allows Bubba to easily open them. You can now enter Outpost 634
Soundtrack 4: Facility Ambient
The chamber ahead is labeled as "Mineral Sorting" -
The primary objects of note in this circular room are two huge metal trays piled with mineral samples. At each workstation, it appears someone was in the process of cataloging and dividing up the rocks into smaller samples for further study. A tiny conveyor belt travels through this room, vanishing into the wall near an airlock door. More rocks sit on a platform next to the conveyor belt.
It appears that the biometric scanner restricting access into the airlock was disabled, as its door hangs open, but like all airlocks, one door must be closed for the other to open. The two mineral examination stations are labeled as MA-053-07 (near the docking bay) and MA-053-08.
The conveyor belt is roughly 1 foot wide and tall, only allowing tiny creatures to travel down it without difficulty. Small creatures can attempt to do so by squeezing (Acrobatics Check). The end of the chute has a rubber flap preventing your ability to view through it other than to tell that it leads to another chamber.
Things you can examine here:
Look around the chamber:
If you notice this or have it pointed out, you can try to examine further.
DC 16 Physical Science (Recall Knowledge) Check
Look at the mineral samples:
If you notice this or have it pointed out, you can try to examine further.
DC 17 Culture or Piloting (Recall Knowledge) Check
|
|
Weapon in hands, because now that they have all these weapon's hits they have to be on their guards, he moves forward and tries to understand looking at the samples.
Piloting:
There are starships fragments, but I can't identify them more.