|
I can arrange clearance for your ship to pick you up from the top of the tower. It seems we have a new means for roof access think packs Dridpex, as it surveys the hole in the roof.
Then, with less fuss that you had imagined, you are able to get out of the crushing grip of the planets gravity and into the luxury of zero-G in your own space ship.
The Hellknights own battleship departed upon notification of the fall of Kelria - so was in no position to interfere with you. Even the trip back through the Drift was without issue. Upon return to Absalom station you are quickly ushered into the presence of Guidance.
“Thank you, Starfinders,” Guidance intones. “Your efforts to reclaim these data shards went beyond the normal call of duty. Now that this data is once again stored within the Lorespire Complex, I am able to decipher the data segments and uncover the original information hidden years ago by First Seeker Brezzist. As you may recall, almost two centuries ago, the Starfinder Society discovered a mysterious vessel in Near Space and sent a team of agents to intercept the ship. The agents were able to explore the ship for only a short period of time, for their investigation triggered some sort of self-destruct mechanism. They barely escaped the doomed vessel with their lives and only a small sample of data.”
“After analysis, the data revealed a shocking truth. The mysterious ship had been programmed to travel to the outer edge of the Pact Worlds and relay information that infested local infospheres and digital constructs to seed a concept: a branch of Singularitism that believes that all life must be converted to machines to achieve the singularity godhead. This branch calls itself the Mechanized Adherents of the Apotheosis, a title that those outside the group often shorten to Mechanizers. Needless to say, the fact that some outside force planted the seeds of a major religion within the Pact Worlds has troubling implications. When this was discovered, the Pact Worlds were still reeling from the Stardust Plague and ongoing conflicts with the Veskarium. Rather than risk triggering massive civil unrest, First Seeker Brezzist chose to hide this data instead of releasing the information. "
“I informed First Seeker Ehu Hadif of these secrets, but he is conscious of his newly acquired role and does not wish for one of his first acts to be overruling the decision of a well-respected previous First Seeker. So, Ehu Hadif has chosen to leave the decision of what to do with this data up to me. The Starfinder Society faces troubling times, and I believe that to survive and thrive, our organization must rely on the wisdom and judgment of our best and brightest members. For this reason I, in turn, have decided to share this decision with you."
“If you wish, the information that you recovered can finally be revealed to the Pact Worlds, potentially triggering conflict and unrest. Alternatively, the Starfinder Society can continue to keep this information secret and avoid any question of wide-scale panic, but ultimately hiding the truth from the masses. What is your counsel on this matter?”
|
Kait'lax ponders Guidance's words for quite a while before responding. "Conflict and unrest find us regardless, and if these Mechanizers show up again, it would be best for us to be prepared as possible for whatever they have in store for us. I'm not going to do a segment on them for my show, but I'm sure the Society has some bright people who can figure out a way to get the information to whoever needs to see it without making the public worry about a crazy cult from before most of our grandparents were born."
|
"I would think that we would have learned our lesson. We would not be able to keep it a secret forever. The Hellknights would only be the first to rediscover it. Who's to say what Datch would have done with the knowledge had she known that the Society was covering up something so world-shattering. The Society has the opportunity to control and manage the release now."
He pauses to pick a bit of lint off of his freshly cleaned and pressed Steward's uniform. "The Stewards will be able to help mitigate the unrest if they're properly informed of the Society's plan in advance. If the team agrees to its release, I'll brief Stewards Director-General Camulan personally so she can begin preparations."
|
|
Joe hesitates.
At one hand - transperency of informatioh which is usually has complicated results in a long perspective. But this may breach some protocols and morality questions. At another hand - secrecy and mistery which we can unshadow over years. BUt Hellknights may return and bring more terrorism to Pact World.
Joe is good with others decision, even though he has a little distrubance in his stomach. SO after a breifing and decision made the vanguard just add:
- Agree. Now, how about dinner? I know cozy place nearby...
Joe happy to drop most the questions regarding mission to Jaqueh shoulders, as he still nedd to take care of Fabula.
|
|
As the dinner winds down but before any carousing starts, Jaqweh stands and excuses himself.
"Gentle-beings, it was an honor to serve alongside you. I'd stay, but I've got an early doctor's appointment and then I've got to get my reports turned in to the Stewards. Thank you all once again."
====================
The next morning finds the lashunta at a nondescript medical office in the Bastion, the Stewards HQ in Absalom Station. Roughly an hour later, he emerges seemingly none the worse for wear. His memories of events, especially those of the last several missions, are perfectly clear. But he's no longer pursuing that advanced degree in Xenobiology and instead has found a knack for using magical gems.
Stepping into the elevator to the top floor of the HQ, he straightens the cuffs of his uniform unconsciously and then laughs aloud as he realizes that they certainly didn't mess with any of his old habits. An Overwatch Ensign looks at the Constabulary Inspector a little askance, but Jaqweh's friendly and disarming smile puts the young kasatha at ease. When the elevator reaches the Command Level, Jaqweh reports in to the receptionist and then goes in to debrief the Stewards command staff of the Starfinder's plans for the data he'd just helped recover with the aid of an amazing team.