You've been summoned to the Lorespire Complex for a mission briefing with Venture Captain Arvin. The summons is exceptional in that it actually tells you something about the mission -- to pack for a long trip off-station.
When you arrive at the conference room, the door is open. The room itself is dominated by a large conference table and chairs. The table itself glows with images
depicting an unfamiliar planet and its tiny moon, all surrounded by data readouts.
Characteristically, the VC is late.
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Standing in the room before any others arrive is a human female. She is on the short side of average, wearing Kasatha microcord armor under a jumpsuit meant for comfortable travels. She has a backpack, currently resting on the floor, with some kind of hard case of the sort musical instruments often carried in. The case has some stickers on it which regular visitors to night clubs in Absalom and Verces would recognize as places that have musical entertainment.
She has strawberry blonde hair tied back in a ponytail with some short strands that escaped the scrunchy hanging loose around her fair features, dotted with freckles. She is armed with a couple of sidearms and a sniper rifle slung over one shoulder.
When the next Starfinder enters the room, she turns, smiles brightly and introduces herself, "Hello! I'm Stell. I think we're going to get to explore this planet for the Starfinders! It looks fascinating from what I can tell so far."
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They always find you
I think to myself as I head back to the Lorespire. After the commencement I needed time to myself and informed Arvin enough. So why my datapad lit up with a message from them, I stared at it for awhile. At first I just snoozed the message, but the call of the galaxies finally overtook me.
As I enter Arvins office, a bubbly human female introduces themselves as Stell.
She sees a jet black Ysoki in a deep blue cloak enter an promptly head to the opposite corner.
With a nod to Stell, I add
"Arvin is late again, I see"
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The next to enter the room is noir . He has dark fur, smokes a cheap cigar and has a huge cannon with him, which he may have removed from a spaceship and converted into a hand weapon on his own.
Name's Kuozar! - his voice sounds low, with a hoarseness and a light growl. He nods to Xikko, who he has already worked with on one of the previous missions, and then answers to Stell: While I am much more often cleaning up the s!~% that Society leaves after its not neat operations. He thinks a little, puffs on a cigar and adds: Although the first contact on the new planet also took place once ... hmm. Let's see.
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Large Centaur-like quadruped creature enters the hall smoothly (for it's weight). Thy moves are strong and steady. But his gaze is a little abscent.
Almost whole izalguun's body covered with Light gray wide cloak with dark red stripes and Second Skin underneath ..
Greenish-gray skiny visible bodyparts makes some unstylish contrast.
Hammerlike head protected by dark red helmet with a white spiral at the top and three slits - for eyes and vertical-orient mouth. Helmet obvioulsy not simple part of suite...
Left hand holds a red-wooden battlestaff.
A creature grows up from 5 to 8 feet when stands tall at back pair of legs on the hall.
-Tundergun here. Kuozar. Kikko. Human named Stell? Excited about upcoming travel. You?
Izalguun stands back at his 4 limbs. He then looks around tryin to find out venture Captain, guidance or another answers sourse.
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Stell greets each newcomer in turn. If she's put off by the diversity of species so different from herself, she does not show it.
I was talking to a friendly skittermander I met in the hall, and they thought we might be sent to a planet to learn more about the place. Seems an intelligent species there wants to join the Part Worlds. Might just be another false rumor of course.
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A frantic clacking of hooves on the floor heralds the arrival of the next Starfinder, a panicked-looking dromada (a camel-like humanoid with eyestalks) dressed in a crisp, clean-looking professional outfit, datapad in hand.
"ForgivemeforgivemeIwasSObusywiththatdataentryIlosttrackoftimeOH!" he babbles before his eyestalks perk up and he notices Arvin isn't there yet. "I'm late and I still somehow managed to beat Venture-Captain Arvin here?! I could have SWORN I told him in our last communique that he needed to respect his fellow Starfinders' time more...Oh, but where are my manners?! Kuozar, Xikko, Thundergun, it's good to see you again! And...I don't believe we've been introduced, Miss. Idir, of the Herd Fernas, at your service," he says, cautiously extending a gloved hand.
Venture-Captain Arvin, a stocky damaya lashunta, walks into the conference room accompanied by an android who wears the gold-trimmed blue military uniform of the Stewards. Bright red conduits trace across the android's bald head. They move to the head of the table. Arvin gestures to the remaining seats. “Please sit, Starfinders. This is Major Tower-9 of the Stewards, and we have much to discuss.”
Arvin sits down. The android —she is nearly eight feet tall— remains standing and gives a stiff bow. “Hello,” she says in a deep voice. “The planet you see before you is Tabrid Minor, a Near Space world whose primary sentient inhabitants recently made contact with a Pact Worlds survey vessel. They call themselves copaxis. Having just developed Drift technology, they are only now learning about the galaxy and its many inhabitants and threats. Copaxi leaders have petitioned for protectorate status. It is up to the Stewards to decide if Tabrid Minor is an acceptable candidate. As the supervisor for Tabrid Minor’s petition process, I have asked your venture-captain to organize an independent review of the planet and its people.”
The android sits, and Arvin waves his hand across the table. The display zooms in on one of the planet’s largest continents. “The copaxis are a terrestrial species numbering two billion, and their petition claims they have a unified government and a peaceful history. Massive floating cities drift over the planet’s largest continent, but they are apparently abandoned. The Major and I have determined that an independent review of one of these sites would provide the Stewards with valuable information for their final decision. Your destination is a city called Tabantria. It is your job to do what Starfinders do best: explore this area, cooperate with the copaxi research team, handle any dangers along the way, and report back to us. Any questions?”
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When Idir of the Herd Fernas introduces himself, Stell smiles and shakes the proffered hand enthusiastically, making eye contact and saying, "Stell Z-Lin. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Call me Stell."
When the venture captain and steward arrive, Stell takes a seat. She listens attentively and focuses on the maps.
When Major Tower-9 asks if there are any questions, Stell says, "Yes, major. These floating cities--were they created by the copaxi and then abandoned or were they created by someone else? Do they just drift with the wind or do they stay above the same point on the surface or maybe move around at random?"
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"Oh the choices that are to be made. What a wonderful thing is to be a just learning that the galaxy is bigger than once believed.
So for us to make our choice or review with the Copaxi. Do we have free run of everything? Will there be any customs or rules that we will need to be aware of, in the interest of peaceful review of the planet and it's people. We would hate to start a conflict if say, squashing a purple bug is something unforgivable."
...
When Major Tower-9 asks if there are any questions, Stell says, "Yes, major. These floating cities--were they created by the copaxi and then abandoned or were they created by someone else? Do they just drift with the wind or do they stay above the same point on the surface or maybe move around at random?"
"Right now we believe they were created by the copaxi, but it is doubtful that the current copaxi civilization could do it now. It's one of many mysteries surrounding the copaxi world. Most of the cities maintain a mostly geo-stationary location, but some more relative to ground. Tabantria is stationary."
So. What is our task? To decide whether they are worthy or not, am I right? Amazing...
The android inclines her head toward the nuar. "Your mission is to explore Tabantria in cooperation with the copaxi team. As part of your report you will assess the copaxi. We are looking for information about the copaxis themselves: their attitudes towards other species, their tendencies towards peace or war, and anything in their history that can help determine if they would be a good protectorate of the Pact Worlds.”
"The Stewards will consider your observations, conclusions, and any recommendations when we decide whether to extend protectorate status to Tabrid Minor."
"Oh the choices that are to be made. What a wonderful thing is to be a just learning that the galaxy is bigger than once believed.
So for us to make our choice or review with the Copaxi. Do we have free run of everything? Will there be any customs or rules that we will need to be aware of, in the interest of peaceful review of the planet and it's people. We would hate to start a conflict if say, squashing a purple bug is something unforgivable."
...
"We will have other teams on the surface. You'll be focused on Tabantria. We'd like you to have full access there, but we don't know what the copaxi will allow. If they restrict your actions, that's a data point to include in your report. Likewise we don't know much about societal customs or taboos. You'll have to feel your way through the situation. And of course report on them."
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When Idir of the Herd Fernas introduces himself, Stell smiles and shakes the proffered hand enthusiastically, making eye contact and saying, "Stell Z-Lin. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Call me Stell."
"As in Stell Z-Lin of the Eulogy of Fallen Stars?" Idir asks, slightly surprised at the vigor of Stell's handshake. "I apologize, I should have recognized you immediately."
Venture-Captain Arvin, a stocky damaya lashunta, walks into the conference room accompanied by an android who wears the gold-trimmed blue military uniform of the Stewards. Bright red conduits trace across the android's bald head. They move to the head of the table. Arvin gestures to the remaining seats. “Please sit, Starfinders. This is Major Tower-9 of the Stewards, and we have much to discuss.”
"We most certainly do, Venture-Captain," Idir replies, with a more indignant edge to his tone than he may have meant. Then he looks up at the Major, blinks in surprise and swallows a bit. "I mean, yes, thank you, let us proceed, we all have work to do I presume," he says apologetically.
Arvin sits down. The android —she is nearly eight feet tall— remains standing and gives a stiff bow. “Hello,” she says in a deep voice. “The planet you see before you is Tabrid Minor, a Near Space world whose primary sentient inhabitants recently made contact with a Pact Worlds survey vessel. They call themselves copaxis. Having just developed Drift technology, they are only now learning about the galaxy and its many inhabitants and threats. Copaxi leaders have petitioned for protectorate status. It is up to the Stewards to decide if Tabrid Minor is an acceptable candidate. As the supervisor for Tabrid Minor’s petition process, I have asked your venture-captain to organize an independent review of the planet and its people.”
Idir instinctively starts to bow back to Tower-9 before catching himself and straightening up. He listens and nods.
"Ah, a first-contact scenario," he comments.
The android sits, and Arvin waves his hand across the table. The display zooms in on one of the planet’s largest continents. “The copaxis are a terrestrial species numbering two billion, and their petition claims they have a unified government and a peaceful history. Massive floating cities drift over the planet’s largest continent, but they are apparently abandoned. The Major and I have determined that an independent review of one of these sites would provide the Stewards with valuable information for their final decision. Your destination is a city called Tabantria. It is your job to do what Starfinders do best: explore this area, cooperate with the copaxi research team, handle any dangers along the way, and report back to us. Any questions?”
Idir opens his mouth to say something before the others jump in, and promptly closes it to let them go first.
When Major Tower-9 asks if there are any questions, Stell says, "Yes, major. These floating cities--were they created by the copaxi and then abandoned or were they created by someone else? Do they just drift with the wind or do they stay above the same point on the surface or maybe move around at random?""Right now we believe they were created by the copaxi, but it is doubtful that the current copaxi civilization could do it now. It's one of many mysteries surrounding the copaxi world. Most of the cities maintain a mostly geo-stationary location, but some more relative to ground. Tabantria is stationary."
"Stationary is good...stable...safe," Idir mutters to himself as he listens.
So. What is our task? To decide whether they are worthy or not, am I right? Amazing...The android inclines her head toward the nuar. "Your mission is to explore Tabantria in cooperation with the copaxi team. As part of your report you will assess the copaxi. We are looking for information about the copaxis themselves: their attitudes towards other species, their tendencies towards peace or war, and anything in their history that can help determine if they would be a good protectorate of the Pact Worlds.”
"The Stewards will consider your observations, conclusions, and any recommendations when we decide whether to extend protectorate status to Tabrid Minor."
"Are there any specific criteriae that would immediately disqualify the copaxi from Protectorate status? Obviously if they are of a bellicose temperament that would be a black mark, I assume, this isn't The Veskarium!" Idir asks. "And what are the qualities the Pact Worlds would WANT out of a Protectorate? I'm no stranger to bureaucratic work but interplanetary politics is a bit outside my normal starlane..."
"We will have other teams on the surface. You'll be focused on Tabantria. We'd like you to have full access there, but we don't know what the copaxi will allow. If they restrict your actions, that's a data point to include in your report. Likewise we don't know much about societal customs or taboos. You'll have to feel your way through the situation. And of course report on them.""Oh the choices that are to be made. What a wonderful thing is to be a just learning that the galaxy is bigger than once believed.
So for us to make our choice or review with the Copaxi. Do we have free run of everything? Will there be any customs or rules that we will need to be aware of, in the interest of peaceful review of the planet and it's people. We would hate to start a conflict if say, squashing a purple bug is something unforgivable."
Idir snorts at Nic Nack's optimistic assessment.
"Wonderful? It's terrifying! Dromaritia already had enough literal predators to bedevil my people, finding out there were OTHER planets out there with even BIGGER ones, and also ones who'd LIE to us and say they WEREN'T going to eat us before pouncing the moment our backs were turned?! It's enough to drive any dromada to Romgul!" he says, growing more agitated as he speaks before pausing, taking a few deep breaths and turning back to the major.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry...I'm getting off-topic. Um...what information do we have about the copaxi themselves to start with, even if it's merely surface-level details like anatomy or such. That would smoothe over any initial communication barriers, I presume."
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The izalguun finds a corner to not be an obstacle. His helmets start producing light providing augmented reality starnet access.
Thundergun looks at steward android with interest for the first time, but swithch attention to copaxi as far as appears discussion...
-Idir of Hernas. Proper contact person. Appreciate involvement. Intriguing the mission sounds. Report will be made. - the izalguun continues make notes, but his speed of communication slow, so prefer not to interfere.
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...
"As in Stell Z-Lin of the Eulogy of Fallen Stars?" Idir asks, slightly surprised at the vigor of Stell's handshake. "I apologize, I should have recognized you immediately."...
Stell's eyes light up at the mention of her first musical composition that she released after becoming a Starfinder. "The same. It's always an honor to be recognized."
Stell listens attentively as the android answers her question and then to the other questions and answers.
"I wonder if they like music? If so, I can play them some tunes and maybe make a good first impression. Music is often the most powerful way of communicating, especially when language fails."
"Are there any specific criteriae that would immediately disqualify the copaxi from Protectorate status? Obviously if they are of a bellicose temperament that would be a black mark, I assume, this isn't The Veskarium!" Idir asks. "And what are the qualities the Pact Worlds would WANT out of a Protectorate? I'm no stranger to bureaucratic work but interplanetary politics is a bit outside my normal starlane..."
Arvin's reply is terse. "Just report what happens and your impressions of the copaxi. The Stewards will handle any judgements."
"Wonderful? It's terrifying! Dromaritia already had enough literal predators to bedevil my people, finding out there were OTHER planets out there with even BIGGER ones, and also ones who'd LIE to us and say they WEREN'T going to eat us before pouncing the moment our backs were turned?! It's enough to drive any dromada to Romgul!" he says, growing more agitated as he speaks before pausing, taking a few deep breaths and turning back to the major."I'm sorry, I'm sorry...I'm getting off-topic. Um...what information do we have about the copaxi themselves to start with, even if it's merely surface-level details like anatomy or such. That would smoothe over any initial communication barriers, I presume."
The Steward Major fields this question. “We have had few official interactions with them, so we hope you can add to our understanding of their society and history. A copaxi is a colonial network of specialized creatures living within a flexible exoskeleton, and each colony behaves and speaks as a single creature. So far, they have been worthy diplomats and shown great interest in Pact Worlds’ cultures and technology. Some of their representatives have even learned our common language and used it to write their petition. You should have no trouble communicating with their research team and any delegates they send.”
-Idir of Hernas. Proper contact person. Appreciate involvement. Intriguing the mission sounds. Report will be made.
Arvin smiles and nods approvingly.
"I wonder if they like music? If so, I can play them some tunes and maybe make a good first impression. Music is often the most powerful way of communicating, especially when language fails."
Tower-9 drops her head in a single long nod. "If music is an important means of communication, please include that in your report. "
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"Thank you for trusting us to do this important task," Stell says as the meeting wraps up.
She approaches Arvin if she can, to ask him something. "Sir, I just wanted to know if there have been any new developments in the Scoured Stars incident. My parents were among the lost." Whatever he says, Stell thanks him and adds, "I'll gladly volunteer to go on any missions to locate any of those missing or lost or to gather information on what happened."
Try as she might, she cannot keep her emotions completely in check as she speaks.
After the meeting breaks up:
"Does anyone have a video camera? I think I'm going to get one and keep a video journal of our mission. I'm also going to get a small computer so I can store the data for our reports."
Total cost: 330.
This leaves Stell with 768 - 330 = 438 credits.
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As the details continue to emerge, Xikko continue to sit back and take in the information.
You can see a faint smile come across his mouth as the thought of encountering a new species and learning more about them is exactly the type of thing that he signed up for.
'Let's hope the copaxi are as peaceful as they seem.' Xikko mumbles under his breath as they begin to move out.
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Arvin's reply is terse. "Just report what happens and your impressions of the copaxi. The Stewards will handle any judgements."
Idir grimaces at Arvin's bluntness, but straightens up a bit and replies.
"Yes, but what determines which impressions we provide may be relevant? While we DO receive education to temper our personal biases part-and-parcel with joining the Starfinders, true objectivity is impossible to reach. As an example, if we observe a behavior Kuozar feels is bold and exciting, I myself may view the behavior as reckless and irresponsible."
The Steward Major fields this question. “We have had few official interactions with them, so we hope you can add to our understanding of their society and history. A copaxi is a colonial network of specialized creatures living within a flexible exoskeleton, and each colony behaves and speaks as a single creature. So far, they have been worthy diplomats and shown great interest in Pact Worlds’ cultures and technology. Some of their representatives have even learned our common language and used it to write their petition. You should have no trouble communicating with their research team and any delegates they send.”
Idir notates this on his datapad.
"Fascinating...already I have a few impressions on them...pleasing ones, for now. I'm not certain how to feel about that in all honesty, I usually hate it when I'm right..."
"Thank you for trusting us to do this important task," Stell says as the meeting wraps up.
She approaches Arvin if she can, to ask him something. "Sir, I just wanted to know if there have been any new developments in the Scoured Stars incident. My parents were among the lost." Whatever he says, Stell thanks him and adds, "I'll gladly volunteer to go on any missions to locate any of those missing or lost or to gather information on what happened."
Try as she might, she cannot keep her emotions completely in check as she speaks.
After the meeting breaks up:
"Does anyone have a video camera? I think I'm going to get one and keep a video journal of our mission. I'm also going to get a small computer so I can store the data for our reports."
Idir approaches Stell after she finishes.
"Forgive me, I couldn't help but overhear...you have my sincerest condolences," he says sadly.
"Will there be any special equipment provided?"
Arvin answers," We don't anticipate that you'll need anything too fancy for this mission. You will be flying your own ship. "
...
Idir grimaces at Arvin's bluntness, but straightens up a bit and replies."Yes, but what determines which impressions we provide may be relevant? While we DO receive education to temper our personal biases part-and-parcel with joining the Starfinders, true objectivity is impossible to reach. As an example, if we observe a behavior Kuozar feels is bold and exciting, I myself may view the behavior as reckless and irresponsible."
...
"Report anything that might be relevant. Your reports will live forever in the Archives, if they're good enough. So just do your best." Arvin's words might be encouraging, but his tone is curt.
Major Tower-9 adds, "The Steward's will look at all of your reports, and those of the other teams. We want a spectrum of impressions and all the information that we can develop."
...
approaches Arvin if she can, to ask him something. "Sir, I just wanted to know if there have been any new developments in the Scoured Stars incident. My parents were among the lost." Whatever he says, Stell thanks him and adds, "I'll gladly volunteer to go on any missions to locate any of those missing or lost or to gather information on what happened."
...."[/b]
Arvin looks at her, slightly side-eye. His reply is pitched low. "I understand, agent. The Scoured Stars are one of First Seeker Elsebo's priorities, but we haven't learned anything new. Until we do, we need to concentrate on rebuilding the Society, so that we're fit to take action when we learn something. This mission will work toward that goal."
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Stell nods at Arvin's update on the Scoured Stars incident. "Thank you. Understood." Stell sets her lips firmly, perhaps avoiding any overt indication of her disappointment, even though she expected the reply.
When Idris expresses sympathy, Stell makes eye contact and smiles slightly at his kindness, putting a gentle hand on his arm. "Thank you. I try to keep Weyden's words in mind. 'We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.'"
To the Starfinders, Stell says, "I'm going to get some things and pack. Send me information on when and where we board the ship." With that she puts on her pack and walks briskly toward the exit.
The trip to Tabrid Minor is twelve days of relative boredom or lively social interaction depending on your outlook. Your transportation is the Capacious, a huge freighter whose holds have been gutted and rebuilt to hold four shuttles.
Two other teams of Starfinders and a team of Stewards are also aboard the vessel. They are all bound for the surface of the planet. The Steward team is a diplomatic mission. They are friendly enough, but very close-mouthed about their tasks. One Starfinder team is focused on geology. The other is a life science assay. They talk excitedly about the opportunities this mission affords for discovery.
When Capacious drops out of the Drift, you're on the outer edges of the Tabrid system. The crew immediately begins scanning the system in general, and your destination in particular.
You detect intense gravitational anomalies on the planet’s surface, especially under the planet’s oceans. These readings also show gravitational anomalies around several city-sized land masses floating a few miles above the planet’s surface.
The planet’s weather systems are atypical for a planet of Earth-like size and atmosphere, likely because the anomalies interfere with ocean currents, tides, and storm systems.
Shortly after entering orbit, your team is summoned to the recreation room. Because it has a large screen video, it has been pressed into service as a conference room for your first discussion with your copaxi counterparts.
Four creatures appear on the starship’s video screen; these are the members of the copaxi research team. The faces of these humanoids are featureless masks of smooth coral, distinguished by elegant antler-like growths. One of them has two antlers that form a swooping, symmetrical pattern before meeting nearly two feet above the creature’s head. The other creature’s antlers are shorter, but no less elegant: one has three jagged antlers like lightning bolts, another has two antlers curled like ram horns, and the last has countless antlers that resemble spiked hair.
These “masks” and “antlers” are part of the creature’s anatomy.
The four creatures stare at the screen for a few moments, muttering to one another, pointing excitedly, and coming in and out of view as they jostle for their comm unit. One of them urges, “Be quiet! Look! It is working! There they are!” The speaker—the one with tall, symmetrical antlers—enters the center of the screen.
“Greetings, esteemed Starfinder Society representatives. I am Therseis, representative of the Yihil regional government, and these are the members of our research team. Thank you for accepting our transmission from our two-way planetary range personal communications device. I hope that your space journey was pleasant, and your Drift travel was of a minimal duration.
"Welcome to Tabrid Minor. We are using our computational device to share our latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates with your starship’s computational device. We have prepared a landing zone for you. We hope that it is large enough for your orbit-to-ground personnel shuttle.”
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When Idris expresses sympathy, Stell makes eye contact and smiles slightly at his kindness, putting a gentle hand on his arm. "Thank you. I try to keep Weyden's words in mind. 'We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.'"
"Those are beautiful words...I didn't know your parents personally, but I did organize and file reports they sent in the past. I'm sure we will work well together," Idir says.
He didn't comment that he felt he couldn't live up to the saying: dromadas learned from an early age that hope was what was finite and there were infinite ways to be disappointed...the biggest disappointment of all being struck down and eaten alive by some predatory space-beast.
You're weird too, Idir. Nothing personal. Just working together.
Kuozar grunts and starts cleaning his experimental artillery spaceship laser with a rag.
Idir replies with a grunt of his own.
"You're quite right, Kuozar," he says, wincing a bit at the sight of the rag...it didn't look all that sanitary.
The trip to Tabrid Minor is twelve days of relative boredom or lively social interaction depending on your outlook. Your transportation is the Capacious, a huge freighter whose holds have been gutted and rebuilt to hold four shuttles.
Two other teams of Starfinders and a team of Stewards are also aboard the vessel. They are all bound for the surface of the planet. The Steward team is a diplomatic mission. They are friendly enough, but very close-mouthed about their tasks. One Starfinder team is focused on geology. The other is a life science assay. They talk excitedly about the opportunities this mission affords for discovery.
Idir does his best to keep busy during the trip, reading and re-reading the data they'd already received and speaking with the other Starfinder teams. He grimaces a bit when he realizes they're effectively the diplomatic delegation for the mission. While that was undoubtedly where his skillset was most useful, it also meant it was the riskiest. Geology was relatively safe: rocks could only hurt you if you weren't paying attention.
When Capacious drops out of the Drift, you're on the outer edges of the Tabrid system. The crew immediately begins scanning the system in general, and your destination in particular.
Idir volunteers to help with the scans, if only to take his mind off worrying.
"We're picking up a number of gravitational anomalies all across the planet...they seem to be correlated with the presence of these large coral-like organisms...pun not intended I am so sorry...each of the floating landmasses appears to have significant concentrations of these 'colonies,' which I suspect is why they're able to maintain their altitude and stability."
He whips up a hologram model for the others.
"I imagine these organisms, if they are not copaxi themselves, are important to their civilization in some manner. We should probably bear this in mind throughout our observations."
Shortly after entering orbit, your team is summoned to the recreation room. Because it has a large screen video, it has been pressed into service as a conference room for your first discussion with your copaxi counterparts.
Four creatures appear on the starship’s video screen; these are the members of the copaxi research team. The faces of these humanoids are featureless masks of smooth coral, distinguished by elegant antler-like growths. One of them has two antlers that form a swooping, symmetrical pattern before meeting nearly two feet above the creature’s head. The other creature’s antlers are shorter, but no less elegant: one has three jagged antlers like lightning bolts, another has two antlers curled like ram horns, and the last has countless antlers that resemble spiked hair.
Having no training in Life Science, Idir's eyes simply widen at the appearance of the natives of this world. While he lived on Absalom Station and thus encountered every manner of strange species, this was new even for him.
The four creatures stare at the screen for a few moments, muttering to one another, pointing excitedly, and coming in and out of view as they jostle for their comm unit. One of them urges, “Be quiet! Look! It is working! There they are!” The speaker—the one with tall, symmetrical antlers—enters the center of the screen.
“Greetings, esteemed Starfinder Society representatives. I am Therseis, representative of the Yihil regional government, and these are the members of our research team. Thank you for accepting our transmission from our two-way planetary range personal communications device. I hope that your space journey was pleasant, and your Drift travel was of a minimal duration."
"Welcome to Tabrid Minor. We are using our computational device to share our latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates with your starship’s computational device. We have prepared a landing zone for you. We hope that it is large enough for your orbit-to-ground personnel shuttle.”
Idir gives a bow once the representative has spoken.
"Greetings, esteemed representative Therseis. It is an honor and a pleasure to be the first visitors to your beautiful world. Our space journey was indeed pleasant and our Drift travel was of an acceptable length."
He liked these copaxi already...they spoke in a way he understood.
You also notice that minute patterns on the masks and growths of the copaxis resemble those on the organism from Idir's hologram.
Therseis takes in Idir's response. "I am glad your journey was pleasant. When can we expect your arrival in Tabantria?"
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Thundergun is excited, and constantly moves from side to side and from 4 limbs up to 2 and back.
When Starfinders finally departs, the technomancer prefers to live closer to the reactor.
He contemplates space from Capacious window for hours.
But otherwise the izalguun is helpful when asked for.
Thundergun polite and not talkative as stewards are...
But when first video contact with Copaxi starts - he surely join, finding a proper corner to occupy.
Interesting masks they wear...
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During the drift travel, Stell fills any free time practicing her synth-violin and recording some of her performances with her new camera. She also sings and dances and will put on a performance if there are enough people willing to listen. She combines singing, dancing, and instrumental elements. Her voice has an augmentation that allows her to belt out songs with impressive quality and volume.
The performance is not her best effort, unfortunately, perhaps due to the poor acoustics of the ship.
At other times she edits her videos and records a podcast sharing her observations about the mission (although she won't publish it until after the mission is over and will check with the Society to be sure she's not sharing any sensitive information).
When the teams are about to connect to the Copaxi homeworld, Stell turns on her video camera to record the moment.
"It appears they use coral to create distinctive features. This is usually a key feature in developing a species with a social intelligence. It is important for keeping track of individuals and holding people to account for their anti-social behavior."
"I'll bet they have great choral performances," Stell quips quietly after they copaxi begin to communicate with the ship. She keeps a straight face, but glances around to see if anyone in earshot gets her pun.
"We're picking up a number of gravitational anomalies all across the planet...they seem to be correlated with the presence of these large coral-like organisms...pun not intended I am so sorry...each of the floating landmasses appears to have significant concentrations of these 'colonies,' which I suspect is why they're able to maintain their altitude and stability."
He whips up a hologram model for the others.
"I imagine these organisms, if they are not copaxi themselves, are important to their civilization in some manner. We should probably bear this in mind throughout our observations."
You also notice that minute patterns on the masks and growths of the copaxis resemble those on the organism from Idir's hologram.
After recording Idir's hologram and his comments, Stell adds some dialogue to her recording, quietly, so as not to interfere with the communications around the landing arrangements, "We should be alert to the possibility that the floating cities are themselves living organisms. Might be some kind of hive mind operating."
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Idir listens to Stell's performance on the way there and claps politely regardless of how she performs.
"Your talent is impressive, as is your discipline in practice!"
At the introductory meeting, when she makes the joke, his eyestalks turn towards her and narrow a bit with a slight grimace on his face, but he doesn't say anything.
He turns back to Therseis.
"As soon as your transmission of the landing zone's location is complete we will board our shuttles and approach immediately. You may expect us to land within the hour."
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Stell struggles to read the new race. With no facial expressions to give clues as to their emotions, she studies their body language for insights about them. As a musician and entertainer, she has made it her mission to learn such features of every species she encounters, so as to be able to properly read a crowd or an individual fan. The copaxi will be a challenge, but she's eager to meet them up close to start the process.
Stell imitates whatever gestures the copaxi make that seem to be their way of greeting and showing respect and welcome. She is cautious about saying much for fear of being misunderstood. Learning a new language can be tricky, so she plans to speak in short, simple sentences and perhaps attempt to learn their language if the opportunity arises.
She otherwise leaves the coordinating of landing sites and piloting to others more qualified.
...
He turns back to Therseis.
"As soon as your transmission of the landing zone's location is complete we will board our shuttles and approach immediately. You may expect us to land within the hour."
"Very good. We will expect your arrival in your flying conveyance."
The transmission ends.
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Stell lets those more qualified pilot the ship and work the computers and engineering tasks. She’s comfortable at just about any station, if needed, but being a sentient-species person, she is prepared to give orders, taunt enemies, and give encouragement from the captain’s station.
”Team Tabantria is ready to depart,” Stell radios to signal the shuttle’s status.
”Thundergun, can you do a scan of our destination? Thanks.”
Approaching Tabantria, Idir uses the sensors to characterize the floating urban ruin. It's roughly a mile (1500 m) in diameter. A few large portions have broken away. Some float nearby. Others can't be seen, leaving a gap like something gigantic took a bite out of the city.
The large central mass has taller buildings and large, presumably deep-rooted plants that shade the grounds and brush on the surface. The thin spikes arrayed outward like sunbeams have smaller buildings, and shorter brush or spindly trees.
The coordinates for landing are near the end of the eastern-most spike. The copaxi have cleared a portion near the tip of the spike and erected a metallic landing platform.
The approach looks easy and Nic nack arrows straight for the landing pad. Just as the ship clears the tip of the spike, it lurches upward, then left. The gravitational field around the city is not constant. Nic nack has to sheer away and circle back twice before he figures out the gravitational currents. Even then the landing is heavy. You feel the jolt when the landing gear bottom out.
The landing platform occupies most of a small field about 100 feet from the research base. Beyond the landing platform, the jagged edge of the floating landmass is completely open to the sky — the view of the smog-shrouded cities below is staggering. The encampment contains four small structures arrayed around a single larger structure, all temporary but fully enclosed.
The copaxis wait outside this structure. Behind them, the dilapidated stone buildings of Tabantria stand in eerie silence. None of the copaxis carry weapons or wear armor; they are dressed for a day of research and social interaction. They approach the PCs with their arms angled slightly out to the side, empty palms facing forward. When they approach within about 30 feet of the PCs, each of them spins in a slow circle. Then they wait to see what the PCs do. The formerly talkative copaxis are completely silent.
You recogniz that the copaxis expect the PCs to respond in the same fashion—arms out, palms forward, and a slow spin—before speaking or approaching.
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Stell has her camera on to record the initial encounter. She senses that their spins are a form of welcome and greeting, so she spins as they did, ending with her own demonstration of how humans meet and greet with a bow.
Then she laughs and says, "Lovely to meet you all. I am Stell and we are the Starfinder team assigned to explore this floating island with you."
If any of her party don't catch on, she catches their eye and starts the spinning gesture and then indicates that they they should do the same.
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Tundergun likes to listen for awkward Stell music while contemplating drift utside windows.
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Later the technomancer follows Idir's leadership as most entusiastic ally so far. He won't interfere good pilots, but makes sure he does not took too much area in the transport, while using helemt interface to read and gather intellegence.
Tabintria looks impressive, but broken - the iazlgun comments while shuttle landing.
Thundergun thinks slowly but soon realize what Stell expects him to do in the sake of first contact, so he follows the example.
He spread his arms and makes a slow circle on 4 limbs.
Almost as we made it at Izalraan when come to another tribe. Spicies similarities.
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Following out of the ship at the rear of the party, Xikko quickly catches on to the expectations of this new species.
Xikko motions to Stella's display to make sure everyone notices.
Following their lead, Xikko slowly puts his arms out with palm forward and performs a slow spin. He then proceeds to take a position out the side of the crew.
Xikko prefers to let others do the talking, and so says nothing. We still don't know much about this new species, and so Xikko keeps an eye out for anything unusual.
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Idir quickly intuits that this is a respectful greeting, and reciprocates in kind, extending his arms to the sides slightly, empty palms forward, and doing a small spin. Then he approaches the dignitaries.
"Greetings from the Pact Worlds! As I stated in the transmission, I am Idir of the Herd Fernas, of the...Lorespire Complex Huddle," he says. He figured he'd worked with his fellow Starfinders long enough to consider them a new huddle, which was oddly comforting to him, even if their values were drastically different.
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Unexpectedly, Stell hears Kuzar's voice in her head, "What kind of nonsense are you doing? Answer mentally." If Stell answers and tells nuar that this is such a greeting ritual, he will join everyone in this performance. If not, then he will stand still, looking at his comrades with surprise and mockery.