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Loud veskarium death metal echoes through the otherwise quiet garage as Den'nea raises her purple hand with the fingers extended into horns, "Yes, Musica. I love this song...turn it up!
"Sure, Den'nea." The mouth of the Tunabot on a create next to her flashes with the words and the music volume increases.
The music cuts off with the chime of Strawberry Machine Cake's single's chorus as a ringtone comes on. Den'nea sighs, "Who the hell is that? Interrupt my jam...
Musica pipes up, "One of your contacts is stating they have another mission for you. Do you thinks your ready after your last run?"
Den'nea looks at her exposed shoulder and the fading marks of bug stings. "No it will be good to go out and mix it up again. I'm over what happened in the bulwark. Sangoro can eat me..." She puts the hyperspanner back in her tool back and switches on her enercycle. Straddling the bike, her stellar armor flashes on and she reaches over to grab Musica raising the bot to eye height, "Send reply...I'm in!"
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An enercycle zips onto the landing pad of the starship, coming to a stop at the gangway. The humanoid figure driving steps off of it, kicking the kick stand up. Dressed in thick, dark armor and leathers reminiscient of a biker's gang, the man's helmet slides back to reveal a face of green skin, etched with glowing digital lines and circuitry designs. Four metallic cylindrical nodes are along the center of his head, reminiscient of a mohawk, and small diodes flicker across them as they process information. He smiles at a nearby crew member on the docking bay, revealing jagged metallic teeth, which also flicker and flash with electrical diodes.
He points toward the cycle. "Hey, mate, if someone shows up lookin' for that, let 'em know thanks for the borrow. I'm done with it, so he can have it back."
He adjusts his equipment, including a bulky koto musical instrument (is that a spear mounted to it?) strapped onto his back, and then heads up into the ship.
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Gliding up to the first bike, Den'nea's armor disappears in a flash as the bike is turned off. She watches as someone come up to take the first bike and she sneers at him, "Touch this one and you'll get sucked into a black hole so deep that only the old one's will find you..."
She walks the bike up to the group and hears the faint echo of Delea's telepathic message. Den'nea's antennae twitch as she calls out, "Oh, we're talking telepathically? I don't do that very often anymore. Doesn't help to have an android boyfriend. I take it you're the group I'm going to carry on this mission? Call me Den'nea...or tank if you prefer. Anything else might get a trident up your backside." She giggles and let's off a sly grin though no one knows if she's joking or not.
She waives to the group as she walks her bike up the gangplank to store in the hold then returns, "So, does anyone know when we're kicking off this station? I've got a deep hunger for some action."
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Flenn nods to Tanila. "Aye there, love, all custom work. Get some help with the installation, of course, if I can't get it wedged in there m'self. My name's Flenn Cybertooth." He literally flashes a smile at Tanila.
He glances around as he hears the telepathy, "Nice to meet ya, Delea. Gettin' a little static, which happens with my exocortex a little bit ... I'll add yer psionic frequencies to my neural firewall." Lights on the node flicker as he makes some adjustments to his security coding. "There, shouldn't be a problem now."
AS Den'nea arrives, he offers a brief wave. "Den'nea it is, then. Not sure of launch time."
You are set on a cargo ship running a set of trade goods and supplies through the drift. Heading out from Absalom Station the ship is loaded to the brim with supplies. You have a set of cabins set aside for you for the journey.
The lashunta captain is happy to spend the journey watching various recording to Castrovelian sports leagues games form the last few decades.
Through the journey she doesn't seem to have much knowledge of what the mission you are being brought in for and doesn't have much about Tabrid Minor. "The planet only recently pulled into my regular route. Don't know much abou thtem as they still seem to be knew on the galactic stage; seemed like too much a hassle and work to get permission to see the sights."
The journey is otherwise uneventful as you are dropped off on planet within one of the costal regions. You find yourself on a recently built spaceport with a smattering of uniformed creatures heading about, each made up of masses of coral. From the basic information gained during the jounerny, these are the citizens of this world known as copaxi.
As your gear is unloaded a military vehicle skids to a stop alongside you. Beneath the vehicles canopy is Zigvigix of the Exo-Guardians faction along with a copaxi. They were someone Den'nea had encountered before on this world, a copaxi named Therseis.
Despite the rough stop Zigvigix can barely restrain their enthusiasm in greeting you all. "Welcome to the world of Tabrid Minor!", Zigvigix of the Exo-Guardians faction telepathically chatters as they brace against the transport’s lurching start.
After a momentary pause Zigvigix seems to consider their words before clarifying, [b]"More specifically, welcome to Yihil. For those who haven’t kept up with the latest news in the Pact Worlds, Tabrid Minor applied for protectorate status about two years ago. Since then, their application has been running around the bureaucratic hamster wheel."
The copaxi, Therseis, interjects in as their exoskeleton reverberates with their words. They look to you with trust and hope as they explain, "this ongoing application wouldn’t typically be a barrier to requesting needed assistance." After a brief pause Therseis continues, "however, the Coenocopi Foundation received information from the Yihil regional government that requires discretion. A military zone off the coast, Zone 78, has been radiating environmental anomalies. Originally, the zone’s border contained these anomalies, but now, these borders contain only the worst effects and the destruction continues to spread. As one of the newer members of the Coenocopi Foundation, I determined it appropriate to investigate the region."
Therseis pauses a moment to see if Zigvigix has any immediate interjection. With Zigvigix's enthusiastic nod, Therseis continues, "Within range of Zone 78 is an island that hosts a military installation and a beacon to monitor the zone’s interior. This beacon ceased sending information several months ago. Without this data, it is no longer safe to navigate to and within the zone. This is the task I request of you: determine what happened to the beacon and complete any necessary repairs."
With some reluctance Therseis does admit, "at this time, the Yihil governing council does not want to reveal the existence of Zone 78 to the Pact Worlds. They are worried about negative repercussions on our protectorate application." They gesture to you more hopefully as they add, "given that your Society proved itself capable and honest in the past, I determined that contacting you would be the best option. It’s unclear what dangers you’ll face, so prepare yourselves to be as flexible as possible. If you can reactivate the beacon, you’ll be able to use its data to make the return journey easier."
Zigvigix’s telepathic voice returns. "Now, coming close to a secret military zone means you’ll have to play by their rules. I have identification badges for each of you. These badges confirm that you’re authorized to enter Zone 78. Keep them displayed on your armor at all times. Since this is potentially our only chance to see inside Zone 78, try to collect samples of any anomalies you find. It’ll help us determine what danger Zone 78 poses."
"I know this is a lot, so I’ll repeat what Therseis said. Find out what happened to the beacon and do whatever you need to repair it. Bring back samples of any weird stuff you find." Zigvigix gives glances at the gathered group and asks, "Questions?"
Looking to Den'nea specifically, Therseis adds, "I appreciate that you were able to return for this request. I thank you again for your previous work with our petition and I'm glad to be able to call on you for assistance once more."
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Den'nea receives her ID badge then wraps the shirren in a hefty embrace, not Zigvigix's favorite but he's always glad to see the purple lashunta, "Ziggy!!! Sorry I've been out for awhile. You know the shape I was in after the bulwark. But I'm happy to be out and about and to see you again." She reaches up to tickle one of Ziggy's neck spurs and he makes his little chittering giggle she wanted to hear then she quickly withdrawals her hand when he bats her off.
She then turns to Therseis, "My friend Wix has told me all about you. Boy, you all are so pretty..." She reaches up to touch a strand or coral, "Sorry, I can help but touch." She winks with a wry smile that the copaxi probably didn't understand.
She reaches out to shake Therseis' hand then stands back to address the two, "So, you all set up this area as a secret military base then they go quiet...is it possible something is up with your personel there? Anyone have...'issues'?" She wiggles two fingers on either hand then sits them on her hips.
Therseis looks at Flenn and responds in the affirmative, "you should expect all of that at the least Flenn. In addition to rapidly changing weather patters, there have been observations of gravitational shifts, mutated animals and plants, and even stranger things that become harder to separate shared rumor from fact. While I have not seen viable recordings of unusual radioactive activity, it would not be unexpected."
Looking over to the ocean for a moment, Therseis returns to look toward the party and explain, "Copi naturally regulate much of our environment. Their large-scale destruction in this region affects nearly every aspect of the ecosystem. The most easily reported disturbances from Zone 78 have taken the form of anomaly waves, fast moving stormfronts that are a confluence of multiple anomalies. These effects are mostly sporadic, and anomaly waves non-existent, outside the borders of Zone 78. However, based on the current patterns, you’ll likely encounter at least one anomaly wave."
In response to Tanila's question, Therseis's body reverberates with an apologetic sigh, "there are a multitude of minor factors, but ultimately there is a lack of ... perceived value within the Yihil government toward the events within Zone 78." They pause for a moment to hide some frustration as they continue to explain, "other matters have taken priority and have made it difficult to allocate the military resources toward this type of mission. While I joined the Coenocopi Foundation to try to advocate for this sort of research, given this is a top secret knowledge, it has made it more difficult to get assistance from elsewhere."
Gesturing toward you all they note, "in addition I would prefer the Starfinder Society's aid as your experience in this field as your attention to detail and resources in studying any samples would greatly benefit my world."
It is a bit easier for Therseis to answer Rattus, "the anomalies can be dangerous, but should be far less so once you reach the coastline of the island. There haven't been any signs of illness or side effects from short visits to the island, I'm uncertain about long-term effects that months may have on the local flora and fauna."
Therseis checks a datapad before responding to the question about missing people, "there are no reports of any missing personal and the zone is prohibited from any local exploration."
Zigvigix also notes telepathically, "feel free to purchase any gear you need, talk with copaxi, and explore the infosphere. I don't know what sort of dangers you may face in there, but I want to make sure you all are well equipped with knowledge and equipment!"
Zigvigix happily responds mentally to Den'nea, "I was happy to see you have recovered and especially well enough to go on another mission into the unknown!"
The ID Den'nea receives, as well as other party members, is already printed with her name, photo, and the words 'Affilation: Coenocopi Foundation' in a pair of common and the copaxi language.
As it is examined, Therseis notes, "the badges have integrated tracking bugs." They think for a moment before adding, "they will help the military send out a rescue team if you do run into trouble."
Therseis agrees to allowing Den'nea to touch one of the bits of coral briefly. They are far more focused on Den'nea's question and answer, "the military installation did not have any personal stationed there. Years ago that was different, but as they anomalies have made it more difficult and costly to continue to run supplies, those systems have transitioned fully to automated systems to monitor the zone's interior rather than living personal. Those same costs have unfortunately made it difficult to respond to the beacon's malfunction and was inactive for months before we contacted the Starfinder Society. There haven't been any real attempts to explore deep enough into the island to say the reason for the malfunction."
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Flenn mentally references (with the help of his exocortex, as evidenced by the flashing of his nodes-and teeth-accelerating) what he knows about possible spells, and glances over at Delea. "You wouldn't happen t' have that life bubble spell, would ya? Might be useful, if the environmental anomalies are that varied ... don't know when we could run into a toxic cloud or something. Sometimes it works better than the environmental seals on the suits ... which is weird, since these things can keep you alive in space..."
He checks armor loadout. "Got jump jets ... that'll help with gravity problems ... and radiation buffer ... Hmm, either a thermal capacitor or electrostatic shield could come in handy, depending ... Bah, but I'm savin' up for some cool new augments. Nah, we'll be fine." He begins mentally compiling a list of equipment he needs, then transmits a requisition order to be ready for pickup when he swings by. "Yeah, been needing to stock up for a while ..."
Answering Rodkin, Therseis explains, "of those two, 'partially independent' describes the connection better. To be clear, the Coenocopi Foundation is a government-funded thinktank focused on copi preservation and restoration. I just recently joined after leaving my position in the Yihil government."
"While we aren't technically a government agency, our relationship is much like copaxis and copi—symbiotic. As we are distinct, there have been opposing suggestions on prioritization."
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Hearing Flenn's concerns, they assure him, "there are not records of security systems within the installation. Given the military patrols around the waters surrounding the island and the threat of the anomaly waves, even before they had intensified, security on the complex was reportedly unnecessary."
With some apprehension they also say, "due to cultural biases, copaxi have refrained from using self-operating security drones, aside from rare exceptions. Given the recent age of this installation, drones would be even less likely than an unreported security system."
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Den'nea finds herself draped of a create, half way to death over the talking, Weird anomalies, check. No persons or bots, check. No security...ugh, can this be even more of a milk run? Her elbow jerks as and she has a quick flash of memory, remembering her last mission again.
She then speaks up, "So these weird anomalies don't sound as bad as dealing with the drift. Though, my fishy boy, Wix, says you all have some special, gravity altering abilities. Do you happen to have anything you can share to help us if we have any gravity problems or do you expect any issues with it?"
She waits patiently for the answer than fallows up, "Last of my questions and then we should be going...you all don't have any problems with a girl taking her enercycle out for the stroll?" She poses like she's ready to jump at a green light.
"I would defer to your judgement on their danger compared to the drift," Therseis responds to Den'nea. "As to the gravitational anomalies, while copaxi have a limited control over personal gravity we do not have any equipment that allow for countering these effects."
They do continue by noting, "the best way we have found for mitigating the effects of the storm has been to approach the island underwater. I've been able to requisition a submersible for you to approach and leave the island."
Therseis directs you to the secure section of the dock and reminds you that you will be expected to be wearing your badges as you enter and remain within the military controlled region.
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As Flenn picks up his requisition of supplies, the dwarven quartermaster glances at the datapad with a smirk. "Someone's got friends with deep pockets." He slides another box over toward Flenn. "It's a loan ... Make sure you return it before going offworld."
In a few minutes, Flenn comes out wearing a brand new suit of armor, a vast improvement over the outdated starter armor - which was, to be honest, little more than a heavily reinforced and padded biker's outfit. Now he's wearing well-crafted Kyokor plate armor. "Oh, I could get used to this ..."
In her infosphere search Tanila is able to pull up various forums where she is able to draw upon complaints and information regarding the damage to Tabrid Minor's ecosystem. There are various posts with pictures and stories of the changes being seen. Among those posts are various posts for a group called the Fallen Hand using messaging like 'Do you want Tabrid Minor to survive?'. Posts invite interested copaxi to respond so that they may join and help heal the planet.
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As the party heads out to the restricted area of the dock, military security stops you to check each of your badges before letting you past the metal walls.
You see a line of vehicles made from novel, presumably local, polymers as you directed toward the dry dock.
A stocky copaxi mechanic waves at you and, after a brief glance at your badges they declare, "rare to see outside the government given one of the vehicles here and probably a first to see someone from off-world get one." They continue with a bit of pride as they gesture toward a submarine with a shining, fresh coating waiting for launch. "You will be getting the best we got. This baby is the newest model. Handles beautifully, even when surfaced. Seven passengers, max speed of 50 miles per hour."
"Updated with the newest autopilot and a planet-wide comm unit." They glances at your equipment as they admit, "No weapons, but it looks like you've brought your own."
They gesture to some other vehicles adding, "of course, if you need the extra maneuverability, I can pull out some extra minisubs. Just be sure to leave the main vessel with a decent-sized crew in case you run into trouble."
The copaxi gives a nod and walks over nearby to a handful of small submersibles, none nearly to the scale of the larger vehicle, but all fairly comparable to Pact Worlds tech of the kind. "These run about half the max speed, a bit more than 20 miles per hour; holds one person, no auto-pilot, so anyone in one will be piloting for themselves."
"I haven't been through whatever those storms, whatever they are, but the speed shouldn't be much an issue getting through them as the smaller profiles themselves can be a bit of a bonus."
Tapping on the mini-sub they note, "this isn't the first time these have been sent into these waters, but never without the support of a larger vehicle with it. They can provide support, but by themselves wouldn't be able to cut through the storms."
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Flenn does a quick inspection of the mini-subs, enough to feel comfortable that they're in good maintenance should any of the team wish to use them, then heads off to the main submarine and takes a position near the engine, hooking his high-density datajack into the sub's computers and running various system diagnostics.
Presuming a bit at your intent the mechanic prepares a pair of the minsubs and, after you have a quick review of the copaxi controls gives you the clearance to board the vessels and allow you access to the open, clear waters.
As you head out the sky is clear and even a short distance from the shoreline you are finding a wide, healthy variety of fauna and flora. A few of you do catch sight of an occasional mutation; one fish out of the hundreds having a duller coloration that the rest of the kind. They are highly infrequent and difficult to notice.
That chances as you approach nearer to Zone 78.
The mutations become more and more frequent as well as far more extreme. After about an hour of travel you are seeing turtles with misshapen shells, miniature sharks with stunted fins and blotchy coloration, and octopi with dozens of arm of varying sizes, each of which are clearly different than the same species you saw closer to the shore.