Research Rat nods to the First Speaker. "Don't worry Mr. Ehu Hadif, sir! When we do your interview, I'll make sure she keeps it short!" Then Research Rat turns his camera drone on Djakar. "Time to go interviewing the masses, Djakar! We gots research to do!"
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“I am Ikmanji, an oceanographer from the Veskarium. In addition to studying large bodies of water, I have a fair knowledge of the life and physical sciences.” Given what Triage just said, I doubt they care about my minimal medical training.
“I am also fairly good in a fight.” You notice all they are carrying for weapons are a survival knife and a couple of small arms.
There is a moments pause, then they add “Oh, and since my race doesn’t use separate genders it is probably best to just use they as my pronoun. I am not really concerned about it, but I’ve found it makes others more comfortable.”
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Djakar goes to work like the good journalist she is.
She stops various Starfinders that she meets. "This is Djakar from Dirindi News Network! Mind making a few statements for the camera about the newest factions within the Society?"
She listens carefully, and notes to the camera: "You heard it here first! You've all heard that Zigivix, known as Ziggy, has started a new faction devoted to activism and protecting Starfinders, but perhaps you have not heard the devastating story of why. Zigvigix was the leader of the Exo-Guardians faction before being taken captive during the Data Scourge. During their captivity, Ziggy’s cybernetics were infected with a vicious code. These cybernetics served as a vector to infect critical systems, including Guidance, throughout the Lorespire Complex. The revelation of this infection—heartbreaking to Zigvigix—was followed by painful operations to remove the cybernetics. Since then, they’ve formed the Advocates faction to advocate for a Society that ensures all agents are taken care of physically, mentally, and emotionally."
She holds up a holographic image of Ziggy. "Today, we'll be meeting with a true Starfinder hero!"
Then she continues. "Speaking of other fallout from failing technology..." She opens a holographic image of Royo. "During the Data Scourge, Royo was one of the loudest voices speaking out against the Society’s overreliance on technology. A group of Starfinders interested in exploring the possibilities of low-tech, natural, and magical solutions to problems formerly solved by technology coalesced around him, becoming the Cognates faction. Royo is interested in a multidisciplinary approach, finding multiple paths to the truth and enlightenment."
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Once her broadcast is done, she turns to Triage. "And I'm Djakar. It's a pleasure to meet you too! I'll be embedded with your group as a journalist, as part of a new initiative that Radaszam in sponsoring. By the way, I saw you all on that Station Buzz show you did! Very impressive work! I'm sure that is why Radazam asked me to work with your group particularly. You have a sterling reputation, you know." She offers her hand. "Don't worry, I won't zap you. I've been off Arkanen long enough to realize that most people don't appreciate electrical jolts with their hand shakes!"
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Grognard rolls his eyes at the insistence that he'll be useful. "If ya say soo."
He continues to struggle at stifling laughs at the description of the mission. Once dismissed he wanders around the Lorespire complex with his compatriots, and pauses every now and then to ask some of the newer recruits about the new factions.
Finally he settles for chatting with his new compatriots. You see him clearly straining to keep his accent under control.
"Sae.. Ikmanji yoor an oo... oosh... um.... Sea Scientist? Ah spend sae much time under the groond tha ahm just noow startin' ta ken such massive pools."
He offers a hand to shake. "Ahm Grognard Erraticus, have we worked together before? Ahm always a bit oot of order ya ken? Sometimes ah can't remember a week ago but ah remember tomorrow. Though taday I can't remember anythin' after noow, but also a big gap since mah last mission ann ahm not too sure if ah've been on any since."
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Djakar is able to get get an exceptional amount of information from an elven technician who is able to answer a variety of the questions on Zigvigix and Royo.
He struggles a bit more and tries not to focus on the cameras as he adds, "I know far less about the Manifold Host and their membership. I believe they have had a presence in the Society for several years, at least, but I haven't been aware of them recruiting or at least they haven't approached me."
Once off the broadcast he becomes a bit less stiff as he checks his datapad before returning his attention back to the conversation. "I wish you luck. Hopefully Zigvigix has not lost their cheerful demeanor following their trauma. As well as I hope Royo hasn't become more harsh over the last year; I recall having a long debate over digital against physical media."
* * * *
Grognard gets far less infomation in his rounds. One of the fellow Starfinder recruits he speaks with is a young damaya lashunta passing out of one of the gyms. He has a number of lights that run along the length of his wheelchair along with a number of customized sensors that have been installed throughout. The lashunta is a bit nervous as Grognard talks to him and stammers back nervously, "fa-factions? I don't know. I'm Nosh, I've only recently started my training here. Is the Society breaking apart? Do- are you asking me to pick a side to support?"
The muscular vesk Starfinder traveling with Nosh speaks up to help calm the lashunta. "No, no. Nothing like that. The factions are less like different sports teams and are more like ... different divisions in the same team, each with their own specialties. Like an offense and defense. Things are a bit tense now, but I'm certain this will work out after just a bit."
* * * *
At the moment, the closest of the locations you can arrive at is Zigvigix's office to speak about the Advocates faction.
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"Although I'm looking forward to meeting Royo, Zigvigix's office is closest, seems like a good option to start with." Jek takes a small Turquoise Cube out of their pocket and tosses it in the air, watching the aeon stone as it starts to orbit Jeks head. "Might need some luck on our assignment today."
Answering the door is a small raxilite who pushes the door open while using a large mass of vines from their body to move a box. They are only a few feet high and are dressed in red and green robes. They greet you with a smile and respond, "Oh? You are here for Ziggy? They would be happy to see you! We have been busy packing things away, but don't let that slow you. I'm Camellia and I am working with Ziggy to see about helping more people out. Oh, but Ziggy would love to tell you themselves. Please follow me!"
The flowering Starfinder happily leads the way through another door which slides open as soon as they approach. Beyond them is a room stripped of its personal effects, which now fill boxes lining the walls.
A shirren in a power chair turns at the sound of new arrivals, their face lighting up in recognition as they wheel that chair out from behind a stack of boxes. "Greetings, Starfinders!" Zigvigix projects telepathically. "Come in, come in! Watch the clutter. We've kept a path clear this way. I assume Ehu sent you? Delightful! For those of you I haven't yet met, my name is Zigvigix! You may call me Ziggy. It seems I find myself once again leader of a faction. Isn’t that exciting? We call ourselves the Advocates, and we—"
Camellia interrupts, saying "I voted for the 'Heartloves,' but apparently there's a copyright issue." They sigh a bit but shrug off the matter with a smile.
Ziggy gives a bit of a nod as they admit, "yes, well, I quite like that name too." They don't let that hold them down for a moment though as they turn to the party and continue explaining, "But not everyone shares our love of sugarpop! At any rate, our goal is to ensure that the Starfinder Society supports its agents and to promote community and kindness among our membership. The past few years have been difficult for the organization, and we think it's time we learn to cooperate and uplift each other again!
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"Community and kindness? Spoken like a true son of Torag!"
He lets loose a bellowing laugh as though meeting and old friend for the first time in years, and offers a hand to shake.
"Nae so keen on the sugarpop mahself, but ah'd be mar then happy tae work with a faction preachin' the good word of the Forge Father even if they called 'emselves Prancy McSparklepants! Although... come ta think onnit... Sparklemane is an auld friend o mine..."
"I'm overjoyed to hear that!" declares Ziggy with great enthusiasm. "I've also had heard many others say the same!"
Ziggy has a bit of a start and claps their hands together as an idea comes to their mind. "Oh and if you are looking to help, I would be happy to accept! One of our first tasks is to find a new headquarters.
Pulling up a map of the Starfinder Headquarters Ziggy continues to explain with excitement and delight, "We've been granted permission to use an old wing of the Lorespire Complex. It's been abandoned since the Scoured Stars incident. We're hoping to turn it into a place for agents to spend time together, with a recreation room, a lounge, training rooms, medical facilities, and even living quarters for those who want to spend more time in the space. Won't that be lovely?"
Ziggy looks around at the array of packed boxes as well as a few more cabinets left to go before asking, "We're almost finished here, but we could use your help clearing out the central room in the new wing so we can use it as a place to coordinate renovations from, and turning on the breakers to restore power to the wing. Would you mind helping?"
Hearing Ikmanji's question perks up Ziggy's head and their telepathic voice buzzes with excitement. "Are you telling me you’ve never heard of Star Sugar Heartlove!!!, the hit Strawberry Machine Cake album? Well then, if you like sugar pop, swing by when you’re done with your mission and take a listen! They’ve got some huge fans here in the Lorespire Complex!" Ziggy flashes an affectionate grin at Celita, who returns their gesture with a slight smile and a brief squeeze of their shoulder as she passes behind them carrying a box.
Camellia has some objection to Grognard's description as they say, "but all their songs are incredibly emotional. I feel a surge of hope and happiness with them playing on my playlist! And the way the instruments all resonant and work with other like a universe in harmony! Then when you get to the live show and add the cheers of the crowd it is like nothing else! My favorite song is-"
Ziggy interjects before Camellia can go too much further, "as I said, not everyone is a fan, but I would encourage you to try it to see if you like it." They add as they do accept Grognard's handshake, "and I would love to listen if you have any music as well. I'm certain others that are recovering or working would love a variety of music or media for them to have."
"And you should have well enough room for Donkey in there," Ziggy adds as well as the seem to picture the location in their mind. "I only took a quick look around the floor, a little time back, so things might have changed, but there was enough room for your companion to make their way through. Although there are a lot of dust, old boxes, and storage that might be in your way. You may need to move those around to get through."
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"I think it's great you are working on giving agents more things to do with our downtime, more options are all ways good, I'd be glad to help. Altho I like Strawberry Machine Cake, think I'm not the only Bugspace fan on the team." Jek looks over towards Triage. "Between assignments, I'd be happy to help with maintenance as well."
Research Rat gives Jekcedo a high five. "You're my kind of bug."
Camellia responds, "absolutely! Anyone in the Society is welcome! We want to make sure that every Starfinder is given the proper care, whether they are an agent, technician, hireling, or anything and everything else!"
They get back to work packing while you can head to the location of their new headquarters. You head through various hallways until you get to less well trafficked portions of Lorespire Complex. Once you get to the Advocates new week it seems clear that this wing has been abandoned for years.
Heading up the stairs into this wing you find there are cobwebs and dirt across the floor with some amount of animal droppings. The lighting in the area is limited as only the low, yellow emergency lighting is still active. It is difficult to see in these dim halls for those that rely on bright light.
At the very least the area is wide an spacious as the ceiling reaches above your heads several feet above Donkey. The entry however is a grungy space, illuminated by the weak yellow emergency lighting. Numerous halls lined with closed doors lead deeper into the wing.
Glancing through the adjacent rooms you see a few scattered boxes and a set of computers in a security office.
To the south the wing continues into a lounge that is piled high with boxes and crates. There are small narrow pathways cleared through the room, but the stacks of long abandoned crates teeter over them precariously. The lighting in that area is no better than where you are and is dimly lit.
Jek doesn't find any immediate signs of the breakers. Looking around a bit more Jek finds an emergency escape diagram in the security room with pair of computers. The small poster is covered and dust and starting to peal away from the wall, but Jek is able to identify rooms as primarily office spaces. One of the rooms is marked as the breaker room. It is past the lounge, which is currently packed with boxes.
Continuing the brief inspection the rooms are barren aside from a few empty boxes and number of flattened unused boxes.
* * *
Ikmanji is able to examining the droppings and finds that they are scattered across the area and show that there was some vermin likely have been inhabiting this area. The vast majority are months if not years gold, but Ikmanji finds that some are more recent, from no more than the last couple station days.
They are however unable to narrow down the type of creature that produced the more recent scat. Ikmanji isn't familiar with the creature in particular, but is able to gauge it to be rather large, likely with a body mass that is comparable to around the about the average of the Starfinder team.
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"looks like the breaker room is in one of the rooms through the lounge here with all the boxes, Once everyone's in position, I can move my flashlight into the room to try to spot or flush out what's leaving this scat around." Jek readies a sticky bomb grenade, staying in the doorway of the security room for cover.
Grognard finds a few faint signs of small creatures in the wing, passing through the various room. The rooms on this side of the lounge are absent creatures. He is able to see signs of passage through the box stacked lounge. It would be a tight fit for Grognard to push through himself. He would be able to pass through with Donkey. Donkey would need to squeeze, but the teetering towers of boxes would certainly move when presented the strength of Grognard's companion.
Examining the droppings Triage is able to identify them as belonging to a Klikharp. Large cricket-like creatures that were once components of the Swarm and, like the shirren, were able to break away from the hive mind. The creatures don't retain the same telepathic abilities the shirren, possibly losing them from their break from the swarm, and have an more animal-level intelligence.
Based on the samples Triage inspects, these are from hatchling klikharp, likely four or five feet long and several feet high. When fully grown a klipharp would be a match for Donkey in size. Triage is also able to tell that the diet of the creatures is poor and are likely malnourished.
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As soon as Jek hears there are Klikharps around, Jek takes out their com unit cranks up the volume and plays “Cantical for klikharps” and starts dancing like a klikharp singing along to the song. Jek makes a strange clicking sound as he calls out to the Klikharps in a calming voice. ”It’s OK where just here to dance.” Then turning to the team Jek says , ”I should have saved my Bugspace grenade for this.”
The boxes shift a moment before settling as Ikmanji steps into the lounge. However as Grognard and Donkey follow, Donkey's leg pushes into one of the boxes causing a tower to shift and fall crashing on Ikmanji, Grognard, and Donkey.
As the sound of stored objects clattering in the floor reverberates through the hull, you hear something respond to the noise with a furious screech. Pushing aside some boxes you see a round creature covered in fur pushing against the boxes with his four limbs. He is less than three feet tall and looks at you all with shock and surprise that he tries to hide as he bares his teeth. "My walls! My rules! Stupid things want to take it away!" He rants and raves in common. He wastes no time as he slams into of the boxes repeatedly and calls out into the room. "Servants! Peons! Get here and attack them! You stupid things beat them down!"
Following his bellowing, the low electronic buzz from the lighting seems to get louder and you can see, from a few hideaways among the boxes, a pair of klikharps crawl forth. They are cricket-like creatures with multicolored shells that are several feet tall. They glance toward the fuzzy creature before shuddering and turning their attention on the Starfinder and begin to rush forth.
Gold Gus
Ikmanji
Angry Fuzzy Creature (Red)
Jekcedo
Djakar
Grognard
Klikharp Hatchlings (Blue, Black)
Their psychic abilities allow them to force commands or fear into the minds of other creatures as well as throw small objects.
Klikharps genetic code is highly mutable allowing them a great variety of abilities that they can alter to better survive in various situations. They produce a natural gentle thrum that is soothing for creatures that can sense the vibrations in the area, especially for themselves and shirren, making them more resistant to emotion and pain effects. Their bite is likely the dangerous attack; their strength is comparable to other well honed Starfinder you have worked with.
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Seeing the group set upon by the bugs and the furry creature, Gus runs past Grognard to cover his flank. As he does so, his arms move in tandem as he reaches for his shotgun and flings out a fist full of coins that explode into a nanite cloud. "I gotch'ur back, Grog!" He calls out to the dwarf, using his native tongue.
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"I'll try to draw the Klickharps away from the fight, that fuzzy thing is a Drikluz gremlin it's messing with the minds of all the bugs in the room including me." Jek moves closer to the Kilkharps kneeling when Jek gets closer to them to look more friendly. Then Jek looks at the Klikharps using telepathy to imitate the Klikharp's gentle thrumming in the Bugspace song still playing, to help calm the klikharps in the room.
The gremlin produces an panicked screech as Ikmanji closes the distance and the attack would have been close to hitting without the tower of boxes set forth. From this distance Ikmanji sees that the gremlin's fuzzy fur is infested with tiny leaping bugs.
Even still the fuzzy fey's yelling almost makes it seem like he took the blow. He yells at the klipharps, "what are you doing you lazy noise-makers! You are supposed to protect me! He moved faster than you and he has no feet! You have four feet! That means you should forty-four times faster! Now fight or I will give you smaller sleeping boxes!"
Realizing that there is Ikmanji is likely to carry out their threat, the gremlin shifts backward, "you don't beat me! Now and let my minions do their job and chomp you!"
The word 'fall' carries a powerful wave of psychic power that the gremlin tries to force into Ikmanji's mind.
Gold Gus
Ikmanji (Will save)
Angry Fuzzy Creature Drikluz Gremlin (Red)
Jekcedo
Triage
Djakar
Grognard (Reflex save)
. Donkey (Reflex save)
Klikharp Hatchlings (Blue, Black)
Getting a better view of the creatures, Jek believes that the gremlin likely has a natural resistance to spells, but the biting bugs in the fur are likely only a threat if the gremlin was able to sink his teeth into someone. Even then they aren't likely to have long lasting diseases or toxins.
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Grognard appears furious. "Thes is how ye treat yer pets? Donkey! Get 'im. Ahll calm thes poor Klikharps."
He hops off as Donkey climbs up toward the gremlin.
He rushes over to one of the Klikharp hatchlings and puts his hand out to calm them... and gets bitten.
He holds eye contact with the Klikharp hatc "OW!"
He keeps his gaze averted as he moves towards them at a casual pace. "Hush hush lassies..."
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The magical command fails to affect Ikmanji. As the gremlin tries to stumble back further, Djakar is able to land a shot with her rifle sending an electric charge that makes the all the gremlin's fur stand on end.
The klikharps are on edge as the party pushes forward and the gremlin continues to command them to attack. However Grognard's reassuring movements do a lot to settle one of them that your group means no ill toward them.
It glances between Grognard and the gremlin a few times with hesitation. The gremlin lashes out at the delay and throws a few folders at the klikharp as he calls out, "stop doing what I'm telling you not to do and do what I'm telling you to do!"
The gremlin is sated for a moment as it runs toward Gronard, but it continues running past Grognard, hiding behind the protection of the party. The gremlin is livid as he yells out, "no! No! Where are you going! Why are you biting them! I know you can still hear me!"
The other clearly considers running as well, but the gremlin redoubles his threats, "no! You fight for me! You need me to tell you who to attack!" The other klikharp is still especially wary of the encroaching party and sends a reverberating sound that tears through the air at Grognard.
The discordant blast of noise misses and only hits the nearby boxes, pushing them back a few inches.
The gremlin is furious with the result, declaring "do I need to tell yo how to hit them too?!"[/b]
Gold Gus
Ikmanji
Drikluz Gremlin [Red] (4 damage)
Jekcedo
Triage
Djakar
Grognard (Reflex save DC 12 or take 1)
. Donkey (Reflex save DC 12 or take 1)
Klikharp Hatchlings
. [Blue] (calmed by Grognard)
. [Black]
Gus's shot has difficulty lining up a clear shot through the crates, but the blast draws the gremlin's attention and he takes the full brunt of Ikmanji's blow. The strike makes the gremlin staggers backward and back into the towers of boxes. "Alright! Wait! I've changed my mind too! I give up! No more fighting or spells! I would give you things but I don't have things to give! I can behave though!"
The gremlin begs and pleads for mercy. The klikharp still within the room is confused now that the gremlin is giving instructions to fight. Not having been calmed as of yet, it seems more inclined to hide itself away from the Starfinders as it glances around the room for dark corners or open boxes.
The calmed klikharp remains behind you as it seems content to trust Grognard and the rest of the party.
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Ikmanji takes out his comm unit and takes a picture of the fey creature.
“Leave this station. Never return here. Run when you see this symbol…” They show the Starfinder symbol. “We have a lot of people that would be much more angry than us with the way you treated the klikharps.”
“If we meet again, I will not be inclined to be merciful.”