Starfinder Cadets -- The Fourth Chapter (Inactive)

Game Master Hmm

The gremlin looks back and forth as the commands run through his mind, processing how to even complete it. He gives a nod with his entire round body shaking up and down as he declares, "yes! Yes! I'll be no trouble! Never see me again!"

Taking no more hesitation he flees out of the halls and back down the stairs out the wing.

Meanwhile Jek and their music is able to settle the second klipharp as it begins to slowly harmonize and play along with the music. As it does so, bioluminest mutations within the klikharp begin to glow, illuminating the area.

Both of the klipharps remain and follow along with the party as they give a soft melodic sound to the air.

The path to the breaker room is clear just on the other side of the lounge. A series of circuit breakers line the walls, all of them deactivated.

The central room you were asked to clear may take significantly more time to clear out. There is no lack of opportunities to help as there are boxes to move (like with Athletics), minor repairs required throughout the wing (like with Engineering), and all of the boxes may need a proper inventory to catalog the contents (like with Perception), upgrading computers, cleaning the hard to reach corners of the room, and so on.

You were requested to help clear out this central area, how do you want to do so and which of your skills would help with that? Some examples above but mention if there is something else you would like to try.

Once the lights are on, Ikmanji will say “That evil fey mentioned the klikharps nesting in boxes. Although we don’t want to disturb them too much, we probably want to make the nest more comfortable.”

“Does someone want to contact Ziggy to tell them about the two klikharps and ask if it is alright to set aside some of the space for them?”

Ikmanji would initially use Survival for setting up a space for the Klikharp hatchlings, then Athletics to move boxes. I am guessing they want a single check per character, so I will just do the Athletics since that is performing the job originally requested.

Athletics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Engineering: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Triage sets to work rewiring the lighting in this wing, attempting to provide light for the rest of the party.

"Although it looks like the Klikharks liked the Bugspace music, Grognard I think you are best qualified to help our new friends. The Klikharps look happy for now we likely can deal more when them after getting this work done. I'll give Triage a hand with the lights, think we might need to change out some fuses" Jek get their tools out and heads to the breaker box.

Profession maintenance worker with tool kit: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

You can set up a quick living space for the hatchlings, but you are correct I'm looking for a single check to cover what you are doing to help clear out the area.

The existing nests the klikharps had were nothing that allowed them much room. You are able to set aside a safe area for them to rest in the interim, but the pair are actually very happy to follow you about the room, lighting the area around you and playing along with Jek's music.

As soon as the breakers are flipped the lighting and elevators, along with the computer terminals back by the entrance, all power on.

Ikmanji is able to shift the boxes to move them in such a way to clear out a working area over the next couple dozen minutes.

Around the room there are a few bits of damaged lighting that Triage has difficulty tracking down. However Jek is able to trace trough some of the lines and fix some of the errant power outlets in the walls that had seen some damage when the room was packed and stored away.

After working on the lights Jek turns their attention to cleaning out the boxes. Jek turns to Triage, Triage I think it's time to Triage the boxes, how about we sort the boxes content into groups of trash, needs repair, and useable as is. Jek uses perception to start sorting.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Seeing the elf struggle a bit with the wiring, Gus snaps his fingers to summon his nanites and form some tools. Stepping up behind Triage, he'll offer a tool. "Need a hand?"

engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

With Gus's help each of the errant sets of lights and quickly the room is fully lit by the steady lights. As he works though, Gus does catch sight of something of a bit more note within the crates beyond forms and typical equipment. He finds a basic imaginarium projector, a projector that displays simple images over walls and objects. The artificial nature of the projections is immediately apparent, but they can be aesthetically pleasing as they can make a plain room far more interesting or inviting.

Jek is about to being working through the boxes when you hear the elevators open up and reveal Ziggy, Celita, Camellia as well as several other Starfinders carrying boxes into the area.

Ziggy is immediately elated with the area. My goodness, this space will be perfect!" Zigvigix joy is clear with their exclamation as they look toward you. "I can't thank you enough for your help. We're really going to to some good here, and I hope you come back and visit us once this lounge is up and running."

They are distracted for a moment as they take note of the klikharps moving about the room. Ziggy coos with delight as they note, "oh and it looks like you made some friends! This is wonderful! Did you find them here?"

If you want to say or settle anything else you wish to do here or give Ziggy (or the others) before you leave you can do so.

As for your next group to help, you have Cognates and Manifold Host left to meet with. I know Jek expressed interest in going to the Cognates next.

“Yes, they were found with a nasty-tempered gremlin. We evicted the gremlin.”

“I’m curious, what are your initial plans for this space?”

The elf groans at Jek's pun with his name, but it's clear it comes with a light-hearted tone.

"I think we've done all we can here Zigvigix. If you need any additional assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out."

Ziggy gives an appreciative nod toward Ikmanji as they say, "thank you for doing that. I don't want to put anyone out with our headquarters here, hopefully they can find a better place to be able to settle that temper."

Camellia pipes up to look about the space as they note, "we are still thinking things through, but we want this area to be a general area for this to be an area to relax. The offices would to talk or personal treatment, like one on one care!"

As Camellia looks at some of the side storage, Ziggy draws you a little closer and speaks telepathically. "This means a great deal to me. It's no secret that, in recent years, the Society hasn't always taken good care of its agents. I don't mean to blame anybody—it's been a nonstop barrage, and we've barely had time to catch our breath. But, well, I thought it was important that somebody started speaking up, and people seem to listen to me still. If any of you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to seek the Advocates' help. That's all we want to do—provide help! And if you'd like to help too, well, the more the merrier!"

Zigvigix chuckles as they wheel away. "We could always use more members! In any case I would be happy to have your help anytime Triage."

Satisfied with Ziggy’s answer, Ikmanji is ready to go.

“Where to next?”

I am fine with Cognates next.

As you move through the halls navigating your way toward the other faction leaders, you find that the hallway has become a bit congested by a small crowd that has gathered together, surrounding two individuals who are arguing fiercely.

Images on Slide 6

"And I'm tellin' you, it's too dangerous!" shouts the dwarven Starfinder at the center of the circle. As they gesticulate and wave their hands, the sword strapped to their back clanks against their old-fashioned, metal armor. "Have you learned not a blasted thing over the last year?"

The lanky verthani opposite the dwarf scoffs dismissively. "It can't be denied that the events of the Data Scourge were a travestry." Several cybernetic augmentations whirr and flash as he speaks, including a prominent datajack on his right temple. "However, to completely shun any form of innovation, to try to undo eons of progress, that is simply folly."

"I ain't shunnin' innovation, you blithering tech-head!" The dwarf retorts as they shake their head in frustration. They glance toward the crowd before their sight landing on your group. "Hey! Come 'ere, you lot. You look like you can settle this for us. Will ya' give a hand?"

Seeing the id badges on the pair identify each of the pair. The dwarf is Faelin Grimm and the augmented verthani is Markosi. For the moment their voices settle a bit as they look at each of you, but both of them are a bit on edge.

Faelin continues forward by explaining aggressively to Markosi, but also to draw your own input. "It isn't just the last year as I had more than a little experience dealing with deranged computers. My entire clan was being held up by some foul-breathed AI for long before I was born." They even gesture toward Grognard expecting them to reaffirm this story. "Now I've hear tale that this AI that caused this bloody Data Scourge was forged from the same steel. If your lauded technology is so great, how come it keep tryin' to hurt people?"

Everyone may make one check as they add their input. You can agree, disagree, or something in between. The checks will determine how understandable and how the pair view your input. Your success here is dependent on both the successes and failures, so if you do not feel you are going to succeed on a check (like you are untrained) you may wish to instead aid someone else's check.

For this you can use Diplomacy or you may make a Computers or Engineering check to talk about those AI-related incidents. If you have personal experience with the AIs Faelin is talking about (like you encountered in prior adventures) you might bring them up.

“Seems to me the Scoured Stars had a lot more to do with a god than technology.”

“I really don’t know much about AIs, are they fully technological or do they need magic to work? Little bit outside my areas of expertise.”

Chronicle 2 on this character is 1-99 Scoured Stars Invasion.

I will wait and attempt an Aid roll after someone else rolls and gives me something this character can agree with.

"That is more a different matter," notes Markosi in response to Ikmanji. "Their complaint is regarding malevolent AIs that have brought harm to their people as well as the whole of our station in the last few months. While information that has come out on both of them is rife with speculation, technology is core to both of their genesis. I will admit those were certainly issues, but technology itself is a tool, muck like your clan's mining picks." He pontificates waving his hands as he tries to dismiss the complaints as ill founded.

Gesturing toward Ikmanji, he continues "it is like they mention, the Scoured Stars was just a tragic and devastating. Guided by an evil force. They are certainly not the last the universe has to offer. Without technology, we very well not have survived the Scoured Stars, with what else would you suggest we defend ourselves?"

You can also respond to this argument from Markosi using Diplomacy. You can also use Intimidate, Mysticism, or Professions like soldier or mercenary, to talk about types of less technology reliant defenses. I would grant a +2 bonus to Ikmanji given the matter of the Scoured Stars being a similar threat that wasn't technology based.

You can respond to either Markosi and Faelin, both, or neither. Like I mentioned before both successes and failures will be counted.

Faelin: Diplomacy. Computers or Engineering check to talk about those AI-related incidents.

Markosi: Diplomacy. Intimidate, Mysticism, or Professions like soldier or mercenary, to talk about types of less technology reliant defenses.

Grognard furrows his brow before addressing Faelin in his native tongue.

In dwarven: "I have wounded my thumb with a hammer, and had many a hammer raised against me, yet I still will happily wield a hammer. That being said I'd also happily sunder any hammer forged in droskar's flame. Wait... Faelin... ach I remember you! You're talking about THAT AI? From Salvation's End? Well that one was sure a right-"

The translator makes a buzzing noise loud enough to drown out the following word.

He moves to give his fellow Salvation's End escapee a traditional dwarven greeting before he switches to common.

"Markosi be yer name? As Ah was sayin' Ah prefer the auld ways, but ah dinnae begrudge mah fellow agent their fancy flashin lights."

His stare hardens though as he gives Markosi a pointed look before adding, "...but they also be yer responsibility. Ah hail from th' same accursed vault as Faelin, and if Ah find that wretched AI again it's smashin' time. If yer gonnae wear those upgrades..." He uses dramatic air quotes for the word 'upgrades.'

"...ye best be willin tae cut em off yerself if they go batty. It ain't pretty if one o' us has ta do it for ye."

He looks back at Donkey, then fishes around in his saddlebag for an old fashioned book labeled and thumbs through it for a bit before settling on an index for maintanence guides. "Make bloody sure ye follow the service schedule tae the T... if ye hurt yerself with a worn tool that be on yer own hide."

Grognard looks back and forth between the two and sighs.

"In the days of auld, we used nay but picks and hammers and carried the ore out wit a sack while livin' in a home of timber an stoone. After an age we were usin' mine carts... and in time we went hoome tae the great Sky Citadels where we held the Sky Key. We dinnae shun new tools, and the magics of auld were enough tae defend 'gainst the gravest of threats. Even demigods... But when we were o'ercome by our dark breatheren, we sundered our great Key and hid the pieces sae tha only those cautious enough tae use it wit care would have it."

Mysticism: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

He holds up a few books in his bag and shows Faelin his comm unit where he clumsily dials up someone on what looks to be a dialer app programmed to look like a rotary dialer.

"Thes is a new friend o mine... he teaches me about these... gadgets. In the time honored tradition of aur forefathers I learn, and I use with caution."

He finishes dialing an on the other end you hear a buzz followed by

"Hello IT. Have you tried turning it off and back on again?"

Computers (Hireling): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Faelin nods with support and recollection for Grognard and responds in dwarven as well. "Agree on that. I've been terrorized by two AIs in my lifetime. I want to do something before it becomes three."

Taking a sigh Markosi looks at Grognard and states, "my upgrades are as part of me as any part of you. I'm of a people that were raised to embrace technology into ourselves. I will not have you degrade myself. You suggest I be ready to cast them aside, as though any of my components is more likely to fail than your flesh and blood. My upgrades are part of me and I know their vulnerabilities better than most. I doubt you can say the same for your own unaugmented senses."

He looks down in defense of himself and a contained, controlled frustration carries through as he declares, "I am well and prepared to do what I need to if my augments are turned against me, but I do not for a moment believe your senses are superior, trustworthy, or less corruptable than my own."

Listening to the stories of magical artifacts Markosi is able to calm and comments, "I am unfamiliar with the bounds and abilities of magic, at least less so than that of technology. If magic is capable of fighting back those most dire of threats, then it would be possible for them to take on some of the burden of protection. I do believe those technological talent has shown the ability many times over in this era, rather than a lost one."

Faelin listens to the other voice through the end of Grognard's comm and talks a bit about the details of the AI. They nod and say, "you treat it with the right bit of wariness." They glance at Markosi and call out a bit forcefully, "it is as they say, all this technology is just one tool. Any miner worth their salt isn't just relyin' on their pick," they say this with a gesture toward Grognard, trusting he has their back. "They're watchin' their back themselves, talkin' with their clan's priests to keep 'em safe, and surveyin' the ground before they even start diggin'."

Focusing full on Markosi they say, "You're just asking for trouble if the beginnin' and end of your problem solvin' is to just ask the computer to solve everythin'!"

To help allievate the tension you can use Diplomacy. Alternatively you can do the same by making a Life Science, Mysticism, Phsyical Science, or Survival check to talk about other problems and their non-technological solutions. Positive or negative.

Markosi dismisses this argument with a wave. "Pah! We Dataphiles know what we're doing. We know the function and ability of the computers and don't use them mindlessly! Technology is the one tool of many, yes, but it's the most powerful tool we have. It would be folly to suggest otherwise! Surely, a few hiccups along the way don't merit abandoning an entire field of study!"

This tension can also be alleviated with Diplomacy. You can also use Culture to talk about the similar events where technology played a major part, or did not, as well as emphasizing their importance. You can also use Intimidate to make Markosi back down.

Same skill check rules as before. Anyone may make a skill check to help calm the situation. You can do it in response to Faelin, Markosi, neither, or both. You can also post a check to aid someone else. I'll be counting both successes and failures.

Faelin's argument: Diplomacy, Life Science, Mysticism, Physical Science, Survival.
Markosi's argument: Diplomacy, Culture, Intimidate.

"Look around. Technology can be just as abused as physical information." Triage gestures towards the books that have been brought out. "I could set that book on fire right now and that information would be lost forever, or I could hack into a computer and erase information that way. It is ridiculous to even begin to think either are without flaws, but if I am able to share lifesaving medical texts via the infosphere, rather than having to run and be there myself, isn't that enough of a reason to stay connected? To rely on technology to be our tool, one that can be used to save lives. It just needs to be better protected and taken care of."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Jek raises their voice for the first word spoken, not trying to intimidate but to add conviction to it "OPTIONS, The universe works in mysterious ways and gives us many options, not all options are best for everyone or every situation that's why it's always good to have them and to be able to choose your own. Together with our own choices, we can achieve more than any one of us could. Hopefully, we chose to work together that's the best way for the Starfinder Society to continue growing."

Mysticism: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Jek steps to the back of the crowd, and uses telepathy to speak to Research Rat mind, "Can you hear me? is your camera on?"

“Have any of you ever been to Pulonis? It is a planet in Vesk space, and is known for having a very active magnetosphere. Active enough that anything unshielded quickly fails.”

“Best to know how to read the signs of an oncoming storm rather than depend on your comm unit for weather reports. A compass isn’t going to be any good, and forget about global positioning systems. Need to find other ways to navigate there.”

“Things like mobile hoteliers are great, but don’t depend on them there. Do take them with you to Castrovel though, I’ve heard an air filtration system is very useful there.”

“Seems to me both extremes are wrong. We should use the tools that are best for the task required. The technology that we may not be able to rely on in one place could very well save lives in another.”

“The Scoured Stars incident should have shown people how useful survival training can be.”

“In the end, the best solution is to have experts in several fields, and bring them forth when their particular expertise is called for.”

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Note that this character has claimed Vesk-6 aka Pulonis as their homeworld rather than Vesk-2.

Grognard snaps back. "If mah arm were tae turn necrotic ye bet ah'd have it removed and cauterized before ah let it kill me... an last ah checked the scourge dinnae infect good ol' flesh and bone. But I dinnae say ye should cast em away... just that ye should ken what ye have attached tae yerself an care for it like a tool ye stake yer life on. And I do admit it soonds like ye do. I'll grant ye that."

No check. Just conceding the point to Markosi.

He simmers down for a moment and looks back at Faelin. "Ah must say though... back in th auld day oonly a wizard or priest could grant the runes tae let ye explore the depths of the pools deep in the mine... Now anyone wit a few creds tae spare can get SCUBA gear. An even the most basic armor's got seals. It's all well ann good until it dun work. Now naebody's got basic survival skills." He grins and looks at his hearty compatriot. "Well... naebody but folk like us."

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Faelin gravitates strongly into Triage's argument as they redouble their opinion, "Of course, as long as they are better protected! But we have seen several times the dangers of technology and yet I don't see them rushin' to keep it chained up."

Jek produces a dour answer as Faelin's voice becomes low, but shakes with worry. "You say we should trust one another, but news trickles through of some betrayal from some former Starfinder. I'm not even sure of Guidance, as they have gone quiet when it suited them. I gave more than enough trust to technology."

As Markosi is about to rise to the defense of technology again both stop to listen to Ikmanji's experience. They are reluctant as they calm themselves and nod hestantly, "while I see such situations as challenges to overcome, you make a convincing argument that other methodoligies prove themselves far more effective while also having been more time tested."

Hearing more support from Grognard settles Faelin's mind a bit as they agree, "I think you underestimate Ikmanji, although I admit I did as well. You are right that I feel more than a little confident in the skills we put together without any computers helpin'. I'm glad there are some from the clan about keepin' the old skills sharp. Even more so to see others with talents more a match from other worlds."

"Naebody said ye have tae trust Guidance. We're in the business o walkin intae traps. I dinnae trust Guidance... If ah did ah prob'ly wouldn't need ta be paid for half of what ah do. But thats why its sae important for us tae be Starfinders these days mar than ever. All o' these fancy widgets and gizmos let the Starfinders grow and learn new things faster then ever... but when things go too far is when we wheel 'em back."

Grognard turns to Markosi and adds, "...and when we put our faith too deep into the old ways and find ourselves succumbing to the temptations of power from gods bearing ill-will, perhaps ye shall be the ones to wheel us back. But if ye ever see me bearin' the mark of Droskar then it be time tae put me down. Just keep yer... augmentations well kept. Ah may not take tae 'em mahself, but Torag teaches ta respect well made steel."

He raises his hand an displays the augmentation with the mark of the society. "Still dinnae like it... but ah still have it."

"Y'all mind if I throw my two cents in?" Gus proposes, stepping forward and slipping out a coin. He flips it as he begins speaking.

"Now look. I'm not your typical dwarf, no child of Torag 'n all that. I was born on a desert planet where the more tech you could scrounge, the more you were able to survive & make a livin' for yourself. That was the way o' life on Akiton. So when I found these here fake coins made of nanites, I bet my bottom credstick to get 'em workin'."

The coin begins to flop through the air, looking more fluid as it spins around from Gus's flipping. "I'm no tech junkie though. I'm still learning my way around a circuit board. So all I know about 'em so far is that they work like some sorta pet. Ya gotta teach 'em the tricks so you can get 'em to assemble into whatever ya need. Now, if'n I were to give these to a mechanic or whatever, I'm sure they'd be able to tell me so much more to help me learn how to program them, but I'll bet creds to cables they don't know their operating system. That kinda stuff would've been nice to know when all that Datascourge stuff was about."

"Now this is the bit I don't understand." He pauses a moment, glancing between Faelin & Markosi to frame his point. "Correct me if I'm wrong by all means, but if your machine had anything to do with a program or any set of data, then that machine could've become corrupted at any point and go haywire, right? And clearly anything automated was one of the first things to catch the fritz, right? I tested these coins for days to make sure they didn't get glitched. And ya know what? They never did! I was scared scrapless they would've bit the barb and I would've had to throw 'em out. But they never even lagged once through the whole thing. I was so happy I didn't have to spend the extra cred to hire out an ol'e technomancer buddy to bless 'em with some holy-antivirus or somethin'. But until it was over, I contemplated it almost every minute."

As he wraps up that bit, he lights up again as another thought crosses his mind. Snatching the coin out of the air, he stops flipping as he amends his statement. "Actually, there's another big question! Were either of you two worried about your money? I was scared to death over it! All our money is digital, there's nothing physical about it. Just a bunch of 1s & 0s in some server bank at the Abadar-corp buildings. If the Datascourge corrupted all those numbers and erased y'all's bank accounts, what physical thing could you fall back on to pay your bills and keep the fridge stocked? Now granted, no one as far as I know had money problems, even throughout the Datascourge. But doesn't anyone wonder why? Maybe they just had the best firewall in the galaxy, or maybe The First Vault Keeper himself concecrated every single bit in the bank's Blockchain."

"My point is, is that for all the intelligent ways technology helps us past the burdens of living, there's no way for any one person to make it completely foolproof. And it's not like it does everything. I love technology just as much as the next guy, but if it's all you have and it goes down, you're gonna need something to make due in the meantime. Some people just rely on what their bodies can do, and I have a deep respect for that." He motions to Ikmanji. "Still others make use of some form of magic. Stuff that doesn't need to obey physics like tech does." He motions to Grognard & Jekcedo. "For all the tricks these li'l nanite coins can do, I do still slightly envy the tricks of my party's trades, if only because they might fare better in an EMP field."

Culture: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

"But them's just my two cents."

Jek listens nervously in the back of the crowd, hand on the Quick-Release Sheath recently installed in Jek's Second Skin. Jek thinks to them self "getting close to running out of options."

Overall the debate has been terse and argumentative, but with each bit of discourse you have been given has kept them from pressing forward on perceived insults and helped give more understanding for both. They nod along with Grognard, with Markosi putting in additional effort to understand the dwarf's cadence. Faelin seem to speak for the both when they say, "you are right, I just want the Starfinders to do good for others like they did my clan."

When Gus speaks up they both listen although Faelin's face takes on a slight frown when he brings up the alien and mysterious nanite machines Gus is carrying around. Markosi shows small facial tick as they mostly suppress their irritation as Gus describes teaching the highly advanced nanites 'tricks'.

Even still, if only because Gus is a new voice in this, it helps dissolve the tension between each other and their expressions become more neutral as they listen.

Faelin looks with utter confusion when asked why Gus's technology would have been unaffected, but after a moment of thought Markosi thinks through an explanation, "the Scourge primarily affected known vulnerabilities, if only to the attacker. Unpatched systems, hidden backdoors, and familiar sorts of attack. If your machines are running on different code all together, it might have been harder for them to be infected."

Gesturing toward the coin he adds, "Even still, you may wish to bring them to other Dataphiles. They may not be holy, but we won't charge you for the antivirus scans."

Then leading into Gus's fears about the integrity and security of the banks following this attack neither have a good answer. Markosi only offers, "the banks use many methods of security for their systems and those include a large degree of secrecy on how they protect their information. I doubt they were unaffected, but corporations rarely like to portray any sign of weakness. They likely recovered as the Dataphiles have led efforts here, through system restoration and years of regular backups."

Faelin just shrugs it off as they say, "honestly don't think the banks are too critical. The clan was able to work together without demanding coin."

The disagreement is not settled but for the moment peace is maintained between the various Starfiners as the crowd breaks apart and heads out. Markosi thanks you all as he leaves. Faelin remains back with you for a moment as they also give you their thanks, "thank you, all of you. I feelin' like my fire got head of my words there. Good keepin' me on track, both supportin' me with facts and correctin' me when needed. This bit of serum was something I'm holdin' onto, but I think I need to work on my talking before drinking down any magic concoction. I think you all might put better use in it anyway." Faelin hands over bottle of liquid that shifts colors at the light pass through.

This is a diplomat serum of enhancement.

With that Faelin shares a couple more kind words before they leave you.

Before you can continue though, the leader of the Exo-Guardians, Ixthia the Unbreakable, the coral-like copaxi steps alongside your number. "You did excellent work keeping the matter civil. I doubt this is the last, but you all continue to show the same capability as when I met most of you months prior. Continue your good work."

Art on slide 7

With that interruption settled Ixthia is able to direct you to where Royo's location. As you move through the halls you are continued to be followed by the klikharp hatchlings. They went a bit quiet as you faced off against the tense disagreement, but despite encouragement otherwise they seem to feel safe and comfortable with you for the moment as they sent a relaxing melodic tune through the halls.

The directs take you into the Starfinder Society's archives. You pass through several rooms of humming servers and terminals, but you pass by them in heading toward a side room where a brown furred ysoki is surrounded by racks containing many volumes of printed and bound texts.

As you enter in the ysoki in a tweed suit calls out, "Have you found the Barbadash files?" He keeps his head low, pouring through notes rather than let his attention be drawn away. After a moment though, he looks up from the papers on the table, peers through the spectacles perched at the end of his snout, and grins. "Aha! You must be the agents Ehu promised to send! Welcome! Come in, have a seat. Would you care for some tea? The stuff they serve in the canteen is swill! I imported this blend from—oh, never mind! There'll be time for chatter later."

He shows no surprise at your appearance as Royo hurries over to an antique tea trolley, pours piping hot tea from a porcelain teapot into mismatched teacups, serves the tea, and returns to his seat. "For those of you I haven't met, my name is Royo. I’m a former field agent, longtime scholar, and, for the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in the Starfinder Society Forum. I also fund and maintain numerous archives throughout the Pact Worlds and Near Space that specialize in physical documents, books, and research materials. It would seem my efforts in recent months to encourage the Society to embrace the ways of paper and pen have amassed me a bit of a following!" He grins warmly as he gives a nod to Jek.

"After the events of the Data Scourge, the Cognates and I have been working on cleaning up remnants of that debacle. Unfortunately, we've discovered a nasty bit of rogue code causing havoc in the greenhouses, and my most skilled combatants aren’t on the Station at present. I was hoping you’d be willing to head down there and sort it out. Think you’re up to it?"

"Soddin' reit I'd like some tea... Ye got the stuff Harsk drank?"

Grognard listens, seemingly happy to be hearing words he understands... like books... paper... and pen. After a bit though, his face begins to sink hearing of rogue code. "Well... ah guess we be makin a habit of wreckin rogue code. Might as well keep at it."

He grabs his rifle and pauses. "Erm... we goin intae another computer program or we just get tae smash it the good auld fashioned way?"

With a pleading look he adds, "...please say this is smashin... and ah dun need tae do any coding."

Ikmanji accepts some tea as well.

“Any idea what the rogue code is doing?”

“Any rare or unusual plants we should be careful of in the greenhouse?”

"I'm not familiar that brand or individual. I certainly hope though it will be pleasant toward your palate."

Royo shakes his head toward Grognard worries about needing to provide any programming, "no, this shouldn't hopefully require any technical skill to dispatch them. My agents described them as physical manifestations of the Data Scourge. They said it reminded them of constructs they say about a year ago. I suspect that combative skills will be enough to settle this matter."

Happy to answer Ikmanji, Royo recalls the details of the engagement as he waggles his finger. "According to my agents, the code kept scurrying about the place, taking potshots at Starfinders when they could. They were able to seal the doors to the greenhouse and I've had them holding their positions there. As of there last report they said that, for the moment, the code was contained. They may be able to give better details on their current activities, but thankfully they have not been tearing through the greenhouse."

"This greenhouse does not store any particularly unique plants, although they are a breed of flora brought here from Castrovel that have taken years of effort to tend to and grow. There are rarer samples in other greenhouses nearby, and I would want to ensure their safety, but the reported behavior of the code makes me worry more for the safety of agents if these managed to break out."

“Sounds like this is time sensitive. Best we go deal with it now, which greenhouse?”

Jek perks up when Royo nods at Jek in recognition. "I see you must have remembered me from your lectures I attended, I was the one asking all the questions about options. I've been reading all the printed literature on the Cognate problem-solving methodologies and then trying to apply the methodologies of medical triage to them. The magnitude of options this creates is enough to keep the shirrin mind occupied for a lifetime, I know I would have to join the Cognates. But based on the encounter we had on the way here I do fear we need to do more to teach people the value of options the Cognates provide" Jek sips their tea and pauses for a short moment collecting their thoughts. "Ok enough talk about options... for now, or I'll never get to the assignment on hand. Royo you said the physical manifestations resembled constructs from a year ago, do your records show what weaknesses those constructs have?"

"To a degree this matter is time sensitive, I believe my agents when they say it is stable, but I would be agree that it is better to deal with this matter sooner rather than delay."

Royo shakes his head toward Jek as he notes, "you shouldn't feel fear thinking about how much there is to teach. I've spent the greater portion of my life giving lectures and even now there is much for me to still learn myself. I however do not wish to you to get bogged down in convincing others of the value of the Cognates when you can instead demonstrate it. I have seen too many arguments between different scientific fields to know the rivalry and bickering when both are trying to prove their own superiority."

Taking a moment to clean his glasses to give himself a moment to think, Royo answers, "the information from the time is highly conflicting. Various reports detail their weapons as effective, especially given the degradation of the tools at the time. My agents did mention that one of their acidic weapons was more effective against these manifestations though."

* * *

With that Royo gives you directions to the greenhouse that is within a short walk through the building. You easily pick out the location as two Starfinders, one a short 3 foot tall halfling and the other a 9 foot tall izalguun who is on fours while having a weapon ready in his other two hands. They stand in front of the door to a large glass greenhouse, blocking entry.

"Stop! It's not safe to enter!" they announce. Beyond them, inside the greenhouse, large trees sway in a simulated breeze, their thick branches obscuring much of the view.

Ikmanji perks up at the mention of using acid. “Thanks, that is good to know.” he says as he sets his tea cup down.

——

“Ryo sent us to take care of the bad code. What can you tell us about what we will find inside?”

On the way to the greenhouse, Jek switches out the ZO! grenade in their Quick-Release Sheath with a sticky bomb grenade.

The Elf is pleasant in the company of Royo, but makes little comment on his belief and reliance on strict physical media, oh which Triage does not agree.

--------------------

Triage nods towards Ikmanji. "What he said. We're here to remove this threat."

The klikharps follow close are your heels as you come close to the pair of Starfinders. The pair let out a sigh of a relief as you explain yourselves. The female halfling declares, "thank goodness. The sounds of them shifting in there has kept me on edge. I'm Maisie Valro."

"And I'm Kolvii," declares the large male izlaguun. "They haven't made any real attempt to get of the area. Thankfully their lasers haven't been able to cut through the walls."

Maisie nods with agreement as she says, "I wouldn't recommend getting too close to the glass though. This bit of rogue code has taken the form of a couple glitchy robots. Each of them were blasting lasers from their faces."

Kolvii places rises up on his hind legs, pressing a hand against the door. "At least until we were able to lock them in. We have been waiting a while for reinforcements to clear them out while we make sure they don't escape. I got a hit in with this lash, it seemed to cut through it. I couldn't get another hit in though before it teleported away." Pulling out a long snakelike whip crackling with a dark red energy that arcs through the length. He settles it a moment and hands the whip over to the party. "Not sure if any of you are trained on it, but I can lend it to you to fight them while I hold position here."

This is a liquidator disintegration lash, an advanced melee weapon that does a 1d6 acid damage.

“Nice to meet the two of you, I’m Ikmanji. Maybe we can grab a drink after this is over.”

When shown the lash, they add “Good weapon for this fight, Kolvii.”

Ikmanji looks towards Gus. “I’ve heard that dwarves are good with weapons. Can you use it, Gus?”

Flexing one of the tentacle pads you’ve seen them use, they say “I prefer my tentacles, but can use weapons.”

When warned that it's not safe to enter, Grognard laughs. "Perfect! Soounds like we foound the right place!"

Grognard looks extremely nervous to have the Klikharps nearby. "Um... heya little laddies an lassies... Ah think ye should take a wee rest. Thes be dangerous and I dun wanna see a getting hurt."

He whispers to Donkey, (In Dwarven)"Make sure you keep the little ones safe. If the berzerk code starts hurting them we might need to draw fire... I promise I'll make it up to you."

He switches to his cryo rifle and prepares to go in.

"I would welcome anything from the cantina," Maisie answers in response to Ikmanji. "I would welcome that after finishing up the rest of my tasks today. I'm sure work has built up a bit as we held up here."

The notes from the klikharps draw out a bit as Grognard directs them to hang back. Neither of them seem intent on disobeying as they stay back as the party readies weapons.

Map on Slide 1. You can arrange yourselves within the dotted area on the top of the map. The entrance to the green house is on the top edge of the map.

Jek telepathically tells the rest of the team "Let's try diplomacy first." Then Jek speaks out loud, loud enough to be heard through out the greenhouse while not trying to sound aggressive. "My Name Jekcedo, I'm both a trained medic and maintenance worker, I was sent to see if you need any healing or maintenance work."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Puzzled, Ikmanji says “Sounded like we were dealing with malignant code, not an AI.”

They make a hump with their tentacles, you are guessing it is supposed to be a shrug. “I’m willing to allow them to make the first hostile move.”

A response is sent out quickly as a pair of errant constructs phasing and out of existence as their forms stutter and leap ahead feet at time. Their bodies are composed seemingly of solid light, but their heads demand the most attention as they are rapidly drawing in red light you recognize as a precursor to laser fire.

Combat on Slide 1
Someone currently has the tactical lash, possibly Gus, Ikmanji, or someone else.

The pair of glitching spectral constructs each fire wide beams of light that erupt into plasma across the greenhouse and cutting into lines of the group. It only ends once it hits the greenhouse doors.

One beam strikes both Ikmanji and Gus. The other fires into Jek.

Ikmanji and Gus
Fire/Electricity Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 4) = 7 A successful DC 11 Reflex save lets Ikmanji or Gus take half instead.

Jek
Fire/Electricity Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 1) = 9 Jek can make a DC 11 Reflex save to take half instead.

Round 1
Manifested Code
Gold Gus (Reflex Save vs 7 damage)
Grognard
Triage
Ikmanji (Reflex Save vs 7 damage)
Jek (Reflex Save vs 9 damage)
Djakar

Terrain: The trees here are real and provide cover and are difficult to cross. The green grass and brown ground are clear and will not hamper movement.

Everyone is up.

Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

"Ouch, diplomacy is over!"
Jek cast reflective armor on themself

The elf shakes his head and dives for cover behind a nearby tree. He loads a smaller red vial and shoots it towards the closest construct, all while saying a small prayer in hopes that the liquid inside will effect the creature.

Called Tactical Needler Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Piercing Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Minor Inhibitor (Does Not Count Towards Biohack #):
-1 to Attack Rolls

The shot goes wide and smashes against the far wall.

Engineering: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Engineering Check to identify the creatures/if they are susceptible to biohacks.

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Ikmanji leaps out of the way of most of the blast. “I’ll go for the far one!” they yell as they scuttle over to blue.

1 EP start of Combat, 1 EP double move, total 2 EP

The constructs begin to relay auditory information to each other as you move into position, but their wailing tones, seize, stutter and repeat at random creating a cacophony of entirely unintelligible noise.

Triage does determine that his biohacks would be effective against even these unusual manifestations. At most he may need to adjust the formula to disrupt the electrical matrix keeping their forms remotely stable.
No action necessary, this is just flavor and not noting you need to take actions or checks to do this.

Seeing them shift about though in response to the dart though, Triage believes that the constructs are likely vulnerable to electricity in addition to acid.

Round 1
Manifested Code
Gold Gus (Reflex Save vs 7 damage)
Grognard
Triage
Ikmanji (17/20 SP)
Jek (3/7 SP; reflecting armor)
Djakar

Survival (Quick Mount) DC 17: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Grognard turns and looks sternly at their new pets as he quickly hops onto Donkey. "Stay!"

He fires a blast from his rifle, then barks out a command to Donkey who charges in to harass the AI.

Cryo Rifle Attack vs Red KAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Damage (P): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"Hello, this is Djakar from the Dirindi News Network. We have a breaking situation here of manifested code trapped in one of the Starfinder Society's warehouses and..." Djakar shrieks as the code fires beams around the greenhouse.

"We're under atttack!" Djakar yells, "Get 'em!" on Red and then tells Jek, "Hang in there!"

Jek regains his stamina points with an inspiring boost.

Then she looks back at the camera. "More on this breaking news story shortly."