Starfinder Cadets -- The Fourth Chapter (Inactive)

Game Master Hmm

Grognard guffaws at the morlamaw's stories all the way.

~~~

"Ah! The Diaspora! A strangely peaceful place. Th' openness of th' vest, but a view tae remin' ye 'at thaur more than jist nothingness."

Donkey growls.

"Lassie's not so keen on it."

He's clearly out of his depth when the subject of data management comes up. Grognard strikes you as the kind that probably has a paper diary.

Tirage perks up at talk of the Diaspora. "Do you, perhaps think that there might be time for us to stop at Songbird Station on the return trip? Or will we be in too much of a rush?" It's hard to read his expression behind the mask, but he seems excited at the possibility.

♫ Songbird Station in the sparkling night
Raise these broken hearts, don't let them cry
All your life
They were only waiting for your moment to be wise

Songbird Station, where songs take flight
Lift those voices and raise them high
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise ♫

Source: Blackbird, by the Beatles

Celita's serious demeanor shifts, her face lighting up with a smile at the mention of Songbird Station. "Ziggy and I went there together for a concert of that band they like, Strawberry Machine Cake. I did not expect to enjoy myself, but it turned into one of my most prized memories. Of course you should go to Songbird Station on the return trip."

This side trip is not written in the scenario, but we can give a short visit for fun. This is one request that Celita would not deny.

Celita raises an eyebrow. "I believe that we can load Strawberry Machine Cake's music into the Pegasus for your trip -- if you want."

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Days of Travel Time: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Your journey to the Diaspora is swift, with only one overnight and no delays.

Do you do anything special during your day of travel?

The research station, located in a hollow carved deep within the asteroid, shows no signs of activity or life. A large metal gate blocks access to the facility, spanning the entire opening into the asteroid.

What do you do next?

"Aah, Astral Extractions. Hard to even think the name without getting the taste of oil stuck on your tongue." Gus chided half-heatedly. "Still surprised no one's tried to investigate them top-to-bottom."

During the brief layover flight, Gus would like to share a drink with the crew, especially those that took a beating on the Evening Solace. He also might try, and subsequently fail, to stay up for watch purposes.

Once the ship arrives at the asteroid, he'll look to whomever is piloting it and pull out some wire cutters from his thieves' tools. "Want someone to go take a look?" he proposes.

Naitier spends the trip familiarizing themselves with this Pact World music and watching a few more Pact World dramas in an effort to understand the criminal groups of the Pact Worlds. Although 'Crime Families of Verces' is likely an accurate portrayal of any real group it does hold their interest throughout.

Performing a look at the sensors for any approaching ships Naitier asks, "is there a way to scan the asteroid for any signs of power, life, or a way to open up that entrance?"

Absolutely give me scans, keeping in mind the Pegasus bonuses. And feel free to do engineering to open that gate, keeping in mind that there is no air and almost no gravity there. It's a good thing you all have environmental protections on your armor!

Botting Triage for the computers check but leave the Engineering open for the moment.

With great expertise Triage is able to start running scans on the asteroid and pour through the scanner information for any anomalies.

Computers; Pegasus Sensors: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 2 = 26

Grognard seems really confused after checking out infosphere listings Songbird Station. "Whar are th' Songbirds?"

Sitting on board the Pegasus he consoles Donkey. "Sorry lassie... gonnae have tae stay back ya ken? No air."

He activates his environmental seals.

Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he pulls out the rest of his thieves' tools, turns on his environment seals and walks (bounces?) to the gate. As he arrives at it, he begins to hum as he briefly scans his gaze over the gate's doors then sets to picking its locks.

Engineering + Thieves'Tools: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 4 = 10 Attempting to disable the gate locks.

Triage's expert scan reveals no obvious life forms on Asteroid KD-6734. The entire asteroid appears completely abandoned, though there is still some residual power running in the facility somewhere. Triage notes that most of the asteroid is airless, but his scan suggests at least one small area that might still have life support.

Gold Gus gets one of his tools stuck in the door and spends a great deal of time trying to pull it out without breaking it.

You are welcome to retry with Engineering, or do a fancy Piloting check to try to slowly force the gate open with the nose of the Pegasus.

"Give it another go Gus, otherwise I will try to blow a hole in the door big enough for us." the large Vesk says. It is difficult to tell if he is being serious or jovial as he takes his seat in the turret.

Naitier studies Nuva'gek for a few moments before stating, "I'm certain we can get it with a bit more effort. The universe is already slowly rendering things to star dust, I don't think we necessary need to speed up that process."

Checking the systems Naitier adds, "I'll try as well. While stellar forces will eventually break down the door, no one here has that time.."

Engineering: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Triage will share with the class what he learned followed by, "We should go in prepared for anything. I would rather not be surprised, again."

Naitier successfully unlocks the gate and you step inside the dark and airless research station. Triage reminds everyone to be wary and prepared for anything.

Fortunately, all starfinder armor has lights, comm units, environmental protections and boot clamps built in.

Asteroid Entrance

The entrance to the research station includes several small hover vehicles that could be used to travel around the asteroid, though they don't have the ability to travel into space. Each has a sloppily applied inventory sticker reading "Astral Extractions." Naitier is able to partially peel off one of these stickers to reveal a much neater and smaller inventory sticker that reads “Sanson-56.”

We are on Slide 14. Would someone like to draw an exploration route for us, so that I can narrate you through this area?

Yarsox seals his Second Skin shut, activating the enviromental protections and activating the suit's lighting. His weapon is drawn as he nervously looks around the hopefully abandoned this facility.

"You know... I wonder if this is legal," he says nervously, waiting for someone else to take the lead.

I'll let you answer that question with a DC 10 Culture Check.

Culture: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 8 + (6) = 22

"Now that I think about it... I don't think it is. The Stewards' jursdiction is Absalom Station but they also manage areas of the Pact Worlds where no other lawful jurisdiction is established. So let's be quick and quiet before we are caught."

At the mention of this mission's questionable legality, the coins on Gus's belt jingle for a second as a chill runs down his spine. Slipping out a coin, he kisses it and prays, "Forgive me for my foolish mistakes, Keeper of the Vault."

The dwarf's eyes take notice of a small hallway to his left. Cocking an eyebrow, he'll walk into it to check if the doors are locked, keeping one of his thieves' tools in his hand.

Will wait to see if I need an engineering check here.

Culture: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

"Technically this is not on behalf of the Stewards', but the Dataphiles themselves." Naitier moves a bit more uncomfortably in their sealed armor, but doesn't seem terribly concerned about the legality of this venture. They look around much more than previously as they try to explore the area, searching for any more horrific monster or alarms. "I do think that it is best that we do move quickly though."

Living Quarters

These airless living quarters are cleared of all personal belongings. The metal cupboards beside each bed have identical sheets, pillows and silvery blankets that have all been folded and vacuum-sealed, as if ready for someone to stay there again. The staff clearly had time to properly move out and pack up all their things. The living quarters have modifications for the low-gravity environment, such as straps and loops on the beds to secure sleepers.

Mess Area

The mess area is mostly cleaned out, though there are still several posters on the walls marked with the Astral Extractions logo. These posters detail the procedure for moving out of the facility, reiterating several times:

On pain of criminal prosecution, no company-owned equipment or data may be removed from the facility. Everything must be tidied, cleaned, and marked against current inventory or you will lose what remains in your severance package.

Tables and chairs are fastened to the ground because of the low gravity. The mound in the center includes food-preparation appliances and a refrigerator. When Gold Gus and Triage open the refrigerator, they find something that is not pristine: a puddle of sticky blue fluid that is growing mold.

Pressurized Living Quarters

An airlocked antechamber leads into several living quarters and a medical bay. These rooms can be filled with breathable air and kept at normal atmosphere to accommodate visitors to the facility. These rooms were most recently occupied by executives from Astral Extractions who managed the shutdown of the facility. A copy of a move-out checklist sits on one of the beds, listing all employees and their assigned rooms.

From the list, you learn there are other assigned rooms you haven't searched yet, and that all the former Sanson-56 employees were androids, which is why they could sleep and work in airless surroundings. The company's document notes this as well, asking if the company can save on the corporate evacuation by shipping them in freight shuttles rather than passenger ones.

I have marked the areas you have already explored with a pink floral shape. Please mark your next path!

Triage seems to care little about the legality of the mission. "If there's information that is stored here that can help other people, then Astral Extractions should not be keeping it for themselves. They will only sell to the highest bidder, and not care who they trample in the meantime."

"We should just... torch this place once we're done here. Blow it to smithereens." The last part is said under his breath, but there's more than just a hint of anger there. He takes a deep breath to cool down, then will lead the team towards the west, weapon drawn.

Server Room

Before you can enter the Server room, both Naitier and Gold Gus spot a cooling pipe that looks like it may be trapped.

Would you like to disable it with Engineering?

Heck yeah I would~!

As the crew search the area, Gus eyes the cooling pipe. Wordlessly, he diverts away from the group thinking there's no danger. Filling his palms with coins, they form a golden wrench and hex-bolt driver set. "Now what have we here?" he pondered aloud, as he angles his tools and tries to loosen the pipe.

Engineering: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Today's Paradoxes: 3d20 ⇒ (16, 9, 17) = 42

"Ah bring Donkey everywhaur ann ah carry a boom-stick when ah tak a jobby..."

Grognard shrugs before adding, "Hard tae go legal..."

He starts looking angrier and angrier as he goes through the facility. "Ship androids as freight? Micht as weel ask if ye can ship dwarves as minin' tools... Bunch ay [EXPLETIVE DELETED] runnin' thes shop."

He reaches back to pet Donkey, then looks glum as he realizes she's still on the Pegasus. Gritting his teeth, he gets to work, poking through the rooms carefully, looking for signs of recent activity, figuring the last one out may have left a clue worth following up on.

Will use a Paradox for a 17+7=24 Survival if possible.

"I am very unfamiliar with androids, but I will assume that this treatment throughout is, to the say least, poor. This reminds me too much of many work conditions on my own world."

If able, Naitier would try to aid Gold Gus in fixing the pipe.

Engineering to Aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
As Naitier tries to help, they actions largely just get into the way.

Gus manages to disable the coolant pipe, a rather ingenious improvised trap that would have sprayed the entire party with dangerously cold liquids. Then he realizes that the door is locked as well.

May I have an Engineering check for this too?

As he removes the bolts and slides the pipe out, he fretted, "Of course. Expect nothing less from them." He turns to the rest of the party and continues walking on...

"Watch where you step, y'all. Whatever's here, they were worried about other people finding, so they got a little creative with tra-APH!"

...straight into the locked door. "...traps." he finished warning. Looking it over, he sighs and dismisses his nanite tools, fishing out his thieves' tools once more.

Engineering + Thieves' Tools: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 4 = 16

Triage will carefully scrape a small piece of the mold and slide it into a vial for further study later.

----------

As Gus and Naitier work on the coolant pipe, Triage will pull out a small set of tools and work on unlocking the next room... assuming the door is safe.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 For traps on the door specifically.

Engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 To open the door.

Gus and Triage open the door easily. This austere room contains computers, supplies, and large banks of servers lined up along the walls. The hum of electronics seems loud compared to the silence of the rest of the facility.

To copy the data from the computers onto Celita's hard drive, you must attempt DC 18 Computers or Engineering checks. you need three successes to get all the necessary information.

Grognard knows that the pressurized living quarters were likely evacuated last, and is keeping his eye out for future clues that might arise as your group finishes exploring the asteroid.

In other words, I will use your roll later.

I would also like your next path.

"Excellent work." Naitier admires the skill shown by Gus and Triage. "I wonder if even this trap was within their procedures for leaving the facility or something they took upon themselves independently."

"Now that a ponder it, I suppose it is a bit prideful to assume the trap was left for us."

Presented the databanks Naitier returns to try to use their skills to aid others. "Maybe I should allocate my training as I adapt. There are a great number of situations that require technical skill thus far."

Engineering Aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Engineering Aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Engineering Aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Only the first is likely to succeed to aid.

Throughout Naitier complains, "my armor feels awkward sealed away. It feels like I'm wandering around half blind." Despite that, Naitier does move unimpeded through the low gravity.

I've drawn a path on the map.

Intrigued by just how well Gus and Triage are navigating the various pieces of mechanics and engineering in the area Nuva'gek says "You guys have a knack with this kind of stuff. If you weren't here, I would have just tried to break it open physically or carry the entire chassis back on the ship," with a slight shrug "besides it is probably worth something to the Dataphiles, scraps and all.".

"I am just going to throw it out to the stars, but, something seems a little off with this place." he muses.

"I agree Gek, something just isn't right here. Maybe this computer can tell us more." Triage moves up beside Naitier and gets to work trying to get in and copy the information.

Computers: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 = 24
Computers: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Computers: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Working together, Triage and Naitier easily download the information, but there is so much of it you realize you may have to do most of the analysis on the way home.

Vandalized Quarters

These living quarters are largely in the same state as the first set you examined: airless, no personal effects anywhere, and bedding neatly stowed. However, Grognard has been tracking recent foot traffic and realizes there was a ton of foot traffic going in and out of one of the rooms. As he studies it, he realizes why -- one of the living quarters in this area was vandalized by its inhabitant before leaving.

There are angry comments about Astral Extractions carved into the walls and floor.

A small sampling:

DON'T let them lie to you! Astral Extractions: profits over science! Profits over people! Profits over protoplasm and NEW life!
AE SUCKS!
AE: Ruinous, greedy vampiric parasites!

There was a hasty attempt to paint over these comments, but they are scratched so deep they are still legible. You also find some of the same blue fluid you found in the refrigerator that has been splashed liberally on the furniture.

After looking over the personnel list you found earlier, you realize that the occupant of this room was an android microbiologist named Vinderelle. She might be an excellent contact for Celita -- provided she can be found.

Research Point

This asteroid was not only a home base for the company, but also a research station itself. What remains here is a complete lab, all of its equipment left completely intact, and lovingly packed back into protective boxes.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Having completed your survey of this asteroid research station, it's time to collect your data and travel on to Songbird Station. While in transit, you have the opportunity to sift through all the data you lifted from Astral Extractions.

Please post about what you will be doing during the day of travel to Songbird Station.

"Lookie here! Guess they packed so fast, they forgot some stuff." he observed.

Engineering: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

"Bunch'a reeaally clean science-y tools here. Wonder why they never used 'em?" Gus shrugged, oblivious.

Relieved that nothing attacked them while they searched, Gus would attempt to learn about the artists performing at the Songbird Station. He likes music, but tends to stick to Dwarven or Akitonian classics, so he hasn't really tried to learn about the newer generation that's been taking over the airwaves & saloons. Though to the really observant or nosy, one might notice every now & then a curious site open on his datapad. One of the windows on his infosphere browser is an anonymous forum for legal advice.

Gold Gus learns that Bugspace, a band out of Nchak, is headlining at Songbird Station. They had a viral hit a few years back called "Canticle for Klikharp and Guitar" and have been popular band ever since, featuring haunting melodies interspersed with catchy and danceable beats.

"If this AE crew really is as bad as they say, I don't blame them for rising up. Shame they didn't do more really." Nuva'gek says. Coming from the Veskian way of life, he is no stranger to the strong feeding off the weak and groups trying to overthrow their leaders.

Looking around he adds "Not much else here for my eyes and ears." kicking some leftover rubbish around.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Back on the ship as the group discuss Songbird Station, Nuva'gek chimes in with "I have never really listened to a great deal of music for pleasure. It has always been battle hyms and chants. Now that is a soothing sound. Anything like that at the station?"

“Let’s take a look to see what they might have been hiding…”

Life Science: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

He sends the information to the team and slams his fist on the nearby console.

“I am so SICK of companies like this putting money before anything else. This is so like them to destroy knowledge and information just to make a few credits.” Traige is fuming and quickly makes his way back to his room to cool off.

—————

On the way to Songbird, Traige decides to take a break from his studies and spend the time relaxing. Which usually includes for him, meditating, listening to music, and reading the latest scientific journals published from Castrovel.

Pretty soon you make your way to Songbird Station, and there are already hundreds of ships parked there. You are soon hailed, "Songbird Station to... Wait, is that a Pegasus? Are you from the Starfinder Society?" The voice on the other end sounds excited. "We'll send you a guide to meet you at the dock!"

A bantrid guide rolls up to greet you as you come in. "My name is Bentan! Although we're almost entirely booked for this concert, we still have space in the VIP section to offer you. Given what the Starfinders did for us, may we offer it to you? Complimentary, of course! May I have your names for badges?"

Physical Science: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Life Science: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Yarsox busies himself during the trip pouring over the various reports and data, trying to glean what exactly happened during the evacution of the asteroid. He listens as Triage curses. "It's the way of things, sadly. Credits do the talking in the Pact."

Engineering: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

"Looking through this lab it seems like the equipment is specialized for geological surveys. They were using it to analyze the age and mineral composition on the asteroid."

Naitier comments more positively, "at least, with this information, we may be able to drive a bit of a change. Or at least provide a small additional cost for their illicit actions."

*****

Off the asteroid and back into atmosphere Naitier is far more comfortable moving about as they look through Songbird Station. Naitier responds to Bentan, "I'm Naitier, although I feel such a complimentary offering unwarranted for myself. It would feel as though I'm taking a gift for the work others in the Starfinder Society have done here."

"No, we want you to have this. Our gift! Remember, we all receive gifts during our lifetimes that we can never repay. So instead, we pay it forward to others," Bentan says.

Your VIP package includes Bug Space t-shirts featuring a design of dancing bugs and musical notes, a lovely suite that you can all share for the night, and vouchers for the food court. The mostly shirren crowd is literally buzzing with excitement as they mill the halls, but there are also diverse music lovers from around the Pact Worlds representing dozens of different species.

When you check out the vendors, you see everything from option bars, official Bug Space merchandise, and wide variety of meals, most laced with quite a bit of sugar. Do you go anywhere in particular, or just head straight in to the concert?

Grognard contemplates his life choices that lead to him going from wandering the wilderness to being on a ship with a Yasakaja... and somehow still having no real idea what's going on. He peers through a few alternative time-lines for one that might make him a bit more useful here.

I think I might be using some of that 1st level retraining goodness to fix up a few gaps. I really think Grognard should have Life and/or Physical Science.

Finally he drafts an message to send to Celita, summarizing what his compatriots have discovered. The old ways were Explore, Report, Cooperate after all. He does his best to let his disdain for Astral Extractions show through in the report, going so far as to make sure that the company name is always written in Comic Sans for added effect. Surprisingly enough, his writing is quite clear and concise... how it goes from that to incomprehensible simply by way of mouth is a mystery.

~~~~~

At Songbird Station, Grognard is completely out of place. When prompted for names he stammers for a moment. "Grognard." He points at Donkey and makes a strange grunt, and looks at her. She makes a somewhat similar sounding grunt in return. "'at. That's 'er name. Or ye can put 'Donkey' onnit. Though that's more 'o a title than a name."

Inside he seems nervous about the whole environment and opts to spoil Donkey with treats to make himself feel better. "Whar are th' soddin' birds?"

"V-VIP? Us? I would be, I mean, we would be honored! Thank you so much oh oh my god, this is the best day of my entire life. " Triage looks as though he may feint from excitement. He quickly dons the shirt, and beelines it for the other merch stands, buying as much as his thin arms can carry.

He is almost late for the opener and is quickly slamming down some sort of fried meat and a green fizzy drink as he makes his way to the seats. "My sister." He says to no one in particular between bites. "Is never going to believe this."

"Gus. Or Gold g- No, Gus is fine." The dwarf amends, greeting the guide as he rolls around. "Quite a lively place, wish I knew about it years ago. Then again, I wish I had a ship, too."

Gus takes a while, admiring the sights & sounds before finding a bar that interests him. Passing the other dwarf, he comments, "Think it's just the name, partner. Probably metaphorical." He'll order his favorite drink, a Degreaser, and spend a while prattling with other concert goers. Some of that time he's taking down people's music recommendations, figuring now's a good time to dive into some new tunes.

Once the concert is close to starting, he'll make his way to the concert hall. "Well someone looks excited~" he quips at Triage.

"Are you kidding me Gus?? Tickets sold out MINUTES after they went on sale. This concert has been the TALK of the Pact Worlds and the Veskarium for the past two years. And now I am HERE . To see it with my own two eyes." He is close to hyperventilating, but takes the time to slow his breathing.

"A-anyways... yeah... I am." He looks a little embarrassed and rubs the back of his head with one of his hands, suddenly talking more softly. "Are you? I swear they are incredible."

"Well I'm immensely grateful for your gift as well as the lesson you offer alongside it. I will be certain to repay your generosity by passing it on to others."

Naitier monitors Triage's response carefully although shows some shock at the demand for the event, "two years? I understand that my sense of time is at odds with the Pact Worlds, but that well seems a vast time to plan in advance for a concert." Shaking their head Naitier adds, "I can't imagine expending a major portion of my life for any single event, no matter how entertaining it might be."

Before going to the concert hall Naitier takes a trip to the food court and ends using their vouchers on several sugary food items.

You all disperse for the various amusements of Songbird Station, trying out new foods, and Gold Gus discovers an Option Bar devoted to sampling new music. He gets to try out music from dozens of new bands, when he in return shows off some of his traditional dwarven music, many of the shirrens in the mini-option bar start dancing to its infectious beat. Finally, it's time for the main show, and you all have seats near the front.

The band features three shirrens, a large throx and their klikharp pets. The music starts with a rhythmic thrum that sounds reminiscent of the buzzing of a hive, and then the guitars kick in, followed by the high and soaring melodies of the klikharps, who are also taking turns flashing different colors like a light show. The band opens with their raucous song, "Riders from the Swarm" about the mad escape of the shirren race post-Gap from the swarm that wanted them back. As lively as the song is, it has moments of haunting sadness, especially when the singers admit the seductive call of the hive mind, and the precious loneliness of individuality followed by the sweetness of choice.