The gym is full of activity as you give the tour with several agents working on the equipment. From the far end of the room you can hear an energetic synth beat as a group is lead in an energetic aerobic exercise.
Rishir opens their mouth a bit after being called out as they work out a response. They are relieved a bit by Ikmanji's answer and give a nod of thanks.
Madeio is a bit soft spoken but accepts the praise, "while my power comes from my faith, I have been taught that one must keep their body as tempered as ones soul. Although my strength in following Iomedae is greater now than that of the Pillar of the Sky."
They appraise the equipment with satisfaction as well as the description of Gus's simulated battles. "I've seen the good work your organization has done first hand. It makes sense given the training and tools you have. I hope I bring glory to you and honor the position granted. I hope I might bridge those of my faith and the Starfinders. Would it be permissive to share your training outside with those of my church?"
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To Nacoile, " I haven't given much thought to how Historia-Prime acquired assets, but we did encounter a good program named Hope-01 whom is a fragment of Historia's program. Hope-01 story of separating from Historia-Prime reminds me of the Shirrens escape from the swarm, which is why I won't give up on hope. We don't know if Hope-01 survived, it appeared Hope-01 sacrificed himself to restore Guidance and give us time to escape. So you think Historia-Prime has a hidden stash, if true might be traces of Hope-01's code there as well, if you find out anything more about it let me know I'll follow any lead looking for Hope-01."
To Rishir, Jek seeing Rishir listing to music gets curious about what he's listening to, Jek makes some friendly conversation trying to share some tunes and hopefully find some new music hasn't heard before. "What music are you listening to? Have you heard of Bugspace? I actually decided to join the Starfinders after meeting Triage at a Bugspace concert, turns out most of the team was at the Songbird station for that show. If you got some music I haven't heard I'd love to have a listen some time, we could swap some tunes if you like"
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As Grognard finishes a bald human woman with light brown skin gives out a small cough to get the precogs attention before she taps on a sign stating, "No Altering Causality Near Experiments." With a tsk she returns to attending to an equipment fabricator.
Less concerned for that Madeio does tell Grognard, "those sorts of skills are also ones cherished by the Iomedaean church. As we look to carry on the traditions of yesteryear, like care of animals. I'm glad to have such bonds to begin. It makes my desires seem far less daunting."
Donkey sits down next to Madeio as Grognard sticks his tongue out at the woman who chastised him. When he looks back he grins. "She's a good judge o character that donkey is. Ah hope ye find yerself at home here."
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The group turns in towards the Lorespire's gardens. Djakar walks on to a path filled with wild flowers, and gestures to the four new Starfinders. "Finally, here we are at the Lorespire Complex’s gardens. We maintain several plots of land for agents to relax in and experience the natural beauty of the plants and animals that are carefully tended here."
Djakar turns to Research Rat. "Can you do a close-up of our cadets with some of these blooms?"
"Don't pose them next to the blue plants! They're carnivorous!"
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Research Rat quickly puts up a barrier with the sign, "Copaxi Bluebloods -- Carnivorous. When feeding the plants, please keep your fingers out of reach."
He then tells the new cadets, "Look, our Starfinders come from hundreds of worlds like yours. Each of them likes to plant a bit of home here. Agents have brought native species from dozens of planets, and they’re all tended by our gardeners who also ensure the local ecosystem isn’t disrupted. Look, there’s a squox!"
The cute little squox bounds up to the blue flowers, which promptly snap it up and eat it.
"See, these flowers are taking care of an invasive species!"
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Djakar hastily returns back to the prepared text of the tour. "We also grow food here to supplement the offerings in the kitchens. Everyone knows about our tomatoes - so yummy - but right now it's squash season. We grow so much squash that we give it out to food shelves all over the station."
"My favorite part of this space are these kelo shrubs from Arkanen. They produce a natural rubber, useful for the soles of Arkanen shoes because they ground you during electrical storms. You can also bounce on them!" Djakar bounces up and down on the shrubs, laughing like a young kid. "We used to do this as school children. It brings back memories. We hope you’ve enjoyed this tour with us; we can’t wait to see you out in the field. Until next time: Explore! Report! Cooperate! And welcome to the Starfinder Society!"
In response to Jek, Rishir looks up and pauses as they try to work out a response. Rishir is a bit more comfortable as their nerves have been settled by the party over the course of the tour, even still he is taken aback a bit as Jek talks to him. "Ah? The music? Oh, I'm listing to Hello, Uproar!. Most of my playlist is from Miiyu. She is a star from my homeworld and find a lot of her music inspiring and to get myself trying to change the universe. Or at least our little corner of it. I would be up to trade music though, I can use more to listen to."
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The new agents have taken well to the tour and are heavily invested as Djakar and Research Rat provide information and narration over the very active garden. A morlamaw gardener tends to the less aggressive plant-life as they run their mobile sprinkler system.
During the bit of it it seems Nacoile has a bit of a realization and an ecstatic smile fills her face. She holds herself in check until a bit after Djakar's reading before she says, "I can't believe I didn't recognize you before! I've been keeping my eyes open and looking around, but I've been blind to who is front of me! I never thought I would have a real as starlight reporter right here! I've been subscribed for months watching DNN reports, I didn't realize that the Starfinder Society already had embedded reporters!"
She looms over for a second before backing off a bit with a sheepish smile. "Do you have any previews on what your next report will be?"
With the tour complete, the agents are free to meander and leave. They are all more comfortable with you and each other as they are trading comm information to meet up tomorrow at a theater.
They are just a bit away as Charla appears from the edge of the Gardens, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Right behind is Harmony of Many and Major Sixth.
Charla speaks up asking, "so? How did it go? How did they like the tour script? What was their favorite part? Did you have any problems? What did you like?" She is curious as she asks for your opinions on the tour and the script and has a beaming smile on her face even if the party has criticism.
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"I think the scripts worked the whole tour when well for everyone or so it seemed. It made me think back to when we were new ourselves and how far we have come in just a few missions. The one part we didn't have time to get to was the kitchen, I'm getting hungry anyone want to get a bite to eat and hang out for a while, we could share some of our local music or tell stories about other local customs too."
Charla announces with enthusiasm, "well that is wonderful! I'll admit there is even more to try out, I think we already have left out many places out of the tour to just get it down to these seven. If there was anything you like to make it better, even later, let us know. Adding bits of music and stories as to share with others seems like a wonderful idea!"
Harmony of Many gives a bit of a bob of it's body resembling a nod as they note, "Indeed. Your help has been most appreciated and we welcome it.
We believe it is truly vital for all new Starfinders to feel welcomed and for our Starfinder Society to represent the multifold diversity present within our galaxy. Seeing the reactions of the new agents, your actions have proved exemplary."
Major Sixth signals in the affirmative as they record information from your individual feedback.
After a moment the barathu collective explains, "We barathu know that we are stronger together. Absorbing new ideas and thoughts scares us not; on the contrary, it's an important part of our life cycle. So too, for the Starfinder Society. Many points of view will help us to arrive at consensus. To that end, if you meet new lifeforms out there in the galaxy, invite them into the fold for us, won't you? We will be very grateful if you would join us in welcoming our new brethren."
"As well, I feel I want to offer you a token of my appreciation," Harmony signals to Major Sixth who quickly pulls out a set of six pendants, each the size of a human palm with the design of diverse interlocking hands around a singular button.
Major Sixth explains their function as that of all-purpose accessories, small tools that can take on a select number of utility options.
After getting them Charla does note, "I'm sure you have all have had a long day. Make sure you got to the kitchen, they have a variety of food and drinks I can certainly recommend!"
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Barring taking time to rest and recover, all that is left among your tasks for the day is to report back to the First Seeker. When you do so, you are able to quickly get into a meeting with Ehu Hadif as he sets aside a set of work to direct his attention to you. "Welcome back. I've heard glowing reports of your own actions today, but I want to hear directly from you all how your tasks progressed today as well as each of your impressions of these factions. Both in their goals and how we might best support them."
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"We rescued 2 klickharps and drove off the gremlin, which took away from some of the time needed to clean out the room for Zigvigix. We did get some of the lights working again too."
Jek pauses to let someone else add to the report of our progress for the day. after the progress reports, Jek adds Jek's comments and suggestions for the new factions.
"I think all the new factions have an important place to play in the Starfinder Society. The Advocates I feel might benefit from an idea from the Cognates, to make agents feel more comfortable asking for help or reporting issues, by using paper and pen, which can't be hacked and leaked on the infosphere. the anonymous messages could be placed in a box, could call the box an anonymous options box, or something like that.
For the Manifold Host one area, we didn't get to officially on the tour was the kitchen and if you want people no matter their species or origin to feel at home you need a very diverse kitchen. Music is another great way to make people feel at home too, maybe we could program the kitchen to cue music into the playlist based on what types of food are currently getting ordered... An even bigger option is to build an intergalactic museum of musical instruments to help share Everyones' culture.
And last but not least the Cognates. I think the Cognate would benefit from having a real-life training simulation where each of the obstacles you have to overcome is dealt with best with different methodologies to hilite the need and benefit of a diversity of solutions, in other words, more options!"
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“I think it went well. We were able to help each of the leaders.”
“Having talked to Ryo, I believe that I will be joining the Cognates. I was originally worried that they were discarding technology, but according to Ryo that is not the case.”
Gesturing with their tentacle pad to Jek, they say “I really like Jekcedo’s training suggestion for them, but it would need to be tailored somewhat to the group capabilities. Requiring knowledge of computers would be an exercise in frustration if no one in the group was trained in them.”
"I hesitate from stepping in and pressing suggestions to these groups. Many formed in response to what they saw as the Starfinder Society not properly handling their concerns. However I can look toward allocating resources if they wish to take on your suggestions." Ehu nods as he listens to your reports and gives them consideration. "Some of the suggestions are likely ones I should consider implementing into the Society. Updating and expanding training is something that should be given attention."
Ehu leans back in his chair, his eyes above his mask lighting up with a smile. "Your assistance today has been invaluable, Starfinders, and I truly thank you. As First Seeker, I don't often get the chance to have direct contact with the daily tasks of the Society, so I ask your forgiveness for living vicariously through you. While the role of First Seeker is one I took on gladly, I do miss those days of field work and exploration."
Pressing away from the terminal, the First Seeker stands and walks to the window, looking out over the grounds of the Lorespire Complex. From the distance you see the variety of Starfinder agents still moving about as they mingle and attend to various tasks. "I feel the Society stands at a crossroads. Public opinion is at an all-time low, new threats arise regularly, and dissent is growing within the ranks." Taking a glance back at the terminal before turning back toward the view Ehu states, "Ixthia reported that you interceded into a disagreement that could have very well turned toward violence. They had high praise for how you handled the matter. That argument though is only the latest in a series of flashpoints. Many of which aren't not as resolved as cleanly as today. It would be easy to fall into despair, to lose hope and consign the Society to the annals of history. But if there is one thing the kasathans know, it is the calamitous effects of inaction. I will not stand idly by." He turns as the setting sun emerges from behind a building, and the orange light frames Ehu, granting him an otherworldly halo and a commanding presence.
"I am resolved, Starfinders. For too long, the Society has been a monolith, rigid in its beliefs and unwilling to change. The recognition of these minor factions is not enough. We must do more than pay lip service—we must act. Before my tenure ends, my mission will be to ensure that all Starfinders are heard and their opinions taken seriously. Your suggestion for anonymous messaging system may be one necessary tool. A united Starfinder Society must speak with many voices, and I will use mine to uplift those who have been silenced or ignored. We shall shine light into the darkest corners of our history, look unflinching upon our errors, and ensure that our mistakes will never be repeated!"
He pauses, then inclines his head in a nod. "It’s my hope that you will join me in these endeavors, Starfinders. Your help will be invaluable. But while this work is vital... I think it can wait until the morning. You’ve all had quite a day!" Ehu seats himself back at his desk. "You mentioned not having the opportunity to visit the kitchen during your work today. I think there are still some paradox trifles in the canteen; if you are true of heart, I’m sure you’ll make it there in time!" With a wink, he turns back to his computer, his posture straightened in resolve.
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"It was truly an enlightening experience First Seeker. Thank you for allowing us this opportunity." He bows ever slightly. "I too had my own concerns about the Cognates, but it seems as though both them and the Dataphiles can live in harmony. As much as I respect their mission, I will still be staying with Celita."
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Triage seems to perk up at the mention of the canteen. "Oh that sounds like a wonderful way to end the day. Wouldn't you all agree?" He turns expectantly towards the rest of the crew.
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Jek looks at the time on Jek's com unit. "It's getting late no wonder I'm so hungry, I'm headed to the kitchen if anyone wants to get a bite to eat. Jek heads to the kitchen and finds a big table hoping others will join. Jek uses Jek's com unit to message the new agents from the tour to see if they want to join as well.
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Ikmanji agrees to meet the rest of the group in the kitchen. First they want to make a short side trip.
They head over to the Cognate’s area and officially registers his support. Filling out the forms, they include Jek’s training idea. They give the Shirren credit for the original idea and mention that it could use some refinement.
They then meet up with those who went to the kitchens. They look over the seafood entries carefully before choosing a dessert item.
Joining the others, they ask “So what was your favorite part of today’s exercise? I have to admit the fight in the gardens was a lot of fun for me.”
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Jek pours some hot sauce on some food only a bug would like and begins to eat as the groups start to talk.
"Good question Ikmanji, I think for me it was rescuing the klickharps, I wasn't expecting to find klickharps hiding out in the Lorespire. I've been thinking it might be fun to learn how to tame one of them. If Grognard shows up I'll have to ask him for some advice.
Jek pauses to seat some of the food only a bug could like.
Triage I've been meaning to ask you about your mask, at first I just assumed it was a personal option you liked, but the other day on the infosphere I saw some suggesting there was more to it, but I didn't have time to read the article, is it something you wouldn't mind telling us about I love learning more about others cultures. Gus's coins are intriguing as well
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Grognard raises an eyebrow at the first seekers vow to have every starfinder be heard. "Ach... yer gonnae need a whole lotta ears. We can be a reit rowdy bunch ya ken? Anyhow... yer reit bout one thing. The society is fit tae come tae blows with itself... and if it be fightin' itself she'll have nae chance if she needs tae fight another mad god... or another data scourge. Although if it be another scourge ye best make sure Royo is on yer side."
Eventually he joins the rest of the crew in the kitchen, he smiles and gives a nod of respect to Jek as he mentions the Klickharps. "Nae an easy task. If ah may suggest... find an open place for em and dinnae try tae tame em... try tae ken what they want tae do. Be their friend... not their master."
Donkey seems to be distracted by the Klickharps as well... paying less attention to Grognard and more attention to protecting the young creatures.
"Who knows... perhaps one of them will be tomorrow's donkey for me? Depends what today's donkey has tae say 'bout it. Nae gonna say no tae her if she wants another trip tae the stars."