Ajithu spends the short amount of time available to him studying the surface of the Ark, looking for where the most obvious observational range might be for their prospective illusion.
Separately he relays the image and details of the Starstone to some of the more powewrful, fellow mystics and technomancers so that they can be more effective when they participate in the ritual.
The flow of his work is like a fast paced project at a startup while a mountain of work to do and very little time. By the end he is exhausted, but satisfied.
Shocca checks in with each of her teammates every few hours through the straining comms channels. "Hey, how we doing? No new park guardians or time guardians or demonic construction guardians? Ok, make sure to get some shuteye, who knows how long we'll be trapped in that ship." The only time she doesn't communicate is when she is getting a good night's rest.
You rest as best as you can while contributing to the preparations for the strike on the Ark. Over the course of the next day, Pact Fleet ships from across the system that were sent to aid the Idari and the Eoxians begin trickling back, having had to journey on conventional drive over Drift speed.
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You hear that thanks to the technical assistance of the Pact Fleet and advice from Shocca, the mission to the Idari was largely a success. The Idari's ancient engines were restarted and the ship shifted out of the Ark's path. The Ark's drone fleet engaged the defensive fleets assigned to the Idari as it passed, and while the losses were significant, the lives of hundreds of thousands of Idarian citizens were preserved. After the clash, the remaining Pact Fleets, together with fresh ships from the Idari, began the return journey and are now reaching Absalom Station to aid in its defense!
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News comes in that the operation to save the rogue Eoxian Fleet was a failure. Ajithu's efforts to convince the rogue Eoxians to flee were initially working, but a disagreement in their own ranks caused half their numbers to turn back and fight. In the resulting confusion, the Ark shredded through most of the Pact Fleets, leaving the rest to make the trip back with only stories of the horrors wrought by the Ark.
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The defense of the Station itself has been hot, but the Pact Fleets assigned for that purpose have been holding their ground, in no small part due to the Ark not committing much of its resources to engaging them. Nevertheless, Arc's coaching on the topic seems to have helped, as losses have been minimal so far.
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As far as the Fleet garrisoned on the Station, no amount of coaching could have prepared them for the outright chaos of the Ark's interference with the Starstone. Stretched thin as they were, they're in no shape to now aid with the Station's defense.
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When you begin assembling for the operation, Lin Camulan is there, taking stock of the resources at Absalom Station's disposal. He nods grimly at you. "Thanks to the fleets from the Idari, we may very well have a chance at this. Hope you're all ready. No falling asleep mid mission, right?"
Shocca smiles softly at the success and arrival of the fleets from the Idari. "A shame more could not be saved, but a mega-station of kasathans is something to be proud of." She shakes her head at the word of the Eoxians' mistake. "We'll do the best with what we have. We're ready to go. What's next, Director-General?"
Camulan stands up straight and clears his throat. An aide steps up to light up a holographic display which, after a moment of fuzziness, begins to show a clear view of the space around Absalom Station. Camulan speaks "You three will be joining the Starbrand, one of the Armada's few state of the art heavy cruisers. Your mission is to infiltrate the Ark, though doing so will be a monumental task. In order to be in position and ready to enter through the weakened shields at the right moment, you'll need to be on the front lines, and the Starbrand will be the safest place until you're ready to strike."
"While the bulk of the Armada and the Pact Fleets engage the Ark's drones, a smaller strike unit including yourselves will move to begin bombarding the Ark's shields at a specific position. I expect this will not escape the Ark's notice, so you will likely need to contend with enemy resistance. Once the Ark's shields have been sufficiently weakened at your location, the magical ground operations team will complete their ritual, stealing away the Ark's attention. It's at that point where we will redirect as much firepower as possible to the area of weakened shields and create a brief opening." He nods grimly "That will be your opportunity to take a small pod through and to the surface of the Ark. Which, assuming your mutagens function, will allow your entrance. From there, our intelligence is slim. If possible, you will make your way to wherever you can do the most damage - ideally the ship's bridge."
"Any questions?"
I regret that I could not influence the Eoxian leadership further, but yes it appears we have a healthy contingent of support! Ajithu remarks, rested and ready to continue the mission.
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A appreciate that intelligence is slim. Is there any notion at all of where the bridge may be located? Or perhaps its drift engine, or power cores?
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"A ship of this size, might be difficult to do much on the bridge with just the three of us." She looks to Ajithu. "Does the intel suggest that the power core or other vital systems are not valid targets?"
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Arcalinte patiently answers questions about Nirin and their attempt to use the chaos of the Ark's attack to remove the Starstone from Absalom Station seemingly just on principle, showing them Skyndi when he finishes.
"This is Skyndi, one of Nirin's blades. Left to us as a reminder and a warning that their cause remains unfulfilled, but that we have bought Absalom Station some time."
On that note, he attempts to get in contact with the Cosmonastery of the Empty Orbit, to see the state his Order is in. Knowing the devils had run rampant on their doorstep caused him to fear the worst. He also checks with the Lorespire Complex to see what the Starfinder Society has been doing. As the largest concentration of adventurous weirdos on Absalom Station, he figured they'd held their own pretty well, but he wanted to make sure all his contacts were aware of the message he was about to impart to them.
As the news comes in about the various fleets and the plan coalesces, he gets an exhausted look on his face.
"It's...the best we could hope for. At the very least, the Idari, and many of its innocents were saved. I suppose we can't blame ourselves for the Eoxians' choices. Delegate Nor is probably already activating whatever contingencies he'd prepared for that outcome. Frankly, the less I know about his business, the better. A relatively even balance of success and failure. And so the Cycle turns again. But with what we've gathered, it just might work. No matter how deep the darkness, even the smallest light of hope can drive it away. I'm...unbelievably tired, despite my recent rejuvenation. I was even dead for a moment."
He looks to Cambrisa.
"Thank Eloritu, and you as well, for your foresight in setting up those supplies for us. Without them I could not have been resurrected to continue the fight. "The Dawn Brings New Light" is often said among Sarenites to indicate resting and greeting the day anew will illuminate new solutions to whatever problems one is facing. And right now, I need that more than ever."
After sleeping, enjoying some Dawnflower Melange tea he had been saving for a special occasion , meditation and sharing what may be his last requests to the organizations who invited him into the life he's led, a life that may end today or a century into the future, he joins the others for the briefing with Lin.
He listens to the plan, nodding and not saying much, but when he's informed they'd be on the Starbrand, he frowns a bit.
"What about the Sunrise Maiden? Even if only as a plan B?"
With most communications still down, Arc makes his way physically to the Cosmonastery and finds it to still be standing largely undamaged. While largely empty when Arc arrives, he soon learns that the resident sola and initiates have been out in rest of the Station or volunteering their services in the Armada. He hears and sees a similar story from the Lorespire. While the large majority of Starfinders were away on other missions, the ones local to the station have largely pitched in over the course of the crisis. The Society's ships have also been dedicated to the upcoming operation, even those lighter armed Pegasus models. It seems no section of the Station has been able to hide from the impending danger of the Ark, and the resolve of the Station's various adventurers and regular citizens is shining through.
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Cambrisa shrugs to Arc's comment "I simply solved one of the Hidden Truth's puzzles and it revealed the need for the cache. Nothing more. We walk the path that gives us the best chance of survival."
Camulan looks pained at your questions regarding the interior configuration of the Ark "I wish I could tell you every detail, but the damned thing is as opaque as a black hole. The experts say there's a strongest energy signature from the center of mass, which suggests a power core or Drift engine near the aft along the center line. But the bridge could be anywhere. You'll need to orient yourselves once inside and find the most vulnerable target. It need not be the bridge, but Cambrisa seems to think that would be a good place to aim for." To Arc's comment he adds "The Sunrise Maiden is that ship of yours? If you wish to take it, you can, but the Starbrand is one of the most powerful and flexible vessels at our disposal, and I believe it represents your best chance to get in."
Ajithu is happy to utilize the Starbrand. He thanks Camulan and Cambrisa for whatever little info they can offer.
Final question from me: will we be able to communicate while we are inside of it? Your describing it like a black hole makes me think not. No information can escape it, no?
Camulan strokes his chin "That part is quite puzzling Ajithu. We cannot see anything inside it with our instruments or magic, but we know it isn't completely impervious to communication, as we have reports of broadcasts from its interior. That suggests that perhaps our own technology can't breach the surface, but that you may be able to find the means to communicate with us from within."
Shocca is happy to hear the capabilities of the Starbrand's crew. She raises a hand. "I'll work with the gunners." She nods fervently. "Yes, our team is powerful but small. Let's utilize the power and allies of the Starbrand." She looks over at Arc. "Besides, I'd hate to abandon your historic ship as we shuttle into the Arc."
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With most communications still down, Arc makes his way physically to the Cosmonastery and finds it to still be standing largely undamaged. While largely empty when Arc arrives, he soon learns that the resident sola and initiates have been out in rest of the Station or volunteering their services in the Armada. He hears and sees a similar story from the Lorespire. While the large majority of Starfinders were away on other missions, the ones local to the station have largely pitched in over the course of the crisis. The Society's ships have also been dedicated to the upcoming operation, even those lighter armed Pegasus models. It seems no section of the Station has been able to hide from the impending danger of the Ark, and the resolve of the Station's various adventurers and regular citizens is shining through.
Seeing both Starfinders and Solas had their respective situations well in hand, Arcalinte elects instead to leave a recorded message for both groups.
"While venturing into Absalom Station's deepest interior to try and get its auxiliary power systems back online, we encountered an incredibly powerful fey being who identified themselves as Nirin. They wished to use the opening the Ark's damage to the Station had created to reach the Starstone itself and remove it from the heart of our home. Nirin's reasons for doing so are...esoteric, but they seemed to believe that the Starstone's presence, both on Golarion before the Gap and Absalom Station afterwards, form a kind of singularity causing time and destiny itself to pool around it and stagnate, and that we have had it long enough. To restore the flow they believed necessary, they were willing to put an untold number of lives at risk just to convince us to not intervene, were willing to see the Starstone fall into the hands of tyrants like the Azlanti Star Empire, or the Sivv who even now hammer on our door. We were able to convince Nirin instead to stand down and depart. But we did not convince them that they were wrong."
"They left me one of their blades, Skyndi, as a reminder of Nirin's mission and a warning of their return, should things not change by the end of my...of our lifetimes. All I and my friends were able to do was buy us some time, time that may be shorter than we imagine if I do not return from the Ark. And...I believe in a way, they may be right. This crisis became as bad as it did because we believed the Starstone, indeed, Absalom Station itself, to be unassailable. And while we've tenaciously held on and may yet survive, if the Gods are gracious, hundreds of people have returned to the Cycle because we grew complacent. It is the mandate of the Order of the Empty Orbit to prevent the re-engineering of the cosmos, to protect its balance, and yet we have not considered how the Starstone right beneath us has impacted that balance. How all roads in the Drift lead to it, and how that has enriched and empowered Absalom Station and all the Pact Worlds, at the expense of others across the galaxy. And how we were nearly destroyed by its loss."
"Absalom Station...needs to learn how to not rely on the Starstone. We must develop the means to power the Station's grids on our own, to navigate the Drift without assuming we will always be a fixed point in the universe, to be prepared for whenever Nirin returns. That time will be but an instant to a being like them, and I made a promise that I would endeavor to make things right while I still lived. Even if I broke that promise, I could not guarantee I would be able to stop them a second time. And if I end up rejoining the Cycle before I've had a chance to try and fulfill this obligation, it must pass to others, or Nirin will finish what they started. We must not waste this time we have been given. The future is an ever-shifting thing, but even if the Starstone remains where it is for another ten, hundred, thousand years, we will be all the stronger and safer if we can learn to live without it, and I believe we must begin that process now. Should I return, I will take it upon myself to see it through, but if I can't, I implore you, my teachers, my students...my friends...to put the best and brightest minds you can gather to solving this puzzle and saving potentially millions of lives and this whole Station. The Dawn Brings New Light."
With the recording finished, he leaves copies for both his organizations, and brings one to the meeting with Lin and the others.
Cambrisa shrugs to Arc's comment "I simply solved one of the Hidden Truth's puzzles and it revealed the need for the cache. Nothing more. We walk the path that gives us the best chance of survival."
Camulan looks pained at your questions regarding the interior configuration of the Ark "I wish I could tell you every detail, but the damned thing is as opaque as a black hole. The experts say there's a strongest energy signature from the center of mass, which suggests a power core or Drift engine near the aft along the center line. But the bridge could be anywhere. You'll need to orient yourselves once inside and find the most vulnerable target. It need not be the bridge, but Cambrisa seems to think that would be a good place to aim for." To Arc's comment he adds "The Sunrise Maiden is that ship of yours? If you wish to take it, you can, but the Starbrand is one of the most powerful and flexible vessels at our disposal, and I believe it represents your best chance to get in."
"Doesn't the Starbrand have a hangar of its own? I had thought we could use it for the final stretch, once the shields are down. It'd be able to defend itself more effectively than a pod, which can only try to its destination as fast as it can without being hit. And it would give us a means to extract from the Ark upon mission completion."
Once the meeting concludes and they begin making their way to the Starbrand, he hands Lin the copy of the recording.
"If I do not return, and instead my energy is released to the Cycle for the final time, please listen to this and make sure the rest of the Directorate does as well. It's...about the future."
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Camulan answers Arc's question with "It's specifically because a small pod will not be able to defend itself that it would be a better choice. The Ark will certainly sense an object entering through its shields, if its as advanced as they say. Whatever unknown defenses it might have up close should ideally not even engage you, especially after they recognize the genetic code of their own kind. I fear that once you're inside the shields, firepower will not avail you much."
Camulan nods and takes the datastick from Arc. "I fear if you don't return, there won't be many here left to see it, but I'll take care of it regardless."
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With the plan set, you head for the docks, ready to join the Starbrand and embark. You enter, greet the nervous crew, and launch without delay.
The Armada forms an arc around Absalom Station, starships reaching out in nearly every direction. Steward vessels, planetary military craft, and hired mercenary ships wait at the ready. Within them, people from across Near Space arm weapons and check scanners—the humans of lost Golarion; the neighboring lashuntas, ysoki, and the Eoxian undead; the androids who were created, enslaved, and then freed; the kasathas and shirrens who found a new home in the Pact Worlds; and the vesk who once sought to conquer the system. All of them united, forming a shield against the invading force posed by the ancient alien ark and its fleet of drones.
Steward Director-General Lin Camulan’s voice echoes over the comm channels, filling in those who haven't been privy to high level information "A few days ago, an unknown starship entered our system, ignoring our hails and attacking our ships. Yesterday, it made its intentions clear: it seeks nothing less than the Starstone itself. And in chasing that goal, it seeks the complete destruction of Absalom Station. We do not know the full capabilities of this vessel, but we know we are unlikely to be a match for its capabilities. Our mission is to pierce its shields so that the best among us can destroy the ship from the inside."
"The potential of the Starstone in the hands of this foe cannot be overstated. Not only would many lose the last remaining touchstone of the world that birthed them, but it would mean the end of the Pact Worlds. In all the battles we have faced as a united front, we have yet to surrender one inch of ground. We aren’t about to do so now."
"Some of you are fresh from triage activities across the Station, with no time to rest. Some of you should have never seen combat this soon. I ask all of you to summon your courage, discipline, and pride to serve side-by-side with us once more. Give today everything that you have! If we lose here, there will be no tomorrow!"
With that rousing shout, the communication cuts off, leaving only the silence of space. A few moments later, another transmission comes over a private channel. "You wouldn’t have any reason to know this, but my brother is on one of those ships," Cambrisa’s unwavering voice transmits over the speakers. "He’ll be fighting for you, so please give it your all." The Armada moves to engage Ark Prime, and the battle for Absalom Station begins.
Shocca settles into the lead gunner position, overseeing the banks of gunner technicians before her. "Ready to go, Captain." She toggles the private comm. "Thank you, Cambrisa. We'll give it everything we've got."
Any questions before we get started?
Fleet Phase 1
The Armada surges forth, ships taking positions defensive and offensive, bringing all their weapons online. The Ark looms, taking up far too large an arc of the horizon to feel real. Violet lights begin to stream from its sides. As if in response to the Armada's assembly, it seems to have summoned up additional reserves of drones. The tiny interceptor craft are accompanied this time by larger drone ships, carriers or bombers. The wave released from the Ark is immense, blotting out the stars where it passes. In moments it will fall upon the Starbrand and the Armada... and the fight that determines the fate of the Station will begin.
Shocca opens up a line to her companions, the all Ship line and her Fore Gunnery department line being annotated on her screen. "Alright, mates. Let's try not to be atomized before we get in there."
That's the spirit! Ajithu deadpans over telepathy... to only his closest two friends.
The Fleets smoothly move into position and open fire on the incoming tide of Sivv drones. The drones waste no time in returning fire, and in moments the space between the Ark and the Station is a maze of beams, explosions and whirling spacecraft! Your crew weave the Starbrand between the thickest areas of the fight, intent on reaching the Ark and its shields. It doesn't take long however before your first foes find you - a quarter of tiny drone interceptors. They abruptly adjust their facing and start zipping at max speed toward your much larger ship!
Round 1
Starbrand's Piloting: 36
The Starbrand moves second. The drones buzz into motion, splitting into two flanking groups that move in a slow arc to start converging on the Starbrand.
Ship Status:
Starbrand - 280/280 HP - FPSA 150/150/150/150 Shields
Red Drone - 0 damage
Blue Drone - 0 damage
Yellow Drone - 0 damage
Green Drone - 0 damage
You use your supernatural senses and a spark of divination magic to see opponents’ motion before it happens, giving you just a split second to shout a warning to your ship’s pilot. Attempt a Mysticism check (DC = 10 + 1-1/2 × your starship’s tier). On a success, you grant the pilot a +2 circumstance bonus to their Piloting check at the beginning of the helm phase to determine piloting order.
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"Concentrate fire, we cannot let them flank us!" Arcalinte directs the gunners.
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At Arcalinte's direction, the Starbrand fires its forward gun at one of the nearest drones, hoping to take it out quickly so they can't form a pincer maneuver around the cruiser!
The crews pilot the Starbrand under Arc's direction. The ship moves forward, then dodges starboard to come around the drones.
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Shocca lines up her gunners, firing a spray of lasers into the paired group of interceptors.
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Round 1 - Open Spoilers for Details
The drones don't take any engineering actions.
The drones don't maneuver in any special way.
The remaining two drones release long range plasma torpedoes, but only one torpedo achieves a target lock on the Starbrand.
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Ship Status:
Starbrand - 280/280 HP - FPSA 150/150/150/150 Shields (1x incoming torpedo from blue)
Red Drone - 0 damage
Blue Drone - 0 damage
T: 5 -> 5 -> 4
S: 7 -> 9 -> 7
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Fleet Results:
While the Starbrand swiftly handles several of the drones that show up to oppress it and pushes forward toward the Ark, the rest of the fleet puts on an excellent initial push. The corvettes that pushed up swiftly toward the shields scatter the few drones that stayed back and begin bombarding the Ark's defenses . In the thick of the battle, Pact ships and drones clash ferociously. While the sides are mostly stalemated in that initial clash, the Pact slowly starts losing ground as more drones swoop in to replace those lost . Near the Station, the Ark's advance drone forces batter the defenses. The defensive fleets perform admirably, cutting down swaths of foes, but the drones simply keep coming relentlessly .
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The engineer hopes it worked this time!
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The pilots continue to move in a wide arc, their nerves too rattled to do any fancy maneuvers but lining up the enemy drones all the same.
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Shocca lines up her gunners, firing a spray of lasers into the paired group of interceptors.
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The Armada reconfigures its distribution, one fleet moving from close to the station out to the thick of the fight while another moves from the thick of the fight to the Ark proper.
Meanwhile the drones are outmaneuvered by the Starbrand, and you move second!
Round 2 Begins
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The Starbrand, from the far distance of the Station's telescopes, appears to continue a lazy wide orbit. But from the bridge of the massive station, it feels like competitive drag racing at speed.
Round 2 - Open Spoilers for Details
No engineering actions from the drones.
The drones don't maneuver in any special way.
Blue's earlier plasma torpedo and a new one it fires this round both splash against the Starbrand's forward shields. With such feeble weapons, the damage barely registers!
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Ship Status:
Starbrand - 280/280 HP - FPSA 126/150/150/150 Shields
Blue Drone - 24 damage
T: 4 -> 6 -> 5
S: 7 -> 9 -> 8
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Fleet Results:
With the Starbrand almost free of its current engagement, you're able to turn more of your attention to the larger fight. Up near the Ark, the advance Fleets continue their bombardment with full power, largely unperturbed by the fights that continue elsewhere . In the thick of the battle, Arc's inspiration pushes the Fleets forward. They score several major successes, but the drones keep coming (Remains Medium Pressure). Near the Station, the Ark's drones begin thinning once more, as more are pulled to the center of battle. It seems the Pact is outmaneuvering them on all fronts! (Remains Low Pressure).
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Please post your fleet assignments for round 3, as well as your initiative roll for round 3. No other actions yet.
Shocca calls into her comms as the pilot outraces the final drone. "Feels like it's time to seize our chance! What do you say, send one fleet forward from the Station and another from the Thick of things? Both can help out the fight at the Arc! We need those shields down soon!"
The Pact Fleets reposition, pressing their advantage against the Ark by moving even more forces toward the ship itself and bypassing the enemy's drones in the process. The rear guard near the Station ends up looking relatively thin, but with their performance thus far, perhaps they will continue to hold up. Especially if the forward march draws the Ark's attention!
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The remaining drone continues to be outmatched by the Starbrand. Off in the distance in the direction of the Ark, you see another wave of drones moving to intercept you, though as of now they're outside weapons range.
Round 3 Begins
With our fleets repositioned, I believe it will be important that we can increase their defensive advantage.
He attempts to divine important information about Ark Prime's defenses.
You attempt to divine important information about Ark Prime's defenses. Attempt a DC35 mysticism check. On a success, the Fleets have improved offenses this round and they make more progress against the Ark's drones (specifically, they get one more roll during the Fleet phase to make progress against the Ark's forces).
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However, in his focus he doesn't do the best job of continuing to mentor the active engineer.
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As the pilots continue to be shaken by the enormity of the situation, they fail to outfly the enemy drone. Thankfully, the ship computer helps them out. The result is an awkward kiting motion that allows both ships to face each other in a classical frontal assault.
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Shocca raises her hand, then cuts the air with it in a downward motion. "FIYAHHHHHH!"
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Round 3 - Open Spoilers for Details
No engineering actions from the drone.
The drone doesn't maneuver in any special way.
With the last nearby drone eradicated, you have a clear shot to accelerate toward the Ark.
Ship Status:
Starbrand - 280/280 HP - FPSA 126/150/150/150 Shields
T: 5 -> 7 -> 5
S: 8 -> 8 -> 7
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Fleet Results:
The Starbrand speeds up, blazing through open space toward the Ark. The enormous ship grows larger and larger on the viewscreen until it dominates everything else. Up near the Ark, the advance Fleets are engaged by a fresh wave of drones. The assault keeps them busy, unable to make any progress as they fend them off . In the thick of the battle, the Pact surges forth, gaining ground, before a massive drone destroyer's arrival evens the field once more . Near the Station, the Ark's drones begin gaining ground against the more threadbare defenses. Luckily it seems their progress is slow.
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Please post your fleet assignments for round 4. No need for initiative as we have another round of fleet stuff to go through first.
T: 5 -> 7
S: 8 -> 5
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With the Starbrand continuing forth, the battle continues around you. Up near the Ark, the advance Fleets push in further, clearing a wave of drones and creating another opening through which they send a barrage of missiles against the Ark's shield. In the Thick of the Battle, the Pact Fleets score several notable victories as well, wiping out most of the foes they're up against At the Station however, the waves of drones beat the remaining defenders back, forcing them to give up air space and move closer to the Station itself .
Up ahead of the Starbrand, you see more drones moving in to cut off your progress. This time, a pair of interceptors is accompanied by a massive destroyer - an automated defense craft at least a match for the Starbrand itself!
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Please post your Fleet assignments for Round 5 as well as your initiative against these new foes.