GM Zoomba's SFS 1-99 The Scoured Stars Invasion, Tier 1-2 [[Outpost VI]] (Inactive)

Game Master Zoomba

Gameplay Thread

The mood aboard the Crest Heart is excitedly tense. One of many ships in a grand convoy of Starfinder vessels flying through the Drift every agent and captain is on edge. The First Seeker has mustered an enormous number of Society resources for a grand expedition - the return to the Scoured Stars system where all too many agents were lost a year prior.

You have all been assured that there is a plan in place and the goal - to retrieve your lost colleagues from that sealed-off star system - is a glorious one. But now it’s the waiting game until you arrive. And no one is certain exactly what you’ll find when you do reach the system…

We’re still a few days out from kickoff, but feel free to introduce yourselves to each other aboard the ship before we go ‘live’

Valas is a male drow, with medium length white hair and dressed professionally. He is checking his arc pistol when the other team members walk in. He then rises and smiles at the group, offering a handshake to his companions.

"Greetings, I am Valas Millithor. You may have heard of Millithor Arms Incorporated - it's a weapons company based out of Apostae. If you need to purchase any arms, ammunition, or weapon accessories we have a large selection. We actually just opened a new distribution center on Absalom Station. May I recommend picking up a box or two of explosive ammunition for any weapon that fires physical rounds? You never know when you might be facing a hostile swarm or two. My primary training is with computers, but I am also a decent pilot."

A square-jawed human wearing a crisp Steward's uniform - looking like he just stepped out of a recruiting poster - steps into the room. He stands near the other agents and takes up a parade rest stance, announcing formally, "Tactical Officer Kalhoun, reporting for duty."

Valas gives Kalhoun a genuinely friendly smile and says, "Relax soldier. We're all the same rank here, at least as far as I am aware. No one else is around to ... hear us..."

Valas pauses and looks around the room, scanning for hidden devices. He then continues, a bit louder than before.

"As I was saying, Millithor Arms is recognized as a legitimate business inside the Pact Worlds. Every purchase is accompanied with the proper legal documentation regarding the transfer of ownership of personal weapons."

"As much as referring to your business as 'a legitimate business' is always a great sign," says a somewhat round human in bright clothes and dark glasses, "if you want explosive ammo you should try my mother's company. My father has designed some so explosive that almost anything can set it off."

He smiles brightly. "Elian Neubeck, Nuetech Enterprise. Although I'm not really officially connected at the moment. I guess 'Elian Neubeck, Starfinder,' but you already know that part."

2 enercycles come screaming around the corner. Off the first enercycle pops a female ysoki. She lifts her visor and blows a bubble with her gum. "Hey we are looking to report in for the mission? Is this the right place? I'm Aster by the way."

Disembarking from the second enercycle at a much more sedate pace is another leather-clad and helmeted ysoki. Also performing the now-patented visor flip, be flashes a brilliant smile at the group.

"Yes Aster, I do believe this is the correct location for organizing our upcoming 'festivities'"

He sets his kickstand and almost absently tips up Aster's cycle from where it had laid instantly forgotten, before setting its kickstand as well.

"Greetings to all out you pleasant-folk, Cal's the name and talkin is the game! I mean, the totally real and official driver's license I have here says that my name is Calaka, but I'd really rather that you all just called me Cal ... then we can still be friends!"

He looks around, suddenly rather sheepish at the location.

"Umm ... actually, I think I'm just going to take these bikes back to the cargo hold real quick ... this cafeteria looks like it might be a no-parking/driving zone"

He grins at everybody again and quickly takes off, attempting to tow one enercycle with another ..... the crashing noises doppler off after a few moments.

Aster cups her hands around her snout and yells "THANKS BABE, GOOD IDEA! DON'T GET CAUGHT!"

"Sorry we are late, we got lost. I like didn't wanna stop and ask for directions, ya know. But now we are totally here, I'm ready to try out my new gun I have been tinkering with and I am sure Cal can find someone to talk to."

A young human male enters the room.

"Hi all! Dirk here. I'm not too bad with a sword. I can back people up with a blaster too!"

"As much as referring to your business as 'a legitimate business' is always a great sign," says a somewhat round human in bright clothes and dark glasses, "if you want explosive ammo you should try my mother's company. My father has designed some so explosive that almost anything can set it off."

He smiles brightly. "Elian Neubeck, Nuetech Enterprise. Although I'm not really officially connected at the moment. I guess 'Elian Neubeck, Starfinder,' but you already know that part."

"Unfortunately there are many businesses that are less than completely above the table. We had to spend a significant amount of time and resources to achieve the legitimacy of the company. To be recognized as such, especially outside of Apostae, is no small accomplishment.

Nuetech, eh? I think I've heard of the company. We should have my people talk to your people. LOTS of beings flock to Apostae for weapons and ammunition. Tell me more about these explosive rounds your father developed. What exactly sets it off? Long falls? Short falls? Atmosphere? I'm sure we can come to an agreement that is mutually profitable for both of our companies."

Valas then watched the ysokis with clear amusement on his face.

Kalhoun sighs at the sheer amount of paperwork that being around these Starfinders is going to cause.

Elian watches the ysoki and gives Dirk a radiant smile before returning his attention to Valas. "Oh sure, love to! A legitimate company, too--most of the people who want to make deals with Mother are so shady. And yeah, I'm sure all that stuff does it. Plus light jostling, impacts, and moderate heat."

For a moment it looks like he's about to shake Valas's hand, but instead produces a datapad from the backpack next to his chair. "Looks like we got some time in transit still. Battle for Distant Shore, anyone?"

I don't know if using an item before the game technically starts is cool, but the scenario's set-up certainly gives us the time and it's not like the benefit of a basic strategy game is all that huge.

"Never played it, but I'm willing to give it a try."

I don't know if using an item before the game technically starts is cool, but the scenario's set-up certainly gives us the time and it's not like the benefit of a basic strategy game is all that huge.

Contextually would make perfect sense, so works for me!

Also the game has started now. Guess I could have just waited a few hours, but I wasn't sure if you would immediately go to the next scene.
Anyone who wants to play, make an Int check. Highest check wins the game and the DC is reduced by 1 the next time they aid someone else who played.
Int check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Elian lays the tablet down on the table and activates the game, scrolling to player options. "Anyone who wants to play choose a squad. I usually play unicorns, but it's my game so if anybody else has preference take your pick. They're basically the same, but each has a favored terrain type and a minor ability..."

He continues quickly explaining the game.

An apology from your House GM to all players for the delay in starting this game.

Screens large and small throughout the fleet ping with an incoming message. First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo speaks:
“Starfinders, we stand at the precipice of momentous history, and I want to thank you all for making it possible for us to be here today. The Starfinder Society has spent the last year recovering from the Scoured Stars incident, our greatest defeat in recent history. We are finally ready to return to the Scoured Stars, find out what happened to our missing colleagues and friends, and rescue any survivors we can find. Report to your stations and lend your assistance to our fleet by performing the final preparatory tasks. More instructions will come shortly.”
Table GMs, begin introductions and preparations

It’s not long after Luwazi’s announcement that your ship makes the transition back from the Drift to the Material. Looking through your ship’s viewscreens you see that you’re not alone: the bulk of the Starfinder fleet has arrived with you at the outer reaches of the Scoured Stars system. Several immense carriers form the core of the fleet and contain docked transport ships, fighter craft, and scout vessels, all waiting in space while in the far distance you can faintly make out a shimmering veil of golden energy concealing the three stars known to be within the star system ahead. There is an almost palpable feeling of tension and excitement as hundreds of Starfinders aboard the central carriers prepare themselves for the mission.

A no-nonsense bleachling gnome approaches your group with a datapad in hand. The woman – VentureCaptain Naiaj – looks up at you all with a stern expression. ”Do you all have your gear? Ready for launch? Good. That means you can help the rest of the fleet on final prep before the First Seeker gives the ‘go’”

Naiaj glances back down at her tablet. Historia-7 and her Dataphiles are over by the computers running some extra Diagnostics. Radaszam’s trying to do a last Equipment Check with his soldiers but there’s plenty of crates still to get through. Zigvigix is overseeing Cleanup of the Missile Tubes – manual grunt work but could make all the difference if it comes to a firefight. Whatever’s in the Scoured Stars is still plenty of blank spaces where details should be, but I think Fitch is trying to make a Threat Analysis matrix with what we do have. VC Arvin’s trying to Boost up the Morale for some of the greener agents.” – the gnome pauses, looks at you, then adds ”green-er agents. And now I’m headed to the engine room to do an Engine Check and make sure all of us can actually fly there and back.”

Pocketing the tablet, Naiaj begins striding quickly away. After a dozen steps, she looks back at you over her shoulder and barks ”Well? Doesn’t need to be with me, but I’d suggest you help prep something. We’re all hands on deck and good work now could mean lives in a few hours!”

And we’re off!
As Starfinders across the Fleet are scrambling for last minute prep, you can help! Feel free to declare/move yourself about on Slide 6 to a senior Starfinder leader you’d like to assist with their prep task, and with some skill checks you could help contribute to the fleet’s preparations. Note you can each go to different people (and can and will likely each be able to visit and help w/ multiple)

Kalhoun will play a game against Elian.

Intelligence: 1d20 ⇒ 13

He then delivers a rousing speech to Arvin's cadets.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Elian follows after Naiaj. He may be somewhat lacking in mechanical know-how to actually fix anything, but he knows enough about ships to help with the inspection and spot any problems.

Piloting: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Dirk goes to Historia and helps move crates of cargo.

"Where should I put this?"

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

You guys are not only quick (good sign for a special) but pretty good at intuiting the task skills even before I get to them :)

As Kalhoun heads down towards the bridge he runs into Venture-Captain Arvin in the hallway. Ah, good to see you. the lashunta says. His antennae are dropping a bit and the man looks frazzled. I know you’re a fairly recent recruit to the Society, but many of our Starfinders here are even fresher. I know they’re nervous about what might be waiting for us in the Scoured Stars, or that they’ll be trapped there too. Could you see if you can talk to them and lift their spirits? I’m sure they might take more relief from a more ground-level agent like them reassuring them than they might coming from me.

And as the Tactical Officer begins to orate there’s an immediate impact. The neophyte Starfinders look visibly more relaxed, and Kalhoun can see Arvin giving a thumbs up. The cadets seem as filled with morale as you think they can be!

---
Naiaj turns her head again as she hears footsteps following her, and the gnome gives a satisfied smirk and a nod of ackolwedgement when she sees Elian coming after her. ”Well, lets move then. This isn’t glamerous work, but that’s the lot of us sometimes.” Guiding the agent to a nearby hanger bay, she gestures at the dozens of transport craft and fighters docked within. ”See all those ships here? Work with the chief engineer: we need these engines checked and adjusted before we’re heading into the system.”

Working Elian finds he is indeed able to tell when a ship’s senors are spotty or the controls are listing, and even if he’s the not the sort to know exactly how to fix them, that’s work the nearby engineers can hop to easily as they’re pointed out. Another full success here

--
Dirk eagerly moves through the bowels of the ship to find the female android Historia-7 looking back and forth rapidly between five screens while typing furiously into a nearby console. As the solider introduces himself and begins lifting crates up to move them around the android holds up a hand. Please, put that down. You’re enthusiasm is appreciated, but the equipment in here is very sensitive. We need to check connections and run tests on our fleet’s computers to ensure sensors and are running at optimal efficiency with no glitches or errors. If there are any survivors from our previous mission to this system, we will need to locate them quickly. Do you happen to possess any electrical knowledge? she says, finally turning to look at Dirk. If not, perhaps Zigvigix could use someone with your physicality, and enthusiasm.
Computers, Engineering, Porfession (Electircian) or Perception would be things that might help Historia-7’s Diagnostics. Ziggy could use some good lifting though! – and I’m happy to have that Athletics roll stand for that!

--
In fact, should any of you move to the other ‘workstations’ of the ship:
Down by the missile bay the shirren Zigvigix is indeed looking quite excited as they directing several agents. [b]Ah, hey, hello! the exo-guaridan leader broadcasts telepathically as you approach. Thank you so much for showing up! I’ve got a special mission just for you! It’s not glamourous I’m afraid, their antennae slightly lower as they appear genuinely apologetic the job is boring, but we need to make sure all the missile tubes are checked to make sure there’s nothing obstructing the missiles from being launched. Don’t worry – it should be safe! There’s almost no chance you could be accidentally fired into space!
Acrobatics or Atheltics could slip into and move about the tubes, or training as a Profession (Maintenance Worker) or the like

-
In a nearby cargo bay, the vesk mercenary Radaszam can be seen barking out direction to a group of agents searching through and inventorying crates of supplies and gear. THAT’S RIGHT, TAKE CAREFUL NOTE OF WHAT WE’VE GOT. THINGS COULD GET HOT IN THERE, WHICH MEANS FAULTY GEAR CAN RESULT IN A FAULTY MISSION!
To help check all the equipment, serums and weaponry to make sure it’s all in good working order, Engineering, Medicine, Survival, or good old Perception could come into play

-
Meanwhile, off in another science bay you can find Fitch trying to read something on a massive screen. Dozens of smaller ysoki youth are moving about physical papers on a massive table while the white-furred ratfolk matron waves you over. ’Hey, can you help me with something? What’s this bit look like to you? Been tryin’ to get a picture of what’s in the Scoured Stars but its like finding a single twig in an Espraksa nest. Me and the kids and the kids’kids’ve gathered up as many notes and references from random traveller logs we could find from before that big force field went up around it. See if you can help make some heads or tails around it.’
Engineering, Life Science, or Mysticism knowledge might help to sift through the disparate partial records and help paint a picture of what the stranded Starfinders in the Scoured Stars might be facing…and what you might soon find as you go in after them.

Int check for strategy game: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

"Oh, this game is similar to SpaceHammer 50,000. I guess I'll play the Lurkers Below."

Valas heads over to help Historia-7 with the computer diagnostics.

Computers: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

"Historia - one of my favorite androids! You're looking mighty... well-maintained today! What can I help you with? Looks like I can run some diagnostics on this terminal for you. How's that? Is there anything else I can help you with while I'm here?"

Valas heads over to help Historia-7 with the computer diagnostics.

"Historia - one of my favorite androids! You're looking mighty... well-maintained today! What can I help you with? Looks like I can run some diagnostics on this terminal for you. How's that? Is there anything else I can help you with while I'm here?"

Historia-7 barely looks at Valas as the drow does his work, occupied plenty with her own analytics. Still, once the hacker has finished his initial diagnostic set the Dataphile spares a glance over towards him and cracks a faint smile.

Fine work. The Valient and Courser's arrays appear fully functional. And I see you have managed to patch Talavet's Tale[/i]'s latent lag problem. Good work. She taps away in a quick staccato and a password string is sent over to Valas' personal comm unit.
Here: it is a priority code that should allow your ship to be diverted some extra CPU processing power from one of the larger carriers. In an emergency only, and limited - we are finding some greater efficiencies to exploit but I fear we may need more once the Godshield is dropped.

You did a solid job helping Historia-7, but she advises there may still yet be a possible way to wring the most of of the Diagnostics (there is one more possible reward that might be obtained by helping her, were another of you PCs to succeed with an even higher check.

That said, so far you have:

Aster checks to see if Cal made it back, and then heads off to help Fitch and her kids. Engineering: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Cal slunk back into the cafeteria just in time to catch the tail end of the Lurkers' strategy, the promptly and fervently hopes that Naiaj did NOT notice him lurking uselessly near the hatchway as he bolts off to try helping ...

"Hmm, Cargo bay 002 ... Radaszam! Hi, you look like maybe it might help to umm, look? at the supplies here! Yup... they should be working..."
Cal immediately dives nearly headfirst into a crate
"Don't worry, I've been here the whooole time"

Engineering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

If allowed, Valas will continue to help Historia-7. If not, he will move over to help Radaszam instead.

Engineering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Aster checks to see if Cal made it back, and then heads off to help Fitch and her kids.

'Ah! always good to see another ysoki around here.' Fitch smiles to Aster as she comes in. 'Thanks for lending some paws'

--

"Hmm, Cargo bay 002 ... Radaszam! Hi, you look like maybe it might help to umm, look? at the supplies here! Yup... they should be working..."

Cal immediately dives nearly headfirst into a crate
"Don't worry, I've been here the whooole time"

SURE YOU HAVE. Radaszam nods in assent. AND WHAT DO YOU HAVE THERE? IS THAT AN ALPHEON_CLASS RIFLE? GOOD FIND, WRONG BOX. LET'S MOVE THAT OVER THERE BY THE PULSECASTERS.

If allowed, Valas will continue to help Historia-7. If not, he will move over to help Radaszam instead.

Each of you can only roll once for each prep task. Luckily for Radaszam:

WHAT'RE YOU DOING BACK THERE! THOSE THINGS ARE FULL WITH SENSITIVE EQUIPMENT, YOU CAN'T JUST TAKE THEM APART! OH...OR MAYBE YOU CAN. IS THAT CRATE CONFIGURATION SOLID? WELL I'LL BE - THAT FREES UP PLENTY MORE SPACE TO STUFF THE SHIPS FILLED WITH MEDKITS. WELL DONE!
Between the two of them, Valas and Cal have managed to help Radasazam as much as seems able for now.

--
Still some time to trying and help/further help Zigvigix, Historia-7, and Fitch (for those PCs who haven't yet already rolled for those tasks).

Cal decides to wander over to the missile tubes and shimmy in between them with a mirror and a wrench.
"Alright Mr Ziggy, I'm here behind missile bank two ... there is a (eew, what is that) ... PLEASE don't hit any of the big red buttons for a second?!?"

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Elian meanders a bit, looking unconcerned but checking to see what still needs doing. He finds Historia-7 and slides up to a workstation.

"I don't know that I can add much here, honestly Ma'am, but y'never know what an extra pair of eyes'll find. Hm. Okay, actually yeah this could be a little more efficient here... and these files should be more accessible..."

Computers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Valas makes his way over to Fitch and attempts to identify the objects on the screen.

Engineering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Kalhoun slides into the tubes and adjusts the missiles for Zigvigix.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

He studies Fitch's notes to see if he recognizes anything.

Life Science: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

He is usually leave the computers to the techs, but decides to give it his best for Historia-7.

All the modifiers are the same: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Aster walks over to the missiles by Ziggy and pulls out her utility welder and starts finding weak points that need to be shored up.

profession contractor: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Dirk looks around the area and helps with repairs.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

"Anyone see that over there?"

Engineering: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Zigvigix is thrilled with the surge in help. Wonderful, we'll get some welders on that. Oh Kalhoun be care-never mind. You're quite nimble for your frame. Good, good, these should shoot fine now. If they're needed. Whihc they probably won't be. But just in case.
Full Ziggy success!

--
Over by Fitch, Valas manages to build off of Aster's previous work to find some patterns that hint at the various creatures living on the system's planets.

--
Finally Ellan and Kalhoun do manage to find some extraneously running systems that could free up some memory, earning a short but genuine plaudit from Historia-7.

And with that burst of productivity, you've helped the Starfinder leadership prepare as best as they can for the moment. Now the tense waiting game until the First Seeker orders the launch...

Kalhoun does what Starfleet Steward officers have done while waiting for orders from time immemorial - pulls out an instrument and starts playing centuries-old music. Though the guitar, a gift from a member of Strawberry Machine Cake, is definitely new.

Profession (Musician): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

A reminder that you can complete the preparations before moving on.

Suddenly, every screen aboard the Starfinder fleet switches to show nominated First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo standing next to a golden obelisk about two feet in height. Behind her, a large observatory window showcases the Godshield, a shimmering force field surrounding the Scoured Stars system. Luwazi Elsebo slowly lifts her eyes from the artifact and addresses the Society.

“Starfinders, this is the Tear, an ancient artifact some of our most skilled agents recovered during a recent mission. The Tear is our key back to the Scoured Stars—our key to liberating those who were lost a year ago. We are ready, so let’s not waste any more time.”

Luwazi Elsebo speaks a few words in an alien language and the artifact starts humming softly. She then traces her finger along the artifact’s surface, and a set of glowing runes appear around the obelisk. The golden field surrounding the Scoured Stars starts twisting upon itself, and massive gashes appear as the force field starts tearing itself apart. As the final shreds of the shimmering field evaporate, Elsebo speaks: “It is time. Good luck, Starfinders. Fleet—activate Drift engines! Go!”
One by one, the ships of the fleet pierce the veil between the Material Plane and others, splashing through space like it was water, and then vanish into the swirling depths of the Drift.
***
Whisked away through the Drift, the Starfinder Society fleet spreads across the three solar systems that form the Scoured Stars. The ships begin scanning the planets, asteroids, and other objects orbiting the three distinct stars. The fleet’s long-range sensors soon start picking up communication signals, energy signatures, and signs of life. After a quick analysis, the Society has identified a few locations where information on the lost Starfinders is most likely to be found. After nearly a year of waiting, the search for survivors can begin.
Table GMs, Part 1 has begun

As your ship re-emerges into the Material Plane - again, but this time actually in the Scoured Stars - Venture Captain Arvin approaches you six in a hurry.

Come on Starfinders, there's lots to do and plenty of leads to start with. Our comrades have been trapped in this system for over a year now - let's find them to bring them home!

And we are off - for real this time!
A list of five potential different Reconnaissance missions is on Slide 7. Please decide whihc one you'd like to tackle first (and we can then continue a vague plan for future missions after that in the Discussion thread as that first mission's being handled). As you and your fellow Starfinder parties complete more reconnaissance to discover more about the system and where trapped Starfinders may be, more mission options may reveal themselves.

any work for me?

The leader of the Exo-Guardians, gestures at a screen behind them. On the screen, several derelict ships can be seen drifting amid the ring system of an ice giant planet. Look, look at that! So many ships. They all look pretty badly banged up, so we don’t expect to find any survivors here, but there must be a reason why they’re there. If you can find any intact data modules, we may be able to uncover what happened. Something destroyed those ships and we don’t know what it was, so choose a functional ship for yourselves that you think can handle any trouble you may find.

Chartering a Tier 2 craft - And which sort of ship are you taking on this mission - a Drake? Pegasus? Dare we try for the Azata? - you can head out towards Bastiar, the brightest of the three stars within this trinary star system. Moving towards the planet Bastiar-7 you can see several rings of frozen ice clusters orbit and encircle the massive world below. So massive in fact that your ship's sensors are throwing up red warning lights about its intense gravity. If you go beyond that Blue line to the right, the heavy gravity will pull you 1 hex 'right-ward' each round. Go off the map to the right you're too close the the planet and the gravity well will crush your ship. So, you know, be careful.

Also orbiting amidst the ice rings are almost a dozen derelict starships. All of the vehicles seem heavily damaged but its possible some records may still remain within them.

Your sensors aren't showing an immediate threat - beyond the gravity risk - anywhere near you. If you want to investigate a derelict ship, you can move adjacent to it and attempt Engineering to see if their data module can be recovered.

Looking over the starships, Elian shakes his head. "I don't have enough experience with any one of these models to choose. If I can fly the Neutech Stardrive, I can handle anything; I abstain from voting."

As they approach the planet Elian whistles looking at the monitor. "Are those all Star--no, I guess we won't know that until we look. How'd they all get stuck in orbit the same way with this gravity, anyway? This is all very weird... should we pick one and go down the line?"

"My company has recently acquired a number of Gorgon Starship, and has made those available for our use as well. I would vote for either the Drake or Gorgon."

Valas will use engineering to examine whichever site our pilot flies closest to. If possible he will use one of the ship's computer nodes to get an extra bonus to the roll. If I'm allowed, I would like to take 10 on this check, for a total of 21 (plus possible ship bonuses). If I am not able to take 10 my roll is below.

Engineering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

"Hey Valas let me help!"

aid engineering: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

No take 10 at the moment, but with that aid:

Valas has some trouble initially pulling the data logs from the first devastated vessel, but Dirk's guidance helps the drow manage to salvage some of the logs from the wreck - the Steadfast.

As you begin moving towards another derelict, all of the sudden your comms ping! You're being hailed! Though the ship's scanners continue to show no other functioning ships or vessels anywhere else near the planet...

What would you like to do?

Kalhoun anticipates the captain's needs and plots an intercept course.

"Excellent work on the Steadfast everyone, that was .... Hold up.."
Cal straightens up from his indolent lounging in the full-sized captain's chair.
"Thanks for plotting that course TACCO, while you're at it .. would you please toss that comm on the squawk? I think we all need to hear this."
He glances meaningfully around at the crew.
"And maybe we all just might want to prepare for Battle Stations, yah?
Juuuuust in case."

Aster runs to her station and snaps out a crisp ”Aye aye captain! Science Officer reporting for duty sir!” immediately spoiling the image of professionalism with a loud pop of gum and a saucy wink at the captain.

"Aye, captain."

"On the screen." or "Audio only." as appropriate.

This is captain Katryn Mathius of the Empyrean Eye Who are you? What is your mission here? Her tone is sharp and tense.