Ears rapidly types in some codes into the on-board computer, and manages to pulse the shields to that the beam cannot grab a hold. Atu and Orpheox disrupt the magical properties, causing the beam to fade and lose coherence, and finally backfire on the enemy ship! With a few well-aimed shots, Blasto manages to send the beam into a weird feedback mode that cause Angelfang's ship to spiral out of control!
As the Thunderbolt leave the pirates far behind them, there is a final communication from Captain Angelfang: Enjoy your freedom for now, starfinders! I was bored of playing with my food anyway. You better watch your back from here on out, I'll be there looking for you!
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The remainder of the trip back is uneventful. Upon returning, Fitch asks immeidately contact the ship for a debriefing. You have returned! he says, What have you learned from the drift lane? What lies on the other side?
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"Snuff it, Anglefang." Ears sags against his console and sighs deeply.
He spends most of the trip home alternately reapiring ship systems and trying to analyze sensor readings of Angelfang's parasitic beam.
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Ears dresses especially sharply for the meeting with Fitch. After she asks her question he draws a paw from front to back over one ear. "The lane's clogged with pirates. On the far side there's a Union of planets. They're open to a diplomatic overture. I'd really like an opportunity to discuss this in depth with you later."
You have made excellent performance making first contact there. Fitch says, The coalition you've contacted sounds like a promising partner for our exploration of the Drift Lane. We'd need a catchy name for it, though... Triaxus' Trip? Liavara's Lawn? World Walkway? Do you have anything?
The pirates are a worry. Your logs shows you gave gave them a good beating, but we can't trust every ship to be so capable. With the help of the union you contacted, we stand a good chance of making this a safe route, though. Good job, starfinders!
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Briefly after, you also receive a message from the Drift Lab We've received the HDR with data, and the results look OOTW. There so much to learn, this is truly the MOAD. GJ on the measurements, you deserve some R&R!
HDR = Holographic Data Recorder
OOTW = Out of this world
MOAD = Mother of all Datasets
GJ = Good Job
R&R = Rest and Recreation
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"What we have learned?" Orpheox ponders with a grin "Well, at least the lane is rife with pirates and on other end we made a contact with planetary system open to co-operation. Overall very insightful journey. The final name of this lane will form when pirates are less of a concern, in the future." he adds in enigmatic tone
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Barring any strong claim form a party - which we do not believe has been the case - the opposite Union’s name for it seems appropriate: ‘Jatembae’s Jaunt’ Atu suggests to Fitch. He is a figure already respected in the Pact Worlds and keeping the titling similar on both sides of the lane would be a gesture of both good will and clarity.
We would advise also noting in the report to keep more heavy military ship perhaps stationed away from it for a time. they caution. While the Union we treated with preaches of fusion and harmony, some on their council we detected possibly concerning undertones of preferring unity through overpowering and absorption into their polity through force. While we have little fear the Stewards could not handle such aggression if needed, letting them see the culture and commerce elements of the Pact Worlds long before our military capabilities might prevent said Council from retreating and retrenching for a later, greater conflict.