The team are understandably reluctant to accept anything from Datch. When asked if they are behind what is happening to the ship, Datch provides their typical media presence “I am innocent” look. Otherwise, she is uncharacteristically quiet, just occasionally taking a bite from the apple and munching slowly.
The Starfinders proceed past Datch and through the door. A damaged corridor of the ship continues for several dozen feet, including some winding turns. This area is unfamiliar to all. Reizirp lags behind, slowly dropping further back as they examine various panels. Then they open a hatch and disappear through, just as those in front exclaim.
Darkness gives way to blinding light as the next turn in the claustrophobic metal hull leads to an opening. Beyond the turn, the hull breaks open to the vast expanse of an alien world. A lush forest of greens and blues extends for miles in all directions. The hall emerges right onto a rocky outcropping some several hundred feet above the surrounding terrain. Three moons hang in low orbit, illuminating a truly awe-inspiring view of the strange landscape. A single metal beacon rests only a few feet beyond the doorway, its panels emitting a beeping noise.
The beacon is a standard Pact Worlds distress buoy. The readings indicate an estimation of 60 days until retrieval occurs.
|
Jasmine turns back to examine the hatch that Reizirp disappeared through.
Looks like the strangeness is afoot again, and has once again separated us from Reizirp.
Jasmine looks over the beacon and performs a brief scan on it.
Well the strangeness continues, Looks like a standard Pact Worlds distress buoy with an estimated time of 60 days until retrieval. Steve any idea where we appear to be? Also I'm guessing that there isn't much choice than to move forward.
|
Cupi, likely being the closest to Reizirp before they disappear through a hatch, doesn't take notice at first. He is prone to do such things as well. But when things get weird, he points out, "There is consistency at this point. I think it is Reizirp."
He ponders for a couple seconds before continuing, "Take Datch, for example. She is normally much more smarmy. It is part of her charm. Zo! didn't make much of an entrance. Hellknights working with anyone? The Jinsul...well they were pretty token. Things disappearing in a mist? I was thinking illusion, but if it were just that, we'd still have contact outside. It is like we are in another dimensional place. But," he adds, holding up a clawed finger, "I don't think it is a dreamscape because things don't seem affected by our thoughts. Somehow we are in a place that is almost entirely real, but based on the limited information that a person or group of people have. They can seamlessly transition movement from the standard plane into these new ones and seemingly real facsimiles. Well, real for all our intents and purposes."
He let's out a long breath and looks down at new ground appearing a little rattled. "Y'all, I've never heard of magic like this. Now, I admit, I don't know all there is to know about magic, but...this is..far beyond what I've heard of."
|
|
I leave magic to the magic people - like my best friend Amy ... or the Professor. She smiles thinking of those two in particular. But yeah, the Prof would be 'fascinated' by this place. Now I never met Datch but I'm wondering if this is all in our heads - like a dream but shared. Although, given that Bordle is a witchwarper, she'd deduce this is some sorta dimensional reality thing.
She sighs as she sits on a convenient rock looking a bit despondent. Whatever it is ... it's outside my skill set.
She then looks up into the sky and takes images of the three moons and the surrounding landscape. If this is a real place, maybe it's locatable
When Jasmine and Cupi turn back to find Reizirp, they discover the passage they traversed now leads only into a collapsed section of cave. They are stranded on this alien world.
Steve the Skittermander reports, in a concerned tone, that he can’t lock down where they are. He thinks they are still in the Scoured Stars system but results are distorted. Perhaps the readings are being affected by whatever phenomenon occurred with the celestial alignment event.
A quick survey reveals normal atmosphere and gravity. The terrain is predominantly forests of large coniferous trees. Movement and sound indicate the presence of animals, though most are making themselves scarce.
|
|
"Unfortunatly, I took the Starfinder course on Battlefield triage instead of wilderness survival. I think I can jury-rig my field kit to figure out what food is edible here. I have rudimentary life sciences skills, but nothing that a novice Starfinder wouldn't know.
I suggest staying in the cave for shelter until cupi and I can build a more solid structure."
|
|
After checking the path back, Cupi simply says, "I think we might as well act as though we were actually in this situation, as if this were all actually real real. Soryn, I probably have a solution to food for sixty days. I'mma think." He then flops down in the cave entrance and lowers his head into his hands. He stays in this position, motionless, for many minutes.
|
|
With her two Kishalee batteries, Jasmine is able to keep her armor powered indefinitely (40 hours worth of charge /day)
She will make use of her armor to provide physical labor/ protection. Cupi says he has food covered so she will focus on helping with shelter. She has a mobile hotelier tent, that should be able to be charged with the excess from her batteries only needing 1 charge/8 hours.
She will utilize Steve’s advice to help Soryn identify edibles (life science +21) and will use her rudimentary survival skill (+3) and engineering skills (+23) to help construct more lasting shelter.
|
|
While setting to work to try and establish a reasonably secure living situation, Jasmine thinks about Cupi's words.
Hmm, Reizirp was very interested in us talk about our experiences as Starfinders. I am quite surprised he may be behind this, as he seemed so sincere and nice. Though I do admit that it seems to be adding up. As to how this has been accomplished, I have no idea.
Well, best we treat this as a real stranded situation and make the best of it.
While working as described above, Jasmine will also connect her computer to her back up generator. She uncharacteristically powers the computer down when working on other things.
Well I think if I charge this while working through the day, we'll have enough juice for some games in the evening. I am happy to share.
After some days of this she remarks, "It seems being forced to disconnect quite a bit, that perhaps I should make more of an effort to do so occasionally. I have enjoyed this time with you my love."
|
|
While setting to work to try and establish a reasonably secure living situation, Jasmine thinks about Cupi's words.
Hmm, Reizirp was very interested in us talk about our experiences as Starfinders. I am quite surprised he may be behind this, as he seemed so sincere and nice. Though I do admit that it seems to be adding up. As to how this has been accomplished, I have no idea.
Well, best we treat this as a real stranded situation and make the best of it.
While working as described above, Jasmine will also connect her computer to her back up generator. She uncharacteristically powers the computer down when working on other things.
Well I think if I charge this while working through the day, we'll have enough juice for some games in the evening. I am happy to share.
After some days of this she remarks, "It seems being forced to disconnect quite a bit, that perhaps I should make more of an effort to do so occasionally. I have enjoyed this time with you my love."
"And I, you, of course. I'd be willing to play some co-op games with you. You know how I don't hold up in Extra Smash Sisters All out battler. Maybe we can do some co-op stuff in 'Not Sentient creature hunter.'"
|
|
Cupi lifts his head. "Alright. Firstly, Rani, I've got a jetpack for you," he says and then roots in his pack and pulls out three things that look like a deconstructed jetpack. He sets it down as he continues. "Food-wise, I can make a crank operated culinary synthesizer. Two meals a day would be best. I can also make a drill if someone is willing or interested in crafting a shelter out of the cave. Lastly, let's get a map of the area. Viki can begin programming something if you need."
The team quickly look at their resources and skills to find solutions for everyday survival. They not only provide above average shelter and food, but even cover entertainment and morale building.
After about 10 days, Soryn notices something strange with the atmosphere. Cupi and Rani quickly identify a likely storm approaching.
|
|
Sure. As for vidgaming, I did pick up some tricks from Bordle. She's an up and coming star in the professional vidgaming scene. Who says accountants are boring?
Did I ever tell you about the time I jumped out of a perfectly good starship into a gas giant to land on some sort of orbital platform? That's why I had a loaner jetpack.
Rani assists Jasmine while looking at the other's gear. Maybe I should spend some creds when I get back
|
|
Inside Soryn shows Rani his prized selfie. Him flying his ship backwards during a firefight and also getting a selfie at the same time.
"Pretty drift eh? Not allowed to talk about where we were, but suffice it to say, one of my more harrowing adventures. And Cupi, don't think I don't see you trying to jailbreak Jasmine's console over there. If you do, she gets disqualified from all tournaments, and then she's going to come after you with those large melee weapons and guns she packs."
|
|
Jasmine also in the professional vidgaming circuit? I'd tell you Bordle's handle but we're trying to keep it secret from a certain tiefling cause Bordle likes messing with her. But if I tell you it's a pun, you'll probably figure it out.
As for the orbital platform, there was this wrikreechee physicist on the platform that we had to rescue and the platform was being attacked by this HUGE creature. So we had to get in, get them out, then blast back up to our orbiting starship, where Fitch was while being chased by this thing and it's offspring.
The team work well together and are soon proven right about the storm.
Despite the hazardous nature of working in a collapsed cave, they still manage to manufacture a safe haven and set up a cosy area.
When the storm comes through, they observe that it is not only intense but also corrosive. It blankets everything lasting 4 hours. While the acid damage from being out in the storm would have been minimal on a per minute basis, that could still add up.
As time progresses, this group bonds well together. They soon establish that the storms roll in about every 10 days. As such, they witness six of them. If ever they work out where they are, they will have much to report, especially as this could be devasting to an experienced and underprepared group.
After 60 days, a nondescript shuttle lands near the beacon and the teams current home. The shuttle bears the Starfinder Society emblem on its side and is a common model employed by the Society. The team approach and find the shuttle empty. It has an auto pilot set and a return journey already programmed. They can rest and relax while they are transported, though they have minimal if any need for the recharging stations onboard.
The shuttle approaches and enters a large ship. With a pneumatic hiss, the door at the back of the shuttle opens to reveal the interior of the vast hangar bay of the Perfect Silence.
As though summoned, the ysoki engineer Reizirp rushes toward the opening from the other side. Her arms flail as she gestures for the shuttle's occupants to follow. "What are you doing in a shuttle?! I tried to keep up with you, but I think I took a wrong turn somewhere...anyways, engineering is just off that hallway. We need to get there and figure out what exactly is going on here!!!"
Reizirp looks shocked at the responses from the Starfinders.
"But, it has only been a few minutes since I saw you!", the ysoki stammers.
A quick check can verify that little time has passed on the Perfect Silence while the team experienced their 60 days stranded on the strange planet.
|
|
I think we need to figure out what's going on metaphysically as well.
Rani is beginning to feel a headache coming on. Usually she just tosses these sort of things at the Professor and let him have it. Besides, it's fun seeing him flustered and trying to use little words to explain stuff. The only explanation she can think of is something called Time Dilation.
|
|
Cupi lowers his rifle has he yells, "RRAAGGHH!" He then levels a clawed finger at Reizirp and says, barely able to manage not shouting, "If this turns into another dimension bullsh!t thing, I will shoot you without any preamble. I will not accuse. I will not request explanation. I will just shoot you."
|
|
"Harsh!?" he exclaims turning to Rani. He then tries to contain his fury as he continues, "This," jabbing a finger in Reizirp's direction, "rat said that she was 'trying to keep up'. Jasmine's as stealthy as an ellicoth! Apparently they 'took a wrong turn'. Again, ellicoth! When we fell, Reizirp shouted at us making reference to the fact that we were down from her position. Then, afterward pretended she didn't know! This one! Is clearly gaslighting us! And not shooting her is harsh!? I'm being generous at this point!" he rants once more. "The only reason I deign to move on to engineering is because that was a problem before the b s, and could be a real problem!"
|
|
"Darling, I think he means how loud and obvious my movements are, especially in my armor.
I agree, we should likely proceed and try and get to the bottom of this. This argument doesn't seem to be helping one way or another."
Jasmine readies herself to move on, making sure her plasma sword and her shield are ready.
After some emotional outbursts demonstrate the toll this experience is taking on the team, they quickly come back together to move on toward engineering.
Soryn watches Reizirp closely but only sees a junior crew member watching the team in some bewilderment.
As the group arrives in the main engineering section of the Perfect Silence, they observe the regular crew of the ship is hard at work trying to contain an ongoing overload of the ship’s primary reactor. Chief Engineer Calama, a female human, leads the efforts, directing her staff to various sections of the ship, while keeping the primary data server chamber strictly off-limits to everyone.
As the team arrives on scene, Calama looks up in relief, quickly approaching to thank the team for coming. She succinctly explains there’s a reactor overload being caused by a digital virus that has infected the systems onboard the ship. The main root of the virus is lodged in the ship’s primary data server, which has been quarantined since the last two crew members to enter where electrified and had to be transported to the medical wing for critical wounds.
|
|
Cupi enters the airlock with his allies that decide to accompany. The minute seems to feel longer as Cupi does not speak.
At the first juncture, Cupi does some scans and takes some readings. "This first one needs a magical approach. Does anyone else have proficiency?" When the others affirm the negative or don't respond, Cupi sighs, "I got it...maybe.."
|
|
Knowing that while Cupi is more skilled with computers, she is still very good, Jasmine jack into the system and will attempt to take down the second Firewall
[b]Cupi, normally I’d let you handle this, but it looks like time is of the essence, also I think Rani might have a good shot at that third firewall with her nimbleness.[\b]
Jasmine heads through the lock first then waits for Cupi and Rani to cycle through. Soryn stands watch outside.
Cupi almost triggers something while looking at the magical lock but manages to pull their concentration to where it was truly needed to finally disarm it. The greatest distraction was a voice telling them ”You can’t be allowed to interfere.”
Jasmine readily disarms the digital lock, all while cheerily telling Cupi that really this is their turf. While delving through the code though, Jasmine hears ”I am a custodian, not a destroyer. Do not resist.”
Rani nimbly picks the physical lock, even though she found it more challenging than expected. Just before the last tumbler clicks into place, Rani hears ”Know that I regret being forced to end the lives of such promising and dedicated agents.”
Your recognize, either through personal experience or exposure to recordings, the voice of Historia-Prime.
Cupi makes short work of expunging the virus now that the firewalls and locks have been removed. Still, while in the process they once again hear a voice "You are only a footnote. One of several, in a story that never mattered, other than that they provide me the means to continue carrying out my responsibilities."
Culpi also notes escalating feedback nodes within the system that would have made things a lot more difficult for a less skilled team. Plus it was all hooked up to a shock grid that would have delivered a nasty shock if any of them had tripped it.
The virus dealt with, Engineer Calama is confident she and her team will be able to handle the rest. She thanks each of them for their assistance. With no other immediate concerns grabbing their attention, the team are able to begin their return trek to the bridge.
|
|
A bit shaken from the voice, and recognizing Historia Prime, Jasmine missed her opportunity to assist Cupi with the virus.
"Well Historia Prime may be the one behind this, but for what purpose? He very well could have had access to information on all of those familiar foes and faces we've encountered.
He told me he is "a custodian not a destroyer" when I was unlocking the fire wall, and to "not resist"
His desire for control is well documented and the society has fought hard against him. Perhaps if he is present and behind this we might be able to end his threat."