Several technicians hustle between rows of starships in the Lorespire Complex’s hangar bay, making final modifications to the crafts as several begin powering up their engines. They diligently circumvent a group of Starfinders huddled around Venture-Captain Naiaj, a bleachling gnome who speaks with a quick and commanding voice. “Time is of the essence, so I must be brief. Refugees from a lunar base in the Vast called Peak of Evening contacted us requesting information about a strange, crewless starship docking there. The ship’s description matches that of the King Xeros, an ether ship supposedly built by the Azlanti of lost Golarion, according to records preserved from old Pathfinder Chronicles we keep under lock and key. This ship might be our best chance to follow up on the work of ancient Pathfinders—possibly even the fate of Golarion—since the Gap, so the stakes are high.
“Note that I said ‘refugees’: we’re not the only ones interested in the King Xeros. The Azlanti Star Empire wants the ship too, and they got to Peak of Evening first. They violently annexed the station and have been doing godsknow-what with the King Xeros since then, most likely gearing it up for transport back to the Aeon Throne and the Azlanti Star Empire. If the King Xeros reaches the Azlanti’s home system of Aristia, our chance to learn from it will be gone forever. That’s why I’ve been fighting to get this emergency salvage mission sanctioned by the Forum, and I just received clearance this morning. We’re going to sting the Azlanti operation at Peak of Evening, liberate the King Xeros and hopefully acquire some information the Society cares about deeply.
“I’m sure you know that the Star Empire is among the most well-equipped, well-organized, and ruthless organizations in the universe. The only way we pull this off is with teamwork, skill, and more than a little luck. That’s why I’ll be flying out with you and directing the mission from my personal starship. You’ve all been organized into teams to help this mission go smoothly: Scout Team will take a Pegasus and tackle recon and analysis, Shield Team will take a Drake and intercept hostile interference, and Strike Team—that would be you—will take whichever ship you think best to get you on the ground and keep us moving forward. Get whatever you need, then rendezvous by the Master of Stars; we’ll assume formation and launch into the Drift there. I’ll answer additional questions as we board. Let’s move out!”
Accustomed to overly curious agents, Naiaj looks at you for questions, though clearly there isn't time for many.
Gold-Flecked Black speaks with firsthand knowledge.
The Azlanti Star Empire is an aggressive society of humans bent on intergalactic domination. Azlanti soldiers are recognizable via their distinctive gray and green Aeon Guard armor, which completely covers their faces, and their use of equipment that incorporates mystical aeon stones, many of which are Azlanti in origin. The Star Empire conquered and enslaved numerous planets surrounding their home system of Aristia. Many of the subjugated people have no love for the Aeon Throne, and eagerly aid those who fight the Azlanti or offer a way to escape. Some records suggest that the Azlanti actually hail from lost Golarion, although some disaster uprooted them from their ancestral home and relocated them to what would become the seat of their current empire. The King Xeros was supposedly built by Golarion’s ancient Azlanti, although its original purpose remains a mystery.
Everyone looks at each other and nods in agreement.
"Glad to see you're all keeping up with intel. Now, which ship hull should I prep for you?"