OV-416 "Overwatch"'s page

I must provide a correction to my previous statement when citing armors as examples for modification. Do not, and I repeat, do NOT get Ready to Wear Echelon Fashion if you are seeking to upgrade to armor that is more customizable. there was a glitch in my database and it was presenting the measure of mobility afforded as how much modification it can stand. Ready-to-wear echelon fashion does not allow for armor modification. The swarmsuit however would still be a good upgrade in that respect, though the number is not as high as I initially stated.

Addendum: Salutations. This is Overwatch once again. At the suggestion of a fellow agent, I conducted more research into Necrografts. The situation is even more dire than I had realized.

Necrografts are capable of astounding feats and provide amazing utility and defense, for an incredibly modest price compared to both Biotech and Cybernetics. There are Necrografts that grant extra limbs for manipulating equipment, as well as the ability to rise from a prone position quickly. A different Necrograft provides astounding resistances to a variety of conditions that normally only a true undead would possess, as well as function as environmental protections that recharge on their own when not in use. There are Necrografts capable of spreading deadly disease, Necrografts that allow one to step through shadows, and of course the arm mounted bone blades mentioned earlier. It seems like Necrografts cover a broad variety of uses, some of which do multiple things at once.

What's even worse is their price. Did you know that the Eoxian Necroforge produces and installs Necrografts capable of replicating Cybernetics and Biotech for 90% of the price? That means Necrografts and Biotech both can replicate Cybernetics at a reduced price (see my previous point about Biotechnicians) but Cybernetics can't replicate anything. Even though we are capable of crafting anything out of a universal polymer, effectively a synthetic mesh.

Yes, the installation of Necrografts are outlawed throughout most of the pact worlds. And yes, there is a significant social stigma about possessing one that could make negotiating with others difficult. But most Necrografts are internal and not visual upon casual inspection, so even if someone absolutely loathed Necrografts, they generally aren't going to know someone has them. As for the legal issue, it is still legal to have them installed on Eox, and the Eoxian government is even willing to pay for people to travel there to receive their augments. In the rest of the Pact Worlds it is illegal to install Necrografts, but not illegal to possess one. So the law is very easy to circumvent to the point that it might as well not exist. Frankly, it astounds me that Abadarcorp, masters of law and commerce who work closely with the Stewards, would not advocate for such loopholes to be closed. Especially given that they are being exploited in such a way that is resulting in loss of market share to a competitor.

Let's not forget the supposed one big drawback of Necrografts, that being that they make the host susceptible to effects which are designed to target Undead. Common knowledge is this would most likely be some spell effect. So I scoured the databases at Lorespire Complex and consulted with Guidance, and received council from Royo in the Forum. Do you know how many spells known to the Society that have effects which specifically target undead? Three. One of them is Necromantic Revitalization, which actually heals undead. One is a sixth level spell, and so the likelihood the average adventurer would ever encounter it is infinitesimal. The last one is a second level spell, but in all the missions I have been on I have not once seen it used, or even learned by our Technomancers or Mystics, or by hostile Technomancers or Mystics for that matter. So the supposed drawbacks to Necrografts - Legal hurdles, social stigma, and undead susceptibility- are so easy to navigate as to not be drawbacks at all.

So in summation, Cybernetics cost more to purchase and install, are not as effective as other types of augments, and any good Cybernetics can be replicated by other classes of augments at a more affordable price. I am Cyberborn. Do you understand why this is so frustrating to me?

Side Note: Shrana Hoarfoot.
I am familiar with your family's reputation. While I am not a particularly religious man, I have studied enough data on the subject to know that Pharasma does not condone your behavior.

Side Note: Zalibraxis

Overwatch scoffs.

In what ways do Armor upgrades and augments fulfill different needs? Darkvision Capacitors and Infrared sensors provide the same effect. Dermal Plating and Deflective Reinforcement both provide enhanced physical resistance, one is just more expensive for less value. Although it is Biotech, Resistant Hide provides a similar effect to a number of different armor upgrades including but not limited to Electrostatic Field, Sonic Dampener, and Thermal Capacitor. Just again, At an increase cost for a lesser effect. Any available integrated weapon for weaponized Prosthetic can also be used as an armor mod. There is a significant amount of overlap. What is "unique" to cybernetics when compared to Armor Modifications, and I use that terms loosely because Necrografts and Biotech are perfectly capable of mimicking it, is a very short list.

I already address the argument of armor mods having limited slots. The argument that "installing it permanently frees up an armor slot" doesn't pass the logic test. To use a hypothetical situation, If I find myself entering a fiery mountain full of lava, and my Resistant Hide is set to resist electricity, I can't just rip off my Resistant Hide and put on a different resistant hide. but I can take a few minutes to uninstall my Electrostatic Field to install a Thermal Capacitor. Besides that, Augments cost significantly more than armor mods, so it's not as simple as "I don't have space for this mod, so I'm going to get a comparable Augment." If I have no room for my Deflective Reinforcement and I really want that level of physical protection, I am not going to spend 105,000 credits for a Mk 5 Dermal Plating. I am going to buy myself better armor that not only improves my defensive capability but has more space for modifications. If I have 105 grand to spend on a Mk 5 Dermal Plating, I could buy Deflective Reinforcement for 7,500, get myself a Swarmsuit which has six spaces for modifications, and still have a couple thousand credits left over. Or, if I was really hurting that badly for Augment slots, get a suit of Ready to Wear Echelon Fashion with it's staggering 8 armor slots. Either of those is a far better option than spending 105 grand on making the only skin augment I can take Dermal Plating, so I can replace one mod in what is likely far lower quality armor than what that money could purchase, when mods are already interchangeable.

And no, the melee spikes and shock pads are not effective for Weaponized Prosthesis, not when compared to other melee weapons both in terms of cost and efficiency.As I stated already, any weapon capable of going into a weaponized prosthesis can go into an armor slot, without the additional cost of the prosthesis and filling your arms system with synthetic limbs for holding weapons that armor can hold already. But aside from that, even the cheapest available retractable spike costs several times more than other melee weapons with comparable effectiveness. Even the highest quality Retractable spike costs more than it's peers by more than 300 thousand credits, and still is less effective than other melee weapons in it's class. Shock Pads aren't quite as bad, but still cost twice as much as weapons of the same quality and are still surpassed by some of those weapons despite the cost. You may argue that the reason why they are so costly is because it frees up my hands for other things and leaves me still able to fight, But when their effectiveness is sub par on top of that,it would seem that they were overtuned toward the low end.

Allow me to be clear: I have no doubt that you can use those integrated weapons to great effectiveness. My dissatisfaction is rooted in the fact that for the same amount of money as it would cost to purchase that weapon, and purchase the prosthetics to install that weapon into, I could have purchase either a better weapon to just hold in my hands, or better armor which could handle the weapon as a modification. Again the question: Do I spend 105 thousand for Mk 5 Dermal Plating, or a Swarmsuit and Deflective Reinforcement with 2.3 thousand left over? Do I spend 200 for Infrared Sensors, or replace my eyes with Darkvision Capacitors for 1750? Cost both in credits and physical limitations, versus benefit. Cybernetics tops the chart on costs, and is at the bottom of the list for effectiveness. Those few Cybernetic Augments that are worth the investment? Biotech or Necrografts can get them cheaper. In this modern society where we make things out of synthetic polymer, fly space ships through alternate dimensions, build robots so complex that souls can inhabit them (like yours truly) have not one but two massive planet sized space stations orbiting our sun, yet a third massive space station residing comfortably IN the sun, and a wide world of amazing technology and scientific advancement, I just... I really thought we would be better than this...

phishes Dragonbot's email and reads it I do concur though on some form of jaw augment. There is an aesthetic there that people would be willing to pay for, even if I myself would not prefer it.

I have a cousin who tried to resort to a cheaper option after her heart was ravaged by Abadarian working conditions.

That cheaper option nearly killed her, and it was only due to the help of some kind sorts from the Starfinder Society that she's still around and kicking.

It's possible to have profit with a conscience -- unless, of course, the tin-hatters are right and Asmodeus mergered with Abadar during the Gap.

That would be the issue what happened in Pharast of 318. That was a very messy affair, you have my condolences. I trust she is fairing a lot better? Last I saw she was very ill, but on the road to recovery.

Sent: Seconday, 12th of Desnus
To: Director of Abadarcorp Customer Relations (thursty.dir@abadar.gov)
Cc: Starfinder Agent Roster (Agent#_star@finder.org) Celita (notHis7@finder.org)

Subject: The State of Cybernetics

Salutations. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am an Android, designation OV-416, known as Overwatch to my peers. I am a seasoned field agent of the Starfinder Society and a colleague of Detaphiles Executive Officer Celita. Our line of work entails great personal risk, so it is imperative my colleagues and I use only the best equipment and augmentations available to ensure the safety of our agents. Given my years long professional relationship with Abadarcorp as a Starfinder Agent, it is my responsibility to inform you of a grave deficiency in certain products offered by your company. In other words, I wish to lodge a complaint.

I will state it simply: the state of Cybernetic Augmentations is in urgent need of redress. In most cases they are grossly overpriced for the amount of actual value they provide, in terms of value they are utterly eclipsed by Armor Modifications, and they are lacking in functional diversity when compared to other augments available on the market. As a Cyberborn who values the calculated synthetics of Cybernetics instead of the unpredictable Magitech or the fleshy tumors of Biotech, this is simply untennable.

As I think divorcing the question of cost from the question of value when compared to Armor Mods is utterly impossible, I will address these first two points simultaneously. The most readily available comparison would be the Cybernetic Augmentation of Darkvision Capacitors, as the armor mod equivalent in Infrared Sensors is readily available to any adventurer the second they step off the shuttle into Absalom's Stations vast markets. Standard Darkvision Capacitors and Infrared sensors both provide the same benefit, that being able to see through complete darkness out to a distance of sixty feet. However, while the Infrared Sensors are a modest 200 credits, Standard Darkvision Capacitors are a significantly more substantial 1750 credits, an increase in cost of 875%.

An even more egregious example would be the comparison between the Armor Modification of Deflective Reinforcement with the Cybernetic Augmentation of Dermal Plating. While Deflective Reinforcement may cost 214% more than Dermal Plating Mk 1, but it also provides 500% more protection than it's Cybernetic counterpart. When compared to a Dermal Plating model that provides equal benefit, the Dermal Plating Mk 5, The Dermal Plating costs 105,000 Credits, a 1400% increase! The Dermal Plating product line also has a troublesome glitch where it's effectiveness decreases to that of a Mk 1 regardless of it's actual mark should the person it's installed in possess other, similar forms of physical protection. While the same glitch is present in the Deflective Reinforcement, it's greater potency at first purchase suggests that you are more likely to get your full value out of the Deflective Reinforcement, whereas with Dermal Plating investing in anything more than a Mk 1 seems like a woeful waste of credits.

Now I have discussed this in the past with other agents, and some may argue that the trade off is Armor Modifications are limited by the armor you are wearing. Armors can only support so many. To that I must point out that while that is true, Armor Modifications are modular and easily interchangeable with a little time and effort, making it relatively easier to simply swap through a rotation of mods as the situation calls for it. Augmentation however requires invasive surgery, and unless you are a member of a species with a natural proclivity to augmentation, or are a member of the Augmented who have special tech and training to handle more augments in the body, each system in the body is capable of only handling one augment. I also understand the argument that Augmentation prices reflect the need for a medical bay and a surgeon to properly install the augment, but I would argue that even still those fees should not be an over 800% increase, for even the most conservative of comparisons. How do these augmentation clinics expect to stay open when the same technology comes in a modular, cheaper, easier to acquire form?

Then there is the issue of diverse functionality in Cybernetic Augments. While Cybernetic Augments share much of the same territory as Armor Mods, Magitech, Biotech, and even Necrografts boast unique, impactful augments that are favored by many an adventurer. Force Soles are a very popular Magitech item, and I have personally seen Selective Ears used as well. Biotech seems to get the Lion's share, with Dragon Glands, Venom Spur, Glass Skin, and Pressurized Lungs all being popular options. I have even seen an agent willing to look past the stigma of Necrografts to get a Bone Blade. Meanwhile Cybernetics are woefully underrepresented.

Sure, Cybernetics have a few standouts. Speed Suspensions and Data Jacks are popular with scouts and engineers. But Cybernetics still fall short of being unique because of Adaptive Biochains. Effectively for any Cybernetic Augment that exists, there is also a Biotech version of it. When Biotech already has most of the appealing augments. It may come with a small markup, but there are plenty of Biotechnicians out there who usually can exercise their connections to not only make that mark up disappear, but still manage a tiny discount. It has the appearances of self dealing.

On the other hand, there is no Cybernetic equivalent for Biotech, even those Biotech Augments where logically one would exist. Augment Makers would really pay a premium to harvest the scales of a deadly Eoxian Serpent for Glass Skin, but wont pay a modest sum for the photo cells perfectly capable of replicating the effect. Even worse, the Machine Telepathy Cluster is a gift from robotic organisms commonly known as Drift Angels, who are believed to be heralds of Triune. Triune is the tripartite God of machines, AI, and synthetic life. This Augment, which even has Machine in it's name, is Biotech. I had one implanted despite my misgivings, if only because it plays to my strengths and is a gift of Triune. I would readily replace it with a Cybernetic version if given the opportunity.

Weaponized Prosthesis might vaguely resemble the offensive power granted by Dragon Glands or Venom Spurs, but the weapons capable of being installed in such a prosthesis are limited in number, lacking in efficiency, and like everything else, overpriced. Why is there no option to convert existing weaponry to be compatible with a Weaponized Prosthesis for a modest fee? Why no melee attachments? Is Abadarcorp really that comfortable with Eoxian Necrografts cornering the market on weaponized arm blades? How is it possible that the technology exists to stick an organic computer into my brain as a Data Jack, but not a synthetic blast nozzle in my throat as a Dragon Gland? Where do you even harvest all those Wyrmling Dragon Glands anyway? On second though, maybe I don't want to know.

I just don't understand how Cybernetics got into this state. Maybe Abadarcorp scaled back their investment in Cybernetics in fear of market backlash after all those faulty implants were sold in the Free Market back in Pharast 318. Yes, I am aware of that event.Maybe the ongoing media smear against my organization coupled with the internal politics of your organization has resulted in Abadarcorp being reluctant to sell their best equipment to Starfinders. Maybe the ongoing Corona Plague sweeping the Pact Worlds and the Veskarium has had an unseen impact on Research and Development for newer, better Cybernetics. It could be all or none of these things. All I know is the situation needs to change.

I can be patient. In these trying times, I understand that fixing the state of Cybernetic Augments will take time. Please do not mistake my patience for weakness. If Abadarcorp is unwilling to address the deficiencies in their cybernetics, your organization is not so big that I could not take my business elsewhere. The society has already done business in the past with Zeizerer Munitions, and I'm sure other companies both in the Pact Worlds and in Near Space would be willing to see to our needs. And of course, I would be recommending my colleagues do the same. I am sorry if this seems drastic, but I hope now I have your full attention, and this matter may finally be put to rest. Because I know if there is one thing Abadarcorp hates, it's losing business to a competitor.

With Regards,
Overwatch

P.S. This has been posted as an open letter visible to my colleagues in the Starfinder Society so that they may cosign or provide addendum as they see fit. Maybe then you will understand the market demand for impactful, affordable Cybernetics.

P.P.S. As a sign of good faith, attached below you will find the schematic for a prototype Cybernetic Augment developed by myself and some colleagues in the Dataphiles. You have our permission to mass produce and sell this augment royalty free, under the condition that the Dataphiles and Starfinder Society are properly accredits for it's discovery. It should require minimal fine tuning. This augment can serve as a stop gap for the Cybernetics issue until new product lines are developed, and help the Society in our ongoing struggle against negative media attention. I hope the mutually beneficial nature of our offer appeals to you.

The white haired Android folds his arms. " The last few missions I did for the dataphiles we're all top secret Black ops operations, which I wasn't allowed to talk about until they became public knowledge when our fleet assaulted the jinsul in the scoured Stars. Our work may be of questionable legality," he shrugs. " but I don't really mind it so long as the work we are doing is for the purposes of intel gathering and not using our skills to oppress."

OV-416 "Overwatch" wrote:

"Granted good Dataphiles should be punctual and make all their deadlines, as tardiness could mean failure. That said, yes, a Dataphile should be able to bypass a simple electronic lock."

"Gahh, where were you hiding? he asks Overwatch.

The Android stares deadpan at Hardware. "You were literally just talking to me."

"Because that won't stop a Dataphile?"

Hardware grins as he asks.

"Granted good Dataphiles should be punctual and make all their deadlines, as tardiness could mean failure. That said, yes, a Dataphile should be able to bypass a simple electronic lock."

"A note for future meetings: lock the door."

Please do not discount the operatives in our number. Those of us Who are specialized hackers are just as effective at gathering intel, If not more so. Detectives Envoys and soldiers can be very persuasive with what we call " human resources" as well.

The Android sees a notification on his datapad and gathers it up as he stands. Well, I'm being called to the briefing. Wish me luck. He says, gathering his weapons as he curtly marches out.

Overwatch sets down his datapad and leans back in his chair.

Do not misunderstand, I recognize the importance of history for understanding a species' culture, development, and technology. Leveraging that understanding can produce valuable advantages. Knowledge is power. he presses his fingers together in front of him.

my concern is that from what I've heard of the Azlanti, they aren't concerned with culture. They concern themselves with power and exploitation. Which means that whatever this ship is, if they want it, it must possess some power that would probably best be kept out of their hands. That is why I've been looking for schematics, and trying to discern the ship's capabilities. We can pontificate about historical significance all day, but if they capture the ship first that doesn't do us any good. Our resources need to be focused on how to secure the vessel and repel a potential Azlanti assault. We can evaluate the historical significance of the find after it's in our possession and we know for what purpose the Azlanti wanted it for.

He hums thoughtfully to himself. Royo is... Well let us say he shares a similar Culture to the Kasathans on the Idari. I lack the diplomacy for it. he lfts a brow ever so slightly would we even have such documents?

Overwatch sighs.

Yes, yes, history and what not. he says perhaps a bit too dismissively.

I doubt that is forefront of the Azlanti's concerns, and I suspect if a vehicle from before space travel is now in space, it has likely been modified. If not, then it was transported. Either way, if this isn't just some elaborate replica, then the materials would have to be made of something difficult or impossible to carbon date, given how long they've lasted. even steel and concrete break down eventually.

He bounces his foot slightly.

what I was really looking for was blueprints. Schematics. Even a replica will likely be laid out like the real thing, and I anticipate this mission will have me boarding it. But if such documents exist, it seems they were either lost to the gap, kept on s closed system that I can't access from here. Or - even more irritatingly- physical media. he shudders.

Looks up at the other Android.

I am. Aaaaand based on field reports I found uploaded to the Infosphere, he looks down at his datapad briefly, then back up. you must be Atlas-1. Yes, I am scheduled to undertake a task pursuing a ship of interest to both our organization and the Azlanti Star Empire. I thought I would prepare by researching the ship in question, but...

He frowns deeply at his datapad.

It would seem that the ship is pregap in origin, and so even with a full complement of Library Chips and all of the Infosphere at my fingertips, I'm making little headway on gathering Intel. he runs at his temple with a gloved hand. I'm not sure how something so old could be of any tactical advantage to any party, but I suppose if the Azlanti Star Empire wants it that's enough cause to want to deny them the acquisition. he looks up again.

I assume you saw my name on the docket for the mission?

Mr. Ysoki,

What would you suggest for someone in my unique position? In the level 5-6 range where you suggested purchasing new armor or a new weapon, I did both. Admittedly, the armor was a snap buy and a rare instance of... Emotion. I acquired it at the Recent Strawberry Machine Cake concert, you see, as I'm a fan of the band. It even has their logo on it. What it does not have are armor slots. So your suggestion to instead purchase armor mods instead of new armor is a bit difficult for me to follow.

Now yes, as an Android, I am capable of integrating a single minor mod with my person. However, it has come to my attention that an upcoming mission I am assigned to potentially entangles with the Azlanti Star Empire. Their Spec Ops armor has a certain reputation. If My team successfully acquires some for the society, it would be my desire to purchase a suit for myself, though I understand that would be in opposition to your council.

Additionally, I anticipate a promotion following this mission that would authorize me to purchase a Mk II Personal Upgrade. I expect purchasing upgraded PUs would also be a boon to my combat efficiency. This does raise concern that pursuing the armor and the PUs may be a financial impossibility. And this still would not fall in line with your advisement.

Given these circumstances, I would eagerly ask for further Advisement and council.

With regards,
OVERWATCH.

P.s. considering this is advisement to current and future Starfinder Society field agents and personnel, perhaps this would be more appropriate in the advice section?

The sharp Staccato of bootheels echo off the deck plates as a thin, pale skinned Android man with windswept white hair approaches with hands folded behind his back. Wearing form fitting black station wear underneath a sharp white lab coat, the Android pulls back his coat to reveal a pair of pistols on his hips, which he retrieves with a flourish. There's a brief glimpse of the Strawberry Machine Cake logo over his left breast. The firearms are checked at the entrance before he walks briskly over to a table. A flourish of the coat, sit, then crossing the legs as he pulls his datapad from within his coat and immediately starts to type on it, saying not a word to anyone.

So you haven't got Tim the Two-lman Taylor as a pet? Disappointing...

I understood that cultural reference, and now I am furious.

Also, HG has gnawed apart my food processor. Does anyone have solutions for teething?

I must admit, I find the fact that no-one here handed over a self replicating alien species used as a bio-weapon test subject by an opposing military empire, for medical study in order to determine it's danger to the pact worlds very irresponsible. My recommendation would be to destroy as many as possible before their self replicating nature causes an ecological problem in any area of the pact worlds. I understand some of you have formed emotional affinities to these creatures, though this may simply be a form of self defense mechanism caused by pheromones or empathic fields.

I had thought about termination, but it seemed cruel to kill something that had a clear dependence on me for survival. I thought that Fitch would also disapprove, Radazam would likely put a hit on me, and should I instead turn HG over for scientific study Historia-7, who is my current faction lead, would disapprove for... Reasons.

OV-416 "Overwatch" wrote:

Given that the race which previously claimed possession of HG was highly militaristic, I can only assume they had him for military purposes.

I disagree with this, sort of. They definitely had the original sharktopus specimen for militaristic purposes, but I’m not sure it was specifically nefarious (i.e., that they wanted to use the sharktopus as some sort of “attack creature”. The other (deceased) specimens of various animals found in that lab were all physiologically similar to creatures found within the Pact Worlds or were actually from the Pact Worlds. To me, that indicates that the jinsuls were testing their new CBRNE(which one???) weapon on creatures they thought would react most similarly to those in the PW.

I’d also point out that the “rapid-self cloning” is an observation – what we can see with our eyes. Has this been studied in a lab to confirm? Have DNA studies (do they even have DNA???) be done to confirm that they’re clones? Has DNA testing been done on adult Besmarans to see if they are clones?

As I admitted earlier, while I have done some studies in life science, computer science and engineering is my field of study and area of expertise. As a resident of Aballon and a lab tech in the Anacite Foundries, computer labs are readily available to me. Instruments to catalogue and study genetic material, not so much. I fo encourage those with such access to test my theory, but caution that most labs by my reckoning may resist such testing, and I don't know of any place that would have a sample of adult Besmaran Welp DNA catalogued short of perhaps the Qabarat University of Xenobiology. Even that is a Longshot, and even if they have it I don't imagine it's readily accessible, even by students and Alumni. We could try to put in a formal request, but then the problem is -

Oh Triune, HG just piddled on my shoes. Excuse me a moment.

OV-416 "Overwatch" wrote:

I am not sure if I should be relieved or concerned by this revelation, as the Sharktopus species is largely an unknown, but I suspect these are infants. Should I prove to be correct, an adult creature, with this physiology, and a near invulnerability to all damage, is a disconcerting mental image. Particularly given how quickly and easily they reproduce...

Do we have any evidence they are actually reproducing? Is the second sharktopus a descendant of the original, or does the original divide, like an amoeba? If they’re not reproducing, where does the second sharktopus come from and what prompts it to appear? Is the original calling or summoning it? Does it require energy? So many questions, and I’m not sure I want to know the answers.

Observations indicate it as a form of rapid self cloning, similar to budding, and would technically be considered a form of asexual reproduction. Where the Sharktopus finds the energy for this cloning I do not know. Considering that HG seems to be remaining healthy in spite of it eating little has me postulating that it may be receiving the bulk of it's energy not by digestion but absorption, perhaps osmosis or photosynthesis. This would also explain where it finds the energy to clone of the energy source of this absorption is inherently plentiful. This requires further study, though admittedly falls outside my specialization as I am a Computer Scientist, not a Biologist.

Though if it survives primarily by absorption, then it begs the question as to why the Sharktopuses possess predatory physiology.

Given that the race which previously claimed possession of HG was highly militaristic, I can only assume they had him for military purposes. When considering all of the facts I currently possess, I have come to one operating theory...

Sharktopuses are actually infant Besmaran Welps.

Granted this is just a theory, and the physiology between the Sharktopus and a Besmaran Welp are not a perfect match, but then we have seen other species such as Skittermanders undergo physiological changes from infancy to adulthood, so it's within the realm of possibility.

Granted I still don't know for sure, and it seems unfair to judge him based on something he may or may not be, but HG still fills me with apprehension. I can only hope that if indeed the Sharktopuses are infant Besmaran Welps, that hand rearing HG as I have been will result in a loyal living spaceship who will allow his master (me) a rather intimidating form of transportation.

Instead of... You know.... Destroying the city where I live as he gets older.

Greetings OV-416,

A fellow android, I also came into possession / guardianship of a sharktopus under very similar circumstances. When initially encountered the thing that came to be called "Puck" showed extreme interest in the barrel of my rifle. Only my superior android reflexes prevented catastrophe.
Unfortunately, Puck's suicidal exuberance caused it to have a nearly fatal interaction with a recycler unit in my living quarters. I have since fabricated several artificial, replacement tentacles and Puck does not appear to have slowed down in any way.
I confess (with a degree of embarrassment) that I am now more emotionally attached to this thing than to many of my supposedly intelligent Starfinder associates and bring it along on all missions.
Puck has since scampered happily through vacuums, fireballs, lightning traps and firefights without taking another scratch. It is almost as if it is blessed by some higher power. I believe that your HG is likely similarly protected and will be a fine and safe addition to any adventuring endeavor.
Thorsten

I am not sure if I should be relieved or concerned by this revelation, as the Sharktopus species is largely an unknown, but I suspect these are infants. Should I prove to be correct, an adult creature, with this physiology, and a near invulnerability to all damage, is a disconcerting mental image. Particularly given how quickly and easily they reproduce...

I recently adopted a "rescue" as well (purebreds are so expensive these days!)

I named them "Spec", shorthand for "Specimen", and I immediately procured a habitat box for them. Spec turned out to be incredibly intelligent, and adjusted the environmental settings on their own.

I have the uncanny ability to speak with all manner of animals, and Spec seems to understand me, although sometimes they don't seem to listen.

I should start vlogging our time together...

The Habitat Box is a good idea, I should acquire one for HG as soon as I am able. Should help keep him safe on missions.

Do you use Wildwise to speak with your Sharktopus, or some other ability? Has it communicated to you it's preferred form of sustenance yet? HG is still barely touching the R2Es that come out of the food processor.

So... Due to a mission that may or may not have happened -depending on how privy you are to confidential Dataphile and Acquisitives material- I have come into possession of a... Thing.

This "thing" is nothing I have seen before. Scouring the Infosphere and digital libraries on topics of catalogued life forms and life science has turned up nothing. I have come to the conclusion this creature is as of yet in catalogued by the Pact Worlds. Given it's physiology I have decided to call the species "Sharktopus" until such a time that a better name is presented. I have named my Sharktopus House Guest for obvious reasons, which I will now abbreviate to HG for simplicity's sake.

My dilemma is that I am an Android who lives in Aballon's industrial district, and this is an organic life form. I already had to pay an alarming sum to have atmosphere scrubbers and oxygen generators installed in my residence for HG's comfort. Local foods don't seem to appease it. Worse still, it exhibits an exhuberant personality that is damaging precious technology of our now shared home, but I don't wish to discourage this behavior lest doing so stunts HG's social development. I worry about HG's safety. Missions are dangerous affairs and exposure to other agents and hostile environments both bring up awkward questions and put HG's safety at risk, but I don't think leaving him at home alone would be good for his health or safety either. Androids don't have children, but if this is what it's like for human parents I don't envy them this experience.

I cannot bring this discovery to Fitch or other Society leadership without begging the question as to where I found it, and so I bring this to you, my fellow agents. HG's species seems to have the ability to self replicate, and so I am hoping there are other Sharktopus owners out there who can give a new Sharktopus owner some advice. Of course, even advice from other pet owners on how to juggle the job and the responsibility would also be appreciated.

Fire Extinguisher L1 ¢15 SCRB: Removes one Burning condition.

Sure, that may seem like a complete waste when you are taking 1d4 fire damage every round from a laser pistol crit, but wait till you get hit with 4 incendiary grenades from mooks in one round and discover that the Burning condition stacks in Starfinder.

Called Weapon Fusion L1 ¢varies SCRB: Teleport a weapon up to 100 ft. away to you as a swift action.

Cheap way to make your weapons magic at low levels, don't need to worry about getting disarmed, stow a weapon in a nearby location to quickly arm yourself when you aren't supposed to be armed (a near-by vehicle, that crate you delivered, the party Ysoki's cheek pouch, etc), can re-use thrown weapons, and is great for action economy for mobile characters that often swap out weapons in combat.

I personally don't have any Called weapon fusions as I prefer the reliability of technology over the relative unpredictability of magic, but I can attest to their usefulness having witnessed them in action. A technomancer cohort of mine once left his weapon at the door when we were entering a bar because it was required of us, and was able to call it to his hand when a fight inevitably broke out. Another cohort of mine, who is a soldier, likes the sniper class of weapon and rarely parts from his armaments, but still found it faster to call his weapon to his hand than to pull it from his back,and appreciates having his normally analogue weapon count as magic when drift deads rear their ugly heads. It may seem insignifant at first, but it really makes a difference. I might even disregard my usual aversion to magic to pick up a called infusion or two on my next mission.