The remaining worms fall under a hail of gunfire, leaving their twitching corpses laying among the scanners.
A scanner that takes damage once is glitching, twice is
malfunctioning, and three times is critically damaged. Repairing a
glitching scanner requires a successful DC 16 Engineering check. Repairing a malfunctioning scanner requires a DC
19 Engineering check, and a success takes the
scanner back up to glitching. Repairing a critically damaged scanner
requires a DC 24 Engineering check, and a
success takes the scanner back up to malfunctioning.
|
Zargothrax quickly gets to work, pulling out his tools and doing his best to stop the scanner in front of him from exploding.
"Okie dokie... ummmm... ah guess I should stop this from 'splodin. Cut the red wire?"
"Hah just kiddin! Fixed that for ya!"
He grins as motions to the scanner which has most of its duct work replaced with wavy potato chip tubular cans and copious silver tape.
Now that the scanners are back online, the six of you, along with Kataali, Elgyr, Rukka, and other staff, are able to commence scanning.
attention at Kataali’s order. “I’ll make sure everyone
knows how much you helped us today. Kataali’s
happily back to work, you saved Rukka’s
precious scanners, and the rest have put
aside their suspicions for now. Maybe I’ll see
you out there someday. I love my planet, but it
must be so exciting to explore the stars.” Elgr’s
eyes glisten behind his goggles. “Anyway.
Can’t waste a second, Kataali’s calling.
Thanks again!”
|
|
Abistar-4 stops to just watch the engineers performing the repairs and makes notes for on the intensity of focus belonging those that delve into engineering.
"I wonder why they attacked them like that? It was almost like they were being drawn to them..."
Drawn away from his research, Abistar considers for a moment before nodding in agreement. "The way that acted would have indicated desire, hatred, or obsession in other creatures. They lack the forethought for those compulsions. They seemed naturally inclined to attack that machinery. If that is so, they must have been drawn by the signal itself, but they are an enigma to me without me being able to even match any concept of emotion to their actions." Abistar waves his pad about as he pontificates and muses on the creatures, sharing what he learned of them.
|
|
"Well well let's take a look-see..."
He pulls up the results of each of the scans, then overlays them onto a topo map of the terrain. "Nope! Nothin! Just a bunch 'o underground caverns. Blast away!"
He chuckles to himself before adding, "But be careful with yer machines. Prolly gonna attract some more 'o them sol-ee-noid worms... or as mah buddy her calls em... ee-nigmas."
|
|
Responding to Elgr (in the second spoiler), Gamuzali nods, "Yes, there is much to appreciate out among the stars. As you can see from these worms, though, there are also many things to be wary of. Still, any citizen of the Veskarium should have the strength to survive out there. If you do ever make your way to the Pact Worlds to join the Starfinders, look me up. I'll try to point you in the right direction to keep you alive."
“You are authorized to pilot a Society vessel to Vesk-5. To be frank, this mission is straightforward to the point of mundanity,
but the scenic views of the gas giant are a point of interest—and this trip is hopefully the first of many. You’ll be surveying Vesk-5’s upper atmosphere and taking readings with specialized equipment. Everything’s automated, so the mission is relatively foolproof,
but be wary of massive electrical storms in the area. Expect a pit stop at Spaceport 5.1 to collect necessary documentation and
perform calibrations before taking your ship into the atmosphere. Pay attention to weather reports before you disembark. Ships
are replaceable, but you aren’t.”
-Venture-Captain Naiaj
IN FACT, you do indeed find yourself aboard aboard Spaceport 5.1, a joint military installation and civilian settlement that orbits one of Vesk-5’s moons.
The pit stop Venture-Captain Naiaj warned you about turns into four
days of calibrations and repairs after an electrical storm damaged
your ship’s engines.
By now, you are growing familiar with the spaceport and
its bustling, eclectic population. Your ship’s repairs are finally
complete, despite the attentions of a “helpful” skittermander
mechanic eager to install experimental drive systems. However,
the paperwork required to authorize the ship’s departure appears
lost in the mists of the Veskarium’s imperial bureaucracy.
Spaceport 5.1 features an array of eateries,
holovid theatres, shopping centers, and a few state-sanctioned
clubs concealing quasilegal casinos. Wherever they are on the
station, the PCs enjoy a prime view of dreadnought Talon’s
Razor docking in the spaceport’s bay. As the Starfinders watch,
a brigadier dismounts from Talon’s Razor. She bears a cybernetic
right eye and is dressed in a sharp, decorated military uniform.
Her armored mobility chair incorporates a holster on the right
armrest for her doshko.
identify her as Tassada Kor (female vesk soldier), a legendary
Veskarium warrior.
She pauses and inspects the your ship. “Pact Worlds
travelers?” she asks. “You’re a long way from home. Unless... are you Starfinders, by any chance?”
|
|
During the four days of repairs, Shokil relocated to as smoky a den of gin-substitutes as he can afford.
"I find the creative juices flow better in an environment such as this." he explains to anyone who is curious enough to ask "Why?".
Still, the volume or type of juices he imbibes seems to be not so much helping his creative process as impairing them. Still, when word of a dreadnought docking sweeps through the station he can't help but drag himself to the docking bay to get the best view. "It's very important research.." he slurs to anyone getting between him and a view port.
"Gosh, she is big... makes our Drake look like a minnow. Drake.. minnow... oh well." he giggles aimlessly.
"Oh my" he says, almost falling over as the legendary Tassanda Kor speaks in his direction.
"Who me?" he slurs.
Drawing himself up to his full three and a bit feet tall he puffs out his chest. "I most certainly ham. I mean am. And you. You are Tassada Kor. I've heard all about you. Actually, I even included a reference to you in my latest novel. Sadly that didn't seem to help sales. My readers have no taste." he adds, shaking his head without realizing quite what he is saying.
|
Freeman spends his days mostly relaxing. He joins Shokil and any others willing to go for a few drinks, enjoys both fine dining and local comfort food, catches the latest holovid thriller and does some reading.
He does stop to stare at the dreadnought.
"Oh, that be a thing of beauty, no doubt."
As the impressive Vesk walks up to them, "Oh, aye, we be Starfinders. Nice ta' see a famous soldier like yerself knows of us. I have ta' say... he points at her ship, "That may be the most beautiful thing i've ever seen in me life. Ah, meant as a compliment, of course.:
|
|
During the stretch of downtime, Gamuzali does his best to keep himself sharp as he always does. He finds the most rigorous gym and training facility he can schmooze his way into and spends his time reacquainting himself with some of his quickly-fading former military training regimen.
When the dreadnought docks in the station, he is invariably drawn to the sight just like the others. And when it's Tassada Kor to disembark from the vessel, he is just as impressed as the others, though he didn't have quite the knowledge to recognize her at a glance.
When she pauses to speak to the group, Gamuzali offers a salute. "As my comrades say, we are indeed Starfinders, though I am also ex-Vesk Special Forces. Is there something we can do for you, ma'am?"
|
|
Zargothrax's gut instinct at the question is caution... poorly excercised caution. "Starfinders? We're owl exterm-"
As Shokil, Freeman and Gamuzali introduce themselves, he shrugs. "in...a... yeah we're Starfinders. Ahm Zargothrax A-Kay-A the Lizzzard Wizzzzard!"
He pauses for a moment and look back at Shokil. "I gots a bartender buddy back on Absalom station... he might be able ta make some 'o those cree-a-tive juices."
|
|
In between the analysis of his allies partaking in carousing, Abistar-4 spends the days listening to various Veskarium musical artists and even does his best to find a few specials at the holovid theaters.
Abistar nods his allies statements, "correct on both fronts. I will presume that I should attach honor from such recognition, especially from as one as esteemed as yourself."
Tassada Kor becomes quite excited when you admit you are Starfinders.
“Fantastic! It’s been a long time since I’ve met one
of your ilk! I fought with several of your Exo-Guardians against
the Swarm some decades ago. Tell me of your battles!”
|
|
"Well.." slurs Shokil, happy to talk about himself.
"Not too long ago I was on a mishsim to Salvations End... you know.. the fulsh mhoon? Ahh, false moon." he starts.
"And we were cut off in a large chamber with... various com..comp..competing groups. Long shotry short... I really impressed this tribe of Yeti with my party-shkills. And that was good, becaush it meaned, I mean meant.. it meant that I didn't need to kill them. Which was good because they are very good friends hov mine now. We drink together from thyme to thyme."
He pauses in his story.
"Oh... and beware flying horses with rocket launshers. They are rarely what they seem." he adds, almost incoheriently.
|
|
Freeman gives Shokil a grimace.
He then looks at Tassada with a haunted look on his face and in a bit more of a calm voice than usual adds, "Well... I were trapped in the Scoured Stars for almost two years fighting a guerilla war with tha' Jinsuls and mostly hiding and trying to survive. Not somethin I enjoy discussin' much, if ya know what i mean..."
|
|
Gamuzali nods, "Ah, so perhaps you know Zigvigix, the leader of the Exo-guardians! He is strong, though he has suffered much in his tenure as our faction leader. As for myself, I have spent some time volunteering my services in defense of the Suskillon system in their ongoing fight against the Swarm. I was proud to shed blood for them, and it has cost me much, but I do not regret it." He holds up his right arm and pulls off the gauntlet of his armor to show the prosthetic forearm and hand beneath.
|
|
Zargothrax laughs at Shokil's story. "Oh oh! Mah buddy back on Absalom.. the bartender ah told ya 'bout... was he there with ya? Ah think he was yammerin' on 'bout that mishun a while back..."
"Anyhow, on my last mission I... ummmmm...."
He falls into a bit of a stupor, then snaps out of it.
"Ya know... a while back I was sent out onna mishun by Ziggy to find some ree-tired starfinders who were stuck behind with Freeman. They'd all since come home an all but... they was kinda... not really all present. Like a piece o' em died back there. Found that some sketchy dudes were takin 'vantage o' em and expertimentin' on em promisin that they could fix em. Dinnit think much o' it at the time, but ah've had some o' mah own experiences since then and... well... ah gotta say ahm a bit happier knowin' that we look out for our own. At least now... if there's anythin' the last year taught me it's that wasn't always the case. But yeah! So we ee-merged victorious and those sketchy dudes are all dead and we got our dudes back."
|
|
"Most recently the greatest battle I was involved in was in combating a long standing battle decrying our organization. It was one where much of the preemptive conflict was through negotiations and dialogue."
Abistar-4 waves his hands around as he explains the precursor events to the final exciting battle.
"In the final engagement though we found with fiendish summons, robotic defenses, traps, and finally an assassin. Each were forced within a very rapid pace. Not an engagement I desire to have regularly, but I must show pride with my own participation with the event."
|
|
Excited by the spectacle of the arrival of the dreadnought, Chk'tarlsh is front-and-centre to watch the vessel docking.
The shirren's excitement increases with the realisation that they are being addressed by the legendary Tassada Kor!
It takes him a moment to still his wildly twitching antennae and regain some measure of composure.
"I'm Chk'tarlsh," he intoduces himself. "It'sh an honour to meet a warrior of ssuch reknown."
He joins his fellow Starfinders in recounting some recent missions. "Of greatesst ssignificance wash my deployment in the final battle with the Jinssulsh," he says with a nod toward Freeman. "Closssely followed by my provission of tactical ssupport as part of the sstrikeforce Abisstar-4 referred to."
A resounding explosion ripples through the docking bay.
Tassada grabs her doshko and turns, ready for a fight. Screams
break from the crowd as flames engulf one of the docking
bay’s support clamps, causing it to fold back in on itself. Debris
rains down and a screeching sound fills the air as a single small
freighter vessel breaks through the damaged support clamps,
rising up and out of the spaceport’s bay.
Assess Damage:
Calm Bystanders: A DC 19 diplomacy check will calm panicking bystanders.
First Aid: Several civilians sustained broken bones, minor
burns, and lacerations from falling debris. A PC who succeeds
at a DC 25 Medicine check or expends a
healing item or spell can provide medical care to the injured.
Identify Enemy:
Reliant-class vessel of Veskarium origin.
Security Check:
|
|
Shokil blinks once, and then again. Quickly he seals his environmental protections. Scampering up to high ground, well, on top of a near by rubbish receptacle if anyone really wanted to be particular about it, he shouts out in as loud a void as he can manage.
"Friensh, Vesk, s+*&izens. Lhend me your Shearing recheptacles. Or ears if you would prefer. There is no need for panic.."
However a panicked yoski mother of seven unfortunately sends her powered kit-kart careering in his direction. Smash it crashes into his formerly secure position. It is only by the barest of margins that he avoids being run over by it... oh having his pocket picked by the brood within.
The overall effect however is not conducive toward bringing calm to the situation. Even his drink is spilt.
|
|
Chk'tarlsh instinctively ducks for cover as the explosion cascades along the docking bay. Spinning, he looks for signs of trouble, hand reaching for the hilt of the longsword sheathed on his back.
Upon locating the source of the commotion, he straightens and lowers his hand to his side. Momentarily ignoring the panicked civilians, he moves toward the departing freighter, mulit-facted eyes scanning for any remarkable features.
|
|
"When uncertain or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!"
Zargothrax proceeds to run in circles, scream and shout... that is until he bashes his hip on a computer terminal and second nature kicks in. "Ah wunder what's goin on anyways... lessee here... password is prolly like honor... or strength... or honorandstrength..."
"Ah thur we go... ack! Spaceship! Ann it's gettin' away! To the drake!"
|
|
Gamuzali replaces his gauntlet, then turns, activating his vocal amplifier as he addresses the panicking crowd. "Citizens and personnel of Spaceport 5-dot-1: remember where you are. Remember who you are. You are members of the Veskarium, and you know your orders. Follow the emergency protocols, and order will be restored! Now, moving calmly but quickly, go!"
With that done, Gamuzali turns to his compatriots. "Zarg is right. We have to get to the Drake, especially if this is some sort of attack. Tassada, if you are not injured, we could use your aid in confronting whatever this is. If you have other duties to attend to, though, then we hope to see you again once this is over."
Tassad intercepts you.
“Starfinders!” barks Tassada. “I hoped to ask
you this more tactfully, but there’s no time now.
I’ve been tasked with tracking down a group of
weapon smugglers—that’ll be the ship you saw
make a run for it. But with the damage my ship
took from that blast, it’s up to you to chase them
down.” She pauses, looking around expectantly.
“Well? There’s a fight to be had. What are you waiting
for, a formal invitation?”
|
|
Shokil raises a careful eye above seat level, impressed by the words of Gamuzali. "Emergency exit, right..." he is moving with the crowd before he realises that maybe, just maybe the words were not for him.
With a sigh the halfling stops, and returns against the flow of vesk to the main group., "I thought she was still being refitted? Think we can make a go of it with some systems still off line?" he asks.
Even as he speaks, his treacherous feet are already taking him towards the Drake's docking bay.
|
|
Abistar-4 spends a few moments to use magic to tend to some of the wounded before going to Tassad and taking notes on the situation. At the end pauses for a moment before stating, "I had found that leaving in the middle of a discussion typically caused annoyance. I won't delay any further."
The mystic is already moving with the party as he heads toward the Drake.
As you make your way to your Drake, Tassada gives you one last piece of information: “Be cautious! These are Pahtra insurrectionists. Can you believe they don’t appreciate the patronage the empire gifts to
them? In any case, I’m more concerned with the weapons; they
contain an experimental form of plasma extracted from Vesk-5’s
core. Not something we wish rebels to possess, understand?”
The other vessel hails you.
A tawny pahtra dressed in a brown leather aviator’s jacket, Bryqin
appears on their ship’s screen. He
rebukes you: “Back off, Starfinders! I’m Captain Bryqin of
Pouncer, and none of this concerns you. The liberation of our
people from the boot heel of the Veskarium is worth more than
that scrap heap of yours. Let’s end this quickly so you can slink
back to the lap of your imperial masters!”
Electrical storms plague Vesk-5's atmosphere. Today is no different than most.
As the ship departs Spaceport 5.1, Vesk-5 hangs
like a glorious tapestry in the inky sky. Its thick
clouds form a haze of shifting crimsons and
purples, illuminated occasionally by blue
electrical storms. The smuggler’s vessel skirts
the gas giant’s upper atmosphere, dipping in
and out of magenta clouds.
|
|
Shokil slips, and I do mean slips... it really looks like he shouldn't have been trying that blue vial of liquid, into a gunners seat. Now you think about it, maybe having him as a gunner might not be the safest of moves either. Too late now.
"Abistar.. I guesh you whant the turret?" he slurs, even as his fingers are toying with a big red button marked Particle beam- do not touch
A small, bright blue, furry six armed creature pops up beside him. "Shokil! I help!" it says, happily grabbing a joy stick as it sits on the authors knee.
The halfling just looks bamboozled. "Hanyone helse thee this guy? Hanyone?"
The blur furred figure seems to be right on target, although perhaps they fired a little early as it looks like the particle beams capacitors were not quite fully charged.
|
|
"Aright... closin in on th' bogey... Whaddya all say... gonna liberate em from their ship?"
He brings himself as close as possible to the vessel and keep the forward arc trained on them. "Let's see if'n they're up ta the tardishun's of honorable combat! Prow to prow and fire all 'o the guns! If not... we'll shoot em in the butt."
|
|
Gamuzali stands and steps toward the view screen, "Captain Bryqin, I'm sorry to meet you under these circumstances. Your people are known for your strength and spirit, and that is something any vesk would respect. Unfortunately, we find one another in a difficult situation. You see, we are here on behalf of the Starfinder Society to further strengthen our ties with the Veskarium. To that end, we are required to disable your ship and bring you before the leadership of Spaceport 5.1. Prepare for combat, captain!"
He signals to the Science Officer to close comms, then returns to his captain's seat and takes a seat. "Mr. Abistar, please demonstrate the strength of this vessel's arsenal."
|
|
"I admit I have some conflict with this arrangement. Still, at least for the sake of this mission, I believe the Society has sent us here for this purpose to create a relationship with the Veskarium."
Abistar-4 follows Gamuzali's directives as he places his hands on the console and guides the weapon system into firing position.